ON THE SEA.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1917, Page 5

ON THE SEA.

NAVAL FIGHT. I G-EBMA2* WABSHIHjJ v. BRJTEJB, "' SUBMARINE. : ~Ju Received Sept, 22, 8,45 p,m. > ' Copenhagen, Sept. 2fc The Swedish papers report that fl [naval fight eastward of Oland Island i took place between Ave German warships and one big submarine, supposed to be British. The result is unknown. The enemies fled. GERMAN PLOTS, FOR DESTROYING SHIPPING,' •■-., REWARD FOE DETECTION OFFEBE» Received Sept. 23, 5.5 p.m. Sydney, Sept. W. The Sun newspaper says that with" th« loss of the Cumberland and the Port .Kembla evidence has accumulated that , Germany, with secret agents, is cfurjjtng out plots for the destruction of shins, • in this and other parts of the glow; the directors of the Sun therefore Wer £IOOO reward for the detection of such a conspiracy in the Commonwealth and the conviction of the chief criminals. CHINA, TROOPS FOR FRANCS A TRIAL DIVISION OFFERED Received Sept. 23, 5:5 p.m. Teking, Sept. 2% The Chinese Government liaß agreed to send a trial division of 25,000 tro6p's to France, if equipment and ships are available. THE LAST MAN ON FARMS, THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY) (Special Correspondent). ; Wellington, Sept. 21.' The need for tho retention of the laat ■ son on the farm was mentioned again by Mr. Anstey (Waitaki) in the House' to-day. The Minister of Defence said, ha had already stated the policy of the Goveminent on this point, that each, fw» should be left with one male worker, and, if necessary, more than one, iri'ordec that production might b.e maintained. But the decision in individual cases must be left to the Military Service Boards, which could hear the eyidencs and consider cases on their merits. He beUsved that because of the large number iff farmers in the Second Division. wb<* would have to be exempted, a larger number of reservists would have to bt* drawn in the ballots. That retnained to be seen. i ■ . The Minister said that it was not intended to widen the exemptions, except as proposed in the bill, relating'-to the clergy. The Government had definitely advised the boards that it regarded the agricultural and pastoral industry as most essential, had recommended them to adjourn sine die the appeal of any farmer-reservist unless they were satisfied that he could be replaced by a man ineligible for service, of that other arrangements could be made for tha management of the farfn.