AUSTRO-GERMANY.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 May 1918, Page 5

AUSTRO-GERMANY.

AUSTRIAN NAVAL MUTINY. A SERIOUS AFFAIR. London, May 13. Details of the Austrian naval mutiny on April 26 show that it broke out almost simultaneously at Pola and Cattaro. Probably tho two risings were preconcerted. The workmen at Pola struck, demanding the mitigation of the sentences on various officers, and the crews of numerous ships joined in. The authorities yielded, granting all the demands. The rising at Cattaro took a more serious course. Six cruisers and a- number of destroyers declared for a revolution. The German element refused to participate, and collisions occurred, resulting in some bloodshed. Eventually tho mutineers seized the port, arresting the admiral and officers, and occupied the wireless station, from which they telegraphed their demands to the authorities at Vienna. The authorities replied evasively while they ordered a naval division to Cattaro.

The mutineers opened negotiations, resulting in their surrendering with a promise that the Government would not punish the mutineers. The authorities dismissed several high officers on the ground of lack of firmness, and a new admiral was appointed with a reputation for severity.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. A GERMAN CRISIS. CIVILIANS NEAR EXHAUSTION. i New York, May 13. Mr. Cyril Brown, The Hague correspondent of the New Yqrk World, learns that Germany is approaching a new and grave war crisis. The people are alarmed because of the delayed victory and dwindling food supplies. The comparative plenty enjoyed during the winter has now been succeeded by hunger. The meat ration has already been reduced. Sickness is spreading alarmingly and 23 per cent, of the population is suffering from disease. Germany's food supplies for civilians are near the exhaustion point and no relief is in sight.—Aus N.Z. Cable Assoc. EMPEROR AND KAISER MEET. "COMPLETE ACCORD." Received May 14, 5.30 p.m. London, May 13. A German official message states that the Emperor Karl visited the Kaiser at main headquarters, accompanied by Baron Burian and Von Venerz, chief of the Austrian General Staff. Germany was represented by Hindenburg, Ludendorff, and Kuhlmann. The discussion was cordial and thorough regarding all fundamental political, economic, and military questions affecting Austria and Germany. There was complete accord en all these questions, and on the extension and deepening of the existing alliance on the guiding lines of contemplated contractual agreements already existing in principle.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter. CHEAP FANCY GOODS. FACTORIES WORKING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. London, May 13. The Amsterdam correspondent of the Daily Chronicle states that 1 Tic annual fair at Leipzig was a decided success. There were many Bulgarian, Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish buyers. No luxury articles, leather, or rubber goods were exhibited, but thousands of substitutes, especially for foods. German manufacturers are producing large quantities of cheap fancy goods made from substitutes for the raw materials, which are cheaper, more plentiful, and durable than the original raw materials used before the war. It is quite untrue that the manufacturers are accumulating vast stocks for foreign markets after the war. The factories are working under difficulties, but will not take long getting busy after the war. Meanwhile they are supplying goods to Holland, Scandinavia, the Balkans, and Turkey.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. GERMAN FORCE IN UKRAINE. Received May 14, 8.30 p.m. Amsterdam, May 13. German newspapers arc complaining of the large number of divisions required to maintain peace in the Ukraine. — Reuter. INSUPPORTABLE CONDITIONS IN VIENNA. Milan, May 13. Two Italian nurses, released from Vienna, state that the conditions of life there are almost insupportable. Deaths from exhaustion are continually occurring in the streets. A physician informed them that 2000 people were buried daily in the principal cemetery.—United Service.

INSPIRED PRESS STATEMENTS. Amsterdam, May 13. The German press is attaching capital importance to the meeting of the Emperors, which is regarded as a prelude to the opening of an offensive in Italy, simultaneously with the resumption of operations of great magnitude on the West front. It is understood that General Ludendorff has planned both operations.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Association.