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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 164, 17 August 1914, Page 4

The German fleet, so far as the war has progressed/ has cut a very poor figure. After a preparatory descent on the English coast, which resulted in the sinking of a mine layer and the destruction of the II 15, little has been heard or seen (for publication) of the German Dreadnoughts. They are fighting a waiting battle behind the shelter of WilheJmshaven and Heligoland, and, no doubt, trusting to a mistake on the part of the enemy. The German Admiralty is well aware of the all-round superiority of the British squadrons,' and is disinclined to risk a meeting with them. This quiescence on the part of Von Tirpitz and his brother admirals is an attitude that suits the needs of Britain very well. With the German high seas fleet cooped up In or about the Baltic, the trade of the Empire can be carried on without let or hindrance. * Apparently the "German idea of fighting a naval battle is one more utilitarian and less heroic than the spirit that moved Van Tromp centuries ago, and the Russian naval commanders in the Russo-Japanese war. Germany, with her fleet outnumbered and outweighted in- pulverising power, as it is, fears to risk the loss of even one vessel in a clash with the enemy. Hence the runaway tactics of the Goeben and the Breslau,-which have ended so ignoniiniously in their purchase by the Turkish Government. It would have added something to the morale of the German North Sea fleet had these two warships gone down battling gamely, instead of being chased into a neutral port and put out of action, so far as Germany is concerned, in such a hapless fashion. It is not a pretty picture this, and we can scarcely imagine a British Dreadnought, cut off from its squadron, relying so much on its boiler power and so little on its guns.