Purchase of Coal Denied.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume xxii, Issue 6434, 29 November 1904, Page 2

Purchase of Coal Denied.

British Colliers Forbidden to Fol

low the Baltic Fleet,

Reported Repulse of Russian

Attacks.

Reconnaissances by Japanese.

Received Nov. 29, 7.55 a.m

London, Nov. 28

Viscount Hayashi, Japanese Ambassador in London, denies that Japan is purchasing coal from Britain.

Lord Lansdowne has issued a circular letter, explaining the prohibition cabled on the 4th against tiny chartering of British colliers to follow the Russian fleet. Such chartering would constitute a serious offence and might involve proceedings under the Bth section of the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870. The Japanese left is across the Hunho at Mamachien. Marshal Oyama reports the' repulse of cavalry attacks there and of infantry attacks elsewhere. The Russian gun fire is harmless. Kuropatkin reports that three Japanese reconnaisances in force ; were made ou the Russian centre. These are interpreted to be possibly preparatory to a general engagement.