THE NEW ZEALAND IN BATTLE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2792, 9 June 1916, Page 5

THE NEW ZEALAND IN BATTLE

SPLENDID BEHAVIOUR OF THE WARSHIP (Roc. Juno 8, 8.15 p.m.) London, June 8. The "Scotsman" publishes a special narrative of the tattle-cruiser New /calami's share "in oao of the greatest sea tights in history." The New Zealand llew Rear-Admiral Pnkonhom's flog, aud in tho absence of the battle-cruiser Australia the New Zealand, in a double sense, represented the patriotism of the overseas Dominions. "it is noteworthy that when she fought in the Dogger Bank encounter she also carried the Admiral's flag, EearAdmiral Sir Charles Itoore being thou second in command. Tho Now Zealand

sailed to Jutland flying the white ensign and Union Jack, presented Ly Now Zealand women, and the Maori emblem on the foreward turret.' This was practically unscathed in tho action, though tho Now Zealand herself bad plenty of marks. The entire crew was itching for a scrap, and tho Now Zealand's stokehold crew worked liko Trojans to get evory ounce and more out of the' ship. Sho was not expected to produce a speed capacity equal to her buttle companions, but slio surprised her officers, breaking her Dogger Bank records, and had no difficulty in holding her placo in tlio line. This fact was. a splendid compliment to the gallant fellows below. "When tho conflict commenced the New Zealand engaged the enemy at a rang? of ten miles, and for a few minutes after the opening did deadly work with her heavy guns. The sinking of tho Indefat-

Jgatle left the New Zealand the rear-most ship of the line, and the disappearance of tho Queen ilary made her position ono of danger as well us of honour. In arranging for battle position with tho coming reinforcements, the New Zealand held tho placo nearest the enemy, and there was u particularly hot spell at tins time, tho firing which the Germans concentrated being inteuse. Tho turning movements then carried out left the New Zealand with a windy corner, and tho fall of projectiles was fast and furious. It was an anxious moment for the daring battie-cruiser, but the anxiety was allayed by the welcome view of the ships behind racing to the fray. A tornado of shell churned the sea, and splinters spattered the New Zealand's side like hail, but she played her part right well. She had an almost charmed life, and her escapes were numerous anU narrow, while the damage wa9 of the slightest, and her casualties negligible) only two Bailors being wounded. Moreover, slio gave a great deal moro than she received. . Tho fi.ro of tho German unit that was engaging her lost both rapidity and accuracy after ton mUiutes' fighting, and the slackening fire told its own tale, despite the fact tlmt the light was all in favour of the enemy, whereas her condi hon was exceedingly difficult. "Tho British gunnery was well-nigh perfect. The immovable conviction amongst the New Zealand's crew was that tho Germans wore beaten.. Their daylight torpedo attack was an absolute failure, and was frustrated in 'the cleverest fashion by our light cruisers, which rushed in to tn6 fight and.easilv countered the aftaeV It was so smartly executed that they might "have been on manoeuvres. The Germans' refusal to fight it out deprived i ns of the fruits of our victory, but the New Zealand's men look forward to another chance, when thov will add further glory to a record which they and thn people of New Zealand way justly be proud." APPRECIATIVE MESSAGE FROM THE ADMIRALTY. His Excellency tho Governor has received the following telegram from tho Secretary of State:— "The battle-cruiser Now Zealand was in the 'thick of the naval battle on May 31. The Admiralty desires once mora to place on l-eoord the debt of the Mother Country to New Zealand and the generosity which has enabled the Navy to place so valuable n. unit in the fighting line." THE ADMIRALTY'S FIRST REPORT SEVERE CRITICISM IN THE PRESS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright ("Times" and Sydnoy "Sun" Services.) 'I; ' London, Juno 7. "Tho TimesV City editor declares that, owing ■to the more favourable battle accounts, the early depression has been completely thrown off. Markets are firm, aud business is practically equal to that of last Monday, aud it is believed even Saturday's small reaction would hot havo occurred if the first announcement .had been differently compiled. Tho whole of' tho Press adversely criticises the Admiralty's "/first report. The "Evening News" describes it as depressing and apologetic. It had a bad effect here, as well as in France. The "Star" suggests more ablo management of the Admiralty Publicity Department. It describes the official issue of Colonel Churchill's statement as- a bad blunder. 1 The "Westminster Gazette" says: "The Admiralty's first chilly announcement enabled the great German bluff to go uncontradicted around the world." The Press Bureau, in view of the irresponsible criticisms of British Admirals in tho battle and of the Admiralty, pending Admiral Jellicoe'e report, deprecates such aspersions as inflicting a grave injustice on able and gallant officers' charged with the fighting and command of His Majesty's ships. ' WHAT OUR ALLIES ARE SAYING COMPLETELY REASSURED BY LATE REPORTS. ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) London, June 7. The comments In the Pi-ess of other oountries indicate complete reassurance by tho later news. M. LancsTian, ex-Minister of Marine, writing in the "Petit Parisian," says the German Fleut was absolutely powerless before the British Fleet. Von Tirpitz had correctly decided to confine tho work of the navy to the cowardly submarines. M. Herbette, in the "Echo de Paris," says that the Germans' effort to break the blockade was unsuccessful. British bravery and tho German flight has strenthened the blockade by sacrifice and victory. In the Russian Admiralty, tho opinion is that by the enemy's strategic advantage of retreat ,vietory was wTested from the British. ■ ■ ' The Now York "Tribune" says the Germans avoided a general action. The "Admiralty of the Atlantic", remains unchanged. RUSSIA'S CONGRATULATIONS SIR EDWARD GREY'S REPLY, (Eec. Tune 8, 10.40 pjn.) London, June 8. Sir Edward Grey (Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs), replying to M. Sazanoif's congratulations on the result of the naval battle, says: "Knowing that tho enemy deliberately concealed his losses and .severe damage, and was compelled to seek safety in port, leaving us in possession of tho scene of the action, we feel that tho British lives havo not been givon in vain.' I rejoice to think that our fleet contributed to thc'success of our Allies' ■ cause." MARKED CHANGE~¥. THE GERMAN PRESS ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) London, Juno 7. The tone, of the Gorman Press is showing a. marked change. There is a subdued reserve, indicating a growing knowledge of tho real extentiof the German losses. A GREAT GERMAN ARMADA , Amsterdam, June 7. A captain of a Dutch trawler ■ saw seventy-nine German warships of all classes steaming towards tho sceno of Wednesday's battle. GERMAN LOSSES IN PERSONNEL (Rec. June 7, 9 p.m.) Copenhagen, Juno 7. Reports from Kiel state that an unofficial estimate of the German losses at the naval battle is 800 killed, 4000' missing, and 1400 wounded. A shipbuilding expert who saw tho damaged ships says that they will take at least six months to repair. • THE TOLL OF THE BATTLE HOW. THE ONSLAUGHT MADE PORT. London, Juno 7.' Twelve hundred and sixty-two pettyofficers aud men were lost on board tfio Queen' Mary. All the Onslaught's otficwa were killed in the canning-tower, which was wrecked, the charts boing destroyed. Her midshipmen and seventeen of .the crew piloted the vessel out of the action and brought her to port. LOST ON THE INDOMITABLE AND DEFENCE. (Rec. Juno 8, 10.30 p.m.) London, Juno 8. Seventeen hundred and ninetjvtwo lives were lost on the Invincible and Defence. RESCUED BY "GERMAN WARSHIPS SURVIVORS FROM VARIOUS VESSELS. (Rec. June 8, 8.15 p.m.) London, June 8. An official message from Berlin states: —"The German small cruisers,and torpedo boats rescued nn ensign and one man from the Queen Mary two men from tho Indefatigable, seven from tho Tipperary, four officers aud seventy-five men from the Nestor, four officers and sixty-eight from the Nomad, and fourteen men from the Ti'r.huleuL.