LINER SUNK.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17335, 25 November 1916, Page 9

LINER SUNK.

THE BRITANNIC. STATEMENT BY MR ASQUITH. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, November 23. Mr Asquitb, in tho House ui Commons, stated that ho was not yet definitely certain whether the Britannic waa torpedoed. UNMISTAKABLY A HOSPITAL SHIP. Reuter's Telegrams. . LONDON. November 23. Every effort was made to indicate the character of the Britannic. On each side of tho hull a gigantic cross was painted, and each arm illuminated with three hundred electric lights. It was impossible for a submarine to ••make a mistake, day or nightIn the House of Commons, replying to Sir Edward Carson, Mr Asquith said this was a wreck of a hospii al ship known to bo a hospital ship. The Governmont was considering calling the attention of neutrals to the case. NO WOUNDED ABOARD. The High Commissioner reports:— LONDON, November 23. The Admiralty reports:—The Britannic carried only her crew and hospital staff. A MATRONS NARRATIVE. ABSOLUTELY NO PANIC. LONDON, November 23. The "Daily Chronicle's" Athens correspondent states that Matron Dowse, of the sunken hospital ship Britannic, said that tho explosion occurred whilst breakfast was on.. She had no idea there was any danger of the ship sinkinxt, but all oh board lined up on t>uo

dock quieffly. A few of the staff who were sick were carried np to the deck, and were got away safely. All the nursing sisters were saved, but had to abandon their medals and belongings. They were, two hours in the boats', but wero near land, and the sea was smooth. Many wore suffering from strain were distracted. LATEST REPORTS. BRITANNIC CARRIED BOY SCOUTS. (Received November 25, 1.30 a.m.) ATHENS, November 24. Latest reports state that a hundred aro missing from tho Britannic. A number of Boy Scouts were on board.