HIGH COMMISSIONER'S MESSAGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLV, Issue XLVIII, 18 December 1914, Page 5

HIGH COMMISSIONER'S MESSAGE

WELLINGTON, Dec. 17. The High Commissioner reports under date. London, Dec. 17:— This morning German cruisers made a demonstration in force upon the Yorkshire coast, shelling Hartlepool, Whitby, and Scarborough. A number of fast ships were employed for this purpose, and they remained about an hour on the coast. , They wero engaged oy a patrol on the spot. As the presence of the enemy was reported a British patrolling squadron endeavoured to cut them off. On being sighted by the British vessels the Germans retired at full speed,, and, favoured by the mist, succeeded in making good their escape. The losses, on both sides were small, but full reports have not yet been received. The Admiralty point out that a demonstration of this character against, unfortified- towns or commercial ports is devoid of military significance. It must not under any circumstances be allowed to modify the general naval policy. The causalties among the troops at Hartlepool was seven killed and ten wounded. Damage was done to the town, the gasworks being set on fire. The people crowded into the streets, and approximately 22 were killed and tifty wounded. At Scarborough there were thirteen casualties, and at Whitby two were killed and two "wounded. . . Everywhere there was an entire absence of panic.