HIGH COMMISSIONER'S CABLES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16293, 28 January 1915, Page 5

HIGH COMMISSIONER'S CABLES

THE NAVAL ENGAGEMENT.

FULLER ACCOUNT PROMISED. , WELLINGTON, .January 27. The Prime Minister has received the following from the High Commissioner, dated London, January 26 ((11 p.m.) : — The Admiralty announces that all the British ships and destroyers engaged in Sunday's a/.tion have returned safely to port. The Lion, which had some forward compartments flooded by a shell striking below the water-line, was towed by the Indomitable. The destroyer Meteor was also disabled, and was towed by the destroyer Liberty. Both vessels were guarded by strong escorts of destroyers. Repairs to both vessels will be speedily effected. The total number of casualties was :— Lion—l 7 wounded ; Tiger—one officer and nine men killed, three officers and eight men wounded; Meteor—four killed and one wounded. It is believed that there were not anyother casualties; but if there are any they will immediately be published. As soon as Admiral Beatly's Teport has been received a fuller account will be given. ZEPPELIN AT LIBAU DESTROYED. WELLINGTON, January 27. The Prime Minister has received the following cablegram from the High Commissioner, dated London, January 27 (12.50 a.m.) : — Petrograd reports that on Monday a Zeppelin appeared above ■ Libau and managed to drop nine bombs on the undefended part of the town, but after being fired at by the forts it fell into the water. Some small craft destroyed the Zeppelin and took the crew prisoners. FIGHTING IN THE WEST. ALLIES REGAIN POSITIONS.

WELLINGTON, January 27,

The Prime Minister has received the following from the High Commissioner, dated London, January 27 (5 a.m.) : — Paris reports that the British repulsed a fresh attack near La Bassee and reoccupied their former positions. Three hundred Germans were killed in one place where the fighting was very warm. The enemies who penetrated the Allies' trenches west of Craonne were thrown into confsuion by aerial bombs and driven out. At Argonne the Allies attacked in the direction of St. Hubert and Fontaine Madame, and regained lost trenches.