"FACTS OF GRAVEST MOMENT."

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 14284, 28 April 1917, Page 3

"FACTS OF GRAVEST MOMENT."

AT SUPREME! CRISIS OF WAR

55 SHIPS LOST IN A WEEK

(Australian aod N.Z. Gable Association.)

(Received April 28, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, April 27. The loss of 55 ships m a week has caused a sensation both- m public and Parliament and hag entirely changed the attitude of many members- of the House of Commons towards the Corn "Production Bill.

The newspapers are demanding that the Admiralty shall publish fuller facts. Doubt is expressed whether i.t is dealing with the submarine menace with sufficient energy and enterprise, also whether the building' of merchantmen is proceeding with the utmost activity. All shipyards and engine shops , mus>t be fully manned and woi'k night and day without intermission. The Admiralty should continually review ail arrangements for fighting submarines and fresh minds should be brought Jo bear on tht problem. It is essentially a young manY job.

The general impression is that compulsory rationing, is inevitable m six or eight . weeks. Lord Deyonport , ha-' promised merely the time necessary to establish an intricate administration.

"The, Daily News states: "We know the facts. These are being kept from the general public for national reasons. The facts are of the gravest moment to the safety of the Empire and warrant the _ statement that we are at the supremf crisis of the 'war. . '• ,VWe must eat less food;". X\ ; -y- - y* ,y. ' •',-'--