AMERICA AT WORK.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 14607, 17 May 1918, Page 5

AMERICA AT WORK.

SUBMARINE CHASE

MELBOURNE, May 6.. The following Avireless" message Ayas received to-day from Honolulu : — NEW YORK, May 3.

That the first German submarine Avhich succeeded m getting inside information of the United States troop convoy bound for France was smothered by, a barrage of depth charges when attempting, to approach the transports, is stated m a message received by the Committee of Public Information from the London office.

A dozen under-water bombs were dropped on the track of the submarine 1 m a few minutes. The loaded troopships were under the escort of destroyers. One of the troopships signalled "submarine sighted," and the troopship opened five to port. Instantly the destroyers turned and simultaneously charged at full speed abreast of each other on to the spot where the submarine had been sighted. They played astern of the transport, which signalled that the periscope had popped up twice and disappeared. The first destroyer to go over these points dropped a string of depth charges; the next destroyer, supported by another destroyer, did the same, as did all the warships m charge of the convoy. The- -results were not positive, owing to the waters being greatly disturbed. It was much discolored and streaked with oil, -which was partly caused by the destroyers. However, the attempted attack had been thoroughly and quickly frustrated. '- V,' •'.'?'- : The Assistant Secretary to the Navy (Mi\ F. D. Roosevelt) said the United States Navy would have 500,000 men by the end of the year. The present number was 370,000* and 170 United States airships, with 40,000 sailors, were now m foreign waters. Mr. Roosevelt added : "Hardly a day passes without adding a ship to the* American fleet over there." Virtually all the 'steel pig-iron has been diverted to the Government for war purposes, ns a result of a /meeting of the nations steel men here. Non-war industries must conform to the reduction of output where necessary. <■ WASHINGTON, May 3. The Secretary of War (Mr. Baker)' announces that 233,000 more men -.have been called to £he army this month from 46 States. Congress has approved of an appropriation of 15 billion dollars for the army m the coming year. He said the United States will call enough men to make victory certain, and «« rapidly as they can bo drained. One hundred and fifty thousand were called during April, making 383,000 m two months. Last year's army is estimated to have cost six billion six million dollars for 150,000 men, which force has already been exceeded. Fifteen billion dollars would provide throe million OMin. The War Trade Board announces that the. United States and Norway have signed a general commercial agreement, which is the first of such a nature with North European neutrals. The agreement assures Norway supplies, ns far ns possible, and Norway ngreea not to hamper exports to America and Allies, when not interfering with home needs. American supplies are not to go to Germany nor to replace Norse exports to Germfl«y. iU t o -.| The Shipping Hoard states thnt 230 steed and wood vessels were launched this year, rppre«?enti«Of »■ tonnage of 1.440 .627. The board ta operating 157 ynrd», • I