In the East.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 55, 31 October 1914, Page 3

In the East.

THE FIGHTING AT TSING-TAO.

Sydney, October 30

Mr J. S. Cooper, a New Zealand engineer, who arrived by the Eastern from Hong Kong, says he knows Tsing-tao well. He states that the siege is proceeding in a thorough manner, but the operations are largely prevented owing to the rainy season. The Allies have a large army there now. A good deal of regret is expressed that the Kaiser ordered the Germans to defend the place to the last. It is almost certain that -alien the real attack is made the garrison will be decimated. The defence is considered to be a piece of useless obstinacy on the part of the Kaiser. The day before Mr Cooper left, a big artillery duel began between the Allied forces and the German warships, assisted by aeroplanes. Japanese siege guns sank a German torpedoer, while the Japanese mine-sweeper Ngato Manx was blown up, three being killed and thirteen wounded. The Japanese supply ship AVakimiya Marn was damaged. The Japanese seriously damaged German vessels, and killed several men with aeroplane bombs. Two Japanese biplanes and one monoplane were engaged, ani although tho wings of the machines were riddled with bullets the airmen ieturned safely. As a result of this engagement, the Germans next day retired to the second line of their defences. Before proceeding fin flier the Japanese intended .to bring v.p their heavier siege guns. The investment of Tsing-tao j seriously interfered with the German cattle and beef trade with Vladivostok. Last year the, Germans, with a specially protective measure, tried to eliminate others,, and headed the: .hipping list at Tsing-tao, Japan being second and Britain third, hut half the cargoes were carried in British-owned ships. Referring to Shanghai, he says that although a neutral port, the L.itish dominance in the shipping and . commercial trade has resulted in many German houses being closed. l our German and one Austrian ship were interned at Shanghai. As for ’ho German newspaper there railed the Ost 0 strati sell o Lloyd, popirai !y known as the “German Lie Bureau,” according to its Germany has captured all Europe and <-t"v----thing that the Allied Powers possessed. Germany had never suffered a rebuff on land or sea, and ltd k lied millions of the enemy.