On the Sea

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 292, 8 December 1914, Page 5

On the Sea

GERMANS IN THE BALTIC.

Times and Sydney Sun Services London, December 6

Seven neutral ships, laden with wood for Dutch ports, have been seized by German warships in the Baltic. WARSHIP ASHORE. [United Press Association.] San Diego, December 7. A four-funnelled warship, nationality unknown, is reported to be stranded off the Californian coast. Life-sav-ers are standing by. The fighting tops are visible, but the state of the weather prevents the work of the life savers.

VON S’PEE’S ESCAPE. Sydney,- December 7. The Sun’s Melbourne correspondent writes regarding the Scharnhorst and Gniesenau having escaped from the Western Pacific, that it is established that when the dreadnought Australia was called away from the chase to convoy the New Zealanders to Samoa she was within a few hours of getting upon Admiral Von Spee’s track. The New Zealand Government, in their impetuous desire to get the men to Samoa, sent them to sea in the care of the Psyche and Philomel, but suddenly recalled the expedition,cabled to the Admiralty, and secured the Australia’s assistance. Later came the interruption caused by the Australian expedition to New Guinea. Although Mr Mullen (Defence Minister), was anxious to expedite the seizure of the German South Pacific possessions, he gave Admiral Patey a free hand at the time of his departure. The troops were held up at Thursday Island for many days while Admiral Patey scoured the seas for the Germans, but he was unable to locate them. He then picked up the transports and sailed for Rabaul.

One result of the escape of Admiral Von Spee’s fleet is the determination of both Federal parties to change the naval agreement, as there is a feeling that the dual control embarrassed the operations of the Australian ships.

—SWEEDISH STEAMERS MINED.

(Received 8.50 a.m.) Stockholm, December 7. The Swedish steamers Luna and Everilda were mined off Finland. The Luna’s crew were rescued, but only one of the Everida’s was saved.

BRITISH RETICENCE.

SATISFACTORILY EXPLAINED.

(Received 9.0 a.m.) London, December 7

It is generally accepted that the Government’s reticence in regard to unimportant naval losses involving no cost of life is solely intended to prevent Germany receiving moral stimulus. The Government has no fears of the effect of the news on the British public.

BITTER WEATHER. SUPBERB SEAMANSHIP. (Received 9.50 a.m.) London, December 7. Heavy gales with bitter weather are inflicting great hardships on tho navy in the North Sea, superb seamanship alone preventing losses. CONVOYING OPERATIONS. (Received 9.10 a.m.) Loudon, December 7. The navy has convoyed over two thousand transport voyages to France since August sth without a single casualty. SYDNEY-EMDEN FIGHT. WIRELESSED TO OUR BOYS. (Received 9.50 a.m.) Alexandria, September 7. The transport Karoo first received the Cocos Islands wireless message, which it transmitted to the Orvieto, thence to tho naval commander, who despatched it to the Sydney. Tho latter .was scarcely put of sight when she signalled she had sighted the Emden. Later she signalled the action was progressing favourably. The final signal that the Emden had been put out of action, on being communicated to the transports, was received with great enthusiasm. TURKISH SHIP DAMAGED. (Received 10.50 a.m.) London, December 7. Sebastopol reports that the Turkish cruiser Hamidieh struck a mine and was seriously damaged, and only regained Constantinople with difficulty.