OFFICIAL REPORTS.

West Coast Times, 17 June 1916, Page 4

OFFICIAL REPORTS.

HIGH COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS AVELLINGTON, June 16. The High Commissioner reports from London, 16 June, 4 p.m.— General .Smuts reports on the 18th that his northern column reached Malm muni AA'ilmhelm.stal, which is now ours. Also Tanga is reported clear of the enemy. . There was no infantry action on .the Meuse during the night. Both artilleries were active in tub region of Chat, tnnconrt; also, the sector north of Souville. In the A'onges a strung enemy detachment, in an attempt to reach the French lines, covered by a lively bombardment, was repulsed by Mitrallouse lire. Another coup do main against our positions at Bonhommo, was completely repulsed. WELLINGTON,. Jhim 16. The High Commissioner reports from London, loth June , 5.50 p.m.— An Italian official report says between the A singe and the Tronta there have been reconnaisance and artillery actions on both sides. The Italian infantry scattered enemy columns inarching, shelling hostile batteries at several points. In the region of Mount Novognn two enemy attempts in the. 'direction of Mom.it Grove liraxone were repulsed, Yestorovening following an intense artillery preparation. ,tiie Napoli Brigade supported by dismounted cavalry detachments, surprised the enemy lines oast of Monfalcone.' After severe fighting the enemy trenches remained ours, 408 prisoners and seven maxims being taken. Squadrons of aeroplanes exeelionU.y bombed the station at Mattrello and encampments at the junction of Xes and Caproni Valleys. Enemy aeroplanes bombed iV.lova, Giorgi, Donogand and Port Bosego. two persons being wounded ami slight damage done. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT.

AA’ELLINGTON, June 16. The High Commissioner reports'from London on Juno 15th at 9.45 p.m.;— The Admiralty, as tbo result of an inquiry into the Hampshire disaster, reports that tho vessel was proceeding in a heavy gale, on the AA’cst Coast of the Orkneys. At 7.30 p.m., after striking a mine, she settled by the bowsj and sank in fifteen minutes. Tbo ship’s company went to their stallions ami made •• unsuccessful attempts to lower the boats, one of which ' was broken in halves. As the men moved to their stations. Lord Kitchener appeared, accompanied by a naval officer. ■ The latter called out ‘‘ Make way for Lord Kitchener,’’ and 'both went on to quarter deck. four military officers were seen on the quarter deck. ' The captain called for Lord Kitchener' to come forward 1 off tho bridge into the captain’s boat, but no one is able to say whether Lord Kitchener entered the boat, or what occurred to the float, and no one saw the boa Is clear the ship. , A large, number of the crow used life’ saving belts, and waistcoats, which" kept them afloat. 'three rails, with 'about from 50 to (0 men on o;j:cli„ 'cleared tile ship. I bough the rafts with these largo numbers of men got safely away, in .one case out of over 70 men six alone survived. ' ■' ' • : 1 lie survivors aL report that the men gradually dropped oil', and oven died on board the rails from exhaustion ami exposure to cold. . Some of tho crew most have perished Lying to land on the rocky coast after Such long exposure, ami some died after landing. • Li forwarding this report of the enquiry, the Gommamler-in-Chief of the Gram! fleet says;—"l 'cannot adequately express the sorrow felt by me personally, and by the officers and men of the Grand F.eot generally, at the fact that so distinguished a soldier and •so great a man should lose bis life whilst wider the care of the Hoot.” LONDON, Juno 15th, (11.55 p.m'.) Tho High Commissioner reports;— A French official despatch says that on tho loit hank of the Mouse, after an artillery preparation, onr troops in the course of a lively attack carried a German trench on the slopes south of Mori Homme.

There is intense artillery activity in the region of Chattaricourt. and at Hill 304. , On the right hank the enemy violently, bombarded the sectors of the work at Thiamnoni. and Sqiiyille. For. twenty-four -hours it .has 'been quiet in most parts of the British front.