The Auckland Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News and The Echo.

SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 1918. THE WESTERN FRONT.

For the cause that lacks assistant*. For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, Ami the good that urn can do.

While it would be premature, and even rash, to conclude that the German "drive" for Paris has definitely failed, we can safely infer from the evidence that h»s become available during the past two days that the situation has changed very materially in favour of the Allies. By forcing their advance up to the Marne the Germans had produced in their line two awkward salients, separated by the broken forest-clad ridges north and north-east of Compiegnc. It was natural therefore that the enemy should endeavour to push the attack in this quarter for the purpose of straightening out his line by advancing over the rough country which lies between Soissona and Chateau Thierry, while at the same time the possession of this sector would give him control of the easiest and most direct roads leading southward to Paris. Bat, happily for us, this part of the country is not only intersected by numerous valleys and ravines, but it is heavily timbered, thus affording splendid cover for a resolute defence and opposing very difficult and dangerous obstacles to the German system of massed attacks. After a desperate effort to carry the approaches to Villers Cotterets and other forest-clad slopes by direct assault, the Germans swung -westward in an endeavour to outflank the wooded country and advance down the comparatively easy country along the river valleys. But on the Mal» and the Oise the French armies, gallantly upholding their splendid reputation, stood firm, though heavily outnumbered, and at the critical moment in the struggle they counterattacked with such vigour that they drove the Germans from the ground they had gained on the previous day and absolutely brought their advance to a standstill.

It is at present impossible to estimate the extent of the relative gains and losses, or to draw any definite conclusion as to the difference that these recent developments may make to the plans of the German High Command. But it seems to us that we are warranted in accepting the last change in the direction of the German -attack as a frank confession of failure. As Mr. Penis and other correspondents have pointed out, the Germans have alsyays made a practice of pushing their offensives in the initial direction until the advance meets a resistance that it cannot overcome, and then the blow falls in another quarter, with the double object of diverting the reserve strength of the enemy, and seeiing for a weak spot in the defence elsewhere. We may thus safely conclude that the launching of a new German offensive between the A_ne and the Marne, while it is clearly intended to threaten the safety of the French troops north of the Aisne, is to be regarded mainly as an attempt to create a diversion iv the eastern portion of the battle front, so as to case the pressure on the west and centre, and thus neutralise the undoubted successes that the Allies have gained. For the moment, though desperate fighting still continues north of Compiegnc, we can safely say that the German High Command is once more forced to deliberate about its next move; and to this extent we can endorse the claim of the French official account of the struggle, that this phase of the great offensive has ended in a definite victory for the fighting power of the French armies and the strategic skill of their leaders. No doubt the repulse of the Germans in the wooded country north of Compiegne, and the splendid success of the French coun-ter-attacks have been great military achievements, and when the history of the war is written in detail, the men who fought to the death at Flemont and Villers-Cotterets -will stand as high on "Fame's eternal bead-roll" as any hero of Ypres or Kemmel or Verdun.

But this brief pause in the German onslaught ie only a breathing space. The causes that compelled the enemy to begin hie great offensive in March, and to maintain the pressure so long at such a, heavy cost, are still operative; indeed, the necessity which drove him to undertake these "great adventures,*' with all the risks and losses they involve, is more urgent and imperative than ever to-day. No intelligent man or woman can think that if the Germans believed they could win the war by holding their ground and marking time they would have made these colossal sacrifices now. The truth, of course, is that the Germans, in spite of their eelf-confident boasts and their ostentatious contempt for their enemies, must now realise that even the collapse of Russia is more than counter-balanced by the accession of the United States to the cause of the Allies, and that, with the Americans pouring into France at the rate of about 200,000 men—four or five army corps—every month, the Central Powers cannot afford to wait. Quite apart from military considerations, what we know of the political unrest in Austria, and the heavy pressure of positive famine in most parts of the two Central Empires, points in the same direction, and confirms the opinion that time is once more on our side. The Germans know this at least as well a» we know it, and therefore, having been forced to risk everything in this grand offensive, they must push through with it to the end regardless of contingencies or consequences. We may therefore ronfident.ly expect a renewal of the enemy's thrusts

either towards Paris or the coast; but we may await the coming days with complete faith in the ability of our gallant armies to stand the strain. The splendid spirit of the Allied soldiery, and the magnificent success of their recent counter-attacks, dispose absolutely of German legends about the failing moral of the French and the exhawtion of Foch's reserves. Nothing in the present situation, encouraging as it is, impresses us more with assured confidence for the future than Foch's extraordinary selfcontrol and his careful husbanding of the "mass of manoeuvre" with which, when the right moment comes, he wfll strike his blow; and we can well believe that when the hour arrives that blow will be all the more decisive and triumphant because it has been so long delayed.

Following ia the official weather forecast for 24 hours from 9 a.m. this day: "The indications are for westerly winds, moderate to strong prevailing. The wetther will probably prove equally, with heavy showers. The night will probably be very cold. Barometer rising temporarily. Tides good. Sea rough." The importance of technical education was brought before the notice of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce yesterday by a letter from the Napier Technical Institution, asking that representations be made to the Government upon the matter. It was stated that to meet the struggle for industrial and commercial supremacy which must follow the war, New Zealand will require to train another 750 teachers to come up to the standard adopted in Great Britain, where 30.000 will be required. The report of the Northcote Pariah Shaw presented to the annual meeting congratulated the society on the success achieved. The financial position was satisfactory, a credit of £11 13/6 being carried forward after paying all expenses incurred. Rev. J. Lawrence Greer was elected president, Mr. I„ V. E. Smith ; hon. secretary, and Mr. A. B. Merrington ■ hon. treasurer.

Nearly 3000 children of the primary schools attended the organ recital given yesterday afternoon in the Town Hall by Mr. Maughan Barnett. The children greatly enjoyed the programme submitted, which included vocal items. A brief address was delivered by the CHy i Organist, who played: March by Oapocci, "The Swan" (Saint-Saens), English FolkSong, "Strawberry Fair," the finale from the overture to "William Tell," and a fantasia on Bizet's opera "Carmen." Mr. L. Whittaker was accompanist. The general secretary's report presented to the board of directors of the Auckland Y.M.CA. this week showed that the residential quarters were full, and that owing to the efforts of the ladies' auxiliary it had been possible to carry out extensive internal renovations to the building. Membership returns for the month showed an increase of 76 members, making a total enrolment of 1949. Interest was being well sustained in the religious work. The president reported that the Hon. Geo. Fowlds had been elected chairman, and Mr. J. W. Court a member of the local national executive.

A recent resolution passed by the Farmers' .Union conference, opposing the introduction by the Acclimatisation Society of stubble quail, drew some very caustic remarks from members of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society last evening. The chairman said he had written to a representative of the union, pointing out that the stubble quail referred to were an asset to the country in destroying vermin and insect life. It was not likely that the council, composed mostly of farmers, was going to introduce birds that were harmful. The speaker objected strongly to the attitude of the union, and said he had concluded that the members of the union had mistaken the bird for other quail. Stubble quail, a consignment of which was shortly arriving here, were not secured for sport purposes alone, but were birds that would greatly benefit the farmers, which was an important consideration of the society in obtaining them.

The National Dairy Association h*3 received advice from the Agricultural Department, that in view of the present accumulation of butter being more than it is estimated will be required for local consumption, the Department is prepared to consider favourably applications for permission to export to Canada, Australia, etc, on private account. Butter held on behalf of the Imperial Government may be included in the applications to export, but in such cases it will be necessary for the factories concerned, if the applications are given effect to, to refund to the Department any advance received on account of such butter, plus interest at the rate of 6 per cent from the date the advance was made to the date of repayment.

Following on investigations he had made, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Robert Burns, yesterdr.y reported to the chamber that complaints made to the effect that essential goods had been shut out in shipments from London in favour of spirits, were •without foundation. He explained the matter by stating that there had been great difficulty in obtaining goods, in obtaining permits to ship them, and getting them forward to a port. Latterly steamers ■from Great Britain had been coming out only about half-filled with cargo, therefore he did not see how the chamber could take exception to the boats bringing any cargo which was offering. He had found the reports to be very exaggerated, a_ the following figures for the four - month!y period January - Aprobtained from the Customs Department, would show: 1913, 61,094 gallons; 1917, 49,536 gallons; 1918, 41,399 gallons.

A demonstration ie to be given at the Auckland University Laboratory on June 25 by Mr. TV. S. Vernon, M.Sc, to show how, given hydro-electric power, new industries could be developed in New Zealand. An invitation has been forwarded to members of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Some months ago the Christchurch Drainage Board engaged as an assistant engineer Mr. James Cullens for the purpose of collecting data, making surveys and taking levels to be need in connection with the development of a comprehensive scheme of sewerage for the whole metropolitan district of Christchurch. The proposition is an immense one, involving the expenditure of probably £600,000 or £700,000. The First Auckland Military Service Board will leave for Dargaville on Wednesday to sit on Thursday and Friday. On Monday week the Board will resume the hearing of appeals in Auckland. It is probable that sittings will shortly be arranged at Whangarei and Kawakawa.

Pupils of the Kohimarama Flying School are now to be distinguished by their uniform of 2nd lieutenant, black hat-band, and winjred ba.ige of the Aviation Corps, etc.. etc.

Thomas Mercer Copeland. picture theatro proprietor. Whangarei, has been »djudi# * . bankrupt

A lad of fifteen years came before Mr. Wyvern Wilson, S.M., this morning on a charge of the theft of tramway tickets. It was stated that the lad was employed at a place where he had access to unused tramway tickets, and took twenty tickets, worth half a crown, which he gave to friends. The boy had hitherto had an excellent character, and had been brought up in a good home, in which were ten boys, all of whom had a good record, including fine war service. In view of the fact that the lapse appeared in the circumstances to be an exceptional aberration that was not likely to recur, the boy was. admonished and discharged.

A member of the Auckland branch of the Navy League, now in ■ London, Emergency Committee meetings, and writes:—"l went to one of the ladies' they are doing grand work, both for the dependents and also the naval prisoners of war. I am proud to belong to the League, when you 6ee what is being done, and there is no doubt that any work the ladies do is appreciated as the ladies here are never tired of praising the help they get from Auckland, and so our ladies can be assured their efforts are doing good and being used in the right way." The annual meeting of the Ladies' Emergency Committee will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday. Rev. W. G. Monckton will address the meeting.

The board of directors, Y.W.CA-, under the presidency of Mrs. McK. Geddes, has considered the matter of increasing membership. There are now 900 members of the institution, and thus the association represents the largest organisation for women in Auckland. The association wants to start with a members' list of 1,000 In the new building that is being completed now, and to do this it is starting a membership campaign. For getting women members two teams of workers, under Dr. Knight and Mesdames Cole, Ambury and Vugler, are starting a series of drawing-room meetings, and when the association goes into the new premises an effort to get more girl members will be started.

Two Auckland boys belonging to the Australian Forces have had sad experience in the recent fighting on the western front. On May 15 last Lieut. Bert Mettam was killed in action, and in a previous engagement his brother, Sergt. Charles Mettam, who was with Williamson's Opera Company for some years as a tenor, was badly wounded, and he has been discharged from further service, and is back in Western Australia. They had two cousins, sons of Mr. J. Mettam, of Swanson, killed in action, and two other cousins, sons of Mr. W. T. Jennings, MJ\, have also been kißed in action. Out of nine cousins, all born in Auckland, who went to the war, five have been killed in action and two have been badly wounded. The remaining two were in tie firing line at late advice.

Amongst other attractions —or' distractions — in connection with the Thamea Red Cross effort, was a baby show, held on Thursday afternoon, in aid of the Soldiers' Queen fund. There was a large gathering of bonny babies, divided into two classes, those under and those over eighteen months. There were fifteen entries for the former, and six for the latter. The judging wr-s by popular vote, and resulted as follows:— First grade, Mrs. Cleaves infant 1; Mrs. Warren's, 2. Second grade, Mrs. Keven's, 1; Mrs. Gibson's, 2. The winning babies will be screened at the local theatres, and voting will continue for the next ten days. In the evening a largely attended mock Parliament' was held, at which many amusing incidents of local interest occurred.

Considerable delay is. taking place in the construction of the Stanley Bay Park wall The plant, which was erected at considerable expense to complete the work, has been proved inadequate to cope with the very adhesive nature of the clay which has 'been met with along the line of wall. _When parts of the dredge have become strained or broken it has been found impossible .very often to replace them in New Zealand on account of war conditions, which will not permit such things to be shipped out. In consequence of this it is understood that the contractors will have to take away the present plant and replace it with a much more powerful one, which will do the work in a very short space of time. It is unfortunate for the contractors that such a sticky clay has been met with, but once got into position, it spells permanency as far as the duration of the wall is concerned. There are over two years to go before the time limit expires for the area to be reclaimed. The voluntary subscriptions to date total about £380.

"Present Aspects of the War" is the title of the opening lecture of the Grafton Library course, to be delivered by the Rev. W. G. Monckton on Tuesday next The lecturer will deal with the campaigns on the western and Italian fronts, particularly with the strategy of the recent German offensives. The Russian collapse and its effect upon Allied strategy; the conditions existing in Austria, etc The Mayor (Mr. J. EL Gunson) will preside.

It is understood that as a result of the activities of miners, principally on the West Coast, the Minister of Mines has arranged for a conference to take place in Wellington on June 19 between the owners and representatives of the miners to consider claims for increased wages. Another matter which is likely to come before the conference concerns the refusal to exempt from military service thcee men on the West Coast who came out on strike some months ago, because their comrades declined to pay a levy for the relief of strikers in New South Wales.

A matter of interest to poultry and dog fanciers is the formation of the Pukekohe Poultry, Cage Bird, and Kennel Club, which has been affiliated -with the New Zealand Kennel Club and the North Island Poultry Association. The club intends holding a show on July 4 and 5, particulars of which wil] he found in our advt. columns. The club have secured Mr. J. Patterson, for many years secretary to the Franklin A and P. Society, as hon. secretary.

The Minister of Defence, referring to statements concerning the alleged illtreatment of military prisoners held in the Wanganui detention barracks, stated yesterday that he had made some preliminary inquiries, and reports, so far, indicated that the conditions were satisfactory. He was taking steps, however to have a full investigation made. At Papakura on Thursday, before Mr. J. E. Wilson, S.M., a man named Emanuel Pene was fined £10 and costs for failing to provide proper food to horses. He was allowed one month in which to pay, or in default 21 days. Mr. H. Alder, inspector for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to A-mTnala prosecuted.

Mr. W. Bolton, of Hardinge Street. has received cable advice that k_ £__ •Sapper P. T. Bolton, who went ta t_ front over three years ago with the 2_ Drroion of Signallers from Australia,!_, returned to the Commonwealth on fi_l lough. Sapper Bolton was formerly . clerk in the New Zealand Railways h_ being in Australia when war broke' out promptly enlisted. He is a single ma_ about 25 years of age, and has seen M_ vice in Egypt, Gallipoli, and France h_T ing been wounded while on the Wester* front. i%£

To the uninitiated onlooker tie football uniform is somewhat confusing the mental gymnastics involved in keeoino track of "Who's who?" being a tru_ fatiguing. But when a team rolls on ii the playing field with jerseys of all huet and sizes, it does not in any way add to the attractiveness of the game—ft only makes confusion worse confounded. Thus the recent Asso. ciation football match betweei Wild Rose A and North Shore wa« perfect from an impressionist point ol view, no two players in the former teaa fancying the same colour scheme. As a result, more goals were lost in that match through players centring to an opponent than by the defensive work of the other side. On many occasions the player dribbled the ball well into the goal-tnouth, only to find on centring that he had placed the ball right at the feet of an opponent. A player can hardry memorise a dozen different colours, and recognise each in a flash. There were jerseys striped, jerseys plain, jerseys with bands, jerseys without bands, and every other kind of jersey bnt the right one. To the sportlover no sight is finer this that of a uniform-coloured string 0 f players streaming down field, passing centring each to the other, but when one sees a motley assortment kicking and punting about, solely because they do not know who are their own players, one is apt to lose interest in the game. A spectator remarked that it was a pity the Association did not insist that the players go in for a uniform colourbesides being more picturesque, it was the rule of the game. "Artists and their Art" is the subject upon which the Rev. Frederic Warner is to lecture at Beresford Hall oa Monday evening. The Hon. Geo. Russell stated yesterday that owing to the regrettable'iUness of Mr. Peter. Ban, chairman of the Pn'olic Service Appeal Board, the necessn> for appointing another chairman has become apparent, and steps would be taken as soon as possible.—(Press Association.) Your First Duty is tp your health. Then order trusty Baxter's Preserver. Unequalled for coughs, colds, and sinnlS ailments. Large bottle, 2/.—(Ad.) Boys and girls, be in time for our big sale of Golden Rule School Rulers. Best in the world; only 4d. each. Monday, June 17th, between 9 a.m. and 5J30 p.m.—Champtaloup and Edminston.— (Ad.). Ask at your stores for Doctors' Cream c* Groats—fresh, wholesome, nutritious. New Zealand made, good for alL—(Ad.) Very few people will care-to miai such an event as a screening of one of Kipling's stories. See "The Nauiahka'* afr the Strand this week.— (Ad.) Twenty thousand boys and girls can each purchase a brandnew Golden Rule School.Ruler.-..Best,in..the world, at 4d. each, from Whitcombe's ,on Monday, June 17th, between 9 a_, and 5.30 run. (Ad.) *""

A startling offer at Offer's Boot Stores, Symonds Street and Kingsland; women, glace bar shoes, 15/11, -worth 21/. —(Ad.) It is cheering to see so many thrifty wives paying spot cash for "Golden Role" Soap, "Golden Rule" Candles, "Keep Smiling" Sandsoap,~' r N'o Rubbing" Laundry Help.—l/3.—Ha—Dton Storekeeper. (Ad.) *| Rudyard Kipling's story of "TheNaalahka"—the Jewel of Desire—is being screened at the Strand this week.—(Ad.) Twenty thousand boys and girls can each purchase a brand new Golden Sole School Ruler. Best in the world, at 4d. leach, from Whitcombe's on Monday June 17th, between 9 a.m. and 5.30 pjn. (Ad.) - Mr. J. I_ Gibson, storekeeper, Hamilton East, was the fortunate purchaser of the Household Necessity Co.'c entire exhibit at the Waikato Winter Slow, comprising "Golden Rule" Candle*, "Golden Rule" Soap, "Thinker's" favourite Writing Tablets, "Keep Smiling* Writing Tablets, "Golden Rule" Writing Tablets, "Keep Smiling" Sandsoap, and the famous "No Rubbing" Laundry Help. (Ad.) A startling offer at Offer's Boot Stores, Symonds Street and Kingsland. Bostock glace walking shoes, 16/11, worth _/. (Ad.)