HUGE BATTLE RAGING

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 186, 11 September 1914, Page 7

HUGE BATTLE RAGING

GERMANS STILL RETREATING

HOW THE BRITISH SAVED THE SITUATION GENERAL FRENCH'S REPORT « RUSSIAN ADVANCE CONTINUES ENORMOUS AUSTRIAN LOSSES OFFICIALLY ADMITTED Th« latest cable from the High Commissioner announces that the great battle between the Germans and the Allied Forces, in which three million men are-said to be engaged, is stm raging. The enemy have boon driven back all along the line. The British are reported to have inflicted heavy losses and captured many prisoners and guns. In a comprehensive report Field-Marshal Sir J. D. French outlines the earlier operations of the British forces, showing how, in the retirement from Mons, the British bore almost the entire brunt of the attack by thai, immensely superior numbers of the German armies. The German operations in North Belgium are causing considerable apprehension in Holland. From accounts to hand,,the Russian advance continues, to the accompaniment of heavy fight:"i>g. The Austrians, who have received reinforcsnMnts, admit enormous losses.

By Cabl«.—Pr«M Association. —Copyright,

WITH THE BRITISH TROOPS. SIB JOHN FRENCH'S REPORT. COMPREHENSIVE OUTLINE OF OPERATIONS. . - \ • • ' \ * (Received September 11, 8.50 a.m.) LONDON, September 10. Field-Marshal Sir John French, reporting on the proceedings of his force np to September 7, says:— The transport of the troops from England by sea and rail was effected in the best order and without a check. Concentration was practically complete ©n the evening of August 21, and I •fras able to make dispositions to move the. force; on August 22 to a position which ! considered the most favourable from where to commence the operations which General Joffre requested >ne to undertake. The line taken up extended along the line of the canal from Conde. on the west through Mons and Binche on the east. ' During August 22 and 23 the advanced squadrons did excellent work, some penetrating to the forest of Sonnies. Several encounters took place, in which our troops showed to great advantage. Reports were received on August 23 that the enemy were commencing an attack on Mons, a line of apparently some strength threatening, particularly, thie right position from Mons to Bray. The commander of thi first corps had pushed his flank back to some high ground south of Bray, and the Fifth Cavalry Brigade evacuate! Binche, moving slightly south. Thereupon the «nemy occupied Binche to the right of Mons. Danger Threatens. The third division, was at Mons, ■whieh was a somewhat dangerous salient, and I directed the commander of the Second Corps, if threatened seriously, to draw back to the centre behind Mons. This was done before dusk anil about evening I received an unexpected telegram from General Joffre, that at least three German corps were jwoving- on my .position in front, and that the Second Corps was engaged in a turning movement from the direction of Tournai; also that two reserve French divisions and the Fifth French Army on my right, were retiring, the Germans having previously gained possession of the passages of the Sambre between Charleroi and Namur. When the news of the retirement of the French, and that a heavy German force threatened my front, reached me, I endeavoured to confirm 'it by aeroplane reconnaisance, and, as a result, determined to effect a retirement to Maubeuge. A certain amount of fighting ■was continued along the whole line throughout the night, and at daybreak on August 24 the second division, from the neighbourhood of Harmignies, made a powerful demonstration, as if to retake Binche. This was supported by the artillery of both the first and second divisions, whilst the first division took up a supporting position in the neighbourhood of Peissant. Under cover of this demonstration the second corps retired on a line between Dour, Quarouble, and Frameries. An Urgent Appeal. The third division on the right of the "corps suffered considerable loss in this operation from the enemy, who had retaken Mons. The second corps halted on this line, where they partially entrenched themselves, enabling Sir Douglas Haig, with the first corps, to gradually withdraw to a new position. This was effected without much further loss. Towards midday the enemy appeared to be directing their principal effort against our laft. I hail previously ordered General-Major Allenby with the eavalry to act vigorously in

advance of the left and endeavour to take off the pressure. < '• About 7.30 in the morning Major-Geii-eral Allenby received from Sir Charles Ferguson, commanding the fifth division, the following message: "Very hard pressed. Urgent need support." Thereupon Major-General Allenby drew in his cavalry and endeavoured to bring them into direct support of the fifth division. During this operation General de Lisle, of the Second Cavalry Brigade, thought he saw a good opportunity to paralyse the further advance of the enemy's infantry by making a mounted attack on their flank, He advanced for this purpose, but was held up by Wilabosl, 500 yards from his objective. The 9th Lancers< and 18th Hussars suffered severely in the retirement. Npit a Moment To Be Lost. L.ieutenant-General Smith-Dorrien, j with the assistance of the cavalry, was j enabled to effect a retreat to a new position, although having two corps of the enemy on his front and one threatening his flank. He suffered great loss in, doing so. As the French were still retiring, I had no support, except sucii as was afforded by the fortress of Maubeuge, and the enemy 's determined attempts to get round the left flank assured me that they intended to hem ; me against Maubeuge and surround me. I felt that not a moment .must be lost. The retiring . operation was full of danger and difficulty not only owing to the very superior force on my front, but also by reason of the exhaustion of my troops. The retirement recommenced early on August 25 to a position in the neighbourhood of Le Cateav.. Owing to the continued retirement of the French on my left, arid the tendency of the enemy's western corps to envelop me, the commanders ordered a retreat towards the general line between "Vermond, St. Quentin, and Ribemont. A Glorious Stand. General Haig, with the first division, was heavily engaged on August 25 south and east of Maroilles, and partly owing to the assistance of two French reserve divisions, but mainly owing to the skilful manner in which General Haig extricated his corps from an sxceptionally difficult position at a tight time, they were able, at dawn, to resume their march south on Guise. 1 cannot close this brief account of this glorious stand by the British troops without recording my deep appreciation of the valuable services rendered by Lieut.-General Smith-Dorrien. I say without hesitation that the saving of the left, wing of the army on the morning of August 26 would never have been accomplished unless that commander, with his rare and unusual coolness, intrepidity, and determination, had been present to personally conduct the operation. French Cannot Help. On August 24 I asked General Soldet, commanding three divisions of the French cavalry, for support on the left flank, but General Soldet's horses were too tired. At daybreak on August 26 it became apparent that the enemy jwere throwing the bulk of their strength against the left of the position occupied by our second corps and the fourth division. As the guns of four German army corps were against them, Lieut.-General Smith-Dorrien reported that it would be impossible to continue the retirement at daybreak as I had ordered. I then ordered him to try to break off the action and to retire at the earliest possible moment, as it was impossible to send him any support. General Soldet's cavalry arrived at the left rear early in the moruing, and I sent an urgent message to General Soldet to come to the support of the retirement on my left flank. He was unable to do so, owing to the fatigue of his

horses, and there was no time to entrench properly. The trooj>a showed a magnificent front to a terrible fire, and though the artillery were outnumbered by at least four to one, in a splendid fight they inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. To Avoid Annihilation. At length it was apparent that, in order to avoid complete annihilation, a retirement must be attempted, and it commenced at 3.30 in the afternoon. The movement was covered with the most devoted intrepidity by the artillery, which had suffered heavily, and the cavalry's fine work assisted. Fortunately the enemy had suffered too heavily to pursue us energetically, and the retreat continued till August 28. On August 27 and 28 General Soldet rendered material assistance in driving . back some of the enemy . to Cambrai. The Flying Corps was fired at constantly by friends, but did not hesitate to fly in every kind of weather. By actual fighting in the air they destroyed five.of the enemy's machines. General French's report concludes by eulogising the magnificent fighting spirit*displayed by all tlie officers and men, and the admirable work of Sir David Henderson's-Royal Flying Corps, in furnishing him with most completely accurate information which was of incalculable value. ENEMY STILL RETREATING. BRITISH MAKE GOOD CAPTURES. A TRAMP STEAMER MINED. The High Commissioner reports:— LONDON, Sept. 10, 3.26 p.m. Official: General French reports that the battle was continued yesterday, and that the enemy has been driven back all along the line. The British First Army Corps has buried 200 Germans, and taken twelve Maxim guns and some prisoners. The British Second Army Corps captured 350 prisoners and a battery. . The Germans have suffered severely, 'and their men are said to be very exhausted. The British have crossed the River Marne in a northerly direction. The Admiralty announces that H.M.S. Vindictive captured a German collier in the Atlantic, with 5000 tons of coal. A British tramp steamer was mined and sunk off the Northumberland coast, and the crew were lost. THE GERMAN ARREST. MILITARY CRITICS PUZZLED. * WHAT CAUSED TURN OF THE - TIDE? (Received September 11, noon.) LONDON, September 10. Some military critics point out that no part of the German Army is definitely broken and they have made no desperate effort to break through the eastern lines. There are several puzzling features in the recent operations, and it is difficult to account for the turn of the tide when the Allies were not: on a strong line of defence. Possibly the arrest of the German advance was caused by their being threatened by a new army in Belgium , or in Northern France. The battle is still proceeding. SHOT DOWN IN THE DARK. SLAUGHTER OF HIGHLANDERS. A FATAL ERROR. (Received September 11, 10.5 a.m.) LONDON, September 10. A private in the Gordon Highlanders states that during the retirement from Mons, the regiment was marching in a narrow road and believed they were approaching the French lines. Shots were fired on the left and Colonel W. E. Gordon ordered the men to the right, and went alone to the other side calling out "Anglais!" Meanwhile, the other party, who were Germans, worked to the rear. The Colonel, realising the error, returned and placed himself in front of his men, who stood helpless in the darkness. The Germans fired at close quarters from all sides, and dawn disclosed groups of dead everywhere. The Colonel lay dead apart from his comrades. THE GALLANT ARETHUSA. GLORIOUS DEEDS AT HELIGOLAND. CRIPPLED, BUT WINS THE DAY. (Received September 11, 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, September 10. A member of the crew of the cruiser Arethusa says:— "We came upon the German cruisers in the mist, and we fought almost in the dark. At two thousand yards the Arethusa's six-inch guns opend fire and an inferno of noise followed. Our eyes ached and smarted with the acrid and stifling fumes of the picric acid. A second German cruiser came up and bursting shells rained around and upon the struggling Arethusa, till, with all save one of her guns silenced, she stood out of the fight for fifty-live minutes, while the wreckage was cleared, the wounded attended to, and the guns again got fit for action. We then renewed the conflict until the enemy .was beaten.

ZOUAVES' TERRIBLE DASH. SEVEN- THOUSAND KILLED. BRITISH ARTILLERY DEMOLISHES GERMANS.' (Received September 11, 9.40 a.m.) PARIS, September 10. It is estimated tliat twenty thousand French priests are active combatants in the war. A brigade of eight thousand Zouaves went with a terrible dash to the battle in the Meaux district. Fewer than a thousand of them emerged, the remainder having been mowed down by the Mitrailleuses. During the German retreat in the Marne Valley on Tuesday, the French *and British cavalry smashed a German petrol. The whole of the horse artillery, directed by an aeroplane, hammered the enemy appallingly with their new thir-teen-pounders from a ncreen of hewn trees. The artillery fire demolished the Germans. IN NORTH BELGIUM. ANXIETY IN HOLLAND. GERMAN OPERATIONS CAUSE ALARM. (Received September 11, 9.40 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, September 10. Tlie German operations in northern Belgium increasing anxiety. A Royal proclamation has been issued declaring all Dutch ports and allfroiitier towns and villages in a state of 'siege. The German official news agency is flooding the Dutch newspapers with free telegrams. These state that Japan offered to land half a million troops iu Europe if France ceded Tonkin ami Aiinam to Japan. GERMANS IN ENGLAND. DETAINED BY THE POLICE. FRENCH OFFICER'S ' STORY. (Received September 11, 10.45 a.m.) LONDON, September 10. The police are now detaining a,nd handing over to the military authorities all the Germans capable of bearing arms. The Press Bureau announces that the latest list of casualties comprises nine officers killed and ninety wounded. Nine of the wounded are missing. . PARIS, September 10. A reserve officer ,relates that when they were charging the Bavarians, he shot their colonel, who was striking his men with his sword to prevent them from fleeing, and ilid not observe him. THE KING'S MESSAGE. ENTHUSIASM IN INDIA. LOYALTY IN SOUTH AFRICA. (Received September 11, 11.20 a.m.) DELHI, September 10. The King's message was received with enthusiasm in the Legislative Council. On the proposal-of a Native member, a resolution was passed that the Government should ' consider whether India should not bear a part of the cost of the war. . CAPE TOWN, September 10. General Botha, in the' Assembly, 1 moved an address affirming loyalty to the Imperial GoA'ernment. IN ENGLAND. BELGIAN REFUGEES EXPECTED. MORE ROYAL PROCLAMATIONS. i (Received September 11, 10.5 a.m.) LONDON, September 10. The Refugees' Committee expects sixty thousand refugees, mostly Belgians, during the next ten days. Ceylon tea-planters have given £2OOO wQrth of tea to the Russian troops, and have also subscribed £2OOO to the Prince of Wales 's Fund. A Royal proclamation has been gazetted extending the former prohibitions regarding trading with the enemy. It forbids the paying of any money or entering into any commercial, financial, or other contracts for the benefit of the enemy. Additional restrictions in regard to aliens, entering or leaving the United Kingdom have been gazetted. j STEAMING EASTWARD. GERMAN FLEET OBSERVED. FOOD SHORT AT TSING-TAU. (Received September 11, 10.5 a.m.) COPENHAGEN, September 10. A Gorman squadron of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers have been seen in the Gulf of Bothnia, steaming eastward. PEKING, September 10. The garrison at Tsing-Tau is now un- ! able to procure any further supplies of fresh provisions. AUSTRIANS SURPRISED. HOW RUSSIANS SEIZED LEMBERG. ENORMOUS LOSSES ADMITTED. (Received September 11, 11.20 a.m.) VIENNA, September 10. It is officially admitted that the Archduke Frederich lost 120,000 men, about one-fourth of his command, in the recent battle in Galicia. AMSTERDAM, September 10. The "Vienna Zietung" says: "The

Russians only seized Lemberg because the Austrians were surprised, and also because resistance would have exposed the town to bombardment." The { ' Frankfort Gazette'' urges the relief of the people in East Prussia, whose condition is terrible owing to the Russian invasion. THE HARRIED AUSTRIANS. ENORMOUS LOSSES SUFFERED. SERVIANS AND MONTENEGRINS ACTIVE. "Timet" and "Sydney Sun" Services. (Receivd September 11, 8 a.m.) PETROGRAD, September 10. It is officially stated that fugitives from the Austrian army state their losses were enormous and that numerous regiments were completely decimated.^ Private correspondence confirms the report- of th«**disorganised state ost the Austrian annies and states that the Austrians are using explosive bullets. The Servians are invading Bosnia, crossing the river Save to the north, while the Montenegrins expect to conquer Herzegovina from the south. WAS AUSTRIA TOLD? VIENNESE FEELING AGAINST • GERMANY. EMANCIPATION OF THE JEWS. . LONDON, N September 10. An Englishman in a train at Hanover, with the blinds drawn, counted 120 troop trains pass eastward in twenty-four hours. » A Vienna- correspondent states, that it is extremely doubtful whether the Kaiser divulged the whole of his plans to the Austrian Emperor, who would never have consented to war but for the assassinations 'at Serajevo. The Viennese are becoming bitter against Germany. Sir E. Grey assured Mr I. Zangwill that Britain will not neglect any opportunity of encouraging the emancipation of the Jews. A Highlander private says that the Scots Greys last week decoyed the Germans' front to the French machine guns, which killed a thousand.. The Kaiser's resignation of his Admiralship has evidently not reached Whitehall, as it still appears in the September Navy List. AMERICAN FINANCE. RAILWAY MAGNATES AND PRESinENT. INCREASE OF RATES SOUGHT. (Received September 11, 10.5 a.m.) ; WASHINGTON, September 10, Representatives of seven big railroads have conferred with President Wilson on the financial conditions due to the war, and the financing of matured or maturing securities. 'They urged the President to amend the Inter-State Commerce Act to permit of an increase in railroad rates. 1 THE AUSTRIAN EMPEROR. IN GOOD HEALTH. JAPAN AND ALLIES' DECLARATION. (Revived September,, 11. 9.10 a.m.) COPENHAGEN, September 10. Official advices from Vienna state that the Emperor of Austria is in goo l health. PETROGRAD, September 10. Tokio advices state that Japan has joined the Entente's agreement in regard to unanimity in arranging terms of settlement at the conclusion of the war. IN THE COMMONWEALTH. THANKS FROM THE KING. TAXES IN] THE WEST. (Received September 11, 10.5 a.m.) SYDNEY, September 11. The King has cabled to the Hon. Joseph Cook thanking him for having prohibited the. exportation of foodstuffs outside the United Kingdom. - PERTH, September 11. In the Assembly the Premier moved the War Tax Bill, taxing incomes from 1 per cent, on incomes over £IOO, to 4 per cent, on incomes up to £I4OO. ' 'REPLY TO LYING NONSENSE.'' THE KING'S MESSAGE. (Received September 11, 11 a.m.) SYDNEY, September 11. The "Telegraph," in a leader on the King's message, says:— '' It gives an effective reply to all the lying nonsense which has been circulated regarding the loyalty of the colonies, and will stimulate the Dominion to patriotism and further efforts. As more tests are applied the response will be equally prompt, equally spontaneous, and equally ung-rudged."-MELBOURNE, September 11. Madame Melba's patriotic concert, on behalf of the Red Cross Society, realised £I3OO. JAPANESE STEAMER ARRIVES. VISIT TO THE"CAROLINES. (Received September 11, 10.40 a.m.) MELBOURNE, September 11. The Japanese steamer Fokoko Maru has arrived at Newcastle. She reports having left Kiao-Chau on July 13, and proceeded to the Caroline Islands where, on August 5, she coaled the German cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau.

FOUR DAYS' BATTLE. GERMANS' HEAVY LOSSES. REINFORCEMENTS FROM BELGIUM | PARIS, September 10. British officers from the front describe the four days' battle as terrific. Germans surrendered in groups of 50 and 60. The British also captured man/ guns and ammunition waggons. General French seemed very satisfied as he walked through the ranks smoking a cigarette. It is officially stated that on the left wing all the German attempts to break through the Allies on the right bank of the Ourcq failed. The British have crossed the Marrie, and the enemy has fallen back 40 kilometres (25 miles). The situation is unchanged at the centre. Ostend reports state that Germans are proceeding south by forced marches towards the north-west of France. The Oudenarde and Grammont for the purpose of reinforcing the German right wing, which has suffered an important check, and appears to have been driven in the direction of Dunkirk. "It is estimated tkat reinforcements amounting to 60,000 are advancing into Franee. BETWEEN TWO FIRES. BRITISH TAKE MANY PRISONERS. GERMAN RIGHT CEASELESSLY HARRIED. LONDON, September 10. The result of.the last four days' fight* ing shows that the southern division of the German army of invasion is being caught between two fires. The French army for the west and north is delivering heavy blows from .Marcuit-sur-Ourcq, forcing the Germans south. On the other hand, the British, supported to the' right and left, are receiving the enemy, who is thus being pushed southward at Montmirail. The British have taken many prisoners.] From Montmirail the enemy, in his attempt to escape out of the vice, is pouring into the level plains of. Ls Fere Champenoise, south-west of Chalons, where he is being met by a superior French force. The latter on Sunday stood their ground like a wail of steel. While the German right is being ceaselessly harried, General Joffre isseeking to prevent a concentration in the east of France, where it was intended to effect a junction of all the enemy's armies. : An infantry sergeant belonging to the Frentfh left wing describes a 20mile chase, in which a detachment was cut up and seven guns' and two quickfirers were captured.. The interiors of the houses throughout the villages, where the Germans had slept, showed signs of precipitate departure. ALONG THE WHOLE LINE. THE GERMAN RETIREMENT. . MINING OF BELGIAN ROADS. BORDEAUX, September 10. A -communique states that the indications are that the Germans are retiring along the whole front. The strategical situation of the French troops appears to have improved, but it is well not to anticipate the final result of a battle extending over a front of several hundred kilometres. The Germans seem to be experiencing some difficulty in supplying their troops with necessaries. OSTEND, September 10. Sixty thousand Germans in Belgium have been hurriedly dispatched Franee in three columns. The Germans are- extensively mining the Belgium roads. THREE MILLION FIGHTING. THE ALLIES' ADVANCE. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S NEWS BUDGET. The High Commissioner reports:— LONDON, September 9. Reliable: The war reports to-day are encouraging. On the Allies' left wing the Germans are retreating across the Marne. The Allies are still on the offensive near the Marne, and are advancing. It is estimated that 3,000,000 men are engaged in the battle now in progress along a line from Meaux, 20 miles from Paris, to Verduu," and southwards to the Swiss border. A patriotic offer from the Viceroy and the Indian princes evoked great applause when read in the House of Commons to-night. In some instances Indians are offering the Empire everything they possess. The Austrians are retiring before th-} Russians, and have evacuated Russian Poland. Official:' Paris reports a general advance to-day of the Allies in the centra, but no action on the right wing, and no advance in the Yosges or in Alsace. The Germans were reinforced on the Allies' left wing, but the position is regarded as satisfactory, the enemy still retreating. After desperate fighting the Monte-

negrins, under General Vicolieh, dis- ',|j persed 10,000 Austrians, and occupied Fogin. • Jl The Press Bureau forbids any menI tion in the Press of movements of- >j colonial contingents. Municipal authorities in England have been requested to reduce powerful lighti rj visible at sea or from the air. 'A IN DEEPEST MOURNING. 1 i "4 i SORROW AND INDIGNATION". | GERMAN INVASION PLANS 'J MUDDLED. ; NEW YORK, September 10. Messages from Germany state that.|| all Germany is in the deepest mourn-.* ing. The only news published consists |j of enormous lists of casualties. There is a sentiment abroad that t"hd ,i| great military staff has been badly <kiceived. Indignation among the masses is growing daily, and nothing bufr>a jJ titanic victory would restore public -Jj confidence and rehabilitate the tion of tfie Kaiser 's military and poh--;|i tical advisers. The country recognises that the ? Kaiser'§ invasion plans have been muddled, and that the rapidity of* the ,-1! Russian advance and the efficiency the British Fleet in destroying Geraax *-Jj trade were ignored. 1 Newspapers are forbidden ' to mention the paralysis of German industries or the successes of the Allies. f The Raiser is described as worn and haggard. , i;, There is great disappointment be- 4 cause practical war tepts show that •fiK® possibilities of Zeppelins as a deatrue- if tive force were greatly exaggerated by a clique which profited by their struction. 4 Many Germans believed that ttyß United States would seize Canada, aifeo that Japan would side with Germany. Germany is suffering severely shortage of cotton and insufficiency ! of meat for her military is attempting to purchase Ameridfta and Egyptian cotton through neutral ij A DECISIVE ACTION. -r.| WHAT GERMAN DEFEAT WILL J ■MEAN. •V ' ' « . * CIVILISATION PRAYING FOR HEB, | .DOWNFALL. ■ - r LONDON, September 9,.- "i "The Times," in a leader, says:—'' battle which may decide Germany fate, and must deeide for a time fate of the north of France, is n'aw raging. The Allies e&n face defeats, but ; a , single German defeat in a batrtle % .on a grand -scale must mean final failure. She fights with every civilised-3| nation praying for her downfall, aal' i. the obliteration of those perverse ara-;| bitions which have led her to "plunge 'l' the world into strife.'' ■ o'i GERMAN PROGRESS BLOCKED. -'' " . r THE DEFENCE OF MAUBEUGE. j FACING THE MONSTER GUNS; PARIS, September 10. Owing to tlie spirited defence" of/;'| Maubeuge against monster (13£ in) mortars transported by fail through Belgium, communication the enemy's alrmies in the of France and Belgium is seriously" 1 rm- „/, peded. The Germans had reckoned upon the fall of Maubeuge to enable them to utilise their siege artillery at crucial moment when the armies cam« ** into l touch with the Paris forts, - v-s THE RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN. AUSTRIANS REINFORCED. 1 ' • _i_ r MANY PRISONERS TAKEN. , PETROGRAD, September 10. Heavy fighting continues, extending from Ravarnsaika to the Dneister, ;--j| where the Austrians, who were beateß at Lemberg, have been reinforced. Russians captured 500. prisoners on Mon- - day .night. J Seeing Austrian aeroplanes watching the Russian forces at the front, Captain Nesteroff gave chase, and charged straight into one of the enemy's aero- --i planes, which was destroyed by the impact. Both aviators were killed. £ A letter in the Press, commenting, on the declaration by the Triple' Entente, says that when the settle- -'l ment comes, it must leave no room for vengeful aspirations. It must , satisfy \1 the legitimate ambitions of every nationality. The unification of Russia, Italy, Germany, Rumania, and Servia * | must be completed, and France and ' Bulgaria must recover their lost provinces. The hundred years' fight for

the principle of nationality must finish' , "with a decision free from all compror'.mise, and therefore final. f EXTENSIVE BATTLE RAGES. £ CUTTING OFF THE AUSTRIANS.. ' BEFORE THE LEMBERG OCCUPATION. \y ■ PETROGRAD, September 9. The Russian attempt to cut off the lialf million Austrians who were advane nig on Lublin, is on the point of e-.succeeding. A very extensive battle is ? raging. Thd C/.ar is reported to have said I"- that he is resolved to go to Berlin, : even.' if it costs the loss of the last Moujilc. 2*" Correspondents describe the final operations leading to the capture of [■ Lemberg. ' ; The Austrians, hoping to check the 1 Russian advance till the town had - been evacuated, threw out a rearguard -■ screen of Slav troops, with a backing 1' of Magyars, who were ordered to shoot T the (Slavs the moment they hesitated. ".This became known to the Russian I Commander, and, at the critical mo- ,< ment a terrific artillery fire was opened ' over the Slavs' heads upon tlie retreat- { ing Austrian,columns. The hail of projectiles caused a wild panic. The newspaper, '' Official Messenger,'' states that the Germans originally attacked the Allies with a preponderance of. seven Army Corps. . MERCHANT CRUISER WRECKED. I\ LARGE GERMAN LINER CAPjTURED.

I*V- ' SWEDISH STEAMER HELD UP. The following has been received by ft'the Prime Minister: — LONDON, September 10. Official: The White Star liner Oceanic, ... ■ ■ t • , • 1 p an armed merchant cruiser, was wrecked the north coast of Scotland." The and crew were saved. ' The "Holland-America liner Noor£''dam, 12,530 tons, from .New York for I P amorig the passengers, and a general 3 / cargo also destined for Germany, has gibpen captured and taken into Queens-p-Stown. fr y COPENHAGEN, September 10. ■\ " The Swedish steamer Gauthiod, of 1 -750 tong, which has reached Gefle, re-j"--ports that she was held up by a German r torpedo-boat, which removed twenty- ?■ two English passengers. [The Oceanic (Captain H. Smith) was a twin-screw steamer with four decks, J- having a registered tonnage of 17,274 f tons. She was built in 1899 by Harlan d ■; ajad Wolff, Belfast, and-belongs to the ? Oceanic Steam Navigation Co., Lt:l. bv(White Star Line). Her principal iP' dimensions were: Length 685.7 ft, breadth 68.3 ft, and depth 44.5 ft. She V-waa fitted with electric light, refriger■jjfe ating machinery, submarine signalling and wireless, and her usual run was H' from Southampton to New York, via Cherbourg, and Queens'town. 5 AN AWFUL MENACE. \ AUSTRO-GERMAN PROBLEM. • MILLIONS OF RUSSIANS ON THE ; . FRONTIERS. ~ LONDON, September 9. .U'ix'e correspondent of the "Times" ■lin Petrograd that the Germans t} must now dance to the Allies' music. Two million Russians on the 'Aus- ) .tro-German frontiers present an .^awful menace, before which the Ausp Brians quail, and the Germans are

I* forced to modify their plans. The necesf -v.sity of dividing the German armies to X protect the 300 miles of frontier from Danzig southwards means that the position is becoming more favourable to the ' Allies, and daily'more difficult for the > Germans. THE MONTENEGRIN ADVANCE. ??r. - A STUBBORN FIGHT. ' IMPORTANT POSITION OCCUPIED. ROME, September 9. -A telegram from Montenegro states that three Montenegrin columns, after a stubborn fight, occupied Focin, an; important position south of Serajevo, in Bosnia. .H 7 / | The Serbo-Montenegrin objective is tis reach the centre of Bosnia, and arouse the Serb population. BORDEAUX, September 9. •A telegram from Petrograd states that it is believed in the Russian Foreign Office and in diplomatic quarters, that Austria-Hungary will shortly ! sue for peace, as the only means of < averting a complete breaking up of the Empire. I THE GERMAN LIES. SIR E. GREY'S STATEMENT. k\ * GOVERNMENT'S PROMPT I* MEASURES. ,f. LONDON, September 9. ;--The publication of Sir Edward Grey's statement in Copenhagen was the first step in the campaign to counteract German lies. The Government is investigating the exact state of affairs, in neutral countries, with a view to im-" niediately contradicting fabrications. " A leading article in the Italian journal, "Gazetta di Venzia," referring to the Dominions' instant response, says that those who think England; degenerata will find themselves sorely misf'- taken.

RALLY OF THE EMPIRE. A JOYOUS RESPONSE. . UNCEASING FLOW OF HELP. LONDON, September 10. "The Times," in a leader on "The Rally of the Empire," says: —"Gladly and joyously the Empire is responding to the King's call. History has never recorded so splendid and universal a rally. Gifts are pouring in, and men will be soon pouring in, and the stream of help will flow unceasingly until the world ambitions of Germany are crushed, and the soil of France and Belgium freed from the invader." TURKEY'S POSITION. GERMANY'S INTENTIONS REALISED. "PUSHING HEE TOWARDS THE ABYSS."

LONDON, September 10. The Athens correspondent of "The Times" says that influential opinion in Constantinople is beginning to realise that Germany is pushing the nation towards the abyss. The newspaper "Tanin" (Constantinople) publishes an article declaring that Turkey is wobbling and public opinion might force her to abandon her neutrality and side with Germany. \ AFTER A MONTH OF WAR, SEA SUPREMACY UNCHALLENGED. IMPORTANT OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. Press Association. WELLINGTON, September-10. His Excellency the Governor has received the following cable message from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated London, September 9 (7.10 p.m.): After one month of war command of the sea is .left unchallenged in the hands of Great Britain and her Allies. The main German and Austrian Fleets remain in harbour, under shelter of mines and batteries. ' - Four German cruisers, one auxiliary cruiser, two destroyers, one submarine, and one, Austrian i : .cruiser have been sunk. A German Dreadnought and a cruiser fled, without fighting, to the Dardanelles. - The loss of "British ships has been in- ' significant. In consequence of this naval supremacy, over 300,000 troops have crossed the sea in different parts of the world without losing a man. A British Expeditionary Force has been carried to France, expeditions have been sent to attack V man colonies in Africa and the Pacific, and French troops, protected by the Anglo-French .Fleet, have been escorted from Algiers to „ France.

The armies iu Europe will be reinforced without ceasing by troops from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and India. The German mercantile marine has disappeared from the seas, which are open freely to British 'confmerce everywhere. In China waters, the Pacific, and the Atlantic, German ships have avoided action with British cruisers, and their depredations have been small. The British Navy will be increased within the next 12 months by not less than 10 first-class capital ships, 15 "cruisers, and 20 destroyers. During the same period Germany will not add more than one-third of this number to her Fleet. In the meantime, in answer to the call of the Government, a large number of fresh recruits have voluntarily joined the British Army. Eagerness to enlist has grown markedly since British troops alone actually engaged the enemy. During the last week in London alone the nujnber of recruits averaged nearly 4000 daily, and on Monday last the number exceeded 4800. The enthusiasm for recruiting is increasing everywhere. The position in France has been dealt with in previous messages. The Russian armies have invaded Prussia, and the Austrians have been decisively 'beaten by the Ser- , vians and the Russians. Outside Europe the Japanese Fleet and the Japanese troops blockade Tsing-tau. Togoland has surrendered to an Anglo-French force, and Samoa to a force from New Zealand. (Signed) HARCOURT. MAORI VOLUNTEERS.

WILL THEY BE ACCEPTED? [From our own Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, September 10. In the House of Representatives this evening, the Hon. A. T. Ngata asked whether the Prime Minister was in a position to make any definite statement as to whether the offer of Maoris to serve in the war would be accepted. Mr Massey stated that the matter | had not been lost sight' of. He had been in communication with the Imperial' authorities through his Excellency the Governor, and while he had rel ceived an answer he was not yet in a i position to make a definite statement to Parliament on the point. He thought | he would be able to do so within a few days. SUPPLY OF HORSES. EIGHTY IN RESERVE. The horse-lines at the camp are full, every man in the mounted regiment being provided with a suitable mount. There are eighty Worses in reserve at the depot, ready for the use of reinforcements. The officers in charge of 'this department of the camp have had a strenuous time, and their work is now practically completed. '' It has been a most interesting experience," s#id Colonel Bond to a SUN representative. EGGS FOB THE TROOPS. The troopers will have eggs again for breakfast on Sunday morning. Close' on 3000 eggs will be sent them to-mor-row. Mr J. B. Merrett will be pleased to receive further consignments from .producers.

CANTERBURY PATRIOTIC FUND, j This fund is established with the following objects: —(a) To provide for those dependent on.our volunteers should it" be found necessary; (b) to assist volunteers' returning physically unfit until such time as they are again restored to health; (c) generally to apply the funds in such manner as the executive may deem necessary to alleviate suffering and distress caused by the present crisis. Donations .may be forwarded to his Worship the Mayor of Christciiurch, the Town Clerk, or the secretary (Mr R. T. Tosswill, Royal Exchange Buildings), and will be acknowledged through these columns. ADDITIONAL DONATIONS The following additional donations towards the Patriotic Fund have b ee A

Total £11,970 2 8 LYTTELTON'S CONTRIBUTION. At a public meeting on August 21 at Lyttelton it was decided to form a Lyttelton Patriotic Association to collect money in aid of the Patriotic Provident Fund. To date the following

Total, .. 47 13 6 In addition to the above amounts the Lyttelton employees of the: Union Steam Ship Company have notified their intention of contributing 25/weekly. PATRIOTIC DEMONSTRATION. AT KAIAPOI. . Last evening, at Kaiapoi, the residents of the district showed their patriotism in a concrete form, when they turned, out in full force, # marched in massed procession to the Drill Hall, and held a patriotic concert, thereby raising £ll4 6/- in aid of the local war funds. Considerably over 1000 people were assembled, and the Mayor of Kaiapoi (Mr J. W. Barnard), who.presided, announced that Kaiapoi and the surrounding district had contributed £IOB7 to the various funds, exclusive of what would be raised that night. A very fine programme of stirring patriotic items was then contributed by local performers and visitors. During the evening special sums of-money were raised on behalf of the fund "as follow: —The sale of a Union Jack, inscribed with the niames of the members of the Expeditionary Force, leaving from the district, £4l; the . sale ol a monster cake, £8 12/-; and the sale of flowers and sweets, £8 14/-. The Kaiapoi district's contribution in men to the Expeditionary Force, as shown by the names inscribed on the. flag, was:—Bugler. S. J. Richards, Privates J. Burgess, H. W. Cooksley, H. W. Joselen, J. Logan, R. Mallasch, C. Thurnham, T. West, Troopers A. Bennett, M. Gallagher, A. Heald, T. R. Hassall, J. R. Paterson, W. S. Bright, and R. M. Young. FOOD FOR BRITAIN AND BELGIUM FUND.

Tetal to date-".. £10,046 8 4 The secretary of the fund has been advised that the residents -of the East Oxford district are arranging a rabbit hunt and hare drive, for Wednesday, 16th inst., when a good "bag" is expected. There are still a few parcels of Mr Carpenter's famous gladioli for sale, for the benefit of the fund. These may be obtained from Mr C. M. Parker, at the Art Gallery, for 2/6: All country districts and centres acting locally are invited to send a representative to the meeting to be held in the A. and P. room, Manchester Street, on Tuesday next, the 15th instant, at 2.30 p.m. A meeting of women interested .in the Poor of Great Britain, Ireland, and Belgium Relief Fund will be held in the Town Hall, Lower Riccarton, on Monday, September 14, at 3 p.m. At the Hawarden market yesterday a sheep sold in aid, of the Britain and Belgium Fund' realised £5 16/-. The Ladies' Guild of St. Paul's Anglican Church, Southbridge, has started a movement in .the district to obtain clothing for the poor of Great Britain, Ireland, and Belgium. Already the ladies liave secured a quantity of clothing, part of which has been made by the members and part has been given by sympathisers. WOMEN'S COMMITTEE. The Women's Committee of the Poor of Britain and Belgium Fund acknowledge receipt of the following gifts:— Mrs W. Withell, 1 dozen pairs blankets; R. N. Macready, material for 26 women's dresses; R. N. Macready, material for .13 children's dresses; Mrs Tobeck, 1 parcel of clothing; Miss Edmonds, 1 coat; Mrs and Miss Kerr, 1 parcel of clothing. A donation of £3 towards the Defence Fund has been received from Mr Charles Earley.

THE AMUBI LIST. MR DUNCAN RUTHERFORD'S EFFORTS. The following additional subscriptions to the Food for Britain, Ireland, and Belgium Fund have been obtained in the Amuri district by Mr Duncan Rutherford:— , J. Fraser, £5; Miss S. Fraser, £1; Miss M. Fraser, £1;. Mrs E. C. Gaisf ord, Marton, 10/-; W. H. Tomlinson, £1; H. Robson, £1; A. Lauder, £1; J. McPherson, £1; R. Reid, £1; W. Grundy, £2; R. Brydon, £1; F. Walker, £1; L. Scott* 10/-5 D. LyQns, £1; J. Dowling, £1; A. Bruce,-£1; M. Went, 12/6; E. Hay, 5/-; M. Brocker, 10/-; W. A. Scaife, £2 2/-; W. Berry, £2 2/-; Mrs Berry, £ll/-; W. Hare, £2 2/-; Mrs Witte, £1; S. L. Rutherford, £5; Miss M. L. Rutherford, £1; W. Ware, £1; M. McLelland, 10/-;. S. J. Home, 10/-; C. Palmer, 10/-; P. Co 1quhoun, £1; Mrs P. Colquhoun, £1; J. Thompson, £1; Mrs S. J. Holmes, £1 5/-; Miss J. Stewart, £1; Miss L. Mackenzie, £1; George Baker, £2 2/-; W. H. Jose, 10/-; P. Tokaroff, 5/-; C. 11. B. Hardinge, £1 5/-; W. H. Nicholson, £5; Mrs Nicholson, £2; Miss Nicholson, 10/t; Stanley Nicholson, 10/-; H. R. Davidson, £8 3/-; Mrs Davidson, £1 1/-; M. Bethell, £SO; C. McDonald, £2 2/-; Miss N. Armstrong, Akitio, £1; Miss M. Rutherford, £1; Mrs M.-E. Scaife, £1; Miss J. Scaife, 10/-; Miss Y. Scaife, 10/-; M. O'Reilly, £5 5/-; Miss O'Reilly, £1 1/-; J. Heasley, 10/-; G. McAdam, 10/-; T. G. Thompson, 10/-; Mr and Mrs B. Hampton, £2 2/-; W. F. Grueber, £2; J. Hoban, £l; D. T. Dalziell, £2; A Friend, 10/-; R. Furze, £1; Graham Bros., £1; Mr and Mrs Golding, £1; James Black, 5/-; W. H. Pester, £2 2/-; G. W. Wade, £1; D. Hampton, £2 2/-; Mrs D. Hampton, £1; Miss Hampton, £1; D. Hampton, jun., £1; Miss E. Hampton, £1; Jack Butler, £3; J. Swaney, £1; C. Cookson, 10/-; A. Kingsbury, £1 5/-; C. Griffiths, 10/-; James Tom, £1; D. W. Hunter, £1 1/-; Mrs Hunter, 5/-; F. Lock, 2/- ;■ A. King, 2/-; A. F. Matthews, 2/-; C. Bradbury, 2/6; Mick Delany, 2/6; Mrs Polhill, 5/-; F. Crampton, 10/-; A. Smith, 5/-; M. Connor, 5/-; W. A. Scott, £1 1/-; Mrs W. A. Scott, 10/-; J. Nottle, 5/-; R. Smith, 5/-; W. Cardwell, 10/-; W. Dean, 5/-; T. Stephens,

5/-; G. Booth, 5/-; G. Boaths, 5/-; J. Howard, 5/-; J. Grieve, 5/-; A.H., 5/-; A. McClintock, 5/-; E. McGruigan, 5/-; L. Ellis, 5/-; Sympathy, £1; Miss I. Rutherford, £2; Ed. Dobbin (Rotherham), 10/-; Mrs F. Ford, £2 2/-; Mrs Zuppicich, £1; W. Witte, £1; Miss B. Hamilton,. 10/-; T. McKay, £1; W. Lewis, £1; Messrs Wood and Seth-Smith, £10; Waiau Social (per Mr Pocklington), £2. Total, £lB2 4/6. GIFTS IN KIND. Kaiwara Estate, one truck of fat cattle, one truck of fat sheep, and consignment of wool; Richard Bethell, one bale of black wool; P. M. Hamilton, five fat sheep; H. G. Martin, ten fat sheep; H. Sharpe, twelve fat ewes; D. McGillicuddy, six fat ewes; T. Flower, twelve fat ewes; E. Baker (Waiau), six fat sheep; D. Rutherford, produce of 150 acres of wheat; W. Strange and Co., six dozen men's socks; Leslie Hills Shoot, 240 hares; Hanmer Plains Shoot, 208 hares; Waiau Shoot, 106 hares; Sherwood Shoot, 60 hares; A. Fisher, ten fat sheep. FOR THE FUNDS. At the poultry market to-morrow at 12.30, Mr J. B. Merrett will sell by public auction a painting, (i Girls of the Bulldog Breed," by Miss E. Gillman. The proceeds are in aid of the Belgian and British Relief Fund.

THE LIVERPOOL FOND. CASH DONATIONS. Mrs Blunt (for socks) .. . £1 0 0 Mrs Liddle, per Town Clerk 0 2 6 GIFTS IN KIND. Mrs Blakeley, 1 Balaclava cap; Waimairi ladies, per Mrs pair socks, 10 Balaclava caps; MrsiNiyeh, 3 Balaclava caps; Mrs G. Qiiartermaih, 3 Balaclava caps"; Mrs Smith, '3 Balaclava caps; Mrs Talbot, > 3:; Balaclava caps, No name, 3 Balaclava caps; no name, I Balaclava cap; no name 1 Balaclava cap; Mrs T. F. Partridge, 2 Balaclava caps; Mrs J. Petterd, 2 Balaclava caps; Mrs A. Bowbyes (Hornby), 2 Balaclava caps; Mrs Withnall, 4 Balaclava caps; Mrs H. B.' Sorensen, 6 pairs of socks; Mrs Gorton, per Miss Sorensen, 12 packs .cards. DEARER FLOUSL ANOTHER £1 RISE. < Another rise of £1 per ton has been made in the price of flour ta the wholesale houses. The New Zealand Flour and Produce Agency Company,. Ltd.," now quote as follows for flour Flour, sacks £l3 per toil, 1001b bags £l3 10/-, 501b bags £l3 15/-, 251b bags £l4. v . Bran, ,£4 5/- per ton. Pollard, £6 10/- per ton. It must be remembered that the price of flour just ptior to the outbreak of war was £lO per ton. By £1 rises since the outbreak of hostilities the price is now £l3. A rise of £3 upon tlie price at which he obtains flour has to be met by- the baker by increasing the price of bread by at least Id per 41b loaf. , THE MILLERS' STORY. When a SUN representative suggested to the president of the organisation above-mentioned that the latest increase would probably have the effect of exposing them to criticism to which they could not give a reasonable ex: planation, he stated personally, he had nothing to say, but the secretary may have. When applied to, the secretary also declined to say anything in regard to the matter. The question was one which had been referred to the Commission at present sitting in Christcliurch, and no doubt they would review the position. The Association was not likely to be seriously perturbed by the criticism that may be levelled at it. ANOTHER SIDE. A prominent city grain merchant, when asked for information in regard to the quantity of wheat sold since the outbreak of war, said it was infinitesimal. The bulk of the sales were made early in the season, when wheat was at 3/7 to 3/9. Prior to the war scare there was nothing to indicate that flour would go above £lO per ton. Many of them stocked up fully at prices that ruled on this assumption. "In one case I know of," the merchant averred, "one prominent Southern milling firm had in their stores sufficient wheat to manufacture 3000 tons of flour. Work it out for yourself what that firm must be making. They had the wheat at £lO prices, and now they will get £l3 for the flour.'' It should be the best milling year they have had for quite a while. It must be remembered that for some time milling haa not been a highly profitable business. ''

(Continued on page 10.)

received by tlie Mayor: — £ 8. ll. Royalty, "Sonsvof N.Z." 5 0 0 S. and A. Allen .. 2 2 -0 Jas. WaJker 2 2 0 .0 Chas. Ford ... 1 0 '0 Concert Bromley School 5 12 "0

contributions have been received: — £ s. d. Collected at Demonstration. 9 10 6 Jas. Hay (Charteris Bay). . 2 100 John T. Hay (Charteris Bay) 1 0 0 Claud Ferrier 10 10 0 Foresters' Lodge 0 10 6 Misses Thorpe / ; (Patriotic 0 Concert) .. 20 0 Send-off to Lyttelton Contingent (surplus) .. ». 2 9 0. Sale of photos 1 3 6

'■ YESTERDAY'S SUBSCRIPTIONS. £ s.' d. Amount previously acknow9787 13 ledged ... .. 4 Mrs" .Colin Cook .. .. 2 2 0 A. Anderson 2 0 0 C. B. Davis ., 2 0 0 Miss Mavis Macfarlane (Britain and Ireland) 10 0 0 Miss, Colleen Macfarlane (Belgium) 10 0 0 Mrs Leonard E. Clark 2 0 0 Anonymous 0 10 0 Employees Ward's Brewery 30 16 6 Per N.Z. Farmers' Co-op.—• Mr W. Weld, View Hill, sale of aged mare .. 6 10 0 Mr W. Hyland, Oxford, one trap 2 5 0 Mr Geo. Fisher, Oxford (harness) 0 12 0 Mrs-.E. II. Andrews (Belgium Fund) 0 10 0 H. W. Cook (Dunedin) 5 5 0 E.C. (Britain) .. 1 0 0 E.C. (Belgium) .. .. .. 1 0 0 Dr J. W. Crawshaw 1 0 0 Per Mr Duncan Rutherford 182 4 6