NO CHANGE AT VERDUN

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 65, 16 March 1916, Page 5

NO CHANGE AT VERDUN

ARTILLERY FIGHTING ON THE MEUSE

CLEARING OUT THt SENUSSI

TIRPITZS RESIGNATION RUMOURED

Vr.7i c attacks upon Verdun have not been renewed, but the French still believe that the Germans are gathering their f^rJZ* nOt T? OffenSiv< r and they m accordingly The principal feature of the fighting in this sector was a fierce artillery bombardment west of the Meuse fZ w Sntr l attaC^ S ' Whkh let the enem y into a couple of the French trenches, whence they were promptly ejected by sharp counter-attacks. To the eastward of the Meuse an intermittent bombardment was maintained, but no serious fiehtine was attempted by either side. General Petain had his anxious moments during the recent battle, but he is satisfied now as a result of the experience gained, and is confident of his ability to keep the fortress inviolate. The Senussi "drive" in North-western Egypt is progressing satisfactorily, and the camps of the rebels are being rapidly captured, many of the turbulent tribesman surrendering, owing to their lack of food and the general hopelessness of the position. It is rumoured in Washington that Grand Admiral yon Tirpitz has resigned from the post of Secretary of State for the Admiralty, owing to differences with his colleagues, notably Bethmann-Hollweg. The Under-Secretary for War states that the difficulty in adequately protecting Britain from air raids has been the inadequate supply of engines. This is now being overcome, and a vast and increasing number of pilots is now in training.