NEW ZEALAND'S POST OF HONOUR

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 138, 11 June 1917, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND'S POST OF HONOUR

GERMAN OFFER TO RUSSIA WORKMENS' COMMITTEE STANDS FIRM WILSON'S STIRRING MESSAGE A message from the Dominion's correspondent on the west front makes it dear that the New Zealand Division was allotted the post of honour in the battle for the Messines Ridge, and that it captured the village in brilliant style and with suprisingly few casualties. Our men advanced the moment the bombardment lifted, and went through the village from west to east with great dash and elan. After they had taken all the objectives set them, the Australians went through and took further ground beyond the ridge. The whole ground was consolidated and firmly held, the enemy attempt to counterattack being smashed. The guns were brought up in support of the infantry- with marvellous rapidity, only equalled by the speed at which they registered on their new targets and put the enemy's batteries out of action. The Germans are making another effort to detach Russia by means of an immediate armistice, promising help in economic rehabilitation if the offer be accepted, and threatening to make further inroads in Russian territory in the alternative. The specious argument is put forward that Russia can offer the armistice without deserting her allies. The Workmen's and Soldiers Committee has rejected the offer, and appeals to the soldiers to fight the enemy, pointing out in the plainest possible terms what the consequences of treachery would be. Reconnoitring activity by both sides is reported from the Riga front. German and Austrian troops are still being moved from the east to the west to the Italian front and to Mesopotamia. President Wilson has informed Russia that America will not agree to the status quo ante, while at the same time she will not agree to the unjustified annexations or to indemnities except those in reparation of wrong.

WOBKMENS' COMMITTEE STANDS FIRM

WILSON'S STIRRING MESSAGE

A message from the Dominion's correspondent on the west front makes it clear that the New Zealand Division was allotted the post of honour in the battle for the Messines Ridge, and that it captured the village in brilliant style and with suprisingly few casualties. Our men advanced the moment the bombardment lifted, and went through the village from west to east with great dash and elan. After they had taken all the objectives set them, the Australians went through and took further ground beyond the ridge. The whole ground was consolidated and firmly held, the enemy attempt to counterattack being smashed. The guns were brought up in support of the infantry with marvellous rapidity, only equalled by the speed at which they registered on their new targets and put the enemy's batteries out of action. The Germans are making another effort to detach Russia by means of an immediate armistice, promising help in economic rehabilitation if the offer be accepted, and threatening to make further inroads in Russian territory in the alternative. The specious argument is put forward that Russia can offer the armistice without deserting her allies. The Workmen's and Soldiers Committee has rejected the offer, and appeals to the soldiers to fight the enemy, pointing out in the plainest possible terms what the consequences of treachery would be. Reconnoitring activity by both sides is reported from the Riga front. German and Austrian troops are still being moved from the east to the west to the Italian front and to Mesopotamia. President Wilson has informed Russia that America will not agree to the status quo ante, while at the same time she will not agree to the unjustified annexations or to indemnities except those in reparation of wrong.