PROGRESS OP THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2636, 6 December 1915, Page 4

PROGRESS OP THE WAR

Actual events and changes imported at time of writing in the Balkan, campaign arc overshadowed by the promise of coming events of vastly greater importance. The fall of Monastir is now fully confirmed, the Serbs under General Vassitch having evacuated the place and retreated westward .after a resistance that will add to their renown. Further east in Macedonia the AngloFrench Army has contracted its lines to some extent, but not more so than is consistent with the idea that its line of advance in the near future lies east, towards Constantinople, rather than north. In the north, the Austrians have crossed the north-eastern frontier of Montenegro, but do not seem as yet to have made much headway into that country. These, developments do not greatly alter the situation as it was reported ■at the end of last week, and interest centres rather at the moment in reports pointing to an early and sweeping transformation of the general circumstances of the campaign. Though the ■ position of fcho Anglo-French Army based in Greece is regarded as still in some respects critical, it is no longer in the south that major developments are expected. Side by side with the statement that most important happenings are imminent in the Balkans it is announced that a great part of General von Mackensen's army of invasion—one-half according to a London message—has turned east into Bulgaria. The most probable explanation of this change of plan seems to be that the enemy regards the prospect of a Russian attack through Rumania as the most pressing problem of the moment in the Balkans, and is taking aqtion accordingly. There are other theories afloat, one that the Austro-Ger-mans are bound for the Dardanelles and another that it is intended to reinforce the Bulgarians who are concentrating on the right flank of the Allied Army in Macedonia where its line is across or near the Bulgarian frontier. As explaining the principal object of the AustroGermans in moving into Bulgaria these alternative theories seem to be credible only if it is assumed that the Russians are not likely to be able, for some tinje to come to advance through Rumania into Bulgaria. It would not profit the enemy to concentrate his main strengtn in the Gallipoli Peninsula or in south-western Bulgaria, leaving weakened forces to meet a powerful attaok in his rear.

News in hand leaves no room for doubt that an early Russian movement against . Bulgaria is expected. Recently it has been stated that the Russian advance may be delayed for weeks, but mention to-day of unconfirmed reports that the Russians have already set foot in Bulgaria shows that this belief is not general, and that in some quarters, at least, the invasion is expected to take shape at any- time. As time goes on it becorocs increasingly plain that the .appearance of a powerful Russian force in th« Balkans is an essential preliminary to vigorous concerted action by the Allies, and this very fact affords ground for Hie hope that its appearance will not be_ long delayed. It seems tc be undisputed that the Anglo-French Army in Macedonic is powsrless to act alone. As or<! correspondent remarks, the present operations of the Allies do not promise results; some other factor is required to make progress possible and bring security. The_ "other factbr" required is plainly a Russian invasion of Bulgaria, and it is the best promise of the day's news that the reported disposition of the enemy's forces indicates that he is in imminent apprehension of such an invasion.

, There are again conflicting stories about Greece to-day, but none of them seem to be of such authority as to outweigh the statement, made at the end of last week by the Italian Foreign Minister, that Greece had consented to give the required assurances harmonising with her. preceding declaration of benevolent neutrality. This was an official pronouncement, and it has not been contradicted on official authority. Most of the news on the ' subject to-day takes the form of .comment 'and speculation by-correspondents, and cannot claim equal authority with Baron Sonnino's statement. It is recognised, of course, that Greek assurances are not a very stable form of guarantee, but the trend of the campaign, as it is reported today, goes to confirm an impression that Greece is likely to find it necessary in her own interests to maintain an attitude of friendship' towards the Entente. On this account some doubt attaches to the unofficial report that the Allies have found it necessary to reimpos© restrictions on Greek commerce.

There are renewed reports to-day of discontent in Bulgaria, and of complaints by the Bulgars that Germany has made their oounti'y a catspaw. That this is the simple truth gives some weight to these stories, and though Bulgarian disaffection counts for little now, it may count for a great deal when a Eussian army crosses the Bulgarian frontier. One correspondent tells a remarkable story of three Bulgarian divisions passing north through Hungary, to serve either against Italy or on the Western front. It may be a mere fairy tale, but to dismiss it as incredible might be to under-rate the spirit in which Tsar Ferdinand has sold his country to the Kaiser. ' The object of sending Bulgarians abroad would, of course, be the same as Austria has in view in sending many of her army corps to fight in areas far removed from their homes—to oppose obstacles to disaffection and revolt.

The gallant little Anglo-Indian force which has lately been fighting its way up the Tigris towards >tho ancient city of Bagdad has encountered a somewhat serious reverse, but there is no reason to suppose that its position and prospects are as bad as is asserted in enemy communiques published to-day. The publication of these communiques was delayed by the War Office for a day or two, and the reason is apparent. Evidently they were withheld until tho arrival of the British official report, which tells a very different story, though it makes no secret of the fact that a retirement has been enforced under enemy pressure. Tho Turkish story is that the British forcc, having been defeated, is being hotly pursued, and is retreating under conditions little better than those of a rout. General Townsuend's report shows that these assertions are largely untrue. Today's reports deal with events subsequent to the battle at Otesiphon, about twenty miles from Bagdad, in which the Turks were dislodged from an entrenched position. Very heavy, Turkish reinforcements ar-

rived soon after the battle. Unless additions wero made also to General ■Townsiiejd's original force of a single division, the British must, when the enemy ivas reinforced, have been outnumbered by about four to one. They nevertheless held their ground at Otesiphon until their wounded and 1600 prisoners had been removed down-river. Up to this time the total British casualties were 4567 (the official report on this point contradicting the enemy statement thai; the British at an earlier date had suffered over 5000 casualties), and in an action fought during the retreat the number was increased by 150. It is admitted that two river gunboats were abandoned after their guns and engines had been rendered useless, and the retreating fora may perhaps have suffered some of the other losses in prisoners and material enumerated by the enemy. The great point is, however, that' instead or being broken by the pursuit, tho British force has effected an orderly retirement to Kut-el-Amara, which is named as its present destination. General Townshend is able to commend the steadiness of his troops, and as' a whole the affair seems to be one in which a small foroe has played a galle.nt part in extremely difficult and trying circumstances. * * •

Heasueed in miles the ground lost in Mesopotamia is considerable. Kut-el-Amara is on the Tigris about 100 mil<3s, as the crow flies, below Bagdacl General Town, shend has thus fallen back 80 miles from the point to which his division lately pe:ie 'rated. The actual distance to be traversed is much greater to a force under the necessity of following the winding course of the. Tigris. Prospects of the early occupation of Bagdad have thus materially receded. On present appearames the rapid advance up the Tigris by a comparatively weak force seems to have been venturesome, but there is no evidence in hand to support an opinion that unwarranted risks were taken. Whatever else it has accomplished the expedition has manifestly succeeded in drawing a very strong force of Turks into Mesopotamia, and as matters, are going generally, in the Near East this may prove to be an achievement of no slight value 'and importance. As to the local position, General Totvnshend's division is evidently an advance force which by this time should be in close ■touch with reinforcements, if not with the main body. Beyond the suggestion that Kut-el-Amara may be the limit of the British retreat no hint is given of probable develop ments in the immediate future, but the outlook need not be regarded as in any way alarming. No army in the world has had more experience than the British Avmy_ of campaigning under such conditions as obtain in Mesopotamia, or has a better retard of success in such campaigning, and it is likely that tho .retreat to Kut-el-Amara will appear ultimately as but an untoward incident in a campaign which has been conducted on the •' whole with distinguished success. Kut-el-Amara, it may be noted, is about 250 miles in a direct line from the coast at the head of the Persian Gulf, so that if the Turks have embarked upon a serious* attempt to roll back the British invasitn of Mesopotamia they are only at the beginning of their task. ... ...., . ■ .

■It is not by any means certain that General Townshend's bold advance np the Tigris was not deliberately undertaken with the view of drawing, strong enemy forces into Mesopotamia and so lightening pressure in othjr theatres in which the Turks are engaged. At all events it has iserved that purpose, and it is hardly likely that the Turks have willingly accepted a considerable extension of the Mesopotamian campaign considering the strong probability that they will presently be powerfully attacked nearer the heart of'their Empire. Very possibly the presence of a powerful Turkish a.rmy in Mesopotamia represents an advantage to the Allies in the working out of their general plans in the Near East which will compensate for the local check on the Tigris. It is worth noting also that the Turkish army on the Tigris is more or less between two fires, its communications being threatened by the Russian Caucasian army which' lately advanced into Armenia and gained a; victory south o:t Lake Van. At their utmost point oj: advance the British in Mesopotamia were separated by more than 300 miles from their Russian Allies in Armenia, and the distance between them is now some 400 miles, but developed in concert the Russian and British invasions should result ultimately in an effective link-ing-up on a line that would cxcludc the Turks from contact with Persia and pave the way for further invasion to the west. No doubt the recent Russian attack south of Lake Van was undertaken partly with Vie object of hampering the Turkish counter-stroki 'in Mesopotamia.

Official news! tells of much heavy fighting in the main theatres, particularly in Russia, where.the enemy has suffered a scries of local defeats. The Italians report a heavy counterattack by the Austrians, on ( the Isonzo front, H'hich was repelled with some difficulty.

The Wellington District Teachers' Institute has nominated the following, officers for the New Zealand executive: --President, Mr. Eudey (Dunedin) j vice-president, Mr. Cousins; secretary, Mr. H. A. Parkinson . (Wellington); treasurer, Mr. Just, (Lyttelton). _ For the non-cffieiul member for Wellington district there were four nominations— Miss Myers, Miss - Coad, Mr. J. O. Webb, and Mr. A. Erskine, and a ballot will be necessary.

At the Magistrate's Court . : n Ctristcliurcli on Saturday, Jlcg Lee, on oliarges of selling pakapoo tickets, was fined £10, in default one month's imprisonment,—Press Association.

Mr. T. Shields, the well-known city tailor and swimming enthusiast, had tho misfortune to lose £28 during a trip to Day's Bay yesterday. The money was in a bag, and Mr. Shields has not the faintest idea how he came to lose it.

Mr. Edgar Marchant, C.E., of Waliganui, who has enlisted for service, has invented a new style oi military bridge, which he intends placing before the Government and the military authorities (states a Press Association, message from Wanganui). It is on the cantilever principle, but embodies an entirely new application of it, which qualified men here say they have never seen or heard of before. Its chief features are: Ifc/will give a 50 per cent, greater span than any other style of bridge-building; it can be constructed without either nails, bolts, ropes, or other fastening, and can be easily and rapidly put together. The bridge is also ver.v strong, a two-feet model built of ordinary totara carrying a weight of fourteen stone without any appreciable movement. Experts consider that for military operations ia which simpli'cit) and rapidity of construction are essential it would be difficult to surpass Mr. Marchant's invention.

1 Speaking at a farewell function to members of the Wellington Stage Hands' Unjon on Saturday, Private John Callaghan made_ some interesting remarks about, camp life. "You heat" a lot of • growling about the camps," he said, "but if you want the truth look at us boys, and look what we were before we went out. (Laughter.) There's Mine people would growl if their camp was pitched in heaven, but I tell you they are all wrong. It is a great life, and those people who are trying to win a little notoriety by rotting tlie. Govern merit don't know what they are talking about. Both the Government and the military authorities do all in their power to make us happy and comfortable, and we are having the time of our lives."

The secretary if the Wellington Stage Hands' Union (Mr. Les Flowers) announced at a social function on Satur--day that a quarter of the members on the books (21) had volunteered for service. In bidding farewell to three more of the members (Messrs. E. and A. Dentice and J. Callaghan) ho referred to an Auckland member of the union. Private Tilsly, who had been awarded the D.S.O. and promoted to the Tank of sergeant for conspicuous gallantry on 'the field. Though they did not figure much in the public .eye, the membera of the Stage-Hands' Union had given a lot of practical assistance to patriotic entertainments. Galls on their sen. vices were frequent, and had always been promptly responded to'on all occasions. (Applause.) During the evening mtosical and elocutionary items were contributed by Miss Lizzie Wilson, Miss Brittell, Messrs. Paul Burns, Sam Howard,!!. Zacliariah, Gerald Griffin, and Will Sumner. '

A few shooting men in Canterbury have contrived to combine pleasure ana usefulness in their sport. As the result of 6liooting parties organised _by Mr. Duncan Rutherford, of Leslio Hills, Culverden, 540 eases of hares. and rabbits, mostly bares, have been shipped to England through the St. John Ambulance Association in Ohristchurch for use in the .Bed Cross Hospitals in England. The goods are being carried free by the shipping companies.

A generous gift to the sick and wounded men who may be at Rotorua. Convalescent 'amp has just been made by Mr. T. Clark, of Esdale. He has written to the Minister ill Charge of Hospitals to say that he will give an almost new motor-car, formerly owned by his son,' Mr. R. W. Clark, of Feeding, for tho use of theso convalescent soldiers. Mr. G. "W. Russell lias writ■■ten accepting the offer and expressing thanks and appreciation

The meeting room of the Carterton Council Chambers has been fitted _ up n6 a soldiers' hall for the use of visiting soldiers when' on leave from the camp.

In the school garden competition, under the auspioes of the Wairarapa P. and A. Society, Gladstone and Belvedere tied with 98 points. Daleficld 85 points, was second, and CUreville 77 points third.

About ISO soldiers who arrived in town by steamer at 7 o'clook yesterday morning found themselves, metaphorically speaking, left' out in the cold. .AH the ordinary places of entertainment were closed, 36 is usual on Sunday morning, and the Soldiers' Club, ill Sydney Street, to which most of the men wended their way, was also found closed. Members of the dub committee were communicated' with, but wero unable to open the hall as it is not available on Sunday for club purposes until after Sunday school hours. In these circumstances the committee members did what they could and pro* vided breakfast at their own houses for as many soldiers as could be accommodatedi A number of' the men, hoover, were unavoidably left out. The Soldiers' Club Committee is .very anxious to prevent a repetition of this sort of thing, and it has resolved to ask the authorities to notify it m future when soldiers are likely to be returning from leave on Sunday, as they frequeiitlydo. Being forewarned in this way, the committee will make necessary arrangers to receive the men and provide them with' breakfast. The latest eight-cylinder motor engines represent the nearest approach to fhe even running of turbine engines, and u '° ' , nllo t understand tie beautifully Teet Xn of the litest 8-cyl. cars untn one has actually ridden in one. The Dominion Motor Vehicles would be oleasH 6 i,nw intending customers the latest Rivh Eng cars, a shipment of which has just arrived.—Advt.

The Wellington branch of the Teachers' Institute is of opinion that in view of the number of persons flow taking University degrees, "it is urgently necessary that education become a subject for honours and doctorate." An'-important conference of delegates representing various Farmers' Co-opera-tive Associations in New Zealand will take place at the Wellington Central Cham6er of Commerce on Wednesday morning, the finishing touches to the new fabric which lias been built up by previous' conferences, namely the federation of Fanners' Co-operative Associations. A motoring party had rather a sensational experience at Johnsonville yesterday. While negotiating a railway crossing, the car somehow jammed'just as a traiu was approaching. There were five occupants in the-car, and they "were fortunately able to get clear before the engine of the train struck the automobile, reducing it to scrap-iron. ■ Shortly before 11 o'clock yesterday the hospital ship Mnrama weighed anchor in the stream, and steamed gracefully out to sea on her errand of mercy. Tho white hull, funnel, and spars of the' sl/ip, with the flag of the Red Cross fluttering from the fore, and tho long broad band of green that swept from her cut-water to her stem, set off by Red Crosses at intervals, all combined to present a beautiful spectacle in tho fresh blue setting of the harbour water and the darker hue of the more distant lulls. . The following is an. extract" from a War Office letter to New Zealand Defence Headquarters"l am commanded by tho Army Council to inferm you that, in accordance with the notice in the Loudon 'Gazette' of May 1, 1915, temporary commissions in the Regular Forces will.be issued for officers of overseas Contingents, dated —(a) Austust 5, for- those .commissioned in theh' respective.contingents on or before that date; and (b) the date of subsequent appointment for, those commissioned after August 5, 1914." Tho recent award, by selection, of three Victoria Crosses to an ':fficer, a non-commissioned officer, and a j.rivate of the Ist Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers is (says an exchange) in . accordance with tho original warrant cf 18C6. - lV' that it is laid 1 down that, in the event of a gallant and daring a--t having been performed by a squadron, ship's company, a detached body of seamen, or marines, jiot under fifty in number, or by a brigiido, reg-i:;ent, troop, or company, in which the officer commanding pitch forces may deem that all are equally brave and distinguished, then lie may direct i-lias cne officer shall be.selected by ihe ■•fiicers engaged for the decoration, and h !ik<i rainier one petty or non-commissioned officer and two seamen, or private soldiers, or marines. . The first occasion, "n which the . Victoria Cross was so awarded was in September, 1857, when Private John Divane, of the 60th Hi Pes, was chosen by the privates cf his regiment for distinguished conduct at Delhi. - ■ Captain Holme, of the Japanese steamer Kwanto Maru, which was at Lyttelton lately; gives an interesting story of the origin cf the vord ''maru," 60 generally applied to ships cf Japan. "In a sense," said Captain Ho'iue, "tlio word 'Maru' as applied to vessels means nothing in particular. There is, however, a beautiful little story, a sort of legend, from which, a Japanese professor told/me, originated- the name 'Maru' for ships. Once upon a feme,'" • he said, "the Sun r.-id Moon fRt married, and they had a ba'o.v in heaven, or wherever it was. This child fell down to the earth, an 1 liunied on a lotus flower. He was picked up, and ] went on growing and broame a tig war- j rior, w'ho came, across in » vessel called j 'Maru,' and conquered Japan." Pubse- | quoritl.v, about 5000 fears ago, oi something like that,''i'ie 'biH;iime Krriperor of ] Japan. Since that ii.-re. every vessel ■] (fishing boat, ■ woaraar, or whatever it i may be) has been called "Mara." That," , '.added.' Captain;.-Holme, .is how the y name 'Maru' came into existence." ■ f V . . ' " 1