NOTES AND COMMENTS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 116, 11 February 1944, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS

If proof be required of the falsity of the German explanation that recent retreats in the east Tire ‘‘aimed at shortening and improving the front in the lower Dnieper region,” it is provided by the news that Nikopol has been yielded to the Red Army. This town has been authoritatively termed “the most important of all Germany’s Russian conqtfests. M hen the Russians attempted to overwhelm the enemy in the lower Dnieper in September and October last, strong measures were taken for the defence of Nikopol; indeed, the concentration of strength was such that the centre became the hub of German military power in that area. This explains the cabled comment that the Russian victory at Nikopol has completed the disorganization of the German positions in the Ukraine and introduced a fundamental change in the situation on the whole southern front.” But it is Nikopol, the raw material source, which is the enemy’s bitterest loss. From the mines surrounding the town Germany has been drawing manganese, which is essential in the production of high-grade steel. To maintain her present steel output Germany needs 375,000 tons of manganese annually. Her own mines supply some 50,000 tons, Axis-held Europe some 12.>,000 tons. Up to the present the balance (200,000 tons) has come from Nikopol. This week’s defeat, therefore, promises to deprive the Germans of 53 per cent, of their manganese supplies at a time when they are confronted with the probability of Allied invasion from the west, and, in consequence, a substantially increased drain on their armament resources. * * * * Most commendable enterprise and imagination have been shown in the planning of the Dig-f or-Victory Exhibition, which is attracting large numbers of citizens to the Wellington Town Hall. So keen and sustained is the public’s interest, that it is evident that the exhibition, particularly on'the instructional side, is filling a decided nffed. It is only a pity that it could not have been accommodated in premises where the instructional and experimental exhibits, as well as the competitive and general displays, could have been studied at. greater leisure by visitors. The results of this colourful and very practical encouragement to victory digging should be valuable, not only in giving fresh incentive and, perhaps, more scientific ideas to owners of existing kitchen gardens, but also in winning new recruits to a campaign of national importance. State departments as well as public institutions and private organizations have co-operated in preparing the exhibition. Their public-spirited action, together with the generosity of contributing firms andJjjdb’jLtLiiala..isdeservhm of warm thanks.