PALESTINE DRIVE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4816, 13 March 1918, Page 5

PALESTINE DRIVE.

RAPID PROGRESS CONTINUES. LITTLE OPPOSITION MET WITH. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Keuter's. (Received March 12, . 7.15 p.rn.) LONDON, March 11. A Palestine oliicial report says:— Our advance northward was continued yesterday morning. We crossed the Wadi Auja and captured a strong Turkish position five miles westward of the Jordan. Wo advanced on either side of the Jerusalcm-Nablus road on a front of 13 miles to an average dojith of .two to three miles. We occupied Kefimalik and Selwad tel Asur, eastward of the road. We encountered little opposition westward of the road. RESISTANCE NOW SOLID. LATER~REPORT. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter's. (Received March 12, 8 p.m.) LONDON. March 11. A Palestine official report says:— Our northward advance astride the Jerusalem-Nablus road was continued through most difficult country and in face of an obstinate resistance, the enemy employing numerous concealed machine-guns. We made progress for three-thou-sand yards on a twelve-mile front, securing the high ridges overlooking the north bank of the Wadi el Jib. Wo repulsed three counter-attacks and consolidated our new line northward of the Wadi Auja. Our aeroplanes bombed and machine gunned enemy troops and transport on tire Nablus road. The operations continue.