MISCELLANEOUS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 27 March 1918, Page 5

MISCELLANEOUS.

PARIS, March 25. Refugees who have evacuated, the areas near the battlefield state the British warned the inhabitants, thus enabling the removal of everything, portable. The Germans will not find a single head of cattle, a grain of corn, or a drop of wine. The population left calmly, being accommodated with British automobiles. (Reuter Service.) LONDON, MarcE 25. The Stock Exchange opened with a feeling of quiet; confidence. The offerings of leading securities were readily absorbed/. Quotations now show only a slight decline, Consols being quoted at £54 5s and war loans at £93 15s. (Australian-N.Z. C.A. and Reuter.). LONDON, March 26. The Press Bureau reports: The Cabinet wishes to express the nation's thanks for its splendid defence. The whole Empire is filled with pride in watching the heroic resistance of us brave troops under overwhelming odd's.. Knowing their steadfastness and courage whenever the country and its honor depends on their valor, the Empire confidently awaits the result of the struggle to defeat the enemy's last desperate effort to trample on the free nations. We at home are prepared to do all in our power to help in the true spirit of comradeship. The men necessary to replace all the casualties, and the guns and machine guns to replace losses, are either now in Prance or en route. Still further reinforcements are ready to be thrown into the battle.

The Press Bureau reports that the King has telegraphed to Sir Douglas; Haig and assured him that the fortitude, courage, and self-sacrifice with which the troops under his command' continue to heroically resist superior numbers is realised by His Majesty and' the people, adding: "The Empirestands calm and confident in her soldiers. God bless them, and give them strength in this time of trial.''"

The Press Bureau states that Sir Douglas Haig replied that His Majesty's message had given universal encouragement to the whole army, and begs His Majesty to accept their grateful thanks and assurance. We will, he adds, steadily continue to do our'utmost to deserve the inspiring confidence which your Majesty and the people throughout the Empire have placed in us at this hour of national stress.

AMSTERDAM, March 25. The Kaiser at main headquarters conferred decorations on General Hindenburg and General Ludendorff and other departmental chiefs in connection with the battle now raging.