SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1918. SMALL ENEMY PROGRESS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 30 March 1918, Page 4

SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1918. SMALL ENEMY PROGRESS.

The news received since Thursday records a slowing down in the enemy's ' advance, and though the Germans are at places slightly west of the line of- • the Somme as it was in 1916, the positions held by the defenders are reported to be very strong. It has been shown previously that, provided the defending line remains unbroken and in orderly and systematic retreat, the depth to which the attackers' drives , can be' carried is dependent upon the length of the front attacked. In the present colossal battle the front chosen by the enemy was fifty miles long, and - the depth to which the penetration could be made eeems to be between twenty-five and thirty miles. In such efforts the progress is naturally fairly fast alt first owing to; the weight of the attacking divisions, who are sent to the attack with all speed, but as the defenders retire in good order, taking the utmost toll of the enemy • and destroying everything that might be of value to him, the progress of the foe diminishes. Pressure on the flanks is the chief reason, and though strong thrusts have been made by the Ger- ' mans to push back the northern and southern flanks, widening the area for operations, they have not been able to effect their purpose, -both the British and French making a splendid defence. It has thus become necessary for the Germans, if they, are to succeed, to I widen the battle-front, and with this ' aim probably they are making great attacks on the Arras front, meeting with strong resistance. Meantime they are making desperate blows against the French left. The fighting has failed to carry the Germans south of a line running from near NoyOn to Lassigny to Montdidier, or, roughly, an extension from the Chemin dcs Dames. This is important because at one time it looked very much as if th© enemy was going to make progress southwards from Noyon. Instead, the French by a splendid counter-attack, have recovered three miles of the ground lost. The news generally is encouraging, and it eeems that the most serious stage of the great struggle is past. The Allied defence is daily becoming stronger, and though a considerable area has been taken by the enemy his tenure is by no means secure, as he has to consolidate his position under great difficulties, arid will probably be called upon to meet a powerful Allied blow before bis task is complete. The ,cost in German life in securing the territorial gain has been enormous, 'and though many of the 300,000 losses .may consist' of wounded men, who will later recover, the gaps in the attackers' ranks must be causing the High Command serious thought. The air-fighting has resulted in decided superiority by •the British, and French, and the daring attacks upon German . concentrations and strong points are of much value to the Allies. One feels that the spirit1 of confidence and determination which is still so prominent in all reports is, indicative of final victory. As the Morning Post puts it (probably Colonel Eepington is responsible for the statement): "We believe the British Army has saved itself, and, in saving itself, has saved the Empire. The German effort is breaking down." The newspapers throughout America are showing the utmost confidence, and we may be sure that there would not be such a general feeling of trust and certainty if there were not every reason to justify it: The fighting must continue to be heavy for many days to ■ come, and it will probably increase in severity as the Allies' counter-move-ments develop. The Australians and New Zealanders are now engaged, our men being at Bucquoy, about ten miles south of Arras. Knowing their prowess in offensive work, it may be assumed

i that a big British movement from' Arras is- likely; But there is as yet no indication to hand as to where the Allies' blows will fall, though they may be expected at any minute. The great outstanding feature is that in. her supreme effort Germany has so far failed badly and has yet to face the ; blows of the Allies, which will be very heavy. ,