A SURPRISE PACKET.

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 13524, 7 October 1916, Page 5

A SURPRISE PACKET.

Mackensen Caught Napping.

RUMANIANS CROSS THE DANUBE GOOD PROGRESS BY SERBS. (Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received Friday, 9 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 6. Hiliare Belloc points out that the Rumanians suprised Mackensen by unexpectedly crossing the Danube marshes, utilising a belt of sand banks amid the Meres sandbanks which form a natural causeway, uniting the villages of Tomigil and Floranda. The magazines in Bucharest are only an hour's railway journey distant. The Rumanians were able secretly to pile up munition stores. It was an hazardous experiment, but the approach to the Danube was masked by a belt of marshy woodland. Thus Mackensen was ignorant of the concentration until the Rumanians were across the Danube. This means that the Rumanians now hold the bridgehead near Rahovo. The Bulgarians realising the effect of the news of Mackensen's danger upon Greece and the neutrals, published a lying communique claiming that they had dispersed fifteen Rumanian battalions at Rahovo. Meanwhile there is excellent news of General Sarrail's offensive to reconquer Serbia. The British are threatening enemy railway communications between Ruel and Seres. The Serbians on the right, the French in 'the centre and the Russians on the left continue to advance to within five miles of Monastir before which the Bulgarians occupy a line of defences. After the Bulgar counter-attacks had been broken the Serbian advance assumed" the character of a pursuit. The Serbs have already regained 250 square kilometres of Serbian terrtory.

Rumania's "Chastisement"

TO BE POSTPONED. (Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Eeceived Friday, 11.25 p.m.) BEENE, Oct. 6. The war correspondent of the Vienna "Zeit" telegraphs from Austrian headquarters that the impossible biust not be expected on the Eumaaran front. Brusiloff's latest offensive ties large forces, and it may become necessary to postpone the chastisement of Eumania. Eather must we be satisfied to stem the tide of the Eumanian onslaught against Hungary.

Bulgaria Must Produce.

GERMANS INTRODUCING NEW METHODS. (Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received Friday, 11.25 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 6. The "Morning Post's" Budapet correspondent says that Germany is sending an immense n-amber of agricultural machines to Bulgaria in an uufleavow: to increase the fertility and

ield of the soil. Thousands of scientifi* men are advising and urging the primitive Bulgarians to adopt modern methods. Germany greatly fears the prospect of tbe cutting of the Constanitinople railway and is concentrating j heavily with the object of preventing it 4

Greece Bankrupt.

(Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received Friday, 9 p.m.) ATHENS, Oct. 6. * Owing to a shortage of money the Greek Government has suspended pay- . ments.

British Firms in Belgium.

(Aust and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Receivod Saturday, 1.25 a.m.) LONDON, Qct. 6. The "Echo Beige" says that Count von Bissing has ordered the windingup of all British firms in Belgium.

Constantine Against Wan

("Times" Service). (Received Friday, 5.5 p.m.) ATHENS, Oct. 5,

"Hestia" states that King Constantine dismissed the Cabinet, because a majority favoured war. Constantine showed great reserve in discussing intervention, declaring that the reconstitution of the army was essential before war. He called the Cabinet's proposal audacious.

Austria's Fifth War Loan.

("Times" Service.) (Received Friday, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 5. Austro-Hungary is issuing a fifth war loan.

Italian Operations.

(Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received Friday, 10 p.m.) ROME, Oct. 6. A communique states: — We repulsed repeated attacks on the southern side of a valley in the Calbricon region. The enemy recaptured one advanced position towards Monte Colbricon Piccolo. He was repulsed elsewhere 1 with heavy losses. Our cavalry occupied three points at Dryossally.

Peace Pourparlers.

AMERICA TAKING NO STEPS. (Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Reeeived Saturday, 12.55 a,m.) WASHINGTON, Oct. 6. High officials deny that America has taken or intends taking immediate steps in the direction of mediation in the war. They declare that the many rumours to that effect are without foundation. Mr Lloyd George's interview showed clearly that such a step would not be welcome. Meanwhile developments are being watched for an indication when peace proposals will be welcomed. There is some interest at the announcement that. Mr Henry Ford has summoned his secretary to the Stockholm Conference to visit America. There is also the notification that Count Bernstorff will pay a special visit to, President Wilson on Monday.

Hard Times in Berlin.

(Reuter Telegram.) (Received Friday, 5.50 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 5.

Reuter's correspondent states that vacant shops in Berlin have increased by 217 per cent, compared with December 1913. The Austrian Government has confiscated the barley and potato crops. The output of beer has been reduced 91 per cent.

Canadian Cavalry.

FIRST TIME EST ACTION.

(Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received Saturday, 12.35 a.m.) LONDON,Oct. 6. During the recent fighting east and north of Courcelette Canadian cavalry for the first time participated. Patrols penetrated enemy territory from 2000 to 2500 yards in different directions.

Four Ships Sunk '

(Renter Telegram.) (Received Saturday, 1.25 a.m.) • LONDON, Oct. 6. The Norwegian steamers Bronk, Nesjor end Knutjail, and the Russian, Tourgai, have been sunk.

Transport Torpedoed.

NO TROOPS ABOARD.

(Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received Friday, 5.50 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 6.

Official: The Cunarder liner Frankonia, employed as a transport, was submarined in the Mediterranean on Wednesday. She was not carrying troops, i Twelve of the crew are missing. Three hundred and twenty were saved.

[The Frankonia was an 18,150-ton boat with a speed of 16 knots. She was built in 1911.]

Pacific Trade.

BIG INCREASE PREDICTED. (Aust. and N.Z. Cable Associati-on.) (Received Friday, 5.45 p.m.) SYDNEY, Last Night. In connection with the Interstate Commission enquiring into the Pacific Island trade, the manager of the Islands Department of Burns, Philps and Co. gave evidence regarding a contract entered intoi by the Germans whereby they practically captured the •ppra trade in the South Pacific. The trade was practically in the hands of four l"r<«ng firms, which had such a complete and interwoven system that competition was impossible. If, after the war, Britain took over the German Island possessions, the population and trade would become British instead of German. He anticipated a great increase in trade.