EASTERN EUROPE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 18 February 1915, Page 5

EASTERN EUROPE

OBSTINATE FIGHTING AT AUGUSTOVO iGERMAN" SUCCESS IN BUKOVINA. (Official.) • PETROGRAD, Feb- 17. The Russians obstinately fought superior German forces at Auguistovo, ■which were trying to surround"; our wings. '.'.',•.' A German column is advancing from Grajevo to Osowiec. The enemy between the Vistula and the Skrawa have reached the line Flock— Raciouz. The enemy captured Nadivorna, in Bukovina, and crossed the Sereth.: GERMAN REPORT RUSSIANS DRIVEN BACK WITH GREAT LOSSES. l (Received Feb. 18, 9.10 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 17. . A Berlin official messago claims tliat in the nine days;' 'battle, of, the JSlazurian Lakes the Russian army. was thrown across the frontier with .great losses; Fifty thousand prisoners, forty cannon, and'sixty machine guns were captured: Id is: also claimed that-the Germans have occupied Plock. , ATTACK ON CZERNOWITZ APPALLING AUSTRO-GERMAN LOSSES / THOUSANDS OF DEAD RUSSIANS' SUBLIME COURAGE. (Received Feb. 18, 9 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 17. ; Mr. Martin Donohoe, in the "Daily Chronicle," reports that he witnessed the Austro-Cerman attack oil Czernowitz, the capital of Bukovina '■ Two columns crossed the Serth river in the Storanzynetz region, "with appalling losses, and threatened to cut off the Russian retreat from Czernowitz. Fight-, ing became desperate.: : The Austro-Germans were reinforced by a column from Galicia, and renewed' itbo attack on Tuesday at threo points. ■Regardless of losses, they 'gained the, bottom of a, valley/, and attempted to ascend a snowclad .slope. Russian artillery swept the, enemy away; but wave after wave advanced, leaving thousands of dead. Isolated groups flung themselves oh the parapets of the trenches; , • The Russians, with their backs to the wall, were J fighting with sublime courage. : Later the enemy cut the' road from Czernowitz to Roumania. The Russians are hurrying up reinfoi'cemerits. ■ It is computed that tho onemy had three army corps well supplied with : art'illery! : RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF POLAND. * LONDON, Feb. 16. Petrograd states- that influential Poles learned with quiet derision that the, Ern-j peror Franz Josef has convoked the'jDiet: |at Cracow, with'a view to the re-estab-lishmoul'uf tho Kingdom of ; Poland.-

1 GERMANY AND AMERICA I . A PERTINENT QUESTION. HOW GERMANY COULD SAVE HER FACE. {Rec. Feb. 18, 9 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 17. Mr Sidney Low, writing in the "Daily Chronicle," asks, Docs Germany want war with the United States? He argues that •it would suit German diplomatists, who do not wish to be left alone in the day of humiliation. The United States would make a convenient shock absorber> or at least might obtain easier terms for the vanquished. We may conjecture Germany might not object to giving America a- locus standi in future negotiations; From tilo Potsdam and Berlin standpoint it may lie desirable for the United States to come in as an ehem.V rather than not at all. The Beritstorff-Dernbcrg crusado to' . regain American friendship, had failed, but sbiiiething might be done through American enmity. Even if America was.incited to.war the German military and naval position cannot be worse than it is, and Germany would "be able to save her face by saying that, having waged a victorious war against the Allies she only gave way when the tremendous weight of the great Republic was thrown in the scale. Furthermore, it would -be to the interests of Germany to have a United States plenipotentiary when peace is discussed. From the Allies she knows she. would have no hope of indulgence, but America, not having a motive to harden' her heart, could come to the conference in a 'detached frame of liiihd;

KAISER LOOKING' FOR AN EXCUSE. LONDON, February 16. It is rumoured: at Washington that Germany is deliberately trying to stjr up war with America so as to enable.the Kaiser tcr placate }iis people with the excuse of overwhelming odds. britainYarmy BRISK RECRUITING. LONDON, Feb. 16. "The Times" military correspondent says:—"lf recruiting maintains its present standard it will reach three million within a-certain time. We have almost become- already ■ a first-class military Power, and the more widely the' facts are known, the better heart will be given the Allies and greater depression to our enemies/' .

■ xiecruiting for the Territorials is brisk. Eighty per cent have volunteered for foreign service. Several units, are engaged.in the fighting line, while many others have replaced regulars in garrisoning Gibraltar, Malta, Egypt, and India-—a duty of paramount importance, though likely to be uneventful. They cheerfully left the glory for others. '. \ The new battalions are undergoing extensive training. They include many professionals,, doctors, architects, and engineers giving up assured incomes to strengthen England's first'line of def.ene against a possible raid.

SWITZERLAND DEMANDS AN APOLOGY FROM GERMAN GOVERNMENT. (Rec. Feb. 9 a.m.) BERNE,-Feb. T7. An official inquiry established that a. German aeroplane recently fleAv over Swiss territory. , The Minister at Berlin has been instructed to demand the German Government's apology. FINANCIAL CONDITIONS IN NEW YORK FOREIGN EXCHANGE DEMORAL- . .-.-•• ... -■■:.■ ISED.' ■;■ : ■■■'-' NEW YORK, Feb.. 16. Foreign exchange,", is demoi'alised, and sight drafts on London reached the lowest figure for thirty years. A meeting of international bankers;::is pending to endeavour 0 to adjust.-the conditions.' The situation is largely'dne to heavy 'exports of Tvar materials, coupled with Great Britain's refusal jto release gold.; CAPTAIN OF THE BLUCHER DIES AT FJ3INBIJ.RGH.. (Rec. Dec. 18, 8.45 a.m.) / LrdNDON, Feb. 17. Oaptain Erdmand, of the "Blucher-, died at Edinburgh, of pneumonia. He was. one of the greatest gunnery-authorities in Germany.' •-., : , :-. 1 ":■_'■:': ; . . ' >,. RETURNING BRITISH PRISONER S INHUMAN TREATMENT IN INTERNMENT CAMF^ "FOOD ONLY-" FIT FOiR PIGS!'* (Rec. Feb. 18, 8.45 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, Feb. 17. Some 110 returning British •prisoners eagerly listened to the war news, and cheered on learning of -the Falklands victory the. loss of' the Blucher. They state that they were' fairly well treated in the-hospitals, but their treatment in |he' internment camps- was inhuman". .T&ey were.almost starved, and the food "viae fit only for 'pigs; They/were; kicked if ;t)hey made'the' slightest complaint. v ' r British and German wounded met at Flushing,, and: chatted concerning"' iheir life during imprisonment.' .. , ifSr f'MUST PARTICIPATE IN THE /WAR.'" (Rec. Feb, 18 3 9 a.m.) -. , - BOMEy Feb. .17. Signor Bissolate, Leader of the Mod- . erate Socialists>' favours Italian inter-: vention. He declares that from the elemental reason of the defence of her national rights she must participate hi the war. ; " -'.., : ■ •"-/ - ' ' •'"' • - SOUTH~ AFRICA AIR CLEARED BY THE REBELLION - IMPROVED OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE. .

' Sir H. J. Goqld-Adams, interviewed, said the South African, rebellion was niore anti-Botha than, anti-British. -The death of General: Delarey was, jniost fortunate, as he was en route to Pochefr stroom to incite the burghers to rebellion,, with the object of. marching, to Pretoria to seize the war stores. The! rebellion would clear .the air and improve the outlook for the future.. ~

TRIAL OF DE WET./ (Received Feb. 18, 9.10 a.m.) CAPETOWN, Feb; 17. At- the trial of-De Wet, -evidence was given that during the engagement at Doomburg De .Wet directed the stormin V,of the Loyalist,position;-hut- ordered the rifles rto-'be, unloaded, •apparently not wishing to kill. ;-■".•' '■■"'.'■! Other evidence showed that the rebels believed Maritz had captured Kimberley, an 1 .they.imagined that the march" on Pretoria, would be a picnic,, and that the whole-Dutch' population would ..

tffi&eTvetf Feb. 18, 11 a.m.) CAPETOWN, -Feb. 17. / A witness stated that, General Botha wrote to ex-President' Steytt. urging-him/■ to-use his influence to preverifc I>hc re-! beflion. Steyn sent Hertzog to see. Be' Wet, atffl Bqtha proposed that De Wet should go to Pretoria-under .safe conduct to negotiate with t&e government. De Wet declined, and' fold Hertzog that Botha must resign or agree tit Hie- proclamation of a republic. IN AUSTRALIA COMMONWEALTH DEFENCE EXPENDITURE. MELBOURNE, Feb. 17. Senator Pealce anticipates that the £11,000,000 provided for military expen- 1 ditul-e for the ctui-ent year will bo £'2,000,000 short of requirements, owing to the iConimomveallh sending 10,000 ad* ditional irie'ri.SEIZURE OF FLOUR AT SYDNEY. SYDNEY, Fe'fe, 17. Aftt-r an inquiry by the Commodities Commission the Government seized 44 ! 3 bags of flour sold by a Sydney merchant' for shipment, to Queensland and. Victoria. CONTROL OF MEAT SUPPLIES.SYDNEY'. Feb. 17. The Federal and 'State 'Governments dispute the powers of each other to control the meat supplies on behalf of GreatBritain. The Hon. F. G. Tudor Federal Minister of Trade, declares that.the State has nothing to do with the. matter. I the: fiorJ. j. H. Calul, Chief Secretary | of New ■South' Wales, insisting• that tj.e, soidier s mtlst be fed eyeflrif the people here; have" to starve, iriteiids supplying the Imperial Government's wants', The Prize iCourt ordered the. delivery of the German ship Wogan to file! -Admiralty authorities. The Jockey Club has given an additional war donation of £725 for the purchase of a Red Cross motor lorry. i TROOPS AND LIQUOR. Received 10.40 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. A large* deputation petitioned the State Premier id -restrict; the sale of intoxicating liquor to members of the Expeditionary Force by the earlier ing \)f "hotels. t . '/'■'■!■ , Sir A. Peacock replied that he had no power to alter the closing time. He added that he thought the abolition of wet canteens had a good deal. to do with the drinking in the .city.

NEW ZEALAND OFFICIAL INFORMATION The High Commissioner reports: London/ (Feb. :.17; 2:55 p.m. Paris reports that, on the whole fiort on the 16th events. Vera favourable to. the Allies. . '.-•';-; ~ •, ? Between the 'Oisc and the Aisne rear Debe'lly pur fire was very effective .«.n an assemblage of automobiles. "VVe. progressed in the Rheims sector near Loivie. r • ■'■, -'•• .;' On the Champagne . front, extending north-west of Perthes arid north of Beausejour, wo captured three kilometres of ■German trenches and took several hundred prisoners.* • ; , . : ■■■■■ ■■'■"-. ■■'■-■ "• ' '■ North-west, of. Ponta; Moussoh. Xltfi, Allies cavvied several of the enemy's blockhouses at Pretre Forest. ".." .'London, Feb. il7, 1.30 .paii. . ; . The Admiralty reports -that tko.aitoperations of the Naval Wing ag.vinst the Brugcs^-Ostend—eZebrugge district continue. . .•. . ;'■•■." ; This afternoon 40 aeroplanes, ru.d seaplanes bombarded 'Ostend, Mid ielkei'Ke, Ghistelles, and Zeebrugge. «'■'.' Bombs were droppedott heavy baftf nee situated on the east and west p.rtes of Ostend harbour, on'gun positims at Middelkerke,. on transport cti the'Ostend-Ghistelles road, pn ihe nole at Zeebrugge (to widen the breach and increase the damage caused t by former attacks),, locks at ; Zeebrugge, on barges outside Blankenberghe,- andon. trawlers outside" Zeebrugge. ""*."'". ■•"".•. '". ..T. ■Eight French aeroplanes assisted :in the operations, making'a .vigorous 'attack on the aerodrome, /thus 'effectively; 'preventing German ■''; aircraft |Cfroni, cyttirig. off our machines. ■•■<-. •> . ■, .> Good results were obtained.

London, Feb. 16, 5.15 a.m. Petrograd reports that in the region of Augustovo til© Russians fought obstinately on Monday against numerically superior German forces, which-were trying to surround the Russian wings. An enemy column is marching- from Craweko to Osowieee. Between- the Vistula and Skrwa the enemy reached' the front Plock —Racioaz. In the Carpathians the Russians progressed on she left bank of -the upper San, and took 600 prisoners— Determined German attacks on Kroziowa and Wyschoff were repulsed. In Bukovina the enemy* captured Nadvogna and crossed the Serth river.

, NURSING iQONTINGENT. , WELLINGTON, 'Feb. 17. As the nurses selected ,f or - the New Zealand Nursing Contingent which is to proceed to the front aTe already fully qualified, if is not considered probable that they \/ill require to undergo any. period of training in camp before their departure. Exactly how'and' whep. they will go' has riot "yet been decided, ( liut it is quite possible they will 'leaye with the next draft'of reinforcements. If not, they will probably proceed jx> England } y ordinary steamer. The "sister nurso at' present matron in charge of the New Zeaand nurses at Samoa has been appointed mation of the contingent. Ten members of the c6ntingent will be given the' rank of sister, and the remainder will'rank as nurses. The' whole of the members of the contingent have the same status as officers in the New .Zealand Expeditionary Force, and, their term of service will be* for the duration of the war and their return to New Zeaand. ' The rates of pay have been fixed as follows: —Matron in charge, 1 £l5O per'annum ; sisters, £120; nurses, £IOO. Each! member of the contingent will receive an outfit freo, and where meals and.residence aT*' not otherwise provided for will leceive an allowance of 4s '6d per day. The War Office instructions will bo strictly adhered to, and if any of .those selected are over the prescribed ago they will not bo allowed to go. NEW RECRUITING SYSTEM. PRONOUNCED SUCCESS. , WELLINGTON, Feb. 17. The now recruiting .system inaugurated by the Defence Department is meeting with pronounced success in Wellington, although tho first notice of the" system coming into effect was given only on Monday. Tho inquiry for registration cards has alieady been such that "every post office within Wellington city and suburbs^ has ~j:un.,.out ;,of.' .first: supplies, and "had t6 apply ,to .the,. Defence JDe 7 partment for more. 'ft.i No. £rarea office alone'yesterday no fewer than- 81 '.registration cards/wore handed out i-o applicants.

.- ' ■ .--~~--— — **f deferring to the new system, tho Mintet«r of Defence said it .was entered, upon because it was plain that the Department should take over tho recrujtiiig;or-. .Tanisation into its own hands,. In the past different system had been adopted fa different localities, by patriotic committees Posters had been issued. One of these which had come into his hands was not as it should be. The Department accordingly set to work to prepare, a poster of its own, and this" had MOjW hmn issued. By the introduction of tho new tecruiting, system it was hoped, to get as fmuy meft.as possible registered, to that futtf** drafc of reinforcements might be assured/ No .cpnf usion. or hardship in calling up i«S« w'buldbe entailed, the Department was parti that mki should npt leSw'-f ork'•irntil they were called upon to do «Oj arid „\n the directions how to enlist-" 1? •: had specially emphasised that point. REGULATIONS LIQUOR-: ■WELLINGTON, this Day. By a "Gazette" Extraordinary issued to-day tlie following additional regulations are made under tho War [Regular tiofJs Act,,1914: "No person shall sell any intoxicating "liquor to any member-of the Defence""forces,-or to any member,of , the 'Expeditionary Forces, -wVn- in uni- ; form,-for consumption elsewhere than on , tho premises where it is sold, soft ghall give or supply or act- as agent for ihfi. purchase of any intoxicating; liquors f OX' « n y member of the D.eferico forces when .jn uniform for consumption | elsewhere than on the primis?S ( whetc:ii I is given,. suppliecT'Pi-purdias.ed"',.; .«■•». ' NEW ZEALANIS EEEF. AND ■-, ■-. MUTTONL REQUIRED. BY IMPERIAL. AUTHORITIES. • WELLINGTON,;This Day.. :, Speaking at the Masterton Showj -Mrv ... M&ssef declared that an! important- . cijr.-r cumgtance' ha 4 ' recently: arisen. ..The Imperial authorities had intimated that they >. would require all the beef arid' Jrnuttph j; exported - front"v New ; Zealand/ The Go- - vernment had no details, but was in communication in Tesp«ct to the matter. It was not thought serious loss would be occasioned .to; New 4 .Zealand. No doubt the Imperial authorities -would pay a fair price. Mr Massey-went on. to say that he sincerely hoped companies would be; better*prepared fo» carrying New ■Zealaudl;produc> next yteai than they .wereithis.iVfor; jf-tWy;were -rial ready to supply'; the requited-,?; r shapmng - facilities, the Government, must Sunder- : take the work itself.. ' . V." r '^' philomei/slen in act^h AGAINST STTPJ<;PJOREKE» <■■■■■• t : i .-fOfaqß;-; n , .;-;.:„.. . - WELLINGTON, 'Tbif jSkj*. The Minister of • Defence has been/asf-, vioed that an armed landing' party the Philomel came in contact with tMer> enemy who were in much greater force. Officers and men behaved very well in • deed, and retired under, covers .pf> ; tflO" ship's aims;■-;■ ■ ■'-,'' . ' . "", '' 1 - Two men were killed, as previously ieported, and three wounded. . The wounded arc doing well. . y , ■■ • , The enemv's casualiie* % were at lcastl; 26 killed and^ many mcttw-wounded. , •■ IN _ '" .'" Fifty-six recruits from the-,Wesfc for the reinforcements: 'passed'" through' Nelson last night in the steamer, i, hura on liheir -way to Trentham.