The North Otago Times TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1917. THE RUSSIAN SITUATION.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13939, 24 July 1917, Page 4

The North Otago Times TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1917. THE RUSSIAN SITUATION.

The collapse of the Russian offensive in (lalicia must inevitably follow the serious situation whiclijias developed in- the Austro-Geriiran drive on the Zlocxoff sector, Hi;.*, sian official reports declare that the initial success achieved by the enemy was due to the disaffe'clion of certain regiments, which offered no resistance, and. it is added thai the penetration of one portion of the front compelled Hie forces to retire. But unfortunately there is little exact information to the extent of front affected. The attack was-' delivered immediately north of Pluholf, and' it seems to have affected the front as far soutn as Brzczany and northwards towards Brody. The German reference to operations' between the Strypn'and the Sereth may mislead ihe casual render, because the Scroti) runs down to the Dniester in a channel that is ten or fifteen itiilcs'cast of the Strypa. But the Sereth rises -not far from the Bro-dy-Zloczoft road, south-west of Brody, and its course h generally south. The Strypa rises to the north of the Zloczoff'-Tarnopol road, and south-west of Brody, road, and. a thrust from Zloczoff eastwards would carry the Germans past the source of the Strypa and towards the ''Upper Sereth. A serious breach in the Russian lines on this sector must prejudice the position on the Brody sector and also on the Bi> ezany-Diiiester front and will undo all the good work that General Brusiloff has achieved this year, by'compelling him to relox his pressure on the Narajovka front' and to deprive General Kornlioff 3 army of the co-operation and support of the army immediately north of the Dniester. The reports already to hantl show that the enemy broke through astride the Zloczoff-Tarnopol road on a narrow front, but rapidly opened a bigger gap. Their actual advance is now being made on a front of twenty-five or thirty miles, but its influence k being felt on. fifty .miles of front. The Russians have fallen back for nearly twenty miles at one/point and are now'along the Upper Slrpya,northwards of Tar'wipol, which is clearly in danger. The military, crisis has been followed by recriminations' among the Provisional Cabinet and Prince Lvoff has resigned. It is reported from Pefrograd >hat the crisis has passed, but precisely the same coloured view of a dangerous situation was offered before. There arc reports that M. Kerensky has. a.ssumed the Premiership, ifiid will ultimately become Dictator. Ail these .forecasts arc unsubstantiated and must be accepted with no small amount of caution. It is quite plain that Germany has not slackened her efforts to promote internal dissension and disruption' behind the Russian lines, and the most optimistic of the observer.? of tite march of the gigantic militarylpagcant are compelled to admit that the Russian situation '•; full of grave possibilities and -i most disquieting.

IV Constable Hodgson, of Wailtouaiti, arrcstejl n man 'iiatiiod' W|3iian»; jllirat,. Griffiths on Thursday on a charge that, belonging-to. the 'First"Division of .reservists 'ami''being"required to' make application for enrolment, he failed to make application within fourteen days after September, 1910, He was brought before the local .court and remanded to Duiicdin,

The following will represent the Maheno Hockey Club in a match against theWaitaki Girls' High School at the show grounds on Wednesday: Forwards, Misses L. , McDonald,- 11. Wharton, J. Muldrcw (captain), M. Crow, and A: Muldrcw; half-backs, Misses M. McDonald, I. Wharton, and M, Cahler; backs, Misses I, Wilson anil R, Muldrcw; goal-keeper, Miss J. Watson, Emergencies: Misses M. Low, J. Wilson, and M, Eobcrts.

The Otago Land Board disposed of leases of education reserves by auction on Friday. The lease of section 17, block 32, Duiicdin City, a quarter-acre, with dwelling, with frontage to Queen and Duke streets, was bought by Elizabeth Bell at the upset annual rental of £ll.Thc leases of three sections in Oamaru were also offered. Section 7, block 30, was taken by A, A. Bruce Christie at the upset rental of £o; section 13, block 33, was passed in; and section 3, block GO, was bought by Emma Hilliker at the upset annual rent of J3,

On Fridav evening the local troop of Mounted Signallers met in Bartrum's tea rooms for the purpose of fnrcwelling one of their number, Trooper J, Taylor, who leaves for camp shortly. Corporal W. Hoplcy presided, and in presenting the guest with a set of military hairbrushes and a money-belt, spoke of the good relations which existed between Trooper Taylor and the nrembcrs of the company. On behalf of the assembly he wished him every success and a safe return. During the evening a number of toasts were honoured, andtho following contributed items of entertainment:—Messrs J. M'Clean, fi, J, Hinkley, E. M'Diannid, and W. Jl'C'oinbie. The singing of "Auld Lang Sync" and the National Anthem terminated a moat enjoyable evening.

In the course of his reserved decision on the prosecution of the Wellington Gas Company's employees who left their work together after giving notice, the Magistrate, Mr McCarthy, said:— Counsel for the defence had contended that the action of the defendants was, in its inception, lawful, and that their acts subsequent to February sth were unaffected by the regulation of that date, Counsel'for the Crown submitted that the regulation was binding on defendants, and therefore their concerted action in leaving their employment after February sth was unlawful. A defence to a prosecution under section 2-1 of the Police Offences Act did not amount to a defence under the War.ltcgulations Act. li must not be overlooked that the Empire of which the Dominion was a part, is in a state of war and what might be pcnnissaldc in times of peace is not now expedient. In times of war tlie safety ,pf, tli.C; State is the, supreme, law. The rights of individuals then become a secondary consideration. The .regulations now under review are aimed at preventing a turbulent faction from hampering the life of the Dominion. It is in the light of these considerations that the regulations must be interpreted."

The Town Clerk (Mr C. W. Kent) lias received from Mr F, Black, Wellington, the consulting electrical engineer to the Borough Council, the following letter in reference to the further endeavours that arc being made to induce the Home authorities to grant the release of supplies for the electricity scheme which are at present held up in England by export regulations: "I duly received yours of 11 th inst., covering copy of letter addressed by you to the Department of Munitions, and have to thank -yen for same. Mr Adams (the chief executive officer* of the department) advised ,mc that it had practically boon decided to forward your letter to' the authorities, at Home with a request that they give the whole matter their best consideration, in the light of statements made. At (lie same time he said' he could hold out no hope of a favourable decision being probable,, I asked him to request the authorities to cable the reply, so that the council may know the linal result of its endeavours as earlv as possible, and this will be done."

The monthly meeting of the North School Committee was held in the schoolroom last evening, when the following members attended: Messrs James Mitchell (chairman), N, Meldruin, J. Brownlee, Jacob Mitchell, G. S, Jones, G. McLcod, S. Mollison, R. Rusbatch, and R. C. Young. A circular letter was received from the Education Board intimating that it had been resolved to make a special war grant to committees for the year ending 31st December, and that the grant,would be continued for the duration of the .war A circular letter from A. J. Parkinson, secretary of the New Zealand Educational Institute, wa's read asking for the endorsement by (he committee of the proposal for the six o'clock closing of hotels.—lt was resolved to reply that after consideration the committee had come to the conclusion lliat the matter was not one entering into the province of school committees. The headmaster's report showiod that the attendance for the.past four I weeks had been as follows: 473,-174,163 and 46i>. The average roll number had been 50!), oil, 510 and 512, giving a I general average attendance of lb'o, equivalent to ninety two per cent, The headmaster also reported that Mr G, L, Cutlinertson had presented to the school a framed picture representing Jack Corinvpll—the Jutland battle boy hero—standing by Lis gun,,and that it had been hung in the sixth standard room.—' It was decided to thank Mr Cuthbertson for the gift. Messrs Jacob Mitchell and ft. S. Jones were appointed the visiting committee for tlie ensuing month. Accounts amounting to f lll'lfis were passed for payment.

_ Dealing with New Zcalaiul industries thnt.liatlTbcen catubliahcil since the war 'commenced,' 1 Mr & J. 'Harbutt stated last.evening that last year a, gelatine works in the South had produced over £50,000 wortu.of high-class goods, Prior to the war' the gelatine manufacturing trade was practically in- the hands of Germany,

to a question 1))* Mr R,, Fletcher in .the House of Representatives the Minister of Defence said that no complaints had been ma'dc' by the military' authorities since the first year of the war that- over-indulgence- of liquor by the New Zejilaud Forces had affected training. It was a fact that on repeated occasions complaints had been paid to the physique of our reinforcements, and not only to their physique but also to their discipline and sobriety.

Referring to the treatment of crippled soldiers, the Minister of Defence stated in the House of Representatives that the Government had collected all available information regarding the provision rnado for the training of. these men in other countries. The time had not arrived for launching a scheme in New Zealand, because the Government could not toll yet what number of men would need training, Crippled New Zealand soldiers were receiving training, and were being fitted with artificial limbs in England, where the facilities were adequate, and he had arranged to send back to England some returned men who. needed to be fitted with artificial limbs by experts. The whole matter was receiving attention, and the Government would be ready to act when the right lime came.

A valuable Wellington city property has just changed hands, It is the land in Willis street, four doors below the Evening Post buildings, covered by the shop, stores, and warehouses .of Messrs Edward Anderson and Co., Ltd., glas3 and china merchants. The property has frontage of■ 56ft. by a depth of 229 ft., and the price paid by the-pur-chaser (Mr 11. D, Bennett, or Taihapc) is £2,1,400. The sale was effected through the agency of Messrs Longmore and Co. Owing, primarily, to the ill-health of Mr Edward Anderson it is intended to wind up the present business, which was established on the site now occupied by Mr David Anderson in 18-19, when the waters of the harbour lapped 'on the shore a stone's throw from the doorway. The property is not to be handed over to the new owner until January ill, 1918.

Speaking at the House of Representatives a few days ago, Mr A. Hindmarsh rated the Defence authorities soundly for their treatment of a returned soldier who, it was alleged, could not get admission to the Wellington Hospital, although he was in sore need of hospital treatment. The Defence Minister gave the House the facts of the case yesterday. The soldier had an injured arm, and the medical authorities recommended him for treatment as ait outpatient of the Hospital, He was so treated for a time. It was then decided that an operation .was jic).'Qssary.■jiiiji thjaonin" was informed that lie would IJeadnuffcd to the Hospital as soon as a be*was available. The man was apparently under the impression that he should be admitted at once, and left aggrieved because the Hospital authorities would not take him in. At the time the Hospital was full, and there were' numbers of operation cases awaiting admission.

Over a thousand Australian wounded and convalescent soldiers—heroes of Ariiientiei;es and Por.iercs—returned to Sydney last week, and were accorded a wonderful reception. Private Jackson, V.C., of Gunbar, was singled out for

special attention. His "Cross" episode is worth relating. He was returning from a successful raid in "No-Man's Land" when several members of his party were seriously wounded by shellfire. He had come back safely, handed over a prisoner, and immediately went back under the heaviest fire, and' assisted in bringing in a wounded man. Then a shell blew off his right arm, and the shock at the same time rendered the sergeant unconscious. Private Jackson returned to the trenches, obtained assistance, and went out to look for two wounded comrades. His work was marked by tlie greatest coolness and bravery, and he set a splendid example of pluck and determination. Private Jackson was only seventeen years of age wh.cn he enlisted, in February, 1915. The lower portion of Ms right arm was blown away by shrapnel, necessitating the amputation of the limb;' For some time he was an inmate ofc.No. 3 London Genera! Hospital,

The lack of training and control over girls after the age of fourteen was discussed at some length at the annual meeting of the Auckland branch of the Educational Institute last week, Miss lE. M. Newton moved a resolution, which I was 1 carried, to the effect that, in the best interests of (he womanhood of this country, training in home sciencj should be continued after (he age of fourteen, and that the meeting recommend.that compulsory classes be held in daylight hours, The speaker pointed out that the ignorance and ineptitude of untrained mothers were responsible for :i great deal of preventable wastage of child life, ilrs Baume stated that Iho womanhood of the future must lie-as capable as we could make it. The rebuilding of the nations would devolve very largely upon the girls of today. Out of 8,000 girls who attended-primary schools, only 800 went on to the secondary schools. What are they going to do with these girls who did not receive the benefits of a better training which would strengthen their characters and give them a better opportunity of making the most of their lives? The State was doing much for the children in primary schools, but at the ago of fourteen, which was a most critical age, they were absolutely thrown on their own responsibility. If girls between the ages of fourteen ami seventeen the speaker said, could be made to realise their responsibilities, many of the social problem's which now face us would be answered. ■

With a;.view of self-protection,' thf ■ ;;';■ Sccoiid Division League Conference re'', solvod on Fiklay: VThat no person of \. military-nge-* be permited to enter the *|f Dominion and tiike'ifp positions vacated ./*" b* New Zealandcrs called for service,'!

There are at present on view in the window of Mr J. Leslie's shop, Thames street, some relics from the battlefield if the Sommc. Tlic collection consist of a Gerinaii-hcliiict/.'.a belt and ft clarinet, The trophies were gathcroil .by Private. J. Stevenson, formerly of Oamaru, and _a member of the North Otago Highland Pipe Band, who left New Zealand with \he Ninth Reinforcements. The helmet was picked up on the field, the belt was taken from the body of a dead German soldier, and the clarinet was taken from a dug-out iu the captured trenches, •

'~ The need for further research work in agricultural chemistry was emphasised at the conference of the Council of Agriculture. Mention was made of the great economic loss resulting from waste in certain industries. One speaker .said that wool grease from which lanollno was derived was not utilised. Professor liilgendorf affirmed that valuable 'reports of scientific research already carried out .had bccii persistently pigeonholed, instancing in particular those in connection with ilax and coal. The conferen«c decided to urge the Government to publish reports, so that practical advantage could be taken of the information afforded.

One of the liftle "jobs" entrusted!ld naval officers in the Persian Gulf durin'g/V

the early days- of the Mesopotamia!! campaign, wa3 tliat of settling disputes, declared Captain in a "talk on the war" in Wellington on Thursday night, often developed into little battles, which kept the people; from boredom. On one occasion during an inter-tribal war the combatants hdd ulenty of power, but were rather short of shot, so they arranged that they should lire regularly one side at the other at 8 o'clock each morning. Theyused round shot, and it was amusing when a shot was Tired to see the natives rushing over the sand after it, and when it got cool'pick it up and fire it back again. ', "

Explanations of the' extraordinary conditions ruling in (he Canadian markets a few months ago are given in the • Statist,-which dictates that the operations of the British Government were the cause of the trouble, which culminated in the Canadian Government closing the market for spot, May, June, riiiil July delivery, after 98s. (id per -ISOlb had been touched. Our authority mentions that the British Government Ims been hard put to it to keep up lt|ld maintain tiic quality of (lie loaf, and there is no way to do these things.so sure as lo use No. 1 Canadian in the mixture, lu buying spot wheat of this grade, therefore, the Government was wise, and acted usefully, and in trying to buy forward it may have acted presciently. Unfortunately, Canadian wheat this season is grading, not extremely badly, hut very lower-middle class— of, in f■■'.(•!, the type which Britain probabW had 100 much already. During April, 191U,:tlie aiwMS per'cent, all other grades; 'for April, 1917, it is 9 per cent. No 1 and 91 per cent, all other grades, This enormous difference has been con fronting Government buyers, who were not allowed a free ham!, but had to make it a Nu. i delivery or no purchase. Russia's,inability to give a supply of kindred character is a great loss to Britain. This in peace time is that alternative soUM! of supply which normally keeps Canadian sellers wilhin hounds. The British Government will now need the very best counsel of the most experienced millers ft and bakers. No. 1! Canadian wheat may serve—some American hard wheat, the best Indian. But the lower grades Canadian do not meet the case, and Australian, though excellent wheat'of its c!ass, is exactly llie type not needed in the particular mixture which is to impart strength lo a loaf already weakened by a 10 per cent, addition of barley or maize. , '' .