THE WAR IN THE EAST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10427, 27 April 1897, Page 5

THE WAR IN THE EAST.

ADVANCE OF THE TURKS.

EXCELLENT DISCIPLINE MAINTAINED.

THE GREEK SQUADRON.

EFFECTIVE OPERATIONS. RENEWED FIGHTING AT M ALUNA PASS. • DEFEAT OF THE GREEKS. EVACUATION OF LARISSA.

FALLING BACK ON PHERSALA.

THE POSITION AT JANINA. Preu Aasociktion.—Electiic T«lep»pb.-Coi>jrl|tat. Constantinople, April 24. It has now transpired that Edhem Pasha has not been re-called.

Osman's presence at the front saves the delay of appealing to Constantinople for directions. The discipline of the Turkish troop 3 is excellent, and they have committed no outrages. They are at present engaged in making a military road to the Maluna Pass. The Greek prisoners captured by the Turks are being treated kindly.

Athens, April 24. The Greeks have occupied Karyua between Platamona and Elassona, The Greek squadrou lias bombarded Hagios and Saranta, and burned large quantities of stores intended for Epirus.

Ten thousand Albanians have joined the Turks.

Hulgaria has declined the Porte's order to break diplomatic relations with Greece. Athens, April 25. Renewed fighting of a severe character has taken place at Mati, on the Thessaly side of the Maluna Pass. It lasted six hours, when the Turks were eventually strongly reinforced, and compelled the Greeks to retire. The Duke of Sparta, together with the members of his staff, have left Larissa for Phersala, the second line of defence.

The semi-official newspaper here states that the troope will concentrate at Phersala, as it was found impossible to avoid the evacuation of Larissa.

Before being completely evacuated the guns were spiked. The Greek squadron has bombarded Santa Quaranta. The town was burned and a quantity of war material, and a large quantity of stores and provision* were destroyed. The Turks have occupied Turnavo, the Greeks having retired towards Larissa in good order, taking their field

artillery and ammunition. Three Greek brigades have assembled at Phersala, some 20 miles south of Larissa. A force of a thousand Greeks fought a superior force of Turks for many hours near Pentepigadia, and lost 150 men. Four battalions of Albanian troops are mustered at Janina. The Moslems have left the town. The position of the Consuls and Christians is considered critical.