FORGED BACK FROM COAST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15753, 30 October 1914, Page 7

FORGED BACK FROM COAST.

BRITISH ADVANCE IN BELGIUM. ENEMY ACTIVE IN ALSACE FLIGHT OF AFRICAN REBELS. GENERAL BOTHA IN PURSUIT. RUSSIANS PRESSING WESTWARD. The war news to-day shows that the great effort of the German armies in Belgium has tailed to check the progress of the allies. It is clear from the terrific fighting of the past week that the German strategists attached great importance to the result of the battle- in Belgium. Their forces crossed the Vser at enormous cost. It is now stated by two correspond dents that they have been driven back across the river, and the Belgian Government, whose army fought heroically in this region, officially announces that the position has improved.

The allies have made progress to the north and east of Ypres and between Cambrai and Arras, and over the whole line from Nieuport to Arras the violence of the German attacks lias slackened'

An official message from Paris says the British have advanced to Passchendael, which is close to Rouliers, the town and railway junction occupied by the Germans this week, and from which they marched to battle with non=com= batant Belgian citizens in front of them. Rouliers is still in possession of the Germans.

On Sunday last a German force marched into Thourout, but they were at once driven back to Bruges, leaving hundreds of dead and wounded. British and French columns came under the fire of a German battery near Lille. A Scottish regiment, which was ordered to silence the guns, charged with their pipers playing. They bayoneted the German artillerymen and broke the . breaches of the guns, enabling the French artillery to advance. The Germans are apparently threatening Belfort, on the French frontier opposite Southern Alsace. Reports from Switzerland state that the Germans in Alsace have been largely reinforced, and that the French are strengthening the surroundings of Belfort. A Berlin message says the investment of Belfort is expected to last a long time, as the garrison is strong, and the French have shown themselves masters in building field fortifications. General Botha has taken the field against the South African rebels, and is already in pursuit of the men under General Beyers. Eighty fully=armed rebels have been captured and the others are in flight before General Botha's force. There is complete confidence in England that the South African Union Government will be able to promptly stamp out the rebellion. Some of the prisoners of war at. Pietermaritzbnrg mutinied on Monday. The guard quelled the mutiny and captured the fugitives. The Russians have resumed fighting in East Prussia. On the Vistula they have forced the enemy to retreat, ana it is stated that they are threatening the whole line of the German communications.