SEVERAL TOWNS CAPTURED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15932, 1 June 1915, Page 7

SEVERAL TOWNS CAPTURED

FRENCH SUCCESS NEAR ARRAS

RObIANIA'S ENTRY LIKELY.

ENVOY SENT FROM GERMANY

The Italians are invading Austrian Tyrol at a number of points, and have captured several more frontier towns. Although the Austrians bold the best positions in the mountain passes, the Italians are silencing the Austrian batteries one by one. They have advanced some distance towards Trent along the valley of the Adige, and have also captured a pass in the Cadoric Alps, on the north-eastern frontier of Tyrol. On the Frioli frontier the Austrians are strengthening their defences on the east bank of the Isonzo River, and also hold several points on the west bank. The authorities in Venice are taking precautions to guard the treasures of the city against attacks by Austrian airmen. In the western theatre the French have achieved a notable success by the capture of Ablain St. Nazaire, eight miles north of Arras. The village had been transformed into a fortress by the enemy, the houses being connected with each other by underground ways. It was defended by 2000. The redaction of the village necessitated the blowing up of the houses one by one. In the region of Neuville St. Vaast, to the south-east of Ablain, the French are attacking a strong German position known as "The Labyrinth," where hot fighting is reported. Sir John French reports that the British have made further small gains at Festubert since Wednesday. Germany has sent the Prince de Wedel as a special envoy to Bucharest on a mission to avert Roumania's intervention in the conflict on the side of the allies.