RUSSIANS STRIKE BACK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16039, 4 October 1915, Page 6

RUSSIANS STRIKE BACK.

RENEWED OFFENSIVE. ATTACKS ALL ALONG LINE. COSTLY GERMAN FAILURE. (Received October 4> 2 a.m.) Peteoqbad, October 3. It is officially stated-that the great German offensive toward the east of Svientziany, north-east of Vilna, is considered to be a complete failure. The enemy has everywhere been thrown back towards his fortified entrenchments. The Russians have straightened their line southward of Dvinsk to westward of Vilieka, and have completely stopped the German offensive in the direction of Pinsk and "Riga. A communique states: '* As the result of a bayonet action we captured a cemetery at the southern end of Lake Narotch. The enemy were driven back a considerable distance from the Vilieka railway An engagement upon the River Vilia, norta of Smorgone developed into a stubborn battle. There was-

also a hard-fought action south-east of Koike, in the Middle Styr region. Energetic operations lasted 20 days, and are not finished. '

"Asa result the Russians wrested the initiative in the Villieka region from the enemy, decisively repulsed the German attack, and destroyed their scheme of action for some days. "The enemy are being gradually held in check, their offensive broken, and then finally repulsed. Enormous losses were inflicted. The Russians' well-contrived plans have turned defensive into offensive and have* been accomplished with a skill and perseverance which testify to the highest gallantry of the troops."