THIRD EDITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16757, 25 January 1918, Page 6

THIRD EDITION.

ENEMY ATTACK IN BELGIUM FRENCH LINE ASSAILED. FOOTING GAINED IN POSTS. (Received 1.35 a.m.) A. and N.Z.-Reuter. LONDON, Jan. 24. A French communique states: An important raid after an intense bombardment enabled the Germans to gain a footing in an advanced element of our front line east of Xieuport, in Belgium, i\\» and a half miles from the sea-coast. LOSSES OF BRITISH SHIPS. TWO IN THE SAME PLACE. QUESTIONS IN COMMONS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. I.SO a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 23. J In the House of Commons, Mr. R. P. Houston, Unionist member for West Toxteth, asked several questions ' regarding sabmarine losses. Dr. T. J. Macnamara, representing the Admiralty, admitted that a refrigerated steamer was lost un January 20, in the same place, and at the same hour, as a steamer was torpedoed on Christmas Day. The refrigerated steamer was not escorted. Mr. Houston asked whether, seeing the large number of steamers sunk on this spot, the Admiralty would alter instructions which caused shipmasters to fall right into a submarine post. Mr. Houston elicited the fact that two steamers from Liverpool and Waterford were lost with all hands on December 15 and 17, and part of a boat was washed up. Mr. J. M. Hogge asked whether a large number of children were lost. Dr. Macnamara : I cannot say. ' Mr. Houston asked whether a vessel was sunk at the month of the Mersey with the loss of 42 lives, 19 of those perishing being pilots. Dr. Macnamara said the vessel was mined. Two people were saved out of 43 on board. GERMAN POLICY UNMASKED i —— "MONSTROUS ANNEXATION." RUSSIAN DENUNCIATION. (Received 1.35 a.m.) A and N.Z.-Reuter. LONDON, Jan. 24. A Russian wireless political and official statement declares th.it the German annexationists have been sufficiently powerful to impose their will upon evasive diplomats of the von Hertling and von Kuldmarvn school. The German and Austrian delegations refused to guarantee the withdrawal of the armies from the occupied territories. This is a monstrous annexation. The Austrian and German peoples are being deceived by their own Government before the whole world. The statement continues: At the Brest Litovsk negotiations Austria gave a humble approval to all that General Hoffmann and Dr. von Kuhlmann said, but this did. not prevent the Austrian Socialists from telling fables to the Austrian workmen regarding Count von Czerniu's endeavour to obtain peace. BRITISH ARMY IN FRANCE. CHANGES IN " THE STAFF(Received 1.30 a.m.) Renter. LONDON,. Jan. 23. Mr. J. I. Macpherson, representing the War Office, stated in the House of Commons that Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Lawrence would be Chief of the General Staff in France, Colonel Q. W. Cox would be Brigadier of the Intelligence Department, and Lieutenant-General Travers Clark, Quartermaster-GeneraL The changes', he said, were not consequence of the Gambrai report* GENERAL BADLY WOUNDED.' .SON OF m. ASQUITH. Australian and N.Z Cable Association. (Reed. 1.30 i.m.) LONDON, Jan. 24. Brigadier-General Arthur Asquitfi, third Bon of Mr. H. H. Asqnith,. has been severely wounded in France, his foot having to be amputated. He recently was promoted brigadier-general, and won two bars to the Distinguished Service Order. This is the third time he has been wounded. OFFICER DISAPPEARS. NEW ZEALAND DENTIST. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. ' (Eecd. 1.35 a.m.) i LONDON, Jan. 24. Captain tharles K. Ward, an officer who disappeared recently, belongs to the New • Zealand Dental Corps. Inquiries suggest that he may still be alive, as he was seen after the discovery of an abandoned bicycle.