THE BATTLE OF THE ANCRE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9690, 19 June 1917, Page 8

THE BATTLE OF THE ANCRE

WAR PICTURES AT TOWN HALL. Indubitably the most interesting war picture yet screened locally, “Tht> Battle ot the Ancre and the Advance of the Tanks,” was shown at the Town Hall last evening by the Y.M.C.A. National Council of iSew Zealand before an attendance that filled the big hall to overflowing. Among those present were Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Liverpool, and the Hons. 0. W. Russell and A. L. Hordman. His Worship the Mayor presided. Mr Bernard Page jVayed selections on the city organ from 7.30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Mr a. P. Luke, in introducing tho film, explained that the picture, by special arrangement with the New Zealand Government, was to be shown throughout the country and the whole of the proceeds would be devoted to ' the funds of the Y.M.C.A. body, that had cy its splendid organisation done eo much for the.men at the front, and to other kindred bodies that were working for a similar cause. Mr George, president of tho Y.M.C.A., who next spoke, said that since the ararngement had been made a large number of pic-ture-show proprietors in 'various part# of New Zealand bad written endorsing the action of tho Government and had also offered the use of their theatres free of charge for tho presentation of the film. The picture Sad been taken at the front while the battle of the Ancre, was raging, at consideramerißkto the photographers, who marched with the men. carrying their aameraa instead of rifles. The War Office, which had controlled, who taking of the action, allowed of no “fakes.” While there was no ©xagaeration, ©very care had been taken to eliminate anything that was grnesome. The Hon. G. W. Bussell, who also spoke, s aid that the Government had imported the pictures so that the people of New Zealand could see the bravery and devotion to duty of aU the soldiers of the Empire. The picture had been placed u» the hand* of the Y.M.C.A., aa that _ body, through its excellent organisation, had done the most , for the comfort of the men at the front, and as it would share tho profits with other kindred associations all the proceeds would go towards benefiting the men m tne trenches. Words failed him to adequately eulogise the good work ot tne Y.M.C.A. No doubt tho picture would have a great moral effect, as it showed the magnificent devotion and cheerful heroism of our bravo fellows. _ Mr George then proceeded te Mscribe a few preliminary slides, illustrating typical scenes near __the firing line, showing the method of dealing with wounded men. As the picture was unfolded, tuo marching out of the attacking troops to their approaching line is shown. *tluge bodies of soldiers from all part# of the Empire were soon marching to get into “holts” witK the Hun. Then the artillery was seen in action pounding the trenches of the enemy. Some close views of batteries of howitzers were seen, showing tho great guna vomiting their deadly missiles at the enemy, as the observation officer takes in the results of the bombardment and sends instructions by telephone to the battery commander. The terrain seems to be one vast sea of mud; mud is everywhere. In some tho glutinous mass is up to tno horses’ knees, and shells for the field batteries are slung like saddle bags on the horses, as it is impossible for wheel vehicles to get through tho mud. Despite the fearfully depressing effect of the grim surroundings the British Tommies appear to wear » happy expression on their faces. A. tank at close range called forth * murmur of surprise. The huge monster was seen stalking out liom _ the British front, flattening out the barbed wire entanglements as though they were grass. Cheers were given as the picture showed tho front line troop* with fixed" bayonets go ever the top* of the enemy trenches. The shells arc seen bursting and throwing the dust up as far as the eye could see. The wounded men are seen coming back; some are able to stagger along, and others are helped by their comrades. Others again are brought In on stretchers. A large hatch of Germans are shown being escorted to the British lines. Other tanks are seen in action. Films showing the manufacture of big guns were also thrown on the screen. During the evening Mr H. Fhipp* sang “Mv Old Shako.” An efficient orchestra'played selections during the evening. - . . , Matinees will be given to-day, tomorrow, Thursday, and Saturday, and the pictures will be shown every night till Thursday, inclusive.