HIGH COMMISSIONER'S CABLES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16415, 21 June 1915, Page 5

HIGH COMMISSIONER'S CABLES

THE RUSSIAN THEATRE, A GENEEAL REVIEW. LONDON, June 18 (4.45 p.m.). In the Shavli district and west of the Middle Niemen there has been no special change. German attacks were repulsed, and the fighting continues. On the Bzura front, about Sochaczew (west of Warsaw), on Wednesday the Russians repulsed small German attacks. | In Galicia severe engagements occurred on June 15 between the San and the town of Lnbacsow, and in the' region of the village of Rrakowice. On the Dniester front, on the night of June 15-16, on the sector between the Rivers Tysmienica and Stryj, the enemy were thrown back in disorder. We made a notable capture on the Dniester on Monday and Tuesday, comprising 202 officers, 7544 men, six guns, 21 mitrailleuses, caissons, ammunition, and other booty.. Ou Tuesday the enemy crossed the Dniester above and below Nizniow, west of Stanislau. The forces crossing above were destroyed, those below were checked. The fighting continues. In the direction of Chotin, between the Pruth and the Dniester, the Russians pressed the enemy on Wednesday. Chotin is on the Dniester, in Pollolia, on the Russian side of the frontier. SUCCESSES IN ALSACE. LONDON, June 18 (11.20 p.m.). In Alsace the Allies have gained ground on both banks of the Fecht,. capturing prisoners and a large quantity of muni° tions. French patrols have reached the bordera of Metzeral (a town at a fork of the Fecht, about 20 miles north-west of Mulhausen and 12 miles south-west of Colmar). CARE OF THE WOUNDED. EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT. REASSURING STATEMENTS '•" SECURED. The Hon. James Allen (Minister of Defence) intimated last night that certain rumours had come to him, and he was afraid some, at least, of the public were giving too much credence to them, to the effect that the arrangements for the care of the wounded left something to be' desired. He wished to make sure that everything was all right. He had given explicit instructions, and had given the military authorities permission to provide for all the necessities of the sick and wounded, and as regards comforts he had sent money from that which the public had subscribed and, in addition to that*, when he got a telegram telling him that he wanted more he sent £1000. His Excellency the Governor had forwarded two telegrams for him —one to Sir John Maxwell, Commander-in-chief of the troops in Egypt, and the other to the officer commanding the base hospitals. Sir John Maxwell's reply was as follows :—" In reply to the personal telegram, there is absolutely no truth in the rumour that has reached you. We have ample accommodation in the hospital for the NewZealand sick and wounded. The Egyptian Army Hospital has been entirely handed over to New Zealanders, and there are at the present moment many empty beds. The two New Zealand stationary hospitals sent by you to Egypt are shortly arriving. Patients are not sent to convalescent camps until they no longer require hospital treatment. They remain in those camps mntil they are fit to go to the front. The socalled convalescent camps are, wherever possible, large airy buildings." The officer commanding the New Zealand base hospitals at Alexandria replied as follows :—

" All the hospital ships are met by Chaplain-captain Green, myself, or both. Each hospital here is visited at least weekly by Green, and frequently by New Zealand officers. Each man in the hospital receives complete shaving equipment, writing material, and toothbrush. Cigarettee, tobacco, and fruit are distributed regularly. In addition, motor orderlies are sent through the hospitals daily distributing mails, weekly papers, and taking orders for extras to the amount of 2s or 3s weekly. Cablegrams are delivered by motors as soon as practicable, and replies are sent when requested. Treatment of New Zealanders is held up ae an example and is being copied. The hospitals are splendidly conducted, the staff is efficient, and most attentive. The local residents and the Red Cross organisations are most helpful. Consider that everything possible is being done."

' THE BRITISH FORCES. GOOD PROGRESS AT HOOGK LONDON, June 20 (2.50 a.m.). General French Teports to-night: Yesterday, nonh of Hooge, the British occupied German trenches for a frontage of 250 yards, which the enemy were forced to rV-.ndon. They captured during the ■week 213 prisoners, including two officers, three machine guns, and one full gaa cylinder. North-east of Armentieres the British exploded several mines yesterday, and destroyed the enemy's trenches. , The British artillery rifle fire inflicted casualties on the enemy while trying to escape after the explosion. The electrical power station at La Eassee was successfully bombarded yesterday by British airmen.