GERMANS BREAKING THROUGH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3168, 2 December 1914, Page 30

GERMANS BREAKING THROUGH.

LONDON, November 30. The Daily Mail’s Petrograd correspondent reports that the surrounded Germans, except the captured divisions, broke through one side of the Russian trap, but are still imperilled. The Daily News’s Petrograd correspondent states that the Germans killed in the 10 days’ battle between the River Bzura and Lodz are estimated at 100,000. PRISONERS AND GUNS CAPTURED. PETROGRAD, November 29. Official: Between the Vistula and the Warta the Germans continue to maintain their fortified positions. On the Strykon-Zgierz-Szadek-Zdun-Ska-wola line the fighting was very stubborn in the Strykon-Zgierz district, where we captured cannon,

machine guns, and several hundred prisoners. We engaged the enemy on the Glowno-Bielawy-Sobota front, the Germans counter-attacking on the left bank of the Vistula. Prisoners describe the German losses as enormous. Many battalions lost all their officers. The Austrians eastward of Cracow were defeated and pursued. We captured 1200 in the Carpathians. The Russians in several districts in the vicinity of the Mazurian Lakes, on the Ageran River, drove the Germans back to their fortified positions. THE STEADILY NARROWING CORRIDOR. PETROGRAD, November 30. The Novoe Vremya says that the enemy, pressed on all sides, is striving to force his way to Strykon through a steadily narrowing corridor. The Russian occupation of Breziny prevents his escape via Koluszki. The Strykon wall of the corridor has been moved westward, and along it between Breziny and Glowno the Cossacks are attacking the German flank. Despite the enemy's high valour and tactical skill, his efforts in this region are destined to be futile. Entire battalions of half-frozen and starving Germans, separated from their units in the Lodz district, willingly surrendered. It is estimated that the Austrians made prisoners since the 9th inst. in the RabaCracow district total £B,OOO. AUSTRIANS ABANDON CZERN 0 WITZ. PETROGRAD, November 29. The Austrians have abandoned -Czernowitz, which the Russians have now occupied, after a fierce bombardment. " GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT. AMSTERDAM, November 29. It is officially stated in Berlin that “ the situation on the right bank of the Vistula is unchanged. We repelled attacks in the region of Lodz; our counterattacks w r ere successful.” TO HELP SERVIA. LONDON, November 29. It is reported that 15 Russian regiments and 70 barges of ammunition and stores have arrived at Raduyevitz, on the Danube, for Seryia. AUSTRIANS DESIRE PEACE. HOW THEY WERE CHEATED. LONDON, November 29. A trustworthy traveller from Vienna says that panic exists throughout the whole of Northern Austria. The people declare that the ultimatum to Servia was “ made in Germany,” and that Austria adopted Germany’s scheme on the assurance that it would be carried out without war. ' The Austrians wish for peace, and are willing to yield up Galicia to the Russians. The Polish party demands the surrender of Cracow before its bombardment in order to spare the city. LLOYD GEORGE’S WAR BUDGET. LONDON, November 29. During the debate on Mr Lloyd George’s Financial Statement Mr Bonar Law declared that though not one of Mr George's most ardent admirers he felt, when the war broke out, that the conditions were so abnormal that they required treatment free of red tape. He preferred a man at the Treasury with courage, even if it was combined with rashness, rather than one who was afraid to do anything. THE BELGIAN KING. LONDON, November 29. Lord Kitchener, in the course of a statement in the House of Lords, said that throughout the whole war the Belgians had been led in the field by their King, who, though hard pressed, never left, and intended never to leave Belgian territory. Lord Kitchener added that the British troops at the front had been refitted, and were in the best of spirits, and confident of success under their leader. ” THE DOUGLAS RIOTS. LONDON, November 29. At the inquiry into the Douglas riot, evidence was given that the signal for the insurrection was a blooded hand cut out of paper and posted on a window. There were 3300 prisoners in the camp, and the guards were unable to use their bayonets, as they were too hard pressed by the crowd of rioters. The coroner, on reading the menu, which was the same as was supplied to the guards, expressed the opinion that it was a very generous diet. GERMAN SPIES. LONDON, November 29. In the House of Commons Lord Charles Beresford urged greater vigilance to cope with spies. The Home Secretary (Mr M‘Kenna) stated that since August in the metropolitan area 120,000 suspicious cases had been investigated, 6000 houses ransacked, and 342 persons interned. Many Dutch travellers in Germany have been arrested on suspicion of being British spies. The Germans declare that a British spy office has been established at Rotterdam. AMSTERDAM, November 29. A message from Casa Blanca states that 14 Germans have been arrested at Sehdu Oran for espionage and inciting the popu-

lation. Two German post office officials at Casa Blanca were shot. HELIGOLAND DESCRIBED. LONDON, November 29. A correspondent describes in The Times a visit paid by him to Heligoland, permission having been gained through a gentleman he entertained years ago. The island, he says, has been completely changed since the war. A beautiful little bathing place has been converted into a hnge fortress tremendoirsly fortified. Civilians have been compelled to leave, and only naval men are to be met in the streets, all busy continuously improving the fortifications. Many houses and trees have been removed to give an uninterrupted view of the sea. The authorities have doubled the sentries, who are watching unceasingly to prevent a surprise. The only women on the island are five nurses. METALS AND MONEY WANTED. PARIS, November 29. A German officer informed a French manufacturer whose factory he had denuded that he was on a special mission to seize copper, lead, leather, and other materials, also to get money by all possible means. The officer commandeered a large quantity of valuable old furniture, which was sold at auction in Germany. SOUTH AFRICAN REVOLT. MORE REBELS CAUGHT. PRETORIA, November 29. , Commandants Ross, Greyling, and Frankfort report capturing, after an encounter at Vecht, General Grot Botha, several officers., and 31 other rebels. FIJI’S PRACTICAL PATRIOTISM. SUVA, November 30. The natives in the Sa province of Fiji have ‘promised £SOO to the Avar fund, and offer a contingent of 1000 men. Ra province gives £l6O and promises 500 men. The local fund exceeds £7090. APPLICATIONS FOR INCREASE IN WAGES. THE TIME NOT OPPORTUNE. SYDNEY, NoA'ember 30. In the Industrial Arbitration Court today Mr Justice Heydon delivered judgment in connection Avith applications from a number of trade groups regarding the power's of wages boards during Avar time, arising out of the contention of the chairmen of several boards that they should for the time being cease to deal Avith applications to regulate wages. Mr Justice Heydon said there Avas no direct provision in the Act empowering the court to giA r e boards such directions, hut he thought the Appellate Jurisdiction Court justified it. After traversing the detrimental effects of Avar on commerce and employment, and referring to the omens pointing to a protracted Avar, he held that Gov'ernment employees must not at present look for higher wages. As regarded other Avorkers, the presumption Avas against any claims for increases. This ruling applied to all cases before the court Things might develop favourably in a short time, and he therefore suggested that the existing aAvards should be renewed for a short term, with the right to apply for increases within that time if circumstances justified it. AUSTRALIAN ITEMS. SYDNEY, NoA-ember 30. Colonel Ryrie, commanding the Second Light Horse Brigade Avith the Expeditionary Force, has been presented with a horse. Mr J. Cook (ex-Prime Minister), speaking at the presentation, said that Sir John French should have five times the number of men he has at present. Australia ought to send at least 100.000 men. MELBOURNE, NoA T ember 30. A Government proclamation prohibits the importation of papers published in China. BRISBANE, November 30. Speaking at the St. Andrew’s dinner, the Governor-General (Sir R. Munro-Fer-guson) predicted a complete victory for Great Britain. general news. LONDON, November 29. L’Echo de Paris declares that, OAving to inability to secure horses, the German cavalry is ceasing to exist A colonel captured in Belgium declared that if the Germans fail to break through to the coast before December 29 they will retreat to their second line of defence in Belgium. The Football Association claims that 100.000 footballers have enlisted, Avhich exceeds the aggregate of recruits from all other sports. Piper Findlater, the hero of the heights, has rejoined the Gordon Highlanders for service at the front after 17 years at farming. Many branches of the National Union of Railwayman have decided to demand a 5s weekly increase all round, owinrr 4 ~ Increased cost of living and war taxation. The executive opposes pressing the demand at present, but the men are determined to force the leaders to act. The captain of the French barque Valentine stated that at Santiago de Chile, while a prisoner on a German warship, he heard the sailors say that many British Bailors were swimming after the Good

Hope foundered, and could ha\ 4 e been saved. Buenos Aires reports state that a German concern holding the city lighting contract bought its coal from England. Several cargoes A\ r ere intercepted by British cruisers, but the British War Office Avas persuaded to allow their delivery at Buenos Aires. The German company promptly used the coal to fill the bunkers of German warships in the. Atlantic. In the House of Commons the Undersecretary for War (Mr Tennant) said the War Office, having learned that captured British officers in Germany were not receiving the pay to Avhich they Avere entitled under The Hague Con\*ention, had decided to German officers in Britain only half-pay. AMSTERDAM, November 30. Official: A Berlin message states that the Kaiser is now at the eastern front. General A'on Bissiog lias succeeded General von der Goltz as Governor-general of Belgium. The latter is noiv attached to the Sultan’s forces and the Turkish headquarters. The Socialist paper Voenvaerts, in a scathing attack on the lack of financial support for soldiers’ wives, states that there is increasing discontent among the poorer classes of Germany. It demands that the Governments of Berlin and Vienna shall end the inhuman proceeding. NEW YORK, November 29. The American-Canadian-British Peace Centenary celebrations haA r e been postponed until the end of the Avar, but the plans arranged for the church celebrations will be carried through, including prayers for peace GENERAL FRENCH’S DESPATCH. BATTLE OF YPRES-ARMENTIERES. OBJECT OF BRITISH TROOPS. LONDON, November 29. Field-marshal French, in a despatch covering the battle of Ypres-Armentieres, describes the transference of British troops from the Aisne to Flanders for the purpose of strenuously supporting the Allies’ northern flank and so outflanking the enemy. The excellent Anglo-French feeling rendered this delicate operation successful. The despatch slioavs that about this time Major-general Rawlinson, with cavalry and infantry, Avas operating in support of the Belgian army and assisting its Avithdrawal from Antwerp. Consequently the battle line in Flanders Avas formed by British forces from the Aisne advancing northward and by Major-general Rawlinson falling back to the line of the Yser. It is noteworthy that the field-marshal says that the position at La Bassee throughout defied all attempts to capture it either by the French or the British. Sir John French says that Sir H. S. Rawlinson’s successful operations in the neighbourhood of Ghent and AntAverp had a great influence on the course of subsequent operations. His forces fought with the utmost gallantry Avithout supports. . THE BELGIANS EXHAUSTED. A question of Altai importance arose on October 19. The Belgians, after their hard fighting, Avere exhausted and needed support to enable them to resist the threatened turning movement, Avhich Avas calculated to lay bare the Channel ports. Thereupon, at the risk of having to operate on an extended front elseAvhere, he directed Sir Douglas Haig to move his first army corps northAvards of Ypres, so as to avoid such disastrous consequences as being "outflanked toAvards Calais. Sir Douglas Haig’s object was to advance to Thourout for the eventual capture of Bruges, and subsequently, if possible, to drive the enemy toAvards Ghent. Sir Douglas Haig advanced, but, OAving to large and unexpected hostile reinforcements arriving and pressing both the British and French, he took up a position on the outskirts of Ypres.. Meanwhile the remainder of the British line Avas successfully resisting the enemy’s desperate attacks Avith marvellous fighting power and indomitable courage. No more arduous task was eA’er assigned to British soldiers, and never was the call ansAvered more magnificently. LINES TO BE HELD. It Avas decided, after consultation Avith General Joffre, to hold our lines against the enemy’s attempts to outflank or break through, General Joffre promising reinforcements. Field-marshal French himself Avas present, Avith Sir Douglas Haig, at the most critical moment of the Avhole great battle, Avhen the first divisions Avere retiring at Hogue (?). The division, however, rallied and recaptured Gheluvelt. This rally, at such a time, Avas fraught with momentous consequences. If one unit can be singled out for especial praise it is the Worcesters. Meantime the enemy in the centre were heavily pressing the Third Army Corps and the cavalry corps. As the position of the cavalry at St. Yves was endangered, counter-attacks were planned by HunterWeston and Anley and successfully beat back the Germans, inflicting great loss The staunchness of the Loyal Lancasters and Lancashire Fusiliers was commendable. They wore Avell handled by Lieu tenant-colonel Butler. Sir John French brings under special notice the excellent work of Major-general Poulteney, his staff, the divisional and regimental leaders, and the men in holding a front of very undue length with

invariable success, courage, tenacity, and cheerfulness. ATTACK OF PRUSSIAN GUARDS. Referring to the attack by the Prussian Guards, which came from Arras with great speed and secrecy, documents found proved that the Guards received the Emperor’s special command to break through where their comrades had failed. They were repulsed with enormous loss. Sir Douglas Haig, assisted by divisional and brigade commanders, held the line with marvellous courage. Words failed to express the admiration of the incalculable services they rendered. The first corps was brilliantly supported by Byng’s Cavalry. The names of Brigadier-generals Bulfin and Kavanagh were particularly mentioned, also Brigadiers Fitzclarence and Cavan. The report concludes: “Wo are now possibly at the last stages of the battle of Ypres-Armentieres. I regret the heavy casualties, but at least thrice as many enemy were placed hors de combat.” THE FIGHT AT GHELUVELT. General French, in his reference to the fight at Gheluvelt, states that on October 31 General Haig considered the position serious. The Germans had been suddenly reinforced by an army corps, and General Haig’s corps was facing three army corps under General Von der Limling, whose army order was found on a prisoner. It declared that the Kaiser considered the breaking through at Ypres of vital importance to the success of the war. An all-day attack against Genei’al Haig was the most important and most decisive except that of the Prussian Guards on November 15. French supports failed to arrive, and a heavy attack broke the line of General Haig’s first division, and the Scottish Fusiliers were cut off and surrounded. The Germans shelled the headquarters of the first and second divisions, killing six of the staff officers and wounding both commanders. General Haig again ordered his army corps to resist at all costs. The first division . rallied, but the other divisions and brigades were forced to yield time after time until the first and second divisions’ flanks combined. Their counter-attacks were completely successful. They retook Gheluvelt with a bayonet charge, in which the Second Worcesters shone out. , Finally the Sixth Cavalry Brigade cleared the woods with great dash, killing large numbers, and the British line was restored at 10 o’clock at night.