THE ANZACS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3244, 17 May 1916, Page 23

THE ANZACS.

LONDON, May 14. Before going into the firing line the Anzacs were put through a course of training in Hun methods of warfare. They were placed in a specially-built trench and subjected to gas and flame-projector attacks. They were not impressed by the former. They state that the latter horror is a most awe-inspiring invention, but is not of much practical use against seasoned fighters, although possibly it may momentarily affect their morale, because it is terrifying to see burning liquid sweep over the parapets. THE GRAND DUKE NICHOLAS. OFFERED A HIGH COMMAND. LONDON, May 14. The German newspapers report that owing to his successes in Asia Minor the Grand Duke Nicholas has been offered a high command in the armies opposing Field-marshal von Hindenburg. BRITAIN AND RUSSIA. PETROGRAD, May 14. The Novoe Vremya states that an AngloRussian agreement has been concluded, covering the questions of Persia and Constantinople, and removing from international relationships the poison which envenomed European policy during threeparts of the nineteenth century. THE GERMANS DISPIRITED. RUSSIAN ARTILLERY TERRIFIC. LONDON, May 14. Mr H. Hamilton Fyfe, Petrograd correspondent of the Daily Mail, writes : "There are many signs that the German troops are depressed. The leaders have broken their promises of the capture of Riga and Dvinsk, and of thus ending the war. An unfinished letter found on a sergeant, who was taken prisoner, said : ' We talk no more of taking Dvinsk, but only of holding our positions. It was said in January that many more troops would be sent, but we have not seen them. The Russians have very strong artillery, which is terrific in its effects. The low-spirited soldiers are not eager to rush into clanger. Recently they attempted frequently to leave the trenches, but were always driven back with shells. Eventually one company refused to advance. The officer cursed vainly, and then shot three or four with his revolver. The company ultimately obeyed, but a hurricane of fire from theRussian batteries drove them back. That same night the officer wa3 murdered with a bayonet. Ten men were then balloted for and executed, and the company was sent back.' "