THE LATEST OPERATIONS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 10186, 21 October 1904, Page 2

THE LATEST OPERATIONS.

RUSSIAN BATTALION ANNIHILATED. (Received October 21, 8.42 a.,m.) LONDON, October 20. General Sakharoff reports that Captain Dembovski's detachment of Volunteer Chasseurs holdly reconnoitred at rogh't m the vicinity of Shahopu, and captured two field pieces without fighting. A correspondent declares that captured maps shows that all the Russian retreatswere prearranged. Some of General Oku's cavalry have crossed the Hun river and prevented theRussians flanking. _ Marshal Oyama reports that the Russians fronting General Kuroki are diminishing. Those m front of General Nodzir on the night of the 17t.h tried several attacks, but were repulsed, and only art artillery duel maintained on the 18th, The enemy m front of General Oku, occasionally sending an indirect fire, stopped within 600 to 1000 yards, and ara now entrenching. Tlie Russians opposite General Oku's left wing are entrenching along a line from Menghapau, 13 miles south-west of Shahopu, to Sankratze and Hangknattu. Tli_?rc» is considerable extention of Minslual. Oyaona's left. Hie Standard's correspondent with General Kuroki states that a Russian battalion was almost annihilated wliiile returningacross the Taitse pontoon bridge. Tlie Japane.!.? cavalry overtook ib and got machine gums into position and swept tlie bridge from end to end. This is tlie first time m the war tliat machine guns have been used decisively. The Baltic fleet has passed t-hroughi Gat begat. There is a lull at Shaho, due to physical exhaustion, also to the troops awaiting' Supplies and ammunition. The Japanese line is fifteen mile, further norlli than at the oaiteet- of tho battle. The Japanese slowness and failure to cut the Russian retreat is largely due to the rains aaid difficult ravines and gullies. The weather is now cold but clear, and the roads are drying. It is estimated' that General Oku's oasu. alties at Shaho were 5000. (Received. October 21, 8.58 a.m.) LONDON. October 20. The detachment reported to be enveloped across tho Taitse early m the battle escaped, retreating to .the north-east. The Japanese Diet has been oonvened for November Bth. Tlie St. Petersburg correspondent of the New York Herald says that Pont Arthur is expected to fall m a fortnight.