ENEMY PATROLS BEING HELD UP

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 14448, 7 November 1917, Page 3

ENEMY PATROLS BEING HELD UP

A GREAT RACE,

f Australian and N7, Pnhle, Aso/wlaMop-* LONDON, Nov. 5. Mr Ward Price telegraphs : — Enemy patrols crossed the Tagliamento on the Italians'/ left, but are being held. Even if the retirement must be continued to a stronger line, the retreat will" be a fighting withdrawal owing to ! the delay which the crossing of Tagliamentocaused to the Austro-Germans.

The rain has ceased and the floods which! might havo lasted for weeks have unfortunately subsided. Large forces of Austrians are five miles beyond the Tagliamento,' using the Pinzano bridgehead, but the crossing does not imply a fresh Austrian, victory, as the river is only the first line of the defences upon which . General Cadorna is depending

The struggle will largely consist ol a race between the enemy's heavy artillery and that of the ..Allied reinforcements. '

Tlie Italians are sorting themselves ont and being re-equipped, but' the inevitable shortage of ammunition , and a considerable loss of guns are a grave drawback to the ItalianVdefences, though thieir position is naturally, strong and capable of being made stronger. It is believed that the Austrian attack west of Lake Garda is only a feeler, but the Italians m Trent. no must be ready for severe trials 7 **