Late News.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 18, 5 March 1918, Page 3

Late News.

From information which has now reached the Defence Department, it is anticipated that the return draft 143 will arrive at Wellington on Wednesday afternoon. Immediately the Defence Department became aware of this fact telegrams were despatched to next of kin, but unfortunately there is not now sufficient time to enable relatives from distant ports of the North Island to reach Wellington in time to meet the men on arrival.

It is reported that the Germans have begun an encircling movement south of Petrograd, apparently to ■ cut off the capital from Moscow. The former peace delegates have issued a proclamation declaring: “We have decided in favour of War. The enemy will only enter Petrograd over our bodies. Our slogan is “Victory or Death.” The Revolutionary Committee has summoned all officers on the military list to cooperate in defence. The Peace Delegation has telegraphed to the Council of' Commissioners ordering it to surrender nothing without a struggle and urging it to fight to the last.

The Germans at Pskoff arc reported to have deported to Germany all men under 44 years of age.

The Germans continue their attacks on the Americans on the Chomin-dcs-Dames and at Tout. The Germans were repulsed with considerable losses. A feature of fighting is the American's extensive use of automatic pistols, in the use of which they are most proficient.

A Napier message states that one of the heaviest seas known there was running yesterday. Considerable damage has been done to the various works at Pont Ahuriri. The Arahura and another boat were unable to come alongside the breakwater. Seawater found its way into warehouses at the port, huge waves sending the water over the sea front. Several smaller vessels have been knocked about. Richardson and Co’s Echo has not been heard of since Friday, and some anxiety is felt for her safety. It’ is hoped she is sheltering off Cape Runaway. At Waihi ten cottages have been washed away.