DURATION OF THE WAR.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11696, 16 October 1916, Page 8

DURATION OF THE WAR.

NO END IN SIGHT. THREE YEARS MORE SUGGESTED. PREPARIRG FOR THE WORST. United Service. Received Oct. 16, 1.25 .m. London, Oct. 15. The search for men is reaching the utmost limit with the realisation of the indefinite prolongation of the war. Some critics are already discussing the crucial supreme offensive in 1918. No one in England now speaks of an early end to the war, and there is a universal recognition of the necessity for every possible man. It is expected that tbe age will ultimaely be raised to 45. The authorities are drastically combing cut Government departments, trades and industries, and the Army Council has called up all men classified under C, meaning the medically unfit except for light duties, so as to release all able bodied for the front.

Neutrals from Germany state that the whole nation is united and doggedly determined to win the war. It is animated by the bitterest hatred of Britain. There are no signs of either Turkey or Bulgaria becoming sufficiently tired of the war to get out, and Austria-Hungary has accepted German domination and driving power because nothing else is possible for the ramshackle empire. Mr Roy Howard, who has returned from Germany, .predicts three years more war, adding that the well- in formed in Germany say five years. Ido not think so. Mr Garvin warns tbe Empire to relinquish an optimistic belief in a speedy termination of tbs war. An early break through in the west is not to be expected. We' must face the fact, be says, that the Germans have plenty of reserves, are not shortening any front, and have succeeded in propping AustriaHungary with TurKish reserves. We must expect a long and obstinate struggle.