The Rangitikei Advocate. TWO EDITIONS DAILY. SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 1918.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11618, 17 August 1918, Page 4

The Rangitikei Advocate. TWO EDITIONS DAILY. SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 1918.

SOME days ago we made a suggestion to Marton In the Slough of retailers for Despond. a scheme by Which the Government might be harried into running a branch line to Marton from the Junction. We addressed our proposal to the retailers, because as present they are the only organised bijay in the town which gives some evidence of being alive. In most towns the initiative is taken by Chambers of Commerce. Bn that is practically moribund in Marton, and the Ratepayers Association is asTiead as Adam. Tbe Retailers’ Association was, therefore, the sole authority to which anybody could turn with hints for the benefit of the town, and as it was young and therefore, pernaps, chock full of enthusiasm, we believed it would hustle the thing along at once. We have heard a few comments on the proposal, however, which indicate that if the railway .is ever to be made it will notjowe any of its im-

petus to Marton men. The com ment on the scheme is that “The Government would never entertain the proposal. ” But we have yet to hear of any Government in New Zealand which did not comply with any demand, good or had, when pressed with sufficient determination and energy. “The Kingdom of Heaven is taken by storm,” and that can put up an infinitely better defensive against assault than can Mr Massey and the National Government. Besides, this is such a little thing. It might almost he made in one working bee, and the time so very opportune for an agitation, because the laud through which tbe line would approach the town is about to change hands, and the A. and P. Association, judging by the manner in which members are contributing money to the purchase of the ground, would ,be prepared to deal generously with the Government.

THERE has been a good deal of cable comment this Lassigny week regarding Massif. what is called the La r singny massif. This is a series of woaded hills paid narrow valleys in the vicinity of Lassigny itself, and is practically part of the line held by the Germans in 1916. To capture this stronghold was apparently fit work for supermen, but the French have compassed it, and if its possession confers so many advantages of interfering with enemy communications as we have been told we may expect soon to have sopie sensational news of captures of guns and prisoners. The, result of the conflict here furnishes cause for the greatest confidence in the ultimate triumph of the Allies. The Germans had the advantages of ground, the retention of it was one of their vital necessities; they have had time enough to bring reserves are available, and yet, in a trial'of strength the French have triumphed. The success has, of course, not been achieved by hard fighting alone. French Generals are displaying that exceptional geuius for command in war with which they >re universally credited, and this is a factor which is becoming strikingly effective in the struggle. ! The Germans have been manoeuvred off the massif as much as"they have been directlyffriven. Fooh’s generalship has been infinitely more "effective than that of his rival. But when, as a matter of fact, have the Germans exhibited any exceptional and special capacity for mahoeuver? Nearly all their victories have been won by massed bull pushing with an entire ignoring of losses. They' have now pitted against them real artists in the art of war, who are confusing the apostles of .mere slogging with their dazzling finesse.