GENERAL WAR NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 17794, 25 July 1916, Page 2

GENERAL WAR NEWS

EARLIER CABLES NORTH-EAST OP ALBERT FIERCE BATTLE RAGING AUSTRALIANS AT POZTEKES (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, July 23. Sir Douglks Haig reports:— On the British front the battle lias been resumed to-day along a front extending from Pozieres to Guillcmont, and reaching a stage of intense violence. In the neighbourhood of Pozieres (north of Albert) British Territorials and Australian troops, attacking from the south-west and south-east respectively, carried the German outer works by an assault shortly after midnight. Violent fighting is now taking place in the village, where the Germans, with a large number of machine-guns, ora offering a desperate resistance. On other parts Of the front the fighting is equally intense, and no definite progress can yet he reported. At one time this morning wc had recaptured the whole of Bongueval, but the enemy once more regained the northern end of the village. Similarly the outskirts of Gulllemont (south-east of Bongueval) have already twice changed hands. GERMAN COUNTER-ATTACKS PETROGRAD, July 23. A communique states: The Germans attempted to advance north-east of Smorgon (east of Vilna), but our batteries compelled them to retire, and we repulsed all further attacks. Wo repulsed a night attack along the Stokhod, in the district of Zarej and Bereznica. Rain and snow in the Carpathians are hindering operations. RUSSIA’S LATEST SUCCESS PETROGRAD, July 23. The village of Verbcn, where the Russians obtained their latest victory, is on the right bank of the Styr and west of Demidovka. The Russians drove the Austrians to the outskirts of Berestechko at the confluence of the .Styr and the Sondybovka. The Russians are now firmly established on the right hank of the Lipa to 30 kilometres above Its confluence with the Styr. TBE FRENCH FROST PARIS, July 23. A communique states: — There is an artillery struggle on the Somme front. A German night attack southward of Coyecourt failed under our fire. The Germans are bombarding the Fleury sector (east of Verdun). Grenade fighting occurred at Chapellesteffe. Our machine-guns repulsed an attack against our trenches at Les Eparges (Meuse heights, north of St. Mihlel). BERLIN’S VERSION LONDON, July 23. A German communique states British infantry made attacks on the ThiepvalGulllemont front, but failed with heavy losses. Violent hand-to-hand fighting occurred near Pozieres. POWERFUL DIVERSION. NORTH OF LA BASSET. LONDON, July 23. The Central News’s Amsterdam correspondent says that German war correspondents are puzzled by the Britisli attacks on Fromelles (north-east of La Bassee) and south of Armentieres on Wednesday evening, in which two strong divisions were engaged. Some of them consider that this introduces a new offensive, while some think that It is a prelude to a serious attempt to advance towards Lille. Others, again, believe that it is a mere demonstration to prevent the Germans from sending troops to the menaced sectors at Hooge (Ypres salient). POZIERES ADVANCE EXTENDED The High Commissioner reports, London, July 23: On the Britisli front the British made further progress in the neighbourhood of Pozieres, capturing a number of prisoners. On the rest of the front, between Pozieres and Gulllemont, the battle continues with intense violence. ANZACS RETAIN POZIERES THEIR CASUALTIES LIGHT LONDON, July 23. The afternoon despatch from the war correspondents at British Headquarters gives fuller details of the fighting. Following a heavy bombardment yesternight the British and Anzac troops delivered an attack towards the PozieresGuillemont line. Notwithstanding the enemy’s desperate resistance, the Anzacs succeeded in establishing themselves in Pozieres, where they are now consolidating their line. It is reported that their casualties were comparatively light. Eastward of the village the British also successfully advanced. They found the wire entanglements upon the right of Pozieres insufficiently destroyed by our artillery. Consequently the British progress was checked by heavy machinegun fire. Despite this we gained a footing in Guillcmont, hut, owing to a determined counter-attack, we were unable to maintain the advance. Progress upon the whole continues to be satisfactory, especially in the neighbourhood of Pozieres, also along the, road running from that village in a northwest direction, on which road our troops are reported to be established. COLONEL REFINOTOE'S VIEWS LONDON, July 23. The Times things that the coming week will bring definite developments in the Somme battle. The British prisoners in Germany now total 26,071 It is estimated that Germany has lost at least 150 submarines. THE CAUCASUS ARMIES PROGRESS TOWARDS ERZXNOAN PETROGRAD, July 23. A communique states: Wc considerably advanced on the shore of the Black Sea, and took prisoner a great number of Turks. We captured the town of Kial Kitchevllic, near the river Eshimtrmaku. Our troops in the direction of Erzingan crossed a, river westward of the Enph rates. We are engaging large Turkish forces from Mosul eastward of the Rovadiza district. JAPANESE GENERAL PETROGRAD, July 23. A most distinguished Japanese officer, General Fukudu, is inspecting the whole of the Russian front and reporting to Toklo. He will afterwards visit the west front. AMERICA FORESEES END NEW YORK, July 23. The New York Times, discussing the decline of war orders to America, points out that one company alone have dismantled their enormous plant, discharging 2500 employees. The British inspector of munitions is leaving because the Britisli manufacturers are able to supply the demand. The value of war order stocks is also affected by the Russian successes on the cast front and the Franco-British advance oh the west, which have led many to foresee the cad of the war in the near future. GERMAN LOSSES i STAGGERING FIGURES AMSTERDAM, July 23. Thousands of copies are circulating in Germany of a remarkable brochure entitled 'People of Germany, Awake!' by Herr Rosemeir, ex-political editor of the Berlin Morning Post. He says he quarrelled with the editor-in-chief of that paper, who declared: "Whoever does not help to deceive the people is a rascal.’’ Herr Rosemeir declares that the German losses are about on© million and a-quarter dead, three-quarters of a million prisoners and missing, three million wounded, one million of whom are hopelessly mutilated*, while the number of

sick elude computation, hut the figure is "so enormous that Germany lias a bloody debit on her balance-sheet today.” TEUTON BLUFF (Reuter’s Telegrams.) AMSTERDAM, July 23. The Echo de Beige states that posters have been placarded on the barracks at Ghent stating that negotiations have been opened between the United States and Germany, who may evacuate Belgium on payment to Germany of an indemnity of £2,000,000,000. GENERAL RUSSETS VIEW AMSTERDAM, July 23. General Russkt lias been interviewed at Petrograd cn route for Finland to complete his convalescence. He said: “■The Allies are aiming to exert continuous pressure at a number of different points. If they avoid the mistake of ad. vancing too quickly, the end will come sooner than is expected.” SUBMARINED. j LONDON. July 23. 1 The British steamers Orangemoor and Karma have been sunk in the McditerI rancan. Their crows were saved. A GERMAN REPORT, (United Service.) LONDON, July 23. A German communique states that strong reconnoitring detachments in the vicinity of Richebourg were repulsed after increased artillery fire throughout the evening and night between the Ancre and the Somme. There were infantry attacks on the Thiepval-Guillemont front. The British attacks, despite heavy losses and the number of troops engaged, failed. There was violent hand-to-hand fighting near West Pozieres, Foureaux Wood, and the western edge of Longueval. The enemy’s attempted attacks between Guillcmont and the Somme wore stifled in the trenches by-our curtain fire. There were very strong artillery duels south of the Somme, followed by separate French attacks —all failed. OUR NAVT. BUILDING PROCEEDS APACE. LONDON, July 23. A special correspondent who visited the munitions and shipbuilding centres and the naval bases witnessed the construction of warships and merchantmen at double the rate previously regarded as possible. The vessels include warships of dimensions, speed, and gun-power which must not be hinted at, besides a mysterious vessel hidden behind canvas screens. POST-WAR TRADE. THE DOMINIONS’ VOICE. LONDON, July 23. Considerable surprise is expressed in colonial circles that the dominions have no representation on Mr Asquith’s Postwar Trade Committee. It’ls understood that the Government’s attitude is that the committee will confine itself to consideration of Home affairs, and will not deal with dominion trade relations, except briefly as a preliminary to a Postwar Imperial Conference, on which the dominions will be represented. But it has been pointed out that the committee’s order of reference promised consideration of the development of Empire resources and an inter-imperial understanding upon which Mr Hughes particularly insisted while in England. It is believed the omission would be quickly remedied by the dominions urging the desirability of participation in all Empire Committees henceforth. TURKEY’S CAMPAIGNS. LONDON, July 23. A Turkish communique states: Heat impedes any activity in the Felahie (Mesopotamia) sector. We attacked a strongly-fortified position at Revandaza, compelling the Russians to retreat eastward in disorder, leaving much equipment. Pursuing them, we caught the retreating troops 30 kilometres to the eastward. An enemy aeroplane for the second time bombed a hospital at Gallipoli. Turkish detachments encountered enemy squadrons near the Suez Canal, and drove them westward. CONSULAR SERVICE. TO AID FOREIGN TRADE. LONDON, July 23. The manufacturing districts of England are making special efforts to impress the Government with the need for a drastic change in the consular service after the war. The chambers of commerce are assisting the movement, BRITISH PRISONERS. AMERICA’S DOUBTFUL OFFICES. LONDON, July 23. Viscount Grey, Foreign Secretary, in acknowledging American reports of the condition of American working camps for British prisoners in Germany, has drawn the attention of Mr Page, American Ambassador in London, to the fact that the work in several of these camps resembles war work. He also quotes the case of Private Eddington, who was struck with a rifle in order to compel him to work while sick. The hours of work in most cases are 12 daily, and in one camp 13 hours. Viscount Grey comments that such hours are excessive for indoor work. AUSTRALIAN NAVY. MELBOURNE, July 24. The official sketch of the Australian fleet’s work in the second year of the war states that it consisted mainly of patrolling and blockading. In the United States German sympathisers threatened to blow up the Sydney on the anniversary of her destruction of the Emden. This threat was not carried out, though something happened which may have meant an attempt when the course of events admitted of an effort. STEADY ITALIAN ADVANCE. ROME, July 23. A communique states; The artillery is active in the Lagarina (Adige) Valley. The Austrians shelled Arco (north of Riva). Our heaviest guns are bombarding Rivanags and Rovereto. Our infantry continues its pressure on Posina, also on Setti. Comunl Plateau. We advanced on the slopes of Mount Lebni, and carried some trenches in the Dolomite Alps, between the Trevignolo and Cisinno Valleys. Wc captured strong positions on Mounts Cavallazza and Coldricona. Artillery duels are proceeding in the Upper Boin. THE BELBIAN GUNS. LONDON, July 23. A Belgian communique states: Our artillery and trench engines during the past week continued a destructive fire on the German trenches, especially upon the dam at Hetsas, with the best results. LOAN TO GREECE, j BY ENGLAND AND FRANCE. ATHENS, July 23. It is reported that Britain and Franco have advanced Greece 20 million francs. NEW ZEALAND BOYS. LOOKED AFTER IN LONDON. FRICTION OVER WALTON HOSPITAL. LONDON, July 23. The New Zealand Soldiers’ Club will be opened in Russell Square on August 1. The War Contingent Association have 'realised the urgency of establishing 1 social headquarters for the New Zealanders from France, ami a sub-commit-tee have been entrusted to carry out the project under their entire control, the (Association providing the funds. The i sab-committee themselves contributed £SOO. By arrangements with the War Office they have obtained three mansions in a corner block, with the use of gardens comprising a square. The military approve the scheme for providing the men with home-like surroundings, without military restrictions and within a few minutes of the Record Office. The War Contingent rooms are in Southampton row. The Association aimed to attract New Zealanders to a good neighbourhood and to avoid loitering about the slums. The War Contingent Association will arrange a reception committee to provide comfortable accommodation for "op and to

direct others to approved boardinghouses in the vicinity, and an Information Bureau will arrange for outings. The staff consist entirely of New Zealanders, and their sympathetic supervision has resulted in New Zealanders imaklng an excellent impression. The Association’s arrangements enable them to deal with any number of men arriving. The club will be self-support-ing, established entirely by funds publicly subscribed, and with business-like management should prove a complete success. It is expected that there will be considerable dissatisfaction regarding the military assumption of control of Walton Hospital, which the War Contingenters established and managed with conspicuous success. The military, upon the ground that the troops were pampered, recently exercised pressure, resulting in the Association's executive, under protest, handing over the hospital forthwith. Probably a meeting of the Association will be called to consider the matter, with a view to making representations to the people of the dominions. THE BALKANS. BULGARIAN TURMOIL. PARIS, July 23. Le I’etit Parisicn states that the people of both old and new Bulgaria are in a state of great turmoil. Owing to the Allies’ successes and the fact of the Germans having lost the. strategic initiative, the Bulgarian Russophiles have plucked up courage and boldness. AUSTRIA XBUTS7EBB TROOPS. ROME, July 23. Austria has closed her Swiss frontier, supposedly in order to conceal movements of troops. AUSTRIA* RETREAT. PARIS, July 23. Be Petit Journal reports that Austrian despatches state that Von Linsingen’s army in the Berestechko region is falljng back. PATRIOTIC FUNCTIONS * FANCY DRESS SKATING CARNIVAL. At a meeting held on Friday evening by the Red Cross Committee and representatives of the Management Committee of the Soldiers’ Club it was resolved to hold a fancy dress and poster skating carnival on the evenings of August 16 to 19 In aid of the funds of the Red Cross and Soldiers' Club. Mr R. M. Isaacs was voted to the chair. Mr Longuet was appointed treasurer, and Mrs Snow and S. B. Macdonald joint hon. secretaries. The following committees were set up:—Poster Committee: Mesdames Cuthbertson, Ireland, D. Gilmour, Longuet and Searell (convener). Provender Committee: Mesdames Henderson, Cole (Borne Farm), Gilchrist, Cuthbertson, . R. Gilmour, Rabbage, Walker, Rennie. Miss Bedford, Messrs Vickery, A. M. Murphy, R. N, Todd, Mrs R. anrnour (convener). Decorating Committee: Messrs Benzoni (convener), A. Wilson, .1. Kingsland, D. Morton, C. Todd and A. Burn. Programme Committee; A. Wesney (convener), Whittaker, Small and Raymond. It was resolved to ask Mr Robinson to arrange floor management. The secretary was instructed to write to the Sth Regimental Band and the Hibernian Band asking for their assistance, two nights each band. First and second prizes will be given for best team, poster fancy dress, most graceful skater (lady or gentleman), and the most original dress. Particulars will be advertised later. A GIFT EVENING. A very successful gift evening was held on Wednesday in the Public Hall, Waikiwi, under the auspices of the Ladies’ Guild of the Presbyterian Church, on behalf of relief funds for Armenians, Serbians, etc. There was a most gratifying attendance of the public. All brought some gift and over £23 was realised either in coin and kind. Mr C. Crisp rendered valuable service with a group of naval boys in a rendering of the action song "Sons of the Sea” and "Our Territorials,” and In a tableau "We Have a Navy,” with Miss Evelyn Anderson as "Britannia,” An orchestra under Mr Norris rendered a number of selections. Mr Wills contributed a song. An illustrated song, "Just as the Sun Went Down,” was thrown on the screen by Air McCaw and sung by Mrs Crisp. Various competitions filled in the intervals and Mr Bawrie Bennie presented the winning competitors with ,a number of prizes in characteristic racy form. Mr C. Wilson played the accompaniment for Dolly Maltby, who danced with grace the Highland Fling. This effort is in view of a sale of work to be held early in October. BUMSDEX EFFORTS. It is not generally known that, in addition to the larger and more public efforts of the various patriotic movements, there is a small but influential, and very active, committee of ladies working away very steadily. This organisation, which has been in existence for more than a twelve-months, is controlled by a few ladies from the township and the surrounding district, has collected money, donated gifts, and worked away most diligently without noise and without advertisement, on behalf of the wounded soldiers, Belgian and Serbian distress, and the naval heroes’ rependents. These patriotic ladies meet weekly in a public room to knit, sew, and arrange goods and comforts of different kinds lor the various patriotic purposes and funds. They bring useful articles, wrought at home privately, and put them together at stated times, and then pack the goods in boxes and forward them to the headquarters at Invercargill. The amount of money, labour, time and thought put into this movement is very considerable, and all the ladies interested arc deserving qf the very highest praise for the efforts’they, have put forth, and for the amount of work accomplished lor these laudable objects. In the truest sense it can he said the. Lumsden ladies are "doing their little bit” on behalf of the Empire and the Allies.