BADLY MAULED

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 257, 3 December 1914, Page 7

BADLY MAULED

RUSSIANS TRAP GERMANS N.Z. AND AUSTRALIAN FORCES LAND IN EGYPT AUSTRIANS OCCUPY BELGRADE. SERVIANS IN CRITICAL SITUATION BRITISH WARSHIPS DEMOLISH GERMAN SUBMARINE DEPOT To day's news is to the effect that the Allies have been successful In artillery duels, repelling attacks by the enemy in France and Belgium. ' Graphic details are given of the German attempts to esGape from the trap whiclr Russian strategy had planned. Fearful carnage resulted. British warships have bombarded the. port of Zeebrugge to such good purpose that the hM,hour is ndw-said to he entirely closed.- -■ The Austrians have again occupied Belgrade, the capital of Servia. The Servians are said to be in acritical situation. , ; - cabled of the awful atrocities committed by the Austrians in Servia upon non-combatants. Further severe defeats have been inflicted by the loyalist forces oil the rebels in. South Africa. Th§ Hew Zealand and Australian Expeditionary Forces have been landed in Egypt.

By Cahti. —Press Association. —Copyright.

LANDED IN EGYPT.

plane reported that the German artillery opened on their own men, of whom only 220 survived.

NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIAN FORCES. TO GO TO EUROPE. LATER ON. WELLINGTON, December 3. ... A telegram received by the Governor this morning- from the Secretary of State !for the Colonies authorises, his Excellency to announce that the Australian and New Zealand Expeditionary Forces have been disembarked in Egypt) to assist in the defence of that country, and also to complete their training/there. When their training is completed, both contingents will proceed direct to the froiit to fight alongside the other British troops.

DESTRUCTION AT ZEEBRUGGE.

HARBOUR COMPLETELY CLOSED. SPLENDID BRITISH MARKSMAN-. ' SHIP. (Received December 3, 11.20 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, December 2. The Handelsblad'sSluis (Holland) correspondent states that the harbour Works at Zeebrugge -have been severely damaged. The sluices are unworkable," 1 and the harbour is completely closed; Ships and submarines will thus be unable to leave.

The good British marksmanship had a grea,t ( effect on the Germans.

SERVIANS' CRITICAL POSITION.

DROWNED IN A CELLAR.

AUSTRIANS OCCUPY BELGRADE,

A FATAL CAROUSE.

AWFUL ATROCITIES BY

AUSTRIAN S.

PRINCE JOACHIM RECOVERED

(Received December 3, 8.40 a.m.) LONDON, December 2. Renter's Sofia correspondent reports

(Received December 3, 8.40 a.m.)

PARIS, December 2

Seventy-five Prussians, harassed by the French artillery, took refuge in a wine cellar in Flanders, and spent the night in carousing. They did not hear the coming inundation due to the opening of the sluices, and a French patrol found 75 bodies floating >amid the empty bottles. AMSTERDAM, December 2.

that tiie, situation iil Servia is critical, end it is believed that the Servian army has been withdrawn from Belgrade.

(Received December 3, 10 a.m.) NISH, December 2.

A communique states: 1 ' There w y as sanguinary fighting/at Sonovodor on Saturday. The enemy developed forces that occupied two important positions. "We have withdrawn from Oujitze."

Prince Joachim has recovered from his wounds and has returned to the eastern front.

(Received December 3, 10.40 a.m.)

LONDON, December 2,

The impartial investigators' report in connection with the Austrian atrocities in Servia states that 1148 civilians, have been niiitilated dr murdered in different villages, while 109 hostages, between the ages of eight and 80, taken at liechnitza, were placed at the edge of ft trench, fastened together by their elbdws, aiid "shot. Soldiers immediately filled the trench 1 •without; bothering to ascertain whether' thei, victims were dead.

TYPHOID AMONG BELGIANS.

RED GROSS TO THE RESCUE

GERMANS AND RELIEF SUPPLIES;

(Received December 3, 8.35 a.m.)

LONDON, December 2

There is an outbreak of typhoid fever amongst the Belgian;.soldiers. The British Red -Cross Society has voted £IO,OOO f6r special accommodation and treatmentftp. Calais.», . (Received December 3, 9.40 a.m.)

• Other hostages were compelled to witness the butchery.

(Received December 3, 11.25 a.m.)

LONDON, December 2.

VIENNA, December 2,

. Official: The Austrians have occupied Belgrade, the late capital city of Servia.

The '' Manchester r .Guardian'' says that the Belgian Relief Commission denies the misstatements respecting the attitude of the Germans, who afforded every assistance and prompt delivery of relief supplies for/Belgium.

ALLIES' ARTILLERY ACTIVE.

GERMAN BATTERIES DESTROYED. SUCCESS ALL ALONG THE LINE. •. . (Received December 8.10 a.m.) j PARIS, December 2. A communique states: We Have repulsed ■an attack at Sainteloi, to the south of Ypres, our artillery considerably damaging three heavy batteries. "We captured a number of trenches at Vermelle, and our artillery destroyed a "battery at Vendresse, in the Craonne region. We, repulsed an attack at 1 ontaine Madame, in Argonne,'-where- we have progressed. LONDON, December 2.

The American Minister- at Brussels states that without assistance there must be a famine.

(Received December 3, 10 a.m.) LONDON, December 2.

Cholera continues to cause grave concern in several localities throughoutAustria. - •

NEW WAR LOAN.

GERMANY'S LATEST DEMAND.

SOCIALISTS DISCONTENTED,

(Received December 3, 9.50 a.m.)

Though official reports do not confirm them, Amsterdam statements are to the effect-that'the Germans are making a new onslaught in Flanders. There are many indications of increased activity, but the situation remains obscure.

LONDON, December 2.

The Socialists in Germany are discontented with their leaders' decision to support the new war demand for five milliard marks.

[The mark is the gold monetary unit of the German Empire, its value being 113 d, roughly one shilling. A mark is

\ SLAUGHTER OF GERMANS. )r CUT OFF BY FLOODS. ■KILLED BY OWN ARTILLERY.

(Received December 3, 10.40 a;m.)

AMSTERDAM, December 2. The "Telegraaf" states that when the locks were opened at Nieuport, three thousand Germans were cut off and desired to surrender/ but an aero-

also a silver coin of that value. A milliard corresponds to the English and American term "billion," and equals one thousand millions, so that a milliard marks would be equal almost to £50,000,000.]

SCENES OF CARNAGE.

RUSSIANS' DEADLY STRATEGY,

ENTRAPPED GERMANS CANNOT

ESCAPE

(Received December 3, 8.35 a.m.)

PETROGRAD, December 2.

The struggle is still undecided, and the main battle line remains Unaltered. Portion of General von Mackensen's army has been driven towards Lowie/., an'other hurled back on Lodz, and a third, tferribly mauled, has been' pressed back beyond Tushifa: ' ! Subsequently during an attempt to break' through to the northwards, : the Germans ran the gauntlet, under a terrible fire from tlie Ijaiteries; to Lowie/. and Sochaczew, whte're the Russians received them with a frightful hail of shrapnel and the bayonet.

Then the cut and battered enemy ran the gauntlet to the southward, where tlie Russian f batteries, cavalry, and bayonets drove them back. The Germans are making desperate attempts to reinforce General Maekenseh, one of ' 'whose sections rests on Drmiskovalia, on the Warta, holding the road to Kalisch.

DEFENDING THE FRONTIER.

. .GERMAN OFFENSIVE ENI>ED. ; :Vi®ws;.OF 'PARIS ••PRES»:- ; ; : .. "Times'.' und "Sydney ,Sufr". Services. , (Receiver December 3, 8 a.m.) LONDON, December 2. The Paris .Press says that the- battle of Lodz clearly marks the end. of the desperate German offensive, while the Russian, movements in Poland will coin-, pel them to, adopt an entirety defensive attitude on tlieir frontier.

A VISIT TO KIEL.

GERMANY'S MANY SUBMARINES.

NAVY MEN WAIST TO FIGHT.

"Times''' and- "Sudney Sun" (Received December -3, 8 a.m.) LONDON; December 2

A- correspondent associated with the P'regs,--who has been allowed to visit Kiel, says: I am permitted to tell the world that Germany is rapidly enlarge ing her submarine fleet, and she how. claims to have more than Britain. Amongst other protection from .aircraft, machine-guns have been posted on the roofs of high buildings. German sailors show little bitterness towards the British Navy, but desire to match their strength against a worthy opponent.

The "Daily Telegraph" points out that Germany has considerably more submarines" than she- is supposed to have, having exercised pre-emption over an unknown number constructing at Danzig or in, the Germania yard at Kiel, for .lesser European and other navies. It is of the opinion, however, that the achievements of German submarines will be less remarkable in future than hitherto'. The British fleet, bv speed- and the use of the helm, is showing ability to avoid submarine attacks.

WARSHIPS TO GO TO NORTH SEA.

MECHANICS HARD AT WORK.

December 3, 8.35' a.m.)

LONDON, December 2,

The Daily Mail's" Copenhagen correspondent says "that most of the German- warships hitherto at Kiel haA'e been transferred to the North Sea. Great activity continues, at Kiel, where several- thousand mechanics are employed in the construction of submarines, waterplanes, and floating, batteries. There is less activity on the fh r e Dreadnoughts which are being built.

"A THOUGHTFUL YOUNG MAN."

CROWN PRINCE INTERVIEWED.

WHAT HE THINKS OF THE WAR

"Times'' and "Sydney Sun" Services (Received December 3, 8 a.m.)

LONDON, December 2.

An American correspondent who interviewed the Crown Prince at his headquarters in the fjeld, describes him as a sober, earnest, serious, thoughtful young man, with a ; dej?p sense of his responsibility as a prince. He characterised the war as a wanton sacrifice of life in a struggle which seems to have little sense, and the reason for which he declared was that Germany had been left no choice in the matter.. He add-

" From the lowest, tp the highest, the peopM of Germany know that we are fighting for our existence, and you will never be able to convince the German people that this war was not engineered wholly, for the purpose of crushing Germany. There is no war party in Germany and militarism is merely a phrase with, which England is.endeavouring to create . and arouse the world against us.''

When told that it had been reported that the Russians had nearly captured the Ivaiser in the. vicinity of Warsaw, the Crown Prince la,ug}ied heartil)* and said: "I must tell my ; father that. He will, enjoy it, . It ,js simply incredible what,the English, papers ..print about mealso about our side of .the. war, and their tljinjking me r capable of. steaJiivg and permitting my. s.Qldiers. /to look French, homes.". .

GUNS FOR DANTZIG.

ARE THEY FOB WARSHIPS?

CONSTRUCTION BEING HURRIED,

(Received, December 3, 10.40 a.m.) PETROGRAD, December 2,

Advices express tlie> opinion thajt 150 guns, which were recently dispatched to Dantzig, must have been for the German warships being- constructed there. It is not expected that these vessels will be ready, until next year, but it is believed that,. the work has. been considerably , exj>euited.

PRINCESS OBTAINS COMMISSION.

RUSSIAN AVIATION CORPS.

DECREE DISTURBS FINLAND

"Times" and "Sydney Sun" Services, (Recfeived December 3, 8 a.m.)

* LONDON, December 2.

; obtained a commission in the Russian Aviation Corps. She learned her aviation in Germany. •

(Received December 3, 5.40 a.nii) Scandinavian newspapers publisjv a new Russian ukase (decree), strengthening the Imperial Government's authority in Finland. They express dissatisfaction with it as a deathblow to the Finnish Constitution.

"TIPPERARY."

AMERICANS MUST NOT SING IT.

NEW YORK "PRESS" MAKES

MERRY

(Received December 3, 9.40 a.m.) NEW YORE, December 2,

Owing to the Secretary of the Navy (Mr Daniels) having prohibited naval men from singing "It ? s a Long Way to Tipperarv," the New York Press makes merry.

The "World" asks: "Why should anyone want to sing when a man like Mr Daniels is at the head of the navy? It is absurd to suggest that the song is a violation of neutrality any more than the "Blue Danube" waltz, "God Save the King," or the hymn, "Gott Exalt tlen Kaiser," which godly churchfolk sing on Sundays. The-latter-might be a temptation ■ to those not neutrally in-

clined, and naval chaplains ought therefore to hav6 it stopped."

DISLOYAL IRISH.

FRATERNISE WITH GERMANS.

ENGLISHMEN ROUGHLY HANDLED

(Received December 3, 10 a.m.)

NEW YORK, December 2.

A mass meeting of Germans and Irish at Chicago demanded that the Government should prohibit shipments of contraband of war to Europe, except' foodstuffs. ; Speakers declared that such shipments prolonged the war. An Englishman rose and began to sing "God Save the Kingj" the Germans singing the Irish and Germa.il national airs.

The meeting attacked an Englishman and assaulted and ejected him, but the police sav.e<] him from serious injury. .

Congressman Bartholdt promised to endeavour to induce Congress to take the, desired action.

WAKE UP AMERICA! WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS. . A PROFESSOR'S WARNING. : (Received December. 3, 9.40 a.m.) j NEW YORK, December 2.i' I Dr G. fi. McClellan, ex-Mayor' of New [York, and Professor of Economic History at the Princetown University, pi-e----=ddcts i.thaty no matter-'who*;wins, t the European war, tho United States will ,be, sure confrQttfce.d with ..the »ban-. donnve-nt >of " Monroeism 7 "''- or- with. ;the necessity., of to m&intaia' it." He m'ges Anieraea to wake up . place herself in a proper state of defence, i

* KOI YET.

PROPOSALS FOR PEACE.

HOLLAND AND UNITED STATES

(Received December 3, 9.40 a.m.)

WASHINGTON, December 2,

Ambassador Vandyke har; visited Mi' W. J. Bryan, Secretary of State, and pointed out Holland's desire for an early end to the war. He. contended that it was impossible for any country to make' overture's "for peace "at present, ■and denied .that lie was authorised by Queen. Wilhelmina to suggest the mediation of the United States and Holland.

REBELS DEFEATED.

MANY KILLED AND WOTJNDED. NOTORIOUS CAPTAIN CAPTURED. (Received December 3, 8.40 a.m.) PRETORIA, December 2. Official:- The rebel general, Wessels, with his commando, on Sunday attacked Commandant Emmett. The rebels were repulsed and lost three killed > and eighteen wounded. Five loyalists were wounded.

Commandant Trichardt captured fourteen rebels elsewhere.

Among Commandant Emmett's prisoners are Captain- Vandam, Wessels.'s adjutant, a well-known character who was prominent in the capture of Harrismith;

IN THE COMMONWEALTH.

STRENGTHENING THE AIR FORCE

G OYERNMEN-T AND WHEAT PROBLEM.

MELBOURNE, December 2.

The Defence Department is strengthening the aerial arm. It has purchased an aeroplane locally, and placed an order in Britain for three military machines.

The action of the Legislature in repealing fixed prices lias caused conI fusion in the wheat market. The Government is condemned for fixing prices, but lacking the courage to commandeer wheat, and as soon as the elections were

over, lifting the bar to free sales. Many operators were caught short for large amounts. The Government now proposes to import. To do this it must;' induce the Federal Government to remove the duty.

SYDNEY, December 2,

Explaining the Wheat Bill the Hon. D. B. Hall said that the Government does not propose to purchase every bushel of wheat grown, but offers 5/per bushel to farmers desiring to sell. In the event of the market failing it holds no responsibility to recoup a farmer holding stocks. The farmer will not be allowed to sell elsewhere.

LOAN ESTIMATES.

GERMANS IN OFFICIAL POSITIONS

FISHERMAN. FATALLY SHOT.

(Received December 3, 10.20 a.m.)

SYDNEY, December 3.

In the Assembly Mr.-W. A. Holman, the Premier, tabled loan estimates, amounting to £7,580,702. The Wharf Labourers' Union, at a mass meeting, decided not to work with the enemy subjects, whether naturalised or unnaturalised. .< •

The first consignment of a thousand sheepskin waistcoats have been dispatched for the soldiers to the front, and a steady supply will be maintained henceforward. . ........

The Assembly in debating the policy of appointing natural-born Germans to official State positions, discussed the appointment of Dr August the 1 eriiployers,' representative ,on the ,Wa,ges JESoard. The evidence..?howed.that Dr Scheidel was born in Germany; and naturalised in. New Zealand in 1890 and in-the Commonwealth in 1913. He managed th 6 New Zealand Gold Extraction Company, and was also connected With' th&; concerns Mining Trusts, Limited, arid.New Zealand Mines, Limited. He recently acted as German Consul. '

PERTH, December 3,

An Italian fisherman sailing in the forbidden zone round Rottnest Island, disregarded a sentry's challenge and was fatally shot.

TREACHEROUS GERMANS.

RESULT OF A RAID.

RIFLES AND DUM-DUM BULLETS,

(Received December 3, 11.5 a.m.)

SYDNEY, December 3.

I*i the Assembly, {Colonel Onslow, referring to Dr. Scheid'el's appointment, said tli6 German secret service is admirably organised, and it is known that information lias beeii getting out by means of wireless. Recently "a German professor who had received Ambassadorial rights was found in possession of valuable military secrets, about to leave Australia, and others had been arrested 'with' strategical sketches of the Sydney coast, line in their pockets. The motion was negatived. MELBOURNE, December 3.

The ' military'seized the residence of a naturalised German at Windsor. Seven rifles, including a Mauser, and a thousand rounds of ammunition, mostly dum-dttnrSjr also two pistols were found in the "house.

EN ROUTE TO AUSTRALIA.

ENEMY STEAMER CAPTURED,

PRIZE CBEW PUT ABOARD.

CAPE TOWN, December 2,

The German-Austrian steamer Apolda, which was seized here on her way to Australia, completes her voyage to Melbourne with a prize crew. [The Apolda is. a steamer of 4939 tons gross built in 1901 for the Deutsch-Australlan Company, her registered port being Hamburg. Her dimensions are: length 391 ft, breadth 47ft.]

INTENSELY VIOLENT BATTLE.

WARSHIPS TAKING PART. TERRIFIC ARTILLERY FIRE. LONDON, December 2. \ A heavily censored Rotterdam message states that the battle on the Yser has been renewed with intense violence; The artillery fire on land is terrific, while British ships are flinging shells into the German batteries. .

The Germans, on the eve of the battle, sent an additional 3000 men to garrison Ileyst, fearing the possibility of troops landing in- their rear. AMSTERDAM, December 2.

More German troops from the Yser ami Ostend have been sent to Heyst and Zeebrugge, and additional artillery has been sent to the coast. Practice at the new coast, batteries has begun.

There is a dearth of horses on tlie Yser front, and the Germans have seized all available.

Advices from Sluis state that a larger German force, with bigger guns than before, has concentrated with a view to a fresh onslaught on the Allies' Yser positions. Numerous motor cars have carried leading German officers thither from various points. (Received December 3, 10 a.m.) LONDON, December 2.

The "Evening News" Rotterdam correspondent states that the-warships' bombardment of Ostend and Zeebrugge on Monday again stopped the Germans from fitting out their submarines. KING GEORGE IN FRANCE. AN EXCELLENT .IMPRESSION. GENERAL JOFFRE YISITS ALSACE. PARIS, December 2. King George's visit lias been re-

eeived with the liveliest satisfaction. Newspapers contrast its unobtrusiveness with the Kaiser's theatricalism.

ROME, December 2.

King George's presence in France has produced an excellent impression in Italy. It is considered that it is calculated to convince the most incredulous that Britain is determined to prosecute the war to the bitter end.

PARIS, December 2.

General Joffre visited Thann, in Alsace, and interviewed tlio notabilities of the town, who, since the occupation, have loyally assisted the provisioning of the troops.

General Joffre said "Our return is definite. Yoti are French forever. France brings you the spirit of liberty. She respects your traditions, beliefs, and customs."

One of the Alsatians, in reply, said that for nearly 50 years they had suffered every humiliation. They had been crushed, wounded, and tortured in the name of a civilisation boasting itI self superior to theirs. This they- well knew was untrue. He concluded by assuring General Joffre of their absolute devotion. • :: VISITING THE WOUNDED DELIGHT OF THE INDIAN TROOPS. (Received December 3, 8.35. a.ni.;)' 10ND0N, Eiecember King George spent' another' Gibing the wounded men.. The Sepoys..-were delighted &t, kndWjfetlge of the details of their first fights. v ; , A. . , Three hundreii thousaiid and the "Same flumber of pairs-of for whieh Queen MUry' appealed ; from the women of the Empire, ' re&chett 'France; for the : troops.

KING, PRESIDENT, AND PREMIER.

A DAY IN THE BRITISH LINES.

(Received December 3, 10 a.m.)

PARIS, December 2.

JJL, Poineare (the French. President), M. Viviani (vthe. Premier), and General/ Joffre visited the British headqiiartera yesterday. A

King George and M. Poineare mofepred to the front and passed the day in) the British lines.

A HOT ENCOUNTER.

ALLIES' SUCCESSFUL ASSAULT.

TREMENDOUS DAMAGE, AT

RHEIMS.

PARIS, December 2.

On oflicial statement says: 1 "On Tuesday, at midnight, German infantry unsuccessfully endeavoured to come out of their trenehes southward of Bixschoote. *

"We carried by assault, after a'hot encounter, a chateau and park at Vermilleis, between Bethune and Lfens.'' President Poihcard has gone to the north-west. . This bombardment of Rheims' continues. All "the factories have been destroyed and' stocks of wool burned. The textile industry is ruined. The damage is estimated at-four millions sterling.

GERMANY'S " STRENGTH.

THE LATEST COMPUTATION 1 .

ENEMY 'S; J

DISCIPLINE.

PARIS, December 2.

Commenting on the German claim to have 100 active and reserve army corps in the field, a semi-official French note states that. Germany, really.; has '25.1

active '"army ""corps, of which '2l}: are operating in the west and the remainder' in the east, also 33 reserve "corps, of which 22$ are in the west.- ;

The note points out that neither-the German nor. the French calculations include the Landwehr, of which- eight army corps, are in the west and' seven in the east. - •"••••• •?

LONDON, December"- 1

The eye-witness' at British headquarters, describing the repulse of • the Prussian Guards, says the German discipline was wonderful, but occasionally it was v forced beyond human endurance. The, Germans were ordered to attack our ■ trenches - across an' open space -200 yards "wide. After cries of "Yorwartfc!' ' the assaiilt -delivered and repelled. The second am: third were preluded by louder -exhor tations, but failed. Again there ,wei shouts of " Yorwarts!" but these wer*, greeted by exclamations of "Nein!" and no advance was made.

GERMANS IN BAD WAY.

COLD, HUNGER, AND DISEASE.

MEN DYING LIKE FLIES,

LONDON, November 2,

Mi- Martin Donohoe, correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle,'' says' that the Germans in, Belgium are suffering acutely from the winter conditions. As a triumphant march to Calais was anti-

cipated, 110 winter quarters were provided. Many men are without shelter, and are dying like flies. The number of desertions is daily increasing. The Dutch treat the military fugitives with every consideration and supply them with clothing and warm food. The flooding of Flanders hacV disastrous effects on the Germans. Pneumonia, rheumatism, and typhus have attacked many unwounded, and the death-roll has been heavy, but perhaps the Germans' worst a'nd most feared enemy remains. It has been found impossible to adequately feed the armies facing the Allies. Evei'y available train is being utilised for hurrying food to the front. The fresh troops arriving are largely intended to replace killed and wounded and victims of disease. The German Staff is between two conflicting resolves, and is unable to decide whether to fling away a fresh army in an attempt to reach Calais, or cut a terrible task short and quit that country which has entombed so many of the Kaiser's bravest men. ' 4 The Times'' disbelieves in the probability of a fresh attack on Ypres or elsewhere. The battle of Flanders has ended because the opposing armies have dug themselves in. From the standpoint of casualties, it is the greatest battle in history. It is estimated that the German loss was 200,000. It fell to the lot of the British and Indians 'to withstand the most furious attacks, especially in stages.

THE ENEMY'S RESERVES.

ARE THEY EXHAUSTED? DANGER OF OVER-CONFIDENCE. LONDON, December 2. Mr William Maxwell, the "DailyTelegraph's" correspondent, quotes officers acting as intermediaries between the Allied armies as saying that it is dangerous to imagine Germany as having exhausted her reserve of fighters. It is true that tremendous and irreparable gaps have been made in the best material, but the Germans are always able to put new men into the field. The picked men of the new levies are sent to the western .area. The Germans believe that victory must be won here, and not in the east. They are only just beginning to revise their opinion concerning the fighting quality of the Russians, and incidentally of the Austrians, who have so grievously disappointed them.: There is no evidence of an effective body of men having been withdrawn from the west to reinforce the army in the east. It is suspected that such reports are of German origin, intended to deceive. The Germans have already had a taste of the quality of the new men being raised in Britain, and are aware that this danger is increasing monthly, hence the frantic endeavours to make the Channel unsafe for the transport of troops but therewill be no interruption of the supply of young soldiiers who are proving themselves more than a match for the .Kaiser's finest and best-trained men. That is one reason why he is in a hurry and we are not.

TO SHARPEN THE SWORD.

"OUR SACRED DUTY." I

GERMANISM THROUGHOUT THE

WORLD,

LONDON, December 2

The Yellow Book published by the French Government shows that the treaty of 1911, recognising France's position in Morocco, created the deepest disappointment in Germany, where it had been imagined that France was moribund, and it had been resolved that her African heritage must be annexed. Germany was determined to have it out with France. In April M. Etienne sent M. Jounart a German official secret report, which stated: "Neither the ridiculous clamours for revenge of the French jingoes, nor English' gnashing of the teeth, nor the gestures of the Slavs, would deter us from extending Germanism throughout the entire world. It is our sacred duty to sharpen the sword." M. Cambon, the French Ambassador in Berlin, wrote on May 19, 1913, stating that at the end of the Balkan Con-; ference, General von Moltke declared: "When war becomes necessary it must be waged by ranging all chances on our side. Success alone justifies it. Germany must not give Russia time to mobilise, or she- would be obliged to maintain in the east forces which will leave her inferior in the west. Therefore, we must forestall our principal adversary* immediately. There are nine chances out of teii that we aie going to have war, and we must begin without waiting for the order, and brutally crush all resistance.' '■ AN ENEMY OF PEACE. GERMANY \S INORDINATE AMBITION. ' "Times" and "Sydney Sun" Services. (Received December 3, 8 a.m.) LONDON, December 2. "The Times," in a leader, says:— "The Yellow Book shows Germany throughout as an enemy of European peace; determined to finish with France, fasten a quarrel on Russia, arid pursue her inordinate ambition, reckless of all but the law of the strongest."

CAMPAIGN IN THE EAST.

GERMANS SERIOUSLY THREATENED.

WHAT TIIEY CLAIM TO HAVE

DONE

AMSTERDAM, December 2. An official Berlin report says: "The

German army east of Lodz was seriously threatened in tlie rear by the Russians, but broke through after fieree battles lasting three days. We captured twelve thousand prisoners and twentyfive guns, and did not lose a single gun. Our losses were not light, but were not colossal."

" CROWNED WITH SUCCESS."

THE RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE.

WIN THROUGH IN DESPERATE

BATTLES

PETROGRAD, December 2,

An official statement says:—'" Our offensive northward of Lowicz has been crowned with success.

The enemy's reinforcements from Kalisz took the offensive at Sieradz, and our advance guards in the Laska district were . engaged in a desperate battle all day. •

"Further south we captured Szertcow, where a brigade of infantry of the Prussian Guards, with five batteries, were dislodged, and driven back in disorder. ''

The Tsar has gone to the front. [Sieradz is on the Warta, south-east of Kalisz,. and Laska is about fifteen miles east of Sieradz.]

THE TURKISH CAMPAIGN. ENEMY SEIZES BANKS. A TRIBUTE TO BRITAIN. CAIRO, December 2. Ruhed Pasha, Premier of Egypt, in an interview with journalists, paid a high tribute to Great Britain for her magnificent and abiding work in Egypt. "She fulfils all the conditions entitling and her to remain Egypt's protector.''

The Turks have seized the Jerusalem branches of the Credit Lyonnais and the Anglo-Palestine Bank. The latter's safes hold £24,000. *

"HUMPTY DUMPTY" STREET

COLLECTION.

To-day the members of the Stephenson and Linley Pantomime Company made a praiseworthy effort in connection with the Belgian Fund, by organising a street collection and series of open-air concerts. The collection begari at the Theatre Royal shortly before one o'clock, the ladies of the company being indefatigable, and very successful, in the art of extracting coin from even the most unpromising sources. It must be recorded, however, that, on the whole, the public appeared to "part up" willingly, although now and again an individual was encountered on wh'om the most urgent invitations to contribute were wasted. The procession, starting from the theatre, moved to Cathedral Square, the company occupying two gailydecorated lorries and several locallyowned motor cars. The first concert was given in front of Warner's Hotel, and collecting progressed the while it proceeded. Similar concerts, patriotic songs, and instrumental items naturally predominating, were given at prominent points of the town, a good crowd assembling at each. Meanwhile the ladies made their way through the less important streets, and invaded offices and other places of business with the boxes. A picturesque note, was lent by the fact that many of the artists appeared in stage costume, the "principal boy" of the pantomime (Miss Olive Robinson) appearing clad in her pale blue satin Court suit and the plumed hat that seems sacred to the part. The collection was continued until 2 p.m., and the company are entitled to great credit for their self-sacrificing effort on behalf of this very worthy cause. LIVERPOOL PATRIOTIC FUND. The Mayoress, Mrs Holland, desires to acknowledge with thanks the following cash donation:—Mrs Wray, per Waimairi County Council, 5/-.