ITALY

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144708, 17 June 1915, Page 3

ITALY

ARTIFICIAL AVALANCHES. BATTLE ON ISON 7.0 RIVER. GENEVA, June 16. The Germans arc using dynamite to precipitate avalanches on the advancing Bersagliori. The Italians at Monfalcone secured two light cruisers nearing’,completion, and also a liner. A fierce battle is in progress on a ten-mile front from Ronzino to Gargaro. Northward of Gorizia Italian artillery are pounding the Austrian fortifications, especially in the vicinity of Tolmino. The Italians • have occupied several heights dominating Gorizia. LONDON, June 16. The Italian Government in tbenowlyoccupied South Trentiuo will make a payment of a subsidy to families of Austrian soldiers equivalent to the Austrian allowance. Austrians stationed at Serajovo have Leon dispatched to the Friono frontier, and have replaced the Germans, the itleji being that the Germans will fight Scrria, and so avoid a direct embroilment with Italv. ROME, June 16. The Austrian hydroplane captured dropped into the sea alter flying over Venice. Considerable Austrian forces have been withdrawn from Servia and transferred to the Italian front. Gorman guns have been mounted at nil the positions commanding Trent,’where the Austrians nro preparing a big resistance as a result of German advice. • ITALY SECURES THE ADVANTAGE. AUSTRIA ON THE DEFENSIVE. TIMES AND SYDNEY SUN SERVICES. (Received June 17, 8 a.m.) LONDON, Juno 16. Milan states that an Austrian offensive bad long been predicted -in the event of an Austro-ltalian war, but now it is impracticable. Despite the Austrians’ favourable geographical position the Austrians arc upon the defensive and are collecting all the available troops for the protection of her ports and entrenched camps. The Italians’ first task was to capture the dominating positions and the opening phase in the Italian advance developed most fortunately. They now hold the most important Alpine passes in the Trentino, Gadore and Friuli districts, and are breaking the Austrian resistance at some points. DOMINATING POINTS SEIZED. WELLINGTON, Jane 17. Tho High Commissioner reports under daio London, June 16 (2.30 p.m.); —Tho Italians are gradually proceeding with tho occupation of dominating points on the Tyrol-Trentino frontier and Cadore. Except artillery flrmg and two fruitless attacks on Sunday against Pic do Valone in tho upper Piavo Valley, the enemy have given no sign of activity there. In Carina tho enemy’s activity is more intense. He has made repeated attempts to break through near tho Sessis Pass, which is still strongly held by the Italians, chiefly on the ridge of Mount Avostaris and the Monte Croce Pass. Hero the enemy made a vigorous attack on Monday morning, prepared by severe artillery firing. The enemy was repulsed at the point of the bayonet. Some of tho wounded show proof that the enemy use explosive projectiles. STRUGGLE IN THE CAENIC ALPS. (Received Juno 17, 9.10 a.m.) ROME, June 16. Official.—Tho enemy made repeated attempts to break through the Sesis Pass m tho Carnic Alps, but were repulsed and pursued with the bayonet. Investigations confirm the belief that the enemy is using explosive bullets. LIGHT ON AUSTRIAN PLANS. HOLDING ITALIAN LEFT FLANK. (Received June 17, 1 p.m.) ROME. June 16. Tho Austrian plan is now clearer. They are prepared for a desperate defence of Gorizia and Tiilmino. ■ ■■ing thaj it will bo impossible ic - .alians to continue the march : ; sie while their loft flank is tuicau’iied. The Austrians are everywhere oil the defensive, except in the Carnia zone, whore the best troops are centred for a violent offensive, aiming at the invasion Of tho valleys loading to Venice, thus to force the Italians to retreat in order to defend their own territory. The Austrians are defending Gonzia from tho height of Podgora west of the town, where a four-miles front is covered with invisible trenches protected by steel plates, connected by several chains of underground tunnels, whence the troops fight under complete cover supported by heavy artillery bidden in grottos excavated in the hills. Fierce fighting is proceeding from the Inferno Valley to Malborghetto, which is 7000 feet high. So far the Austrian attacks have been repulsed, A battle, after raging for several days at the foot of the east Trentino glaciers, ended in an Austrian rout. Though fierce and picturesque these Alpine engagements do not possess great military importance.