FRANCE AND BELGIUM.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144855, 6 December 1915, Page 3

FRANCE AND BELGIUM.

GERMAN REINFORCEMENTS FIND FRENCH POSITION TOO STRONG. (Received Deo, 6, 8.0 a.m.) PARIS, Dec. 6. A correspondent, writing from Champagne, says that a large number of Germans from Russia are concentrating at St. Quentin, Laon, Mezieres and elsewhere. This has led to the general belief that a renewal of tho German offensive is impending, but apparently General von Einem’s attack between La Fomello and Presses persuaded tho enemy that the French lines were too strong. . General von Einem is holding a position of extraordinary strength, tho trenches having been cut in chalky ■rock. He is always threatening a sudden descent on tho camp at Chalons. In the last big fight # General von Einem launched two divisions, the centre of the attack being at La Marquise farm upon the Rheims-Suippos road. It was preceded by waves of exceptional volume, attacking the eyes even through masks. After the gas camo flaming liquid. This was ineffective, as the French sharpshooters picked off the sprayers and the machines often sprayed tho oncoming Germans. Tho enemy charged at an ambling trot, in curious contrast to tho clan of tho French bayonet charges. The French machine-guns soon reduced the massed formation to disorderly groups, which wore finally wiped out, Tho recent fighting has proved that tho superiority in machine-guns has passed to tho French, whoso gunners have developed all tho German export science. RAIN HINDERS OPERATIONS. LONDON, Dec. 4. French and German communiouee state that rain and mist are impeding operations on the west front. PARIS. Dec. 5. A communique says':—Our artillery destroyed a heavy gun near Woinville. Georges Carpentier, the well-known boxer, has been awarded the War Cross for \ aim and conspicuous bravery ing fog and rain on September 20, in flying over tho German lines at an altitude of six hundred' feet. Carpentier made several flights, with remarkable sang froid, never returning without accomplishing his mission, although sometimes his machine was riddled; with bullets and shell splinters. The Chamber of Deputies has passed a Bill fixing the maximum prices of provisions. UNDERSTUDY FOR GENERAL JOFFRE. (Received Dec. 6, 11.35 a.m.) PARIS, Dec. 5. Though the Journal states that the Government does not intend to appoint a successor to General Joffro to take direct command at the front, several newspapers assert that a successor has already been chosen and will act in close collaboration with General Joffre in some quarters. General Castelnau is mentioned.