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Timaru Herald, Volume CIV, Issue 15937, 13 April 1916, Page 6

Tlio battle still goes iiercely .U Verdun, and it the (ioniums' reports c;m be believed they have captured a blockhouse ou tli3 west side uf the House and soiiit, defensive works suuih-eaol oi Douauinoub. ou the east, as well as gaining an admitted tooting in a tew ireuches at ALort Homme, ou the -west. But these are very small gains to be achieved by attacks, iirst on one side of the river, then on the other, aided by liquid fire and tear shells and made with a total

disregard of losses on, ground that lias been prominent in the cable news for weeks past. The French give particulars to show that the German losses at Verdun for four weeks up to April Ist averaged -50 per cent, of their units, and though tho calculations cannot lie orccise, being given "authoritatively" they are nrobably not far from the mark. The number of German infantry at Verdun, including reinforcements, is computed at 450,000. Jinny Germans must be asking "Is it worth it?"

'Against the British front the Germans are now believed by Colonel Itepington to have 800,000 entrenched. The number is not so disproportionatelv large as it appears, because this is a front of ninety miles, and since the "WoeATc attacks were discontinued tho. main nsrhting for Verdun has been on a front of less than twenty. It is lartre enouo'h to show, however, that if the .enemy . is not contemplating an offensive against uk that would bo welcomed gleefullv, he stands iin _ sufficient awe of a- possible | British offensive to be taking great precautions against it. If the British hold 800,000 Germans | they are giving inestimable aid ito their Allies, even though the gains made one day at the former I German salient of St. Eloi may be lost the nest.

The Russians have repulsed a local attack on the Dwina front, and continue to press west from Erzerourn. If their progress continues towards Diabekir and other points the Turkish communications with Mesopotamia will be imperilled. The Allies have provoked a new Greek protest by announcing their intention of lan diner forces at Cenknlonia. an island opposite the Gulf of Patras. which is probably f, haunt of German submarines. After a year's evasions and false promises the German Govern rnent has flun<? down the page to America by declarin.gr that its submarine outrages will be continued till the end of the war unless Great Britain, is indue?-} to abandon her blockade. The President has now aTmarently a clear issue—to ent all his former words or suspend relations.