SUBMARINE LOSSES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CVII, Issue 16446, 18 January 1918, Page 5

SUBMARINE LOSSES.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn. and Heuter. Received 11.30 p.m., Jan. 17th. * LONDON, Jan. 17. . Sir Douglas Haig- reports:—The. enemy raided a- post nortih-west of St. Quentin. FLANDERS A QUAGMIRE. ENEMY CONSERVING AM- , .MUNITION. COMPLAINING OF WASTE. A United Press correspondent on the western front says that a warm wind has transformed Flanders into,a quagmire. , Captured documents show that troops from the east are ; arriving. Meanwhile the enemy is conserving ammunition and other material wherever possible. An Order to Prince Rupprecht's army group blames commanders for wastage in the recent fightiug, and declares, some field-gun batteries fired 3450 rounds in one day, light fieldhowitzers 3100 rounds, and heavy field ■ howitzers 1600 rounds. This was overmuch, rendering accurate shooting impossible. It wears out the guns, hence an unusual percentage are worn out. A Commission • Order demands the_ most careful conservation of material throughout. Australian and N.ft. Cable. Assn. Admiralty.—Per Wireless Press. "Received 9.5 p.m., .Jan. 37th. LONTJON, Jan. 16. German official.—The French attacked north of Badonviller and penetrated our front trenches. " THE ALLIES' CHOICE. "HOLD ON LIKE GRIM DEATH." (Fronr Australian Files). IN FRANCE, Jan.l. Within a few weeks, the decision of the Russians to make peace with the German military chiefs, and the defeat of the Italians," completely changed the complexion of the war.* A difference in the moral even of, the Gernan troops opposite this part of the front was noticeable. The Emperor visited them and made a speech, which Mr Lloyd George described as "drunk' with boastfulness." Hindfenburg and Ludendorff swelled with hints of great things that they now would accomplish. At Christmas oame the news of the German terms. To-day, entering the New. Year, everyone here is conscious that within the past fortnight a great decision has been arrived at by France and Britain, and probably Italy. Tt would possibly be said the ideals for which, we entbred were too difficult to attain. The task was too great. We v would give up since the German military chiefs now ..were so' strong, and that we would agree.to take their compromise -'without a guarantee. Thier other alternative is that France and Britain, and if possible Italy, will- refuse to compromise with the" Emperor, and will hold on here like grim cteath through the coming year, while all the time America builds up her enormous power, which, as far as absolute certainty can attain in this world j will bring German militarism to our terms, and force it to give guarantees that will be" observed. Everyone here realises' that France and Britain have definitely chosen tho .latter. This year the Germans aro certain to attempt to deliver a decisive blow on.the West. France and Britain have dtecided to hold on at all costs on the West while America is raising her mighty force, which, will settle the"war. tt will be a tremendously heavy task, but it has been done before, and will be done again. -

PLAYIiSrG-OTJT TIME.

SIGNS CP "WEAKENING GERMAN MORALE/ (From Capfc. Malcolm Ross, New Zealand Official War Correspondent.) There has been another snowfall and bitterly but the troops both in and behind the lilies have stood it well. The weather-is now mild, and the thaw has made the roads and i.mps muddy. Our boys take turns in the front line, and much work has been done in repairing trenches. Whether the enemy will attempt a renewed offensive or nob we cannot say, but if ho does we shall be ready for him. and in auy such attempt his losses are oertain to be • heavy. For the moment we may be said to be in the position of a cricket team playing out time in a bad light, knowing that on the morrow we "shall be able to resume the initiative with greater coaifidenoe. The moral of our forces is still • strong. On the other hand, there are evidences of weakening in the ranks of the enemy, and we learn that his accessions from the Russian front are already showing a disposition to desert. In the meantime, the New ZealanoWs are alert and active on the sector they are holding.

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