MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

West Coast Times, 21 June 1916, Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

HONOURS FOR GENERAL CQDLEY. Pee Press Association.—Coptbiohx. (Received, 7 p.m., June 20th.) LON'DON, June 20. Tlie King gave an audience to General Sir A. tiodley and invested him with the Commandership of the Bath. INTENSE FIGHTING. UNPARALLELED SINCE THE START. THE GREAT RUSSIAN ADVANCE. INTERESTING STRATEGIC SITUATION. LONDON, Juno 10. Intense fighting on all fronts which has been unparalleled since the earliest months of the war, still marks the situation. The German tactics aro obviously intended to keep tho Allies busy in the hope of preventing general offensives. . The Russians substantial progress has already relieved the Italians, who are securely situated in a strong defensive line and who are successfully counter-attacking. The Austrian entry on to the Venetian Plain have been dissipated. Tho momentum of the Russian advance is undiminished, although Af. Marcel ITutin, who is especially wellinformed on Russian matters, suggests in the Echo do Paris that Russia’s obcctivc is not a strategic success, but a reduction of the enemy’s effectives, which has been achieved. The strategic situation remains intensely interesting It is known that the Austrians are, attempting to effect a junction with largo German reinforcements, hoping to stop the Russians north of Banumvitch.

French, military writers emphasise that the plan in connection with the Russian offensive requires the Allies to come to grips with the enemy in ab theatres, thus preventing the transfer of forces to vital zones. General Kaloudine between June nth and 17th captured 1.3(10 officers, 70.000 soldiers, 83 guns, 360 machine guns, and enormous quantities of war material. Military critics point out that Russia's possession of Czernowitz is a necessary preliminary to using Kirilt-h-.ha Pass, one of the most difficult routes over the Carpathians. The Daily Telegraph’s correspondent at Rome says that according to Austrian prisoners the bringing up of military supplies is difficult owing to the lack of motor cars, many of which have been sent to Galicia. The Austrians are obsessed by the fear of their inability to retreat. AMSTERDAM. June 10. The full Czernowitz and General von Mnltke's death had a depressing effect on Berlin. AN EXCHANGE. GERMAN DOCTOR GOING HOME. AUCKLAND, June 20. . Passengers by the s.s Tnlune included Dr. Vicsschank. a Gorman doctor from Samoa. It is understood he is returning to Germany under tho eystem of exchanging British and German doctors who are prisoners of war. COMING HOME. WO ENDED MAORIS. LONDON, June 10. A contingent of wounded Maoris left Plymouth for New Zealand.

A FRENCH LOAN. • RAISED IN SWEDEN. COPENHAGEN, June ‘l9. A number of Swedish hanks are making the French hanks a loan of seventy million kroner. The money will remain in Sweden and be issued to purchase exports. GERMAN ADMIRAL’S STATEMENT AMSTERDAM, June 19. Admiral von Koestor, speaking at a meeting, said: "We are entitled to use the submarine as a weapon in tho most daring war against an enemy using mines and aeroplanes, especially when President Wilson advocates humanity and justice and provides tho enemy with munitions, without which they would he unable to continue the' war.” Political and commercial circumstances had forced Germany to abandon the present but he Roped the fleet would have bettor times. DECLINING BIRTH RATE. A 'SERIOUS PROBLEM. LONDON. June 19. Tho Press is earnestly drawing attention to the Birth Rate Commission’s report. The clergy deplore the falling rate. Medicos state that the great influx into war work is likely to cause a further decline, which has decreased one-third in Groat Britain since 1876. i The Times says that as long ns civilisation's ideal is the greatest comfort the greatest number of living persons, will avoid the. burden of parentage.