Germany and Austria Alarmed.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14199, 30 January 1915, Page 5

Germany and Austria Alarmed.

Germany's Threat.

Strict Neutrality or Ultimatum.

Desperate German Assaults*

Gallant British Victory.

Russians Repulse fits Germans. Heavy Austro-German Losses. Austrian Emperor Abdicating. A Reuters message states that the Germans on Monday, concentrating important forces between La Basseo and Festubert, attempted to pierce -the Allies' line at Betlnme. The Allies were aware of the German plan, and met them with a murderous fire, smashing their lines and driving them back. A Paris communique states that the Allies have gained a footing on a great sand dime near Lonibaertzyde, and have consolidated their positions in the Woevre. A Petrograd communique states that the Russians repulsed the Germans north of Tilsit. The Russians are advancing in the Pilkallen and Gumbinnen districts. Russian artillery silenced several batteries and inflicted great losses on the Austro-German force in the trenches on the left bank of the Vistula. The fighting in the Dukla Pass has been in favour of the Russians, the enemy to the south-west retreating before the Russians. In connection with the. naval battle in the North Sea, it is stated that the German cruisers Seydlitz (24,G0Q tons) and Derfflinger (26,200 tons) got home little more than afloat, the former being on fire. The Derfflinger had every gun put out of action, and she was damaged astern by a torpedo. The British broadsides played terrible havoc with the Blucher, the guns being torn from their settings, the gun crews hurled to destruction, and the men swept from the deck like flies. Those in authority on the German vessels lost their heads, their nerves being unable to stand the strain. Swiss messages state that Austria and Germany are alarmed at Italy's preparations for war, and that if her concentration of troops on Austrian boundaries does not cease they will send an ultimatum to Italy. Reports from Switzerland state that the Emperor of Austria is arranging to abdicate his throne, as he is unable to agree with the views of the Kaiser in military affairs, and also in regard to his attitude towards peace negotiations.