SIR JOHN FRENCH’S REPORT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume L, Issue 14744, 25 October 1915, Page 7

SIR JOHN FRENCH’S REPORT.

Press Association.—Telegraph—Copyright. Received October 25, 3.0 p.m. LONDON, October 24. Sir John French reports considerable artillery activity during the last three days southward of La Bassee Canal, but no infantry action, apart from grenade lighting. ] Four of our airmen on Friday engaged German machines, and compelled all tile enemy either to descend or tits'. One dived headfirst from a height of 7000 ft, into a wood just behind the German lines. Intermittent artillery action, mining, and counter-mining, took place- on tbo icraaimler of the front, with unimportant results*.

IMPORTANCE OF VELES.

key of the southern CAMPAIGN. Deceived October 25 , 3.20 p.m. ATHENS, October 24. The strategic importance of the fighting louud Vt-ies is emphasised by the tact I that it is mountainous country. If the Aides bring up sufficient forces to junction with the Servians there, they will considerably lessen the Bulgarians’ chalices ol success, and alter the entire situation.

A RECRUITING RALLY.

NATION AL RESERVE ROUTE MARCH. SATURDAY EVENING. Before dismissing the National Reserve this morning, Colonel Watt briefly addressed the mep, congratulating them on the fine muster, and on the interest they continued to display in furthering the recruiting movement. He stated that he had received a letter suggesting that ihe members of the neserve should hold a route march on Saturday evening, and he heartily endorsed the suggestion. The letter speaks for itself: 32 Bell Street, Wanganui. 24th October, 1915. Colonel John P. Watt, V.D., <O.C. Group 6A, National Reserve, Wanganui. E-ear Sir, —I beg to suggest that the local regiment of the National Reserve hold a route march on Saturday evening next for the purpose of encouraging recruiting. This is being done in Auckland and Wellington by the National Reserve. The four companies could parade at the Drill Hall at 7.45 p.m. This would give time for my company to parade at 7.30 p.m. to elect officers. It is our turn to have the floor of the hall next Saturday. I would suggest that the order on the marcn be: 1. A Band. 2. Returned sdildiers fit to march, 3. Soldiers on leave from camp. 4. All men who are waiting their call to camp. 5. The Reserve. The route need not be a long one; say, from the hall via Wicksteed Street and Ingestre Street to the Avenue; halt at the Post Office and let Mackay'and Mr Keesing speak to the crowd from the Rutland balcony. The Reserve would need to be in close formation, so as not to prevent the men in the crowd from getting near enough to hear the speakers. The column could then march down to the bridge and back up the Avenue to Guyton or Ingestre Street. There are always a large number of people in the Avenue from 8 to 9 p.m., an d I think we could shako some of the fellows who ought to go to the front up to a sense of their duty. ! feel confident that the Reserve would turn out well. If you think well of the project, I will see that the local papers put it well before the public.—l am, sir, Yours obediently, H. M. PAYNE.