PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2806, 26 June 1916, Page 4

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Ample proof is afforded in the news to-day that; tho Germans still feel bound, for somo reason, to go on striving for the. decisive success which has so long eluded them at Verdun. In tho present state of their affairs persistence in their past tactics on this front can hardly be the course of action they would choose if freedom of choice were really in their hands. The threat of a British attack looms large, ana in tho other main theatre the Russians are in the full tide of a great and successful enterprise, which at the most conservative estimate is'bound to involve as it develops a great and increasing drain upon German as well as Austrian resources. On all • visible facts, the Germans have every 1 possible reason to husband their strength and go warily. Instead they are shown to be again concentrating against Verdun as if the defeat of the Frcnoh at this point overshawoded all other objects in' tho war. That the battle should have entered a new phase with the enemy spending both men and material as lavishly as ever is admittedly remarkable. It may seem to suggest that The Germans must be fighting within sight of some great and decisive advantage, but there are no visible grounds justifying such an opinion, and there is a great deal of evidence supporting an entirely different view. At bottom, the fact that the Allies are undoubtedly holding greatly superior forces in reserve seems to be conclusive. It is a dominating fact and can hardly betaken to mean less than that the Germans are being permitted to persevere in their assaults on Verdun because it suits the Allies that they should do so. The German' design at Verdun' is a mystery. Their initial attempt to win a- quick and spectacular success at heavy, though perhaps not extravagant cost, was understandable. But their complete failure to win such a success; was established at an early stage in the battle, and they seem ever since, in their slow-and exceedingly costly penetration of the French line, to nave been playing directly into tho hands of the Allies. No reason for altering this opinion appears in tho reports which are now coming through.

From the violent bombardment and local attacks reported at the end of last week, the Germans proceeded to develop an assault in force along a 'front of several miles, east of the "Mouse and north and north-cast of the town of Verdun.. It is stated that at one stage of the battle they used six divisions. That is to say they reproduced the conditions under which they havo in the past suffered most heavily at Verdun, and in comparison with the magnitude of the effort the degree of success'achieved seems to have been insignificant. One attack on the north was driven deeply into the French lino and penetrated to the village of "Fleury, something like a mile south of the front on' which the- battle opened, but the attackers were rolled back by a vigorous 'counterI offensive and most of the ground lost was recovered. As reports • stand, the French retook all but first-line positions on the northern front. The Germans claim that the greater part of Floury village is in their hands, but unless this report relates to later events it is contradicted by those issued by the French. The battle also raged in extreme violence on the eastern face of the Verclun defences, west and south of Fort Vaux. Here the Germans scorn to have made no material headway. These attacks on north and east represent an attempt to cut off the north-eastern section of the Verdun area, but whatever the detail gains of their latest powerful and costly effort may havo been, the Germans arc hardly yet' within sight of a success on this scale. And even if they had succeeded to this extent they would still have been faced, as they "are now, by highly organised defences, line beyond line, which are certainly not to be penetrated except at appropriate cost.

A French communique, just received, admits that the Germans hold the outskirts of Fleury village. This implies a considerable penetration of tho northern line, and may entail some loss of ground further east, but there is no reason to suppose that it will decisively affect,the general situation. /

Events elsewhere on tho Western front show little reflection of the tremendous outburst of battle at Verdun, though attacks and threatened attacks by the Germans perhaps represent an attempt on their part to anticipate and hamper anything in tho nature of an Allied counterstroke. Abortivo attacks on French positions in the Champagne seem to have been made in no great strength, though on a wide front: and near "Messincs, in southern FlaiuTors, the Germans directed a gas cloud over the British lines without attempting to launch an infantry attack. At time of writing there is no mention in Allied reports of tho British attack cast of Ypres which the Germans'assert they "frustrated." The essential fact is manifest that the Allies aro still biding their time in spite of tho desperate efforts the Germans aro making to force the issue, at Verdun. Another indication that strength and preparation lie at the back of this attitude is given in tho report that tho Allies have notified the United States that they aro ready to subordinate their American munitions contracts to

"united State needs. This is not without value as an indication that the Allies are now tolerably well supplied with the materials tor lack of >vhich they were formerly so seriously handicapped.

According to a semi-ofiieial message from Rome, it is persistently rumoured in neutral countries that both the German and Austrian Chiefs of General Staff.' and tho German commander at Verdun have been removed from their positions. There is a natural tendency to distrust testimony of this kind, and it certainly seems unlikely that the Central Empires would make open confession of shortcomings in their war policy by instituting at this stage drastic changes in their higher commands. It will bo remembered, however, that tho late Count von MotiTKE was removed from the post of Chief of the German General Staff, and replaced by General at a- very critical epoch in tho war, and with mattors tending as they are, it is not absolutely impossible that General Falkenhay'm and his Austrian colleague have now shared the fate of vonMoltke. It must be confessed that the introduction of the name of .the Verdun commander does not help to make the' rumour plausible. ■ The Germans have much reason to be dissatisfied with results achieved, and not achieved, at Verdun, but they are apparently determined to persevere in their most unpromising enterprise.

Reports from Russia emphasise the fact that the enemy front in the Eastern theatre has been greatly lengthened at a time when ho was trying to hold his lines with the minimum strength of forces. This is a factor of the utmost importance, and the position is, of course, intensified by the comparatively open character of the fighting to which tho Russian offensive has given rise. Descriptive accounts are given today of operations in which tho Russians supplemented direct attack by sending bodies of cavalry round to take the enemy in flank and rear. There is still ample scope for tactics of this kind, and indeed there is no visible prospect of either ai my again settling down on anything in tho nature of a continuous defensive front. Conditions of comparatively open fighting naturally favour the stronger and better handled army, and it is a fair assumption that the Russians have not brought about theso conditions without being fully confident of their ability to turn them to account. There would be no advantage in forcing an open conflict in the Eastern theatre if it were likely that tho enemy would be able to bring superior strength to bear. Theso considerations, along with tho current news, must tend to strengthen a conviction that the Russians have not taken tho offensive without being assured of powerful, supporting action by their Allies in other theatres. One Petrograd communique to-day mentions that tho enemy in Southern Russia and Galioia is still receiving ments from tho French and_ Italian fronts. Within limits this is all to tho good, since'it is the aim of the Allies to weaken the enemy by compelling him to distribute his strength, but full-powered co-opera-tion by tho Allies in other theatres seems necessary in order that tho Russian onslaught may tell with full effect. As matters stand on tho southern front, the Russians are ablo to subject the enemy to an extreme and wearing strain, but obviously severe checks must be imposed upon the enemy's power of reinforcing his threatened lines. Otherwise the. advantages of the.situation might bo in part reversed.

Detail reports indicate that the Russians are making headway, though not vapidly, at some points in Southern Russia.' In Bukowina they are rapidly developing the pronounced advantage they have gained. They are driving fast aoross the northern area of the crownlaml towards Kolomca, the only remaining junction through which the Austrian main body is in touch with its southern forces. Kilty, whioh the_ Russians havo captured, is a junction 35 miles west and a little south of Czernowitz. Kolomca is twenty miles to the north and somewhat further west. The Russians arc also striking rapidly south, and it is now definitely stated that a section of the Austrian southern army is jammed between tho advancing Russians and the Rumanian frontier.

It is announced from Athens that the elections have been set down for the end of next month. This may bo regarded as definitely sotting a period to tho unconstitutional and unpatriotic regime which tho Allies seem now to have effectively scotched. Even the Germans, it will bo noticed, appear to take a Venizelist victory at the polls for granted, and to apprehend that Greece in the out. come will throw in her lot with tho Allies. To tho Allies themselves this last is perhaps _ no* a secondary question.' Even if it is assumed that Greece is lost as an effective ally there is still a promising outlook in the Balkans. The Bulgarian army is supposed to consist at most of 400,0't)0 men.,. This estimate is based on the assumption thatlosscs in the campaign against Serbia have been partly made good by recruiting in invaded territory. Bulgaria has little prospect of aid from either Turkey or tho Central Empires, and tho Allies are reported to havo already assembled 350,000 British and French troops at Salonika, to whom must be added 130,000 .Serbians. These facts point to the probability of action on a considerable scale in the Balkans even if Rumania should continue to stand neutral, *vhich she seems on the whole not very likely to do.

During tho discussion on the Marine Department Estimates, Mr. Forbes, M.P., asked tho Hon. Dr. M'Nab a question concerning the Government steamer Hinemoa. Dr. M'Nub said- that somo time ago a survey was niado of tho vessel and it was decided to limit her operations to the coast, wliilo tho Araokura was commissioned for the outside work. The position now was that plans for a new steamer had been prepared aud sent Home, where they had been criticised and amended. Recently they had been returned, and wore ready for submission to Cabinet. In tho meantimo a new survey of tho vessel had been made and a report made that for an expenditure of JSO'O she could be put into working order for a term of three years. This was felt to be tho best course, ns it would enable tho position to be cleared up. I

Tho wholesale thoft of bicycles is going on in Napier, says our correspondent, and motorists aro also being victimised. In one caso a thief removed tho accumulator from a car, while the disappearance .of other sundries is becoming quite a common occurrence.

The Minister of Defence has approved of the issue of a universal badge for members of the Xew Zealand Expeditionary Force, to be worn on the cap and collar. Tho new badge- will be a fern leaf, with the words "New Zealand" ombossed.

The stewards of the Otaki Maori Racing Club have voted the sum of .£350 to patriotic purposes, .£3OO of the amount to be handed to the Government and .£SO to tha Native Patriotic Fund.

The deputation of business men to the Prime Minister on the subject of early closing, wliich was decided on at a meeting held on, Friday last, will be received ait Parliament Buildings at noo'n to-day.

The Central Mission Band played at the Public Hospital yesterday afternoon, and a collection talfcn up realised £1 lis., which amount will go to the Hospital funds.

Councillor W. J. Howell, of the Hutt County Council, who was the winner of a ton of coal in connection with the Petone Rosebud Carnival, has requested the secretary of tho Carnival Committee (Mr. A. J. Skinner) to forward the coal to the Anglican Orphanage, Lower Hutt, as a gift.

The question of the police and enlistment was raised by Mr. R. M'Callum in the House of Representatives on Friday night. Mr. M'Callum expressed disapproval of the Minister's refusal to allow policemen to enlist.- Ho pressed the Minister strongly to allow policemen to volunteer for service. The Hon. A. L. Herdman said that ho was sorry that he could not accede to the honourable gentleman's request. Nor did he think it was necessary that he should repeat the very full statement he had made on the subject a few days ago.

In reply to Dr. Newman the Hon. A. M. Myors stated in tho House of Representatives that the extra cost of the collection of the beer duty imposed last year was MQb but this was counterbalanced by the extra fees paid by breweries.

It is reported of Macnulay that when he was six years old ho hurt his foot, and in reply to an inquiry as to how it was he said: "The agony has now somewhat abated." There are many Macaulays now in all our schools, and the iise of English and the understanding of the language is more profound than over. A lad o£ ten the other day, in the Clyde Quay School, was set a lesson to write correctly sentences giving the proper weight and meaning of the following words: Reluctantly, sanctuary, strenu : ously, adherence, appreciate. And with a grace as free as Bernard Shaw or Rudyard Kipling, this.,is what he wrote: "Rather reluctantly the father told his son that unless his adherence to the rules of the household was . a little stricter, he would be obliged to seek sanctuary to save his skin, for a strenuous time would surely come if he did not appreciate advice and improve." Thus, indeed, in AVellington, Macnulay is again outdone.

During last week reference was made and a discussion followed in Parliament concerning the unauthorised badges that were being, sold in the shops in Wellington, and worn by men in the streets. In this connection a Dominion reporter called on Mr. Thomas Shields, the wellknown Willis Street tailor, who makes a specialty of military fixings, and who not only sells the unauthorised badges, but makes them. Mr. Shields, who said he had noticed that some mention of tho matter had been made in Parliament, said tho matter was a very simple one. They had found that thore was a want for the badges on the part both of returned men and those who had enlisted, because of the unsuitability of the Government armlet, because of its obtrusive colour, and the fact that it slipped about, and that after' a few days in the sun the crown device that was only printed on it faded away altogether, and just left a plain red band. Before he made or sold any he had mng up the private secretary to the Minister of Defence, and asked if there was any objection to" other badges being sold to men who had returned from the front and those who were waiting to be called up, or who had been turned down as unfit. The secretary had made an inquiry, and had replied to the effect that thero was no objection to the backes being sold. Thereupon a neat device had been drawn, and worked in upon scarlet or khaki cloth, for the purpose of being either pinned or sewn on to the outside of the sleeve of a coat. Mr. Shields said ho always insisted on seeing a man's papers before ho would 6ell him a badgo, which was, generally speaking, a fairly efficient check on anything in tho way of a fraud being worked.

A meeting of tho Waterside Workers' Union was held in the King's Theatre yesterday afternoon to further consider the Military Service Bill. It was decided that the executive be instructed to convene a conference of all workers' unions with a view to ascertaining their feelings with regard to the Bill.

Word was received at the "Hawke's Bay Horald"' office by telephono late on Friday night from Kereru Station (Mr. ■J. Anderson), which, is duo west inland of Hastings, that a loud and mysterious rumbling in the earth wa6 being continuously heard. The stock in the neighbourhood was terrified and uttering cries and moans. The rumbling commenced about 1 a.m. on Friday, the noises-last-ing about three minutes, with intervening periods of quietness lasting about ten minutes. The disturbance has since been increasing in intensity, and at midnight the same night it sounded like peals of thunder. The duration of the regular noises was over six minutes with calm intervals of ten minutes' duration. A brilliant glare, giving a decided red huo in the skv, could bo seen in the direction of Mount Ngauruhoc (a volcano), north-west of Kereru. The night was clear and starry in the locality with a cold westerly wind blowing. The buildings of the station were "shaking like a leaf," and it was stated that the settlers were alarmed at the manifestations. The opinion was expressed that Ngaurnhoe was in eruption, with. the accompanying earthquakes and earth noises.

Whitebait are making their appearance early this season. One party brought to Invereargill a small quantity last week. One of the party stated that he bftd been catching them for the last fifteen yours, and that this is the earliest lie has yet known them to appear.

In the Magistrate's Court at Dunodin recently, Mr. H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., directed the attention of solicitors to some rules contained iu the Imprisonment for Debt Limitations Act, which are putlishetl in the Anno edition of tho Gazette, and whicfy will come into operation on July 1 next. Thero were, he stated, many alterations to tho present rules. In regard to adjournments the practice laid down was very similar to what was at present followed, but oven here there weio some minor alterations which it would bo well for solicitors to nolo.

Tho Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company, of Akron, U.S.A., has !>ecomcthe largest and most successful tyre company in the world, solely by its policy of making only tho highest class of tyres. Seventy per cent, of the new Motor-cars now imported into this country, especially tho bettor class cars, are fitled with Goodyear Tyros. Motorists should make suro that they buy tho genuino Goodyear Tyre. Particulars and price lists can be obtained from Tito Dominion Motor Vehicles, Limited, 65 Courtenay Place, Wellington, Controlling Agents for Wellington, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Marlborough, and Nelson.—Advt.

Since its inception a little ovtr a yea? ago the recruiting bureau of the Gnristchurch Citizens' Defence Corps h?®™* 51 * instrumental in securing the enlistment of over 4000 men for military service. A question regarding the circum?tanctF under which some returned soldiers who were patients in To Waikato Sanatorium lately left that institution was put to the Minister of Public Health (Hon. G. W. Hussein on Friday by Mr. Young, M.P. ne said that it was stated that two dozen patients, including seven returned soldiers, made a complaint to the Minister as to the administration of the institution, and that the seven soldiers left Oie institution on June 7. He asked whether the Minister had received a report as to a complaint that life at tho institution wns so severe as to be almost unbearable. Tho Minister said that two days ago lie received a memorial signed by a liumLor of the patients, and dated June G. The matter was reported to the Department, when the incident occurred, and Colonel Hope-Lewis had been, requested to visit tho sanatorium and report upon the matter. He (Mr. Russell) only that afternoon had received a wporfc from Dr. Bernstein, officer in charge of the institution, upon the matter. He had not yet had time to digest the replv made to tho statements in question, lut from a cursory perusal of the report it would seem that there were a number of patients in thi> institution who did not understand fliftt being patients in a consumptive sanatorium, it was absolutely necessary whilst they were there that they sho'uld limit not only their diet and movements, but also even their pleasures and recreations. The treatment given in a consumptive sanatorium was on entirely different lines to that given in ordinary hospitals. He would look into the matter, and would make a statement as to the effect of the report as soon as possible " He was inclined to think that there had been two or threo men wlio were fretting and chafing under th» necessary control, and that from a feeling of loyaltr to them a number of their comrades ha<l taken a course of actum which they wight afterwards regret.