THE PULSE OF THE "PUSH"

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2897, 9 October 1916, Page 8

THE PULSE OF THE "PUSH"

PAUSES IN THE SOMME OFFENSIVE (From Mr. H. Warner Allen, represent ■ tativo of the British Press with the French Army.) It is highly important that the meaning of the pauses in the Allied offensive on the Somme should bo thoroughly understood. These' lulls in the fighting are in no way due to exhaustion, 'l'hey represent definite steps in a care-fully-thought-out plan. In Champagne last September an attempt was made to break through the German line with a single rush. On the' Somme it is proposed to hammer a way through tho enemy's defences slowly and methodically. To-day, in open warfare, the Allies would have every advantage 011 their side. The present offensive has brought open warfare nearer than it has ever been since trench warfare began, and there is every' hope that, if it is pursued methodically and without undue haste, the superiority of the British and French soldier and the strength of the Allied field artillery will be able to make themselves felt in the open. On the 24th an engagement took place which, though in itself of small importance, is admirably characteristic of the method which can alono ensure success.: Any offensive in the direction of Bcrny-en-Santerre and Barleux was seriously hampered by an outlying block of housos on the eastern border of Estrces. On July 4 the whole of the village of Estrees, with the exception' of these houses, was captured, but this block actually held out for 20 years. Aerial torpedoes were aimed upon it, and it came in for a good share of heavy 'shells: but its defences and shelters were dug in very deep. It was held by. about 150 men, whoso communications with tho rear were seriously impeded iby the French barrage fire. On the 24tli it-was decided to clear out this hornet's nest, which, with it's machineguns, was a perpetual nuisance.

The French lines had been . pushed closo up to the group of houses, but, to givo a free hand to the gunners, the French troops were withdrawn about 500 yards, and then a large number of the heaviest guns were concentrated on this point. The target was a small one; the bombardment lasted for six hours, and during its progress the airmen circling above the miniature volcano kept the gunners continually informed. of the accuracy of their fire. An aviator told me that bricks and mortar, piles and planks were hurled up into the air and kept flying about the place as though they had wings— "like .birds," he said.

After six hours the infantry went forward. The Germans had no fight left in them, and in ten'minutes the whole block of houses wero in French hands. In itself the operation was a small one. .Many others like it have been carried out, and will hare to be carried out. In the aggregate they represent the gradual wearing away of the greatest fortress the world has ever seen. The consolidation of the ground gained'is going on apace" on tlio French ,front. A 20-mile front boosts 20,000 kilometre's" (12;500''milfes); of. telephone/ .wires' behind "it.'' The:''cmlnfryisdS'''is seamed with- railways,- 'and when - the gigantic labour of bringing up the big guns to the host points and of ensuring every battery a continuous supply of ammunition has been accomplished the next stage of the offensive will begin.

THE NAME FOR THE EMPIRE ' . . The following letter appeared in the "Montreal Star" in February last:— Suggested New Name fo- the Empire, . "Brccanzia." Sir,—lt is long since wo first heard objection taken to the title "Colonial," as applied to those parts of the Empire which are now known 1 as "Dominions beyond the Seas," and the idea' of a.name more comprehensive than British has often been suggested. Tho widely recognised feeling of a reorganisation of the Empife at the close of ths war is growing daily, and that the "Dominions" will have a greater share in tho councils of the .Empire of the futuro than they have had in the past. This war has done more to consolidate the bonds of union than a hundred treaties or other "scraps of paper," and made us feel that we are one in blood l ,. sentiment, _ and ideals; but does the name "British" corfectly describe us. Doubtless, the majority in Canada are of British descent, but are those horn in Canada, Australia. Africa, New Zealand, etc., British? There, is only one answer to such a question. I submit that we should have a name which more, correctly describes and -unites us, _ one that is appropriate and euphonious, and that each country is a contributor to, if possible. "Brecanzia" contains many characteristics of tho name Britain, audi of tho numerous Dominions beyond the Seas, and is first cousin to "Britannia." .Tho letter has beeu submitted to, and acknowledged by, tho Gorernor-General and Premier of Canada, and I shall esteem it a favour if you will give it publicity. —Yours faithfully. HKNBY GRAVES. 263 Ciiroimrd Avenue, Notre Dnne do Grace, Montreal, May 29.

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Two new regulations concerning occupiers of orchards and persons growing fruit trees are gazetted. Tho Orchard Tax Act requires every occupier of an orchard producing fruit for sale as on September 30 to pay a tax or one shilling an acre, or part of au acre,w ltli a minimum of 2s. 6d. This tax is due on November I, and if not paid by iNovornber 22. 10 per cent, additional will be charged.. Regulations under tlio Orchard and Garden Diseases Act require overy person growing one or mora of tho following trees—apple, pear, quince, peach, nectarine, plum, cherry, apricot, nut, citrus tree, or grapa vine, to register the property whereon such trees-, are growing. Registration is free of charge, and must be made not later than October 26. After that date the occupier of a property not registered is liable to a fine not exceeding £20.

On Wednesday next a monument to commemorate the battle which took place in October, ISG6, will be unveiled by tho Hon. J. D. Ormond at Omarati'ui. The Hawke's Bay Veterans' Association is responsible for the erection of the monument.

It requires greater wisdom to know when to tako advice than wlien to give it, but' when advised to try tho great herbal remedy KURAPEPTIC, take the advice. KURAPEPTIC will absolutely cure Dyspepsia. If after a fair*trial it does not relieve you are entitled to claim your money back from your Chemist or Storekeeper.—A dvt. THE best friend of 'the family 1« "NAZOL." Simplo and pleasant to tak«. Safest and quickest in relief. Try th«j, ."lfazoil"' Inhaler.—Adrt, ' J,