BATTLE FOR THE SAN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3983, 16 July 1915, Page 5

BATTLE FOR THE SAN.

FIVE DAYS’ SEVERE FIGHTING

HUNS PAYS DEARLY FOR THEIR ADVANCE.

RUSSIANS MASTERS WITH THE BAYONETS.

PARIS, July 14. At the end of May the enemy made tremendous efforts to cross tlie San. The crossing was effected bv boats. Tlie Russians attempted to fire a mine, which did not ’explode. Masses of the enemy were already at the bridge, when a Russian officer and a private courageously ascended the bridge and made a new connection and fired. The bridge was blown into the air. The shock sent the two Russians flying, but they survived. There was. five days’ severe fighting after the crossing, and the results showed that even the hah-annihilated Russian regiments were masters when the issue depended on the bayonet. The enemy daily sent aeroplanes to -the Russian rear, 10 simultaneously in one day, buf in at least five cases thov were brought down. The enemy’s repeated attempts to break through in close formation failed.

fine Russians’ splendid ambulance organisation is the most complete of the kind. TKero is a wide system of hospital's, besides flying columns giving first aid to the wounded. These are carried in Very sensible, comfortable two wheelers.

A report mentions that the enemy is usm- none but explosive bullets in one area.

RUSSIANS GIVE WAY SLIGHTLY.

HEAVY CAPTURES LAST WEEK

(Received July 16, 1 a.m.)

PETROGRAD, July 15. Official : The enemy’s artillery was lively on Monday and Tuesday in the direction of Lemzn. The Germans on Tuesday captured two versts of our troncb.es on the right bank of the Pizza. We counter-attacked and drove them out after stubborn fighting on both banks of the Skrawn. Considerable numbers of the enemy commenced an offensive between Orzhyts and Lydynia. The Russians declined a decisive engagement, and retreated to the second line. The Russians last week prisonered 22,(100 on the Wislok front. THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN. FIERCE ATTACKS ON MONTE SABINO. AUSTRIAN DEFENCES PERFECT. (Received Julv 15, 5.30 p.m.) LONDON, July 15. The Italians made two fierce attacks at Monte Sabino, and carried several lines of trenches. The Austrian resistance was terribly stubborn and the defences perfect. They have actually tunnelled subterranean passages to enable them to throw reinforcements quickly on any point desired. STRUGGLE ASSUMING GREAT PROPORTIONS. GOOD WORK BY AIR SQUADRON. (Received Julv 16, 1 a.m.) GENEVA, July 15. Laibach telegrams state that masses of Italians on the left bank of the Gonzo have come in contact with the enemy since Tuesday. An Italian advance between Plava and Gorizia is reported, while the struggle at_Rovereto is assuming great proportions. An Italian air squadron on Monday raided an encampment near Gorizia and dropped a thousand bombs. A ! i returned safely. FEDERAL WAR CENSUS BILL. CONSCRIPTION NOT CONTEMPLATED. SHELL CONTRACT MAY BE PLACED BY RUSSIAN.

AIELBOURNE, July 15. Tlie AVar Census Bill provides two schedules. The first is for males from 18 to 60 years. It deals with personal abilities and disabilities. The second schedule is of all persons above 18 in receipt of income. It deals with possessions and financial position. In the Houso Mr Hughes, moving the second reading of the Bill, said the measure did not contemplate conscription, for which necessary powers had already been provided in the Defence Act.

The measure contemplated organisation of forces to enable the country to carry out the .conflict with volunteer services. Every man going to the front costs 25s a day. There was only one way to meet the cost of keeping one hundred thousand men at the front, and that was by organising the resources of Australia. At the inter-State Munitions Conference Mr Pearce (the chairman) stated that the Ministry had decided to give authority to retain in Australia men fitted "for making munitions. The Imperial authorities were sending an improved pattern of machine-gun to Australia to serve as a model for the use of manufacturers. Mr H. V. McKay announced that his' London office had informed him that the Russian Government was prepared to place a contract for one million shells in Australia. In his opinion we should not all he making one thing. Every article for defence that could should he produced. Mr Earsman, representing the Amalgamated Engineers, said no restrictions were placed on munitions workers, but there would he conditions which would probably be the same as in England. The employees’ interests would not be damaged and they would prefer the conditions after tne crisis.

PLAIN TALK IN AUSTRALIA

DEFINING EVERY MAN’S DUTY

(Received July 15, 9 p.m.) MELBOURNE, July 15. The House is debating the War Census Bill. Mr Hughes pointed out the sacrifices necessary. He said if a man had wealth he should give wealth. _ If he had only his body he should give that. If he had wealth and a body he should give both. Mr Irvine said that every man must now recognise that everything ho owned was only held in security for the whole community. He behoved that within a month or so fifty thousand volunteers would enlist. Before these- men were sent on a hard campaign steps should be taken to lay -before many others whose duty it was to go the fact that they were wanted Mr Irvine denied this was conscription. It was simply defining a m in's duty to him. Let conscience do Tlie rest.

MANY KISSES. BUT NO RECRUITS

LONDON, July 8. Headed by brass bands and pipes, a sound of recruiting sergeants progressed along the West End to-day, Lance-Corporal Dwver. the youngest soldier holding the Victoria Cross, leading. A Belgian soldier broke through the ranks and kissed Dwyer, and several girls promptly imitated him Near Whitehall a woman insisted that her baby should kiss him At Trafalgar Square Dwyer made a recruiting speech, promising the first ten recruits who -responded a drink or a cigar, and reminding them that there were grey-headed men fighting in the trenches. None, -however, rcepondod. . - • V