THE DOMINIONS AND WAR

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3989, 23 July 1915, Page 5

THE DOMINIONS AND WAR

REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE OPERATIONS. SPEECH BY COLONIAL SECRETARY. COLONIES RALLY ROUND THE MOTHERLAND. ENTHUSIASM IN THE HOUSE, LONDON, July 21. , Discussing the Colonial Office vote, Mr Bonar Law (Colonial Secretary) made a statement in the House of Commons concerning military operations against the German, colonies. He said the Germans in Africa, as in Europe, were much better prepared for war than, we were. The spirit of the British had shown in the various colonies and thp manner in which they had volunteered, for service was evidence that the spirit which had built up the Empire was never stronger or more marked than at the present time. The natives also were most loyal. He paid a tribute to the gallantry of the Canadians, New Zealanders and Australians. He expressed admiration for the quality of their troops and the services’ they had rendered to tho Empire. “Wo have not got possession of the Gameroons.” lie slated, “but the Germans’ bold is precarious and unlikely to last long.” When the war began our commerce was. much interfered with by German cruisers, assisted by wireless stations in the Pacific auii Africa, he continued, therefore it was of the utmost importance to obtain possession or destroy the station. The most powerful one was in the German Pacific islands, and the suggestion was made to Australia and New Zealand to take possession of the islands containing stations. They agreed, and New Zealand undertook to seize Samoa and within a week the New Zealand Expeditionary Force was ready. Mr Bonar Law said that New Zealand had occupied Samoa on the last day of August.—(Cheers.) The Pacific colonies which the Commonwealth undertook to deal with were of importance andj consisted of German New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, and the Solomons. The Australian forces were large and escorted by three Australian battleships, one of which was in at the death of the Emden.—(Cheers.) The occupation of tin' islands did not take place without fighting, but within two months from the outbreak of war all the islands were iiv our possession. In Togoland the only German oversea colony winch has paid for the war without being subsidised by Germany, there was an immense wireless station. costing about a quarter ,of a million, wlucn was in communication with -Berlin direct. - The Germans destroyed the station before surrendering.

In the earlier stages oi the campaign in the Camemons we suffered severe losses and had to retire to the Nigerian border, but with the assistance of the French progress was kept up. We captured, on June 11. a strong town with a considerable number of prisoners and war material. Jn regard to South-Vest Africa he Observed that the Germans were consoling themselves that it had been won hv the Dutch under a Dutch general. Tlie Germans we re _ perfectly welcome to this consolation, but every citizen of the British Empire was pleased that it was won by a selfgoverning Dominion, and that the Prime Minister was the general in command. He was sorry lie was unable to give an recount- ol complete victory in East Africa or even an advance.’ The position was largely one of stalemate. From every British possession ban comp men to join forces with England That was a fine record. For us as a nation we can say that neither bus, ness nor luxury had sapped the courage of the race nor made us h'.-s able to fight than in the days when fighting was necessary for the exigence of the Empire. Our nature levies foil'd it well and gallantly, and nowhere showed want- of discipline, nor had they committed excesses In one ins-taneo Avlioro oin* <>t tho (u a machine-gun tripod were shot away two West- African privates allowed themselves to be used as legs efficiently until the enemy was driven miAll those who had read General ‘-ir lan Hamilton’s despatches must- Feel that neither in this nor any other war has greater courage been shown than that of the Australians and Nc.r Zealanders’ landing at Gallipoli. (ChG ( C Reeeived July 22. 9335 p.m ) Following Mr. Bonar Law, Mi. • P O’Connor said he hoped, for the sake of the inhabitants of t ie captui - ed German colonies, that they von Id never be asked: to exchange beneficent British rule for the German rule. J hat would lie a poor return for the 'aim of our soldiers. The Governments Hedge to consult the Dominions upon the. European policy at the conclusion of the- war removed the: reproachHi t in Australia. New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa, winch were pouring out blood and! treasure. . . Air. Steel Maitla nd said a. was quite possible German intrigue, was be hint 1 the rising in Ceylon. lhe situation was now' completely in hand. I> l situation at Singapore was more serious. They were inquiring whether there was Gorman complicity. Although internetl Germans had escaped, they had not participated >n the mutiny.

THE ITALIAN CAMfAIGH.

SPLENDID ADVANCE AGAINST GcmiziA. BITTER STRUGGLE FOR THE CITY. ITALIANS CONTROL 'RAILROADS. (Received 'July --i. 12.10 a.m.) ' HOME, July 22. The Italians, by bombarding t-ho railway, have reduced the supply '’ l trains*to Gorizia from 14 tewono daily, which runs the gauntlet ot Italian lire. ,4i The Italians are now firmly established on the ground overlooking Mon Falcone, south of and dominating Gorizia North. ■ . Official: Lighting on the Jsoiizo is more and more intense. \\ e h.ivi gained part of the line of heights commanding Gorizia and the bridges. There is bitter lighting on the Carso plateau, where wo captured some trenches, taking 11478 prisoners rn three days. , ~ . , •,, Prisoners state that the Austrian losses are very severe. OFFICIAL AUSTRIAN REPORT. (Received July 23,. 12.1(1 a.in.) • VIENi.A. July 22. Official 'Hie Italians made a general attack on Gorizia. and the butte raged all dav on the border ol the Doberdo plateau. The enemy succeded in capturing Monte San Michel, oast of Glad iso. We retook the height with our reserves. . , , „ The Italians were ejected Lorn other positions south-east ot Gorizia-, and were bloodily repulsed at the bridgehead at Woodgora, west oi Gon°ia b Thus all Italian efforts have ben carried out with enormous sacrifices, unproductive of good.