IN THE WEST.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1917, Page 1

IN THE WEST.

Haig’s Report

LONDON, Feb. IV. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig imports as follows: Wo made a successful raid southward of Souehez.

An enemy party reached our line north-;eas|h of Anncntieres but were immediately driven out.

Til air fights on Thursday nine German machines were brought down. Four ESnglisli machines are missing.

The Test

LONDON, Feb. 17

Hon. Arthur Henderson speaking at Manchester said .ho shared to the full the feeling that the next few months was going to test tho Allies as never before He was confident we had got the measure of our opponents. The great Allied leaders will be bitterly disappointed if during the summer we do not strike •such a blow as will lead to .final victory.

German Report.

LONDON, Feb. 17

A wireless German official message says:—We repulsed a strong English attack southward of Moraumont. French advances westward of Berrvanbav and southward of Bipout failed. Our aeroplanes bombed important establishments behind the enemy front and blew up several ammunition dumps on the Somme. LONDON, Feb. 10. A wireless German official message says:—“The Crown Prince attacked in Champagne, southward of Bipout, and was completely successful. , “We stormed four lines on a front of 2.600 metres by a depth of 800 metres, taking 8-58 prisoners. Lively fighting has taken place between the White Sea and the Dniester river.” Arming MerchantmenWASHINGTON, Feb. 17. The Cabinet has considered the question of arming American merchantmen, and it is believed is convinced that

arming forthwith is the only possible solution. It is expedted that the Navy will provide the guns, and perhaps me gunners within £en days. The “New York Times” Berlin correspondent is given to under stand that the arming of merchantmen will make the crisis most acute, as it will prohibit submarines from saving the lives of passengers and crews, even if other circumstances permitted of doing so. Straight Talk. ' LONDON, Feb. 17. Admiral Meux, addressing his cnstituents at Portsmouth, referred to the movement to bring back Lord Fish, er to deal with the submarine menace. He declared that if Lord Fisher had wanted to stop the Dardanelles expcrdition he could have done so by threatening to resign. Admiral 'Meux, continuing, said lie knew what the feeling in the Grand Fleet is, and it would he an absolute disaster to the Navy if Lord Fisher was brought hack. People disliked Lord Fisher’s society because he goes about boasting of the number of officers he has ruined. It is necessary- to say these unpleasant things, otherwise the intrigue will continue to centre round Lord Fishers name.