IN THE WEST.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1917, Page 1

IN THE WEST.

Haig’s Report LONDON, March 7. General Sir Douglas Haig reports: We further progressed north-westward of fries and northwards of Puisienxamonb, and raided trenches eastward or Bouchavesaics. Later our artillery dispersed the enemy who was massing for counterattacks on the trenches which we recently captured there. - French Report. LONDON, March V. A French communique says that between the Oise and the Aisne a destructive fire wrecked the enemy organisations north-west of Manlmsoutourcnt, and demolished casements and dugom-s There were violent artillery actions north of the Meuse, and along the Gbambretitcs-Bezonvaux front, but there was mo infantry engag-d. The 'Var Cabi »et LONDON, March, G.

The Canadian and New Zealand reppresentatives attended a two hours sitting of the War Cabinet with Mr. Lloyd George presiding. „ It is understood that the Hon. Long presides at any outside Conferences or tho Overseas delegates. Now .that it is certain that Premier Hughes and others are not coming it is expected that tho special War Cabinet will hold its first full session on Monday week. . Russians Preparing LONDON, March, G. The Berlin “Tageblatt” insists time colossal military preparations and immense quantities of guns and munitions are concentrated in the Russian front for a simultaneous offensive shortly. It believes that the Germans and Austrians on the East- Front will be very aorely. tried. Plotters. NEW YORK, March 6. The police believe that Chakiaberty and Sckumier were instructed by Bcrnstorff before his departure. A Denial. , SYDNEY, March 7.. Senator Code officially contradicts the report circulated yestereve regarding the sinking of two Australian troop ships, and replying to certain questions in the House ho said that neither a troopship nor a life had been lost. More could not now be said, but the dangers to Australia in connection with the war were not now less than they were. , SYDNEY, March 7. The Senate is debating a motion to address the King in favour of granting Home Rule to Ireland. Overseas Club LONDON, March, t>. Tho Duke of Connauaught opened the Rioya'l Overseas officers Club in prem- ' ises which were (taken over from the automobile Club. Sir Joseph Ward Sir T. Mackenzie and agents were present, A Sedition Charge. AUCKLAND, March 7 At Hamilton Police Court to-day Michael Francis Cusack of Auckland, labourer, was charged that on February 15th he did publish a! seditious utterance in a speech to certain men employed at the Horotiu freezing. "‘Works, in-

citing them to strike, which utterance was seditious in that it had a tendency to interfere with the supply of frozen meat in connection with the war. Mr. Macassy, Crown Prosecutor, Wei lington, prosecuted, and the case is the first of its kind. Mr. Macassy said that Cusack • liad been employed at Southdown and went to Horotui on Feb. 14th there was no grievance on the part of the men there, and no complaint had been made to the Manager. The defendant entered the works without the permission of the Manager at a time when nearly 1,400,0001 b of frozen meat was awaiting shipment for the troops. After Cusack went to the works the Manager was informed that the men had held a meeting, and were goingon strike in sympathy with the men on strike in Auckland, but were dark as to what they wanted, nineteen men out

of 100 being affected. The evidence for the prosecution was on the lines of Mr. Macassy’s address, the men being out eight days. Iu evidence for the defence is was denied that Cusack in any way induced or incited the men to strike. Decision is reserved till Saturday. Bail being allowed on accused’s recognisance. Irish Question. LONDON, March, 6. The Labour Party Executive has resolutioned that a further united effort ought ito he made for a settlement of Irish questions in the interest of both countries.