THE CAPTURE OF BAGDAD

Hokitika Guardian, 15 March 1917, Page 2

THE CAPTURE OF BAGDAD

Proaress of Operations (Australian &N,Z. Cable Association and Jtteuter), London, March 13 Mesopotamia officia’— : We have maiotained a close tonch with the enemy eouibward of Bpgdad. On the evening of ihe 10th the enemy on the light evacuated the entire trench lice. We were advancing in close contact. A general advance on both banks followed. We occupied the railway statiou at dawD and then the city. Our cavalry advanced iu pursuit and after a slight resistance occupied Kahdimain, piisouerirg 100. Our gunboats tb6n took up the pursuit.

Since 23rd February the Turks have been destroying avid removing everything of value in Bagdad. Our booty, nevertheless, is ecudderable.

The enemy abandoned 500 wounded. We counted from 200 to 300 dead.

We prisonered 300 on the left bank of the Tigris on the 10th. The inhabitant* of Bsgdad waimly welcomed ua. Arabs Friendly Paris, Marok 13 The Journal’s correspondent in Egypt states that Arab Emirs are entering Bagdad alongside the British. This has a great moral significance, as the Arabs previously served the Turks, but their entry into Bagdad proves them willing to ra.vive the agelong struggle against the Turkish yoke. Submarine Stranded [LONDON TIMES SERVICE.—COPYRIGHT.)

The Hague, Jan 13 A German submarine is stranded at Hellevoeleeline,

Russian Destroyer Hie-

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association

and Reuter.)

(Received March 15, at 845 a.m.) London, March 14

German official— Getman seaplanes on the 12th bombed two Russian destroyers which approached Constanza, and forced them to return. Two hits were clearly observed on one destroyer, fore and aft. German Kota to China Pekin, March 13 The German Note bus been delivered, stating she is unable to alter submai'iniam, but that ovrry care will be taken for Chinese life und property. Wanted at ihe Front. London March 12

An order has been issued by tbe officer commanding the New Zealand forces in the United Kingdom that all able bodied men engaged in the following employment in the United Kingdom are to be withdrawn and sent to the Reserve Training Gronp, their places being taken by men in Category B (unfit). Batmen, officers’ mess sergeants’ mess, corporals’ mess cooks storemeD, sanitary squad, orderlies, temporary clerks, tailors, shoemakers butohere, librarians, regimental institutes, New Zealand Hostel, mechanical transport, and other miscellaneous employment.

The Beer Supply

(Australian &N.Z. Cable Association)

(Received March 15, at a.m.) London, March 14

Government and the brewing industry, held a number of conferences to decide on the beat manner to make ten million barrels suffice for the year. It is expected that an agreement will b 8 reached for the reduction.

It is probabl thirty thousand public houses will be closed in the next few months. There ia an undue number of licensed houses in tbe rural districts. It is expected that an arrangement will be made whereby a single firm will supply beer in each district, thus reducing transport and labour.

Lord Fisher. London, March 12 In the House of Commons, Admiral Sir H. Mens (U., Portsmouth) attacked the “hydra-beaded intrigue” to bring back Lord Fisher to the Admiralty. He alleged that Lord Fisher had deserted hia post like a traitor. (Dissent). If he hud been a soldier instead cf a sailor he would have been shot.

Mr G. Lambert, late Civil Lord of the Admiralty, defended Lord Fisher, who, he said, was a great authority on submarines, which he had urged should bo used to cops with thß present menace. Mr Lambert doubted the wisdom of the withdrawal of Admiral Jellicoe from the Grand Fleet.

Mr Churchill, speaking on the Navy Estimates, warmly defended Lord Fisher from the attack by Admiral Sir H. Meux. There was no justification, he said, for the wholesale charges that Lord Fisher was guilty of favoritism.