BRITAIN’S TWO MILLIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1917, Page 2

BRITAIN’S TWO MILLIONS.

Now on the Move.

(United Service, Copyright,)

London, March 14

Mr Beach Thomas says the British military machine in France, numbering two millions of men, is now palpably in motion, The German's new retirement baa been forced by the terrifio Biitish gunnery pulverising the defences of Bapaume ridge.

We captured .JLoupoit Wood land two miles of trccohct; at each end, controlling the surrounding elopes. All correspondents agree that important British movements are pending.

Mr Philip Gibbs forecasts that coming events are likely to severely damage the enemy, even if be escapes disaster.

Dominions’ Views London, March 14 Lord Milner staled that special War Cabinets will provide for the time being something resembling an Executive Council of Empire capable of taking decisions affeoting tbe course of tbe war. They wanted the Dominions to have a share in the conduct of the war in addition to the war burdens and desired to benefit by their counsel. The Cabinet wished to give their views and wishes the weight to which they were entitled.

War Inevitable.

(Australian & N.Z, Cable Association.)

Washington, Maroh 15

Mr Gerard told Mr Lansing that war is inevitable. Germany ia deeper* ate and the submarines are her last hope. ' He warns the nation to rush forward its defence plans.

Valuable Railway Captures.

fREUTER’S SERVICE.—OOPYEIGHtJ

London. March 1 4

Mesopotamia official—Our advanced detachments are thirty miles up stream from Bagdad. Steps have been taken to prevent the flioamg of the city daring the coming rise of the river. The small arms factory at Bagdad is in good repair and the railway workshops contain uninjured goods,serviceable machinery, five locomotiveg and rolling stock. Our guns lost at Kut in 1916 were recovered at Bagdad. Casualty List. Wellington, March 16 Reported killed in action—Private J. P. Leckie, Major F. B. BrowD. Reported died of wonods—Rifleman R. Keaney.

Missing—Lance-Corporal T. G. T. Sullivan.

Reported wounded, admitted to hospital—Private E. J. Turpin Reported slightly wounded, remaining with unit—Sergt A. A. Potts,

Food Supply (Australian &N.Z. Cable Assoicatiors and Renter.) London, March 15 The Press Bureau says Mr Prothero has circularised the hopgrowers recommending a reduction of half acreage, which is sufficient for the year’s brewing, and to substitute potatoes and vegetables. French Report. London, March 15 A French communique says we ciLds a coup de main in the region of Moulin Soustouvei, east of the Oise and took prisoners.. Several German attempts on our small posts in the neighborhood ot Yingre, west of Navarian and Argonne, failed. There wa3 fairly active artillerying in the region of Maisons de Champagne but no infantrying. Dardanelles Reports [REUTER’S SERVICE. COPYRIGHT.} (Received March 16, at 1.55 p.tn,) London, March 15 In the Commons, Hon Bonar ‘Law announced that Mr Asquith will make a statement on the Dardanelles report on the 20th.

A small Government Committee, including Mr Asquith, is considering excised portions of the report, with ft view to publication.