PERONNE CAPTURED.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1917, Page 3

PERONNE CAPTURED.

Wellington, March 19 The High Commissioner reports London, 18th March, at 3.40 p,m. The capture of Peronne has been confirmed. The Capture. (Received March 19, at 8.40 a.m,) London, March 18 Peronne has been captured. BRITISH SUCCESS. Much Ground Gained Paris, March 18 General Haig’s successes ase considered the prelude to the capture of the important junction of Croisslles. The Germans are expected to yield considerable ground in Arras dis* trict. Possible Election. London, March 16 Hod A. Bonar Law in the CommonsJ stated that Nationalists opposition might compel an appeal to the country. Food prices have fallen enormously in Russia.

Enemy Near Defendable Line London, March 14 Ths Times correspondent at Headquarters in France reports that thi weather is foggy end frosty. The enemy is now approashing to a general line which it may be expected will b 9 defended. Counter-attacks and the loss of much good material reveal tho fact that affairs are not going exactly ai the Germans intended. Farther west the situation conforms to the Bapaume-Achiel-le-Petit line. Ths ground at Gommecourt and its environs is being systematically cleared.

The Gorman staff ia keeping the troops ignorant of the widespread retreat. Prisoners from different divisions refuse to credit the evacuation of other fortresses. The British, who are d9lightad at ths prospect of open fighting, remain in the highest spirits. BRITISH ACTIVITY

Big German Retreat [IIEOTEP.’s BEEVICE. COPYKIGHIJ (Received March 19, at 9.20 a m.) London, .March 18 Headquarters reports that the rapid hardening of the ground and fine weather ware rar-ponaibla for activity on the Somme and Ancre. There was much fighting to-day, patrols pressing the enemy rearguards everywhere. The sharpest conflict was at Bapaume, where the British fell upon the enemy before they could clear away their covering troop', who beigan to withdraw immediately we advanced. The rapidity of their .retirement showed that the German main army has fallen hack to a considerable dittanc?. The fall of Poronne is impending. The place is quite notenabie by the enemy. SIXTEEN MILES FRONT. Advance Past Bapaume. Wellington, March 19 The High Commissioner reports, London 17oh, p.m.: British official —Bapanme’a capture was followed by some stiff fighting. The enemy had pillaged the town. Private and public bniidinge were de. etroyed and everything valuable foamed oil pr burnt .The advance on both sides of the Soramo covers 16 miles of frontage, including the occupation of the villages of Fiesues, Hirguy, Villaro, Carbonnell, Barleux, Etirpigoy, Maisonette, Tranuloy, Biefviellers, Bihncourt, Achiets, Ahlairzeville, Buequoy and Essarts.

It is also rumoured that Peronna baa been captured.

French Success' Wellington, March 19 Tha High Commissioner reports London, J-Gth March, 2.89 p.m.:— French official report states* betwesu the Ayre and the Oise we made good progreee during the night.

AU the ground between our former line 3 and the road from Roya to Noyen, between Oamery aad Lagny height, is in our possession. Wa downed t&u enemy aeroplanes.

Zeppelin Brought Down, W ELLINGTON, March 18 London, March 17, 4,20 p,m, The High Commiesioner reports— French Official: A Zsppelia was brought down at Oampkgne in a flaming condition no damage ; waa done. French Cabinet Resigns. London, March 18 The French Cabinet has resigned. St Patrick’s Day. £bETJT£b’S SEE VICE. —COPYEIjSHT.I Dublin, Maroh 18 St Patrick’s Day was celebrated •quietly.