WAR NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1917, Page 1

WAR NEWS.

[Pijn Pbkss Association.—Copybight.] m THE PURSUIT.

British Losses Small.

(Ausfralian & N.Z Cabin Association and Reuter.) LONDON, March 21. During several days' of the pursuit our losses on the whole front were insignificant. Everywhere wo Ifound evidence of systematic German vandalism, mostly without any military object. Aviators report that the historic ruins of Castle Courcv were destroyed by an explosion. The Germans in evacuating Noyon forcibly carried off fifty girls between fifteen and twenty-five. A Further Advance. LONDON, March 20 In spite of the less favourable weather we made considerable progress The greater part of the front of our advance is southward of Arras, and a further fourteen villages have been cleared of the enemy. We are now past Geneal-line, Canizy, Estreencliauseo, Nurlu, Velu, St. Leger. We drove off counter attacks southward of Arras and raided northeastward of Neuville St Vaast, bringing back prisoners. Our aeroplanes bombed with good results an important ammunition depot. French AdvanceLONDON, March 21. A French communique reports between the Somme and the Aisne our troops made fresh progress proceeding to occupy the conquered zone. Our own cavalry north of the Somme advanced as far as the outskirts of [Roupv seven kilometres from St, Quentin where wo gave chase to the enemy cavalry patrol northeast of Cliauny. Our infantry occupied Terago and crossed St, Qemt-in canal. . / Some lively skirmishes with tho emy detachments terminated'to our advantage. Slowing mown. LONDON, March 20 A Headquarters correspondent attributes the slowing down of the German retreat to the Equinoctial gales roaring over northern France. Luring On. LONDON, March 20 Moraht writes in the Tagleblatt that every German should be pleased at the retreat, for it means that General liindenburg is luring on the British and French in order to inflict unprecedented losses. German Report LONDON, March 20 Wireless German official: —The cavalry engagements are abandoned in the districts on both sides of the Sbmnie. We repulsed violent attacks on the loft bank of the Meuse and we downed thirteen aeroplanes in nine days. The battles between Oclirida and tlie Prespa lakes, also on the heights north of Monastir resulted in tlio French farming, but their attacks failed. Riots in G&rmany. ZURICH, March 20. Wrelcss. —The Russian revolution lias created agitation in German working Id,ass circles, culminating in riots. Several workshops in Leipzig are clos ing and serious.' demonstration strikes are reported. Troubles have also occured in Dresden. The Munich authorities have taken prompt measures to cope with the situation. Randwelir regiments have been sent to Leipzig, and other working class towns where the troubles are becoming acute. The War Council. LONDON, March 20. Representatives of the United Kingdom and the Dominions and India attended the first meeting of the Imperial War Council and the Secretary of State for the Colonies was present as a member of the Imperial War Cabinet, and spoke on behalf of the crown. Ho, expected that the Imperial War Counsil would occupy from a month to six weeks. The Council to-morrow discusses procedure, and the form which any publicity to its proceedings will take. Lord Stanley has announced the establishing of a British trade corporation whose principal object shall be the creation of a trade credit hank connected with the existing banks for the purpose of developing trade abroad. In Roumania. LONDON, March. 20 Take Jonecus Jassy states that the Germans aro methodically starving and exterminating the Roumanians, and already tens of thousands of their soldiers are killed and 150 thousand wounded. Overseas Journalists. LONDON. March 20th The Hon. Mr. Long lias received the overseas journalists at the Colonial Office and said that arrangements were in the making to afford the overseas press the utmost facilities for s. 'ecuring information from the various Government Departments.