MISCALCULATED.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 March 1917, Page 1

MISCALCULATED.

Thousands Toiling (Australian & N Cable Association). LONDON, March 25. Reuter’s correspondent at Frenen headquarters reports:—The enemy apparently miscalculated the rapidity of the French pursuit, which had already cost them heavy loss as it lias forced the enemy to turn at hay large masses of infantry, who arc now engaged on the whole front. St. Quentin and Ailette provide excellent- commanding positions! where our advance has been establshed. A British headquarters correspondent comments on the growing resistance of the Germans, and adds that behind the recovered territory many thousanrs are toiling day and night restoring communications and clearing away the ruination left by the Germans. There is especially speedy work u.v tho Royal Engineers in building bridges sufficient for the heaviest transport-.

Haig’s Report LONDON, March 25. General Haig reports:—We have improved our position west of Groixelles and entered the enemy trenches northeast of Loos and ejected the raiders who entered our trenches west of Hullich. There were many air fights, and eignt -German machines were downed, while four of ours are missing.

Mot Justified

LONDON, March 26 Latest messages from the British and French fronts show not the least justification for the sensational messages published to-day, that a siet battle has commenced and the heaviest of fighting is in progress. The French advanced appreciably for the past twenty-four hours, and have now driven the Germans back to a line three miles south-west of St. Quentin where it is expected they will try to hold the lino of Grunies, Urvillers, Ceritzy and Moy.

Underfed. LONDON, March 26. There is evidence that the retreatning Germans are underfed and are eating cats and making sausages of dogs. They are extremely short of medical and'surgical' necessities and they have numerous deaths from poisoned wounds (there are additional demoitsitratk/iis that the Germans were forced to retreat and the British are now passing wellbuilt dugouts, trenches and gun-pits with vast quantities of valuable material miles behind the surrendered line. Robbery LONDON, March 24. The Daily Mail’s Paris correspondent states.—On the eve of their departure, German officers robbed the Noyon banks of £700.000 in securities, ewellerv and cash.

French Protest PARIS, March 25. . It is officially announced tliait France iy protesting to neucrals that Germany lias unjustifiably -and 'barbarously devastated the evacuated territories with tho aim of ruining for many years one of the most fertile regions in France. Neutrals Governments are requested to warn banks against dealing «■> securities stolen by tlie Germans in the re-captured districts, as tlie Allies will not recognise the validity of such dealings. >

' Roosevelt’s Offer. ■ ' NEW YORK. March 25. Colonel Roosevelt, speaking at Jacksonville, said that he would have a division of Aemrican troops in the trenches' in five months if permitted. Tho Government should carry the war into Germany.

Financial Assistance. WELLINGTON, March 26. The Defence Minister (Sir James Allen) is considering the establishment of a special board to deal with applications for financial assistance to deal with applications for financial assistance for reservists called up by ballots, or the voluntary refruits.