WAR NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1917, Page 1

WAR NEWS.

[Pisa Pbcss Association. —Copybiout.] THE EVACUATION. Marvellous Duy-Quis. (An stralifuj & N.Z. G.ible Asßociatio i and Ileoter). LONDON, March 29. Mr. Beach Thomas says the eveacuai ed territory teems with marvels. These numerous clockworks and mines so set as to blow up at different dates There are colossal dug-outs with concreted forts, underground town* and hamlets.t The restoration work is pathetically clearing up the mystery of many missing Britishers. Former residents are seeking for buried treasure near the ruined houses and one recovered seventy thousand francs. Still Dastroyinq. PAft IS, March 29. The Germans are burning villages miles behind their present lines, indie-' a ting a renewal of their retreat. According to Belgian sources wio Germans are destroying the country in the vicinity of Zcebruggc, Bruges and Ghent, implying a retirement there also. Haig’s ReportLONDON, March 29. Field-Marshall Sir Douglas Haig reports:—We have captured the village of Neuville Bourjoval, and our raiding parties destroyed dugouts in tho neighbourhood of Arras, Neuville St. Vnast and Neuechapelle, inflicting heavy losses. Ftod Kitchens./ LONDON, March 29. The Minister for foo dig establishing public kitchens to'feed a hundrede thousand daily in tho south of London. Herman Report LONDON, March 29. A wireless German official messago says :—Our rearguards advanced northeast of Bapaume and killed many English. French attacks in the Champaigno sector failed with sanguinary losses. We frustrated attacks on a, wide front on tbe left bank of fho Meuse.

In justification. fios the sinking of the Asturias on the ground of Germany’s warning of 31st January, and repeats the accusation that Britain habitually uses hospital ships for the transport of troops' and munitions. The message addos that Germany is constantly receiving proofs of such misuse. .THE 01 AfcPS FIGHT. A Violent Battle. COPENHAGEN, March 29. \ Twenty-two neutral sailors have arrived from Germany from the Moewe u victims. Many neutrals were captured mi. armed British ships. The Moewe met on March 10th the armed British ship Otaki (a Now Zealand trader) outside Capetown, anu there was a violent battle. ' Six aboard the Moewe were killed, and the Otaki was sunk. A lire broke out on the Moewe and it raged for three days. The Moewe was hit seven times. The Otaki’s captain, mate and engineer and one or two sailors were killed. The Mocwo’s hold was full of prisoners, nearly six hundred. E very Fit SVlan. LONDON, March 29. In the House of Commons, Mr Bo.nar Law sneaking on the Military Service Bill said that every fit man should he in the fighting line, unless required for national purposes. The casualties this year were smaller tlian anticipated, hut the casualties in the prospective fighting will bo terrible.

Pensions. LONDON. March 29. Mr J. M - llogge moved the rejection of the I*ll until Government undertook to provide pensions for all mcdicallj passed for tho Army, in order to ensure an adequate examination. Mr Asquith pointed out that as the bulk of the prospective 100,000 had been already rejected, and this increased the risk of unlit men passing, lie appealed to the Government to say they would he treated generously regarding pensions. Mr Bonar Law pointed out that pensions were refused only to men taken into the Army quite and unlit and who perhaps luul done service. He promised to communicate with the War Office with a view to ensuring that the examination would be so strict that there would he no risk of unfits passing. Taking Possession. WASHINGTON, March 20. Bear- Admiral Thieras is named as tho first Governor of the Danish Most Indies. The Gnied States takes possession oj Saturday, and important fortifications will be constructed on tbo Islands for general military purposes. In Sflexico. WASHINGTON, March 20. A report from Mexico says General Villa’s forces were badly defeated twenty miles south of Chihuahua hy the Carranzists.-

Russia’s Royalty (Australia & N.Z. Cable Association) LONDON, March rj. Tho cx-Czar has asked permission to send his son to Norway on health grounds. Grand Duke Nicholas and his faniny are happy in tneir captivity suid Nicholas is alwarys tho first to kneel in church during the prayer for the provisional Government. Recalled PETROGBAD, 'March ?.). The Duma, recalled General Kniuparkin to assist in reorganisation. PETROGBAD, March 20. Tho Council of workmen and soldiexes delegates have manifestoed the peoples of all countries particularly Germans denouncing .the aspiration of conquest by Hie ruling classes. Tho Labour leader Tchilzo said that the manifestoe’s watchword was “down with j William,' - ’ but in addressing Germans we do not loose our grasp of the 'rifle. Absolved. PETROGBAD, March 28. Tho revolution in the Baltic Beet cost thirty-two victims. ’Dio new heads of the Church absolved the soldiers from their oath of allegiance to the Tsar. The las-t deubts as to the legality of the revolution have thus been removed. Preference. LONDON, March 29. Mr Massey, speaking to the Empire Products 'Association, said that his one aim was to advocate preference in every section, and the Empire must be prepared for peace with preferential duties. Spanish CrisisMADRID, March 29. Martial law is proclaimed throughout Spain earlier telegrams indicate a serious economic and political situation Tho Minister for Commerce staica that shippipng lias almost ceased and the exports have fallen to a minimum The importation of coal lias ceased. The Government has proclaimed as seditious any appeal to the people and those signing any such appeal will be imprisoned. Discussion is forbidden and the contents of the appeal are not disclosed.

out states: Everybody in Italy expects 1 a great attack and the preparations are obvious. General Rossi states that General Hindenburg threatens Italy with 1 the fate of Roumania and Serbia threat 1 ening communications with Salonika i and forcing the French to face a new . front. The Italian army’s organisation : has been brought to perfection and the artillery is remarkably improved. More* over before General Hindenburg attacks the Trentino he will he seriously engag- ; ed on other fronts. (