THE WAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 April 1917, Page 2

THE WAR.

(Per United Fresa Association J OFFICIAL news. Mesopotamia AdvanceWellington, April 18 The High Commissioner reports, London, April 17th, at 11.40 a.m. : Mesopotamia official Rightwards of the Tigris we advanced by a night march to within 1 b miles of a position occupied by the Eighteenth Turkish Army Corps, covering Istabulafc railway station. The euemy’s advanced troops fell back not offering opposition. Further British CapturesWellington, April 18 The High Commissioner reports, London, 17th April, at 1.20 p.m. : General Haig reports in the neighborhood of Epeby we captured Tombois farm. At night we gained ground along the Spur north-aasfe of Epeby Btation, taking a few prisoners. The weather continues stormy, with high winds, and squalls of rain. German Attacks Fail. Wellington, April 18 The High Commissioner reports London, April 17, at 2.25 p.m ; French official—Between Soissons and Rheims we are organising the positions captured. Iu the region of Aillos a strong German counter-attack on our new lines was broken by barrages of maohiue gnus with heavy enemy leases. Other enemy counter-attacks on Courcy equally failed. A Great Victory (United Service —Copyright.) London, April 16 Correspondents describing the recapture of Lagnicourt, gay the German victory was short-lived. Our meu, rested and reformed and stiffened with the supports, went forward again under cover of a barrage. They advanced in alternate companies, one halting and firing whilst tbo other advanced, on the principle of a flanking fusilade. When the position was re-occupied, after thrse houto’ ab-eaco, 1.500 German corpses lay among a much lareer number of wounded, while there were 300 prisoners. The most conservative estimate is that the Germane lost two-thirds of a division. The Reason Why L:-ndon, April 16 An authoritative explanation is given of the retirement of the Australians after piercing the Hindenburg line that a suddeu snowstorm prevented aircraft observation and artillery co-operation.

GREAT FRENCH ATTACK.

Swept Germans Away-

(Australia & N.Z. Cable Association,)

(Received April IS, at 8.45 a.m.) Pakis, April 17

The Petit Parisian states the French offensive followed a months bombardment at Michelers. The attack swept sverything away. Hundreds of prisoners were arriving half an hour after the attack was launched. *■' =*&

Eastward of Cravune, the enemy was terribly battered. They retreated on the whole line in a panic. The entire first line was captured at noon.

Then the art'llery resumed and the German lines became an inferno. The Fiench advancod and seized the second line, westward of Cravonne. The elite of che French troops, after several hours of a terrific, struggle, entered the first line, which the enemy boasted was impreirnabla. There was an extraordinarily violent counter attack in (be afternoon. The enemy employed the greater part of their reserves. The French, advance at some points exceeded four kilometres.

Riots In Berlin. Amsterdam, April 16 Travellers report a general strike commenced in Berlin to-day. The strikers are already rioting. STRIKE IW BERLIN. Downing Tools. Amsterdam, April 17

Berlin officially admits the strike. Troops are in readiness at the barracks and are concentrated at the danger points. Women attended the workmens meetings and discussed the food and political situation. A Ssriou? Trouble. Copenhagen, April 17 The Politiken’e Berlin correspondent Btates the workmen at all factories dropped their tools at nine in the morning and demanded a general strike throughout Germany. Similar demonstrations are reported at Hamburg. French Offensive Begun [REUTER’S SERVICE. —COPYRIGHT.) London, April 16 Headquarters correspondent reports a great French offensive has begun.