WAR NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1917, Page 1

WAR NEWS.

[Per Press Association. —Copybight.]

IN GREECE. Another Upset. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter). LONDON, Mar 1. Miessagjes from Athens import an extraordinary condition of affairs. Probably M. Zaimis will accept the Premiership at the King’s urgent request. In the hopes of appeasing the Allies it is stated that Zaimes has proposed to offer Vene*zeliats. There are rumours that Zaimis telegraphed to Veuizelos, who replied that it is impossible for King Constantine to remain in his position. - It is well-known in Entente circles that King Constantine is surrounded by a Pro-German influence would thereby be definitely against us.” It lias been suggested that the Entente should exile Dousmanis, Gournaris. Skouloudis and other plotters, hut it is considered doubtful if, the Pro-Gtrman nfluence would thereby he eliminated, as it is almost certain that others would take their places around the King.

Tlio palace is a regular rendezvous for German officers. General Falkenliayn visits the palace constantly, secretly traversing the* neutral zone. Other German officers bring money from Germany for the reservists,-who recently received two thousand sterling. Secret stores of ammunition continues to ho found and other stores are known to exist.

Dousmanis. who is still the Ppo-Glt-facn arch-conspirator, said recently r “Don’t abandon hope, we are still in the saddle, England has not decided definitely against us y»t.

Tha Australians.

(Australian & N Z. Cable Association). LONDON, April SO. Mr Phillip Gibbs says that sunshine spring weather lias now replaced the cold and wet, and the mud has become dust. the Australians’ fight ai> Hagnicourt, lie says:—“When counterattacking, they found many Germans in tliedr dug-outs, and great stores or beer, cigars, and food. It was a find for thirsty men this, and the “Mopping Up Battalions,” as they are technically called, mopped up the beer. With fat cigars in tliefi moutli and a bottle of beer in one hand and a bayonet in tne other they continued their hunt ior prisoners. - ■ Two hundred Germans who attempted to surrefrdeit* under the white flag were shot down by their own ma'chinegunners. The Australians inflicted appalling casualties on tlio three thousand Germans who were .caught behind our entanglements.

“Five Australians who found themselves cut off hid themselves in the German lines and remained there ior five days .without food or water, tUI they found a gap in the entanglements and escaped. v

British Activity.

London, May 1

Sir Douglas Haig reports that the enemy’s lines which caused several tween Monchy, Do Preux and the Searpe river was completely repulsed. Hostile artillery was active on both banks of .the Searpe. There is great aerial activity. Bombs were effectively dropped behind vne enemy’s lnes which casued several fires and also a large explqsion. Three trains were also hit. The enemy fought hard to protect the points attacked. Twenty 'German aeroplanes were brought down. Fifteen of ours ate missing. . French Report (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter), . LONDON, April 30. A French communique reports violent artiilerying between St. Quentin the Oise and Cliemin de s Dames. After a violent artillery preparation dn £he Champagne, the French infantry in the afternoon, attacked the lines on Ibotli sides of Mount Cornillet, and carried several lines of fortified tiewcftcs between Oomillet and South Benie on a depth ranging from five hundred to one thousand metres.

We also pushed forward our lines north of the north-eastern slopes of Highmount as far as the ManroyMorronvillers road. Violent artilleryiijg continues. Our aeroplanes bombed acroirromes at Colmar, Halslieim, and Fra scatty, and also six railway stations and bivouacs.

Internal Russia. (Australian & N.Z, Cable •outturn and Etenter.) PETROGRIAD, April 30. The Workmen’s Deputies have appointed a Council of six hundred members, and composed of equal numbers of soldiers and, workers to discuss current affairs. The extremists secured only ninetyfivo votes out of six hundred. a New Move. ' PETROGRAD, April do. M. Gutchoff (Minister of War) has returned from a visit to all the fronts He has issued an order for each Army Corps, regiment and Company to elect a committee which will maintain discipline and control food supplies, and have power to take justifiable measures against any abuse or power by army chiefs and also settle disputes between officers and soldiers and .to make prepiaratiqris for the election of a constituassemhlj'' •