THE WAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1917, Page 2

THE WAR.

(Per United Press Association I

Slowly Gaining Ground

Tunneiiers at fiYork

(Australian & N.Z. Gable Association and Reuter.)

(Received May 24, at 9.45 a.m.) London, May 23

C orrespondents on the British irmt state that we are slowly increaciog the ground won along the Hindenburg line, around Bnllecourt, extending our gaiD6 by tunnelling under the onemy’s support lines, and threatening the retreat to the next sectiMi of German defences. Reinforcements era being heavily pun'shed while moving across the open. On the left of Bulleeourt, many prisoners are being dug ont of the rums of the Hindenkurg line near Fontaine. They describe the awful tension of awaiting attack when the bambardment commenced.

STRIKE DEMONSTRATORS. Warning Against Mob Law. (Received May 24, at 9.20 a.m.) London, May 23 Looal strikes at Sheffield, Liverpool and elsewhere have degenerated into meaningless demonstrations against authority. In a number of cases when the shop stewards ordered a resumption of work, another body of strikers established pickets and attempted to persuade the men not to resume, saying the resumers were playing the capitalists’ game. Mr dynes, speaking at the Dockers’ Union Conference, said trade unionism must avoid the institution of mob law; A body of shop stewards could not be allowed to have more weight than the men’s properly established authority of Trade Unions.

FRENCH PREMIER’S SPEEuH,

1 France’s intentions. (Received May 24, at 10 a.m.) Paris, May 23 ! Premier Ribot in a ep'ech in the Chamber oreited a deep impression, particularly in the passages insisting forma'ly on no annexation and no indemnity. This does Dot apply to restitution based upon right and justice. 1 M, Ribot added tbat there was no question of a war 'indemnity to be placed upon the vanquished as though it was a fine. The whole world shall judge onr cases. The nightmare bad lasted too long. We must destroy military des potism. Let Russia take the offensive while United S'atea is getting ready to send her first divisions. If Russia does her duty we have no more to fear. Replying to numerous interpellations regarding ihe offensive, he said that perhaps faults had been committed, or perhaps the Freach people expected too much. Nevertheless, we had worked, so that all the Germin reserves had came ont against us, otherwise the Germaus would themselves have attacked. Notice had been taken of the faults committed, and changes had been made. The submarine menace was still a big question, but recent statistics show that the peril has been greatly lessened. M. Rihot’e reference to Alaace and Lorraine, was received with tumultous obeere, ' Continuing, be said we are not opposed to the expansion of Germany after the war. Very boob when the Russian Army is again fighting, Germany will demand peace in a straightforward manner. If not, we will know how to impose peace.

To Fight Submarines. (Received May 24, at 11.10 a.m.) Washington, May A number of anti-submarine devices are undergoing teste. According to the Navy Department hopes are entertained that these will countercheck German activities. United States and Russia. Washington, May. 23 The United States Government hopes shortly to issue a statement regarding its .Russian policy, comprised in “no annexations and no punitive indemnities." Government sympathises with M. Ribot’s attitude. A Satisfactory Report Wellington, May 24 The High Commissioner reports, London, 23rd May, at 1.15 p.m. General Haig reports in Bulleoourt neighborhood at night the enemy again heavily bombarded our positions on the Hindenburg Oar artillery replied vigorously, but no hostile attack developed.

Southeastwards of Gavrelle we carried out a successful raid early this morning. A number of Germans were killed but we had no casualties. Northwards of Armentieres we prieonered a few, as the result of patrol encounters at different poiuts.