ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 September 1917, Page 2

ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

BATTLE RESTARTED

WITH GREAT VIOLENCE.

fRQME, September, 6. On the Italian front on Wednesday the battle north of Gorizia was restarted with violenco sufficiently proving that the Austrians were lying low during the past few days. It has been found that definite deduction cannot be drawn from the comparative, quiescence of the enemy’s artillery. If it ls lass active than the Italian/it does not necessarily signify a shortage of ammunition.

Tuesday’s heavy bombjardment of the Italian communications in and around Gorizia show that the Austrians are alive to the importance of the present positions.

The Austrians are continually, bringing up reserves' and enormous numbers of machine guns. They are sacrificing regiment after regiment with the liopa of weakening the Italian attacks. Their old formidable trenches are now wiped out and a homeric struggle has developed with continuous hand to hand fighting. Meanwhile the Italians are pitilessly shelling the Austrian caves and dug-outs. Latest prisoners state that thousands of wounded were lying on the ground throe days. It was impossible to succour them. The Austrian offensive on the Carso no doubt aims at breaking the circle of steel which life gradually dosing round Hermada.

ITALIANS TAKE STRONG POSITIONS. LONDON September 5. Italian official: The Battle on the Julian front has been renewed violently. We catpured an important position south-westward of Okreglo. A battle is raging north-east of Gorizia. We took prisoner yesterday 1688 troops belonging to ten regiments. The enemy violently attacked between Castagnovizza and the sea. The enemy gained all initial success between the Brestovizza valley and the sea. Our counter-attack re-established the line.

Two hundred and sixtv-one aeroplanes participated in the battle. Our air fleet last night bombed Pola and returned safely.