ON THE WESTERN FRONT.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 October 1917, Page 3

ON THE WESTERN FRONT.

NEXT SPRING BATTLES. GERMANY PREPARING. rAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION , <fc REUTEB.J LONDON, Oct. 17. A Reuter mossa'go states that the French staff learns that is straining every nerve in anticipation of America’s new air squadrons with tho Allies in the spring air offensive. Quantities of threc-seater 250 hoisepower bombing machines are building, capable of carrying eighteen hundredweight of bombs, and climbing twelve thousand feet in thirtjf-five minutes Aeroplane new models of every typo are being feverishly produced including a new machine, all metal, for co-opera-tion with the infantry. A big German bombing machine was recently landed in Holland fitted with electric installation for tho purpose o, warming aviators. OFFICIAL REPORT.

rAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION & BBCTEB.j (Received, This Day at 8.50. a.m.) LONDON, October 18. General Haig reports that bombers successfully raided last night in r ‘ neighbourhood of Lavdelle.) Our casualties .were light. Hostile artillery is active south-ward of Ypes-Commines canal, and in the neighbourhood of Zonnebeke and Brood . seinde. DRIVING A WEDGE. (Received This Day at' 9.15 a.m.) WASHINGTON, October 18. r A communique issued by Hon. Baker Secretary for war, points out that the . Allies are driving a wedge in Flan- j ders which will eventually split the j German lino permitting a flanking . movement thus eliminating the costh j frontal attack. _ j Our typhoon of fire is causing the j . Germans real concern as they are I \' compelled to amend their tactical dis- | positions in their effort to meet the j shock. „ - The zone of operations around Ypres can no longer he conaid&red a salient | but progressingly extended from ridge to ridge. Tlie French are co-operating most gallantly and it will afford the Allies the necessary elbow room. The low rate of casualties in the assaulting columns attest to the precision of the Allies barrage. THE TIDE TURNED. (Received This Day at 9.15 a.m.) PARIS, October 18. A United States Congressman named Medill McCormick after spending six weeks on the battlefront declares that the tide has turned. There will bn k . no more atrocities. Tliero will be V terrible battles hut despite the Russian , events Austria' and Germany are consistently repolled and are no longei able to attack.