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Hokitika Guardian, 30 October 1917, Page 2

The picture seen at the Princess Theatre last night gave the audience n glimpse of the stern realities of war. The picturisation of the war would be a useful means of education if it were made more intelligent to the public by explanatory remarks. The battle of the Ancre, for instance, was the closing phase of the great- Somme fight which extended from July Ist to November 18th of last year. The Somme fighting was tin- turning of the tide of battle in favour of the Allies. The days of nibbling were past, ana the Anglo British forces took their gains by big bites. The New Zealanders fought in the Somme in September when the tanks went into action, and the capture of Flers is to their credit. New Zealand troops were not engaged in thq battle of the Ancre, but Lieut. - 001. Fryberg V. C. a New Zealander, commanded a British force and won his objective with wonderful celerity. October of last year was a wet and boisterous month, and the conditions held up the British attack. The weather did not clear up till the 9th. November and three days later the attack was launched. It was a surprise for the enemy, who had'reckoned that the- main fighting had died down for the wet season. The battle raged till the 18th. November 1 , when the weather conditions again. imposed a halt. The British took 7,000 prisoners, much booty, and practically all the objectives they sought. There was much heroism shown in the fighting and many acts of personal bravery. Now that folk have •had a closer view of the battlefields of France, and learned something of what war in winter time means they will respect more and more the splen did sacrifice of the brave fellows who through it all continue to carry on so cheerfully, hopefully and confidently.