THE WESTERN FRONT.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1918, Page 2

THE WESTERN FRONT.

HAIG’S REPORT. LONDON, Feb. 23rd. Marshal Haig reports: Hostile artil lery is active in the neighbourhood of the Arras-Cambrai road, La Bassee, and Ypres. Our aeroplanes yesterday dropped bombs on billets and rail sidings ,at Courtrai, Ledeghem, and Donai. Wo downed nine hostile machines. Three of ours are missing. 678 bombs weio dropped last night, 300 of them on an aerodrome south-east of Le Cateau, used by the enemy’s night fliers. We secured 19 direct hits on hangars, and on the remainder of the aerodromes at Ghent and Tournai.

, HAIG’S REPORT. fAUSTRALIAN it N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] & REUTEB.] (Received This Day. at 12.30. a.m.) LONDON February 24. General Haig reports the repulsing of an enemy raid. Hostile artillery was active at various points. Bad weather is preventing much, fighting. A PRESS OPINION. LONDON, Feb. 22. The “Manchester Guardian,” says: An attack on the Western Front is

still probable; but unless the Germans gain a remarkably initial success they will (not attempt a formal break through, or keep up the attack month after month. The attacks will be local and brief.

ATTACK ON BELGIAN FRONT LONDON, Feb. 22. A Belgian communique says: After a violent bombarment, an enemy detachment attacked our advanced posts in the region of Kleostermolen. The enemy failed to reach our lines.

HAIG’S REPORT. LONDON, Feb 23rd. Marshal Haig reports: The Scottish troops made a successful raid at Monchy le Preux. Hostile artillerying continues.

WORST PERIOD OVER. EVERYTHING IN READINESS. FOR THE GRAND OFFENSIVE. (United Service Telegram's'.).

(Received This Day at 9.30. a.m.) LONDON February 24. A special correspondent says the ground on the West Front has hardened and the worst period of mud and winter is over. A calm cheeriness prevails. Everything is in readiness for the new campaign. Nobody at the front believes ‘ that the Central Powers are capable 1 of breaking the Franco-British lines. General Smuts after an inspection of the lines, reported that they gave the Bodies no chance in an offensive.

The arrival of Turkish troops, in Belgium is interpreted to mean that the divisions used'against the Russi« ans are being brought 'westward. The Austrian troops are apparently intended for reserves. Their number is unknown, hut there is reason to believe that Austria is hungry and niggardly.