ITALIAN SUCCESSES.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1918, Page 3

ITALIAN SUCCESSES.

(Received This Dav at 15? 25. rv;LONDON, Juno 20th. Latest advices from Italy show the Italians have reached the Piavc, near Saletto, east of Treviso, thus separating the Austrian lines. They have also recaptured Caposilo. I The Piave river is subsidising. The ! Austrians have constructed many footbridges. LOSING EFFECTIVENESS. (Received this day at 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 19. Prisoners declare the Austrian force’s 'effectiveness has ended. They have plenty of ammunition hut no food. The troops were persuaded to take the offensive by a promise of rich food to he captured in Italy. .Some pontoons of the bridge at Mon- i tello have disappeared probably being J carried down the swollen river. If so, the Austrians position is likely to ho critical.

Swarms of British and Italian airmen aro incessantly bombing the enemy. The Hungarian General at Montello was deserted by his staff who lost their way hut refused to surrender, and were killed.

STATEMENT CONFIRMED. (Received this day at 1.30 p.m.) LONDIN, June 19. Mr, Ward Price confirms the reported statement by prisoners that they have not received food since the offensive started, and that ammunition is running short. There is evidence of widespread confusion in the High Command. An intercepted message states they aro mixed up and it is difficult to keep up the direction. The Italians resistance is most stubborn.

MONTELLO SITUATION STEADY. [LONDON TIMES SERVICE —COPYRIGHT] (Received this day at 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 19. At mid-night, Mr Jeffreys reported that the* Montello situation was very steady. The Austrians, for the time beiny, have ceased the offensive. They had no opportunity to dig deep trenches, and the troops are being exposed to artillery fire. The dead aro lying thick on the river slopes. The enemy seems indifferent and are unable to react against it.