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Hokitika Guardian, 27 November 1918, Page 2

Thk occupation of German territory in terms of the. armistice is proceeding with well ordered regularity by the Allies. The three main forces, French, British and American, are moving towards their objectives under what- is evidently a complete scheme of organisation. The thoroughness of the Allied preparations is, thus emphasised. The very completeness of the manner in which the Allied soldiery is carrying out this this task will impress the. German mind, which at least understands tho machinery of war, with tho real strength .opposed to them. General Hindenburg admits the com*plete defeat of the German Army, and says at thisi" (juncture it could not stand up against the French force alone. How little are its chances, against the well-marshalled hosts of the Allies is not difficult of conception. The march of the. Allies to Germany is going to be typical of the Allied methods of humanity all through the war. Them is none of that superior swank and worse which distinguished the Germans when for the time being they played the part of conquerors so inhumanely. The aloofness of our men is in keeping with the like nttitude of the Navy.men who are teaching the enemy soldiers and sailors how they have ostracised themselves by their doubly-cruel methods of warfare. This lesson to tho individual German should implant itself on the dullest mind, which will awaken to n sense of how grievously they have sinned against mankind by their methods of warfare—it is hoped for ever obsolete. As in battle, so in victory, the Alles are proving supreme, and giving the world an object lesson of how aims and achievements can be rightly asociated and work harmoniously for the great- good of all.

Lrc Quehnoy promises to be the New Zealanders last and greatest exploitin the European war. The fuller details of this remarkable exploit of modern fighting which have been so slow in publication, crowns the work of our splendid soldiers in the fight- for the cause of humanity. Difficult as was the military disposition to capture this old-world fortress, there was no bloodiest displayed by tell Dominion troops in the acomplishment of what was a, very difficult task. Time and again, when the enemy were at the mercy of th 0 attacking New Zealanders who had surrounded the town and cut off all hone of relief or escape, the enemy were called on to surrender, Some gave in, but others held out, find in the

end it was necessary to organise an attack by scaling the fortress walls. Tho episode reads like an old-time incident of the Indian Mutiny or sonic of the events in the Peninsula war. Gallantly the Now Zealanders rushed forward with their sealing ladders to plant them against the exposed walls, and then more gallantly still, sealed the ladders, and presented themselves at the top' to the waiting enemy. This thrilling deed was performed unflinchingly, and so the final fall of Le Quesnoy was accomplished. The feat meant the emancipation of a largo civilian population of French folk who had been long domineered hv the ruthless invaders. The intense joy of the people can he well understood, and tho expression of it would he a great reward for the sturdy soldiers who had given the relief. From Gallipoli to Le Quesnov is a far stretch but for along the ; whole difficult way ,the New Zealand j soldiers have comported themselves magnificently. They have won in deeu a proud title, yet they hear their fame modestly.