USE OF POISONOUS GASES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1447, 16 September 1915, Page 4

USE OF POISONOUS GASES.

Professor Vivian Lewes dealt with the subject of asphyxiating gases in an address on “Modern Munitions of War,” at the Royal Society ot Arts, in London, in July. There had been, be said, an enormous number of sugges tious made as to how to fight these gases, and the respirators now supplied to the troops answered their purpose well, but it was a difficult thing to get men to wear respirators. The best protectors they could have were a strip of flannel or cotton rag soaked in a solution of washing soda, There were men who said we ought to retaliate in kind. If we could save one of our men by doing so he would be as strongly in favour of it as anyone, but we must remember that the chief effect of the gases was in the surprise, and the Germans were fully prepared for retaliation and would not be surprised. Thus, under these circumstances —and that was not putting it very high —it was better to keep our hands clean, and fight that same straight old fight which had always pulled us through. Remarking on the employment by the Germans ot phosphorus in their bombs and shells tor producing smoke for the purpose of marking ranges. Professo: Lewes declared that they could get their smoke by harmless means, but the devilry which was innate in their character made them employ this substance, which gave rise to intense suffering.