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Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1665, 23 January 1917, Page 3

There have been many stories ahout “The Angel of Moms” and other “miracles” reported to have occurred in the early stages of the war. One sucdi “miracle” was related by Major J, L. Sleeman, 1.G.5., in a lecture at Christchurch. Major Sleeman was a witness of the miracle, being the second in command of a battalion at the time. They were holding trenches in a very valuable part of the British lino in a salient which was exposed to the enemy’s tire from three sides. At midnight they were informed that the enemy was to attack at dawn, and that no reinforcements and practically no ammunition would be available until 10.30 the following morning. Though for weeks past there had been no mist or the slightest signs of dew in this locality, yet the following morning a thick, dense mist arose which prevented the Germans from attacking, and by 10.30 the next morning the reinforcements and ammunition arrived. The strength of the Gennans was estimated at nearly a quarter of a million, whilst opposed to them were only a few thousand men. After this alarm, the Germans moved on and attacked a few miles away, and practically annihilated two battalions. A firm of Masterton drapers ordered a lot of hosiery about eighteen months ago. The stock was badly needed, and there were expressions of satisfaction when the ■ease came to hand. When it was opened it was found that about 30 dozen pairs of men’s stockings were missing. Claims made at Wellington on account of pillaged cargo represent a total of £I,OOO in twelve months. This statement was made to the local Magistrate’s Court a day or two ago..