FLAX SWAMP FIRE. ALLIES’ OUTLOOK FOR 1917.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1676, 17 February 1917, Page 3

FLAX SWAMP FIRE.

ALLIES’ OUTLOOK FOR 1917.

ONE HUNDRED ACRES DE- ' STROYED.

Serious damage in the Whitaunui swamp at Moutoa was caused by a tire which broke out at about one o'clock on Thursday afternoon, one hundred acres of well-grown flax being destroyed. As far as can be ascertained, the origin of the fire was a pipe, which unfortunately had not been properly extinguished, left by one of the cutters in his coat, the coat being placed in a flax bush. The fire from the pipe apparently spread to the coat, and from there to the flax. The cutter in question was working in a somewhat isolated position, cutting out a “break” that had been left previously, and the lire had a good hold before the assistance of the other workers in the swamp could be obtained. Despite the efforts of a large band of fire-fighters, which were soon on the spot, the outbreak was not got under control until shortly before five o’clock, by which time one hundred acres had been burnt.

The area destroyed was all wellgrown leaf, fit Tor milling, and it is estimated would cut at least 30 tons to the acre, so that the amount of leaf'destroyed would be about 3,000 tons. The loss is a very serious one, being in the vicinity' of. £5,000.

VICTORY, PERHAPS PEACE, TfflS YEAR.

Paris, Feb. 14,

The French war correspondents who interviewed Sir Douglas Haig asked him whether the great offensive was imminent.

Sir Douglas Haig replied: It matters little who commences. If the Germans begin by attempting attacks at any points, north or south, which they may consider most favourable, we are ready. Their folly will cost, them dear. We possess trained armies, and our cavalry is in full working order, so that defeat may be turned into rout, and also to prevent the possibility' of the Germans, even far in the rear, reintrenching. We most certainly shall break the German front severely, and at many points. The Germans have the advantage of a powerful network of railways behind the front, which are helpful to defence. The first attacks in our great: offensive may be limited, and at some points indefinite, but we will strike without respite until the German armies are totallv destroyed.”

Asked regarding the prospects for lt>J7, Sir Douglas Haig said: “This year will see upon the hattlelield the decisive event of the war, namely, the showing up of Germany as a heaten nation from the military point of view. Possibly, we shall also see that peace we all desire. We are doing everything in our power to achieve it. Peace can only come with an absolute victory attained by the force of our arms. The Allies must not allow themselves to be deceived by German suggestions and threats. Germany, in offering peace, only thinks of preparations for the next war. If we unfortunately yield to such perlidious appeals, the tragedy would recommence in three years. Our soldiers understand that. I have entire confidence in my theory, and the morale of our soldiers is above suspicion. Regarding peace, we are all square-jawed; I mean that we have the indomitable will to light; until the end. “Our two most serious pre-occu-pations at the present time are the railways and artillery. War does not call merely for armies; we have had to construct in the last few months in the rear-of our lines over •TjO kilometres (about I? 20 miles) of railways, 1 recently showed some of (In 1 managers of the greatest English railways what we had done, and what was still required; and they understood the urgency and extent of the (ask. Regarding munition.-, we have reached the maximum, and can now supply our Allies ii! excess of their needs, but we must have more artillery, especially heavy guns. Wo must not merely be equal to the enemy, but must overwhelm him with the whole of our strength." Sir Douglas Haig said: “Do not: forget that the West front is, and will remain, the principal front, on which, 1 am convinced, the decision of the war will take place; hence the Germans are making it defensively the best. Hut trench Avarfare must give way to a war of moA’ement, which alone can procure the advantages we count upon. An incomplete or halting peace A\’ill leave Germany able to take a terrible revenge in the near future. After having attacked England, she will be again on the French frontier, greedier than ever for blood and conquest.”