BERLIN A BATTLEFIELD.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 14 March 1919, Page 4

BERLIN A BATTLEFIELD.

TERRORISM INCREASING ALARMINGLY. London, March 11. Berlin on Monday was like a huge battlefield. The Government occupies the centre, which is cut off from traffic. Retreating .Spartacists are bitterly resisting in the eastern suburbs, preventing trains from reaching the city. Foreign postal communication is suspended. Trams have stopped. Rival aeroplanes hover overhead, machinegunning and bombing. There are 150 bodies in the Berlin morgue to-day. Many neighbourhoods are strewn with debris and masonry, in which resound the clatter of machine guns, bursting hand grenades and shells.

Terrorism is increasing alarmingly. Murdering and plundering were never more prevalent. Shortage of food in some'districts increases the misery.

It is significant that the workers largely sympathise witli the Spartacists.

SPARTACISTS AGAINST. A WALL. Amsterdam, March 11. jJCoske ha^ -issued a proclamation that 'he will shoot at light alPpersons bearing arms against thWGovernment. . London, March 11. The “Daily Express’ ” Berlin correspondent states that Noskc shot 200 Spartacists -against a wall. ’- LEIPZIG A BATTLEGROUND. Amsterdam, March 11. Noske’s "troops have- attacked" Leipzig at several points, and it is reported they have secured possession of the ! city, overthrowing the Spartacists. MARTIAL LAW PROCLAIMED. London, March 11. Martial law has been proclaimed in Berlin. | OUTLOOK VERY GRAVE. AN ORGY OF BLOODSHED. New York, March 10. The "United Press’ Berlin corres-

pondent- states mat mo revolution appears,, to have-gone beyond the control ; of.the leaders. Street fighting continues, despite the calling off of the strike. Five hundred have been killed, and more than 1000 men and women in- | jured as the result of the fighting during the past- few days. ARTILLERY IN ACTION. DESPERATE STREET FIGHTING. SOLDIERS JOIN SPARTACISTS. London, March 10. A German wireless states that there is little change in the situation in Berlin. On Saturday evening cavalry cleared the centre of the city, but fighting continues in the suburbs, where the Spartacists are defending barricades. They have also seized the Boltzow brewery, whercHhey have prepared to withstand attacks.

The Government tro'ops are closing in on all sides. Artillery, including heavy howitzers, has begun -a. bombardment, while aviators arc droppitig bombs. Plundering , continues iii certain suburbs. The Republican Guard .at Newkoln have joined the Spartacists. The disorders have shown* that; enormous quantities /of a'rhis "and ammunition remain in civilian hands. The Government troops have begun a systematic search of the whole city.