AUSTRIA AND PEACE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 184, 10 April 1915, Page 5

AUSTRIA AND PEACE.

PERSISTENT RUMOURS. "'J r allies pushing on. BULGAR-SERBO TROUBLE. RUSSIANS POURING INTO HUNGARY. HUGE CAPTURES OF AUSTRO-OERMANS. ITALIAN FLEET ON A SECRET MISSION. AH ATTACK ON AUSTRIA IS EXPECTED.

DRAMATIC SURPRISE possxBL£<

VIENNA SEEKING PEACE. (By Telegraph. —Press Association.) (Reed 9 a.m.) ROME, April 9. Turin paper reports that Austria contemplates concluding' peace .y W ith Russia in order to better defend W 3 herself against Italy are less visiou,/T a ry here than in Vienna. zl- ■ A communique indicates that a Vi- ■ enna correspondent claims that the F Austrian Government has opened pour|H parlers with two members of the Tripie Entente and believes a dramatic surprise is possible.

AUSTRIA AND PEACE

PROBABILITY OF A SEPARATE PEACE. THE POPE WARNS THE EMPEROR LONDON, April 9. Th e Viennese say everybody is aware that important events are impending. The impression prevails that, despite denials, separate peace is becoming more probable. The Pope is reported to have warned the Emperor that his first duty is t/o ave'rt the disintegration of the Empire, even at the expense of territorial sacrifices. KAISER VISITS FRANCIS JOSEF. AUSTRIA URGED TO GIVE ITALY TERRITORY. v THE MISSION FAILS. LONDON, April 9. A correspondent of the Rotterdam Telegraaf announced • that he has . reliable authority for stating that the Kaiser recently visited the Austrian I Emperor and urged Austria to make territoriapconcessions with the object of securing Italy’s continued neutral- | ity. -- The mission, which was undertaken with the utmost secrecy, failed, because of Hungarian opposition. ITALY GETTING ANXIOUS. LIKELY TO LOSE HER SPOILS. ROME, April 9. The newspapers are discussing the possibility of Austria making a separat peace with Russia, and its effect on Italy. The “Messagero” opines that while it 'would be the death-blow to Germany, it would be just as serious to Italy, as It would mean a separate war with. Russia without the certainty of victory, which would be Italy’s if she joined the Allies now.

ITALIAN FLEET SAILS.

A MYSTERIOUS MISSION. IS AUSTRIA TO BE ATACKED? LONDON, April 9. •A Romle message received in Paris states that warships of thel Italian fleet have departed suddenly from Spezia and Magdalena and concentrated at Augusta and Taranto, within a few hours’ steam of the Adriatic. Further movem/ents are 1 veiled in absolute secrecy. Only the King and two high officials are acquainted with the plans, , AN ENLIGHTENING SUMMARY. (Red. 10 p.m.) 4i£NDON, April 9. The High Comwfeioner says that a Paris message summarising the results 'of this Allies’ attacks during the last four days, points out extensive gains in several places; the displacement of th e Germans from strong positions; the 1 defeat of repeated violent < attempts; to*regain, lost positions; and ■/the -formidable Losses, of the German *|rdo^>." ‘ ' - - ; ; ; “

RUSSIAN DELEGATES

COMMUNICATION WITH SALONIKA ACROSS BULGARIA, (Reed 9 a.m.) SOFIA, April 9. • A message states that two Russian delegates have arrived to conclude arrangements with Bulgarian railroads for direct communication between Russia and Salonika. AUSTRIAN AIRMEN ACTIVE. THEY START BABY-KILLING. , (Reed 9 a.m.) GETTINGE, April 9. Reports state that Austrian airmen dropped bombs in the market place Podgoritza, killing twelve women and children, and injuring 48. A number of buildings were destroyed. GERMANY'S INEFFECTIVE PIRACY ENGLAND’S SHIPPING PRACTICALLY UNDISTURBED. (Reed 8.45 a.m.) LONDON, April 9. The Press Bureau, fiaports that for the week ended April 7th there were 1234 arrivals and departures. Five vessels wore desetroyed by submarines, aggregating 7,904 tons, and five fishing vessels were also sunk. GERMANY PROMISES SATISFACTION. FOR SINKING AMERICAN SHIP. (Reed 2 p.m.) WASHINGTON, April 8. Germany has agreed to pay full damages for sinking the ship William Frye, also the value of the cargo, provided the Prize Court establishes the facts.

BELGIUM’S BRIGHT FUTURE.

WHAT A BRAVE PEOPLE DESERVE, SIR JAS. BRYCE’S EULOGY. (Times and Sydney Sun Services). LONDON, April 9. Sir James Bryce, in opening the Belgium Town Planning Exhibition, said publis opinion of the world agr'eed that those who destroyed the Belgian cities and inflicted poverty and hardship on the people, ought to be made to pay to the uttermost farthing. No compensation could be given for much of the harm done in the shape of the deaths and sufferings of innocent people. All the world could do would be to testify to the courage and devotion of the Belgians and their fidelity to their obligations. He earnestly hoped there would arise before them the vision of a new Belgium delivered from the invader, happy, prosperous, and contented, never losing the admiration of mankind for the spirit shown and the manner they had bornja their misfortune. SINKING.OF THE ACANTHA. (Reed 11.40 p.m.) LONDON, April 9. The chief officer of a Danish steamer says he saw the submarine after sinking the Acantha go alongside a steamer in the vicinity, and apparently receive a supply of oil. AMERICA’S PRICE. ""LONDON, April 9, The Cologne Gazette publishes an article entitled “America—What Will it Cost?”—suggesting that if nothing else will induce America to stop supplying munitions to the Allies, Germany might be willing to buy off America with cash—with a billion or two or what she is making out of the “unholy traffic“ in German and Austrian lives.

mLT AN INTERVIEWED.

ALLIES WERE UNJUST. FORCING THE DARDANELLES. (Reed. 1.5 p.m.) NEW YORK. Ap r il 8. The Sultan, who gave an audience to a party of American journalists, said he was convinced the Dardanelles cannot be forced It was very unjust of the Allies that they should want to force the Dardanelles just to import Russjan foodstuffs. He said: “It is impossible to .'express my high opinion of German, valour and efficiency.

ADVANCE AT LES EPAEGES,

FRENCH ACHIEVE SUCCESS. GREAT GERMAN LOSSES. PARIS, April 9. Official: Since. Sunday wo inflicted heavy losses between the Meuse trad the Moselle, capturing strong positions at Les Epurges, Bois de Lily, and several villages. We further advanced at Les Epargese on Thursday night and held the ground, despite three violent counter-attacks. We have already counted a thousand corpses. We wiped out a company during a lively infantry action near Lamorville, south of Les Eparges, and made prisoners of 10 survivors.

SERBO - BULGAR CLASH,

BULGARIANS LOSE HEAVILY. LONDON, April 9. The Daily Mail’s Salonika correspondent, who has returned from the scene of the incursion by the Bulgarian irregulars, says he believes that the attack was part of the Germans’ general war scheme. About 3000 irregulars surrounded a group of Servian soldiers sheltering in a hut near Strumnitza station. The Bulgarians fired the hut. As the men attempted to escape they were bayoneted or driven back into the flames. The upper portions of the bodies were gashed with numerous bayonet thrusts and the lower parts were roasted away. Eight hundred irregulars rushed the village of Valanbovo and killed 99 out of a hundred troops. They came into conflict with a Servian regiment, and there was a fierce hand ,to hand fight. The Servians declare they heard orders given in German. After a four hours’ fight the irregulars wore routed. It it believed they lost ,1300., The Servians lost 227. USEFUL BULGARIAN TOOL. RAMS, April 9. The Temps notes a statement in the Giornale d’ltalia alleging ‘ that M. Ghenhadieff, an ex-Bulgarian. Minister, during his recent visits to foreign countries was the tool of Austria. It also alleges that Ghenhadieif was the principal organiser of a plot to pdace bombs in the Casino at Bella in order to compromise the Servians.

MORE GERMAN - KULTUE, BLAZING OIL AND GAB. LONDON, April 9. “Eye-Witness” says: We blew up a hundred yards of the enemy's trenches on the 3rd inst. The Germans thereupon bombarded our defences around Quenchy, throwing over a thousand shells. It is reported that the Germans in the Argonne pumped blazing oil or pitch into the French trenches. Prisoners state that the enemy is proparing a more novel reception. They propose to asphyxiate us if we advance, by poisonous gases contained in steel cylinders. The gas is of a heavy nature and spreads over the ground and does not dissipate for some time. Notice has been placarded in Neuve Chapelle that General Hindeuburg Is coming with half a million men. BRITISH CASUALTIES. AT NEUVE CHAPELLE. LONDON, April 9. Two lists of British casualties at Neuve Chapelle contain 1,877 names. HORRORS OF NEUVE CHAPELLE.' LONDON, April 9. The British bombardment at Neuve Chapelle created tremendous havoc in the Gterman trenches. Whole traverses were blown away and most of the dugouts were wrecked. A card party of five Germans was found sitting in natural poses, asphyxiated by lyddite fumes. One was about to play the ace of spades. HARMLESS BOMBS. CAPETOWN, Apirl 9. A German airman harmlessly dropped two bomba on the Union forces at Swakopmund. RUSSIANS PROGRESS. GOOD WORK IN CARPATHIANS. PETROGEAD, April 9. OMeial: We progressed in the Ondawa Valley, dislodged the Austrians in the Stropkopucsaez sector, and repuled Austro-Germaus who were considerably reinforced, at Mezolaborez, We- are successfully crossing the principal chain of the Carpathians north of the tlszok-Berezna line.

FEELING' IN GEELON

INTERVIEW WITH VENEZELOB. AN EMOTIONAL SPIECH. (Rec| 0 a.m.) ;! ATHENS, April 9. M. Venezelos, in, an interview with a British journalist, declared his unshakeable faith in the ability of the Allies to carry out its full programme In the hear East. He was more and more convinced as the position develops. The people of Greece were prepared to make all necessary sacrifices, and at no stage in recent events had hd such a solid backing as at the prestsnt moment, a result of the prospect of a successful issue to the operations against Constantinople. ,He was confident the Greek Government w'oul] either adopt hi s policy or they would ifeceive an unmistakable mandate at the elections. Whatever happened let England remember Greece with her heart and soul, remembering acts of past friendship and looking forward to an abiding union.

GERMAN SPIES CAUGHT

USING INVISIBLE INK. (Reed. 8.55 a.m.) LONDON, April 9. Three German spies, arrested in London, communicating naval and military information to the Continent in invisible ink will be tried by a civil court in camera.

EXCITING SUBMARINE WORK

PLUCKY COUNTER-ATTACK. SOME REMARKABLE ESCAPES. (Rend. 8.55 a.m.) LONDON, April 9. A German submarine chased the Holt liner Theseus off the Scilly Islands. She was signalled to stop instantly, but the Theseus went full spiaed, and the submarine opened fire with a machine gun, and subsequently fired seven shells from a 3-incher. Five struck, all above waterline, but nobody was injured. The submarine vainly tried, to get on thje Thesus’ quarter, but finally, when 250 yards distant, a heavy sea prevented her using a torpedo and she abandoned the chase, which had lasted 220 minutes, and coMm'cd 57 miles. While the Southshiekls tug Homer was towing the French barque Sonis, grain-laden, to Sunderland, a submarine ordered her to stop. The Homer waited till th|e submarine 1 was abeam then cut off the hawser and steamed at a speed of 111 knots straight for the submarine, but missed hex' by 3 feet. The submarine fired a torpedo which also missed, then abandoned pursuit, and tox-pedoed the barque.

ENORMOUS AUSTRIAN LOSSES. ,

300,000 IN THE CARPATHIANS,

OLD RIFLES IN USE

(Reed. 8.55 a.m.) ROME, April 9. The Messagero says, that the Austrians lost 300,000 in the Carpathians, of whom onje-third were prisoners. Whole divisions were' armed with old pattern German rifles, and some were using black powder. Apparently factories are unable to turn out smokeless powder. A TRAWLER SUNK. NINE LIVES LOST. (Reed. 1.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 8. Two Grimsby trawlers report that they saw thje trawler Zarina torpedoed or mined in the North Sea; nine were drowned. BRITISHERS’ COOLNESS. LONDON, April 9. Mr. Chris. Warson, in an interview with the Daily Chronicle, said he was impressed by the calmness and fine confidence of the English in a successful issue for the Empire. There was abso-lutely-no difference of opinion in the Commonwealth on the justice of the Empire’s cause. The way all sections of politics in Australasia fell into line without question was unique. Compulsory training gave a great iilip to recruiting. RUSSIAN SCOUT TORTURED. PETEOGEAD, April 9. Official: Despite various tortures, a Russian scout captured at Eaioga, near Mysynice,-refused to give information, whereupon the Germans, in the presence of their officers, cut off his ears and mutilated his face. The scout escaped and the Grand Duke Nicholas decorated him.

FARUWiiL.^IaD. CONSTABLE ALEX. MCLEOD. During its twenty vein’s' existence Taihape has had several guardians of law and order—most of them good fellows, faithful to their trust, yet popular with the public. None have been more so than Constable McLeod,who has proved a capable and conscientious yet discreet and tactful officer during his six years’- connection with the district as a member of the local police force. A few days ago the community was pleased to hear that wjallmerited promotion, to officer in charge at Featherston, had come Mr McLeod’s way, and the departing officer was not allowed to leave Taihapje without tangible expressions of appreciation of a difficult duty well performed and public congratulations on his promotion.At a social gathering held last night, the Fire Brigade Hall wa s filled with a representative attendance 1 of the professional, commercial and farming community of Taihape and district, and proceedings were enthusiastic. In the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, Mr A. L. Arrowsmith, owing to a Borough Council meeting, Mr S. Behan was voted to' the chair,and read several apologies for absence from our best citizens. These all expressed pleasure at Mr McLeod’s promotion and regret at his impending departure whilst good wishes for the futute were embodied in the communications.

Dealing with the toast of “Our Guest” the chairman said the right thing in the right way. They all knjaw “Mac” and a better man could not be found in the district. It had often been said, that one could not be a member of the police and a gentleman but whilst that may be true in a few eases tlije phrase had absolutely no connection with Mr McLeod, in whom the best characteristics of a gentleman and an efficient, courteous, capable, yet firm policeman were !embedied. He had the faculty for combining both qualifications in a manner which allowed him to treat all alike and the public to retain a high opinion of him. Their guest was a credit to this police force. (Applause). All were sorry to lose him, yet this feeling was tempered with the pleasingknowledge that his transfer carried vell-meritled promotion on which all congratulated him. The public recognised him as a good fellow in every way and knew that Featherston was about to gain a most desirable citizen and member of this police force. On behalf of the community he desired to hand over one or two small mementos of Mr McLeod’s stay in Taihape and appreciation of his many good qualities. Their intrinsic value was as nothing compared with thje good will and best wishes which prompted the gifts. He then handed Constable McLeod a handsome gentleman’s leather companion and a leather travellisg casje. H e hoped that Mr McLeod will long be spai’ed to use them. In addition th e public had not forgotten Mrs McLeod and the farqily, and for them he asked Mr McLeod to accept a purse of sovereigns. (Applause). Mr E. H. Short also paid a tributje to Mr McLeod’s good qualities. He had found their guest a good fellow and very courteous and obliging in his official and private! capacities. As a small ■■inenijcnt'o iof apipreeiatipn lie, asked Mr McLeod’s acceptances of a case of pipes. (Applause). Mr W. McLennan spoke in terms of appreciation of their guest. He possesssed the happy faculty of carrying out a difficult duty fearlessly to all alikjs yet retained the goodwill-of all. He wished him th e best of success in his new territory and hoped some day to see him back in Taihapjs as Sergeant in charge—and this wag not by any means a renxote possibility. (Applause). Several other speakers spoke in like manne'r, and the toast of “Our Guest” was honomkd very enthusiastically to the accompaniment of hearty cheers and musical cheers. . In rising to reply after some musical items had been rendered to allow Constable McLlsod “to get bis breath” as the chairman termed it, the guest was again cheered and toasted. “Mr Chairman, and gentlemen,” began Mr McLeod, “I haven’t got my breath yet, and whjan I do, I will never be able to adequately express my deep appreciation and thanks for the .manner you have all honoured the toast, spoke of Mrs McLeod, ray family, and myself, and for the handsome and valuable preslants you have just handed over.” (Applause.) . He never knew he had so many friends and what had been said of him had “absolutely, givjen (him a twister.” He was proud to have been associated with the! Taihape public and was leaving them with nfany pangs of regret. He referred to Taihape’s comparative immunity from local or serious crime and thanked the public for the assistance always given the police. He spoke briefly on genjeral mattcr s and concluded by again expressing deep appreciation of the good fellowship accorded him. (Applause).

ALLA Lsc--.ls. u. - LL. ■

A YOUNG LADY KILLED. ; Press Association—Copyright. WAIPAWA, This Day. Miss Marion Godfrey died yesterday as a result of injuries received by being thrown from a horse at Waipuku.rau on Tuesday. She wag found unconscious on the road and never gained consciousness. ABSTINENCE DURING WAR, , KING’S ACTION EULOGISED. WELLINGTON, This Day. The Executive of the New Zealand Alliance passed a resolution expressing •pride and satisfaction with the King's decision to abstain from alcoholic iiquors during the war, and commending this illustrious example to those in authority, and all other loyal subjects of tbe King in New Zealand. MR PRIMROSE MCCONNELL. THE MINISTER’S REPLY. SUCH MEN BETTER OUT. WELLINGTON, This Day. The! Hon. Mr Herdman has made a statement to the press in reply to strictures recently passed upon the Public Service Commissioners bjy Mr Primrose McConnell, late manager of the Ruakura State Farm. The Minister describes his criticism as so extravagant and inaccurate that it. is of value only as.showing how little reliance can be placed on Mr McConnell’s reflections. He cites as an example thd statement that the Experimental Farm manager is not allowed to engage temporary- employees ,without first consulting the Commissioner, and quotes, ■in reply, regulations 150, which provides that “temporary workmen or employees required in the following departments, viz.,' on farihs, shall be engaged and discharged by each manager or overseer.” The Minister replies to other phases of thje criticism and concludes by giving Mr McConnell every credit for capable management of the farm, but says he is evidently a man with a grievance. Such pe'ople are better out of the-ser-vice. Tbe circumstances of the case exemplify the usefulness of the Public Service ..Commissioner^.