FRENCH REPORT FIERCE FIGHTING.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 39, 16 February 1916, Page 6

FRENCH REPORT FIERCE FIGHTING.

PARIS, February 14,

A communique states: A series of fterman attacks were made in Artois, from Hill 140 to the Buville La Folie road, the first to the westward of the hill in the morning, and four otheTs at different points in the afternoon. Our curtain of fire stopped three. The fourth penetrated a first line trench westward of Hill 140. We immediately counter-attacked, and drove the enemy out. The enemy also secured a footing in portions of advanced trenches eastward of Tahure to the Sommepy road. We carried out a destructive fire against organisations northward of Four de Paris. Our artillery crushed an enemy attack eastward of Seppois, in Alsace. THE KING THANKS INDIA. EOE UNSWERVING LOYALTY. BRAVELY BEARS HER' SHARE. LONDON, February 13. The King, replying to a» address from Indian officers, said that he was glad to receive in person the Indian officers, who had faithfully borne their share in the conflict, and upheld the honour of India in the world-wide war. "I welcome! your presence as a symbol of the unity of the Empire," said His Majesty, "and as setting a seal on the heroic efforts and sacrifices made by the Indians in this war, along with all the other forces from overseas and Home. I am deeply touched by your declaration of loyalty and gratitude and j'our geherous recognition of a brotherly feeling towards your fel-low-subjects of the Empire. "India is consecrated afresh by the "blood of her sons, shed far from home, in a. quarrel which, so long as the might of the Empire protects India's shores, does not come near the lives and fortunes of your kith and kin. The' liberties of the whole Empire have been put into the scale, and, please God, India will enjoy these in increasing measure os she advances long the path of social improvement and political experience."