A SENSATION.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 65, 16 March 1916, Page 5

A SENSATION.

IMPENDING GERMAN COLLAPSE. * FINANCIAL AND MILITARY. GERMAN EXCHANGE UNCHECKABLE DECLINE. HUN MURDERS AT YPRES. SHELL THEIR OWN INFANTRY. FRENCH GENERALS LAST WORDS. “ I AM CERTAIN OF SUCCESS.” ' 1 t TRENCH WARFARE AT YPRES. HOW BRITISH RECAPTURES WERE MADE. FEW MINUTES WORK FOR GRENADIERS. (Reed. 10.10 a.m.) - PARIS, March 15. Semi-official: In the account of British recapture of trenches at Ypres and the Comines Canal on the second, the British did not attach much importance to the loss, but they refused to ignore a methodically prepared counterattack, and they kept the captured lines under artillery fire for a fortnight, preventing consolidation. They subjected them to intense bombardment all day long on the first March, causing the Germans to expect immediate attack, hut it was not delivered until four-thirty cn the morning of the second. At the moment that Germans were relieving the trenches, parties of Grenadiers suddenly dashed forward, smothering the defenders with bombs, and the trenches were retaken in a few minutes. Fifty-one German batteries, at midday, opened bombardment, and assaulting columns advanced at four o’clock. The British noticed that the enemy had flung their bombs far beyond the trenches and had rushed forward with their hands up,.

A NOTED BULGARIAN ASSASSINATED. PROMOTER \OF iTURKO-BULGAR ENTENTE. (Reed. 8.0. a.m.) BUCHAREST, March 15. A Sofia telegram states that Tmvektchieff, ex-leader of Bulgarian bands, and promoter of the Turko-Bnlgarian entente has been assassinated. L GERMANY’S IMPENDING FINANCIAL AND MILITARY COLLAPSE. EVIDENCED IN UNCHECKABLE EXCHANGE DECLINE. GERMAN EXCHANGE CONTINUES TO FALL. (Reed. 8.0 a.m.) ‘ NEW YORK, March 15. A sensational decline has taken place in German exchange, ro 7£. The Herald says the decline continues despite German financiers efforts to check it. This reveals the world’s p?rception of Germany’s impending financial and military collapse. VERDUN STILL REMAINS QUIET. THE GERMAN'S DON’T EVEN MENTION IT. STILL PLENTY OF FRENCH TROOPS. SOME CLASSES NOT YET TOUCHED. CANNONADING WEST OF THE MEUSE. A GERMAN SURPRISE ATTACK DISPERSED. ONLY DEAD BODIES LEFT ON THE GROUND. * J LONDON, March 15. This is the fourth day of the lull at Verdun. A G(erraan communique does not even mention this section of the battle-front. Nevertheless the French staff are expecting a renewed attack, and are preparing. The “Times” correspondent at Paris say s the 1916 classes have not yet been used at Verdun. , A communique says; A violent cannonade occurred west of the Meuse, near Vaux and Damloup. A strong enemy reconnaissance at Haudremont wood was checked. West of the Meuse, the cannonade was somewhat violent during the night. On the right bank, a strong German reconnaissance at Bois d‘Haudremont was stopped by our curtain of fire. The bombardment was continued in the region of Vaux, at Dauslop, and in the Woevre district. The action of the artillery on both sides is lively. In the region of Aix, at the Bbis le Pretre, a German detachment attempting a coup-de-main against our trenches at Croix dos Cannes received a furious fusilade, and dispersed, leaving their dead behind. GERMANS CANNOT BREAK THE VERDUN LINE. DEFENSIVE WORKS MARVELLOUSLY DESIGNED. A FORT FALLING HAS NO SIGNIFICANCE. '■ FREMANTLE. March 15. Mr. Frederick Villiors, the veteran war correspondent, who arrived from England to-day. does not hesitate to <ay that the chances of the .Germans breaking the Allied line at Verdun are very remote indeed. The .defensive works are marvellously designed. There is a ring of forts, but these are not expected to play a very important part in die defensive operations, so if one reads that a fort, has fallen it should carry very little significance. The hills are apparently bare, but as one approaches, line upon line of what '.at first glance seems supports of vines can be seen. The whole country for miles looks for all the world like an immense vineyard. The only difference is that th? supports are made of the very strongest barbed-wire. At the highest parts machine-guns are hidden, and, should the Germans succeed in destroying the entanglements by using up immense quantities of high explosiv e shells, they will find it a difficult

HEAVY GERMAN ATTACK ON BETHINCOURT. REPULSED WITH HEAVY LOSSES. HEAVY SHELLING WITH REDOUBLED VIOLENCE. PARIS, March 15. A communique says: There was heavy shelling, with redoubled violence, against our positions from Bethincourt to Cumieres. The Germans launched a very strong attack in this sector, but were repulsed on the whole front with heavy losses. They gained a footing at only two points of our trenches between Bethincourt and Morthomme. FRENCH SURPRISE ATTACK' IN ALSACE. A QUANTITY OF MATERIAL CAPTURED. PARIS, March 15. We captured much material by a surprise attack on trenches at Vosswihr Carspach, in Alsace, without less. WAR BETWEEN ITALY AND GERMANY IMMINENT. THE ITALIANS CAPTURE A STRONG REDOUBT. HEAVY FIGHTING ON THE ISONZO. BASLE, March 15. Th e “Berliner Tagehlatt” says Italy’s declaration of war on Germany is imminent. j A communique says: We renewed successful infantry attacks on the Sabatino slopes between San Michele and San Martino to the east of Monfalcone. After intense bombardment we captured a strong redoubt at the bayonet’s point in the San Martino zone and prisonered the defenders. An Austrian communique says: Big fighting i s developing on the Isonza. Large enemy forces, attacking everywhere, were repulsed. We repelled seven storming attacks near San Martino, inflicting great loss. I GENERAL'PETALN'S LAST WORDS TO BRITISH DELEGATES THE LOAD IS OFF MY MIND. I AM CERTAIN OF FINAL SUCCESS. GERMANS SHELL THEIR OWN INFANTRY. MARVELLOUS TRANSPORT SYSTEMS. GERMANS BUILD ELEVEN RAILWAYS AT VERDUN. BRITISH PARLIAMENT DELEGATES IMPRESSED. (Reed. 10.10 a.m.) At Ypres and Comines German artillery' shelled thevr town infantry, many of whom were killed, the sur\ivors flung themselves on the ground 'and crept into our trenches and surrendered. All were youths belonging to a regiment previously distinguished for its bravery. British losses were extremely light. The Parliamentary Delegation las returned from Verdun impressed with the difference between French and German transport system. The Germans in the last few months have built eleven strategic railways behind their Verdun front. The French relied on a single railway, but were engrossed with their motor transport, which worked faultlessly, aiid proved vastly superior, owing to its flexibility. The delegates are profoundly impressed with the defenders’ confidence in being able to keep the enemy at bay. General Petain’s last words were, “A load is off my mind, I am certain of final success.” \

PORTUGAL’S SEIZURE OF SHIPS DEFENDED. GERMANY'S DECLARATION OF WAR. RELIEVES PORTUGAL OF ANY INDEMNIFICATION. f LONDON, March 14. In the House of Commons, Sir Edward Grey; British Foreign Minister, made a statement regarding Portugal’s entry into the war. He said if Portugal had been entirely neutral, without alliance with any combatant, her action would have been completely justified. The war had caused a rapid decrease in tonnage, and it was the duty of Portugal to use all availhblo ships in her harbours. This was Portugal’s view. It. Avas also urged upon her by the British Government. ( Portugal’s action no third party, a s she promised payment and compensation for the ships used, but Germany now saw fit to declare war, thus altering the whole position in regard to compensation. Since Portugal had been compelled to range herself on the side of the Allies they might rest assured all assistance would be given. The Portuguese Government hate enforced stringent Press and public regulations, regarding Avar news, entailing the banishment of foreigners Avho spread alarmist or prejudicial reports.

. INTENSE FIGHTING ON RIGA FRONT. PETROGRAD, March 15. A communique says:—On tho Riga front there was intense fighting south of Lake Babis. A Lettish detachment forced the enemy’s barriers, surprised and bayoneted the occupants of the trenches, and returned safely. THREE GERMAN AEROPLANES DOWNED. PARIS, March 15. A communique says: Three German aeroplanes were brought down in the German lines in the Verdun region, and another in the Cernay district. SIR DOUGLAS HAIG’S REPORT. LONDON, March 15. Sir Douglas Haig reports: The explosion of an enemy mine did some damage to a portion of a small salient of cur trenches, i We carried out a successful bomhardment, of trenches north of Ypres. WONDERFUL ENGLAND. budg j:t indications. 20 MILLIONS SURPLUS EXPECTED. LONDON, March 15. There are indiea + :nnc< fiiof

CHANGES IN TURKEY. A NEW WAR MINISTER (Reed. 8.0 a.m.) LONDON, March 15. There are persistent reports that. Ismail Haki, President of the Commercial Administration, has been appointed Turkish Minister for W ar - NEW ZEALANDERS AT CAPETOWN, ABOARD THE TURAKRNA. A HEARTY WELCOME GIVEN. (Reed. 8.0 a.m.) CAPETOWN, March 15. Eighty-four Avounded Noav Zealanders are aboard the Turakina. They Avere Avelcomed at CapetoAvn and presented (with (fruit ether gifts. The Turakina has sailed for New Zealand. INTERCEPTED SECURITIES. TO BREAK DOWN GERMAN CREDIT. LONDON, March 14. Britain is detaining securities sent by Germany to neutral countries for sale on German account. The object is to counteract the German policy of securing credits in neutral countries by selling German holdings of foreign securities. This is designed to increase the financial strength on Avhich ihe enemy’s pcAver of resistance depends. Securities will be seized only

NEARING A COLLAPSE. TURKEY’S CRITICAL POSITION. UNABLE TO OPPOSE RUSSIANS. FEARS OF BULGARIA. LONDON, March 14. The London “Daily Telegraph's” Athens correspondent states that a reliable military correspondent’s uncensored letter describes the situation in Constantinople as most critical. The Turks ire unable to seriously oppose a further Russian advance in Asia Minor, where 30,000 Cossacks are operating. Despite German endeavours, it is imnbssible to run mere than four trains from Haidar Pasha, on the eastern shore of the Bosphorus, to Ansrora, and Haidar Pasha to Konia daily. These are hampered by the scarcity of coal. Moreover, owing to the Young Turks’ of Bulgaria, it is irapossJb’e to withdraw tree us from Europe, while, a local revolution in Syria is rrcbable. especially if the Allies land on th e Syrian coast. The Turkish army in Mesopotamia is threatened with annihilation in the event of an Anglo-Russian junction. The Bulgarian Government is seri'"’slv alarmed at the probability of Turkey’s collapse, 'and is considering how Bulgaria can seek safety in a separate peace.

OUR FORCES IN EGYPT. OCCUPYING ARAB TERRITORY. BEDOUINS ASKING PARDON. CReccl. S.o a.m.) LONDON, March 15. The police searched houses of prominent members of the Sinn Fein, at Cork, and seized a quantity of revolvers and ammunition. Tt is renorted that 2000 intend to march on St. Patrick’s day. in procession. Official: Our forces under General Peyton will occupy SM’um to-day. The Senussi’s ranm. «t. Muad, is renorted to bo unoccupied. No opposition is expected from the Bedouins, who have joined Said Ahmed’s forces, which are demoralised and suffering greatly from hunger and disappointment. T "adin<r she'ks have surrendered, while i ir, ”d "' r m of the a ■ - I qa q ij tribe a’-o askiu <r IT’- nardon. Starving Bedouins Avith their families Arp flocking in to our lines for food and shelter, having been robbed and ill-treat-ed bv the Tripo’itan Bedouins, wdio I entered Egypt under Said Ahmed.

TROUBLE AHEAD. FOR COALITION GOVERNMENT. THE COMPULSION BILL. DEFENCE AGAINST AIR RAIDS. LONDON, March 14. In view of the introduction of the Army Estimates 'and the expectation of Sir Edward Grey’s statement regarding Portugal, the House 3 of Commons was crowded to-day. Questions revealed considerable feeling regarding the working of the Military Service Bill. The dangers of air raids were emphasised by the introduction, amid cheers, of Mr. Billing, who won the East Herts by-election on a, platform of a more vigorous policy in regard to defence from air raids. There were some cries of “Resign!” The possibility that trouble is ahead of the coalition was suggested by the announcement that Mr. Gibson Bowies is contesting Market Harborough byelection on behalf of the married men, who are protesting 'against being called up before the single men employed in reserved trades. Replying to Sir J. B. Walton, Mr. H. J. Tennant, Under secretary for War, said that the conscientious objectors would be organised for the relief of combatants. The objectors were not wanting in physical courage, and tlie opportunity of winning a hero's crown would not be denied them.

ECONOMISING MEN. BETWEEN FARM AND TRENCH. LONDON, March 14. Interesting notices that are appearing in the German papers illustrate the economy in men available for military service, and the division of the resources between the army and domestic requirements. The Prussian Ministry of War has issued new instructions regarding agricultural labour. Every large farm and every group of small farms must be allowed to retain one person in authority with the assistants available. The employment of able-bodied men fit fcr military service will be reduced to a minimum. All men now on farms who are only fit for garrison duties will be retained until sowing time is over. ..An-cno-pmentg will 1m made for disM-

MANITOBA TO “GO DRY.” HUGE MAJORITY EXPECTED. EVERY SOLDIER VOTES FOR PROHIBITION. OTTAWA. March 15. The referendum on the liquor question is being- taken in blizzard weather, which is making the vote light. Returns are incomplete, but so fa- - , the count indicates that Manitoba will probably go dry by a majority of about throe to two. The present figures show 40,040 for, and 20.71 S against prohibition. Every soldier polling favoured prohibition. LONDON WOOL SALES. LONDON. March 15. At the wool sales there was a large [•offering of New Zealand crossbreds. Competition was more general and prices were firmer. The recent rates for merinos were maintained. “Jo” (top) 191 d, average ISi\d; “Pamkau” (top) 19id, average lS;d.

MATATUA DISASTER. NOT CAUSED BY GERMANS. DUE TO ACETYLENE GAS. WELLINGTON, this day. The Prime Minister has received a cable in answer to one sent to the Canadian Premier, Sir R. L. Borden, a s follows: “The Marine Department dees not believe the disaster to the Matatua was occasioned by an enemy act. The explosion was probably due to gas formed by water coming into contact with the carbide which composed part of the vessel’s cargo.” NEW ZEALAND NEWS. NAPIER ARSON CASE. A QUESTION OF LAW. NAPIER, This Day. In the arson ease against Mr. nml Mrs. Haynes, a verdict of not guilty was returned. In a further charge of making a false declaration against the woman and of abetting against the man. a verdict of guilty was returned. The question of the validity of the verdict is to go to the Appeal Court, the do fence claiming there was no evidence that the declaration was legal in form.

A PATRIOTIC MASTERTON MAN. HANDS OVER VALUABLE PROPERTY. FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS’ FUND. MASTER-TON, This Day. In handing over his Ahikmrka property, valued at about £2,000. to the Wairarapa Patriotic Association, on behalf of the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund. Air. A. P. Whatman expressed a desire that trustees be appointed and the land held in trust for wounded soldiers, and if at the expiry of 50 years or 30 years the trustees felt the object of the trust was fulfilled, the-land be passed unreservedly to the . Salvation A rmv.