The Taihape Daily Times SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 1916 THE WAR.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 85, 8 April 1916, Page 4

The Taihape Daily Times

SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 1916 THE WAR.

AND W AIM ABLEST O ADVOCATE

i With which is incorporated The Tai bape Post and Waimarino News.)

For many days news from the seat of war has been so scant that one could almost believe all sides were tired; but we know from- experience that when a lengthened lull is taking place huge preparations are in train for the greatest slaughter. Since the battle of Verdun nothing more than the old give and take actions have been fought. It is noticeable, though, that the French have become more adept in securing a bigger price than

hitherto, for any temporary occupation of the corner of a wood, or an odd piece of trench, or even a small village, than they used to exact. IWe know that the French have refused all the massed' German overtures for a passage through their lines, and 'we hav e confidence that Britain's soldiers will do likewise should particular attention be directed against any part of their front. Colonel Repington says there are two great German concentrations, one against France, around Verdun,'and one against Britain, farther north, all the other part of the German line being thinly held. Germany, perhaps unwittingly, pays Britain a compliment in placing a Prefer body of soldiers against her than it has gathered against the French, but that is not of much significance. What is of significance is that at Verdun Germany lost the right and the power to dictate where fighting should take place; the initiative that Germany has boasted so much about has departed from her, either because her armies are becoming too weak or those of the Allies are now too strong for her to retain it. And, although she may try to snatch it back by surprises, the fact remains that it has departed from her. Another effort may be made against the/British line, or some tangent may be tried through Holland or on the eastern front, but neither can have any more effect in recovering the right to dictate where decisive battles are to be fought than the rush through the Balkans has. The Dutch sensation is a mystery; Holland can have no quarrel with the Allies, at the same time, Dutch action is so enshrouded in mystery and secrecy that no definately reliable opinion thereon can be formed'. Piercing together all that Dutch newspapers have said it seems certain that Holland's feverish preparations are being directed against Germany. Next to nothing has transpired during the week in the Balkans, except for the fragment of news which indicates that Bulgaria is contemplating an attack on Roumania; or that Bulgaria has remarkably well-found-ed fears of an attack from Roumania. The Russians continue to punish the Germans in Courland and they will not be denied in Galicia, where the Austrians have suffered further defeats. It was indeed cheering news that told ns a resumption of the march on Bagdad was being made possible by a distinct victory over the Turks at Hannah. Hopes • are bright for a speedy termination to this underestimated task. iWith Bagdad firmly held, a rapid sweeping movement westward towards Constantinople,

functioning with the Russians at Bit-

lis, becomes possible. Although the war has to be won on the western front these outlying troubles have to be cleared up, and it is as well that they should not drag on after matters have been decided in the chief theatre.