GENERAL CONDITIONS IMPROVED.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 145, 22 June 1916, Page 5

GENERAL CONDITIONS IMPROVED.

COLONEL REPINGTON'S OPINIONS. (Times and Sydney Sun Cables.) LONDON, June 20. Colonel Repington j writing from the north of France, says: No doubt a feeling of confidence in the 1916 campaign increasingly prevails airongst the best informed. We are i. ontinually growing in numbers of men and guns, and are in better preparation for the next effort. The French are justly proud of their feat in holding the Germans in an unfavourable position on the Meuse, giving the Allies time to complete their preparations, whilst the Russian successes have put more than half the Austrian eastern armies aside for a

considerable time. Moreover, the blockade's increasing strain will bring

Germany to her senses and make her understand—what past enemies have learnt —what it costs to incur England's hostility. The arrest of th» Austrian offensive and the resuscitation of the Serbian army cause real satisfaction. Only one Austrian division, it is believed > remains intact in reserve. General Cadorna (Italian commander in chief) has collectel adequate masses for a counter-at-tack, which is beginning under the jnost hopeful auspices. There is no sign of new formations from the interior of Germany; indeed indirect proofs show that the creation of new units is most difficult. The French recently captured many youths of the 1017 class—lads of 18 who had had only three months' training—showing that good reserves are running short. Germany has called the 191 S class to the depots. There is evidence that Von Hinndenburg has been drained of supplies for Verdun. Germany is compelling prisoners to work in munition factories, indenturing the male population of Poland in order to free men for the field. We can confidently say the conditions are favourable to us. It remains for generalship and hard fighting to seize the advantages.