GERMAN PREPARATIONS.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 20 January 1917, Page 3

GERMAN PREPARATIONS.

I SUPREME EFFORT PLANNED. | If the optimists who preach of ow- | many’s imminent collapse could loch s| clown on the scarred face of Picardy from an aeroplane, says a special correspondent of the Me ruing Post, they would have abundant reason to mod orate their prophecies. 'Hie comply behind the battle-front is a significant object-lesson. Undismayed by the failures and bitter defeats of the past four months, the Germans work calmly and method icnlly in strengthening their grip on France, and they are making a supreme effort of preparation which gives little indication of diminished determination. The Germans ask nothing better than to be let alone during the winter months. They want to reorganise and rebuild, not fight. They know that spring will bring the beginning of the most stupendous attack yet made, and they realise the vital importance of conserving strength and utilising every resource in preparing for this final, decisive phase of the war. Gaps made in their ranks by British shells have been stopped with new soldiers of good physique and tenacity. The character of these reinforced troops reflects the energy of the German staff who are now working against time to try and bring the army back to its old level of endurance. More large guns have been concentrated here—routine bombardments testify to their presence —and still mure guns are being made. The simply of munitions has been increased and accelerated. Aeroplanes, of both lighting and D scouting types, are being manufactured in largo numbers in the endeavour to recover tire supremacy of the air and the personnel of the aviation corps has been enlarged. German scientists and engineers are labouring on new war machinery—it is quite pos sible that the British “tank” will have _ its counterpart in the new armaments of the enemy—and even I his may n ;1 be the last word in German skill and ingenuity. The superiority of the British artillery and aircraft in the battle of the Somme has been admits ted with frankness, and it must not ■ be thought that the enemy will resignedly accept this handicap and not struggle to overcome it. Therefore any stagnation enforced , bv winter warfare must not be misinh terpreted in Britain. Do not conjure up pleasant pictures of the armies of von Gall wit'/, and von Bulow lying forlornly in the rand, waiting to be broken to bits when the British please. Germany is not sitting with hands folded, helplessly watching her colossal military organisation crumble away under the British guns. She is exerting herself to.the last ounce of her blood to prevent such a catastrophe. Even now she does not roa gard defeat ia the field inevitable. “To be safe, never feel sure.”—Old Proverb. In time of peace prepare for war—in times of health prepare to ward off the enemy, disease! In summer weather most people are susceptible to chills and the resulting coughs and colds, therefore a bottle of Baxter’s Lung Preserver should be kept handy in home, shop, or offlde. An occasional dose will do much good—benefit the throat and lungs, and tone up the system generally. “Baxter’s” has stood the test of 50 years, and is still the favourite "with people who recognise i real merit. Large bottles, 1/10; sold ; everywhere. In Sbarland’s Fluid Magnesia you always get highest strength purest quality and best value. One shilling per bottle. j Sufferers from Hay Fever will enjoy speedy relief by breathing in NAZOL. A unique, never-failing remedy. 60