The Taihape Daily Times AND WAIMARINO ADVOCATE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1917. THE WAR.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 17 February 1917, Page 4

The Taihape Daily Times AND WAIMARINO ADVOCATE

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1917. THE WAR.

("With, which is incorporated The Taihape Post and Waimarino News).

War news, excepting that from the Russian front in the Riga district, indicates that while weather is preventing actions en a very large scale both sides are using the whole of their resources in making preparations, and in reconnaissances in an endeavour to discover where the other's main attentions are to be given. The Franco-British are raiding and capturing miles of German dugout strongholds, in some places, almost with negligible hindrance, while Germany is busy building up huge concentrations at each end of the four hundred mile front, presumedly to safeguard her own flanks and to threaten those of the Allies. At the same time a submarine campaign of a severity, ruthlessness, and magnitude unprecedented is being waged to bring about food shortage in England, but more especially to pro vent the transport of the million soldiers that have so far been kept in Engand for Home defence. Operations on the West front and on the seas are little more than a sparring for positions and conditions in readiness for the big blow which is certain to fall sooner or later. From the constant raiding of the British ond French, it appears as though a search was being made for weak points, and for those indications of Germany's supreme intentions. Cables that have reached this country do not disclose where either side will deliver its main assault. Britisintentions in this respect cannot be predicted; no indications are giver by concentration or fighting, and words from those in authority are at all helpful Germany does give some evidence on which to venture an opinion, she has four hundred thousand men on the Swiss frontier, rabout half that number on the Dutch frontier, but it is not disclosed what either body's chief duty is to be. Whether it is to counter something the Allies are doing or for the purpose of a major assault on their flanks. it seems certain, however, that the time for (he bursting of the gathering storm will not row belong delayed. The diverse r-nd varying opinions expressed by w; - correspondents help to confuse mi her than elucidate. Only a tea weeks ago Colonel Repington w*s urging that everv British soldier should be sent to the West front, now something he did not foresee has caused him tc ehan<re his onh-,!or;e, r~i he states that a large force should be kept in

England for Home defence. He thinks Hindenburg will order the full strength of the High «ea fleet to make a raid on the English Channel

co cut Britain's communications with France, and incidentally land troops in Britain. He has previously assured us that the battle bringing peace will be fought in France; has he altered his views on this, or does he believe that the Allies have ample troops there to ensure victory again., all that Germany can put in the held? The utterances of General Haig are of another character; they disclose nothing of the scared, fretful pessimist, nor are they tinctured with poorly informed optimism. Better than any man on earth, General Haig knows the true situation, and, as he is by nature, training, and experience supremely equipped to pass judgment thereon, we may place the utmost confidence in his assurances. He says, no matter which side commences the coming vital offensive, the Allies are ready. He refers to German flank concentrations, saying, if they make attempts at north or south, we are ready, their folly will cost them dearly. We possess trained armies and cavalry to turn defeat into a rout, finally putting an end to Germany entrenching, and we will strike, when we do commence till the armies of Germany are totally destroyed. This year will see a decisive event, showing that German militarism is broken. No notice must be taken of Germany's or threats; we know just how Germany is situated, and can secure the only peace that is possible by force of our arms. We have plenty of munitions and can now supply our Allies in excess of their needs. Our soldiers know that peace now would mean another war in three years' time; they recognise and feel their superiority in every respect, and they are determined that the peace they achieve shall be of a lasting character. Colonel Repington thinks Germany may (ret temporary possession of the English Channel, but Sir Douglas Haig's frank utterances do not suggest that he has any such fears. What he asks for is an increased supply of heavy artillery. With that forthcoming he is sure of routing the enemy, making peace possible this year. With full knowledge of all the circumstances, Sir Douglas Haig's views are those in which we can certainly put most dependence.