ITALIAN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 31 August 1917, Page 5

ITALIAN FRONT.

BREACH IN AUSTRIAN LINES. LONDON, August 30. The whole of the Bainsizza Plateau is now in Italian hands. The battle on the uplands beyond continues in their favour. Southwards the occupation of Kobilek Madoni gives them possession of the southern outlet of the Chiapovano Valley. The battle movement began with an Italian northward advance, turning out the Austrians from trenches and caverns more effectively than the smashing blows of heavy guns. General Cadorna attached along the whole line. Preliminary fighting was an attempt to find a weak spot, which was found north and south of the Avschex Valley, The Austrians gave before the impetus of the Borsaglicri, reinforced by two battalions of Alpini. Fresh troops poured through the breach.

The Austrians expected the main attack on the Ca.rso. The Italian third army was engaged here, smashing an Austrian division and prisonering 4500 other divisions losing heavily. Despite preparations on the Carso, the Austrians were unable to prevent the Italian thrust, and were driven home towards and beyond Selo. LONDON, August 29.

An Italian official message says: ' 'Having overcome the enemy rearguards on the Bainsizza plateau, we are attacking a powerful line, which the enemy is defending desperately. We made progress on the heights east of Gorz. 246 aeroplanes participated in the battle}" ANOTHER CAPTURE. COPENHAGEN, August 29. The "Cologne Gazette" states the Italians have taken portion of Monte San Gab.rielle, The Austrians are evacuating the mountain (which is north of Monte Santo.) AUSTRIANS CLAIM SUCCESS. LONDON, August 30. Austrian offiical I .—There has been ten days' battle on the Bainsizza Plateau, but our unbroken resistance proved the victors, despite Italian superiority, j! :. j AUSTRIAN ATTACKS EEATEN OFF. Received 11.40. LONDON, August 30. Italian official : We drove back strong counter-attacks' making an effort to retake positions on Bainsizza plateau, westward of Gorizia. We maintained our positions and advanced at some points. The enemy attack between Vipacco and Dossofaiz failed. We repulsed three repeated attacks at Travenanzs Valley.