WESTERN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, 13 October 1917, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

AN EXPERT'S VIEW. LONDON, Oct 11. General Maurice, reviewing the situation, say s that we have every reason to be pleased with the latest- advance. He describes as grotesque Colonel Mohhat’s ■ that since September 20th the British have lost half a million men. There have not been that number of men engaged in this series ,of battles. Since January our total casualties in all theatres have not exceeded half a million. The submarines have not delayed our plans in France one hour nor kept back a single round of ammunition. The British are better fed and more liberally equipped and supplied than ever before. Railway and canal facilities for transporting supplies have enormously improved. BRITAIN TO STAND BY FRANCE. \ LONDON, Oct 11. Mr Lloyd George, replying to a deputation, said he could not think of any statement more calculated to prolong the war than that of Herr Kuhlmann (German Foreign Minister) regarding Alsace-Lorraine. However long the struggle lasted, B'ritain intended to stand by France until she redeemed her oppressed children from the degradation of a foreign yoke. GOOD WORK BY ARTILLERY. LONDON, Oct 11. Sir Douglas Haig reports: Improved weather and good visibility favoured the work of the artillery, which did much effective countor-hattijrylng, besides bombardments of back areas. Hostile artillery was less active. There was no infantry actions. Our aeroplanes pn Wednesday bombed German big gun positions. Five enemy machines were brought down < Four of ours are missing. FRENCH OPERATIONS. - LONDON, October 11. 'A French communique states: "In Belgium last night we broke an attempted attack near East Draihak. On the right bank of the Meuse north of Hi‘l 344, the enemy temporarily gained a footing in the advanced elements of a trench, but were driven out.” STILL ANOTHER OFFENSIVE. SATISFACTORY PROGRESS. Received 9 a.m. LONDON, October 12 Sir Douglas Haig reports: We attacked at 5.25 this morning on a six miles front north-east of Yprcs, progressing satisfactorily. There was heavy rain during the night. BRITISH SWEEPING ALL BEFORE THEM. GERMANS HOMEWARD NUMBERS OF PRISONERS COMING in. : Received 9.15. LONDON, Oct. 12. The British have taken all their first objectives and are still sweeping on, carrying all before them. Considerable batches of prisoners are coming in. BATTLE front extended, AEROPLANES’ SPLENDID WORK EVERYTHING GOING WELL. , Received 11.30. LONDON, Oct 12. The battle front has been extended to s !x miles south from Houthulst Wood Everything is going well, and at norm the troops were within the shortest distance of Passchendaele. It is too early to estimate the number of prisoners. Fighting continues vig-’ orcusly; aeroplanes are swooping up and town in swarms at a low altitude. fitciy machine-gunning the enemy infantry. The French did not participate in this attack. Rain ceased at. dawn with heavy low but the visibility is fair. Enemy artillery -was active during the night on the central and southern portions of the battlefront, especially on Broodseinde ridge, Anzae ridge, and tbe Rouler s railway, putting over a considerable number of gas shells between four and 4.30. When the British barrage began enemy machine-gunning answered ; with a terrific rattle, but the artillery replied tardily and erratically. DUTCH MISGIVINGS EE-; MOVED. Received 11.40. NEW YORK, Oct. 12. The Times’ Havre correspondent states that since the cutting off of all commercial and cable communication . it is apparent the Dutch are realising that the 'Allies are sincere. -