RUSSIA.

Taihape Daily Times, 25 October 1917, Page 5

RUSSIA.

ON THE BALTIC COAST. LONDON, October 23. A Russian official message says: Our detachments in several sectors of the Riga region occupied the first line of trenches, which the enemy abandoned. Enemy destroyers shelled the coasts six miles northward of Werder. The enemy then unsuccessfully attempted to land forces.” ROME, October 24. It is reported from Germany that the General Staff is preparing to encounter Japanese armies on the Eastern front next spring. PETRORAD’S SATETY DISCUSSED. PETROGRAD, October 23. General Brusiloff in an article in a Moscow nwespaper, declares that there are no adequate gruonds for alarm for Petrograd 'this autumn or winter. The enemy cannot have large reserves. Mud and frost and insufficient roads, railways and food will mal|e such an operation a hopeless enterprise despite the inefficiency of the Russian army and navy. An advance .on Petrograd through Finland is improbable.

Admiral Ncmith, commander of the Black Sea fleet, is more pessimistic. Ho believes the seizure of Riga and Oesel are stages of a calculated operation against Petrograd. The only thing in Russia's favour is Germany’s weaknes. It is almost certain that Germany will take Rcval during the winter General Dukhanin, the new chief of staff, interviewed said the Germans landed at Verder in order to prevent an attack on the islands. He did not expect serious land operations before the ’spring. STOCKHOLM, October 23 The “ Tiding” says the situation ,is most menacing for Petrograd.. . The Germans are incorporating in the Baltic fleet the most modern ships, which are leaving Wilhelmshaven and Cuxhaven daily. RIOTS IN AUSTRIA. BERNE, Oct 23. Violent food riots occurred in VT enna, Brunn and Daibach. Rioter s destroyed several munition factories. Troops killed and wounded many rioters, mostly women.