ITALIAN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, 7 December 1917, Page 5

ITALIAN FRONT.

DESPERATE AUSTRIAN ATTACKS (SPLENDID ITALIAN RESISTANCE. Received 9.30. LONDON, Dec 6. Semi-official reports from Rome emphasise the splendid Italian resistance in the mountain fighting on Tuesday ' and Wednesday, which cost the Austrians 50 per cent of their effectives. Earlier guns were brought up, which opened fire with heavy shells, accompanied by a hail of lachrymatory, initic and gas shells. Then the mortars opened g°aps in the barbed wire, and masses of Austrian infantry advanced on the Melette line. Most of the attackers fell back in disorder under the Italian fire, but the Austrians made a desperate effort at Monte Tondicar, and forced a small Italian The battle continued fiercely at night, the enemy making numberless atacks without regard for life.

Two German brigades are supporting the Austrians. Altogether the Italians counted five divisions in ten kilometres of the most difficult mountainous country. GERMANS DEFINITELY CHECKED LONDON, Dec 5. A high military authority, writing regarding the Italian front, saysther* is great talk in the press of a coming German attack, but he is unable to see any such immediate intention. Germany's advance has been definitely checked. COMPULSORY RATIONING. ROME, Dec 5. Compulsory rationing has been instituted. Three and one-third ounces of macaroni and two ana one-third ounces of rice are being allowed on alternate days. Eight ounces of bread are allowed" for sedentary workers and thirteen ounces for manual workers.