RUSSIA.

Taihape Daily Times, 28 May 1918, Page 5

RUSSIA.

REVOLT IN UKRAINE. # MOSCOW, May 26. The peasants’ rising has spread throughout Ukraine. The authorities despatched German troops to disarm them, but the Novgorod district secured artillery and machine guns and defeated the Germans. PEASANT BANDS’ DEPREDATIONS BERNE, May 26. Bands of Russian peasants are traversing Tchernikov, Dieschin, Yolhynia and Podolia, destroying crops and plantations and burning forests. 'a widespread uprising. MOSCOW May 26. A Bolshevik paper states that peasants and insurgents in the Ukraine defeated Skoropodsky’s Germo-Uk-rainian troops. Ukrainian railAvaymen have struck to assist the peasants and have been replaced by Germans. IN THE CAUCASUS. MOSCOW, May 26. The Caucasus Government’s forces have recaptured Sukhumkole. RUSSIAN BATTLESHIPS ESCAPE. AMSTERDAM.. May 26. The Cologne Gazette reports that two big Russian battleships and eight destroyers escaped from Sebastopol before the Germans occupied the town. The Germans captured the rest of the fleet. I ! THE RUSSIAN TRAGEDY. I LONDON, May 26. A Russian wireless, referring to the fact that Germany agreed to form a special commission to clear np obscure points regarding the Brest Litovsk peace, says the Foreign Commissary proposed that precedence be given to the situations -in the Caucasus the ! Crimea, T Esthonia and Livonia, the demarcation of the frontier which was interrupted at Pskov owing to the Russo-German disagreement, also misunderstandings . regarding war prisoners and fundamental'' principles respecting inter-economic relations. :

WELCOME HOME, i f SERGEANT. HAMBUS.Y AND 1 ' PEIYATE McCLUEE. A very pleasing little function took place at the Fire Brigade Station last night, when the brigadesmen assembled to 'Welcome home Sergeant Hanbury and Private' McClure, who had returned after doing their “bit” in the firing line.. There was a full attendance, and a very pleasant and sociable evening was spent. Mr. E W. Smith, M.P, was also present at the later stages of the function Captain Eeid presided, and had the guests of the evening on his right and left. He said it was almost unnecessary for him to say how pleased they ail were in meeting their comrades again after their strenuous time on active service. Captain Eeid also referred to other members of the brigade who had answered the empire’s call. On behalf of himself and members • of the brigade he .extended to Hanlmry and Private McClure a hearty welcome home. This was endorsed in real fire brigade fashion by those present. Sergeant Hanbury responded in a few appropriate words, voicing his pleasure at being with his old comrades once again, and thanking them for their cordial welcome.

Private McClure also responded to the good wishes expressed by those present_

Several ‘ brigadesmen expressed the pleasure felt in meeting the returned soldiers round the table once again. The toast of "The King” was received with musical honours. “The Army and Navy,” proposed by Fireman Strudwick and responded to by Captain Eeid; “Absent Comrades,’’ proposed by Fireman Howens; “Other Brigades, ’ ’ proposed by Branchman Mathie . and responded to by Sergeant Hanbury; “Comrades,” proposed' by Sergeant Hanbury and Private ■ McClure; “The Ladies,” proposed by Firemen Eaton; the toasts of “The Ladies,” and the “Press” were duly honoured.

Captain Eeid in a happy little speech proposed “The Guests of the Evening,” in which he eulogised the services of their guests, saying Sergeant Hanbury had always been a most enthusiastic brigadesman, in addition to which he was a real good fellow. He wished Sergeant Hanbury and Private McClure every success < (Applause.) Sergeant Hanbury and Private McClure duly responded, their remarks being punctuated by frequent bursts of applause.

Songs were contributed by Messrs* Adair, H. Green, G. Niven, Sergeant Hanbury and Gorki!!, 'and a very en* joyable evening was brought to a close with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne, ” Sergeant Hanbury left with the main body, being prombled to corporal while in camp at Awapuni, and to sergeant while on the transport. Sergeant Hanbury received his baptism of fire in the fighting on the Suez Canal, and was at the landing at Gallipoli, being slightly wounded in the eye with shrapnel. After recovering he went straight to France, and was stationed ajt A«rmenticres, where fighting was taking place at that time. He was J also through the Somme battle, at received a wound which brokp* Ers hand. After being discharged from hospital he returned to France, joining a Lewis gun section, taking part, in the fighting at Ploegsteerl, Messines, and at La Bizet, where he was again wounded. After hospital treatment in Blighty he was classed as unfit and returned to New Zealand, Altogether Sergeant Hanbury has seen three years and eight months of service, and very interesting and varied are the tales he can tell of his experiences.