A DANGEROUS POSITION

Taihape Daily Times, 21 June 1918, Page 5

A DANGEROUS POSITION

WESTERN FRONT.

an unnatural stillness. LONDON, June 19. Reuter’s correspondent at the Brititisi Headquarters writes on the 19th: An unnatural stillness on the whole British front continues. No one doubts it is deceptive for the enemy’s renewed effort cannot much longer be delayed. It is nqt known where he will strike, but he is fast bringing bis last available man from Russia to show that he means big business, also as proof that he does not consider his numbers sufficient for the immense effort he intends to make. At 1.20 this evening. Sir Douglas Haig reports: We successfully raided southward of Hebuterne and recaptured the post of the Yilunx-Brequim sector lost on the 14th inst. The French repulsed a raid in the Ancre Valley about Mericourt, in the neighbourhood of Meris. r , SEVERE HUN SET BACK AT RHEIMS. ■ CITY TO BE TAKEN AT ALL' COSTS. :h • ATTACKS REPULSED. : Received 9 a.m. LONDON, June 19. At 5.10 p.m. a French communique states that at 6 a.m. yesterday the Germans launched a violent artillery preparation on the whole Eheims front from the region of Vrigny to east of Lapompelle. The - enemy attacked at nine in the evening between these points. We resisted .with full success. Between Vrigny and Ormcs German storm troops were stopped by our fire, and had to fall back several times finally. They could not reach our positions and the struggle round Rheims has also ended in our favour. The Germans succeeded in penetrating a wood north-east of but were driven out by counter-attack. Prisoners declared that the city, which was to be attacked by three was to be taken by night time at all costs.

NOT SO EASY AS THOUGHT. ft Received 10.5 a.m. PARIS, June 20. The attack on Eheims was carried out by three divisions of picked troops. The enemy, believing ho could achieve his object in a few hours, began his attack at the close of the ‘ day. MORE ABOUT RHEIMS ATTACK. Received 11.15 a.m. LONDON, June 19. At 10.10 pm. a French communique states: On the periphery at Rheims violent fighting occurred, wherein the enemy sustained heavy losses and was everywhere repulsed. East of Rheims the struggle also ended in our favour. MUD HAMPERS GERMAN OPERAH TIONS. AMERICANS ARRIVING IN VAST NUMBERS. Received 0.10 a.m, LONDON, June 20. Mr Philip Gibbs states that owing to so much rain, the mud is increasing which promises to hamper the German £ 1%« Bive * Ik “vflPhe American/* are coming in iu v Vast numbers, and are billeted in a district where in 1914 and 1915, British troops, were encamped on the way to the fighting line. The Americans young

FOR THE AUSTRIAN TROOPS. , *. .t.j- v ; =, ♦ Offensive at Standstill. Serious Food Troubles in Austria. Strikes and Rumours of Strikes. German Set Back at Rheims.

BRITISH OFFICIAL REPORT. Received 11.45 a.m. LONDON, June 20. At 2.15 a.m., Sir Douglas Haig reports: A successful raid was carried out last night north-east of Bethune We. repulsed raiders early in the morning eastward of Hebuterne with loss. Aeroplanes, despite cloudy weather, carried out observation work, and destroyed fifteen German machines in air fighting. Eight British arc missing. We dropped nineteen tons of bombs in daytime. Night work is impossible owing to the rain. THE GERMAN STORY. Received 11.45 a.m. LONDON, June 20. Wireless German official: French attacks early this morning on the north eastern part of Villers Cotterefs Wood failed. The assaults were repeated and slightly pressed back our line ' eastward of Mont Gobent. Our artillery and mine-throwers strongly bombarded positions near Rheims. i WHAT THE FRENCH HAVE TO> SAY. A QUIET DAY. Received 11.45 a.m. LONDON, June 20. A French communique reports the day was quiet. Ten tons of bombs were dropped on railway stations in the region of Villers Franquenc, Foulls and Fesmes.

PREPARING FOR A WILD BULL RUSH. USE OP GAS INCREASING. ' •# Received 10.50 a.m. NEW YORK, June 20. The New York World’s correspondent on the British front in France states that Prince Rupprecht’s divisions are getting ready for a wild bull drive. There is great enemy aerial activity in the vicinity of Arras. It is still uncertain if the enemy will strike against the French or against the British. All along the front the German* are bombed day and night by British and American air squadrons. The Germans confine their bombing to nights. The use of German gas is increasing, but the Allies are still outgassing the enemy. German prisoners say henceforth isolated units will be supplied with ammunition and rations by aeroplanes equipped with a basket parachute device.

WHAT THE YANKS ARE DOING. GAS IN EVIDENCE. Received 11.45 a.m. LONDON, Juao 20. American official: Gas was extensively used at Woevre and Lorraine. Our patrols crossed the Marne and brought back prisoners. We repulsed with loss an attempted raid at Woevre Our aviatiors successfully bombed railroad tracks and yards at Conflans.

SYRIA AND PALESTINE. GREAT DESTITUTION AND MISERY. LONDON, June 19. The Press Bureau states: The SyriaPalestine relief fund requires £IOO,OOO more in 1918 to carry on the work of remedying the conditions due to the ruthlessness of the Turks, and coping with terrible starvation and disease, especially in the district of Lebanon, where there have been 100,000 deaths. The work of the fund consists of the distribution of food and clothing to thousands of refugees and those unable to earn a livelihood; giving medical relief; providing employment; and caring for children (including thousands of orphans), » »