The Western Front.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 265, 19 April 1915, Page 5

The Western Front.

WAS IT A BLUNDER? BEITISH LEADERS CRITICISED. REPREHENSIBE RUMOR IN OIItqULATION. Received April 18, 5.55 p.m. London, April 17. The Times' military correspond< lit says malicious and cruel rumors are being spread about Neuve Chapellc. The most absurd and fantastic reports are circulated in every class of society. If the Government is chiefly to blame for its stupid secretivencss, the public alto have a duty to the army, and the circulation of lying rumors about the troops and commanders is most reprehensible. It is not always easy for the artillery to observe movements of the first line of their own infantry in the event of fog or mist; or if the telephones are cut by heavy tire. These were the conditions at Neuve Chapelle. We learnt much at Neuve Chapelle. A large expenditure of shells is needed'to destroy barbed wire. Telephone wires must be duplicated, or even triplicated, to preserve touch with the batteries. If mistakes were committeed, all that need be said about this severe contest is that mistakes must occur. Incontinent dismissal would make the loaders pay for safety. What we want are commanders who will take risks, and act with the utmost resolution. The constant search for scapegoats is fatal to any army.

A VISIT TO JCRUPP'S. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES. Received April 18, 5.5 p.m. London, April 17. An American who was permitted to visit Krupp's, says the utmost cautions are taken. He entered a room \vitli many mirrors upon pillars, and his every movement was noted while telephon'ng to Berlin for confirmation of his credentials. He saw the monster 42-eenti-metrc guns, loaded .m their powerful steel ears. Krupp workers, formerly 38,000, were now 46,000.