ITALIAN ADVANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 August 1915, Page 6

ITALIAN ADVANCE.

HKROTSM OF THE AI.PTVI i Further details regarding the fighting at .Monte Xcro and Plava bear striking witness to the skill, tenacity, and bravery of (he Italian tr#ops. The account of tin* night attack on the Austrian positions on Monte Nero, shows once more that the Alpini are' fulfilling the highest expectations of those who know these splendid soldiers and are acquainted with the strenuous training they undergo in peace time. They are true mountaineers and can operate in country which would baffle the best ordinary troops. The crossing of the Isonzo, near Pkva, and the occupation of the heights on the further side of the river, seems to have involved a very severe struggle, from which the Italians emerged triumphantly. The official report speaks of serious losses, as was to be expected in an attack on a position not only very strong naturally, but which had been further strengthened by trenches, entanglements, and iron rails, and which was defended by heavy artillery.

Private accounts from the front emphasise the extraordinary keenness and dash of the troops. The officers have great difficulty in holding back their men. The spirit that is evident throughout the country does honor to the beat traditions of Italy. There is little excitement, but everywhere the people are animated by high resolve and a deter, mination to face the sacrifices that all lujow must lie before them. The employees of the Roman Municipality have offered to subscribe one per cent, of their slender salaries to the central charitable fund, and to work an extra hour each day in order to make up for the absence 'of those who have been called to arms.