THE ORIENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 September 1915, Page 5

THE ORIENT.

IMPORTANCE OF THE I DARDANELLES. A GERMAN VIEW. Times and Sydney, Sun Services. London, August SO. A neutral" correspondent recalls versation With a German in Berlin who asked: "Do the English realise we regard the Dardanelles |}s one of the most vital parts in the war and that our pioneefs surveyed the, whole peninsula nearly a year ago,, and it was fortified even before the first foolish bombard'tnent!" When asked: "How do you know all thißf he said: "Everybody, in Germany knows it. We contend that a million men would hot reach' Constantinople by the route intended." ' The neutral correspondent continues: "Since I've been in England, the conflicting information of the Dardanelles expedition has puzzled me. There is a curious aloofness about that theatre of War. -Node ol the military authorities, who do so much in Germany to educate the public mmd„ s seem to explain the enterprise to the people hfere. It would appear to be regarded as "something akin to the Boer War. The Germans take the view that the expedition was a mad project from the outset, and that success ti impossible to achieve. The Englishmen say, 'ln a month we shall be in Constantinople,' but no one can tell /how the feat is to be accomplished. Englishmen don't attach the gigantic importance to the enterprise which the Germans do."

TURKISH REPORT* • ■ ALLEGED FURTHER SUCCESSES. ' ■ Amsterdam, August 30. A communique from Constantinople states:—The enemy on Saturday renewed the stubborn attack on Anafarta, but were repulsed with losses. We fcwunter-attacked and recaptured, itlie trenches in the centre, killing the occupants. Our losses were comparatively small. During the last two-days our airmen took part in a battle, successfully bombing hostile positions. ASIA MINOR CROPS. DAMAGE BY RAINS AND LOCUSTS. Received September 1, 12.26 a.m. Mitylene, August 31..

Unseasonable rains and locusts have damaged the crops in Asia Minor. The acreage sown only shows 00 per cent, of the afverage, and the scarcity of laboT prevents the garnering of all the existing crops. Should the war last till December the sowings will be still scantier, and a famine is in sight.