QUIET JOY IN FRANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 September 1915, Page 5

QUIET JOY IN FRANCE.

AN OPPORTUNE OFFENSIVE.

Received Sept. 28, 10.15 pjnu Paris, Sept. 27. The news of the resumption of tho offensive aroused the tensest interest. The French communiques were shown by cinemas in all the large towns last night, with portraits of General Joffre and other generals. The audience sang the Marseillaise, but not a word of victory was used, the people remembering that the conditions of modern warfare make decisive results extremely difficult. It is generally recognised that General Joffre has ceased "nibbling," and it is clear that the Neuve Chappelle, Beausejour, ancTLes EspaTges battles have been eclipsed. The offensive is considered opportune, as the Germans are deeply committed to the invasion of Russia, where they are fighting on a seven hundred miles front at the opening of a bad season. GERMANS EXPECTING ATTACK. The Germans were expecting the attack and had been holding up boards in Flanders inscribed: "We are ready for you," on the 20th, but the Allies' attack did not arrive on the 20th. Our gunners distributed their favors so impartially that it, was impossible to say whore tbe thrust would come. ENEMY'S MORALE GOOD. It is untrue to suggest that the German morale is destroyed. Their guns are numerous and are too well concealed to be destroyed, though they suffered much through the bombardment, but they were unable to guess the real storm centre and must have been sending reserves first to one centre and then to another. THE STORM CENTRE. It now seems certain that the main thrust will be in the Champagne district, where there is open undulating country without watercourses, and if a wedge of the Mackensen type is driven in it may compel the Germans to retire upon the Sambre and Meuse. GREAT EVENTS TO COME. A STIMULUS TO NATIONAL SERVICE. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) Received Sept. 28, 5.35 p.m. | London, Sept. 28. The Times, in a leading article, comments on the splendid and sterling news, which will be received by the nation with deep gratefulness. The conclusion waa irresistible that the enemy had large forces in the field and was heavily beaten. If we can penetrate deep into the German front we may have tremendous events yet. The nation should entertain no illusions, and the victory should serve as a stimulus, not as a sedative, and it Tenders national service not less, but more, necessary. AN IMPORTANT CAPTURE. Received Sept. 28, 5.35 p.m. v London, Sept. 28. The Daily Mail's correspondent at Paris says the good news has eause.'l the liveliest satisfaction. Among the stategic positions captured one of the most important, Hill 70, dominates the road from Lens to La Baßsee. A military officer stated that this is real business and is exceptionally good for ■the Allies. In diplomatic circles the consequences of the success will be very far-reaching and provide food for reflection far beyond the boundaries of France. IN A BELGIAN TOWN. REIGN OF TERROR IN BRUGES. London, Sept. 27. An inhabitant of Bruges who escaped to France describes the life under German rule. The officers occupy the houses of the aristocracy, and they are ransacked and stripped of all treasures. The people keep indoors. Few cafes are open, and are only frequented by Germans. A reign of terror prevails. Arbitrary arrests are increasing, and the smallest success of the Allies is reflected by additional brutality towards the people. FRENCH AGRICULTURE. | ASSISTANCE FROM THE 'ARMY. London, Sept. 27. The French War Minister has put at tho disposal of the farmers, territorial troops and men in "the depots who are unfit for the fighting line. Permission has also been granted the men in the trenches to return to the farms at seed time, while in the zone of the enemy tho officers order the soldiers to help the farmers whenever possible. UNDER FIRE. A QUEEN'S EXPERIENCES. Received Sept. '29, 12.10 a.m. Paris, Sept. 28. While the Queen of tho Belgians was visiting tho trenches a lively cannonade opened. She sheltered in a dugout and several shells burst in the vicinity. She chatted calmly until the shelling ceased. ANOTHER INDICTMENT. Received Sept. 28, 11.20 p.m. London, Sept. 28. The French Foreign Minister has published a volume in English detailing German crimes. It contains hundreds of documents, affording convincing evidence that the Germans murder wounded soldiers and prisoners with savage brutality. Many victims' heads were reduced to a puip. The book produces General Stenger's orders to massacre prisoners, which added, "No living man of the enemy must be left behind us." Ghastly stories are related of outrages on and massacres of civilians in Belgium. SHOULD NOT RUN ITS COURSE. Never permit a cold to run itacoursc, for more fatalities have their origin in, or result from, a cold than any other cause. Chamberlain's Cough Remedy is the most prompt and effective medicine for coughs and colds. It loosens the cough, relieves the lungs, opens the secretions and aids Nature to restore the system to a healthy condition. Sold by Ull chemists and storekeepers.