IN THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 February 1916, Page 5

IN THE WEST.

A GERMAN GAIN. THREE WEEKS' FIGHTING. GERMANS TAKE THE OFFENSIVE. SOME FIERCE STRUGGLES. Received Feb. 10, i>.s p.m. Paris, Feb. M. A communique states: The Germans exploded two heavily charged mines westward of La Folio and penetrated some sectors of our front trench, which was shattered by the explosion; also at some points on our parallel trenches, where the enemy was driven out by a | grenade attack. The fighting continues. Received Feb. 10, 11.15 p.m. London, Feb. 10. The significance of the German gain at La Folie is due to the proximity of the Veiny heights, which dominate the plain to Lens. This was one of the objects not attained by the French offensive in September. There has been practically continuous fighting for three weeks, the Germans taking the offensive, usually by means of extensive heavily-charged mines in the front Frencli lines. The explosions were followed by a fierce struggle for tlie craters. The Germans were thus able to straighten out their front at several points, though the cost was heavy.

Germans critics claim the advance on the Arras road near Neuvllle is most important, shortening the line, which was hitherto bow-shaped, and affording a better defensive position in case of n i Allied offensive. THE GERMAN MOVEMENTS. NO PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE. Received Feb. 10, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 9. Reliable information has reached diplomatic circles that the number of German wounded transported through Belgium after the recent attack at Frise was greater than that after Loos. Observers state in connection with the reported imposing movement of troops towards the Western front that, although it is desired to create such an impression, these movements are by no moans as important as those earlier in the \vm\ What is taking place is constant shifting of units along the western front. GERMANS PENETRATE FRENCH TRENCHES. bui ARE HURLED BACK. Wellington, Fob. 10. Ine High Commissioner reports under date London, February 0. 4joo p.m.: — Artillery fighting is active on the Artois front, from Hill 140 to the road from Neuville to Lit Folie. Yesterday afternoon the Germans exploded two heavily charged mines west of La Folie and were enabled to penetrate portions of the French firing trenches which were overthrown by the explosion, also certain points in the support trendies. They were expelled by a grenade attack in the course of the night. The combat continues.

FRENCH GUNS TRANSFORMED. MOVING PICTURES OF GERMAN DEFENCES. Kinematograph films are immensely useful to tlio French staff. The photographers, who are volunteers, must have nerves of steel and be willing to run great risks by flying in aeroplanes at a low altitude. If an accident happens a special device destroys the films and prevents the enemy securing them. They show the enemy's trenches, moving troops and firing guns. Photographs taken from seaplanes sometimes show moving periscopes, OFFER TO BELGIUM. REJECTED BY KING ALBERT. Rome, Feb. 9, The Giornale d'ltalia says that Germany recently proposed a separate peace to Belgium, based on restoration as before tiie war, King Albert's return to the throne, an indemnity by Germany for damages, and a treaty of commerce, ostensibly favorable to Belgium, but in reality favorable to Germany, inasmuch as Antwerp and Ostend would become German ports. King Albert and his Government rejected the ofTer, declaring that negotiations were impossible without the Allies or before Germany was conquered. One of the chief intermediaries was the Germanophilo Monsignor Porcelli, Papal Nuncio at Havre.