The Daily News. MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1916. BARRING THE ROAD TO VERDUN.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 March 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1916. BARRING THE ROAD TO VERDUN.

News from Paris of late has clearly demonstrated that public opinion relative to the German operations in the Verdun district is distinctly full ot confidence in the ability of the French forces to successfully resist any efforts of tlie enemy to break through. It may have been considered in some quarters that Paris was unduly optimistic, but the Order of the Day issued by General Joffre (appearing in this morning's cables) completely justifies the confidence felt in Paris. The French Com-mander-in-Chief refers to the German assault at Verdun as the most formidable yet attempted by the enemy, and he accurately gauges the motives underlying the tremendous efforts put forth by the Teutons, who hoped that the fall of Verdun would harden the courage of their allies and convince neutrals of Germany's superiority. In order to accomplish tfieir object the German high military authorities devoted their combined and individual skill and talent, concentrating their best troops and mdst powerful artillery in order to prove irresistible, but they signally failed, the l'rench, under unprecedented bombardments, maintaining their positions, and by their indomitable courage "barred the road to Verdun." As the Germans failed, it stands to reason that instead of the courage of their allies being hardened it will dissolve, and in place of neutrals being convinced of German superiority they will consider that the Teutonic bolt has been shot, and, if they have any discernment, they will put their faith in the Entente Powers. The latest attack on Mclancourt is also regarded as a failure, but it convoys the gratifying indication that the French can successfully meet any attftck, however violent, that the Germans can make at any point. For the time being it would seem that the Germans have been brought to a dead end, their intermittent attacKs serving to disclose their impoteney, and giving the French ample time between in each which to strengthen their positions and bring up reserves, if needed. It will be remembered that this terrific onslaught at Verdun and Dounumont was specially organised in order to anticipate the great Anglo-French forward move timed for the Spring, troops and big guns being rushed from every available war theatre in order to make success absolutely sure. The utter fail"lire of the assault cannot fail to convince the Prussian militarists that their hope of an ultimate victory has vanished. They are now faced with a desperate struggle to the bitter end, for no terms cf peace that Germany i s likely to propose could be entertained. There is nothing for it but to fight oil until the Allies are in a position to dictate their own terms, and that means the struggle will last until the enemy is utterly crushed. .In barring the road to Verdun the French have emphasised the turn of the tide, and amply justified the confiuince in the ultimate issue that is felt by all the Allies, for they know that German strength is rapidly waning.

the practical interest that will henceforth be taken in the band, then its future success is assured. It frequently happens, however, that there is a lamentable falling-off of enthusiasm over such Affairs, so that it should be a matter of duty on the part of the public to increase rather than lessen its support to .such a necessary institution as a town band. There are many ways in which this can be done, but the chief direction at present is by means of subscriptions, and it is pleasing to note that the initial effort for that purpose met with a satisfactory response. We are confident that when the Citizens' Band shows it is in earnest over catering for the pleasure of the public that there will be no lack of encouragement and support. In the course of his reply to the words of welcome from the Mayor, Mr. McLcod alluded to the band as having had a chequered career, and that he realised he was up against a stiff proposition. Both these assertions are, unfortunately, incontrovertible. For that reason especially there is needed at the head of the band a conductor possessing not only ability and enthusiasm, but one able to mould new material on. the right lines. The signal success which Mr. McLeod achieved with the Ipswich band, which '.n three and a half years he worked i.p from a membership of eight to one of the best bands in Australasia, speaks for itself, and inspires the utmost confidence in his ability to make the New Plymouth Citizens' Band second to none in New Zealand at least. To do this he will need the loyal cooperation of the bandsmen and the generous support and encouragement of the public. The band has a splendid set of instruments and a number of good performers. With the insight of an expert, Mr. McLeod has taken stock of his new positoin, and has wisely determined to make a start from the root upwards. There is much to be done, and it will take ti.iio, so that the public must exercise patience and give the new bandmaster every facility for bringing the band up to a state of efficiency that will be a credit to the town as well as to himself. It is pleasing to note that he hopes to raise the social as well as the musical tone of the band, and every citizen should second his efforts in every way possible. A first-class band is a very great asset for the town, not only from a resident's point of view, but as an attraction for visitors, so that no efforts should be spared to obtain this boon.