IN THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 April 1916, Page 5

IN THE WEST.

ON THE VERDUN FRONT. FRENCH GAIN GROUND. Paris, April 6. A communique says: A surprise attack on a trench, in the district of the Argonnc, inflicted on the enemy considerable losses. After an extremely violent bombardment a series of attack® by largo numbers were delivered against our two principal salients on the Avocourt-Bethin-court front. Our fire broke all attempt« against Bethincourt. The enemy simultaneously made desperate efforts in the centre against Ilarcourt, and after repeated bloody sacrifices, gained during the night a footing in the village, which we keep under fire from dominating positions. After a short artillery preparation we launched a keen attack, debouching from the Avocourt redoubt, in order to reconnect the redoubt with one of the works on the borders of the wood northward of Avocourt. The attack was completely successful, besides carrying a large portion of the Bois centre. FRENCH PROGRESS. A MONTH'S AIR RECORD. (Received April 7, 9.40 p.m. Paris, April 7. A communique says: The Germans attempted to attack Povrc Hill, hut our fire prevented them leaving the trenches. Hand-to-hand engagements south-east of Douaumont fort enabled us to progress two hundred metres. An enemy counterattack failed. Our aeroplanes in March downed thirty-one German machines and our guns brought down four. We lost thirteen. AT ST. ELOI. RENEWED GERMAN ATTACK. Reecived April 7, 8.30 p.m. London, April 7. General Sir Douglas Haig reports that after a most heavy bombardment in the. early morning the enemy strongly attacked our new trenches at St. Eloi, and fighting all day long continues, ENEMY EXCUSES. RECOGNISE FRENCH WORTH. Times and Sydnej- Sun Services. Received April 7, 5.5 p.m. , ' London, April G. Semi-official. German agencies, including the Cologne Gazette, explain that the slowness of the Verdun advance was due to very strong fortifications compelling the German artillery to advance step by step, battering down' the obstacles gradually and systematically. The agencies pay a tribute to General Joffre and the the French troops, pointing out the excellence of the system of communications, enabling the French to retain them, systematically remove the wounded, and bring up reinforcements, BRITISH HELP TO BELGIUM. London, April 6. Sir E. Grey, in the House of Commons, said that Britain's contribution to relieve Belgium might be reckoned at half a million monthly. -Although not paid directly, it was paid out of the Allied loan to Belgium.