IN THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 May 1916, Page 5

IN THE WEST.

THE BRITISH FRONT.

WELL ORGANISED. I AWAITING THE MOMENT TO STRIKE. * Paris, April 30. Pressmen visiting the British front eulogise the development of strength and organisation. Le Petit Parisien recalls that when the Verdun attack commenced Sir Douglas Haig wished to make a diversion, but General Joffre requested him not to move.

The Paris Journal says that Sir Douglas Haig is only waiting for the moment to throw the army forward. Reports forecast an early resumption v f the Verdun offensive. The Germans ire rushing troops and munitions through Belgium, German deserters stating that it is intended to make a new offensive with half a million men, in order to force a decision before Whitsuntide.

THE GALLANT SHROPSHIRES. A FEAT IN NO MAN'S LAND. Paris, April 30. The feat of the Shropshires, of recapturing the trench on the YpresLangcmarck road, which was lost on the 19th, was carried out with great gallantry and endurance. Torrents of rain fell. No Man's Land was honeycombed with mine craters and shell holes, and the entire churned up area was a morass, tlie men occasionally floundering up to their armpits in mud.

Some hours were taken in crossing the hundred yards of bog lands, the men mostly progressing on all fours, throwing their rifles in advance and then crawling up and repeating the process. The enemy was taken by surprise and the main trench was almost deserted owing to the floods. A sharp hand-to-hand fight in one or two traverses enabled the Shropshires to secure and consolidate the position. Two counterattacks were easily repulsed.

FRENCH REPORT. Received May 1, 5.5 p.nf. \ Paris, April 30. "A communique says: We captured a trench northward of Mort Homme, caking some prisoners, and repelled three attempted surprises at Bandesapt, Tete-de-Faux, and southward of Largitzen, in the Vosges, inflicting losses. Our chaser planes brought down an Aviatik in Bine valley (Argonne), the machine 'being intact, and its two officers were taken prisoner.

. 's/rl i '■ TWfiCT THE DEVIL AND THE

DEEP SEA. Received May 1, 5.5 p.m. Athens, April 30. Anstro-Germanv has pointed out that Greece's duty is to prohibit the transport of Serbians across Greece, otherwise the Central Powers will not be responsible for damage or destruction by Zeppelins and aeroplanes. The Hellenic Government has replied that it will not concede the railways nor, will it consent to the passage of the troops.