ITALY.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 May 1916, Page 5

ITALY.

A GREAT STRUGGLE. 1 AUSTRIAN'S' MASSED ATTACK. ITALIANS RALLYING SPLENDIDLY. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received May 23, 5.5 p.m. London, May 23. Austria's Tyrol offensive was preceded by'» tremendous artillery bombardv ment, extraordinary exertions being ■made for bringing up huge howitzers to 'the mountain passes of Rovereto. Jn the vjcin.ity of the scene where the Waviest fighting took place, a hundred thousand Austrians were massed, and the attacks .only succeeded at the bloodiest cost. . The first Italian lines at Zugnatorta , ; ■' ifccupied an important strategical position overlooking the main roads to Verona and Vihcenza. Although General Cftdorha was here, he had with- , dtawn his .trodps to rear positions, not expecting that the Austrians would be able to fojlow up in this most difficult - country in order to threaten the main qrniy, on .the Isonzo. It is confidently believed that General CadprnaV fine generalship will make an effective ("bunifer-stroke at the proper moment. It is also believed that the offensive was politically inspired, in order to quell the. widespread popular dis- ' affection caused by the shortage of food and high prices, as well as the depression which exists regarding the outcome ol the war. Reports from Rome state that the Italians are rallying splendidly, and holding firmly on both wings. It is believed* that 300,000 fresh troops, together witlh. ait-enormous number of guns, are being brought up for the offensive. .The Austrians are continually attacking and freely using poison gases. A FIERCE ATTACK. BEPULSED WITH HEAVY LOSSES. Recelred May 23, 8.45 p.m. Rome, May 23. A communique -states that a fierce enemy attack on the left bank of the Adige was repufaell with heavy enemy losses. v; During the' raid on Portogruars an enemy seaplane was brought down.