ITALY.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 May 1916, Page 5

ITALY.

FURIOUS BOMBARDMENTS. ITALIANS RETIRING TO STRONGER POSITIONS. Received Hay 25, 9 p.m Rome, May 1.,. A communique states that fifrious bombardments took place in the Larcarma valley and elsewhere. Minor Austrian attacks were repulsed. The evacuation of tlve upper basin of the ! Posina and Astieo 'have no\» been effected in perfect order. The Italians are strengthening their positions on a protective line m the Arsero basin. We destroyed the artillery winch it was imposible to withdraw. The enemy exercised strong pressure east of Valdosse. Our retirement from the Sugana valley, which tegan on the 22nd, continues slowly and methodically. The anniversary of the declaration of war was celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm throughout Italy. The flags of tlie Allies were lavishly displayed.

TWO THOUSAND GUNS. COLOSSAL ARMY EXGAGEu Received May 25, 5.5 p.m. Rome, May 24. An Austrian officer stated that '.150.000 Austrians participated in the Trentino offensive, using two thousand guns, including Ifiin. and 12in. mortars and naval loin. guns. The Italian destruction of Fort Sief was a most important event, as it was the key to the Austrian defence in the eastern Tyrol, and its destruction has enabled the Italians to advance several kilometres in the direction of Brixen.

THE AUSTRIAN ACCOUNT. CONSIDERABLE BOOTY CAPTURED. > r Received May 25, 10 p.m. Amsterdam, May 25. An Austrian communique states: Our troops are advancing on both sides of the Sugana valley The enemy precipitately evacuated Borgo (a town in the Sugana valley), leaving a great amount of booty. We captured fortifications at Monte Verena,

THE AUSTRIAN ATTACK. TO DELAY GENERAL OFFENSIVE. Rome, May 24. It is semi-officially stated that the Austriun offensive in the Trentino, coupled with Germany's fierce onslaught on the Verdun front, is interpreted as a resolute attempt to prevent the Allies simultaneously taking the offensive in all theatres. The Centra! Powers are striving to exhaust France and Italy and relying on a momentary respite from Russia, hoping that when Russia is ready to take revenge France and Italy will be wearied and need rest.

THE AUSTRIAN OFFENSIVE. FAVORABLE AVENUE OF ADVANCE. ... imes and Sydney Sun Service?. Received May 25, 5.20 p.m. London, May A. The Milan correspondent of the Daily Mail says the Austrians are attacking on a line gradually descending to the Venetian plain, which is greatly assisting them. The Italians are falling back to lower and weaker positions. The Austrians have also an overwhelming superiority of heavy artillery.