IN THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 May 1916, Page 5

IN THE WEST.

COLONIALS AT SPORT. CHOPPING COMPETITIONS. NEW ZEALANDERS TO THE FORE. ! , Received May 25, 6 p.m. London, May 24. Special ■ correspondents at the front forward long descriptive accounts of a tree-felling' competition held on the 21st. The novelty of the idea caused them to wax enthusiastic, describing long processions of motor lorries conveying French, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian partisans and scores of competitors. General Birdwood, referring to t'he animating spirit of tile meeting, in presenting the prizes, emphasised the physical and moral value of the sportsmanship shown. The results of the tree felling were as follow:

Teams of three: New Zealand (including three Maoris) 1, Australia 2. Long chopping: Australia 1, New Zealand 2.

Cross-cut sawing: Canada 1, New Zealand 2.

Best axemanship: A Maori 1, a Canadian 2,

ON THE VIMY RIDGE. HAND TO HAND FIGHTING. Received Hay 25, 10 p.m. Paris, May 25. General Sir Douglas Haig reports that small parties of Britishers pushed forward on the Vimy ridge and were engaged in hand-to-'hand fighting. There was a heavy bombardment on both sides astride the SoUehez river.

3ERMAN REPORT. Received May 25, 5.5 p.m. Amsterdam, May 25. A German communique says: Strong English forces attacked our new positions south-west of Givenehy. A few men penetrated the trenches, but fell in hand-to-hand fighting, and all the attacks were repulsed with very great English losses. There were also small attacks at Hulluch, Blairevillc, and Thuringian. Troops stormed and captured Cumieres village, capturing three hundred. The enemy renewed their attacks on the Douaumont sector and suffered very severe losses. We regained ground almost everywhere. Fighting continues.

LACK OF NEWS.

A PAPER'S COMPLAINT. London, May 24. The Westminster Gazette complains of the scantiness of the British official reports from the front, contrasting them with the French communiques, which are much more ample. There are also daily semi-ollicial explanations in the French press. The newspaper says it is a very real grievance needing a strong protest. OFFICIAL REPORT. Wellington, Last Nightj The High Commissioner reports from London on May 24th: The situation at Vimy ridge was unchanged on Wednesday, when there was heavy bombardment by both sides •jstride the Souchez River. There is. considerable artillery activity at the Kollineourt and Hohenzollern redoubt, as as well as at Wytschaete and Saint Elos. ARCHBISHOP AT THE FRONT. Received May 25, 10 p.m. Paris, May 25. The _4»ehbishop of Canterbury conducted drum-head services at the front.