IN THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 June 1916, Page 5

IN THE WEST.

THE VERDUN STRUGGLE. ■HELLISH SLAUGHTER. ■ CROWN PRINCE'S DESPERATION. Paris, June 13. It is semi-officially stated that the Crown Prince is again hurling his troops to massacre, regardless of loss of life. Monday's battle was hellish. . The Germans failed to enlarge their salient westward of Vaux Port, and next launched troops on rhianmont, hoping thence to penetrate the Vleury Ravine. There was a desperate all-day battle with a series of incessant assaults, each countered by gusts of fire, until the exhausted enemy abandoned his effort, our line remaining intact. No fewer than 30,000 bayonets participated in the assaults, which were decisively routed. i'he bombardment of our first and second linee was resumed immediately, showing the desperate attempt to reach Verdun from that side.

FORCING BELGIANS. TO JOIN GERMAN ABM SPAIN ACTING FOR BELGIUM. Received June 14, 5.5 p.m. London, June la. Official: Germany is forcing Belgians who have oeen resident in Belgium for three years to join the German army. The Belgian Government protested to the Allies and neutrals that this was a breach of The Hague Convention. Spain has taken up the matter on the Belgians' behalf.

SUCCESS OF CANADIANS. STORM AND RETAIN TRENCHES. Received June 14, 8.30 p.m. j London, June 14. General Sir Douglas Haig reports that the Australians at Bois Grenier made a night raid on a trench, and killed at least twelve of the enemy and captured six. They also lestroyed two trench mortars. Two Australians were slightly wounded. Tins Canadians made gallant and successful assaults south-east of Zillebeke, their objective being our old positions, all of which were recaptured along a front of 1500 yards. They inflicted heavy losses and took 120 prisoners. We were subjected to a heavy shelling for several hours after gaining the positions, but, we retained the ground, which we are consolidating. GERMANS CONCENTRATING. Amsterdam, June 13. The'Telegraaf states that the Germans concentrated 120,000 men around Zonneheke, Gheluvelt, and further south. They thus reduced the garrisons in Belgium and to a smaller extent along the Western front. The Britsl. heavy guns are constantly bombarding the positions at Hooge. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. Wellington, Yesterday. The High Commissioner reports from London, under date June 13, 3.55 p.m.: On tho right of the Mouse last night the Germans renewed their attack or the sector west of Thiaumont, penetrating some of the advanced elements of the French lines on the slopes of Hill 321. They were checked by our fire everywhere else. There was a bombardment on the left bank in the region of Chattancourt.