WESTERN ATTACK.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 August 1916, Page 5

WESTERN ATTACK.

THE "MAN OF MYSTERY." GERMAN COMMANDER ON THE SOMME. PREPARED FOR WINTER CAMPAIGN. A BOASTFUL STATEMENT, » Received August 16, 11.45 p.m. Washington, August 10. The New York Times' Berlin correspondent spent two evenings with tile "inun of mystery" who is commander-in-c-hiof of the German armies on the Somme. His name is unknown, even to the Germna people, and the correspondent was not permitted to disclose it. Asked if the English offensive was weakening, he replied: "No, Despite very heavy losses the British coijie back again and again. They are stubborn foes. But tlbough the British may last for two months, or perhaps longer, I am prepared for a winter'campaign. The British are tough, dogged, and determined, but they will not get past me." L. TRENCHES RETAKEN. BRILLIANT FRENCH GRENADIERS. GERMAN RELIANCE ON WEST FRONT. London, August 15. General Si.r Douglas Haig reports that we retook nearly the whole of the trenches north-Avest of Pozieres, where the Germans penetrated on Sunday. We penetrated trenches at Morquet Farm. Paris, August 15. A communique says: There was great artillery fighting on the Sonime front. A German detachment after heavy bombardment, penetrated a small salient in our lines north-west of Hcaurge and northward of the Aisne. Our counterattack threw them out. Our grenadiers brilliantly took 300 metres of trenches with a.depth of 100 metres northward oi Chappelle St. Fine. The newspapers consider that the Kaiser's view of the West front, together with the fact that the enemy is sending thither reinforcements and has spared especially heavy artillery, indicates that Germany is seeking a decision there and has given up hope of success elsewhere. ALLEGED HIGH TREASON. ( 500 VICTIMS EXECUTED, Rceived August 10, 11.40 p.m. Amsterdam, August Id. The Telegraaf states that the total number of Belgians executed for alleged high, treason is estimated at five hundred, not including those summarily shot as franc-tireurs. ANOTHER GERMAN MURDER. Amsterdam, August 15. A wireless message states that M. Golenvaux, burgomaster of Namur, has ,fceen court-martialled and shot. He had no opportunity of legal defence. A CERMAN REPORT Received August 15. 5.5 p.m. London, August 15. A German communique states: The English made repeated attacks at Ovillers and Bazentin-le-Petit. and again obtained a foothold in our first line of trenches at Thiepval and Pozieres, from which they were repulsed. Yesterday morning tile French twice fruitlessly attacked Maurepas and Hem. FRENCH WINE CROP PROSPECTS. Received August 16, 7.45 p.m. London, August 16. The prospects of the French wine crop are much brighter; the latest estimate is about forty-five millions hoctolitics. Labor is mori plentiful, and the authorities are lending troops. POSITION. REMAINS UNCHARGED. Received August lfi, 9.30 p.m. \ London, August,l6. fienml Sir Douglas Haig reports that the position is unchanged. A similar official report is also recorded from the French.

AFRICA |

KRAALING THE ENEMY, THE END IN SIGHT, Durban, August 15. General Botha, who has returned from East. Africa, interi-iewed, said the reina in iiiir German forces were being kraaled. Only one end was possible ami that was not far distant. General Smuts' progress was phenomenal. AIM ARDUOUS« TASK. SICKNESS RAMi'ANT, FIGHTING POWER OF THE ENEMY. Received August 18. 11.50 p.m. Durban, August IC. General Botha added: "In addition to the arduousness of operating in almost impenetrable forests, sickness has been rampant in the ease of man and beast. The distances are enormous. The German >Askaris were admirably led, and they are fine fighters, while the machinegun detachments are worthy of respect. Notwithstanding all obstacles, our progress has been phenomenal." j ' 4 ' ' , | [ * p