WESTERN ATTACK.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 September 1916, Page 5

WESTERN ATTACK.

COMBLES ISOLATED. 6T. QUEXTIN OUT OFF. Received Sept. 15, 10.45 p.m. Paris, Sept. 15. When the Frenc-h captured Priest farm tlioy found it resembled the famous laby« rintli in the complexity ot' its defences. It was protected by ar unusual number of blockhouses and other armored cement works, as well as by a great number of machine-guns, thus forming the advance work for defending Combles, which is now isolated. Friecourt, in similar circumstances, fell within twenty-four hours. Mont St. Quentin is only 350 feet high, but it is protected by three rivers—the Tordille on the north, the Somme on the west, and the Cologne on the south.< Thus there is only a single corridor eastward whence the enemy can receive a supply of shells. The French artillery has practically closed this corridor. FRENCH POSITION ! EXTENDED ALL GAINS. MAINTAIXIir , Router Service. Received Sept. 15, 7.15 p.nif Paris, Sept. 15, We captured Lapriez farm and, after an assault, extended our position before Combles. Isolated combats continue north and south of Bouchavesncs. All gains have been integrally maintained, find progress made east "of Belloy --- Santerre, east of the Somme. FURTHER BRITISH PROGRESS . FRENCH SUCCESSES. London, Sept. 14. Sir Douglas Hftig reports that the ! situation is unchanged. There were the usual artillery bombardments on both ■ sides and southwards of the Ancre, par--1 tieularly at Pofieres. We made further progress northward of Gincrhy. We made 1 a successful raid in the neighborhood 1 of Souchez. A French communique states: We repulsed many Germaa night attacks north of the Somme. The Germans made several fruitless attempts against our newfront south of the Somme. We repulsed two German attacks at Vaux and Chapitre, M. BRIAND ON THE SITUATION. CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE t a FIGHT TO THE BITTER END. ? Received Sept. 15, 7.30 p.m. Paris, Sept. 15. j In re-opening the Chamber, M. Briand

(the ißreinier) reviewed the war's progress. He stated that the Roumanians and General Sarrail were acting jointly according to the Allied staff plans. Events would inexorably develop in the direction of Bulgaria being forced to recognjse the danger of deserting her traditional friends. He hoped that Greece would appreciate the Allies' reasons for intervening. We must, lie added, pursue this work to the end, without allowing the enemy or his accomplices to/compromise out success, which ■ is intended to safeguard Greek territory and givo preece indispensable assistance in order to preserve her independence. Wc can now regard the future with absolute confidence, tout we must face tie enemy, who is still powerful, and will desperately resist to the bitter end. The task of resisting to the bitter end was the task .remaining, lie concluded. It would bo rough and heavy, but united and redoubled efforts would accomplish it. RUINED DISTRICTS OF FRANCE* | STATE REIMBURSEMENTS Paris, September 13. The Government proposes to make a State provision of funds for reimbursing those with ruined homes, farms and factories, but they will not aid owners in re building factories in different loeali- ' tins, nor compensate those not re-'build-i in®. The Government aim is the restoration of prosperity in the occupied districts so as to defeat the German plans i for commercially crippling Franca : GLORIFYING VE'RiDUiN.

Paris, Sept. 14. There lias been a unique ceremony at Verdun. M. ißoincare. the French President, in the presence of representatives of the Allies, presented tl\c town with a decoration conferred on it by the Allies in. recognition of.its defences, M. Poincarc, in a speech, said that supreme hopes 'had been shattered against the walls of Verdun, where Germany sought an astounding and spectacular victory. The debris of the German dreams lay at their own feet. The name of Verdun would ring throughout the ages the cry of liberated humanity. " KING GEORGE THAWED FOR DECORATION.' deceived Sept. 'ls, 7.20 p.m. London, Sept. 14. President Poineare, in a telegram to King George, announced that he handed to the city his Majesty's. Military Cross, in the presence of the troops. The army was proud to receive suelv a high token of esteem. The King, in reply, said: 'lt was a real pleasure to award the Cross to t'lie heroic city of Verdun. It will bear testimoiiy to my profound, adininition, iuul that of the whole country, at the military acnievements of France's victorious army "wid Verdun's .patriotic valoi.^ A GERMAN REPORT Amsterdam, Sept. 14. German communique says; We repulsed attacks between Ginc'hy and the Somme and gained ground by infantry IHMNNiiiMIHH!

THE UNSCRUPLOUS HUNS. I BELGIAN RAILWAY PLANT SEIZED. Received Sept. 15, 7.30 p.irj London, Sept. 14. T The company controlling the light rail- ( ways in Belgium, which veic performing ( important agricultural services, applied 0 to Great Britain for permission to import the necessary copper, oil, and other r working materials. Britain announced her willingness if Germany would guaran- \ tee not to seize any properly belonging i to the liglit vnilwuys. Germany has cut t short the negotiations by seizing '2OO r locomotives, -2500 rolling-stock, and a t humlred miles of rails. Feeding the i starving population will thus become j more difficult than ever. Jt INHABITANTS LEAVE PERONNiE. i Amsterdam, Sept. 14. j Two thousand of the inhabitants have ; been expelled from (Peronne and haye 'J arrived at Givet. 5 NO REPRISALS ON PRISONERS s London, Sept. 14. i As the result of King Alfonso's inter- .' vention, Germany and France have i agreed to the suspension of reprisals on i prisoners from August 21. i FRENCH WAR LOAN ' .. i Received Sept. 15, 7.30 p.m. I iParis, Sept. 14. < The Chamber passed the War Loan Bill. (