THE BALKANS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1917, Page 5

THE BALKANS.

DESTRUCTION OF OIL WELLS. Received Jan. 1, 10 p.m. Amsterdam, De?. 31. The latest details show that the destruction of the Roumanian oil wells was completely carried out. The Murj"h Neus Trauctirichten says that the. surface damage was eight millions sterling. This does not include the loss of production and the unestimated dan« age underground. AH the engine-houses, cranes, and surface and underground machinery were smashed, and the oil Itanks iired. The destruction was not only workmanlike, but skilful. ALLIES EVACUATE DOBRiDDJA. Ueceived Jan. 1, 8 p.m. Paris, Dec. 31. The Petit Parisien's Petrograd correspondent states that the UuMo-llouma-nians completed the evacuation of the Dobmdja on Saturday. ROUMANIAN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. Times Service. London, Dec. 2!l. A correspondent at Jassy reports that a National Government has been formed, including M. Take Jonescu without portfolio. The Premier remn'ns in office. ALLIES PUSHED BACK Londr.n, Dec. 2fl.

A wireless Russian official message states:—The enemy advance eontimies in the Oituz-Valley. Battles are proceed m» for domination of the heights east of Sosgzo. The enemy pressed back the Roumanians a ver.st north and south of the Kasino river and west of Govesha. We repulsed at.ts.elc-; north of Rininiksentt, on the left hank of the Rimnik railway, near liiminikstrat, as 'far as Boldn, near Filipcsti station. ROUMANIAN ARMY Wmi'DEAWX. Received '! 1, ,j,5 p.m. Copenhagen, December 30 M. Br.itiano, in a proclamation, annpunces that the Roumsin.an army will lie withdrawn for reorganisation only. In a few months it will have fiill strength and he fully equipped. ALLIES PRESSED BACK. Received HI, a..) p.m. London, December 30 A wireless Russian official message says:—The enemy occupied several height* in the Oiuz Valley. We are consolidating northward of Hoivha and east and south of Sosmezo, i-Xho enemy continued bis obstinatf/atttiAs north-eait

of Runmikserat, .lvnnly ait.ng the raill way, and captured UnrdesUlii, and preul ed ub back near Zaiestsi. We lieavilv Tii pulsed attacks southwards of the CKffit uhe. ; CRUEL TREATMENT OF SERBIANS* London, Dec 31< A Corfu correspondent stateg thfcj escaped Serbian prisoners from Gaiw many and Austria tell of their shame* ful treatment. Not only were they put to the hardest tasks and insufficiently, led and clud, but tilie Austrians are employing tliem as combatants against the Russians. Many x>f these escaped bj) surrendering.