ITALY.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1917, Page 5

ITALY.

INTENSITY OF STRUGGLE LESSENS. ATTEMPTED ADVANCE DRIVEN BACK. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc, and Reuter. Received Dec. 17. 11.30 p.m. London, Dec. 17. ' An Italian official report states: Between the Brenta and the Piave the struggle diminished in intensity on Friday evening, and had not increased on Saturday. A prompt counter-attack drove brick an attempted advance in the Col della Beret ta region. A BELATED WINTER. j ITALIANS HOPING FOR SNOW. London Dec. 16. Mr. Ward Pried says that both sides are righting in Italy with one eye on the barometer. The Italians are hoping to, hold up the advance until the winter 'allows in the Alps impose a white truce, ff the enemy fails to win the Piave plain all their previous reckless sacrifice of life will ho in vain. Time fights for lis, but, never in living memory has the winter been so belated. Peaks still black should show ten feet of snow. fIERCE BATTLE CONTINUES ENEMY HOLDS COL CAPRILE. London, Dec. 10. Italian official: The .battle between the Brenta and the Piave continues fiercely. The enemy launched a mast, attack yesterday afternoon. Our counteroffensive at lightning pressure twice reached the summit of Monte Pertica. The enemy made a thrust at the Col Caprile and southward of the Col della Berrettn. Our counter-attaek completely repulsed the assault with heavy losses. The enemy re-attacked and reached the Col Caprile and firmly held positions in the' line to the rearward. We twice repulsed strong attacks at the head of the Monte Aioloro-lo salient. COLOSSAL BOMBARDMENT. ! .5000 OU'NS USED. HILLS AND VALLEYS COVERED 'WITH DEAD. Paris, Dec. lfi. Le Matin's Turin correspondent reports that General von Billow's army, comprising nine divisions, is now disposed between General Krobatkin's and General Conrad's armies on the spurs of Monte Grappa. The enemy haß five thousand gun? on the line from Asiago to the sea

The fifth day's battle between the Rrentii and the Piave was the most sanguinary since the offensive began. The enemy threw in reserve divisions without regard for the colossal losses. At the end of the day the hills and valleys were literally covered with dead. The bombardment reached unheard of violence.

THE GERMAN REPORT. London, Dec. 10. Wireless German official: We have taken prisoner during the last few day* 3000 Italians between the Brenta and the Piave.