The Daily News. SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1918. PROGRESS OF THE BATTLE.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 March 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1918. PROGRESS OF THE BATTLE.

While there are no Btartling envelopments in the colossal struggle whiih is now taking place on the West front, there is certainly more encouraging news. One authority considers the worst is over, but that view is one which depends on circumstances. We may hope that the worst litis really become history, but, knowing the enemy's vast resources and desperation, it' would be unwise to take too optimistic a view of the position, which is still serious. On the other hand, we are justified in regarding the general situation as exhibiting favorable features. The French are not only holding the 1 greater part of their line, but have made counter-attacks and recovered an appreciable extent of territory, while the British are still holding their line. Apparently the reserves have not yet come into action, but the French Premier states that the time has arrived when these reserves will put a different complexion on the struggle. The remarkable stand made by the British against such enormous odds should indicate what will happen when the opposing forces are more equal numerically, while the splendid confidence and courage of our troops will ever be remembered as the outstanding feature of this supreme test. The terrible carnage still proceeds, being enhanced by the intrepid airmen, who are giving the enemy 110 rest either by day or night, swooping over the back lines, playing havoc with the reserves and transports by day, and attacking the men while resting at night. Never has such an inferno been experienced, and it is inevitable that there must be a certain amount of demoralisation caused. It is, however, on the men and guns in action that the chief interest centres, for thereon hangs victory or defeat. It is pointed out that the stubborn defence of the Allies lias caused the enemy to take seven days to do what he expected to accomplish in two. There is, too, a great significance in the German authorities concealing from their people

the enormous sacrifice of life that has ensued in m. king this thrust, especially in view of antagonism to the offensive voiced by the Gorman people. With that, however, there need be 110 concern. For the time being the thrust Jias slackened, and though this may only be to enable the enemy to bring up guns, it gives the Allies breathing time, and every minute gained is of such enormous advantage that they will make the best of the opportunity, for it is time that (lie Allies want to rearrange and adjust their forces, as well as to throw in their much-needed reserves. On the whole, this morning's news should dispel any feelings of pessimism, and inculcate that confidence whicli is so visible in the reports of the Allied commanders. The first phase of the battle has passed into history. The enemy is still strong, and is desperately striving for a last chance of victory, so that we may expect the heavy lighting to continue as bitterly as ever. It is a hard task to stem the onrush, but there are trustworthy signs that the Allies are within measurable distance of turning the tables on the enemy.