ALLIED ATTACK.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 April 1918, Page 4

ALLIED ATTACK.

DUE IN TWO Oil THREE DAYS. i STATEMENT BY SIR JOSEPH WARD. '•ln this peaceful country, opening this new post office out at Heretaunga to-day, no.ne of us would be inclined to say that the present and most awful war in the history of the world was raging," said Sir Joseph Ward on Saturday afternoon, "raging in defence of right and freedom, and for the betterment of the people that are to come in the future. (Applause.) The news of the war that comes forward, even to-day (he added) is of a fluctuating nature. I think that we are all bound to realise that in this unprecedented battle," or series of battles, there must be many and constant fluctuations. But I am glad to be able to say that it is expected that within the next forty-eight hours, or, maybe, three days, the combined troops of Britain, France and their allies, tinder the united system of control and direction, will commence in earnest fighting against the enemy—counter attacking. (Applause.) So we may assume, with a great deal of reliance upon the men who are waging this war for us, that this receding before the enemy for the past fortnight or so has not been done inadvisedly. Even so, the pressure on parts of the front has been overwhelming; but this news that has come to hand is evidence that the reinforcements necessary for our troops are' gathering up, and they will be available when this up, and they will be available when this ing, is about to take place. (Applause.) We have the most supreme reliance upon the courage and grit and inflexible determination of the men of Britain, of the Overseas Dominions, and of the Allies, who are standing for liberty and justice and civilisation throughout the world. (Applause.) . They aro going through very considerable trials, but we look forward confidently to our final triumph—to the time when, as Mr. McAdoo (the American Secretary of State) said the other day, the American flag and the flags of the Allies will fly over" Berlin. (Applause.) They have had difficulties at Home, but things are now hardening up; and,that is shown by the splendid way in which the miners of Cornwall and South Wales are rallying to ithe .flag. (Applause.) May this day see the dawn . of brighter times for all lands. May the Motherland emerge from this present trial strengthened, though, unfortunately, with great losses of fine men, for the great trials through which she and we have yet to go." (Applause). The Hon. T. M. Wilford, M.P., said lie ihad been very glad to hear the announcement made by Sir Joseph Ward. He had every confidence in the valor and intrepidity of the Allied armies, and in' the" leadership of the newly-appointed generallissimo, General Foch; aticl New Zea- ' land must continue to do her part in providing men, money, and foodstuffs until 1 victory crowned their efforts and their sacrifices with well-deserved success. (Applause.) / ; ■ '