WESTERN FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 June 1918, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

RESUMPTION OF THE OFFENSIVE. A CORRESPONDENT'S VIEWS. Received June 25, 2.5 p.m. London, Juno 24. Mr. Hamilton Fyfe says the suggestion that the delay in tlie resumption of the offensive is due to influenza in the enemy's ranks appears to rest on a flimsy foundation. It is unwise to accept tho current report that sections of the Gorman soldiers are unwilling to fight, but there is evidence of increasing dissatisfaction due to the scarcity and inferiority of food, which consists of under 12 ounces of bread daily, coffee brewed from roasted acorns and barley, very little meat, tobacco made from dried oak leaves and birch bark. There have been some recent desertions, but it would be stupid and criminal to assume a real general lowering of the enemy's morale. Moreover, the numbers are still increasing from Rugsia.—United Service. FRENCH REPULSE ATTACK. ITALIANS MAINTAIN 'POSITION. Received June 25, 7.50 p.m. London, June 24. A French communique states: W» repulsed an attack in the region of Antheuil. The Germans re-attacked the Italian position at Mt. Eligney, betweeii the Marne and Rheims. After lively fighting the enemy Was completely repulsed, with serious losses.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter. OFFICIAL REPORTS. Received June 25, II p.m. London, June 24. Sir Douglas Haig reports at 8.20 thia evening:—We conducted a successful minor operation last night in the neighborhood of Wertern. All our objectives were gained, and our line was advanced. French communique:—We made a successful raid at Locre. There Was a little air fighting. Fifteen tons of "bombs were dropped on various objectives, including Oalribrai siding, with good effects.—Press Assoc. NEW ZEALAND DIVISION. ' PRESENTATION OF DECORATIONS. (Special from the New Zealand Official War Correspondent.) By Cable. A Divisional General, in presenting medals and ribands to members of the Entrenching Battalions, who distinguished themselves in the recent fight' ing, congratulated them on the splendid spirit and initiative they had shown. He pointed out that the New Zealand Division represented a great deal to us and to our country. It was but a very small pebble on the beach in this great war. It was not with us as with the ot.llef armies—oven with those of the other oversea Dominions —for if this division made a fault or failed we had no other New Zealand Division to rectify the failure or correct the fault. It had to stand or fall by its own work. It was therefore all the more incumbent upon every individual to endeavor by his own effort to help to maintain, and, if possible, increase, the reputation that had already been earned. No one must look to others to do his work. The reputation of the Division of our country rested in the hands of each individual. Among those who were decorated was the Rev. Matthew Mullineux, who is already wearing South African ribands and has now rec&lved the Military Cross. During the fighting in May, when a medical officer became a casualty, the chaplain took change of a regimental aid post, dressed the wounded, _ and supervised the removal of the patients. This post was subjected to heavy -fire of high explosive and gas shells for twelve hours. But for the padre's splendid work tliere would have been a serious congestion of wouhded. Others who were awa»ded medals for this fighting were: Privates E. W. Holman (Otago), R. S. Williams (Canterbury), W. A. Moffatt (Canterbury), J. F. McClelland (Otago), 0. C. Empson (Canterbury), G. H. Stark (Canterbury), Sergeants M. D. Mcßride (Canterbury), J. A. Cook (Otago), W. !P. Morrm, H. p de Courcy (deceased), L, W. Kellott (gassed), Private G. Gerkin (wounded), Lieut. J. R. Leys (deceased), SecondLieut. N. R. Harper (deceased), and •Sergeant W. J. Pauling. Some of the men decorated were wearing ribands already Avon, and one of the men was wearing six wound-stripes.