REMNANTS OF TURKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 September 1918, Page 5

REMNANTS OF TURKS.

Falling Back on Hedjaz Railway. Von Liman May Try to Cover Damascus. Received Sept. 25, 10.20 p.m. „. , London. Sept. 24. Ihe British capture of Haifa is regarded as important, providing a useful harbor with the railway in the direction of Lake Tiberias. _ The Turks eastward of the Jordan are tailing back towards Amman, along the Hedjaz railway. Their situation is critical, owing to their communications "b?mg broken at Ed Derah, and the fact that the Arabs occupy Maan. General Maurice opines that von Liman is seeking to cover Damascus by making a stand on the north side of the i'armuk valley, between the mountain Druses and Lake Tiberias. As an interim measure be will try to block Yarmuk gorge, south-west of the lake, long enough to ensure the escape of part of the Fourth Turkish Army.—United Service. THE ATTACK ON HAIFA. Turks Hold Out to the Last Unending Procession of Prisoners. Received Sept. 25, 11.20 p.m. London, Sept. 24. correspondent at Palestine Headquarters, writing on Tuesday, states that a few hundred Turks were left behind at Haifa and resisted our advance. The configuration of the ground, with the marsh or. one side of the road and the slopes of Mount Camel on the other, prevented our troops from deploying an extensive line and sweeping up the Turks, who thus were able to concentrate their fire on a narrow front. The men gradually worked then Way forward to drive out the Turks from their positions,, but the Turks held out till the lest. The population gave the men a most enthusiast!': reception, even the German c.'.loiiists participating in the Welcome. These Germans are mostly quiet emi-gi--.nts from Wurternburg, who come to Palestine on conscientious 'grounds. They complain bitterly of Turkish exactions. There was some looting by the natives before the entry of the British, the Turkish commander having told the inhabitants to help themselves to Government stores, ps there was no time to destroy them. However everything is now orderly, and administration was taken over without the slightest hitch. The disposal of the thouwrtds of nrlsobers is a real problem. Tt is ft pathetic sight to see an unending succession of convoys mor<; than '2OOO strong, in charge of a few guards, wearily footing it along the dry and dusty roads towards the railhead The men look weak and exhausted. Many fall out and are picked up by the lorries.—Router. PURSUIT CONTINUED. HAIFA AND ACRE CAPTURED. London, Sept. 24. A Palestine official message states:--Eastward of the Jordan,: the enemy is withdrawing to Amman, on the Hedjaz railway. The Australians, New Zealanderß West Indian, and Jewish troops pursuing, reached Es Salt.eapturing guns and prisoners. Our cavalry to the north occupied Haifa and Acre, after slight opposition. Prisoners are increasing, and the total largely exceeds 25 000- King Hussein's Arabs occupied Maan, and are harassing bodies of the enemy retreating along the railway to Amman. —Aus.-N.Z Cable Assoc, and Renter. New York, Sept. 24. British and Australian cavalrv 1 occupied Haifa and Acre. The Australians and New Zcalanders have reached Es Salt, and are pursuing the enemy-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc.