ALLIES NEARING VALENCIENNES.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 October 1918, Page 5

ALLIES NEARING VALENCIENNES.

| BELGIANS ADVANCING TO OSTEND. THE ENEMY'S STRENGTH. Received Oct. IS, 10.5 p.m. London, Oct. 17. The latest reliable news is that today's new advance from Le Cateau progressed two miles. The Allies are Ave miles from the Valenciennes-Hirson railway and eight miles from Valenciennes itself.. The Belgians crossed the Y§er near Nieuport and are advancing on Ostend. The enemy is probably withdrawing to a line running from Brussels and Namur to the right bank of the Meuse. As regards the enemy's strength, it is pointed out in responsible quarters that he has still altogether two hundred divisions, and although he lias lost 300,000 prisoners and 4000 guns on the west •front during tho past three months, his line on the west is still unbroken and Mb armies are more or less intact. There is no general demoralisation. Hence it is possible for the Germans to protract the war for some months. The point is that there is no actual military reason alone at the moment why the enemy should capitulate unconditionally.— Reuter Service.

REJOICINGS AT LILLE. - BRITISH MARCH IN WITH MUSIC. Received Oct. 18, 7.30 p.m. London, Oct. 17. There were stirring scenes at Lille. The enemy quietly withdrew and the inhabitants thronged to westward to meet the victorious British, who marched in. with music. The streets were crowded, the population being hysterical with joy.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. OFFICIAL REPORTS. Received Oct. 18, 10.45 p.m. London, Oct. 17. A French communique states: We maintained contact at night-time along the entire Oise-Serre front. Machinegunning and artillerying were fairly active. Wireless German official: AVe withdrew our front to a line eastward of Thourout-Coolseamp-Ingelmujister, behind the Lys—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter. j NAVAL LANDING AT OSTEND. Received Oct. 18, 10.45 p.m. London, Oct. 17. The Admiralty reports that air force contingents attached to the navy landed at Ostein! this morning and reported it clear of fr ■ m-my, and Admiral Keys landed at IWkml during the afternoon.— Aui. N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter.