AUSTRALASIAN TRENCHES VISITED.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4001, 6 August 1915, Page 5

AUSTRALASIAN TRENCHES VISITED.

GRAPHIC NARRATIVE BY MR. ASHMEAD BARTLETT.

TURKS’ WHOLESOME RESPECT

FOS THE COLONIALS.

OUR BOYS REGARDED AS FORMIDABLE ADVERSARIES

AUSTRALASIANS’ FIBS LIME 10®

IIPRIGIABLE.

DAGGER PERIOD MOW PAST.

MOMENT FOR THE BIG PUSH” EAGERLY AWAITED.

CEASELESS DAYS OF TOIL AMD FIGHTING.

(United Press Association. —Copyright.)

(Received August 5, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, August 5

Mr Aslunead Bartlett, war correspondent representing- the British press in the operations in Gallipoli, reporting- under date -July 16, says:— , , Xhe positions of the Australians and iNew Zealanders nave not changed for six weeks in the occupied area which extends ovd v 2000 vanls from the seashore northward, hut the interior position lias changed out of all recognition since landing. ihe consolidation process has made everything* comfortable and se- ( The stale-mate cannot last for ever and when the moment arrives for the big- push all along the line, the Colonials will certainly resume the active role for which they are peculiarly fitted by their temperament and training. “ They are desperately eager. One advantage they have obtained is a complete local mastery in deciding whether the daily round shall be a truce or constant sniping, bombarding, and mining. , , . • , Since bis last repulse the Turk has been uuaggressive and content to sit in his trench and postpone the trial of' strength with so formidable an enemy. . . . , , Although not so spectacular as the periodical British auvuiiees. the Colonials’ work is equally useful and has entailed enormous phvsic-al labor, besides inflicting heavy Turkish losses. The German commanders realise their ever-present danger, and that if the innumerable Turkish trenches are depleted the Colonials will promptly break through. The great Turkish attempts have been an utter fiasco and now the Colonial fire-trenches arc impregnable and the danger period has passed, but there is continuous fighting and heavy casualties on both sides. Local attacks and counter-attacks are incessant and bonibi browing, mining, and trench-digging keep the Australians and New Zealanders busy. They are being given an in valuable experience i.n tins kind of w&rf&re the soft, sandy soil entails constant repairs to collapsed trenches. The Turks sometimes amuse themselves by shelling an entire section which must be rebuilt along a ridge a few feet wide with the enemy a few yards in front and a sheer precipice of shifting sand behind. Living Underground. A glimpse through a periscope shows the Turks in the same difficulties and spades always shovelling earth-for dear life. Our outer defence line is not a complete semi-circle as the Turks hold a section of ‘‘Shrapnel Valley.” . 5 ~ Six weeks ago it’was unpleasant to visit “Qmnn s 1 ost, “Pope’s Post,” and “Courtenay’s Post, ’ but to-day the indefatigable energy of the men from ‘‘down under enables one to reach the fire trenches in comparative safety. The lurks daren’t expose themselves for a second longer than to snipe down Shrapnel Valley. The New Zealanders and the Australian Light Horse are "here entrenched and have obtained a complete fire supremacy. ; . Owing to the proximity of the lines at tins point handgrenades and trench-mortars are the chief weapons. There, has been iv very deadly struggle at Quinn’s Post. It. was bmpt a no-man’s land, both sides waiting for an opportunity, i killed New -Zealand miners finally captured it and have since held it firmly. They have dug a network of trendies, tunnels and bomb-proof shelters supported by beams. The Turks endeavored to blow up this new defence, but the New Zealanders countermined and blew up the enemy instead. Our snipers are forcing- the Turks further back and Quinn s Post is now impregnable. It is quite comfortable living under ground and it and provides excellent cover. 1 here are many dead Links 1 ving in the neutral ground amid a maze of barbed wire. 'The Turks first lesson is to bide and never disclose their numbers. Once when the Australians were tiring of the inactivity and wondering whether the Turks had remained in any strength, a British aeroplane passed over the Turkish trenches living low. The Turks couldn’t resist, but jumped up and fired n volley at the intrepid airman. Their lifeless trenches fairly bristled with bayonets, thus showing the importance the Turks

attach to the position. Turkish guns are constantly shelling the Australian and Xcvr Zealand positions and there’s one. gun the Colonials are longing to have a reckoning with. They have cheerfully -faced the la.hoi.vof bringing ammunition and stores, especially water, up the barren cliffs’ and. they ■display amazing physique. No European nation possesses anything to compare with them. The Prussian Guard are picked -men. but they are fat and ungainly in comparison. The Col--tfiVials are great, big-limbed athletes, and there is not pound of superfluous flesh among the lot. They are not so much an army as a community come together for the job'.' They frame their own laws and carry them out?. They work in little groups united either by home ties or mutual regard. These groups discipline themselves. .. When ordered io carry water," for instance, they don’t march smartly in obedience to- a non-com., hut saunter slowly and sit down, and light their pipes, eontem-‘A-phiting the work. Probably there is a millionaire cowboy, a .doctor, or a clerk among them. The unofficial leader of the -rang presently rises slowly and says, '‘Well hovs, it’s got to ibc done and the quicker tin; better we get over it.’ ’ Then they start to work like niggers, not stopping -and not .'.slackening until they are finished. Four millionaire* s ? working on a'-mine shaft had not finished when others came to relieve them and refused to go until they bad finished because (her wanted it to be down as tlieir job. Not since the last charge of the Dervishes at Omdurm-au bag such a naked army seen the field. The British Tommy works sweating in a broiling sun,, not removing a single pack', hut it is difficult t'i find an Australian or,a New Zealander wearing .anything except v, pair of “shorts” and probably these are only due to a feeling .of decency. First, their coats went and then, their shirts, underclothes and boots. Their huge'frames ami giant limbs a re. burnt a dull brick-red. A learned ethnolo- - gist suddenly disco rering them would- probably, classify them

as a surviving- branch of the American Indians. Excellent seabathing has alone rendered "the campaign tolerable and you can see a procession of naked warriors on the beach under bursting shrapnel. ITALY AT THE DARDANELLES. ARRANGEMENT FOB 00-O.PEIIATION WITH THU ALLIES / ’ NAVAL AND MILITARY AID TO BE SENT. (Received August 6, 12.30 a.m.) * PARIS. August 5. An Italian officer has arrived at the British headquarters in the Mediterranean to arrange concert measures for Italy’s military and naval co-operation at the Dardanelles.

TURKEY’S WOUNDED. 90,000 AT CONSTANTINOPLE. (Tones and Sunday Sun Services.) PETROGRAD, Aug. 4. Tlio “Courier del Lasora” states that there are 90,000 wounded at Constantinople. The mosques at Stamboul have been transformed into hospitals. MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES. GOOD LIST OE Nll\V ZEALANDERS. FIVE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDALS AW.A RDED. (Received August 6. 12.20 a.m.) LONDON, Aug 5. _ Sir.lan Hamilton’s desptches men-tion-the following Imperial odicers attached to the Australian and New Zealand forces: Colonels R. Carruthers, N. Walker, A. Skeen. Lieut.-Colonel Delotbinioro. Major Yilliors Stuart. Lieutenant P. Rolling. The following New Zealanders are mentioned :—- Major-General Godley.

Lieut.-Colonels Richardson, P. Stewart, Plugge, Malone and Pearless. Colonel Chaytor. Majors Waite, C. Smith, Turnbull. Hart, E. O’Neill. Neale.

Captains ’Wallingford, Salnionson and Craig. Lieutenants Newbould, Nisbet. E. Wilson, and Cowan. Sergeant-Major Porteous. Sergeant Wallace. Corporals Salmon, Saunders, Abbey. Barratt, Steed man, Singleton. - Sappers Carlyon and Crimshaw. Privates Timpany, Stockdill, Findlay, Hayden, Swann, Cowrie, C. Watson,Heaver and W. Henry. Distinguished Service Medals have been awarded to the following New Zealanders:—

Lance-Corporal Fear.—For conspicuous gallantry on the night of the 9th June at Gaba Tepo in volunteering to demolish a Turkish blockhouse within twelve yards of the enemy’s trench, which could only lie approached over maoliinegun-swepfc ground. Fear exhibited great skill in approaching and demolishing the bloskliouse and was exposed to fire for an hour. Sapper Hodges—For great gallantry on tho night of 9th June, similar to Fear’s exploit. Private R. McLeod.—For conspicuous gallantry- on May 8 south of Krithia. He was one of a party carrying ammunition to the advanced trenches under heavy fire. The majority were unable to proceed and McLeod, although wounded in the leg, performed the task. On bis return, not having reported wounded, he was again detailed to carry ammunition, which he performed." Private O’Connor.—On May S near Krithia lie gave distinguished service in the firing line until severely wounded, losing his right eye. Flo was previously twice wounded. His gallant example was of ureat value. _ • Private G. Wilson. —During operation on May 8 south of Krithia he showed great gallantry in carrying important messages under fire

GERMAN PRISONER’S DEATH.

SIGNIFICANT PRISON GAMP ATTITUDE.

A SENTRY’S DUTY

(Received Aug. 5, 10.10 p.m.) .SYDNEY, Aug. 5

At the inquest on tho body of Max Arndt, who was shot at the German concentration camp on July 28, th© evidence showed that owing to the news of tho progress of the German army in Poland, which was brought by recent prisoners, the camp became mutinous and, on July 28, the whole refused to work. The discontent grew and mass meetings were held, and the officers were defiled. On: the afternoon of tho 28th the position became threatening and precautions were taken. A .sentry named Cox stated that Arndt refused to obey an order, and mimicked and insulted him. Witness Informed the officers, who told him, U the trouble re-occurred, to load his rifle, call out the guard.' and have the offenders arrested. As soon as the officers left, the trouble re-started, and a crowd gathered. He obeyed instructions and then, warned Arndt to stand still, but he made a dive for the barracks. "Witness shot him. intending only to wound him. A verdict was returned that Lex shot Arndt in the legal exercise of his rlutv.

SYDMEY ? S RECRUITING

CAMPAIGN.

ALL CLASSES PARTICIPATING

NATIONAL SERVICE MOVEMENT

STARTED

(Received The Leaders and all. classes of politicians, church dignitaries, university professors, business heads, laboi organisations, and. prominent women ai e taking an active part in the recruiting campaign. There have been further modifications of the physical-standard as an. additional fillip t-o reel lilting. The national service movement has started at Sydney University, wheto tho bulk of the professional and instructional staffs have volun becred to .gratuitously place their spare turn and services at the disposal; of tho military authorities in whatever capacity allotted.

RQUMANIA HOLDS OUT.

NO SUPPLIES FOR TURKEY.

ROME, Aug. 4

Romuania, in a semi-official message to the newspapers, states that the control of railway waggons is so strict that it is impossible for munitions to pass towards Turkey. The Government opposed tho passage of German munitions. The motive given is that Iputmama has placed an order ' v itJ l Germany for munitions, and is unable to obtain fulfilment of the icontmc , Which is attributed to Germany’s lack of confidence in Roumama. .

HORRORS OF BELGIUM. GERMAN REIGN OF TERROR. BELGIANS REFUSE TO WORK FOR THE ENEMY. LONDON, Aug. 4. The Brass Bureau states : The .Belgian Legation reports: Engine-drivers at Liege refused to .work a sleep railway and: •experienced odious perse; ution. Tlfu German railway officials threatened famine to non-workers at Luttre. Tho mechanics refused; seven to twenty marks daily. Alter several days’ imprisonment they were sent to Germany, amid cheering citizens. A few days later one hundred were paraded and the officers called: “Let those who will work step to the front.’' The whole body- stepped to the rear and .shouted “Vive la Belgique.” The Germans then arrested Kessler, manager of the Luttre works, who was thrown into gaol on straw among his mechanics, and was urged; to advise them to undertake civil repairs. _ Alt refused. One hundred and ninety were then sent to Germany. At Mali lies the Germans threatened, to fine the city £IO,OOO if the burgomaster did not supply a fist of mechanics. No list existed', but five hundred names were extracted from the householders 1 ’ register. Tho . people were arrested and taken to the workshops and locked up. They refused, to work. Their wives took them food ; thereupon the whole population of Alalinos were forbidden to leave their homes' after G o'clock in the evening, and no one was to enter or leave the city for some days. A reign of terror prevailed. There was a violent scene when Cardinal Morcior proposed to quit for Brussels. No single mechanic of tho central railway resumed his work.

At Swegchem 350 wiroworkors refused to supply wire. The town was isolated and people forbidden to cart provisions in the streets. Workmen wore driven by force into the wire factory, but still refused to work. Sixty were sent to Courtrai prison. Their wives wore sent- after them and were odiously maltreated. All these efforts were useless. A notice was then issued that as the workmen under pretence of patriotism and the Hague Convention were organising .difficulties, the communal authorities would be held responsible and their present liberties suspended. Fresh restrictions were imposed. GREECE’S ATTITUDE. ,M. VENEZ FLOS’ RETURN PREDICTED. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) (Received Aug. 5, 5.25 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 5. Athens reports that Abe Government journals are not hostile to M. Venezolos’ return to power and are facing the eventuality with tranquility. The King, who is restored to health, will , immediately offer mo President, of the 1 Chamber the choice of seeking a. way j out comfortably or a constitui iona! charter charging M. Venom los with the duty of forming a Cabinet. TYPHUS IN SERYIA. SCOURGE SWEEPS Tf I ROUGII THE LAND. PEOPLE’S PATIENT FORTITUDE. (Times and .Sydney Sun Services.) RETRO GRAD, Aug. 4. A correspondent of tho "Kra-gujev-atz” describes the terrible, ravages of typhus in Serbia. In every part of tho countryside is to be encountered the/dreadful black flag, signalling that someone is dead. There are, villages where every cottage is flagged. In some towns tho streets have long lines of flags. Nevertheless the people bear (heir sufferings with placid patience. In the midst of war between the battlelinos. in. ruined’, blastedi disease-smit-ten homes, the countryfolk continue their daily duties. CONTRABAND RUMMERS. GERMAN SUBMA RINE HTTP I.IKS STOPPED. ATHENS, Aug. 4. In consequence of a dispute between the sailors and the captain of a Greek vessel as to the division ot profits on a contrabaifil cargo, the sailors reported to the authorities mat the vessel had contraband aboard for a German submarine. The vessel was searched and thirty tons of oil were discovered. The ship ’was stopped, and the eaplam arrested. THROUGH' ENEMY EYES. GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT. BERLIN, Aug. 4. A German communique states: “Our pursuit, of the Russians reached Kuptscbki, east of Poniewicz. Wo, pushed: the Russians hack to an advanced defensive position north or Lem/,a. ' ... A. Prussian regiment, after heavy fighting, captured the Narew crossing near Ostrnlenka, capturing several thousand men and 17 machine guns. | The pursuit continues. ! Wo threw the Russians before WarI saw from the Bionic position hack to the outer line of fortresses. General Von Woyrseh- captured the west portion of the fortress of Ivangorod. The Russians yesterday were again defeated attempting to arrest General Maekeu sen’s advance at Lmiczhi, and arc now retreating northward between tho Vistula and the Bug. AUSTRIAN REPORT. ''Received Aug. 5, 11.40 p.m.) VIENNA, Aug. 5. An official message says : The Russians retreating step by stop, from the Bug and the Vistula offered a new 1 resistance &t several places, and t-hoio is violent fighting on the LecznaNovoa 1 exzandria line. , The eneniv on many parts of -lie front undertook short counter-attacks, but continued to retreat northwards of Midm. • 'Hie western part of Jvangorod, on the left of the-Vistula, is in our hands and great fires can be seen south-west of Vladimir and Woolynsky. 'l’ho Italians during fog and ram on Tuesday attacked Monte di Sibisi, hut. were repulsed.

GENERAL ITEMS.

(Received Aug. 6, 12.40 a.m.)

The .sporting newspapers give prominence to the story of the death of Harry Stone, the boxer. A passenger in the submarined steamer* Armenian says a shell out off one of hist-;legs and Stone rolled into the water; but swam .to ala feboat. He died a few .minutes after reaching it.