His study of the European situation in Europe has for him settled one thing— "the question is not who will win the war, but solely within what time the Allies will win."
But until America can put her weight into the struggle "it is realised by the English military authorities that the brunt of the offensive must be with the English. France has paid the biggest price in human sacrifice that any nation ever paid for its defence and freedom."
This witness continues:- "I can confirm all that you have previously reported as to the size of the British war machine. No two nations in the world have to-day the gun and shell power that England possesses."
Note that. No two nations in the world! He then lapses into particularities: - If I could tell you the number of shells England can throw on the Western front in comparison with Germany the figures would look ridiculous. Towards the end of 1914 the French were throwing shells at the rate of 80,000 a day; the Germans were answering with 120,000. At the battle of Arras the English threw 800,000 shells in two hours. England is now ready to throw several million shells a day and keep it up to the end. Germany has no such power. — Civis.
Delayed by heavy seas
The Kokiri, which has been bar-bound at Greymouth since Monday, was unable to sail yesterday owing to the heavy sea. The vessel has a cargo of coal for Dunedin. Owing to recent delays at Picton, Onehunga, and Wellington, where she lost a week through bad weather, the Kokiri is now two weeks late in her running. The Kaituna is also running late owing to the recent severe storms at Napier, and similar delay in the cases of other vessels has resulted in the shipping companies being unable to keep up with all requirements under the existing shortage of tonnage in New Zealand.
Benzine explosion
Mr F. C. Loughlin, of Tamahere, had a narrow escape from death one day last week (says the Auckland Star). He was coming in to meet his father, who was a passenger from Auckland by the Main Trunk express, and, preparatory to doing so, filled the tank of his car with benzine. He performed this operation in the dark, and, thinking all was right, he then struck a match to light the lamps. It is surmised that he spilled some benzine on the floor of the garage, for, simultaneously with the lighting of the match, there was a loud explosion, and the car and garage became a mass of flames, both being entirely destroyed. Fortunately, Mr Loughlin was near the open door, and he was thrown down and out, but he sustained some severe burns on his face and hands.
Few Presbyterians in gaol
"When I first visited the gaol," said Mr T. P. Mills, master of the Presbyterian Orphanage and police probation officer in Wellington, at the annual meeting of the orphanages, "I was struck with the few Presbyterian prisoners there were there. I mentioned this to the gaoler, and his reply was: ‘You are right, sir; there are not as many here as there ought to be.’- (Laughter.) I did not argue the point with him." — ODT, 23.6.1917
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
