This suggestion is heightened by the fact that the censorship of the cables has become more rigid, and that, as will be observed, the names of places have in some instances been struck out of the descriptions of the conflict in France.
With some intermission on Tuesday there has apparently been heavy fighting since the beginning of the week along the whole line of battle.
While the fortunes of war have varied, the impression which is conveyed by the cabled reports is that the Allies are quietly confident as to the result.
It is certain that, whatever ground the Germans have gained this week, the cost to them in lives has been enormous.
The German regulations are framed upon the rule that close order is the basis of all things, and that the principle always in view is to keep the men in close formation as long as possible, the officers preferring to lose men rather than let their commands get out of hand a moment sooner than necessary.
Necessarily the observance of this principle involves a heavy sacrifice of human life under artillery fire, but so long as the troops are sufficiently numerous to secure that wastage shall speedily be repaired and so long as cohesive discipline is maintained the rule is one that promises successful results.
There is in our cables this morning, however, a suggestion, which occurs more than once, but may be taken for what it is worth, that the German infantry has been shaken by the stubborn defence by which it has been met and that unsteadiness is being betrayed in the ranks.
Should the boasted ''elan'' of her army vanish the hopes that Germany has founded upon its operations in France will be dissipated before long.
It is to be acknowledged, however, that even if the German advance has now been checked the process of driving the invaders back out of France may be a protracted one.
•Major Dodds is justly proud of the men under his command at the Taiaroa Heads Garrison.
They maintain a ceaseless vigil and carry out their duties uncomplainingly.
Major Dodds acknowledges to the many friends who have supplied magazines and other reading matter, special reference being made to the publishers of the evening and morning newspapers for the daily bundles of papers supplied free.
Indebtedness is also acknowledged to Mr T. Harrison, and Mr F. W. Platts, for supplies of vegetables, and to Messrs Keenan and Glengarry for a supply of fresh fish, which provided a meal for all hands.
The annual big gun practice was commenced on Monday, and except on the 5th and 6th, will be continued until the 8th inst.
Night practice by the aid of the searchlight is included.
Some excellent shooting practice took place yesterday afternoon, one of the quick-firing detachments scoring 17 hits in 47 seconds, showing that the spirit which animated the Port Chalmers Naval Brigade still animated the same men who are now serving their country as Coast Defence Territorials at the Heads batteries.
•A motorist travelling from Dannevirke to Ormondville, thence to Norsewood and back to Dannevirke (says the News), counted nine ''swaggers'', mostly old men, carrying their ''blueys''.
There were also a number of the fraternity hanging about the town, so that they are more plentiful now in this district than for a long time past.
Evidently they do not want work in the country, as there is plenty offering. - ODT, 4.9.1914.
