The disembarkation of the army was covered by the fleet.
It began before sunrise at various points on the Gallipoli Peninsula, and despite serious opposition by the enemy, who occupied strong entrenchments, protected by barbed wire, it was completely successful.
At nightfall large forces were established on shore.
The landing of our army and our advance continues.
The Times has been a long time in finding out that it, as far as the purpose of forcing the Dardanelles is concerned, the whole plan has been wrong.
It was pointed out in this column some time ago that the method seemed a blundering one.
The attack, however, may not be, and possibly has not been made with a single purpose.
There are, indeed, various purposes: (1) To remove pressure from the canal, the Euphrates and the Caucasus; (2) to impress the Balkan States and remove any dubiety from their minds as to the Allies' powers, and to create an atmosphere antagonistic to that created by German lies and claims of victory; (3) to release the wheat from the Russian ports.
If the last mentioned was the prime cause of the attack on the straits, then the scheme was badly planned.
As has previously been observed, it was a mistake to attack without having an Expeditionary Force at hand to consolidate the gains that would be made.
Now, the Turks and the Germans who are assisting them have had a long period during which they have undoubtedly, if not too distracted by their home troubles, preparing to meet the offensive of the Allies.
The bombarding of the forts gave them the signal to put their home defences in order, and they may be expected to have prepared plans in anticipation of the Allies having to land forces. - Shrapnel
• In a judgment summons case at the Christchurch Magistrate's Court on Saturday (says the Lyttelton Times) Mr H. W. Bishop, S. M., had some remarks to make upon the cost of living.
A judgment debtor, under examination, stated that he received an average of 2 5s a week, and had a wife and four children to support.
The magistrate said he had no intention of making an order against the debtor.
In view of the present high cost of living creditors need not expect him to make orders as he used to do.
The debtor must be having a very hard struggle to keep his family on his means.
''But I've got a wife and two children, too,'' complained the creditor.
''The lesson, so far as you are concerned,'' rejoined Mr Bishop, ''is that you shouldn't give credit. This is a claim for rent, so you can't be so very badly off.''
''He promised he would pay off the money in instalments,'' persisted the creditor.
''He paid two instalments of a shilling a week and then knocked off.''
''I don't wonder at that,'' said the magistrate, and the case abruptly closed.
• The farmers in the Wanaka district are at present busily engaged in putting in their autumn crops (says the correspondent of the Lake County Press).
Owing to the high prices they have been receiving for grain this season the farmers will probably sow larger areas.
Some very fair yields have been recorded in the district, included in those reported being 80 bushels of barley and 102 bushels of oats to the acre.
The wheat crops generally turned out very well, and most grain has been sold at splendid prices.
As usual, the great drawback is the cartage question, and farmers have been experiencing considerable difficulty in getting their grain carted to Clyde. - ODT, 28.4.1915.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
