IN THE COMMONWEALTH.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 617, 1 February 1916, Page 7

IN THE COMMONWEALTH.

IHE SECOND WAR LOAN. SUBSCRIPTIONS CLOSING. (Received February 1, 9.25 a.m.) SYDNEY, February 1. Subscriptions to the second war loan close to-day. GERMANY'S THREAT. MR GARDINER HIGHLY,AMUSED. (Received February 1, 9.10 a.m.) SYDNEY, February 1. Senator A. Gardiner, vice-presi-dent of the Executive Council, says lie is highly amused at Germany's threats to punish Australia for debarring German shareholders. "There is," he says, "some satisfaction in knowing that the action is not relished by our arch-enemy. If any condign punishment is to be meted out it will be done at the hands of Britain, and not of Germany." TROOPS AND FINANCE. THE POSITION TO-DAY. MELBOURNE, January 31. Speaking at the Australian Natives' Association luncheon, Senator Pearce referred to Australia's part in the war. lie said at last year's anniversary that Australia had sent 30,000 men to the front. The number was now 131,000. in addition to 50,000 men waiting in the training cam jis. Twelve months ago Australia was dependent on Britain for the financing of her war operations; now she was primarily financing her own part herself. THE BALKAN CAMPAIGN. FRENCH AIR RAIDS. DETAILS OF THE DAMAGE. SALONICA, January 31. The French air raid on Pazarli (north-west of Lake Doiran) destroyed 500 tents. The military casualties caused by the air raid on Monastir were 500 killed and wounded. THE LATEST OCCUPATION. WHY IT WAS NECESSARY. SALONICA. January'3l. The occupation of Karaburnu was necessary owing to a German submarine torpedoing a British transport, carrying mules, a few days ago while in Greek waters. The vessel was beached, and most of [he mules were saved. |A previous message, stated thai Allied marines had occupied a Greek port on the peninsula of Karaburnu. The Greek com ntaiider withdrew alter lodging a protest.] IN THE BLACK SEA. A MISSING SUBMARINE. ATHENS, January 31. It is reported that since the last bombardment of Varna, one of the two German submarines using the port as a base has not returned. It is supposed thai she was sunk.