SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 4 June 1917, Page 5

SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN.

LOSS OF THE ROTORUA. SUNK OUTSIDE PLYMOUTH. VALUABLE CARGO DESTROYED. LONDON .March 27. On her last voyage from New Zealand, the New Zealand Shipping Company's steamer Rotorua not Had on board a cargo of inestimable value to the United Kingdom in these days, but she was one of the last ships carrying women and children from the Dominion. Captain Sutcliffe's charge was altogether a most anxious one. the last section of the voyage was beset with submarines, and a sugar ship following closely was torpedoed. The Rotorua herself had to make an unusual detour, and it was with a sigh of relief that she dropped her' anchor in Plymouth Sound, where, at any rate, the human part of her responsibilities came to an end.

Having landed all passengers, luggage, and mails, the Rotorua put to sea again to proceed to her normal peace-time port of discharge, London. She had scarcely got well out into the Channel again when the enemy periscope appeared, and she was struck by a torpedo, which sank her and her cargo in about thirteeen minutes. The precautions taken against loss of life in the event of being torpedoed were most efficient. Captain Sutcliffe held frequent practices until everyone was able to get into their emergency stations within very few minutes.

SEVEN SWEDISH VESSELS SUNK Received 9.40 a.m. AMSTERDAM, June 3. A Berlin message states: Six Swedish vessels, the Pauline, Cyrez, Erik, Thcrese, Koell, and Olga sunk in the Gulf of Bothnia. Over 0!) per cent, of the cargoes were contraband. A_USTRIAN SUBMARINE TORPEDOED. BY FRENCH SUBMARINE. Received 9.40 a.m. -•*"-■• 'ROME, Jiimf-'3'. { A Fiiench submarine .torpedoed and sunk an Austrian submarine leaving Cattaro. ' GERMANY'S WAR AIMS. AN OFFICIAL NOTE. Received 9 a.m. LONDON, June 3. Tbe North German Gazette has published an official note, declaring that Germany is not seeking territorial aggrandisement, nor an increase of economic or political power. She only wishes to defend her own territory ■>.(.; secure guarantees on >:ier future.

STOCKHOLM CONFERENCE DIVERGENT OPINIONS. LONDON, June 1. Mr. Rppleton (secretary of the General Federation of Trades Unions) says the leaders solidly oppose the Stockholm Conference, which they believe would only tend to embitter fchp international situation. German Socialists, even with the best will in the world, cannot give effect to the views of the conference, which is a gross blunder, and can only result in quarrels. PARIS, June 1. Socialists are of opinion that not to participate in the Stockholm conference would throw Russia into Germany's arms, while participation would keep Russia on the offensive. The conference, they believe, will be a victory for those desiring a democratic and not a German peace, also that peace will be assured by revolution in Germany. BRITISH DELEGATES WILL NOT ATTEND. GERMAN SOCIALISTS MERE PUPPETS Received 9.45 a.m. PARIS, June 3. Mr. H. M. Hyndman, in an interview with Ee Journal, says: "If we attend the Stockholm Conference we will deal a mortal blow to Socialism. It is im, possible to forget the German Socialists arc mene servants of their Government, Tlicy do not want the triumph of Socialism, but. the triumph of Germany. It is the Allies' decision to send delegates on the first, victory Germany wins B LONDON. June 3. The British Labour Executive authorises the statement that the British Labour group has not reversed its decision not to enter an international conference of the kind proposed by the Dutch and Scandinavian committee, but is willing to state their war alms to Allied and neutral Socialists at the conference at Stockholm, where the visit is a mere incident in the important mission to Rus> sian labourites. The Socialists' Executive keenly "resents the insinuation that its representatives at Stockholm are likely to do or say anything to compromise the British case.

NO PEACE WITHOUT VICTORY PABIS, June 2. There was an impressive session of the Chamber, M Ribot announcing the Government's attitude towards the Stockholm Conference. He said the Government refused to countenance the French Socialists' desire to meet the Germans and would not grant passports The Government would shortly publish the Franco-Russian Convention in order to silence the infamous campaign which, alleged that France precipitated the Avar. He added that peace could not possibly emerge from such a congress as that at Stockholm. It could only come with victory. Peace for France must be a French peace embodying the country's aspirations. The Chamber later voted a seeret session to hear the reports of the French Socialist, mission which had returned from Pctrograd. BRITISH POLITICS " BRITISH CABINET CHANGES. LONDON, June 3. Official: Lord Devonport lias resigned owing to ill-health. There are many rumours of Government changes. If Lord Cowdray resigns the chairmanship of the Air Board for business reasons it is believed Mr. Churchill will likely be his successor. It is reported that Lord Rhondda is resigning the presidency of the Local Government B'oard owing to ill-health. Sir George Cave (Home Secretary) is accepting the Mastership of the Rolls iand in addition may join the War Cabinet. The Daily Chronicle's Parliamentary correspondent says an extensive reshuffling of Ministers is expected, involving at least four most important portfolios. Mr. Albert lllingworth (at present Postmaster-General) is regard ed as a likely successor of Lord Devonport. Dr. Addison (Minister of Munitions) will probably go to the Home Office. Mr. Hewart Roberts will pi-obably get promotion.

"SAVE US FROM OUR FRIENDS." HUN PAMPHLETEERING. Received 9,10 a.m. BERNE, June 3. At Germany's' instigation Austria is distributing countless pamphlets and newspaper articled in Rouraania and Serbia, declaring- the Austro-Gcrmans are their real friends, adding that Russia used Serbia as a eatspaw for, her own purposes, avl drove Roumania into the war.