NOTES OF THE DAY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2418, 25 March 1915, Page 4

NOTES OF THE DAY

The escape of two young Germans interned on Somes Island will doubtless be the subject of inquiry. From the details available at the moment it does not appear that the guard on the island can reasonably bo blamed for the occurrence. Judging from incidents reported in the past a sharp look-out is kept on floats approaching and fishing parties, and yachtsmen have been peremptorily warned off._ On such a day as yesterday, with a biting southerly blowing up the harbour, no one would imagine that men would willingly undertake a swim of over a mile and a half in icy water. The swimmers stale that their object was ■ merely' to make a demonstration, not to escape. They wish to protest against interned enemy subjects being employed on road-making, a work they regard as more fitted for convicts. Doubtless their swim will procure them some Information as to their liabilities. Whether that information will be worth the pains they have been at to- obtain it will be a matter for them to reflect on at their leisure. Most people, we imagine, would have considered road-making yesterday a. preferable form of exercise to swimming from Somes Island to Petone. But all tastes are not alike.

A captious critic in the Auckland Star has been busy picking holes in the weather forecasts. He complains that Mr. Bates would have had the populace of Auckland armed with umbrellas throughout the whole of February, whereas the only rainfall consisted of slight showers on three days. Tho critic is particularly annoyed about the. Weather Office's promise of a fine and bright St. Patrick's Day, a day on which rain fell steadily 'in the north. He also declares that the announcement on the eve of Auckland's Anniversary Day that the public might "expect warm and humid conditions, with increasing haze and cloudiness," was not exactly calculated to prepare holiday-makers for a downpour of over two inches. It is significant that the article winds up with a reference to tho desirability of securing loc-ally-made forecasts, and a reference to the fact that Mr. Clement Wragge is in Auckland. Possibly f, 'little healthy competition in the weather business might be as healthy as in other walks of life in producing more satisfactory results.

The death of Me. John Bollard, who for many years occupied a scat in the House of Representatives as member for Eden, will occasion very widespread regret,' particularly in political circles. By his death the Dominion loses a citizen of high personal character, a colonist of the best typo, and one whn has done good service to the community in many capacities. Mil. Bollard was a Conservative in the best sense of the word. He was not in any way opposed to progress, but knew that movement did not necessarily mean advancement, and he strongly objected to starting out on unknown roads without a compass to guide him. In matters of legislation and social reform he wanted to have

a clear idea of where he was going bofore he _ made a start. His wide and varied practical experience was placed unreservedly at the service of tho State, and he was not afraid to be in a minority when he was_ satisfied that lie had right on his side. Though generally regarded as one of the "silent" members of a Legislature over-given to talk, he said what ho thought, and said it plainly and bluntly without verbal flourishes or affectation of eloquence. Mr. Bollard represented a e!ass_of colonist which is unfortunately disappearing only 100 rapidly- shrewd, sclf-re-HaiiL, practical, and thriily, lu mi-

vatc life be was tolerant, generous, and kindly, and was always willing to do a good turn to anyono in need.