A LONG AND DANGEROUS TASK.

Taihape Daily Times, 29 April 1919, Page 7

A LONG AND DANGEROUS TASK.

Gooti progress is being made ia mine-sweeping, but it is long and dajngcrous task. Conflicting- est!

mates are given as to the date when, the North Sea can be declared clear and in some quarters it is anticipated; that the operation will be prolonged for five or six years. More optimistic prophets put the period at twelve months, says the "Weekly Scotsman.'* The life of a mine is considerable, and some of ours, laid down at the beginning of the war, were found to bestill active wren recently taken up. No attempt is made to salve mines. The instructions are to destroy them as soon a found. It is signifieanttha.t notwithstanding the ■-terms of the armostice, the Germans are giving no help to the clearance of the minefields. IRISH BRIGADE MYSTERY. What has become of the Irish brigade recruited in Germany by the traitor Roger Casement, to assist the Huns to fight England?. Nothing has ben heard of them since the armistice was signed (remarks the "Daily Mail."

When Casement called fox volunters at Limburg samp most of the Irish prisoners remained loyal, but 52 recruits- were found. The authorities in England are desirous of finding them. The German Goveernment could not keep their promise to send them to America, and presumably they are still being kept as guests of Germany.

Referring to the municipal elections, the Wellington "Post - ' says:—The prime requisites of men, or women) of vision and calibre —men or women who will pursue a utilisation policy rather than a political one, but certainly not a nai-row or parish pump policy. Courage to attack economic problems, in an enlightened manner, is necessary* Th e valour of ignorance will not do,. for it is even more mischievous than, the caution dictated by selfish interest. By the selection of fit men. rather than blind ticket-voting, the electors will best fill 15 seats at the Council table. Considerable amusement, was created, by a woman at Tottenham by the curious answers she gave to questions, by the magistrate. She was complaining of having been assaulted. The magistrate inquired whtere 'syie was assulted. He meant, what part of the body was hit. The woman answered: In my doorstep. (Laughter.) Magistrate: Oh. no. I mean where were you assaulted? —Woman: In my porchway. Magistrate: She was a. very foolish woman to hit the porchway or the doorstep. (Laughter.)—She hit me . Magistrate: Where? —On my premises. (Laughter.) —But on what part of your body?—On my nose.—Magistrate: Now w e arc getting at it.