THE SINKING OF THE ANGLIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 November 1915, Page 4

THE SINKING OF THE ANGLIA.

The menace of floating mines in the English Channel has again been terribly exemplified by the tragic loss of the hospital ship Auglia, and by a similar fate attending one of the ships while proceeding to the rescue. So far, no information has been furnished as to whether these mines were part of the defence of this important w.aterway, or whether they were part of the German submarines' nefarious work, but the latter is more probable than the former. The story of this disaster cannot be read without evoking the-most profound sorrow for the victims. It is one of those tragedies that appeal forcibly to the softer side of human nature for the reason that a number of on board were more or less severely injured, another reason being that therq were also present some of those brave women who are devoting their lives to nursing the wounded. The awful scene is graphically described in to-day's- cables by Signaller Hunter, and it is difficult to determine whether its tragedy or pathos has the greater hold on the reader. At mid-day, while the afflicted passengers were conversing on deck and partaking of light refreshments Uiey were suddenly startled by the sound of the ship's plates breaking up, followed by the dull noise of an explosion. The engine of destruction had done its deadly work, the Anglia only lasting above water half an hour, during which every effort was made in a vain attempt to reach the shore. A heavy list started at once and grew steeper and steeper, so that many of those aboard slipped into the icy and rough waves. The ordeal was one that people in robust health and possessed of nerves of steel might well have quailed at and caused a panic, but .the true British spirit was splendidly evidenced, both wounded and hale calmly awaiting ..the end with a courage that well fits in with the stirring time through which we are now passing. The work of rescue was spedily taken in hand, no efforts being spared by the rescuers, the wounded being devotedly assisted by all who could render aid. That one of the rescuing ships should have shared the fate of the Anglia adds to the poignancy of the tragedy, tho more so as had her services been available it is probable that the number of the saved would have been larger—would that it were! Such an awful scene had but qne redeeming point—the exhibition of courage and of humanitarianism, the slightly wounded giving place to the more seriously injured. The exact number of those who perished has not, up to the time of writing, come to hand, but profound grief will be felt for the loss of each life, and heartfelt sympathy for their relatives, while we cannot but rejoice that such a large proportion were saved. The ordinary dangers of the sea are always regarded with stolidity, but the menace of floating mines is, if anything, worse than that of the submarine. We may well be thankful .that the disaster occurred at mid-day instead of in the dark hours of the night, but even as it was the tragedy fills us with horror, and engenders a heartfelt desire for a speedy . tcrioisAtiea of the w&t,

WHY SHOULD WE TAKE THE RISK? 'Professor von Zedlitz may well ask to bo saved from his friends on the Victoria College Council. They have done everything possible to retain him in his position ; then the Government brought down special legislation to prevent an unnaturalised enemy subject continuing to act as teacher in any school or college. Xoff they have had printed what the telegrams describe as "a Jong document" outlining the Council's side of the case, and propose resigning and ofl'oring themselves for re-election What good this will do we cannot see. Von Zedlitz is admittedly a very good professor, a very good citizen, and has done nothing but what is expected from a loyal British subject, but still lie is an unmituralised enemy subject. He had ample] opportunity of taking out his naturalisation papers, but he never did. For his present position, then, he lias but himself to blame. The Dominion has decided, and very wisely, not to allow any enemy subject to remain in a public position, and from'tliis 110 exemption can be made. 110 matter how deserving a rase may be. The country might have gone further and decreed that the services of even, naturalised enemy subjects should be dispensed with. Recent happenings have shown that a. German can become naturalised without losing his civil status in his own country, and that he is a German first, a German second, a German' third, and a British citizen a very bad last. There was a time when he was regarded as a law-abiding, industrious citizen, but recent events have shown that many a German who has come out during the past decade or two has been wearing a mask and playing a part, an emissary or a spy, doing the work of his unscrupulous Imperial Government. He cannot be trusted. Indeed, it is foolish to trust him. Better to be sure than sorry, and have him interned. There are many Germans roaming about New Zealand to-day who should be on Somes Island. Ignorant Germans, for some public indiscretion, have been apprehended and interned; high-placed enemy subjects, too slim to show their hand, have their full liberty. Injustice may be done in some coses, tout the State is not justified in taking risks with any German in the country. What is Germany doing with Britishers unfortunate enough to be there at the outbreak of war? Is she taking any risks? Then, why should we?