NOTES AND COMMENTS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2433, 6 January 1931, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS

.SAFETY FIRST. The necessity for some provision to safeguard bathers in the Waikato, near the junction of the river with the Karapiro Creek, was forcibly shown by the recent report of two local residents getting into difficulties while bathing at this spot. They were extricated only through the prompt and plucky action of a local business-woman, who was a strong swimmer. The river at its junction with the creek, is as popular as ever with bathers this summer. During the hot weather of the past week or two there have been large attendances of swimmers of varying ability, and many who have not yet learned the art. The incident quoted is by no means the first that has occurred at this spot, and in view of its increasing popularity it is essential that some provision for the safety of swimmers should be made. The river, at the point where it is joined by the creek, and a limited area adjacent to the sandbank, are comparatively safe, even for learners, but, with no barriers, bathers are. wont to venture out into .the river beyond the safety limit. With its swift flow and dangerous eddies and currents, the river, even at this comparatively calmer area, tests the ability of proficient swimmers, and, as we have emphasised on previous occasions, learners •tire risking their lives when they venture beyond the areas mentioned. The continued popularity of this swimming resort, together with the several narrow escapes from tragedies, should convince the authorities that some provision should be made to prevent a repetition of such an incident, which is likely to occur at any time. It is apparent that the people will continue to make use of this portion of the river, for the riverbank, and the area surrounding the wharf, provides delightful picnicking spots. So long as they do so it is only natural that the cool waters will encourage swimming. A row of marked poles driven into the bed of the river, showing the depth, might be provided and would serve as a- warning, especially to learners. If this suggestion is not regarded as practicable then, at least, a large warning notice-board should be erected. Most of all a life-buoy attached to a strong rope should be made available. We realise that the river and the bank approaches arc under the control of the Marine Department, but the residents are the concern of the Borough Council, and it would be fully• justified in the expense of providing some safety equipment. Learners should be warned by the happening on Sunday week last and make use of tlic public bath until they have become proficient in the water. They should remember that in overlooking safety first principles, they are not only "endangering their own lives, but also those of the plucky persons who are ever ready to go to the aid of a bather in difficulties.

GREAT SOLDIER PASSES. Joseph Jacques Ccsarc Joffre, Marshal of France, has fought hisJast fight and lost. He passed to his rest in Paris on Saturday morning, mourned, by his country and the Allies whose armies helped his to stem the tide of the. German advance in the early days of the war. Joffre's masterly handling of the Manic retreat, for which the world will remember him, saved France, and perhaps the world. Whatever view history may take of his methods as a commander, no one can deny him that. Nearly sixteen years have passed since Joffre' and his army of 2,000,000 made their memorable stand, and peace no less than war has taken toll of the men who fought. Of our own great war leaders, Kitchener, French and Haig have gone. For the past ften years, Marshal Joffre has lived in retirement. Though his life was stormy—his fighting career began with the Franco-Prus-sian war, sixty years ago—his end was peaceful. He lapsed into unconsciousness and, four hours later, his spirit passed from his war-worn body.

PRINCESS EOYAL DEAD. Going out into the great beyond as most of us would prefer when our allotted timp comes, the Princess Royal, the Duchess of Fife, the King's eldest sister, died suddenly from heart failure in her sleep on Sunday afternoon. An invalid for some time Princess Louise Victoria Alexandra Dagmar, Dowager Duchess of Fife, Princess Eoyal of Great Britain and Ireland, was Gi years cf age, and was declared Princess Royal in 190 a. She was married in 1889 to the Duke of Fife, who died in 1912. The Princess Royal was the third child and eldest daughter of the late King Edward. She. was., always of a very retiring nature, and even after her marriage with the Duke, which did not find favour for a long time with Queen Victoria, she lived a very, quiet life. The Princess had two children—Lady Alexandra Victoria Alberta Edwina L«€ise and the younger daughter, Lady Maud Alexandra Victoria Georgina Bertha. It is expected that the late Princes will bo buried at Frogmore, where, other members of the Royal Family wcro buried.