Two incidents which had been brought under his notice appeared to indicate that a closer watch was necessary.
In one case a German in one of our cities had been referred to by his partner as practically wasting away to a shadow because he was afraid that the Germans were going to be beaten.
He (Mr Russell) doubted whether that was the kind of man who should be allowed to be at large.
In the second case, which had occurred in another city, a German had asked another resident whether there were any means of communicating with Germany.
The latter replied that a letter could be posted to Switzerland, and it would be sent direct to Germany without any trouble.
On the man who made the inquiry expressing surprise at the answer, the man who made the statement attempted to throw doubt upon it, apparently thinking he had gone a little too far.
If people of this class were at large, especially in our leading ports, it was time closer attention was given to the matter of whether the number of people on Somes Island should not be increased.
The Prime Minister said a very watchful eye was being kept upon the enemy subjects resident in this country.
A commission had recently been appointed to deal with the question.
Wherever there were any suspicious circumstances in connection with any of these enemy subjects the attention of the Aliens Board was directed to it.
• Recent reports from America indicate that there is a great congestion of cargo at all Pacific Coast ports of the United States, and particularly at San Francisco.
The chief reason is said to be the passing of the new shipping law, which requires that 75 per cent of the crews of steamers of American-registry shall speak and understand the English language.
As most of the American steamship companies engaged in the trans-Pacific trade carry Chinese or other coloured crews, they claim to be very materially affected by the new law.
• A plea for the reduction of the physical standard for recruits in certain cases was made in the House of Representatives yesterday, when Mr Myers gave notice to ask the Minister of Defence whether in view of the many eligible men who had been refused for active service solely on account of being slightly below the military standard of height he would give instructions that where recruits were in every other way satisfactory a reasonable latitude should be allowed in the matter of height.
• A number of complaints have been received by the clerk of the Magistrate's Court in Wellington of late in respect to men molesting their wives, from whom they are separated (states the New Zealand Times).
Action has not been taken, but there is a special provision in the Act for magistrates to deal with such cases, and in future where the offence is proved strong measures are to be adopted.
• Considerable progress is being made with the clearing for the Tuatapere-Clifden railway at the Tuatapere end (states the Tuatapere Guardian). Where not long ago was dense forest is now all open.
A number of tents are to be seen along the route, quite a canvas town having sprung into being.
About 50 men are now employed on the line, and the number is increasing daily. - ODT, 23.7.1915.
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