A correspondent writes strongly supporting our claim for further precautionary measures against further accidents on the Shannon at Athlone. He suggests to this end all boats for hire should be licensed by either the Police or the Urban Authority.

In this way a control would be exercised which is absent now. He further recommends that both rowing boats and sailing boats being let out for hire should carry a four inch permanent keel running along the greater length of the boat. This he considers a very desirable precaution.

Needless to say it does not apply to racing craft of any description which is invariably handled by sailors, amateur and professional, of proved ability. These recommendations look practical enough . they may not be the best , but every suggestion that would lessen these pitiable accidents is deserves to be fully considered. It is hoped the Urban Council at their meeting next Wednesday will give the matter their serious attention.

Up to the time of writing neither of the bodies of the young officers drowned have been recovered, and for the present further search has been abandoned. As stated the greatest sympathy prevails and continues in the especially sad circumstances for the bereaved relatives of this young gentlemen.

Lieutenant A.G.Simmonds of the Royal Field Artillery, Athlone and of The Hill, Congresbury, Somerset, who was one of the victims, before obtaining his commission had been at the front with an ambulance unit in Ypres sector, for upwards of a year and a half and had done excellent work for the British Army and afterwards with a French Convoy.

Having passed through many and great dangers in Flanders, it seems particularly pathetic that he should so soon have lost his life after coming to Ireland. His only and elder brother was with the Canadians and fell in Flanders last September where he was buried. This is a great sacrifice in one family and must accentuate the sorrow which the drowning occasioned.

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2nd Lieutenant Livsey also served in France during the early stages of WW1, William was attached to the 4th Cavalry Brigade with the British Expeditionary Force as a Private.