Government can help Bermuda's book publishing industry.

But it would be impractical to have "a blanket policy'' of financial support for books about Bermuda, Sen. Swan told The Royal Gazette .

Her comments followed a call from Bermudian educator and publisher Mr. Dale Butler for Government support for the Island's small publishing industry.

"I do feel that there are some times when there are some publications that Government may feel they can afford to support,'' Sen. Swan said.

Government had commissioned some works, like Bermuda Recollections, and the Ministry of Community and Culture was considering producing a sequel to that book, which was based on interviews with senior citizens.

"But as far as supporting writers per se, I'm not aware right now of that sort of thing being done in the past,'' she said. "I'm not saying it cannot be done.'' Sen. Swan said she would like to see more books published about Bermuda's history, and she was aware that the small print runs involved in publishing for the Island's tiny market increased the cost of each volume.

But any requests would have to be considered on an individual basis, she said.

"I intend to look into the matter and see if there is anything at all that Government or my Ministry...can actually do,'' Sen. Swan said. But before making any promises, "I would have to do my research very carefully first.'' Mr. Butler, of the Bermuda Writers' Machine, said he had applied for Government assistance in the past and was "told there were so many other priorities,'' and "they didn't have funding.'' Research was among the highest cost areas, and one where Government should provide funding, he said.

Mr. Butler said he once received a small grant to help pay for photographs for a book, but said Government's cultural grants were geared more toward the performing arts. "You're more or less left on your own.'' When Mr. Wayne Furbert was Culture Minister, he was turned down on a request for funding to hire students to index the now-defunct Bermuda Recorder newspaper. "I went to the private sector and was able to get some funding for one student for five weeks,'' Mr. Butler said.

Mr. Butler said he would be lucky to break even on his last five books.

COLLISION BETWEEN TWO BOATS AVERTED POL Collision between two boats averted Police managed to avert a collision between two boats when they attached a line to a glass bottomed vessel reported drifting in Hamilton Harbour.

A ferry reported that the Bottom Peeper was drifting near White's Island yesterday afternoon.

The Police Marine Section launched their boat and got a line to the Bottom Peeper moments before it collided with a large trimaran, moored near Harbour Road.

A Police spokesman said: "No damage was caused to either boat due to the prompt action of the ferry operator and the attending Police officers.'' Meanwhile as the Island endures high winds, the Police say many boats are in imminent danger of sinking due to the heavy rain and high winds.

Others have canopies, sails and equipment which have been ripped apart and needs securing.

"The Marine Police point out that some boat owners have evidently not checked their boats,'' added the Police spokesman.

"While it is not recommended rowing out to boats on moorings in a small punt in these high winds, boat owners are advised to make frequent checks from the shore while these condition persist.

"Where emergency bailing or repairs are necessary, arrangements should be made to reach the boat in a seaworthy vessel.''