Horror at German paint

The new cheese factory at Merton, near Waikouaiti.- Otago Witness, 27.1.1915. Copies of picture...
The new cheese factory at Merton, near Waikouaiti.- Otago Witness, 27.1.1915. Copies of picture available from ODT front office, lower Stuart st, or www.otagoimages.co.nz
Mr Scollay , speaking at the meeting of the Otago Harbour Board last evening, drew attention to the fact that one of the board's vessels at present in dock at Port Chalmers had been painted with German paint instead of the New Zealand article. (Cries of ''Oh.'')

Some time ago he had been assured that British paint had superseded that of German manufacture, and he wished to know if that decision had been revoked.

If so, by whose authority. There was absolutely no question as to the superiority of New Zealand paint over that which was imported from foreign countries, and the speaker could not understand why the change had been made.

The Chairman (Mr Moller) assured Mr Scollay that a full report would be obtained regarding the matter, which he stated, had been discussed already.

Had he known that German paint was being used he would have stopped the work on his own responsibility.

At the present time the board's executive officer was making inquiries into the matter.

A correspondent let the members of the Maori Hill Council know with much directness that ''the cattle on the road nuisance was getting a bit strong again, and that they did not improve his fences.''

''Be good enough to get the City Council on the job,'' he continued, ''if it is that body which has control of the roads.''

The writer, who was a resident of Leith Valley, concluded his communication by stating that the cattle came down from some of the settlers above him.

Cr Passmore and Cr McMillan also referred to the nuisance arising from wandering cattle, and stated that the footpaths were suffering severely.

The letter stated that in certain outlying portions of the borough ''half a dozen cattle were seen on the streets to every one person''.

After some further discussion it was decided to communicate with the local constable in regard to the matter.

''We are desperately short of male teachers,'' observed the secretary of the Hawke's Bay Education Board in conversation with a Napier Daily Telegraph reporter.

A large number of teachers had gone off to the war, and the board has the greatest difficulty in getting applications of any kind, let along the right class of person to fill the positions.

It has been extremely difficult for some years past to induce young men to take up this profession, and, as a consequence, with so many of our male population drifting to the field of battle, a very difficult problem is confronting the authorities.

In advertising for applicants for the many vacancies, the board has held out better inducements in the matter of conditions and salaries, and it is yet hoped that these will result in attracting the required number of qualified persons for the positions.

'' In reply to a further inquiry, the secretary stated that the board was also having difficulty in securing the services of suitable female teachers.

The fruitgrowers throughout the Teviot district are now busy picking their fruit and getting it to market (says the Benger Mail).

The bulk of the crop is being railed from Beaumont, but an odd load or two finds its way to Edievale, thus relieving to some extent the pressure at Beaumont.

Four or five motor lorries, each capable of carrying between three and four tons, and a number of horse-drawn vehicles, are engaged in the work of transport, and each day from six to eight fully loaded wagons leave the Beaumont station for the various markets.- ODT, 30.1.1915.

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