Should have settled
The arbitrators — Messrs G.O. Godfrey (under-secretary for Marine), C.R. Smith (Drainage Board), and J. Blair Mason (Harbour Board) — appointed to allot, as between the two boards, the proportion of the cost of putting in sewers in the reclaimed ground at the rear of the railway station, have arrived at their decision. It is understood that the Harbour Board will be called on to pay a sum in the vicinity of £29,000 to the Drainage Board for this work. It is an interesting circumstance that the Drainage Board, prior to the hearing of the dispute, offered to accept £16,000 for the work, and it repeated its offer during the hearing, although it was the opinion that the Harbour Board should pay considerably more. On each occasion the offer was rejected.
American flavour to car imports
On Dunedin wharf there are at present stored no fewer than 107 new cars which have been landed from overseas steamers during the past few days, and of this number it is rather significant that five only are of British manufacture. The remaining 102 cases bear the names of one or other of eight well-known American manufacturers.
Long-time librarian retiring
The Dunedin Athenaeum’s retiring librarian (Mr H. F. Bastings) held the position for 25 years, a longer period than any of his predecessors. Subscribers will regret his retirement, as he has proved himself a wise and capable official.
Surface knowledge exposed
Most lawyers have a reputation for wisdom, but their knowledge of housekeeping is sometimes vague, as was shown at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning. During an examination by counsel, defendant stated that she had not washed the floors of her flat. “When do you wash them?” inquired counsel. This elicited the response that the floors were merely wiped, not scrubbed. “Ah,” said the solicitor, suavely, “ do you never scrub them?’’ “Not when they’re covered with polished linoleum,” retorted defendant. The reply was the signal for broad smiles among the married section. — ODT, 16.4.1926
