Convoy ships sunk

It will be observed with regret that the Germans have again succeeded, as they did in October last, in destroying a group of merchant vessels which were on the voyage between Great Britain and Norway and in sinking also a destroyer and four armed trawlers which, with a second destroyer, constituted the anti-submarine escort.

Of the merchantmen that were destroyed only one was a British vessel, the others flying neutral flags. The losses were due to the convoy being engaged by a superior force of enemy destroyers.

The possibility of an attack upon the convoy by surface vessels had not been disregarded, but the First Lord of the Admiralty admitted, in reporting the disagreeable incident in the House of Commons, that the force to which had been assigned the duty of securing the convoy against an attack of this nature did not arrive on the scene in time. It is most unfortunate that a loss of shipping, which cannot be spared at a time when, as the Prime Minister has indicated, the problem of tonnage is the gravest that confronts the Allied Powers, should be ascribable to what seems to have been a dereliction of duty on the part of members of the naval service.

Domestic Science School

Yesterday afternoon the Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, Minister of Finance, visited the proposed site of the new School of Domestic Science in Union Street. He also inspected the building which is at present used for the purposes of a school. Before leaving, the Minister was waited upon by a deputation from the University Council.

The present condition of the buildings was brought under the Minister's notice, and the numerous shortcomings of the school in view of the increasing number of students were laid before him. The Government has given 3000 for a new school, and a request was preferred for another sum of a like amount.

The council would then feel warranted in proceeding with the school, which would be in keeping with the style of the present buildings. The total cost would be 10,000, including equipment (8,500 for buildings, 1,500 for equipment).

Lake Logan nuisance

The much-vexed question, the alleged nuisance caused by the partial filling in of Lake Logan is still before the Otago Harbour Board. The Health Department has now advised the board from Wellington that in its opinion a nuisance exists at the lake - some months ago the Otago health officer of that period reported that in his opinion there was no nuisance - and it has asked the board what remedial measures it proposes. The board has replied that the whole question is under consideration by the Harbour Board, the City Council, and the Drainage Board.

Gig accident

When returning to Clyde from Cromwell Fete recently (says the Dunstan Times), two Public Works Department employees had a nasty accident and a narrow escape from losing their lives.

It appears that somewhere in the neighbourhood of Champagnes the men were thrown out of the trap, on to the road, fortunately, while horse and gig went over the retaining wall, down a steep bank and almost into the river. The gig was smashed to pieces while the horse was considerably knocked about.

- ODT, 19.12.1917.

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