When the motor cycle came into favour five or six years ago the department was inclined to believe that at length the ideal vehicle, for rural deliveries at least, had been discovered, and numerous cycles of all makes were purchased by the department and used in many places, chiefly in connection with rural deliveries.
The effect of those experiments may be gathered from the fact that the department has dropped the use of motor cycles all over the country, and at present is only using two or three in connection with rural deliveries. Practical experience over all sorts and conditions of roads has proved that the motor cycle will not stand up to the work.
The expenditure involved on account of breaks-down and accident was very considerable, and the running cost was high. In addition to the defects of the machine, it was found that the daily riding over 50 or 60 miles of country roads has been prejudiced to the health of the men employed.
After a few months the constant jar of the motor-driven machine was inclined to affect the nerves of drivers. Even in the environs of Christchurch, where there are good roads on the flat, the motor cycle has not ''made good'', and there has been a reversion to the faithful old ''push bike'', with each motor cycle round divided into two.
Jaw patients en route
Some little time ago it was decided to establish a jaw hospital in Dunedin to accommodate a number of men from Sidecup, England.
Forty-three patients suffering from facial disabilities are now on their way out to the dominion, and are expected to reach here in about three weeks' time.
The original arrangement respecting the establishment of a jaw hospital in Dunedin was made between the Defence Department and the Otago Hospital Board, but the local Red Cross organisation took up the matter and promised that a suitable place would be found.
We understand that the residence in Clyde street, formerly occupied by Mr Justice Chapman, but now owned and occupied by Mr R. Brinsley has been leased for a term of three years for this purpose. The house will accommodate 36 of the patients, and room will be found for the remaining seven at the Red Cross Home at Montecillo.
Summons dismissed
In a judgement summons case heard in Christchurch, before Mr S. E. M'Carthy, S.M., the defendant stated that he was a tramway employee, whose average earnings was about 4 a week (reports the Lyttleton Times).
He added that he had eight children, the eldest being 13 years of age. The magistrate, in dismissing the summons said at the present time 4 a week was equal to 2 10s before the war, and under the circumstances he could not see how the defendant could pay anything off the debt.
- ODT, 27.3.1919.
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