He states that the men have settled down to a steady routine, but, owing to the heat, very little drill is being done, and they are having by no means a bad time.
The correspondent, in referring to the Germans on the island, says:- ''They are behaving rather well. Many of them are jolly fine fellows, and we often fraternise. Of course, many of the Germans are sullen, but the majority are really fine fellows. One hot-headed individual was captured the other day with complete plans of the camps and tracks, and the numbers of the men in his possession, and, needless to say, he is now safely under lock and key. Papers giving all information about guns, etc., and short cuts to the camps, were found on him, and I guess he will be severely dealt with. In Germany such an offence would be followed by a firing party and a 6ft hole.
''We are still under strict discipline, and all breaches are promptly punished. One fellow, who stole a tin of fruit from the stores, was deprived of his civil rights, dismissed from the army, and sentenced to 42 days in gaol.''
In regard to the Samoans the following remarks are made:- ''They are a funny crowd the Samoans, and I cannot say that I am in love with them. Physically and morally they are magnificent, but they lack the warm-hearted impulses of our own Maoris. It is almost impossible to get anything for nothing, and even fruit is at exorbitant prices. They have one fine trait, and that is cleanliness. Everyone bathes at least four times a day. I have yet to see a native wearing dirty clothes. The girls are well formed, and most of them are pretty. Meals are always preceded by prayers and song, and I believe this rule is observed in every house. As a matter of fact the average Samoan is deeply religious. All Samoa and his wife never fail to attend church.''
• With the advent of the fruit season in Central Otago, the districts thereabouts should attain a greater amount of animation.
Several orchardists have already procured motor lorries for transport purposes, and these vehicles should soon be seen playing part as a big factor in the development of these already well-known fruit districts.
Yesterday there arrived in Dunedin a motor lorry for Mr John Bennetts, of Teviot.
When this bulky lorry was steered along the main streets it attracted a good deal of notice.
The vehicle is 24ft long, and the chassis is built very high from the ground. The tyres are solid rubber, the engine is 40 h.p. (British rating), and the lorry is capable of carrying 4 tons of goods.
Two similar conveyances have arrived at Oamaru and are being despatched, also to Teviot, for Messrs A. Birch and F. Tamblyn.
In respect of these importations the purchasers consider themselves very fortunate in having been able to get them for the coming season.
• An interesting sidelight on the methods of some hotelkeepers and boardinghouse proprietors was demonstrated at the meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council.
The foreman of works stated that when inspecting one of the establishments he found some particularly dirty beds, and he had been informed by the proprietor that they were generally reserved for ''swaggers'' and racing men. - ODT. 20.10.1914.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
