100 YEARS AGO
FROM OUR ARCHIVES
Allied successes
THE capture by the Allies of the initiative on the western front has been no mere passing incident of the war. Since the delivery of Marshall Foch’s dramatic counterstroke between the Aisne and the Marne they have delivered a series of important blows, each one of which has been effective. They have now forced battle upon the enemy on a wide front, and there hold him upon a strict defensive. Their attacks have slowed down in one quarter, only to be renewed with vigour in another. The latest cablegrams contain further
particulars concerning the attack launched by General Mangin on Monday last between the Oise and the Aisne. They show this to be an important and highly successful operation. It has already yielded 10,000 prisoners and it promises the early recapture of Noyon. While it is still being vigorously pressed, another attack, this time by British forces directed by General Byng, has begun on a ninemile front between Arras and the Ancre.
Scrubbing schools
The scrubbing of schools was discussed at yesterday’s meeting of the Otago Education Board, the subject being introduced by the Hon. D. T. Fleming, who said that from remarks made by Dr Bryson it seemed to be necessary for boards to undertake at their own expense the thorough scrubbing and cleaning of schools at least once a year. He thought it would be a good idea to have two or more men going round the
district constantly doing this work. Disinfectants were scarce, but a good deal could be done with soap, soda, and elbow grease. None of the boards, so far as he knew, had taken up this duty as board work.
Returning teachers
Mr J. H. Wilkinson moved and Mr R. H. Todd seconded ‘‘That teachers who have returned from active services, and are restored to health and able to resume their duties, be advised that they are expected to return to the positions they filled before enlisting, or resign their appointments.’’ The mover said that a resolution of this sort was necessary. The board has extended all possible consideration to the men who had gone on active services, but an almost impossible position has been created by a few of the teachers. For a time after they came back they had to live in or near the city so as to attend the hospital. After a time they were able to take temporary work, but some after
becoming quite fit, showed a disinclination to resume permanent positions. As a result the number of temporary appointments was much increased, and the board did not like this. There was no desire to treat the men harshly in any way. The motion was agreed to.
Limiting cigarettes
Referring today to smoking among soldiers, Sir James Allen said that as regards the troops at the front his advisers stated that under a heavy physical and mental strain, the smoking of a cigarette or pipe was a great relaxation and comfort, but the question has been raised of the danger of issuing an unlimited number of cigarettes to men in hospital and those returning as patients. Sir James Allen remarked that he was afraid this was undoubtedly true, and it had been suggested that patients with lung or cardiac troubles should receive only a limited number. — ODT, 23.8.1918