Dedicated readers will remember that the City of Sydney councillor Phillip Black was appointed Keeper of the Column's Munitions, for his sterling work in tracking down missing municipal artillery pieces back in 2006. Well, Black is back: "I thought it might be time Column 8 had some speculation and conspiracy theories to revisit, as the 30th anniversary of the Hilton bombing approaches (February 13, 1978) and it is still unresolved," he writes. "The memorial plaque to mark this act of terrorism in Sydney has been hidden in the emergency exit of the Hilton since the hotel reopened, and is now missing. However, conspiracy theorists will be glad to hear that a new plaque is to be placed in George Street, and rededicated for the 30th anniversary."

In the end, Column 8 always finds an expert. "The Australian National Maritime Museum has tabs on that sailing ship Helen B. Sterling that Helen Robertson was asking about in the Column 8, of February 1," writes Bill Richards, of that august institution. "The six-masted schooner was built in Portland, Oregon, and launched in 1920 to serve north-west US's lumber trade. Originally named Oregon Fir, it was bought by Captain E.R. Sterling in 1927 and renamed Helen B. Sterling, presumably after a member of his family. The schooner made only one voyage to Australia under his ownership before he sold it on to the Pacific Export Lumber Co in 1928. The Helen B. Sterling made two more voyages to Australia before it was seized for debt in Sydney. Captain Henry Oosterhuis stayed with his ship for almost two years, finally returning to the US almost destitute." More on this tomorrow ...

Speaking of matters nautical-but-nice, Michael Throssell, of Narrabeen, wishes to throw a lifeline to John Stubbs (Column 8, Tuesday). "John has it partly right: It was not 'Red' Moran but the advertising guru David Ogilvy, who helped the Canadian government sell Pacific salmon, caught and canned in Puget Sound (not Russia), by adding 'Guaranteed not to turn pink in the can' to the label. The story is in his 1960s bestseller, Confessions Of An Advertising Man." …

Owen Hilton, from Balgowlah, believes that there is "a public service that you can perform", and as ever, we are happy so to do. Take it away, Owen: "A distressing number of your colleagues seem to think that 'there's' is an acceptable alternative to 'there are', Ian Verrender being one (see his story on the front page of Tuesday's BusinessDay). I think it is your duty to poke fun at them until they mend their ways." We would never poke fun at Mr Verrender, but nonetheless, you raise a valid point. Apostrophes are hard yards in this caper. For instance, had Verrender used "There're", it would be a tad clunky. Then again, sometimes a contraction is called for. We will refer the matter to a higher authority, though what that may be we know not. But we fear there'll be hell to pay.

Column8@smh.com.au  (no attachments please).Phone 9282 2207 fax 9282 2772. (include name, suburb, daytime phone)