Getting it Right — and ‘Black Watch Beetles’ are a case in point.

Kapiti writer Jim Webber says it’s a steep learning curve for young reporters, getting the facts straight enough to publish.

He reports he got his beetles mixed up when he worked for the “Stratford-upon-Avon Herald” in the 1950’s.

Jim cited the ‘Black Watch’ beetle as responsible for attacking timber in the historic Guildhall. It was of course, the Deathwatch beetle.

The Commanding Officer of the famous Scots Black Watch Regiment in Perth heard about it and, puzzled, sent a money order for several guineas to Stratford’s Mayor, Alderman Dudley Woodman, to help the Guildhall maintenance.

Jim heard from Mayor Woodman, whose admonition was softened by the donation from the famous Scots regiment.

A correction was published.