Why Can't I Change Object Properties in OnNetworkInstantiate()?

Unity Engine
1

I have a multiplayer test project that works with multiple players controlling their own objects that were created with Network.Instantiate(…).

QUESTION 1: Referring to the code below from my player script, why can’t I change the color of the player in OnNetworkInstantiate() but I can in MouseDown()? (Note: The network objects start off yellow.)

QUESTION 2: What do I, OR DON’T I, have access to in OnNetworkInstantiate()?

Thanks for any help.
– Paul

	void OnNetworkInstantiate(NetworkMessageInfo info) {
		// THIS DOES NOTHING!
		renderer.material.color = Color.magenta;
	}

	void OnMouseDown() {
		if (!networkView.isMine) return;

		renderer.material.color = Color.white; 
	}
2

Paul, do you instantiate your objects on the client (player) side? You should do it on the server and use OnNetworkInstantiate on the server script. I know, Unity3D documentation makes you think that you can do it on the client but I read somewhere that it works only on the server.
Good luck with your project,
Michel