Results for ‘Dear EDITOR’
[Welland Tribune, 9 April 1874]
To the Editors:-
I noticed that the TRIBUNE of March 12th said that the town hall would, “as it should,” be built in the village of Ridgeway. In the issue of March 19th you give your reasons for having the hall located in a town, which I agree are quite correct, as I have always been in favor of shooting two birds with one stone, as you remark. At the same time I am in favor of fair play. The question should be decided by the ratepayers and, whatever the decision, I would not say a word. As regards the centre of the township, if you will look on the map you will find Stevensville as near the centre as Ridgeway,-and, as you very properly suggested, it ought to be built in a town, why not give the township the privilege of voting it where they choose. The Ridgeway people had petitions going the rounds for months, but never circulated any in the vicinity of Stevensville, until the people of that place got wind of what was going on, when at a late hour some little counter action was taken. If the Council had taken Mr. Councillor John Hershey’s plan to give the ratepayers an equal chance, all would have been satisfactory to the public, though for my part, I am a great stickler for good roads, and under present circumstances would rather see the money laid out on a road from one thoroughfare to another.
Yours, &c.,
A ROADMAKER
Stevensville, March 23rd, 1874.
The writer of the above, if we recollect aright, at first wanted to have the town hall built in the exact geographical centre of the township, but we are pleased to see that, struck by the cogency of our reasons for building in a village, even if not exactly in the centre, he has somewhat changed his mind in this respect, and now confines his demands to having a vote taken between Ridgeway and Stevensville. We thought this matter had been settled-and by the ratepayers themselves. We have been informed, and we believe correctly, that a large majority of the ratepayers petitioned the council to build the hall, and to build it in Ridgeway. With a petition before them endorsed by a majority of the ratepayers it would have been sheer nonsense and a piece of extravagance for the council to have asked a vote, and they, having the money on hand, very properly resolved to comply with the prayer of the petition, and, after passing a resolution to that effect, proceeded further to instruct the reeve to procure estimates, &c. If the facts respecting a majority petition having been presented are as stated in the foregoing, and we believe they are, the plea of “A Roadmaster,” had been fully forestalled and falls without weight. If the ratepayers cannot agree between two or three sites for a town hall, there is no earthly chance of their ever agreeing upon the roads which the money should be spent in case it was determined to lay it out on roads. Money has been justly propounded by good authority to be the root of all evil, and we fancy the sooner the money-the bone of contention-in this case is spent, the matter will place reign within the building of Bertie. TRIBUNE
(For the Welland Tribune)
Ontario, California, Feb. 25, 1895
[Welland Tribune, 8 March 1895]
Mr. Editor-I saw in your issue of the 15th inst, that myself and my son, Wm. Hill, were going to return home at once to Canada, which was a mistake, as we do not, so far as we know at present, expect to return until about the last of April or the first of May, and perhaps not then.
We came here expecting to spend the winter in a fine, warm and healthy climate, but have been greatly mistaken. We arrived in the city of Los Angeles on the first day of December last-remained there the greater part of December and January, and I never put in two months of more disagreeable and unhealthy weather in Canada. Although not freezing, it was cold, damp and rainy the greater part of that time, and quite unfit for any person to go out of the house without the protection of gloves, overcoat, overshoes and an umbrella, and the streets were as muddy as I ever saw in the town of Welland; and no stranger has any business there without a full purse, for which he is likely to be held up on the street at any time and his little boodle taken from him, although we have had no such misfortune. We came to Ontario, California, the 9th inst., where we are now. It is a most delightful place. It rained for the first four days, but as soon as the weather cleared up the roads and streets were dry. The streets are well shaded with trees, beautiful hedges surround every plot of land for miles around, and at an elevation of over 1200 feet above sea level. Now, with respect to friend Ward, whom we have not seen for the last two weeks, I hear he is still on the upper shelf. He has now got the reputation of being one of the greatest Nimrods (self excepted) of any dead shot in Southern California. I assure you it was very amusing to me, while on our hunting expeditions, and passing over our hunting grounds to see him going along with his gun at his shoulder and a dead bead drawn on the game before he could see it, and through the swiftness of his intended victims they are clearly out of harm’s way before he sends his deadly lead after them, but not into them, as he intended to do.
It was quite true, as previously reported in his letter, he downed some game, but he failed to say it had been previously crippled by some other sportsman; it is also true he did bring to the ground a great bird which, upon investigation, proved to be a turkey buzzard. These great birds are protected by imposing a fine of $50 upon any person who kills one of them. The object in protecting them is that they devour great quantities of all kinds of animals that die on the plains and roadsides, of which we have seen hundreds. We saw great flocks of these large birds hovering over animals not yet dead, ready to devour them- and when some distance from Friend Ward I saw a great flock following after him, I suppose counting on a good square meal; I at once saw the danger he was in and hastened to assist him. He also saw his only chance of escape was to shoot the leader, which he did; it was a clear case of self defence to save his own life and he was acquitted. I am enjoying myself at present-not fishing in the Welland river, but by by hunting and bringing to grief all game that crosses my path, such as rabbits, badgers, gophers, coyotes, deer, squirrels, and grizzlies, but more squirrels than bears. We have been pleased by meeting our friend, Mr. George Hansler, who is great hustler in a hoss deal and other business. We have also met friend Alex. McGlashan, who is also a great hustler at taking it easy.
John Hill
Memories of The Old Cart
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 3 December 1921]
Editor Telegraph and Tribune
Welland, Ont
Dear Duff:
A few weeks ago I saw in your paper a short article about the old Telegraph cart that was lying at the back of your office and still in use, and you mentioned something about placing it in the museum or putting another pig’s ear on the wheels or something to that effect. It stirred up old memories of that cart and my days of devildom in the Telegraph office. I served my apprenticeship pushing that cart and it was over thirty years ago too. It was known all over the town by the noise it made going along the sidewalks Friday mornings at two, three, four and six o’clock. Many a citizen in those days with a bad conscience and insomnia were awakened by the Telegraph devil pushing the mail home after midnight in order to catch the six o’clock train in the morning. But there was one morning in particular of all the particular mornings I remember. That cart was just the width of the sidewalks, a half inch to spare on each side. I left the office at three o’clock a.m., going out the back way and across the bridge at Division street and around East Main street to Burgar street and down Burgar to Dorothy where we live on the corner. It was snowing to beat the band, but we never had a mishap. We never missed that six o’clock train either. I got to bed about four and sharp at a quarter to six mother called me, and I started out for the station in the dark and snow. I navigated alright until I got to Teskey’s corner where there was quite ditch. The train was whistling and I got excited. The snow was two feet deep and I was three feet high and that cart went off the sidewalk into the ditch. I said some naughty words, but finally went back to the house for my big brother George; he was three and a half feet high. We got the mail out of the snow and started for the depot with it on our backs, but Squire Hellems was late that morning too and he and “Prinny” came galloping along the road. We blocked the way and never was so near going to the coop as that morning. The “Squire”was pretty mad until he saw who it was, but by that time we had the Telegraph loaded on his sleigh and away we went. Conductor Boyle was a pretty good old scout and he waited for us. Give my regards to the old cart and when you bury it hang a wreath on for me.
Yours very truly,
C.H. Sawle
New Hamilton, B.C., Nov. 28.27.
TRIBUTE TO MISS JANET CARNOCHAN
To the editor Welland Tribune & Telegraph
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 8 April 1926]
Whilst her death is fresh in the minds of the people, too much tribune cannot be paid to the memory of Miss Janet Carnochan.
Thirty years ago, about 1896, she began a wonderful work-the gathering together and preservation of historical relics and data pertaining to the history of the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the surrounding country that she jealously guarded. Ever since then, without receiving any financial remuneration, she labored indefatigably in the interests of the Niagara Historical Society, her interest never lessening. The motto “semper fidelis” applied to her, for she was as earnest and faithful at the last as at the first.
I, with a friend who wished to meet Miss Carnochan, visited the museum of the Niagara Historical Society last autumn; and although on account of her great age not as active as formerly, she took as much interest as ever in showing us around and explaining things.
Her masterful mind, her great firmness and kindliness of character, and desire to be helpful and make everything clear endured her to everyone who had occasion to meet her. Although Scottish by descent, her parents being born in the land of Burns, she loved the traditions of the town she resided in so long and near which she was born, and as it were lived in the atmosphere of the early pioneers. No one knew more about them than she did, and her knowledge was as exact as it was possible for it to be. I, being a descendent of one of the early pioneers, Michael Gonder, an United Empire Loyalist, who came to Newark, now Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1789, and therefore taking an interest in that historic position of old Upper Canada, made a visit twenty-five years ago to the town, and its historical collection, which was at that time stored in a room of the town hall. It was then I first met Miss Carnochan. I valued her friendship very highly. Her friendship was not of the passing kind. She will be missed. There may be someone to take her place, it is true, but the fact will ever remain with many-that there was only one Miss Carnochan.
The vast collection of relics and the substantial museum building for preserving them in, she was the means of having erected on land donated by her and, by funds she personally secured, will be a lasting monument to her memory, but will give the people of the future but a slight idea of the wonderful character they commemorate. –M.G. Sherk, 1201 Broadview Ave. Toronto. April 6th, 1926
[Related TALE: JANET CARNOCHAN]
[Related TALE: THE PASSING ON OF A FINE AGED GENTLEWOMAN]
[Welland Tribune, 20 January 1903]
The Tribune:
Enquiring about the kindergarten agitation, appears to show it is not to organize one, as there has been one here for some time, but to foist the expense on the taxpayer to relieve the parents from paying for their children’s education. Now it would be well enough if the town could afford it, but the fact is that Welland is about taxed to death, a straight tax of 27 mills and going higher and higher each year, add to this street watering and water rates, which might be called an indirect tax, brings the tax up in some cases to about fifty mills, and some are now wishing to make this higher.
It is claimed some money could be saved by starting the Model school. Why not do so and give the taxpayers a breathing spell, but don’t save some money and then spend three or four times as much; that will not reduce the taxes. With our excellent public schools free even to furnishing paper, ink, etc., without charge, would it not seem the parents are well treated and might afford to take care of their children until of school age.
If the town furnishes room heated, use of piano, etc., the parents should pay the balance. It is stated the kindergarten would relieve the public school. How so? Would they take children from the public school and put them in the kindergarten? Would that not be moving backward?
An advertisement is now appearing stating that the balance of last year’s taxes are to be collected by law. Is this not the wrong time to increase the taxes? Welland town has many advantages but high taxes but high taxes are keeping it back; you cannot induce a laboring man to purchase property on account of high taxes.
A nice residence has just been sold on East Main street; the taxes on it will be about $100 per year. Our taxes are 50 higher than Toronto and cities are supposed to be taxed higher than towns.
Is it any wonder you cannot get moneyed men to invest in property. Our school taxes are very high and must be for many years until we get our new school house paid for.
If the trustees act accordingly to the wishes of the majority they will let those who want a kindergarten pay for it.
Be pleased to hear from others.
Welland Taxpayer
One is Right Between the Eyes, Others on Arms and Chest
His Sight is Affected But That is Thought to be Only Temporary
[Welland Telegraph, 14 November 1916]
In a letter received yesterday from C.J. Bradshaw, formerly of 12 Randolph Street, Welland, now of Leicester, England, Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Best were informed of the very serious injuries sustained by their son Frank in the engagement in which he was wounded.
Mr. Bradshaw says:
| I’m writing you tonight to let you know how Frank is getting along, for I have had the pleasure of visiting him in the Leicester hospital, which is within six miles of my home. I’m very pleased to tell you that Frank is progressing well and as far as they can see he will be walking around in another two weeks. All his wounds are flesh wounds but they are very painful at times. He got a bullet through the right arm just above the wrist and the flesh blown away above the elbow on the left arm, a cut on the chest and also one on the right arm and one on the nose right between the eyes, and the sight of the right eye is affected, in fact, he cannot see light from dark, but he thinks that he may regain his eye sight, for the eye is not damaged, and when he can get up he will go and see the eye specialist.
You will wonder why he cannot get up, but you must understand he could not get back to the trenches after being wounded and the exposure and loss of blood weakened him so that he is only just beginning to pick up, and his temperature went high at times.
The way I got to see Frank was through Dr. Colbeck. He found out some way that I was at Leicester and he wired me to go and see him and wire back Frank’s conditions, but unfortunately the wire came to my Leicester address on Saturday afternoon and I had left and gone to the country and did not get the message until late Sunday night.
Frank cannot do much writing himself yet, for his fingers are very stiff, but he is doing all he can to get them limbered up so in time you will see some of his own writing again.
One thing Frank asked for was a Welland paper, but unfortuately I could not supply him with one. Frank is quite cheerful and is making himself at home amongst the others, and says he is being looked after very well by all.
I will write you another letter next week and tell you how he is getting along.
Your truly,
C.J. Bradshaw
12 Randolph Street, Welland |
Welland County Man Who Went West in 1882 is Calling on Old Friends
[Welland Telegraph. 18 January 1916]
On Friday morning while the mercury was hovering around zero, a well built, well dressed and well preserved gentleman still looking young despite streaks of grey in his hair and his whiskers, called at the Telegraph office to pay his subscription.
“It is over fifty years since I began taking the Telegraph,” he explained, “ and while I was not a subscriber from the very first, I was on your list very soon after the paper started.”
The writer was John Wright, former resident of Welland-how many of you old Wellanders remember him? He lived for a time in Humberstone and went west in 1882-why that’s thirty-four years ago. Mr. Wright settled in Virden, Manitoba, which was then the jumping off place in the West. He prospered and for the last decade and a half has been living retired in what he calls the neatest, cleanest, prettiest town in the West.
Last year Mr. Wright lost his wife and thought he would relieve the monotony of the winter by visiting old scenes and seeing old faces in Welland county. He says he expects it to be his last visit to the East. Mr. Wright is 78 years of age but he doesn’t look it, not by a long chalk.
He has been reading The Telegraph for over half a century and is thereby almost a charter member. The Telegraph is now in its 53rd volume.
The Telegraph has a deep appreciation of these old friends.
[Welland Telegraph, 14 February 1908]
Mayor Crow is in receipt of the following letter from A. Hendershot of Dunnville:
Dear Sir-Re streets and park on the Hendershot Survey. On account of the legislation asked for in regard to this property being of such great importance, it is all importance that you and your council fully understand all about it before any action is taken. It is unjust, unfair and unusual to ask any public body to legislate on any matter of such vital interest to the town and public generally without hearing both sides of the question. At the last session of your honorable body you were asked to take action after hearing one side only. The party who appeared at the bar of the council in support of that side of the question has personal interests which are in opposition to the ratepayers of the town and the public generally.
I now ask what no legislation body in the Province would refuse to allow me and the public to present the other side of the question, and if notified will appear before the council and present our side of the question. The work on the sewer, or any other street work, cannot commence for some time yet. A week or ten days’ delay cannot interfere with any interest or prejudice the Council in any way. You will, therefore, please notify me of the next meeting of your Council.
Yours respectfully
A. Hendershot
[Welland Tribune, 29 December 1882]
Editor Tribune:
DEAR SIR: In reply to my former letter, Mr. J.H. Burgar’s “conception” of uprightness seems very much shocked when I acknowledged to have used the county medicine to put up a small mixture for each of two county councillors, and he can hardly find words sufficiently strong to express his seemingly astonished indignation when I use the county medicine for a man who has dropped down of syncope, and whose heart shows a feebleness of action that means death in a few moments unless restoratives are immediately applied. But before I am through we will examine the motives which prompted this paragon to act, and we will see whether it was a wish to protect the interest of the county, or a desire to gratify the green-eyed envy and bitterness of soul which have been nursed in the breast of both Mr. J.H. Burgar and his brother for the past twelve years.
When there is a “dirty object to be accomplished” we find Mr. J.H. Burgar’s “conception” of uprightness shown in its true light. Under such circumstances this would be manly man stands forth in all the “unblushing” perfection of a pharisaical hypocrite, and, in the council chamber, in the dignity of his official position as reeve of the town of Welland, he sniffs the air and declares he smells something putrescent. He, however, does not ask that the prison inspector be requested to investigate any irregularities he imagines may be connected with my duties as gaol surgeon, for he knew such an investigation would be open and manly; I would have been present to hear the evidence; there would have been no opportunity for him to have done otherwise than to face the investigation honorable and “squarely;” the evidence would have been taken under oath and the report would have been in accord with that evidence. Such an investigation would not have answered Mr. J.H. Burgar’s purposes, and he would not have accomplished the object he had in view; so he moves for the appointment of a committee, he himself forming one of said committee, and in his last week’s letter he acknowledges that the committee had not the power to properly investigate his charges, but he evidently thought that by scheming he could get them to accomplish what he had undertaken. In a measure he succeeds. The committee is appointed. They hold “hole and corner” investigation, I am excluded from the room. The evidence is taken and a report is written out, the first of which is so outrageously false that even some members of the committee refuse to sign it; then another report is written and after much persuasion all the committee sign it except one. This report is presented to the county council and finally passed, and I know nothing about the matter until all has been completed, and yet in the face of such contemptible duplicity and intrigue, Mr. J.H. Burgar prates about honesty in a “county official.” Respecting the other members of the committee, I do not think they desired to do me an injustice.
With references to the price of medicine, I have no defence to offer for either Mr. J.H. Burgar or Mr. Hobson in respect to any excessive charges either of them may have made to either a brother druggist or the county. In my former letter I merely referred to this part of the committee’s evidence, which places both of these gentlemen on a par so far as profit on medicine is concerned; but when Mr. Burgar tells the pubic it is a part of my duty to audit Mr. Hobson’s accounts, he tells them what he knows to be untrue. The county have auditors for this purpose, and as to certifying to drug accounts, I merely certify that the drugs ordered were supplied. Here my duty ends, and in no instance have I certified as to price, simply because it was not a part of my duty.
I will be short in my reply to the gentlemen who seem to think the public cannot believe them except when under oath. In regard to Dr. Burgar’s declaration, the only essential part in which he is correct is where he swears he made application for the appointment to the position of gaol surgeon. The other part of the declaration is not true, for at the time to which he refers I neither applied for an increase of salary now did I put a document to that effect into “the hands of a member of the then council.”
With reference to Dr. Glasgow, I might be willing to acknowledge that he may understand the Indian language, but he certainly seems incapable of comprehending a very simple sentence in English. I did not say Dr. Glasgow applied for the position of gaol surgeon. I said he figured for it, and if the Doctor wishes to carry out the impression he desires to give the public, let him come out next week with another declaration and swear that he never asked any person to use his influence to obtain for him (Glasgow) the position of gaol surgeon. If the Doctor will do this I will try and convince him he is swearing fast and loose.
Yours truly,
J.W. SCHOOLEY
[Welland Tribune, 22 December 1882]
To the Editor Welland Tribune:
DEAR SIR- In your last issue I see a reply, or rather what purports to be a reply, to the report of committee of county council re meideal supplies and medical attendance in connection with gaol. I am glad that Dr. Schooley has seen fit to rush into print to justify a certain party in charging the county exorbitant prices for medicines. But then what could you expect of a man who unblushingly admits that he took medicines belonging to the county and used them for his own private practice, excusing himself by saying that in one instance it was on a Sunday. I suppose he thinks the better the day the better the deed. It appears he thinks it no sin to appropriate others property on a Sunday. But he seeks to defend Mr. Hobson in his excessive charges by stating that I charged Mr. Cumines a high price for certain articles, making Mr. Cumines a fulcrum on which to rest his lever of defence of Mr. Hobson. This is absurd on the face of it. Mr. Cumines understands his business and knows the price of drugs, and if I overcharged him he could have returned the article. Not so with the county. They were buying articles of which they had no conception as to price, and were depending on the honesty of the gaol surgeon (an officer of the county) to check anything that was wrong in these bills. But he coolly states in his letter “that the price of drugs does not concern me.” A nice county servant, surely who would stand by and see the people’s money taken without a fair compensation. He stated before committee that he called Mr. Hobson’s attention once to a high charge. Why did he certify to correctness of account when the charge was so excessive that he in his simplicity could not see?
For the Doctor’s information I will state that the committee based their report on the evidence of two witnesses substantiated by his own admissions; and, if necessary, that evidence can be printed and also verified by declaration, then the public can judge for themselves whether the committee reported facts or not. I am positive that the people of the county have every confidence in such gentlemen as Messrs. Joseph Garner, Cruickshank and Ramsden, a majority of committee and that those gentlemen would not be guilty of presenting a fraudulent report. All I have to say in answer to such an assertion is that the above named gentleman have held the trust and confidence of their fellow electors for years, and must consequently be honest, truthful and upright or they could never have enjoyed the confidence that has been so often reposed in them. The Doctor labors hard to show that the quantity of medicine used depends on amount of sickness. Nobody denies this fact, but the Doctor only quotes a part of the sentence viz: “for the immediate wants of such supply.” Here he stops and forgets to add the remainder contained in report. Further Dr. Schooley states, “That Messrs. Garner and Burgar intimate that there is something more to be told; who asked them to conceal anything?” Now Mr. Editor, if the gaol surgeon desires to know more, and is not satisfied with the report, all he has to do is to ask that the inspector of prisons hold an official investigation. This would be done under oath (a power that the committee could not avail themselves of) and then he could learn the particulars to which Messrs. Garner and Burgar referred. Dr. Schooley says we had 11 months to enquire into the matter. True! And Mr. Editor why did not the committee report at June session of council? Simply because several of the members of the committee were told that there was nothing in the charge but petty spite, and it was impossible to get the chairman (Mr. Fraser) to act; and the committee had to appoint another chairman. The truth was that the parties interested did not want an investigation, and did what they could to have it staved off. To the final reply or charge which the Doctor styles, “The true investigation inwardness of the investigation.” That Dr. Burgar, a brother of mine, wanted the position, and when he failed Dr. Glasgow tried to get the appointment and failed also.” I append the declaration of those two gentlemen. Thanking you, Mr. Editor, for kindness in allowing so lengthy a reply. I remain, yours truly, J.H. Burgar
DECLARATION of DR. BURGAR
|
In the matter of the position of Gaol Surgeon for the County of Welland:
I, William E. Burgar, of the Town of Welland, in the County of Welland, Physician and Surgeon, do solemnly declare:- I have this day read the letter of Dr. Schooley, published in both the town papers under the caption, “Report of Special Committee and Gaol Supplies.” The said letter reflects personally on me in this, that it alleges that I was an applicant for the position above referred to, and that my application was refused.
The facts in regard to this statement are as follows. About ten years ago the present gaol surgeon who occupied the position put an application for an increase of salary into the hands of a then member of the council to be presented to the council. A great deal of dissatisfaction was always expressed by the prisoners in gaol as to the treatment received by them from the said surgeon. Those two facts coming the ears of another member of the council, I was requested by that member to put in an application for the position.
Microfilm here unreadable. Drawn into notice in the letter just referred to is the application the particulars of which are herein set forth, and the statements there in the said letters are evidently made with the intention of detracting pubic attention from the matters now in question.
And I make this declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true, and by virtue of an act passed in the thirty-seventh year of Her Majesty’s reign, entitled, “An Act for the Suppression of Voluntary and Extra Judicial Oaths.”
Signed, W.E Burgar
Declared before me at Welland in the county of Welland this 15th day of December A.D., 1882.
Thos. D. Cowper
A Commissioner |
DECLARATION of DR. GLASGOW
|
In the matter of the position of Gaol Surgeon for the County of Welland:
I, Sinclair Holden Glasgow, of the Town of Welland, in the County of Welland, Physician and Surgeon, do solemnly declare that:
I have read the letter of J.W. Schooley, M.D., of this town, published in the Welland Telegraph and Welland Tribune this day the 15th of December under the caption, “Report of Special Committee on Gaol Supplies, etc.”
With regard to the allegation contained in the last part thereof, stating that I applied to be appointed gaol surgeon of this county, I say that the case is altogether untrue, and without foundation, in fact.
And I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true, and by virtue of the act passed in the thirty-seventh year of her Majesty’s Reign, entitled, “An Act for the Suppression of Voluntary and Extra Judicial Oaths.”
Signed, S.H. Glasgow
Declared before me at the town of Welland in the county of Welland, this 15th day of December, in the year of our Lord, 1882.
Thos. D. Cowper
A Commissioner |
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