April 28 – May 4: Compiled by Dave Humphrey from the archived newspapers held at the Cranbrook History Centre and Archives
1917
Fishing notes … Three new disciples of the gentle art as taught by Ike Walton were discovered yesterday, during the Board & Trade outing to Fort Steele.
L. P. Sullivan, W. W. Kilby and A. E. Bowley say they never fished before but they are certainly for that game from now on.
They were slightly handicapped in the tackle and bait they were using and the scarcity of the fish in the streams they fished, but as friend Kilby remarked, “Hit’s the Gyme!”
[Note; this paper will open a column devoted to questions and answers to fisherman.]
Questions; Should one hold the rod in the right or the left hand for the best success? L.P.S. Does a strong accent have any effect on the way the fish bite? W.W.K. (Strike me! but that question is a little indefinite. We presume W.W.K. refers to the fisherman’s accent.)
If three men fish three hours, catch nothing and decide to “carry on” what would they do if they caught a dozen each? A.E.B.
Police court notes … Mah Sing, a Chinese boy aged eleven years, was before Judge Arnold on Saturday morning, charged with stealing various articles from a store in town; after hearing the evidence of the witnesses the Judge found the boy guilty, but on account of his age and the fact that this was his first appearance in court, the accused was allowed to go free with a severe caution as to what would happen to him if he came before the court again.
The tradesmen have been putting up with quite a lot of petty thieving from boys and also girls who are old enough to know better. In future the Chief will bring all such cases into court and the names of the offenders will be published.
Gamblers … On Monday, eighteen Chinese men appeared in court to answer to a charge of gambling. There were several technical points raised both by the defence and the prosecution, many instances of precedent quoted and liberal reference was made to numerous authorities.
After hearing the evidence and about two hours of argument between the opposing councils, Judge Arnold decided that there was insufficient evidence to make a conviction, therefore the case was dismissed.
G.J. Spreull appeared for the prosecution and A.B. MacDonald for the defence.
Clean it up … Now that the snow is all gone and the contract is let for cleaning up the lanes, it is high time for everyone to get busy and see that the back yard is cleaned up and put in a sanitary condition. An hour’s attention to this matter may save a month’s illness and a big doctor’s bill.
Old rubbish is the breeding ground of insects and the happy hunting ground for flies, it has been proved that the flies spread disease. Therefore it is the duty of everyone to himself, and to his neighbor, to thoroughly gather together all dirt and refuse that may have accumulated on the lot and deposit it in a heap outside the back gate in the lane so that it may be removed at the earliest possible date.
The Chief of Police who is also Sanitary Inspector is making an inspection of all yards in the city and has found it necessary to serve notice on several people to get cleaned up before the hot weather sets in.
Get registered … Mrs. ——-, Miss ——-, have you registered? Only ten more days and it will be too late for the next court of revision. You have been granted a great privilege, don’t neglect to accept it and don’t leave it till the last moment. Do it today—there are no fees.
Letter to the Editor, Cranbrook Herald … Dear Sir. — I see that the contract has been concluded for the watering of the streets. The watering of the streets is a very expensive matter, and is most unsatisfactory. The cart only gets around the streets occasionally, and every day and sometimes twice a day the work has to be repeated.
The dust during the summer is not only unhealthy and disagreeable, but is very harmful to the merchants. In other places good results have been obtained by oiling the streets. I would suggest that the City Council consider the possibility of oiling the streets of Cranbrook. The initial cost would be more, but the result might be satisfactory. “ANTI DUST”
The Editor, Cranbrook Herald … I feel very strongly that a great number of men of this city are not living up to war standard — I put myself among them. We are not doing all we might.
The women have taken practically the whole burden of the additional pressure. It is they who do without help in the home; it is they who knit and sew, and canvass for funds and organize “Boogywoogies” and the like and make cakes, and candies for bazaars, etc.
There are scores of women in Cranbrook who are living beyond their strength, and all the thanks (I know they don’t ask for thanks) they get is a grunt from hubby because meals, etc., are not up to “L. D.” style!
Now here is a practical suggestion: Mr. Beale last week made an offer of certain land for raising vegetables: I suggest that a squad of men be organized to cultivate that land for Patriotic purposes. Let every man in Cranbrook who is able to sit up and take nourishment, play golf, tennis, dance, go joy riding in one of our thirty-four new cars, any and everymen who can drink, smoke, chew, spit or otherwise enjoy life, guarantee to give so many hours per week to dig, sow, hoe, etc.
Let the whole job be properly organized under an officer in charge; each man have his scheduled time of service, same as a soldier.
There are plenty of men who if left to themselves to go out and take up a lot will never arrive, but if scheduled to do what they are told at certain times would be right on the spot — myself for one!
It is useless to disguise the fact that this work must mean less golf, less tennis, less everything — but work; it means sacrifice!
Will the men of Cranbrook rise to the opportunity?
In closing I would emphasize a point you have already drawn attention to: that this service would have a two-fold value. The stuff produced will fetch in money for the various funds and we shall be doing our bit in response to the general appeal for increased production.
Yours faithfully, W. H. BRIDGE.
Fire! … A fire occurred at Miss Greenwood’s ranch South of the city on Monday. The fire started through burning weeds on the adjoining property and getting beyond control spread to Miss Greenwood’s, destroying several hay piles, stable, plow, cultivator, and other implements; but for timely assistance the damage would have been considerable.
Rex theatre … The Women’s Institute will take charge of the Rex Theatre on Tuesday May 8th. There will be a matinee and evening show, featuring “The Romance of Billygoat Hill,” in a five reel photoplay and a comedy. The evening show will include musical items. Candy and ice cream will be on sale.
Invermere war news … Official and personal communications report several casualties as having occurred; amongst them being William B. Stewart, Private in 172, shot thru the shoulder; Pte. Wiliam R. Wilkes, and Pte. Michael (Mickey) Welsh, killed; Ptes. Ernest J. Denyer, Quackenbush and Henry Tickner, wounded.
Opening golf season … The formal opening for the season of the course of the Invermere Golf Club takes place on Saturday of this week when a local tournament will be held.
Since the annual meeting members of the grounds committee have made many marked improvements to the club’s neat little club house, having made interior changes and added a verandah.
A keeper has this year been appointed for the greens which is a move much commended.
Wycliffe news … Mr. C. H. Knocke, conductor on the logging train here, met with an accident last Friday, when a log dropped off one of the loads and struck him.
Mr. Knocke was near one of the loaded cars when he heard a shout of warning from Harry Caldwell and looked up in time to see one log coming down toward him. He had the presence of mind to turn his back, and so received only a glancing blow on the head, the major part of the shock falling upon his back and hips.
One ankle is seriously injured and the other bruises are still sore, otherwise he is feeling fine.
On the same trip a car of hay which was coupled close behind the locomotive caught fire from a cinder belched forth on an up-grade and burned up absolutely. The train crew had a tough fight to save the trucks and the loads of logs, from burning also.
Auto mania at Wycliffe … The auto mania seems to be prevalent here as elsewhere. Messrs. Ch. Staples, Sterling Staples and Lucien Cluzel have each purchased a Ford car during the past fortnight.
This brings the total of cars purchased in Wycliffe for the spring of 1917, up to four.
It is the intention of L. Cluzel to run a spasmodic jitney service between here and Cranbrook, the Kimberley jitney being of little benefit to the people of Wycliffe, owing to its unfavorable schedule.
Cluzel is as good as an electric current for producing thrills. He has already earned the sobriquet of “Barney Oldfield’ for the dash and “pep” with which he handles “Henry”.
Fort Steele news … A runaway occurred last week-end which might have resulted in a bad accident. A team of horses belonging to George Geary and driven by George Lum, became
Auction sale … Notice is hereby given that I will offer for sale by public auction at J. A. McDonald’s Livery Barn, Cranbrook Street, on Wednesday the 9th day of May, 1917, at 2 p.m., one Black Colt called “INDIAN” described as a PROMISING RACING HORSE about 3 years old, branded $ on right hip.
Under the provisions of “The Cattle Lien Act” to reimburse A. P. Noble for the care and maintenance of said colt at the request of the owner, Lloyd Griffiths. Sale subject to reserve bid. Dated this 3rd day of May, 1917. J. A. Arnold, Auctioneer.
frightened and rushed along the river bank and then across the main street sidewalk, which is damaged.
Wasa news … Mr. and Mrs. Walmsley are leaving Wasa this week for Alberta where they will take up their farming again. Mr. and Mrs. Walmsley have made many friends while living at Wasa who will be sorry to see them leave.
The Crows Nest logging train makes a return trip from Wardner via Bull River to the Skookumchuck camp with logs every day.
Forestry recruits … Sergt. Martin who is recruiting for the Manufacturers Independent Forestry Company has returned from Fernie and reports having secured 23 recruits from that district making a total of 36 to date. Sergt. Martin is leaving for Revelstoke on Wednesday next so those wishing to join should do so at once.
Active service names needed … The Secretary of the Women’s Institute, Mrs. J. W. Burton, is anxious to obtain a complete list of names, with full addresses, of all those who have left Cranbrook for active service, as gifts are being sent personally as soon as possible. Will relatives and friends please send to Box 621 or phone 215 at once?
Help the children … From time to time we have referred to what appears to be an epidemic of destructiveness by the boys of the town. Constant complaints are being made to the Police, and there is an insistent demand that those who are responsible for the damage which is being done to property and to empty houses in particular should be made an example of.
There is another side of the question. What opportunity for play is given in Cranbrook to the boys and girls? They must be doing something. Most of them do not know how to play. Their energies are misdirected.
Children require to be taught to play just as they require to be taught anything else. Is there anybody taking any interest in their games, their baseballs, cricket, etc?
We presume that games are not a part of the school curriculum, but games are just as important for the development of character as many of those subjects taught in the schools.
But apart from the schools, is it not incumbent upon the citizens of the town to do something for the boys and girls? Not merely to protect themselves against damage done to their property but it is their duty to look after the welfare of the young people.
There ought to be at least one company of Boy Scouts in Cranbrook.
Are the churches doing anything for the young people apart from holding stereotype Sunday School?
But it is a matter not only for the churches, but for the whole city.
We would like to see the matter taken up preferably by the Board of Trade or by the City Council.
Back yard farming … This Spring there is every indication that Cranbrook has passed through a very successful winter. Trade has been good, and continues good. This being so there is a tendency to overlook the present serious state of affairs with respect to the food supply of the world.
In Great Britain and in other countries long lines of people are to be seen standing outside of the stores awaiting the opportunity to buy a small quantity of food. The food question is serious and is bound to become more serious, even if the war ceases at an early date. What are the people of Cranbrook doing to help?
The beautiful public parks of England are being ploughed up and given over for allotments. The vacant lots near the coast towns are being used for growing vegetables.
We are strongly of the opinion that everyone in this city should grow his or her supply of vegetables for next year. It can be done without any interference with business.
We are glad to note that the Board of Trade have taken steps with a view to getting the City Council interested in the movement for cultivating gardens and vacant lots.
If satisfactory results are to be obtained, immediate action must be taken.
Women’s Institute Patriotic Day … Not a dull moment prevailed at the Parish Hall on Tuesday afternoon when the Women’s Institute held a Patriotic Day.
The Hall was tastefully decorated by Mesdames. Horsey, Penton and J. W. Burton in red, white and blue with the Canadian flag and Union Jack in evidence.
On the President’s table, which presented a pretty spectacle, were three large bouquets of carnations in white, pink and scarlet which had been provided by the Directorate as tributes of love and sympathy with relatives of soldiers on active service.
The music, in the capable hands of Mrs. Arnold Wallinger, was of a highly meritorious quality, entirely patriotic and quite a feature of the afternoon.
The appearance of Mr. Worthington, in two vocal numbers. was an innovation for the Institute. (as far as male talent is concerned for regular meetings) and judging by the hearty applause which greeted each offering, the change was a welcome one.
Being an open afternoon, the ministry of the city had been invited to take part in the proceedings. The Rev. T. Keyworth led in prayers for soldiers and bereaved suffering and anxious relatives at home. This was followed by singing in chorus “God save our splendid men.”
Immediately afterwards the Rev. W. H. Bridge addressed the guests of honor, dealing with the patient endurance and noble sacrifice of women in this terrible war. He opined the ordeal of mental agony and suspense of women and quiet surrender of their loved ones was great heroism and infinitely more sacrificial than the life of the soldier so nobly given amidst all the glory and glamour of the battlefield.
The presentation of the carnations to the guests was a very graceful little ceremony performed by two little girls, the Misses Pauline and Joan Bridge and the touching scene will long be remembered by those who witnessed it, some fifty members receiving flowers.