February 11- 17: Compiled by Dave Humphrey from the archived newspapers held at the Cranbrook History Centre and Archives
1917
Red light district closed … Chief Welsby of the Provincial Police was in here the first of this week and served peremptory orders on the inmates of the Red Light District on the outskirts of the city to close up and get out, and as a result there has been a considerable exodus of the painted ladies during the last few days.
As the new order is general all through the province they are making for points across the line and into Alberta.
The provincial government has announced their intention of vigorously enforcing the law in this regard, and asks the cooperation of municipalities and police in their efforts to purify the social life of this province.
Police court at Ft. Steele … (Special to the Herald) Fort Steele, Feb. 12.—Constable Walch had a hurried trip to Wasa last Sunday on account of a disturbance among some foreign employees of the Yahk Lumber Co., who were drunk and disorderly and threatened to do violence to the Chinese cook.
Constable Walch arrested Bill Bovil and John Susco who both appeared the following day before Justices of the Peace R. L. T. Galbraith and A. B. Fenwick.
Bovil was fined $20 and costs, or two months and Susco $5 and costs, the fines being paid in both cases.
A third offender, who escaped in the darkness Sunday, was arrested later and drew a fine of $5 and costs, which was paid.
Killed in action … The casualty lists this week contained the name of J. Malcolm, a Cranbrook roan who had died in action. No particulars were given. The deceased was well-known in the city and enlisted from here. He worked for some time in the Government Building. He leaves a wife and five children though they are not living here at present.
We’re sorry … The management of the Rex Theatre regrets the disappointment their patrons suffered last Monday and Tuesday night through the non-arrival of the big feature picture “Caberia”. It was held up in transit for some unknown cause but is expected here sure for next Monday and Tuesday.
Stray notice … Two stray red and white yearling heifers being fed and cared for on my premises. No ear mark or brand noticeable. Owner can get same by identifying and paying for this add and care and feed of them. J. F. Bridges. Bummers Flats, Fort Steele, B. C.
Demand for autos …One of the harbingers of spring is the demand for new automobiles and the local garages are doing their best to supply the demand. The Hanson Garage has a car of new Fords to hand and expect a car of McLaughlins in a few days while the Kootenay Garage are getting in a car of Chevrolet. A good demand is reported and the Hanson Garage states that they expect to sell more cars this year than last judging from the present outlook.
John Barleycorn again … Old John Barleycorn was responsible for the appearance of Jack Wells in police court last Friday on a charge of assault and wilful damage to property. He had been boarding with a Hallux C. Costello, for some time free of charge but the liquor made him see crooked and turned his gratitude into anger and he beat up Costello and wrecked the interior of the home to some extent. He was given 30 days on each count, 60 days in all.
Rum rations … Sir George Perley, overseas minister of militia, has furnished the Prime Minister with the following information regarding the rum ration issued to the soldiers:
“The war office definitely informs me that rum is only issued to the troops at the discretion of the general officer commanding on the recommendation of the medical officer, and that when an issue of rum is ordered for troops serving with the expeditionary forces in the field, individual soldiers who have an objection to the spirit, may be supplied with cocoa or chocolate in lieu.”
New management at the Rex … The management of the Rex Theatre has been taken over by N. E. Stevens of Calgary, replacing W.A. Burton who resigned to take a position with the C.P.R.
Mr. Stevens is a practical man who thoroughly understands the movie game, and will give the patrons of the Rex the same high-class program they have been getting in the past.
Some important changes have been made in the operating room and it is now equipped with two picture machines enabling the operator to give a continuous picture and cutting out all waits and delays between reels. The equipment is now equal to any of the high-class picture theatres of the city, and the picture thrown on the screen leaves nothing to be desired.
A change is being made in the orchestra which commencing next week will consist of violin and piano.
Female employees in the government … Married women in the Provincial Government service must explain how it comes to be that they find it necessary to work for a living when they have husbands who should be, if they are not, bread winners.
A number of women employees in the legislative buildings at the capital have been requested to explain the need of their being employed.
All single men, too, of military age and physically fit, and who have no dependents, must go.
This was the decision arrived at at a meeting of the legislative council last week at which curtailment of staff both inside and out was discussed.
To make new salary schedule … The regular meeting of the School Board was held on Friday evening last, present Chairman White in the chair and Trustees Manning, Henderson, and Atchison. Minutes of last meetings read and confirmed.
A check for $148.85 from Mr. Gibson, being school grounds and garden grant for 1916, was received.
A letter was read from Misses McLennan, Pye and Fisher requesting an increase in salary. Moved by Trustee Henderson, seconded by Trustee Atchison, that the request for increase in salaries be laid over until the next regular meeting, and in the meantime the Board endeavor to make a schedule governing all salaries.
Carried. Accounts to the amount of $1700, including salaries, were passed for payment.
May enforce curfew by-law … The regular meeting of the City Council was held on Monday evening, commencing promptly on time and every member present. Mayor Clapp in the chair.
The council transacted a large volume of business expeditiously and concluded their session in good time.
The High Cost of Living spectre was in evidence and resulted in an increase of $3.00 a month being given to two of the city firemen, and the City Engineer being raised from $100 a month to $125, but at that not even the poor taxpayer who has to foot the bills can say that any of these officials are overpaid.
Alderman Balmont, although the tail-ender in public confidence at the recent election, was very much to the fore with a number of suggestions to the Police Commission on how to run their department, but even the talkative alderman’s free advice was apparently taken in good part.
A letter from the Provincial Secretary’s Department notified the council of the appointment of Alfred Genest (Alderman) and Thomas S. Gill as License Commissioners, and Robert C. Eakin (Alderman) and Thomas N. Parrett as Police Commissioners, was filed.
A letter from the Salvation Army asking for a grant was laid over till next meeting. The Engineer gave a lengthy and voluminous report on the work or his department, dealing at length with the question of frozen water-pipes and hydrants. He has had 92 thaw-outs, 35 of which have been charged to private parties; the total cost has been $244.46, the amount received from the private thaw-outs, $105.00, leaving a net cost to the city of $139.46.
The Chief of Police was instructed to strictly enforce the pound and dope tax by-law, and the enforcement of the milk by-law was referred to the Health Committee.
The collector will be instructed to enforce the collection of delinquent taxes by sale of land on the 28th of August.
A grant of $8 per month was made to Mrs. Stojack, and the matter of sewer connection for the St. Eugene Hospital was referred to the Sewerage Committee.
The City Clerk was instructed to notify water consumers in arrears that their water supply will be cut off at the end of the present quarter unless paid.
The Mayor appointed Aldermen Balment, Hanson, and Eakin a committee to interview Supt. Harshaw in regard to the Y. M. C. A. water account.
The Fire Chief is to inspect hydrants and report to the city engineer when they are found frozen up.
The salaries of two firemen, R. Simpson and W. Foster were increased from $72 to $75 per month, and the salary of the City Engineer increased to $125 a month, increase in each case to date from Jan. 1st.
Incidentally the aldermen paid the Engineer some well-deserved praise on the efficient and economical manner in which he runs his department and the thorough manner in which he does his work.
In response to a query from the Police Commission a motion was passed instructing the Commission to enforce the provisions of the Curfew Bylaw. Under this by-law children must be off the streets by 7 p.m. in the winter and 8 p.m. in the summer.
Valentine social … A very successful Valentine Social and Dance was given last night by the Cranbrook Women’s Institute. W. B. McFarlane occupied the chair and a splendid concert was given by local talent.
Walter Walsh, the returned soldier, was one of those taking part in the program and was given a regular ovation on his appearance. He spoke briefly but very plainly of the Cranbrook boys he had run across in the hospitals over there and thanked the people for their kindness to himself and his comrades.
After the program refreshments were served, and the evening finished up with dancing, excellent music being provided by the Cranbrook Orchestra.
The Institute will be nearly $40 to the good as a result of the dance.
No union hours for city police … The new Police Commissioners have had several meetings during the week and are getting the work at their department running along a well-defined system which they expect will make an improvement in the efficiency and value of the work done.
A phone has been placed in the home of the Chief of Police, and a set of rules drawn up for the guidance of the police force. To insure a representative of the law being on duty and available at any hour of the day or night an arrangement has been made with the Chief of Police and the night constable by which they work twelve hours each, the night man from 7 in the evening till 7 in the morning, and the chief from 7 in the morning till 7 at night, booking one another out.
As a recompense for their long hours the wages of the night constable have been raised to $100 a month and the wages of the Chief to $125 a month.
A letter was received from the Attorney-General’s department re the segregated area, which was acknowledged, the commission intimating their willingness to co-operate with the department should any such cases arise within the city limits.
Constable Johns is being continued as Night Constable for the present, having intimated his willingness to stay on under the new management.
Canadian patriotic fund … The subscriptions received by the Cranbrook Branch for the month of December 1916 amounted to $1,546.83 and for the month of January 1917, $1,642.58. While this amount is fairly satisfactory, in order to bring the total up to what we have been requested to do by the officials at Ottawa, namely $20,000, the monthly subscriptions should reach at least $1,800.
There are a good many new comers in Cranbrook since the committee made its canvas in November 1915, and the Executive will appreciate it if those who are not now subscribing, will hand in their names to the Secretary together with the amount which they are willing to subscribe monthly.
Owing to the number of men who joined the 225th Battalion, not going overseas, some reduction has been made in the number of dependants of this branch, but the total number of families receiving assistance is thirty.
Military hospital … A hurriedly-called meeting was held yesterday afternoon in the City Hall to consider a letter received by the City Clerk in regard to the facilities this city has to offer in the way of buildings for use as convalescent and military hospitals. There was a splendid attendance, practically all the business men of the district being in attendance, and steps were taken to show the department that Cranbrook is favorably situated to house several hundred convalescent soldiers. The letter was from J. P. Ford.
District Engineer at Nelson, asking information as to buildings available for use as convalescent and military hospitals, capable of accommodating at least 200 beds, with full particulars as to medical and educational facilities, grounds, railway facilities, etc. The feeling of the meeting was that there were several buildings well adapted to meet this purpose and that Cranbrook with its excellent water and sewer systems, delightful scenery, medical and educational advantages, mild climate and healthful surroundings would make an ideal location for a convalescent hospital.
It was necessary however to take immediate action and a committee consisting of The Mayor, Dr. Green, Geo. Leask. E. H. McPhee, W. A. Nisbet were appointed to look into the matter of suitable location and make a report at once.
It was also decided to send Hon. R. F. Green a copy of their report, and to send a committee of two to Nelson to interview Mr. Ford in connection with the matter.
Judge Ryan and W. B. McFarlane were appointed to make the trip to Nelson and the city will be asked to make a grant to pay their expenses. The committee proceeded to get busy immediately after the meeting an made their report the following morning, and the following is a resume of the report which will be forwarded to Mr. Ford:
“We have carefully inspected available buildings in our city and can recommend our situation to fill all requirements as stated. Several suitable buildings are available, one 74 by 38 with three floors, one with 14 foot ceiling, one 18 ft. and one with 9 ft. addition on front 14 x 28. This building is situated on eight city lots 33 x 122 with other vacant land adjacent. Also new wing on St. Eugene Hospital not at present occupied, contains 20 beds with large grounds. The St. Eugene Hospital is the finest equipped hospital in the interior. Young Men’s Club equipped with plunge bath, showers and gymnasium. 32 x 100 two storeys.
“Cranbrook is a distributing centre, with two railroads, public, high and manual training schools. Fully competent medical staff with hospital equipped with X Ray machines, etc. Manual Training school equipped with electric motors and all wood-working tools. The buildings mentioned arc all immediately available if required, are connected with sewer, water and electric light, and heated with furnace.”
Government inspection needed … There was a gratifying turn-out at the meeting of the Farmers Institute on Saturday afternoon, and those present were well repaid for the time spent.
Two splendid papers were given; the first on Marketing B. C. Potatoes in the Eastern markets, and the second on the Care of Cream from the Cow to the Creamery. There was considerable discussion on Gopher Poisons, and it was decided to get a supply of the various brands which the Government is offering for experimental poisons.
The matter of obtaining stumping powder through the Institute was also brought up and apparently quite a quantity will be wanted in this district this year. Members of the Institute are given a very material reduction from the regular price by buying in certain quantities and a number will avail themselves of the opportunity.
Mr. Geo Hutchcroft gave a very instructive and interesting address on the marketing of B.C. Potatoes in Ontario, as learned from his experience last summer in disposing of potatoes from this province. He did not mince matters but told the audience plainly that through the lack of inspection and grading and the shipping of poor and dirty potatoes not suited to the demands this province had gained a bad reputation which could only be overcome by united and earnest effort on the part of the producers combined with government cooperation in the way of inspection and standard grading.
The Eastern markets demand quality as well as quantity, and it is much easier to dispose of good quality potatoes at a high price than it is to dispose of inferior potatoes at a low price.
The consumer demands a white potato free from scab, of uniform size, with shallow eyes, and of tight dry texture. The shape and size is important; the best size is between three and four inches in length, of a flat elliptical or oval shape, and the fewer eyes the better.
It is always necessary to ship clean potatoes and to have the sacks clean and of a standard size of 90lbs, one and a half bushels, to the sack.
Mr. Hutchcroft favored the shipping in bulk, under present conditions at least, and have them inspected and sacked when they reach their destination. He urged the adoption of a standard for potatoes, along the same plan as apples and other fruits have to conform to and government inspection.
There was big money in potatoes at the present prices, $200 an acre being easy for a good yield shipping No. 1 potatoes to Ontario at last year’s prices, and Mr. Hutchcroft believed that the demand and prices will continue good for this year at least, and probably for several years. But he emphasized that the present conditions would never be improved till government inspection and standard grading was adopted.
After some interesting discussion on this paper a committee was appointed with Father Lambot as chairman to gather information as to the quantity of potatoes shipped from this centre and report to next meeting in order that a resolution may be sent on to the government urging them to take action.
The paper by Mr. Amerman on the Care of the Cream from the Cow to the Creamery contained many good points, which we are only able to deal with briefly.
Incidental to the care of the Cream is the production of good cream, and preliminary to the production and care is the establishment of good healthy cows in the dairy, pure clean food, good water and sanitary conditions of the cow stable of the highest order, and last but not least, gentle treatment of the cows.
Never forget that every cow in the stable ought to be treated as a lady, and the dairy-man who so treats his cows will find that they respond readily to such treatment.
The importance of the water supply for the cows was strongly emphasized. Milk contains 87 per cent water and the greatest of care should be taken to insure clean pure water, and in the cold weather the water should be slightly warmed. Allowing cows to drink ice cold water is very injurious.
The use of a good separator will improve the results obtained from the milk, but the operator must thoroughly understand his machine and follow instructions.
Cleanliness should be the watchword of every dairy-man in every department, and there is no utensil in use in the dairy which demands greater attention in this regard than the separator. If taken apart and thoroughly scalded and cleaned immediately after each separating it is an easy matter to keep it in a thoroughly clean and sweet condition.
The proper cooling of cream means much in the final test of cream. Immediately after separating it should be thoroughly cooled, but where this is impossible, ice water is good. The water should always come up higher than the cream in the can.
Cream should be kept away from all vegetables, bacon, etc., as it is very easy to taint cream.
Cream should not be allowed to freeze, and where possible should be shipped to the creamery every four days, though where it was impossible to do that he did not wish to discourage those who might only ship once a week.
Mr. Amnerman expended hearty invitation to everyone to visit the creamery and offered to do free testing for farmers who were keeping a careful record of their cows in an endeavor to eliminate the “boarders.”
The Perry Creek situation … In the mining outlook for 1917 in last week’s issue, exception has been taken to the statements regarding Perry Creek as being derogatory to that camp. We trust that that is not the general understanding as we have consistently and strongly endorsed Perry Creek as a free milling gold camp and predict a wonderful future for it; with its very large tonnage, its enormous parallel ledges, all workable through a main tunnel, its waterpower timber and easy access make it a particularly solid industrial proposition.
On the other hand, these characteristics are such as to differentiate these properties from the ordinary lead or copper prospects that any engineer with possibly ten or fifteen thousand dollars might work to advantage, by shipping ore to a smelter. This cannot be done with low grade free milling gold quartz, notwithstanding the immense quantity; this ore will not stand the costs of transportation and must be milled on the ground; here is where the great cost comes in and an engineer who undertakes to bring a free milling proposition to a successful issue will have to face an expenditure of possibly ten times the amount required for a lead or copper property.
It is patent, in order to warrant the construction of a mill, that the development must be such as to prove a very large tonnage of ore.
Under these circumstances, it is not every engineer who has the means behind him to face such an expenditure, and although in the case of Perry Creek many engineers have inspected the properties and given their unqualified approval they did not have the necessary backing to bring such a large proposition to a successful conclusion.
This is why we consider that last year’s examination of the Perry Creek properties was somewhat disappointing; if a bond had been taken on any one property, it would have been most encouraging.
