February 18 - 24: Compiled by Dave Humphrey from the archived newspapers held at the Cranbrook History Centre and Archives
1917
Charged and in hospital … L.C. Dixon was arrested in Creston last week on a charge of passing a forged check in Cranbrook the week previous and appeared in police court Monday.
As the charge is an indictable offence Magistrate Arnold committed the prisoner for trial after hearing sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case.
Dixon had joined up with the Forestry unit now being mobilized in Creston, under the name of J. W. Stewart, but when arrested was in the charge of the military police. He had been indulging his pugilistic tendencies very freely in camp there, but met his Waterloo in the shape of a little corporal who manhandled him so severely that he is now occupying quarters in St. Eugene Hospital, under guard.
Battle of the Somme … Through the enterprise of the management of the Rex Theatre the people of Cranbrook are to have the opportunity of seeing the much-talked-of “Battle of the Somme” motion pictures. These pictures will be shown on Wednesday and Thursday next week and should be seen by everyone.
No film produced since the war or before has attracted so many people, or caused so much talk in the newspapers as the Battle of the Somme. The British papers have universally acclaimed it as the best picture of war that has ever been shown. Some of the scenes rank in vividness and dramatic quality with battle pictures by famous artists.
One or two sentimental pacifists wrote letters to the press protesting against showing pictures of actual battle to the public. They feared people would be shocked. But the overwhelming voice of press, pulpit and public was that the film, “The Battle of the Somme,” was a magnificent way to show the nation what worthy soldiers were upholding its honor at the front.
Moving pictures provide the only way yet devised by which this could adequately be done, and “The Battle of the Somme,” both in subject and treatment, is declared by London critics to be the “greatest picture in the world.”
Address wanted … Word has been received by Mr. Roberts from the Returned Soldiers Aid Commission that E. Gummer has been invalided home and is expected to arrive at Esquimalt shortly, and asking him to notify the relatives. As Private Gummer’s relatives have left the City without leaving any address Mr. Roberts would like anyone interested to inquire of him.
Drunk and disorderly … Two drunk and disorderly cases have been dealt with in police court this week. On Tuesday Ojago Singh was found guilty and a fine of $5.00 imposed or 15 days, the fine being paid. On Wednesday a lumberjack by the name of Peterson was handed a fine of $10 or 30 days, and while he is trying to raise the money among friends is a boarder at Castle Hersey. He was sufficiently ginned up when arrested to be quarrelsome and had been on Baker Street Monday night looking for a fight when Constable Johns gathered him in.
Battle of the Somme … The Rex Theatre is paying over $200 to exhibit the “Battle of the Somme” in Cranbrook.
Change of Herald management … With this week’s issue of the Herald the undersigned severs his connection with the paper after fifteen months as editor and manager for the present owners.
Before leaving Cranbrook I wish to express my thanks to the many correspondents and friends who by their timely contributions and assistance have done so much to make the paper interesting.
An editor is only human and cannot be everywhere at once and unless he has the help and support of the public in the newsgathering end is bound to miss many good news items.
Generous financial support is also particularly necessary in these times of stress in the newspaper business to keep the wheels turning, and I would like to see all sections of the Cranbrook public unite in supporting the one remaining local paper in this district, the only existing paper within a radius of nearly eighty miles.
I again thank the people of Cranbrook for their many kindnesses to me, and regret that force of circumstances compel me to change an occupation which I have followed for the last fifteen years.
T. H. Kay
Statement by the new management … The new management of the Herald considers that the functions of the local press should be to formulate and support policies calculated to improve conditions of the democracy of Canada, no matter from whom such suggestions emanate and further that the columns of this paper shall never be used by innuendo or otherwise to belittle or ridicule any attempts to improve conditions, even if they come from those with whom we do not always agree.
The policy of destructive criticism can profitably be transmuted to one of a constructive nature, which may possibly do much good, and if it does not succeed it will leave no bitter feelings of resentment.
The columns of this paper are open for the full and free discussion of all matters pertaining to the welfare of the people but the press loses its dignity and influence if mudslinging even by innuendo is permitted.
Stamping out the social evil … The segregated area on the hillside overlooking Cranbrook, which for so long has been an eyesore and a reproach to the citizens of this city, has at last been closed up on orders from the Attorney-General’s department at Victoria, as announced in our news columns last week.
While there are still a few conscientious supporters of the segregated area idea the consensus of opinion among the decent and honest people of the present day favors the abolition of all such quarters with their demoralizing and disease-breeding influences and tendencies.
Undoubtedly there will be attempts to open brothels within the city limits, attempts which will require all the vigilance of an alert police force to combat, but the police will have the backing of public opinion in any measures they may take to over-ride the legal technicalities that may be raised through the influence of the prostitute’s gold.
The Herald has sufficient confidence in our local lawyers to believe that any effort to induce them to misinterpret the law for the benefit of the inmates of such resorts will be turned down as flatly as it deserves.
The Brewster Government is to be congratulated upon the step they have taken, and upon their announced intention of vigorously enforcing the law in regard to social vice. We trust they will go a step further and bring down such amendments and regulations as may be in their power to make the enforcement of the law more effective, and thus assist not only their own department but also municipal authorities in stamping out the evil.
T. H. KAY
Pupils of King Edwards’ school score success … Never do Shakespearean plays have a more appreciative audience than that which greeted the presentation of “The Midsummer Night’s Dream” Thursday last by the pupils of King Edward’s School. It was an ambitious effort for such young performers but the entire performance was carried through without a hitch, and the audience were enthusiastic and generous in their applause.
The finished manner in which even the little tots took their parts reflects much credit upon the ability and patience of their teachers as well as the aptness of the pupils.
The costuming and stage-settings did much to carry out the illusion, and with the dainty little elves and fairies prancing and cavorting around the audience were carried back to childhood days when fairies were really and truly a reality.
When all those taking part did so well it is difficult indeed to single out individuals for special mention, but we cannot refrain from drawing attention to two budding young artists who seemed particularly well adapted to the roles they took— Norah Pownall as “Nick Bottom, the Weaver,” took the part like a born comedian and kept the audience in roars of laughter while she was on the stage. Dick Spurway as “Puck.” aptly portrayed the mischievous little fairy who seemed to delight in all the trouble which his mistakes caused, and his light and airy tread was a real treat.
The Cranbrook Orchestra rendered much appreciated music during the intervals. The accompaniment for the dances was played by Mrs. Cherrington, and for the part songs by Miss Roberts.
All those taking part in the entertainment are pupils of the King Edward’s School, a private school conducted by Mrs. Cherrington and Miss Cherrington, and it is an institution which Cranbrook is fortunate to have in its midst.
Cranbrook is the only western city outside of the large centres which is able to offer the advantages of a high-class private and boarding school such as the King Edward’s School.
Hockey … The hockey match yesterday afternoon between Cranbrook and Fernie was disappointing from a Cranbrook standpoint, the visitors winning by a score of 9—7.
The game was a close one and in the last period at one time it looked as though Cranbrook would win out. However, the Fernie lads were superior in team work and combination and won on their merits.
The home team had a number of new men on and could not get their combination working, depending on individual plays.
Congratulations Ladies … We congratulate the ladies on obtaining the concession from the Lords of Creation who almost unanimously declare that they now think the ladies are nearly equal to them in thinking capacity whilst thinking is a painful operation for most men, and the expression of their thoughts even more painful, we can never charge the ladies with the latter short coming.
We shall watch with interest the evolution of the embryonic feminine politician; will she be as easy a mark for the scheming politicians as the men have been, we are inclined to think not, neither do we think the wife will always use her franchise at the ballot after the manner of the husband because she usually knows what is better for him than he knows himself and in casting the ballot she can give a secret opinion, which will not be open to criticism.
Ladies we welcome you to the public arena and shall be delighted to publish your expression of opinion; we should not be so discourteous as to ask you not to sling mud like men do, your avocation for ages past has been house-cleaning, you have a greater nobler chance now, help the men to clean up the dark corners of the political “Augean Stables;” you can do it with ease and dignity.
Band leader leaving … The members of the Cranbrook Band gathered at the home of Mr. T. H. Kay on Monday last to do honor to their leader, Mr. W. R. Russell who is shortly leaving for Macleod where he has purchased a business, and presented him with an address and a purse of gold.
Mr. Russell organized the present band a year ago this winter, almost entirely of beginners, and has taught and conducted the band during that time without any salary or remuneration of any sort. The band made good progress and were able to accept any engagements which were offered last summer and this winter.
An unusual feature of the present band has been that the public of Cranbrook have never been solicited for subscriptions; the entire funds required being raised from engagements, monthly dues from members and the proceeds of a big dance given last fall. They have been able to buy the music necessary and to purchase several new instruments, and are in fairly good shape now for equipment but have room for several new players.
The resignation of Mr. Russell as leader and President was accepted with regret.
The resignation of T. H. Kay, who is also leaving town and who has been Secretary of the band, was also accepted with regret.
The band is fortunate in having someone else who is willing to fill Mr. Russell’s onerous position, Mr. P. A. Parker being elected President and leader, and Mr. D. A. Kay being elected Secretary. The band will be continued under the new leadership, and is heartily deserving of the support of the public.
After spending the evening in social chat and music, the new President called the gathering to order and read the following Appreciative address, at the same time making the presentation of a purse of gold:
Cranbrook, B. C., Feb. 19, 1917- Dear Mr. Russell:- It was with very sincere regret that we learned a short time ago that you had decided to leave Cranbrook, and we have gathered together this evening to give expression in a small way to the high esteem and regard we have for you.
When the band was organized a year ago and you consented to teach a bunch of beginners, some of whom did not know the simplest rudiments of music, you assumed a task which would have discouraged most men.
It speaks volumes for your patience, your knack of getting along with the boys, and also for your ability as a leader, that you were able to keep the bunch together and make such a creditable showing as we have the conceit to think we made on the various occasions that the new band has appeared in public.
We know it has many times been a discouraging job, but you stayed with the game, often at great personal inconvenience and without any financial reward whatever, much as you were entitled to it.
The year’s record of the band, run absolutely without any solicitation of public support, is one to be proud of and if you ever want any recommendation as a band leader just refer them to the members of the Cranbrook Band.
On behalf of the boys, and with our best wishes for your future success and prosperity, we ask you to accept this little token of our regard.
Signed on behalf of the Cranbrook Band, P. A. Parker, Pres. D. A. Kay, Secretary.
Musical Eckardts … The Musical Eckardts, Swiss Bell Ringers, musicians, vocalists and fun makers, will appear at the Auditorium on Monday, Feb. 26th.
This company needs no introduction to the amusement going public as they have been touring the United States and Canada for the past twenty years and have given the best of satisfaction.
The Eckardts carry the largest peel of Swiss Hand Bells in the world (350) besides numerous other weird and wonderful musical instruments.
As an extra attraction this season the Eckardts have engaged Miss Buddy Beaty, juvenile contralto, and Happy Dick Coleman, wonderful boy tenor and comedian. These little artists are the cleverest juveniles in America.
Free seeds … The Department of Agriculture has ceased to supply free seeds on a commercial scale as in former years, but is instituting this year co-operative experimental variety tests in wheat, oats and barley, (10 lb samples) potatoes (151b samples) field corn, flax and sugar beets, free seed samples will be sent for those desiring to compete. Full particulars may be obtained from the Secretary of the local Farmers Institute.
Buying into Wardner … Mr. Bert Johnson has purchased an interest in the P. Lund Ranch at Wardner, and has assumed full charge. There is a full complement of farm machinery and 93 head of two and three year old heifers together with two pure bred Hereford bulls, some dairy cows, 150 chickens, several brood mares and some hogs. 120 acres of this ranch is seeded to clover timothy and alfalfa. There is also five acres of bearing orchard and the land is irrigated, the object being to develop a large herd of pure bred livestock, etc.
Knox church … There was a splendid attendance at the Birthday Party given last Friday evening by the Ladies Aid of Knox Church and about $60 will be realized as a result of the ladies’ efforts. Mrs. Barney occupied the chair for a lengthy program by local talent in the church, and substantial refreshments were served in the school-room afterwards, the central feature being a huge Birthday Cake. The Ladies Aid have recently purchased and presented to the church a splendid new Mason & Risch piano, which will be a welcome addition.
Prof. Nidd leaving Cranbrook … Prof. C. F. Nidd, choirmaster and organist of the Methodist Church here, for the last three years, has accepted a similar position in the big Methodist Church at Weyburn, Sask., and expects to leave shortly for that place.
Prof. Nidd’s departure will leave a gap in musical circles in Cranbrook which will be hard to fill. He has been a very successful pianoforte teacher, and at present has about thirty pupils, many of them almost ready for the Conservatory examinations. He has also organized and conducted several symphony orchestras very successfully during his time in this city, and in addition is a vocalist of more than average ability.
While regretting his departure he will have the hearty good wishes of his many friends for his success in Weyburn.