March 17, 1921
What was happening a century ago this week from the front page of the Cowichan Leader.
March 17, 1921
A boxed display ad at the top right of the page,
The Cross of Sacrifice,
is what catches the eye for this issue of The Leader. It’s intended to grab readers’ eyes and heartstrings:
“Good Friday draws near, reminding us of One Who cheerfully gave His life in the Cause of Humanity.
“Over One Hundred and Sixty Cowichan Men and Women gave their lives for YOU in the Great War.
Our District has yet to erect a Memorial dedicated by the whole community solely to the memory of this Gallant Band.”
There followed two choices:
A CROSS of hewn granite, symbol of victory, of love, of self-sacrifice, is to be placed in the centre of the District, near Duncan railway station, scene of so many partings and greetings.
A CAIRN beacon to all who live within our borders, is to be placed on top of Mount Prevost, that familiar landmark, the memory of which was carried by Fifteen Hundred Cowichan Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Nurses overseas.
“Surely, you who read, Man, Woman or Child, will wish to add your Gift, large or small, to the Cowichan Electoral District Memorial Fund? If the tribute calls for self-denial, your Eastertide will be deeply blessed.”
MAKE YOUR EASTER OFFERING NOW!
There followed a list of banks and government offices were donations could be dropped off.
The next big item was a replay of THE EGG SITUATION, the challenge that local poultry farmers faced in reaching markets beyond the Valley by competing with cheaper eggs imported from China and Washington State. As we’ve seen it was an uphill battle, some figures showing that at the end of a laying season many farmers with an average of 1000 Leghorn hens, showed a loss between $250-500.
Progress was being made towards building a community hall, to be named Vimy, on Gibbins Road. Originally estimated too cost $850, promises of volunteer labour brought that down to $710 and with promises of $550 to date, organizers were confident that they were in the home stretch.
Forestry companies holding Crown leases had met to protest the government’s proposed 50 per cent increase in tax (from 2% to 3%) predicted that, if it took effect, it would demoralize markets and force a “slaughter” of the forests. E.J. Palmer, manager of the colossal, Chemainus-based Victoria Lumber & Manufacturing Co., spoke for the industry when he declared, “There is not a timber man operating on crown granted lands who will be able to show a 4 per cent return over 30 years.”
He said he was headed for retirement after 30 years in the business but he didn’t want to see a policy adopted which would “jeopardize the assets of the country which I expect to die in”.
Premier Oliver assured the public that his government wouldn’t act hastily but it was justified in trying to determine the actual value of the Crown’s royalty.
A well attended humorous play was staged in Alderlea Methodist Church (today’s United Church on Ingram Street) and a Lenten Concert at the Rectory of St. Peter’s, Quamichan.
Well known mining engineer W.M. Brewer was back in town for another of his public talks on the mining industry, this one to be in the court house on Government Street. This talk, which he promised to be in “simple language,” was to be on fundamental chemistry as it applied to mineralogy.
W.M. Fleming concluded his series of lectures, this one on rainfall and seeding, to Somenos farmers, and the organizers of the Fall Fair promised an enlarged and enhance Children’s Section. Even the provincial Department of Education was behind the idea of school children participating in such events. Domestic Science, particularly needlework and cookery, were specifically mentioned.
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