November 3, 1921
What was happening a century ago this week from the front page of the Cowichan Leader.
November 3, 1921
There's no having to guess the big news story of this issue of the Leader, the large, centre-page headlines crying out:
ARRANGEMENTS FOR UNVEILING CEREMONY ON ARMISTICE DAY
The unveiling in question was that of the Duncan Cenotaph.
Today, it's in Charles Hoey, VC Park, the strip of green between Canada Avenue and Duncan Street, next to the railway station/museum.
But that wasn't always the case. From 1921 to 1947, it stood in the intersection of Canada Avenue (then Front Street) and Station Street. Traffic obstruction, indeed!
Back to 1921: After extended fundraising, planning and construction the 'memorial cross' was finally ready for dedication to the Valley's war dead of the recent Great War. Another indicator of how much times have changed, the unveiling would occur "as close to 11 o'clock as possible"--this, to allow the regular morning train to clear the station.
Front-row space was to be roped off for relatives of the fallen, for ex-servicemen and school children. Members of the Great War Veterans Association (forerunner to the Royal Canadian Legion) would serve as ushers and be distinguished by armbands, F.G. Smithson and W.L.B. Young would act as marshals
The Scouts and Guides would march from their respective schools and form an honour guard. By proclamation of Mayor Pitt businesses would close for one hour, 11:00-12:00.
The service would begin with the national Anthem, an announcement, a prayer and two minutes' silence. Then Mrs. Maitland-Dougall who'd lost both her sons would unveil the monument, followed by a recitation of the names inscribed and "appropriate passages of Scripture".
Then a sounding of the Last Post, another prayer and a hymn.
At that point the Cenotaph would be committed to the care of the City, as well as the cairn and public park on Mount Prevost. Then another blessing, Reveille and the placing of wreaths. The GVWA had asked the Leader, when inviting all members of the public to attend, request that veterans appear in civilian clothing, wearing their decorations and ribbons.
Most of the Valley choirs had also been invited to join in singing The Supreme Sacrifice, composed by an Englishman who'd lost three sons.
In other news the Board of Trade voiced support for Cowichan Tribes in their battle to be able to continue their traditional form of river fishing with weirs, which had been forbidden by the federal fisheries department. This followed publication of a letter to the editor of the Leader complaining that the BofT had "agitated" for the removal of the weirs.
Speaking for the BofT, H.F. Prevost denied the charge and said he didn't think anyone was against the two or three weirs being used to catch fish for personal consumption.
C. Wallich reported on his discussions with the Railway Commission which monitored telephone rates. These had been increased by, in effect, 25 per cent because six-party lines had been expanded to eight parties. This was an inconvenience for homeowners and a hardship for businesses, he'd argued. What was to stop the company from going to even bigger party lines?
The Board had requested that it be informed of any changes in postal delivery and the Cowichan Women's Institute's request for financial assistance for a tuberculosis ward at the King's Daughters' Hospital was filed.
The ladies had also appealed to Duncan Council which agreed to consider the request. Ald. Whidden reported that a new tile drain had been laid across Station Street to handle surface water.
Thanks to the "business acumen" of City Clerk Greig, who'd used profits from Victory bonds, the City had a new typewriter and "other appliances".
A request for a light on Wharncliffe Street from residents E.T. Cresswell and A.J. Marlow was referred to the streets committee. Eighteen applications had been filed for a new position of assistant in the City office had been received. All applicants for the $75 per month position were returned men as stipulated.
Realtor J.H. Whittome had negotiated the sale of a lot at Maple Bay for a summer hotel intended to "accommodate the many visitors who wish to take advantage of the undoubted charms of Maple Bay". Two English buyers were planning a chicken farm on the former Lamb estate.
Despite heavy rains, 21 musical enthusiasts had met in St. John's Hall to discuss formation of a Choral Society and a large audience in the Odd Fellows' Hall had enjoyed a recital of 'Der Freishbutz' m ('Softly Sigh').
The Cowichan Electoral Health Centre was about to launch a dental clinic in a room in the Duncan Consolidated School; the portable dentist's chair would alternate regularly by car between Duncan, Cobble Hill and Chemainus.
Mrs. Moss reported that the Centre was also working towards acquiring a nurse to work exclusively with Cowichan Tribes, and expressed the Centre's support for a two-bed rather than four-bed tuberculosis ward at the Duncan Hospital.
Graduate nurse Miss Eldora Bray, daughter of Major Bray, Esquimalt, had assumed her new duties at the Cowichan Health Centre, November 1st.
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