Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1941-12-04, Page 3■Pag© 3 THE EXETER TIMES*ADVOCATE mwm 40>, mi Flying Through Hostile Skies Canadian Editor Reaches England 'This is the third in a series of ar­ ticles about conditions in .Great Britain and other countries vis­ ited during six weeks in Europe and over the Atlantic. Written specially for the weekly news* papers of Canada. by their flw wpresentaive on the tour, Hugh Templin, of the Fergus News- Record, The first dose contacts with wax* came at Bermuda. Because of bad; weather at the Azores, the Dixie Clipper turned back during the night and the first six ’Canadian editors spent over a day on that Isla'nd, Not only are there two naval bases on the islands, one British and the other American, but the big Ameri­ can PBY flying boats (Catalinas, the British call them)* took off re­ gularly every two hours or so to patrol the nearby ocean, It was ob­ vious that the U.S. Navy was defin­ itely in the war even then. During my stay in Bermuda, I had a chance to see several ships of. that navy. The first hint of personal ’danger, came when we returned to the cus­ toms office on one of Bermuda’s little islands. The word went out that our luggage was to be search­ ed, because there was a danger that someone in Bermuda might have secreted* a boihb among' our clothing and *if one of them explod­ ed while the Clipper was in the air, it would be just too bad, One of my bags had been broken open dur­ ing the time I was in Bermuda, so I insisted on a thorough search of |ts contents? There was no bomb, and* nothing seemed to be missing. $ A First Grim Example of Wan The first grim example of a world at war came the morning after the Clipper had left Bermuda. I waken­ ed and stretched in my comfortable berth, and then looked out the little window. Eight -thousand feet below, there was a great patch of oil upon the water, with long streaks out to­ wards the west. Nearby, two little lifeboats floated bn the great ex­ panse of ocean,’ From that height, they appeared to be empty, but /per­ haps I was mistaken. I wondered what to do. No doubt the crew, watching all the time, had seen the same thing I had discov­ ered. What would they do about it? Anxiously I watched the shad­ ow Of the motor on the wing to see if^we Wou]d circle and offer’ aid, though • just what' the' Clipper crew could -do seemed uncertain. Later, I learned that the radio , operator had sent word to* qn American de­ stroyer which was already ' on its way to give help, after receiving an S.O.S. call. I never knew the name or nationality of the steamer, or the fate of the crew. In Touch with the Enemy At Lisbon, we came in closer touch with the enemy. Portugal is neutral. It may be that the war­ ring nations find it to their ad­ vantage to keep the country that way. Lisbon is full of spR/s of all . nationalities, refugees, people who once had money and now have none, gangsters Who would make money out of the war. To that port only, in all Europe, American ships and planes • have been allowed to. go. The feeling of tension and intrigue soon becomes apparent to every visitor. There is a saying that “Germany doesn't even need to in­ vade Portugal: Hitler can take the country by telephone any time he likes.” That is partly German.’pro­ paganda* but it doesn’t make a stay in Portugal any more pleasant. Those who go to Lisbon now not on . holidays. Our stay in Lisbon while on way to England was' brief. It midnight when our group cleared the Portugese Customs. Out in a tiny courtyard, taxi drivers pushed and jostled and shouted in a strange language. The British Embassy people got ns placed in a big car, supplied us with Portugese escudos and sent us away to the Estoril Palacia. That 15-mile drive to the seaside resort of Estoril was the most ex­ citing in my life. It was, perhaps, a taste of things to come. Most Lis­ bon streets are narrow but two cars can pass with care. But there is an added complication When there is also, a street car running down the centre, in places, an automo­ bile pould not pass a street car. That did not seem to worry the driver. •He would go at 60 or 70 miles an hour until he saw a street car com­ ing; then he -would jam on his brak­ es and turii into the nearest side street. 'Once he barely made the turn, running up on to the side­ walk, After the street car had passed* he backed out again and continued on his way to the hotel. It it said that Disbon taxi drivers have just one accident-—their last. The porter at the hotel collected oux’ precious passports and assigned room numbers, while sleepy wait­ ers served our first. European meal, which was excellent. B. K. Sand­ well and I went up to our rooms in the elevator with a German and an Italian. An interpatioxiai AiiTort I was "away again, long before daylight, to ’Cintra airport. The Portugese farmers must have spent hundreds of years, building stone walls along the foggy morning taxi drivei* was ed along over meats. In a Europe roaids, and it was a but this time the cautious and crawl- the greasy pave- at war, Cintra air­ port is surely a unique place. on the field stood three planes, one Dutch, one Portugese and one Span- The Spanish one looked as if not lift off the ground; out are the was ish. it would the Dutch plane was heavily camou­ flaged, Inside, the .ticket offices of the British Overseas Airways and the KLM (which is the Royal Dutch Airlines) are oft c— M hallway,, and the Lufthansa (Ger­ man) add the Italian Lines on the other. The passengers all go out to the field through the same doorway and are weighed on the same scales, in kilograms. A young Portugese servbd us tea and cakes. He spoke English. He lived three years in New°York and went to -school there, but he Still had a grievance against his teacher. She did not know that Portugal was a separate nation. She insisted he was a Spaniard. No wonder it A deep field from side were group of On the other side was an old shep­ herd with a staff and long flowing robes. As he walked, he called to his sheep and -they .followed him. He might have stepped right out of the Old Testament. Behind him, the mountains' of Portugal were tipped with sunrise pink. Flying Over Portugal I was glad when the plane from the bumpy runway of the tra airport and left the soil of tugal .behind, seemed more free and more safe, though -really it was a dangerous trip that lay. ahead. The Dutch crew looked iike mere boys, but they said they would reach England at three o’clock in the afternoon and they brought us down at one minute to three. There is no wait­ ing for perfect weather on that trip: the planes run on a time schedule. 'Grattan O’Leary and I sat in. the front seat of the Douglas. The Ot­ tawa editor slept much of the time, but I was interested in the almost perfect performance of the ■ young crew, taking a land ©lane on a long sea voyage. I could- see the alti­ meter and I knew with what skill they flew their Douglas through the dangerous air oposite the ‘unfriend­ ly coast of Occuippied France. • As long as we travelled beside the coasts of ’Portugal, the plane ed low and I could see the white houses with their red roofs, the white Stone fences the roads, the churcnes on the hills, and an occasional city. Near Oporto, we came in over the swampy coast and landed on an airport which was little more than a pasture field. .While the Douglas was being refueled, a train of tiny cars drew u.p beside a sugar refinery not far away. Along the borders of the airport was a stream. At a broad pool, Portugese Women were busy doing the family washing, beating the stone# and hanging them td dry on the bushes growing along the bank. Over the Ocean in a Land Plane The route after leaving the north­ west cornel’ of Spain is (probably a secret and no doubt it Varies some­ what with each trip. We no longex’ flew low, but so 4far above the clouds that they looked like the 'Prairies in winter—an even, glar­ ing white. The pilot chose a height of more than two miles above the; water, and after that the -altimeter never varied fox* hours at a time. It was a little too high for com­ fort. Looking down at my finger­ nails, I saw that they had turned a bright blue, and there was a numb­ ness in my hands wasn’t important important was the emy plane /could 25 miles or more away against snowy background. It is said planes have been molested on route, hut none has ever been At noon, one of the Dutch gave me a box lunch and a tray. The lunch was huge, but so was my appetite. There was a large cut of some kind of fowl, which in­ trigued most of the Canadians. One editor ventured the opinion that it was ostrich. Possibly a Portugese turkey. “All in the Front Line Now!” Before the British Isles were in sight, the windows of the plane were covered with locked shutters and the passengers saw nothing of the land until the ©lane came down with scarcely a bump on British soil. I stepped out into the sunlight and looked around curiously. The low buildings were camouflaged. Walls of sandbags were built in front of the doors and windows. . A big Wellington bomber, the first one I had ever seen, was taking to the air and passed over ifty^ead. The buildings of a city^-^jdwed over a low hill and aboVe<The hill floated several harjjd^g balloons. They looked exactly like the photographs I had.* semi so ofteny-from that dislaiicq like silvery hot-dogs in |lfe sky, with a piece of the sausage and feet. That then. Fax* more ■fact that an en- have been seen that that that lost, boys light village, with the brightening the plants gay with something about thing about the insurance business in which Mr. Essery has beep en­ gaged fox? some 50 years; some­ thing of the church life of the com­ munity. Mrs. Essery brought cof­ fee, with cream in a squat pewter jug, delicious cookies,, and a taste of the wedding cake which was to be more officially served on Mon­ day. She showed me the fringe from her wedding gown of 60 years ago, now used to adorn a cushion; she wore a collar and jabot of deli­ cate hand-made lace, her own work, “I am troubled with neuritis now; I can no longer knit for the Red Cross,” she said with regret, but her husband countered quickly, “Mother has always been a won­ derful hand with the needle.” Mr. Essery became interested in the Usborne & Hibbert Fire Insur­ ance Company '50 years ago. For 15 years he was a director, and since that time has been an agent, “My territory is Usborne and Bid- duliph; everybody knows me,” he said with modest pride, He admitted that he felt like “a afternoon massed bloom, J farming; light house' heard some- later at for two them in relic from the past,” since he does not drive a ear, and until recent­ ly sported a handsome beard, all this in a horseless, beardless day. “I attribute my good health to my business and to the fact that I have not had to hurry,” Education, for Mr. Essery, was in his. township school; Cobourg Collegiate, and years at Victoria Cmiege, Cohourg, mow in Toronto. He was ; recording steward of the dist ’Church in Centralia years and was treasurer when the new church was built, and paid for at the time of erection.. A Liberal in politics, he has been president of the Huron County Liberal As­ sociation, “I’m no bigot,” he re-- marked, and pleasure came joy a political enjpy a horse lose,” he added. Mr, and Mrs. Essery have two children, Their son, William, is on the family homestead; their daughter, Mrs, Byron Hicks, lives across the street from her par­ ents. There are eight grandchild­ ren, including a grand-daughter in training at Victoria Hospital, and MethO” for 50 then a reminiscent into his eye. “I en-j contest as , some men race; L can” win or another In business also in qLotr don. A grandson is on learning, the family job; with, the R.C.A.F., on coast. The couple were “at .................. Monday afternoon and evening to their many friends. Flowers deck­ ed the tables for the*Imppy event, Mr. and Mrs.1 Essery’recall that on their fifth •wedding anniversary they invited friends to supper and a hliz- aard necessitated their remaining for two days. On their silver wed­ ding and again on their golden, happier weather favored them. They came to the door ip. true country farewell; Mr, Essery es­ corted me to the street which at either end stretches into the open country. The new air school has missed the actual village by a mile; the.high way by not more than a field or so, But Centralia does not feel itself slighted. '“This is the original road of the settlers here, when the lower road, now the highway, was a marsh,” Mr. Essery explained. Here on the road that curves outward from the cement like a friendly arm, the Essery’s house faces west, catching the sun- the tarn, .another is the east home” on Here’s Easy Time-Tested Way To Get Relief Get after those distressing spells of coughing and ease misery of the cold the widely used Vicks way...Boll some water, pour it into a bowl, Add a good spoonful of Vicks VapoRub. Then breathe in the steaming medicinal vapors. With every breath you take SoRub’s medication soothes afion, quiets coughing, helps dear head, and breathing pas­ sages, FOB ADDED RELIEF.,; At bedtime rub Vicks VapoRub bn throat, chest and back. Its poul­ tice-vapor action works to bring you comfort while you sleep. (« one side of th’i' hanging out one end of the bun. This was our first sight of Eng­ land in wartime! We were “all in the front line now!” -------.—y----------- Mr. and Mrs. J. Essery Celebrate Diamond Jubilee rankled, ditch separated the air a sheep pasture. On one the planes, backed by a ultra- modern buildings. rose Cin- Por- Somehow the air stay­ little "tiled along Itching, Burning, Slinging Eczema or Salt Rheum Eczema, or salt rheum as it is Commonly called, is bixe Of the most painful of Ml skin troubles. The intense burning, itching and smarting, espe­ cially at night, or when the affected part is exposed to heat. Or the hands placed in hot watef are most un- bearable,Burdock° Blood Hitters is based on the knowledge that such ailments as eczema* and Other skin troubles, Are caused by ah imPBerto^o“wS*oie«^>lea> fey -s B.S.B. to tab the P'°0(Aefeat^nyl<irug counter for' B. B. B* Price $1.00 fl bottle* The T. Milburn Cd., Limited, Toronto, Ont. By F. B. T. in London Free Press There seems no reason why Mr. and Mrs. John Essery, Centralia,; who on Monday celebrated their, diamond wedding, should not add a good many more anniversaries to | the long list of events which have punctuated their 60 years of mar­ ried life. Centralia, which has been their home for a quarter of a century, has itself taken on a fresh lease of life with the erection of the new R.C.A.iP. (Service Flying Training School now in process of construc­ tion. Mr. Essery, born in Usborne Township, of which he has been practically a life-long resident; farmer, and son and grandson of pioneei’ 'farmers, has lived to see this strange development in his own quiet countryside. But he thinks it will make very little difference to life in Centralia, The new air school is more than a mile from the village. The build­ ing, in which he is keenly interest­ ed, has brought new business to the merchants of the comfortable little community, and when the “lads” are actually in training, there will be a number of them about, but Mr. Essery cannot think that this will make any essential change as it has always been lived folk of Centralia. Married. in 1881 (On 'December 1, 1881, John sery and Christina Harris were married at Darlington, in Durham County. The bridegroom, who is now 88, and was then 28, had re­ cently taken over his father’s farm in 'Usborne Township. His plowing done, his land prepared the winter, bride. After mained for home because ily; Cristmas was spent with Mrs Essery’s sister in St. Marys; then with a horse and top buggy, the lat ter the first of its kind in the town ship, they made their journey to the farm that was to be their home fol1 some 35 years, and which their son, William Essery, is now operat­ ing. The Essery’s ate of Devonshire stock. John ^Esery’s grandfathex came from Merton (Parish in Devon to the section of Usborfte Township which was afterwards to be 'Cen tralia. He was a Shoemaker and he followed this trade in the new country, making, his grandson re­ calls, what Were said to be the first shoes eVer worn by some of the township lads, then in their teens. Though Mr, Essery thinks this may be stretching a point. In any lease, the etdei’ Essery continued to make shoes and to assist his 100-acre farm’ which is family, John He told present young people who wish to set up as farmers. Good. farm land is available at reasonable cost. But they must be intelligent and they must be industrious; they must learn to make before they spend. With these requirements ho believes they can make good. Sitting In the sunny front room of the Essery’s comfortable brick house on the main street of the he went to claim • the wedding they some weeks at ■of illness in her fam 1. As a Consumer 2. As a Retailer 3. As a Wholesaler I 4. As a Manufacturer Imports Services Also Come Under This Law 4 tawHW NO CHEATING OR EVASION OF THE PRICE CEILING LAW WILL BE TOLERATED PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE WARTIME PRICES AND TRADE BOARD Ottawa Canada j to $5,000 and two years imprisonment is provided for offences against this law You muse not buy goods or services for mere than the highest price charged for such goods or services during -the basic period, September 15 to October 11. If in doubt, ask your merchant for proof the price he asks is a lawful price under the Price Ceiling order. Normal seasonal price changes in fresh fruits and vegetables and greenhouse products are exempt. You must not Sell goods or services for more than the highest price at which you sold such goods or services in the basic period, September 15 to October 11. You must not buy goods or services from manufacturers or wholesalers or any other'sources for more than, the highest price you paid to them in the basic period. It is intended that cases of serious hardship should be adjusted by reducing the cost of merchandise to the retailer. Retailers whose cost of merchandise de­ livered to them after Novmber 30 is too high in relation to the ceiling prices, should get in touch with 'their suppliers and try to arrange an adjustment fair to both • parties. The price of goods of a kind or quality not sold during the basic period must not be more than the highest price charged for substantially similar goods in the basic period. -.You must not sell goods or services at more than your highest price. (less discounts then, prevailing) for such goods or services during the basic period, Sep­ tember 15 to October 11. You must not buy goods or services for more than the highest prices paid during the basic period. Wholesalers will be expected in some cases to reduce their prices below the ceiling in order that their retail accounts may carry on. Wholesalers In turn may have to ask their suppliers for price reductions. The continued flow of goods through normal channels is of the utmost impor­ tance and the Board will intervene if suppliers divert business abnormally from one customer to another. You must not sell at prices higher than your highest price (less discounts theft/ prevailing) .during the basic period, (September 15 to October 11. In some cases.it will be necessary for manufacturers to reduce their prices below the ceiling so that wholesale $nd retail accounts may carry on. Where maintenance of the retail ceiling requires manufacturers’ prices to be substantially reduced, the Board will investigate and in proper cases will afford necessary relief, /Retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers are assured by the Board that any considerable increases in the costs of import of essential goods will be covered either by subsidies ox* by adjustment of taxes. Details will be announced shortly. The Price Ceiling law also applies to rates and charges for electricty, gas, steam heat, water, telegraph, wireless, telephone, transportation, provision of dock, harbour and pier facilities; warehousing and storage; manufacturing processes per­ formed on a commission or custom basis; undertaking and emblalming; laundering, cleaning, tailoring and dressmaking; hairdressing, harboring and beauty parlor services; plumbing, heating, painting, decorating, cleaning and renovating; repair­ ing of all kinds; supplying of meals, refreshments and beverages; exhibiting Of motion pictures. son ■on the still in the Essery believes mb that in his time is one of the best for in farming, opinion the •'How the Price Daw Works,” a pamphlet setting forth how each branch of business must'*apply the regulations to its own operation will shortly be available at Post Offices and Branch Banks. The Board will soon open Regional Offices throughout Canada where problems may bo discussed. These Offices will co-operate with business in the adjustment of difficulties. - * $ 'x The Price Celling law is vital to ’Canada’s war effort.