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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1944-08-31, Page 1WINGHAM, ONTARIO, THURSDAY,, AUGUST 31st, 1944 Single Copies Five Cents Subscriptione P.00 Per Yeiur. With Which Is Amalgamated The Gawk Vidette and Wroxeter New,. OWE FOR HOSPITAL FUNDS 'STARTS SOON All Will Be Given An. Opportunity To Aid. This Project CAPT, JAMES MIKE KILLED IN ACTION LIONS INVITE YOU TO THEIR FROLIC Sad News Received By His Mother At Teeswater Monday Morning BOB ,SPITTAL HOME FROM OVERSEAS Arrived Home Friday Evening With His Wife. Who Met Him In London "WOMEN'S INSTITUTE HAD FINE MEETING Mfr, J. Bruce Matheson, Agricultural, / Representative Was Speaker Plans*are now underway to hold a campaign for the balance of the money necessary for the building of •the ad- dition to Wingham General Hospital. All 'will be given an opportunity to subscribe to • this community project. The campaign will get' under way next week and it is hoped that it will be completed by September 16th. It has been decided that a book containing all the names of those who donate to this great community enterprise will be suitably located at the hospital after the addition is completed. There is yet a great deal of money necessary to finance this effort. $65,- 000 will be required to complete the building and equip it. So far $43,600 has been raised, which means that over $20,000 is yet to be subscribed. The money subscribed so far has been $25,- 000 by the County of Huron; $15,000 by the Town of Wingham; $1,000 by the Township of Turnberry; $1,000 by the Township of Howick; $500 by the Township of Morris; $500 by the Township of East Wawanosh; $300 by the Village of Brussels; $300 by the Township of West Wawanosh. This is a big task for this commun- ity and it will take the combined ef- forts of all to bring it to a successful conclusion. This Great Annual Event Takes Place 9n Labor Day Evening Meet yOur friends at the Lions Frolic in the Arena here, Labor Day evening. There Will be fun galore for old and young. This will be the seventh such event that the Lions have staged here and there will be a grand time for all. The dance floor has been rebuilt and is in wonderful shape. The platform has been raised at •the end of the. Arena so that all can see the floor shOw. The floor show should be a very pleasing part of the evening as it will be presented by outstanding artists. Heading the , group will be Percy David, comedian and entertainer. He is well known for his comic songs and patter. Rudy. Spratt •does a musical turn with the banjo and, guitar. This is entirely new •and has been going over great this season. The popular dance duo, Terry and Munro, are out- standing in their field of up-to-date dance numbers, rumba and Spanish dances. It is a delight to see and hear Jow Handley at the piano. His vadueville style of playing always pleases. There will be of course bingo and other games and a well-stocked booth. As the event is held indoors, the pro- gram will be ,staged regardless of the weather. See yOu at the frolic. BLOOD DONOR CLINIC HERE NEXT WEEK Committee Issues Another Appeal For More Donors DATE IS SET FOR THE HORSE SHOW This Big Event Will Be Held On Thursday, November 2nd This community was saddened and shocked• when the word was received that Captain James McLean McKague had been killed in action, His mother, Mrs. Andrew ;McKague of Teeswater, received a telegram Monday morning informing her that he had been killed in Action on August 17th. Jim was a member of the 99th bat- tery when it went active and at that time, early in September 1941, he and Richard Roberts were in. Brockville attending an officers' course. They completed their course and then joined the battery at Petawawa, Both of them were very recently given their Captaincy on the field• of battle. Jim is the first from Teeswater or Culross to make the supreme sacrifice. He was very popular and highly re- spected here and the sympathy of all in this community goes out to his mother and his brothers and sisters. He was a native of Culross, the family home is just a few rods east of Teeswater on Concession six. In 1939 he graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College at Guelph and pur- chased the practice of the late Dr. Ford here. He continued his practice until he enlisted for active service. A member of Knox Presbyterian Church, Teeswater, he was a valued member of the choir there and after he came to Wingham gave of his time and talent to St. Andrew's choir. One cannot speak too highly of this 2.7 year old gentleman who gave his life in the service of his country. His friends were legion and he had those qualities which make for better citizen- ship. Surviving besides his mother, Mrs. Andrew McKague, are four frothers and two sisters, Andrew of Essex; Mrs. Weir (Margaret) McDonald of Culross; Jack and Kenneth and Jean at home, and LAC. Ross McKague at present in England with the R.C.A.F. On Saturday we had a chat with CaPtain J. R. M, (Bob) Spittal. He had just returned the evening before from Overseas. His wife met him in London at the train which arrived at 5.30 in the afternoon and he arrived here about 3.30 o'clock. k."- "After nine strenuous days in France, including "D" Day, Bob was evacu- ated to England with .battle fatigue. There are twenty Canadian hospitals there but Bob landed in the same hospital in which Major W. A. (Doctor) McKibbon was• a patient and Walt was present when he arrived. Bob says that Major ,McKibbon is do- ing splendidly and is now doing full duty about the hospital. 'When Bob was discharged from hospital he was in the same camp as Capt. T. W. (Bert) Platt. He reports that Bert is .in excellent health and spirits, There was no mistaking that Capt. Spittal was extremely happy to be back with his wife and family. The i children, Patsy and Peter remained very close to him and at times plied him with questions. Bob joined the 99th in 1940' as a gunner. He was quick to receive promotion and was soon sergeant of the signalling section. He then received his commission and when the battery went active he *as a lieutenant. Before proceeding over- seas he was given his captaincy. " He will spend 30 days leave at his home and then report to London. Bob is looking very well and we hope, that his rest. at home will do him much good. We extend a hearty welcome to him on behalf of the citi- zens of this community. He came to Wingham from Mount Forest in 1931 as• manager of the Do- minion Bank and remained in that position until his enlistment. Bob is a native of Scotland and earlier this month, just 'prior to re- turning home, he visited With his par- ents who live near Stirling. Engagement Announcement The engagement is announced of Vivian Isabel, daughter of Mrs. Tiffin and the late Mr. George Tiffin, to Mr. William Wallace Wilson, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Wilson, Dtingannon. The marriage will take place early in September. Grass Fire Thursday afternoon the fire brigade were called to theGeorge Currie farm on the 12th of East Wawanosh. With the use of the booster tank the fire- men -made short work of the blaze. The wind was blowing away from the buildings or much damage might have resulted. It is thought that the fire started from the remains of a bon- fire of the day previous. Attention Children!• A serial is starting at the Lyceum. Theatre this Saturday afternoon. There will be 12 episodes, pre each Saturday afternoon for the next twelve weeks. Do not miss the first one. Postponed. Bowling Tournament The rain on Monday night caused the postponement to Friday night this week of a doubles bowling tournament. The entry on Monday was 37, three more than the greens will accommo- date. BURNS WERE FATAL TO ASHFIELD FARMER Attending Municipal. Convention .LMayor Fred L. Davidson, Councillor Murray Johnson, Reeve Harold Mof- fatt, Mr. John Hanna, M.P.P., and Mr. L. E. Cardiff, M.P., are attending the Ontario Municipal Association Con- vention which is being held in Toronto. Bride-to-be Honoured Miss Edith Mundy, whose wedding takes place to-day .(Wednesday) was the honoured guest at a dinner party held at Foxton's on Friday evening. The girls of the Pham chit staged the party and presented 'her with a beauti- ful bedroom chair. Last Concert This Season The Wingham Citizens' Band play- ed their' last concert for this season Sunday. night. There was a large gathering present. The band has been carrying on under difficulties but have presented a number of Sunday night concerts w,hich were much appreciated by the citizens of the community. Father's Picture In The Star NeAn experiment is being made by the University of Saskatchewan in the use of the jeep for farm work. In the Toronto Star on Saturday was the pic- ture of a jeep pulling a binder in con- nection with this investigation. The man on the binder was Mr, Win. Mc- Leod, father of ,Miss Ileen McLeod of town. Engagement Annotuteetnent Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Rae, Wingham, announce the . engagement of their youngest daughter, Elizabeth Shiell (Betty) to Dr. John Russel St. John, .R.C.A.M.C., eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. M. St. John, of Uxbridge. 'The Marriage to take place in October. Showered By Friends On Friday night a very pleasant ltarty was held at the home of Miss ,Jean McKague in honour of Miss- "Myrtle Fothergill,. bride-to-be. Miss Vothergill. was presented with a -kitch- -en shower. There were about thirty present and during the evening bingo and other games were enjoyed. George Lane Passed On A Few Hours After Fighting Barn Fire Moved To Toronto• and Mrs. John R. Clark and family, who have resided north of town for the past few years, have gone to Toronto to live, Purchased Wilson House r. Norman Keating 'of the Hydro staff has purchased the home of the late Mrs. John Wilson, Edward Street. It is expected that he will. get posses- sion about September 20th, Mr. and Mrs. Keating at'present reside in Bel- grave. Held Last Of Union Services On Sunday the final services in the summertime series of Union Services, was held in -St. Paul's Church. These services extend over a period of six week, two services at St. Andrew's Church/two at the United Church, and two at St. Paul's Church. Scotch War Bride Visiting Here 4-Mrs. Ronald Macqueen of Dundee, Scotland, and her 13-month-old daugh- ter, are visiting with her uncle, T. Y. and Mrs. Smith, They arrived here Saturday night from the Old Land and will reside in London where her hus- band is employed. Her husband ,re- turned to Canada last year and was later discharged. Attended Silver Wedding Celebration Mr. John W. Hanna, M.P.P., and Mr. L. E. Cardiff, M,P., attended the silver wedding of 'Mr, and Mrs. J. P. Johnston, Brant Township, on Thurs- day evening. Mr, and Mrs. Johnston were •honoured with many gifts and a very large number were present to ex- tend congratulations. " Auction And Concert An auction 'and concert in aid of the Red. Cress will be held in the Pres- byterian Church shed, Bluevale,‘ on Friday, September 8th. On sale will be produce of all kinds, baking, cloth- ing and many other articles. There will be a refreshmen't booth and a good concert will be provided. Admission 10e. Children free. Jean Elliott, President of the Women's Institute; J, C. Higgins, President of the Men's Club. Wen At Lucknovv 1.:(,)). the Provincial play-offs for Dis- trict No. 8 at Lucknow on Thursday evening, local entries Were successful. Alex Crawford and Omar Haselgrove defeated George Smith and W. Mc- Coy in the doubles 24-16. In the rinks G. Mackay, Bert Porter, Dopald Rae, Sack Mason, skip, won by 29 to 16 from Howard Agnew, Geo, Clark, Wallace Miller, Clark. FinlaysOn, skip. The next round was at Hanover the following night but the winning Wing , ham entries were unable to attend, At a meeting of the directors 'of the Wingham Horse Show it ,vas decided to hold this event on Thursday even- ing, November 2nd. The show last year was most successful and the directors are. Alarming even greater things for this year. The ,prize -money has been increased and four new class- es added. There will be a heavy horse class for residents of the five nearby townships; two' hackney pony classes, single and doubles; also a six- horse hitch. Engagement Announcement Mrs. C. A. Fothergill, Wingharn, announces the engagement of her niece, Myrtle Elizabeth, to LAC. John Gordon Leggatt, R.C.A.F., son of Mr. and Mrs.' Wesley. Leggatt of Wing- ham. The marriage will take place in Wingham'United Church, at 4 o'clock, Wednesday, September 6th, On Wednesday*morning next week another Red Cross Blood Donor Clinic will be held here. The Clinic held five weeks ago set record of 242 donors and the committee are anxious to have as many new donors as pos- sible for this clinic. If you have not enrolled as yet for. this ,service leave your name at McKibbon's store or at the Red Cross Rooms. With the increasing casualties'orthe last few months and with the battles that are raging, the need for blood donors is greater than ever before. SCHOOLS OPEN TUESDAY NEXT EADIES' W. M. S. A meeting of the Women's Mission- ary Society of Eadies' Presbyterian Church was held in .Gilmour's School, Thursday afternoon. Mrs. George Day, the president, conducted the meeting. "Come let us sing of His Wonderful Love" was sung, and Mrs. Hugh Gilmour gave the scripture reading, 2nd chapter of Hebrews. The comments were by Miss lean Wilton. Mrs. Alkin Hastings offered prayer then the hymn "Lead on,....10 king Eternal", was sung, The topic, the work of 'the late Dr,yilkie, who la- boured in the lalmasi Field in India, was by Mrs. Roy Hastings. It was decided during the business discussion to hold the Autumn Thankoffering meeting in September. The Meeting closed with the Lord's Prayer and the National Anthem. "Pupile Of Local Schools Start Fall Tenn September 5th The August meeting of the Wo- men's Institute was, held on Friday afternoon. The preeident called the meeting to order and the Institute Ode and Lord's Prayer were repeated. Tice president, Mrs. A. R. DuVal, 'warmly welcomed the Wroxeter Insti- tute, and former members, and hoped they would again join the organization. The motto was, "Make new friends but keep the old." Canada was sung, reports receiv- ed and business matters came 'up for ;discussion. Plans to hold a euchre to :augment the fund for overseas boxes wab made. The roll call was answered by naming a Canadian product, .Mrs. Gowdy of the Wroxeter branch as a contribution to the Program gave a paper on. The Ideal Canadian Home. The basis for her talk was love, "and love was founded on respect. Four walls do not make a home, she said, -as the poet said, it takes a lot of living. children make the home and the par- ,ents are the pattern, she, said. Leslie Mae Wall gave an instru- -mental, Valse in C sharp minor, by •Chopin. Mr. J. Bruce Matheson, agricultural tepresentative for Huron Co'unty, was the guest speaker. He said that the farm has made a worthwhile contri- bution to the war effort. Many farm boys are in the services and to keep up- the required production even the women work in the fields. Due to the lass of the Danish market, the British -were being supplied with their pork products from Canada. Mille.production has been increased ,so that milk products such as cheese, -butter, powdered milk have continued 'to be available for the overseas mark- -ets and for local consumption. He told of the dehydration of vege- -tables to save shipping space and also the same method used on eggs. Thege 4.ggs can be used similar .to fresh eggs -except for poaching. The increased .acreage of flax and sunflowers has -made great strides and the vegetable .mils which are extracted has done anuch to 'relieve the shortage of oils for domestic purposes. The markets Canada has built up -during the war she hopes to retain :after the war, he said. The men , that came'here from 'the -thirty. They have now returned and -west to help in the harvest numbered 437 are going from Huron to assist in :the western harvest. He urged the support 'of the cam- -paigrt to collect milk weed pods. Over 43000 bags of pods are required as the -floss is used in place of kapok for life -preservers. After closing the meeting with the National Anthem, a social time was -spent over the tea cups. George Line, 'of concession 10, Ash- field Township, died Saturday night in Wingham General Hospit'ar of injuries he had received a few hours before when trapped in the blazing barn on his farm. Mr. Lane had gathered some weed seed that had been in the barn and taken it outside to What was consider- ed a safe distance and set it afire. However, so dry was the grass that the fire got out of hand and, running up a gangway, quickly had the barn in flames, Mr. Lane, who was alone, rushed in to fight the fire but finding it was 'beyond his control went to the lower level to free some horses and a bull stabled there. Then, seeking to leave by the lower doortga4y, found himself cut off by 'a burning strawstack to which the fire had meantinte spread. Turning, lie tried going up a stair*ay into the barn but ran into a wall of fire. He took off his shirt wrapping it about his head and made a dash_through the blaze. He managed to get through but with ;his clothing almost complete- ly burned •off. He reached the house and a daughter immediately contacted assistance. A doctor and ambulance came from Wingham,' 18 miles away, and lie was rushed to lioSpitai there, his death following hi the evening, He it Survived by his wife, a son, Clifford, and three 'daughters, 'Miss Hilda, R.N., and Mrs: Got& Wheeler, both of London, and Mrs, heard of . Orillia, • The funeral was front the home on Monday afternoon with burial in Greenhill Cemetery. BINGO! , BINGO! SATURDAY NIGHT The Legion every Saturday night Will hold a Dingo in the Council Chantber, Town' Hall The proceeds ire for Overseas Smokes and Post- War Work, Good Prizes. by your presence yOd will aid this iintertatit phase of Legion work. Local sehools Will commence their -fall term on Teaday next, September tth. It was left with the School boards 'to open at a later date if they deemed it necessary. The season has been early this year to it was decided to Open on the offical •date, There is two changes in. teachers, one at the • High School, and 'one at the Public School, The new teacher tit the High -School will be Miss Allee C. Heard, B.A., Viesherton, Miss Heard had taught for the past six years in her home town. Miss Hilda Twamlby of LUclote* rePlateS Miss Verne Walker on the Public School staff. She has beet the teacher, at Itel. fast• for font years. SUNDAY NEXT TO BE DAY OP PRAYER At the request of kink 'George \7I,. Sunday next, September tircl, will be observed as 4 special bay of Prayer. PRESENTATION MADE BY BAND MEMBERS Bandsman Fred Johnson Honoured On His 82nd Birthday 1..1••••• Following Band practice last week the members of the band staged a party in honour of their oldest mem- ber, Mr. Fred Johnttort, oldest in years 82, and oldest in service 58 years a member of the band here.- His total service as a bandsman is well over sixty years 'which is believed to be a record. Mr. Johnston came to Wingham in 1886 and has been a 'member of the band continuously since that time. He has held almost every office in this organization and for a time was presi- dent. The party in his honour was a com- plete surprise to him and he was just about bowled' over when he was pre- sented with a beautiful chair. The wives of the members of the band served a buffet luncheon which added greatly to this -very pleasant event. DANCES AT ROYAL T There is dancing '6.1 the Royal T Wednesday, August 30th (to-night), to the music of Carruthers Orchestra. Admission 40c; and on Friday night to McDowell's OrcheStra. This is a new and old time dance with George Jordan as floor manager. Admission 35c. Sunday midnite dance starting at,f2:045 until 3.00, music by Carruthers Orchestra. Admission 50c. OVERSEAS LETTERS OF INTEREST' The following letter is from. Lieut. Charles E, Baskerville, to his grand". father, Mr. Charles R. Wilkinson. Charlie enlisted with the 97th at Listowel at the start of the war and was awarded his commission in Eng- land after attending an officers' course in the Old Land. He did not return to his original unit but was posted to. the 25th C,A,D. Regt. B.W,E,F. Cdn, Forces Aug. 4th, 1944 Dear Grandad and Rena; Just a hurried line to let you know that I am quite alive and keeping well and fit. I was most fortunate on last Mon— day to meet a few vehicles which be- longed to the 9th (his old regiment) and as I had very little to do at that time, I. went over to see the old gang. The regiment certainly deserves all the praise possible for they sure have done a marvellous job and are still doing it. Who did I see? Hugh Cummings and Cliff Taman, (Cliff has since died of wounds) both looking in the pink, and despite the lack of sleep and ex- tremely hard work which they are subject to, looked just as if they are waiting for a customer on Saturday night. The rest of the boys too num- erous to mention, are all hail and. hearty and doing a magnificient job here in France. Last evening to top things off, who should I run into but the old 99th who equally rate the highest possible praise for the good work which they have done. Bob Hetherington looks very well after a well earned rest, and, unfortunately Bob Spittal had left fat; England, I missed Dick Roberts and Jimmie Lee who were both back at rest camp. Tapper Gray, Porky Mitchell, Frank Hopper, Red Elliott and many more were among the Wing- ham boys whom I was lucky enough to see. Joe Ellacott and the two. Hammond boys came over when they heard I was there and we certainly en- joyed a talk. Never let it be said that Wingham has not done her share in the war effort, because she certainly has donated more than her share in sending over such a Well spirited, trained and above all the very best gang of boys imaginable to finish the job off here in France. Porky gave me a late edition of the Advance- Times and you undoubtedly have read the very stirring events described by the Wingham boys on the front page. They are quite modest in -many of their statements but you can imagine just what it was like. Grandad, I certainly would appreci- ate it if you could have the paper sent to me because it sure is good to read what is going on in the old town and pretty soon I will hardly know who is who and I sure want to when I see you all next Christmas. We are sure eating well under the circumstances, and it is surprising at times though just how little one can, get along on. The morale of the Canucks is tops and they sure are wonderful fighters and excelled themselves in every front and if you ever run into any of the' returned lads from Italy or Nor-- mandy, shake their hand and in doing so remember, you are shaking the hand of the finest fighting man and. soldier bar none, Love to both and all, Charley. * * * * The next two letters are to Mr. and Mrs. W. Broome from their sons Bill and Jim, who are both in France. The first letter is from Bill. France, Aug 6th Dear Mother and Dad: Just a few lines in answer to your welcome letter. Glad to hear you are well 'and that Dad is getting along fine. Things are fine and the news looks better every day all over, Maybe, we will be home for Xmas yet. I heard from Jim and he is fine, but just where I do not know. I,can now tell you we 'built the first bridge across the river we crossed a couple of weeks ago, shortly after the infantry had crossed the river and we saw the first bunch of German prisoners brought back across it. They look pretty young and we have have teen lots of • them since. There are no shops to buy anything, but if we happen 'to move back we will be able to get 'things. Back behind things arc get, ting back to normal again. You should see the bread they have been eating, it is .almost black. Aunt Lilly and all are well and are having it fairly 'quiet up that way (Norwich). (Continued on Page seven)' WORD RECEIVED BERT MITCHELL INJURED Telegram Received By Mrs. Mitchell On Friday And Field Card Came On Saturday Mrs. Bert Mitchell received a wire Friday afternoon informing her that her husband,"B.S.M. Bert Mitchell, has been wounded in action on August 14th, On Saturday she received a field card from him stating that he had been injured. Other letters have been received which stated he has a fractur- ed leg, but no confirmation of this has yet been -received. Bert was injured according to later word in a collision between the motor cycle he was riding and a truck. . Bert (Porky) to most of the folk of this community went overseas as Battery Sergeant Major of the 99th Battery, R.C.A. He has been a mem- ber of the '99th for a long time and was appointed B.S.M. when Joe Ella- cott enlisted in the active fortes, When the battery went active in the early part of September 1941, Bert remained as and has continued in that capabity, The battery went Overseas in August last, and have been in the thief: of it its France from the start of the invasion. Many letters we have rniblished have spoken of Porky. He is exceedingly popular with the then of the battery. Mrs. Mitchell was the former Marg- aret Prater and they have 'an eleven- ruonth-old son, Joists, whom the father leas never Seen. 'Bert's friends here will wish hint a 'speedy 'recovery anti it it 'Myer! that word to that effect is reteived.Soort. erne Following Operation iarold Gaunt, who went to Feta- wawa with the 99th (R) Battery in July, was in hospital with tonsilitis when the battery returned to Wing- ham, On the 10th of August' he was discharged from the hospital but was re-admitted the next day and under,. went an operation for appendicitis. He is now home and feeling fine bay- log made a splendid recovery. BOYS WHEELED TO LONDON AND BACK It is great to be young and full of pep and ambition. Bill Loeltridge and, Stan Hiseler must have plenty of what it takes as they rode their wheels to London and back, They were nine hours each way. They went dotvil Monday last week and after spending a few days there rode back. lo Labor LABOR DAY MONDAY NEXT A HOLIDAY Stores Will Also Be Closed On Wednesday Afternoon Next Week Shoppers are warned to prepare for t. long holiday this coming week-end as Monday next,' September 4th, is a holiday and merchants here will close their stores for the day. The shopping public will also please note that the Wednesday half holiday will be observed next week as usual.