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The Clinton News Record, 1937-12-16, Page 3• „ "Johnny,o,Jurragundi” EV ANDREW STEWART ' ° :stemsourrease.miiwarstamseemjama....arawierateasesmouserasotaiiiatiseemstire::awiseewroilisismrsiarnwatolts "When am I ' gettin' my engine Adams •tamed to Ins desk Ne boss?" Big Bill Adams, the yard -foreman, pnn around on his high stool and ',coughed as a cloud of coal -smoke was °wafted in through• the open door. "Don't you worry about •that en- agine, laddie' Said Adams kindly. 'U'm just writin' away about it now. •'The figure in the doorway blinked. His Isirge, expressive eyes clouded. Me shook his head wistfully. • "They've takire a long, long time. • "Shake 'em un will you Mr. Adams •pleaee?" Adams stroked his gray Moustache, 'It'll be comin' along any time -now, Johnny." Johnny closed the door. How many :times had he uttered those same •twords, thought Adams sadly. Through the smoke -blackened window he watched the pathetic -looking figure -placing his way across the maze 'of wails in the grimy yard; a figure with an -unruly mop of soft, gold hair. The shiny -peaked railway cap, two sizes -too small for him perched incongru- ously on his abnormally large head. His long arms—strangely out of pro- portion with the rest of his body hung from thin shoulders. An engine whistle squealed, and a big black locomotive clanked past with lazily -swinging drivers. Johnny topped and watched it raptly until It bad disappeared. The Clinton News -Record With which is Incorporated THE NEW PRA TERMS 010 SUBSCRIPTION 01.50 ner year in advance, to Cana- dian. addresses. $2.00 to the U.S. or ither foreign countries. No paper discontinued until all arrears are paid unless at the option of the publish - sr. The data to which every sub- eerintion is paid is denoted on the ADVERTISING RATES — Tran- oient advertising 12c per count line ^far first insertion. 8e for each sub- asequent insertion. Heading counts 22 lines. Small advertisements not to exceed one inch, such as "Wanted," "Lost," "Strayed," ete., inserted once area'85c'each subsequent insertion 115c. Rates for display advertising -made known on application. Communications intended for pub- qication must, as n guarantee of good Vaith, be accompanied by the name af the writer. E. HALL - Proprietor. H. T. RANCE Notary Public, Conveyancer e-Vinancial. Real Estate and Fire In- surance Agent. Representing 14 Fire alnsurance CamPanies, ' Division Court Office. Clinton AFrank Fingland, B.A., LL.B. arrister, Solicitor, Notary Public Successor to W.Brydame; :aloan Block — Clinton, Ont. D. H. McINNE$ CHIROPRACTOR Electro therapist, Massage Office: Huron Street. (Pew Doors west of Royal Bank) Hours—Wed. and Sat. and by appointment. _FOOT CORRECTION way manipulation Sun -Ray Treatment Phone 207 GEORGE ELLIOTT •+Licensed Auctioneer ior the County of Huron -Correspondence promptly answered 'fanmediate arrangements can be made °Eor Sales Date at The News -Record, 'Vinton, or by calling. phone 203. Charges 1VIoderate and Satisfaction Guaranteed. • A. E. COOK PIANO AND VOICE STUDIO—E. C. NICKLE, Phone 23w. 11-11-x, HE McKILLOP MUTUAL Fire Insurance Company Head Office, Seaforth, Ont. Officers: President, Alex. Broadfoot, Sea- la 'fertil; Vice -President, Thomas Moy- f Ian, Seaforth; Secretary -Treasurer, la M. A. Reid, Seaforth. thought of his own sturdy •son, at school in Adelaide, and sighed: "Poor Johnny." • ' Where Johnny had hailed from, no one seemed th know. Nearly fifteen years before, he hed, drifted into. Jur- ragundi Junction. The locoinatives fascinated him, so •he stayed. The •little, squat engines of the Opal run, or the giant locomotives that than-, derecl through, soutbbound and north- • bound, they were all the same to him. He loved them, one and all. One day, many years before, a kindly driver had taken the lad into the cab. For the first time he thril- led at the feel of a throttle. He had been allowed to toss his first shovel- ful of coal into the glowing firebox. From that moment, he lived for rail- ways and engines alone. Aid so, Johnny became a familiar figure to every driver, fireman and guard, two hundred miles north and south of Jurragundi. He helped in the shed, ran errands — sometimes foolish ones — and assisted in the yard. But he received no salary. His was a labor of love. The tittle New Zealand township of Jurragundi lay sweltering in the hottest summer the residents had ever known. Month in, month out, each •morning, a glaring sun arose over the rim of the saltbush plains and travelled its fiery circuit. A sun that turned the rails in the yard as hot as fire -bars. So hot, that when the shunters stepped on them, they could smell the scorching leather. In Opal, twenty miles east, it was said to be even hotter. Along almost the entire run to Opal, the track ran through a hardwood forest, so dense that never a breeze penetrated through. Engine -crews, on making the run, pulled int Jurrangundi, stumbled from their footplates and swore it was the hottest ever. Luc- ky for them it was only a twice -a - week service to Opal. Far up the main line Johnny heard the shriek of a whistle. He waited expectantly. The engine, fol- lowed by a long string of cars, flash- ed around the bend, pulled into Jura- agundi, and stood panting in the sun -blaze. The driver waved to the lone figure that regarded the train so intently. Johnny waved back. A shrill blast, the hiss of steam, the diiveis spun and steadied. The train gathered speed and thundered on its way to Adelaide, nearly four himdred miles away. Johnny crossed the yard, paused beside a Mahone* locomotive and glanced into the cab. There was no one there. He climbed inside and ca- ressed the throttle. The lever felt warm and alive in his hand. Driver Donovan heard a sound. Ile laid down his blue enamel flask and stood up. "Hi, you! What you doin' in there?" Johnny started back guiltily. "N-nothina" he stammered. "Well, then! Get out! Hop it!" "I was dein' no harm," said John- ny. "The other drivers lets me. Be- sides, I'm gettin' an engine, myself. Mr. Adams told me. He's writin' a- way." Donovan laughed harshly. "Graan, son they're kiddin' you. They don't give locomotives to half- wits." As though struck, Johnny cowered back. He blinked stupidly and his face whitened. Then, turning slowly, he stumbled away towards his tin hut at the feta end of the yard. son—" Unheeding, Johnny trudged on, In- side his hut he sat down dazedly. What had Donovan meant? Surely he didn't think ... He laughed mirth- lessly. Yes, that's what he meant. But, badn't Mr. Adams promised him 1ui engine? And Bill Adams would - ).'t lie, Still, it was strange. He'd been waiting for years for that en- inc. He was aware that drivers sat or tickets. Then why hadn't he been sked to do the same? And no word Directors -1-tAlex. Broadfoot, Sea- a 'forth; James Sholdice, Walton; Wil- liam Knox, Londesboro- Chris. Leon- thardt, Dublin; James Connolly, God- 0 ,erich; Thomas Moylan, Seaforth; W. `R. Archibald, Seaforth; Alex.. Mw - Sing, Blyth; Frank McGregor, Clinton. h List of Agents: W. J. Yeo, Olin- , aton, R. R. No. 3; James Watt, Blyth; • Pbhn E. Pepper, Hrucefield, R. R. 'No. 1; R. 1'. McKercher, Dublin, R. R. • No. 1; Chas. F. Hewitt, Kincardine; H. G. Jarmuth, Bornholm, R. R. No. 1. , Any money to he paid may be paid t • to the Royal Bank, Clinton; Bank of h Commerce, Seaforth, or at Calvin 'Uutt's Grocery, Goderieh. Parties •desiring to effect insur- ance or transact other business will be promptly attended to On anplka-, imt to any of the above officers ad - 'dressed th their respective past offi- d •.ces. Losses inspected by the director , who lives nearest the scene. •b A if bout his first becoming a fireman, Why . . , ? Why did he not line up with the ther men on pay night? A thought eft him cold and trembling. Why ad he never realiZed it until this minute? Yes, he should have starv- ed, had fir not been for the kindness of the railwaYmen. Ile took off the can that bore the insignia of the railway and listlessly ossed it into the corner. Arising, e packed his few belongings into a attend suitcase. He picked up the cap, stared at it for a moment, then thrust it into his pocket. Twilight found him miles away roin Jurragundi and close to the eserted sawmill. Engines still held heir sway. He remembered the lo - emotive that the saw -milling com- pany had used to haul the timber - laden wagons back to the Opal line. When he arrived at the mill he •azed at the engine—a cold, lifeless hing. • Climbing into the cab he ob- erved the tarnished' brasswork and usted controls. A bird had built s nest in one corner of the cab. He }laddered. To his simple mind eemed like sacrilege. He glanced ack at the heaped coal. Why, he ould drive it, if . . C 'MAE TABLE ' Trains will arrive at and depart front • Clinton as follows: Buffalo and Gederiek Div. 'Goin g East, depart 7.03 a,m. Going East, depart 3.00 'p.m. .4Gaing West, depart 11:45 p.m. aGoing West, depart 10.00 p.m. it aGoing North, ar. 11.25 /ye. 11.47 p.m. b Going South ar. 2.50, leave 8.08 p.tn.c a a, -%,He,diainieeed the'±hoilgltand Step-, ped '.4dvkair to ,the deadtleaVes, bea aide!-1htraelti:',Theaetai2a.":caree, out, The 'hitah'hreedect'cqOalA • , 1, tila,.faintOt rustle hi Ilejay Mitliia.:baelr'.aitatgazedt -rho, 'tcelretskYr, WePO disor- dered, inexPiiCable, ms little world lied Collapsed, entirely, alIesat up.1 A ShadOWY figure darted front 'the bush and clatehed, his • eracta The whitee, oftwo eyes gleamed in an eb- any, face, . 'Yincorna longa. Jurragundi stuttered a voice' from the gloom, t, • "Yes," said Johnny tonelessly. "Then big debbil fire coma 'ono, too. Burn Opal up. ble..see um, ten Mile 'hack.. Makinn that way to Op- al." Johnny pondered the 'aboriginal's statenient. No use running the Morn- ing train to Opal, if --Opal had gone. He had visited the place on several oecasions, He had a Picture of it in his mind. A small ,cluster of wooden houses ringed around by a great ex- Panse of forest. He thought about' the, big wooden bridge over the Clear - Water. It Would be destroyed if the fire swept that way. He jumped to his feet as something flashed into his Mind. What had the tailwaymen been talking about in the yard? He recalled their words. Only women and children in Opal. All the inen were away fighting the fire in the. north. But Opal was quite safe— they had said so. He stood undecided. But had another fire broken out closer to Opal? Those .women and childven! What would happen to thena unless they were brought out? Who could bring them out? There was no engine in Opal. Who, then . . ? His heart beat suffocatingly as he gazed at the black mass of the en- gine. Only one man could bring them out, and that man . . the thought seared his brain . . . why, himself. "You stay longa me," he snapped at the aboriginal. He raked the dead ashes from the fire -box and thrust in an armful of dry leaves and wood. When the fire leaped up he seized the shovel and spread a thin layer of coal on top Then he atteifiled to the filling of the tank. He stopped suddenly. He'd forgot ten that Opal was linked with Jur ragundi by telephone.' In the event of Jurragnudi sending through an en gine, there would be danger of a col lision. The thought left hint cold. No he ctren't risk it The mill was situated about two miles back froM the line. So far, he'c heard no engine on its way through Had they heard, about the fire? If so, why hadn't they sent help? Per haps they hadn't heard. What shoulc he do? He waited, in an agony of sus pense, while the engine warmed. It became a living, glowing thing. He strained his ears for a sound tha would indicate that another engine WCS on its way. He made up his mind suddenly. Springing to the footplate he glanced up at the gauge. "You stay almaga me an' shovel coal," he said to the black fellow. He showed him how to spread the coal evenly over the fire. He'd have to make the run in reverse. And he'd have to remember about those points. They would be locked, but there was a heavy rasp in the ditty -box, so he'd soon cut through the chain. Johnny jammed the uniform -cap on his head and linked motion. "Mad!" he yelled exultantly. "Do- novan says so," Back in the station at Jurragundi, the 'phone rang sharply. Chalmers, the night -clerk, glanced up from his sheaf of way -bills. "Opal calling," he muttered. "Who the devil can that be? There's no one on duty in Opal," He jerked the receiver from the hook. "Hullo! Hul-lo!" No answer came back. }Ie turned the handle, but still no reply. Slam- ming the receiver beak angrily, he turned to his desk. An hour later Adams stepped into the office. "Come outside, Fred," he said to Chalmers, "I want you to look at something." - Adams pointed an arm towards the east. "What do you make o' that?" They studied the red glow that seemed to die and flare up again periodically. "Fire," said Chalmers. "Over Opal way." He sniffed. "Fire, all right, I can smell' it." "They would have 'phoned if they were in any danger," remarked Ad- ams. Chalmers told about the call 'aama Opal. "Good God, man, they might have been ringing for help!" "But they never answered. "Maybe the fire swept the line be- fore they had a chance." "Better reuse Donovan," said Chat - mere: "We'll send an engine through No. 35'11 be still hot" As they drew near Opal, Johnny reached up and tugged hard on the Whistle -lanyard. Opal seemed to leap out of the dadmese. He saw a small group of white faces in the reflected glow from :the firebox. Angus McPherson, the aged etore- keeper. in Opal, and the only man who was not away fighting the fith in the north, clutched Johnny's arm as he stepned..f.tora tho, engine, "Thank ,Godayou've come, mon. We verriment House Mt. Flelibutax insists , that Govern- againit the povernment' 'discourtesy Ment House must be closed, and, its toward His Majesty's representative histovic contents scattered to the four it this Province. That discourtesy has winds. It was in -the same spirit that been and. is 'all the. mere aep4lent to the Goths and Vandals pillaged Rome; decent citizens because of the wide destroyed the world's chief centre of social and harnanitarian services to light and culture, mid plunged Euv- which Lieutenant -Governor Bruce and ope into that long period of misery Mrs. ;Bruce devoted theia five. years known to history as the Dark Ages, at Chorley Palk. They made Govern - When ,the Provincial Premier first ment House the rallying centre for threatened to eommit the contemplat- ed outrage, I, as editor of the Mail and Empire, was, able to co-operate with others in raising such a hue and cry that he abandoned his fell design for the time being. Those of us who then fought Mr. Hepburn have been amply justified by the vigorous p00 - tests which are now being put for ward by Liberal and Conservative newapapers throughout the Province gave up all hope when we didna' get an answer from Jurragundi." Johnny sighed with relief. He now knew he woad have a 'elem. run back. "There's a car in' the sidin'," said McP,herson. "We'll . . ." ' "Wooden car . . . useless," gasped Johnny. "Wouldn't last five minutes. A steel wagon an' wet tarpaulins — that's what I want. There's covers in the shed. Get 'em .while I couple - up.” They splashed water from the tanks into the wagon, hustled the women and children aboard and, soaked the covering. tarpaulins. Johnny sprang to the footplate. The aboriginal attempted to dive from the cab. Johnny jerked him back and kicked open the firebox door. "Get busy!" he yelled. On a full head of steam, they raced out of Opal. The trees on each side of the track echoed the thud of the exhaust; the engine rocked to the thrust of the nistorm. At the back of the trees the fire glowed red. They tattled past rocky faces; flashed across viaducts as the wooden sides wove fantastic patterns in the night. The aboriginal staggered back; his black body glistened with sweat; his eyes rolled. Johnny tore the shovel from his hands. As lie laboaed, the engine gained momentum and raced away on a down -grade. He chopped the shovel and steadied the throttle, "No use racin' her wheels off on a down -grade," he m uttered. "But we've got to get over the Clearwater before the bridge goes." He saw a tongue of fire leap from the trees, but they had passed in 0 flash. They roared around the bend. Ahead was a solid 'wall of fire. The black fellow dropped the shov- el, raised his hands to his face and shrieked. Johnny gritted bis teeth and pulled the throttle wide. The fire swirled into the cab. The heat blistered him; hecouldn't breathe. He sobbed; he cried aloud in agony. Thank God! They were through. On—on—on, they tore into the red night. As if by a miracle, the engine held the rails. He knew he was dri- ving far over the safety margin, but he had to get over the Clearwater be- fore the bridge went. He changed his right hand to the throttle, for the left had gone dead. Through blistered lips he tried to shout encour- agement to his fireman. Oh . . . let him get over the Clear- water before he roasted, and his job was done! Donovan sprang front the cab of No. 35 and pointed towards the bridge that was .a mass of leaping flame. "We can do nothing more," said Adams dully. "God grant that the fire has missed Opal." Suddenly front the back of the fire camp the wild wail of a whistle. Loud and rimming, it sounded above the crackle of the flames. "Great Go d!" yelled Donovan, "There's someone on the line," He dived into the cab and Bung the levet into reverse. As the engine approached Adams heard the terrific pounding of the wheels as they hammered the rail - joints. "Good God! He's comin' through," gasped Adams to his eompanions. "But who is it?" They'stared fascin- ated. The black front of a locomotive burst out from that hell of flame. The wheels flew sparks like a 'shower of gold as the engine gradually slowed. Twp hundred yards past them it stop- ped. They raced towards it. A shadowy shape clove from the cab, and, chattering excitedly, pointed towards the engine. Some of the men tore the smouldering tarpaulins from the wagon. Adams climbed into the cab. A figure lay crumpled on. the steel floor. Adidas turned him over. "Johnny," he said huskily as he lifted him down. Someone flashed a light on the fi- gure that lay so still on the gravel beside the track. A cry of horror burst from half a dozen throats. "His hand! Oh . look at his hand!" All this happened a good many years ago, but Johnny is still in Jur- ragundi. He hasn't got his engine yet; he never shall. As Bill Adams very gently pointed out to him, when he came out of hospital, a man with only ote hand couldn't very well pass O driver's test. But he has a job in the shed, and each pay -night he lines up with the other men and is sol- emnly handed an envelope which is inscribed simply: "Johnny." —New Zealand Railways Magazine. THURS., DEC, 16, 1937: 1 the social activities at Government norant of the Past; without tenderbees, House ,eease, the whole aerial life, or towards what is traditional, ;without the 'city and 'PrOVillee will suffer a, amderetanding of what they are ; considerable let -down. The main suf- straying." Mr. Hepburn forgets that ferets wilF be'the business conimunity 'under the, British North America Act, and the warkers. ' One of the'reasons the Lieutenant -Governor is the head why the Royal Pansily in 'England. �f the Provincial Government and the 4' holds courts and social functioas is king's representative, and that, as that these functions Stimulate bust- such ha should be treated with molter ness for the tradesman and make distinction and courtesy. work for the unemployed. Tri closing If the Premier of Oatario is logical, Government, House, the Premier is he will abolish the • mace and the dealing a serious financial blow a- Speaker's cocked hat and eliminate gairist those very classes in the cora- the prayers for divine guidance at the all good causes. Everyclass in the mutrity to whom he.feels that his ra- Opening of each day's session. The community waa,entertained there. The dical course 'will appeal. more human beings become civilized Braces were indeed a most poarerful. Another reason Why Mr. Hepburn and educated, the fonder they are of stabilizing force throtighout the whole imPressive ritual in church andin' Province at a time when disturbing is clesing Government House is that state, the greater emphasis they lay and disrupting influences were as he possesses little backgroural, of edu- upon the beautiful and significant in they still are—very active, cation, knowledge, experience or tra- life, the more value they Place aPan dition. In 1934 he told a friend that the propriety of conducting public Hepburn falsely pleads the need "Great 13ritain has Meant nothing ceremonies in decency and order. Like for economy as the'veason for his, de- more in my mind than a spot on the Mr. Mackenzie king- today, great termination to padlock Chorley Fmk. map." About the same time, a mem- Liberals of the calibre of Blake, Lear - Ile says that the Province cannot af- ber of his family was quoted by a ier, Mowat, Hardy, and Ross delighted ford $22,000 a year for the mainten- Liberal newspaper as saying that he in iniamaing the King's representatives ance of a decent residence for the (Mr. Hepburn) felt uncomfortable in a,t Ottawa and in Totonto. But they Gosiernor. It will cost the Govern- aristocratic society, These .statements were men of education and distinction, ment at least half of that sum to pre- suggest not economy but rather a lack vent the empty million -dollar pro- of pro -British sentiment, together F. D. L. Smith. peaty from falling into ruins. What is with a definite inferiority complex. more, this cry of economy sounds very The Premier declares that there ridiculous in the light of the extra- Wilk be no pomp or uniforms or guns vagant -manner in which the Hepburn henceforth at openings of the Legis - Government has wasted Ontario's re- lature, and that the title Honorable sources and the people's money. The will be omitted by the Clerk in ad - premature election of October 6, pre- dressing members. This attitude re- cipitated two, years before its proper veals an entire ignorance of the sig - time, cost the taxpayers $'700,000 02 nificance of ceremonial hi human af- $800,000. In addition to. this. the pub- fairs. The ritual to which he objects Clausius of the Blind line, has de - lie treasury spent scores of thousands is reminiscent and eloquent of the tided to open up such a place of of dollars of the provineial revenue long and successful struggle for civil business which is a big need to the in advertising its virtues. It bought and religious liberty in which the Bri farmers of the community. The new -Ise Voters with election -time reduc- tish peoples have led the way for store will be in the western part of tions in electric power and motor 11- mankind. We agree with Mr. Her- the new garage being completed by cense fees. It bribed the voters with trend Russell, the English writer and C. Fritz & Son. We are informed an unprecedented outbreak of road- philosopher, who has written that that Mr. Stan. McKenzie of Auburn, building activities —activities which "our world has a heritage of culture formerly of ICippen, will give Mr, were abandoned once polling day was and beauty" but that "governments Clausius a good start. over. In the light of these facts why have fallen into the hands of Men ig- —Zurich Herald, should Mr. Hepburn pride himself on saving $10,000 or $15,000 by doting Government House? Reprinted from December 4t1, issue Saturday Night. NEW BUSINESS Zurich will soon have another busi- ness in the list. This time it will be a new harness shop. Mr. Harvey Clausius, son of Mr. and Mrs. HerMY The excuse of economy is all non- sense. The provincial contribution to the -upkeep of Government House is a bagatelle, and all the money goes to tradesmen and woakers. As Mrs. J. P. Hynes, prominent Liberal and social worker, said some months ago, entertainment at Government House and elsewhere provides work for cat- erers, stores, florists, bakers, and other merchandising classes and tivage earners. In closing Government House, Mr. Hepburn will not only pre- vent the expenditure of government money in the promotion of business and employment, but he will forth- with stop the expenditure of the $30,- 000 to $40,000 which the Lieutenant - Governor has annually spent out of his own pocket. The money will stay in the pocket or bank of the Lieuten- ant -Governor, instead of being distri- buted for the enhancement of busi- neSs and the employment of workers. It is not to he forgotten that when Go bri habt CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR'S ofFiriim•M^NiaMiall • 33.1111111e1 ,„. FARE AND A QUARTER FOR THE ROUND TRIP Cood going Thursday. December 23 until 2 p.m. Sunday, December 26. Return limit to leave destination not later than midnight, Monday, December 27. 1937. hgtg„°,12,11,',u;,1172-71=hgl,V,VINLI:;ZysZZYWiP3,77978!' FARE AND A THIRD FOR THE ROUND TRIP Cood going Tuesday, December 21 until Sunday. January 2 Inc.luaive. Return limit to leave destination not later than midnight. Friday. January 9, 193& {What more appreciated Gift than a prepaid ,,it. way ticket for a journey anywhere in Canada or United Staten? Ask about this convenient plan. Tickets and complete information from any agent CANADIAN NATIONAt .;;WOW,W4W,M,RillitAVAIteiVafilitfteAVAle,geTWAVAVAN 9 PRIVATE GREETING CARDS Christmas Cards Printed with Your Own Message are More Popular This Year. COME IN AND SEE THE NICE SAMPLES TO CHOOSE FROM. ' The Cards are Boxed -25 in each box. They Range- in Price from $1.75 Up *ce TheCiilltoll News -Recoil