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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance Times, 1931-02-26, Page 1eatea-aseteesseeaseareetare Single Caplets Five Cents. ninpinn't-tra,""I''''qf:Ng With Which is Amalgamated The carie Vidette and Wroxeter News. GENERAL STORE AT BLYTH BURNS The building and stock of Ezra Bender's general store, Myth, the let - t& valued at $16000, were totally des- troyed by fire early Sunday morning. Both are partly covered by insurance, the stack to $13000. The fire's origin is unexplained. The first alarm was given at 8 a.m. by George Cowan, who smelled the smoke entering the N:vandow of his bedroom at the Commercial Hotel, The firemen responded quickly and in a few minutes had two streams of water playing on the flames. They %bought they had it under control about 4 a.m., but it broke out again, baying apparently gotten in between the double ceiling of the second floor. Mr. Bender was the last to leave the store, and as he is very careful of fire, cannot account for its origin. When the night telephone operator called him he could not believe it was his place of business. &farmer Resident Dies in Illinois Word was received in town last week of the death of W. J. Shannon on Friday, February 20th, in Peoria, Ill. The deceased was an uncle of W. A. Sanderson of town and formerly resided here, leaving about 20 years ago, one time being employed by a. Sheffield as a framer. Rustling Up Business Mr. George Moir, who has been out of steady work for some time, has a scheme for making.money, and is go- ing out after business. Few custom- ers are looking for a shoe shine, so he is now carrying a small shoe shin- ing outfit around looking for custom- ers, and is doing fairly well. 'Town's Credit Good The recent debenture issue of $8500 recently sold by the town was over- subscribed two or three times, show- ing the faith that residents and form- , er residents have in the town financ- ially. Two offers were made to take the entire issue after they had al- I ready been sold, one coming by sir mail from Texas. OBITUARY Helen Verry Richards Many friends of the family of Mr. and Mrs. E, V. Richards, who left Wing•ham for London about two weeks ago, will regret to learn of the death of their eldest child, Helen Verry, age& 6 years:: Helen never was of a strong, robust nature, being a sufferer from diabetes, and the end came sooner than the family expected. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, Rev. F. W. Schaffter con- ducting thd services. Interment in Woocllawn Cemetery. John Nethery Mr. John Nethery an old and much respected resident of Morris Town- ship passed to his reward early on Monday morning. Deceased was in his 85th year and has resided in Mor- ris for many years before going to Belgrave a couple of years ago. He is survivdd by his widow, four sons, Gilbert, •Coottare, Alvin and Herman, who reside in Morris and Wawanosh, four daughters, Miss, Stella of Mont- real; Mrs. Wade of Belgra.ve Mrs. Duck and Mrs. Gallaher of Saskatch- ewan, He was a quiet, industrious man and highly respected by all who knew him, and was always a friend to anyone in need. --- George Robert McMillan Following an illness of one month, the death occurred at his residence, on Monday night of George Robert McMillan, in his 68th year, He was born at Mitchell and when a boy Moved with his parents to Oil Springs -where he learned his trade as a drill- er and left for foreign fields, later returning and taking up residence in Toronto. Mr. McMillan was also well known in Stratford, where he was a resident for a tiumber of years. On leaving Stratford, he lived for a short time in Stayner and later carne to Wingharn, Surviving are his wife, formerly Mies Harriett Rodents, and one son, Edwin, of Toronto; also two sisters, Mrs,' M. j. Harvey and Mrs, E. A. Campbell, both of Toronto. 'The funeral will leave his late resi- dence Wednesday afternoon arid ser- vice will be condocted ie St. Paltds Anglican Church, at Z80 o'clock, by the rector, F. W, Shaffter. Interment will be made ht the Winghattt teni. WINGHAM, ONTARIO THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26th, 1931 JURY UNABLE TO REACH VERDICT IN THE BRUSSELS BANK ROBBERY CHARGE The clock in the historie tower the Court House which is encircl by the business section of Goderic was about to strike the hour of mi night Saturday when the jury ig, th trial of the Brussels bank bandit Gilford and Harvey McNeil, we ushered into the court room. 'We have failed to agree,' was th terse message of the jury, whie brought to a close the famous ban robbery trial which had lasted fou days there. Business had been almo at a complete standstill while th crowded courtroom patiently awaite the message. The five-hour deliberation of tit jury was first broken by the arraing ment of John Hallam, English im migrant, who early in the court de liberations had pleaded guilty to charge of having carnal knowledge o a girl under fourteen years of age. The sentence fell with a sickenin thud on the crowded courtroom, I was that the twenty-five-year-ol English immigrant spend five year in Kingston penitentiary and receiv eighteen lashes, five at the end of hi two monthsterm, six at the end o four months and seven at the end o six months, with deportation to Eng land at the close of the five-year pen itentiary term. Asked why he ha committed this crime on the daughte of his empioyer, with whole he. ha been less than six months, the accus ed replied: "I do not know." Hi counsel, L E. Dancey, appealed fo clemency, but it apparently fell on deaf ears. The prisoner has been a resident of Canada two years and tet months It was stated that an ac cident in England had affected hi mind. The trial of Gilford and Harvey McNeil, brothers, accused of robbing while armed, the Bank Of Nova Scot ie., Brussels, of $5,880.04, on October '29th last, was brought dramatically to a close just before the hour of mid- night. It had been in progress four days, which included three night ses- sions. The presiding judge said "The "The jury failing to agrearesiaannt nand the prisoners to jail and tra- verse this case to the next assizes." This means a new trial for the ac- cused. The next assies will be held here next fall and meanwhile the McNeil brothers will be held in cus- ody at the county jail, Thirty witnesses were heard at this rial, with standing room at a erem- tam• at- each of the eight sessions held. Only the advent of Sunday roke up proceedings. Thirty witnesses were examined, he tesimony concluding at noon on Saturday, Addressee to the jury con- sttraerLfive hours,. a. E. Holuiestand Campbell Grant spoke for the defen- ce and Uriah McFadden, K,C., for the crown. The two latter addresses were particularly iinpassioned. The judge's charge to the jury lasted less than an hour, Jury Asks Questions. Two hours after the jury retired they neturped to ask the following uestions: 1—Which of the bandits entered re mariagerts office first? ••''' • • Answer—Gilford McNeil. 2—Which one came back the third me to escort the custotner, Lamont, o the vault? Answer—Harvey McNeil. 3—Which one did bank manager Tihnot positively identify? Answer—Gilford 4—Did Lamont identify both ban - its or just one, and if one, which? Answer—Both. 5—Which witness was first placed 1 the vault by the robbers, Lamont ✓ Wihnot? Answer—Wilmot said Lamont was st in the vault and Lamont said he as first in the vault and had wit- essed the manager, teller and led- er-keeper boond and gagged after ie robbers had eeettrad the $6,000 ot. of ed d- e, re st ti a f' at a verdict?' was once again put, "We have not," -was the answer. The crown counsel then moved that the ease he traversed to the next essizes. At the Saturday morning session at which the evidence was concluded, several witnesses were examined. Called in rebuttal, Provincial Con- stable Whiteside and Inspector Rae said that Frank Moore, uncle of act ensed, had said that he (Moore) diel not know where the McNeil -boys were on the day of the robbery. Frank Moore, star witness for the defence, corroborated the testimony of the McNeils as to their where- abouts on the hour and day of the Brussels robbery. They were, he 'said, in the home of, their aunt, in Teeswit ter with him. He stuck to his story under a severe cross-examination. He knew the date was October 29 be- cause he had picked up a letter dated. October 29th in which Gilford had d written to his brother Fred in the s West. He knew the time was be- e tweert 2.30 and 2.45 o'clock in the s afternoon (the robbery was at 3 o' - f clock) because he had heard the out - f going C. P. R. train on which he had - worked for forty years. - Mrs, Frank Moore, wife of the pre - d ceding witness, and Gilford Moore of ✓ Walkerton, uncle of accused, gave d corroborative evidence as to the Mc- - Neil boys -Whereabouts on days prior s to and on the evening of the robbery. ✓ The addresses of defence counsel D. E. Hohnes, of Goderieh and Camp- bell Grant, of Walkerton, and of the I crown prosecutor, Uriah McFadden, K.C., of Sault Ste. Marie, required $ about five hours. All counsel were congratulated on their' addresses, that of Mr. Holmes being a logical analy- lical review of the evidence and those - of Messrs. Grant and McFadden be- irg more impassioned. The judges charge was thoroughly against accus- ed. An application for bail was refused by Mr. Justice McEvoy. ti With the questions answered the jury retired, returning a half hour later. When asked if they had ar- rived at a decision the foreman re- plied: "The jury has disagreed and does not think there is a chance of corning to an agreement.' Expeesive Proceedings Justice McEvoy—"This is an ex- pensive trial, I will give you another half hour," The jury agein deliberated and on again filing back to their seats in ate court room just 'before midnight the vital question, "Have you arrived OBITUARY Mrs. Thomas Abraham Mrs. Elizabeth Abraham, widow of. the late Thos. Abraham, passed to her reward at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Robinson, near Kincardine, on Thursday morning, Feb. 19th, where she had gone to spend. the winter months. :The re- mains were brought to her home on Thursday afternoon. The deceased was one of the oldest settlers of this district. She was born in Wellesley County and came here 63 years ago with her Parents,. Her maiden name .was Elizabeth Casemore. _There were nine brothers and one sister in the family, and all are living, this being the first break in the Casemore chain. The deceased was in her 81.st year. Her husband predeceased her six years ago. She was a lady of quiet and unassuming manner and much loved and respected by all who knew her. She is survived by three sons, William and John of lst line Morris, Maxwell of Gorrie andfour daught- ers, Mrs. Peter McIntosh and Mint John Robinson, Kincardine, Mrs. W. Robertson, Belgrave, Mrs. Robt. Gal- ley, Morris. The funeral was held at 2 p.m. Sat- urday at the home o/ lier son, John to Wingham cemetery, Rev. Mann, Pastor of Bluevale 'United Church, conducting Service at the house and grave. Rev. Mann took for his text, Proverbs 16:31 "The hoary heztd a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness." Two hymns were sung "Rock of Ages", a favorite of the deceased and "Nearer My God to The." Deceased had 13 grand children and 6 great grand- children. The pall -bearers were four sons-in-law: Peter McIntosh, John Robinson, Wm. Robertson and Robe Golley, also two neighbors, Alex. McEwen and Chas. Campbell. Thoee from a distance attending the funeral were Robert Casemore, Wiarton, W, Casemore, Salem, Mr, and Mrs. Hen- ning's, Salem, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mc- Intosh, Kincardine, Mr, ahd Mrs Robinson, Kincardine, Mr. and Mrs. M. Abram and son Vern, Gorrie, Hospital Auxiliary Meeting The Women's Auxiliary to the General Hospital will hold their reg- ular meeting in the Council Chamber on Monday afterttoott March 2nd, at 8.45 p,m, _ ubeeriptions a2.00 Per Year, ENDS HIS LIFE WITH LAUDANUM William Finley died on Sattn•dey morning at his home in Lower Wing - ham, from the effects of drinking a geantity of laudanum, which he had taken the previous day, He was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Pithy, and was 83 years of age, hav- ing resided in this vicinity all his life. Deceasecl was employed by the Weetern Foundry Company as moul- der and had been out of work since Christmas. The reason for his action in taking laudanum is unknown. The body was released on Saturday after- noon there being no inquest called. Surviving are his wife and three boys, Roy, Arnold and Raymond, and one sister, Mrs. George Boyle. The fun- eral Was conducted from his late resi- dence to the Wingharn oemetery on Saturday afternoon. LOCAL AND PERSONAL Mrs. j, Kirby of Teestrater was in town Thursday. Miss Hazel Petts of London visited for a few days with her cousin, Mrs. Joe Guest. Mrs. W. R. Hamilton and daughter, Ruth, visited friends in Harriston last week. Mies Irane Sutton is visiting in London at the home of Mr, and Mrs. E. V. Richards Miss Billie Gibson left on Friday for Chicago, where she will visit for the next month. Mrs. J. Ritchie visited in Toronto a few days last week prior to leaving for Buenos Aires, South America. We will have special Bargains for cash in all lines of meats each .Satur- day. See our window. Thos. Field & Co. Mr. John C. Hope, rancher of Bir- ney, Montana, visited for a few days at the home of Mr. Jas. A. Edgar on Victoria St. Miss Agnes Mitchell left on Satur- day last for Chilliwack, B.C. She in- tends visiting with her brother, Mr. Charles Mitchell. Mrs. Oliver Thompson returned home from Stratford this week after being in the haspittd there for the past few weeks. We are pleased to say she is much improved in health UnitedChurch W. M. S. The regular meeting of the Wo- men's Missionary 'Society will be held in the United Church School Room on Tuesday afternoon, March 3rd at WINGHAIV1 OVERCOMES FOUR -GOAL LEAD AND WIN ROUND FROM CLINTON JUNIORS lite Clinton Juniors (tame to Wing - ham on Monday night full of confi- dence that they would be able to hold their four -goal lead from the previous game. But it doesn't pay to under- estimate your opponents, this Clint ton found out to their sorrow, for Wingliam Juniors proved to be their superiors not only in scoring goals but in speed and combination plays, winnineethe game 5-0 and the round 5-4. The opening period was scoreless and the play was evenly divided. In the second frame the locals let loose with a little speed and bulged the twine twice, but it was shortly after the opening of the third period that they showed what speed the had, and put three goals in so fast it made the visitors dizzy, After the kids had scored their five goals and were up on the round they fell back and played a defensive game. This bit of strategy was a lit- tle risky, they having never tried it before, and from then on Clinton boys took up the offensive and play- ed all men -up on the forward, and only the good work of Lance Browne in goal kept them froxn scoring. There was no question in the minds of the spectators that it was the best game of the season and that the bet- ter team won. By the winning of the round, 'Wing - ham now meet Listowel to decide who will play oft for the charnpiou_ ship in the finals, and will play in Listowel tonight (Thursday), and in Wingharn next Tuesday night. The Game in Clinton The firet of the home and home encounters in the Junior N. H. L. semi-finals wee played M the Clin- ton Arena on Friday night when the Wingham Juniors were blanked 4-0 by the home team. The score how 'ever was not altogether an indication of the play. Clinton accounted for three goals in the first period, two on combine - don and one on a single rush. The second. period was scoreless due to the selpndid work of both goal ten- ders. Two minutes after play com- menced in the third period Clinton scored their fourth goal. The re- mainder of the game was a puck - chase from one end to the other with no results but some very close calls. The line-ups: Wingharn—Goal, Browne; defence, Mitchell, Somers; centre, Bracken - bury; wings, Rae, McDonald; subs, Fox, Gurney, Thompson. Clinton — Goal, Strets; defence, Passmore, Reeves ; cent re, Rath ; wings McEwen, Gibbs; subs, Joynt, Pickett, Raney, Prank Kemp of Listowel, refereed both agarnes in his usual capable manner. WINGHAIVI MANUFG. CONORN ASSIGNS Very general regret was heard when it became known that the Gunn - Son -Ola Ltd. had made, an assign- i ment. A meeting of the creditors is called for in London on March 6th, c when it is understood a statement will be presented showing assets and liabilities to be about equal. Operat- ing- conditions during the last year had been very difficult, particularly in the matter of collections. It is poss- ible that the present trouble is res- ponsible to one or two large creditors being unable to meet their obligat- ions. The town is interested in the concern M a loan of some $10,000, a part of which has been repaid, and ranks as a preferred creditor. The factory will continue operat- ions as usual until a meeting of the creditors C. OF C. APPOINT WARD COUNCILLORS The Executive of the Chamber of Commerce met on Monday evening n the Council Chamber and appoint- ed the following councillors for the liffereet Wards of the town. Eaeb Councillor is the chairman of the committee following his name, Ward No. 1 W. H. Gurney, Industrial. • A. M. Bishop, Joint Chairman of Entertainment, A, H. Lloyd, Educational. ' *Ward -MS. -2' .1. M. McKay, Membership, H. Campbell, Citizens' Band. T. j. McLean, Roads and Streets. Ward No, 3 E. E. Barr, Publicity. W. T. 13ooth, Rural and Interorban. W. E. Brawley, representing C. P. R. Ward No, 4 A. J. Walker, Joint Chairman of Entertainment. Capt W. j. „Octants, Public Welfare. W. F. Burgnaan, representing C. N. R. Finance Committee—President, Se- cretary and `nreasureen - the panes of glass. It was thought The position of Secretary is being it was the work of boys, as all that held only temporarily by Mr. W. T. could be discovered taken, were a. few Booth, and the executive will be very coppers and a quantity of grapes grateful for suggestions as to some - from a barrel. No trace td the burg- lars has been found. George 'Giver's Store Entered Some time Tuesday_ evening or ear - 3 o'clock. Mrs. Geddes and Group No. 2 will provide the program Stu- dy for the clay "Canada Medical work and Boarding Schools' A fullat- tendance is 'requested. BLUEVALE LITERARY SOCIETY DEBATES The Literary Society held its sec- ond meeting of the season in the For- esters' Hall, on Wednesday evening of last week and. although the wea- ther Conditions were not very fav- orable the hall was filled to capacity. The 'chair altaa ocaelpied 'by the 'masa. dent, J. C. I4iggins, and the meet- ing opened by singing "The Maple Leaf Forever." The first part of the program consisted of violin and mouth °mart selections, Highland 'dancing by Miss Lois Elliott, a reed- ing by Margaret Turvey, a vocal duet by Agnes Gibh and Alba Mowbray, and a solo by Miss Beatrice Thorn- ton, a chorus by six young men "'Why Can't I be a Soldier," was quite a humorous number, The debate "re- solved that the Pioneer Wornati con- tributed more to the welfare of the home and community than does tlee modern woman," was a most inter- esting item on the program and Many good points were brought out on both • sides. Miss Deens and Miss Hutton had the affirmative, while Miss Dobie and Mrs, MeKinney up- held the negative. Mrs. Aitken, Mrs. Harvey Robertson and Roy 'Torvey acted as judges and gave the decis- ion in favor of the negative. The debate was followed by a Aloft playlette, ,entitled An Econom- ical Boomerang," which was very humorous and was well preserited by the following ease Elizabeth Robert- son, Viola McLeod, Attna, Dobie, fiat johneton, Alex Shaw and Will Pea- cock. The meeting closed by singing "God Save the Xing," The next lit- erary meetieg will be held in two weeks, ly. Wednesday morning of last week, the store of George Olver was broken into. Entry was gained through the back doare by smashing out one, of. TI -IE PASSING OF BISHOP :FALLON Tleattitairiati• Cathcakehahitieli lost a one who might be satisfactorily situ- ated to act in this capacity. We understand that the Chairman of the Membership Committee will have an announcement th make at an early date in regards to the drive for memberehip for 1981. The executive decided th co-operate With Mr. Gurney in regards to hold - strong man in the passing of Bishop ing a luncheon for the hock-ey team. Michael Fallon of London. For three years he has kept up the supervision TbgeCtihnagnibinoha etr°:Cpenirto ri;crbcee is araaPil of his large parish when one of less idlyet uable assistance to the town am' ask mental vigor and determination for the cooperation of every citizen. would have definitely retired. It is not easy to parallel the man- ner with which Bisbee Fallon has time and again returned to his task. after illness seemed to have checked any chance of recovery. Bishop Fallon possessed unuseal powers for organization, and after be- ing placed in charge of the London diocese M 1909 he began a movement of extension and growth which had riot been experienced before. The organization of new churches and schools, the completing of plans for new educational institutions formed a task so formidable that a weaker man would have drawn back. When he completed SC Peter's Seminary in Londoe at a cost of $500,000 it was Local Men 'on Jury Messrs. W. J. Brown, W. j. Shoe - bottom and Robert Stapleton, were called as jurors en the bank robbery trial an Goderich last week, LET'S ROOT FOR THE JUNIORS The Vainghain Juniors have been orctened to play Listowel in the semi- final round of the N. H. L and are tiying to arrange a special train to that town for 'Thureday night. The return game will be played in the Wingham At on 'Tuesday night, free of debt and plans had been made so let's all turn out .ancl get behind to finance it for some time to come, the boys. The juniors have been play - With modern views of religion lee ing snappy hockey all ecason but haven't received sufficient support. The game against Clinton on Mon- day proved that they have a epeedy team and with Listowel ate their op - had tto patience; he was of the old sehool, as are his eolleagues, and whoa he eonsidered it necessary to restate his convictions and those of his church he did so with a force arid ponents you will witness a Snappy fearlessness that were indicative of game. the strength of character that was one The game is called for 8.80 'with the of his outstanding attributee.—Strat- band in attelltlanae and skating after ford Beacon -Herald. the game, WINGI-IAM HIGH SCI -100L LITERARY The wingbam aigh School iiter- ary Society held their regular meat Mg on Friday, Feb. 20th, with the vice-president, Jean Copeland, in the chair, The meeting opened by eing- ing "0 Canuada", after which Mary King read the minetes of the fast meeting. An enjoyable program tot - lowed. Kate King played a piano solo which was enjoyedby al/. A dance "the crested hen" presented by :4 number of girls 'VMS met with great applause. Jack Fortune gave the rite of Pauline Johnston, and Herb. 'Fal- ler recited one of her poems A guitar deet by Miss Hammond and Ruth Robinson was much ap- preciated, Dorothy Hiscox gave a reading — "The Auto Ride." The Glee Club rendered the sone 'Freckles" with the usual gusto, af- ter which the Journal was read ItY Dorothy Aiken, and the Critic's marks by Mr. Braelcenbury brought. the meeting to a close. Occupied Local Pulpit Rev. F. W. Craik, of Gorrie, occup- ied the pulpit of the Wingharn Unit- ed Church on Sunday, owing to the illness of the pastor, Rev. Sidecar Davison. Mr. Harry Hopper had charge of the services In Gorrie Un- ited Church, FATHER DIES A FEW HOURS AFTER SON IS KILLED Only a few hours after the tragic death of Norman Lewis, esteemed resident of Goderich; Judge E. N. Lewis, his father, Huron County Court Judge, passed away in the Al - Ian Court Apartments Toronto, aftcr. an extended illnees. The news of hie son's death was kept from the late Judge Lewis and death climaxed a lingering illness about four o'clock Monday morning. Born in Goderich, a eon of the late Ira Lewis, for years Crown Attorney for Huron County, Judge Lewis ,re- ceined his early education there and later graduated in law. During the late years of his father's life be had taken over the duties of representa- tive of the crown and carried on the work successfully. For a period of fourteen years he represented Hurott in. the. Dominion parliament and at Ottawa he earned the name "Daylight Saving Lewis,' as the deceased man was one Of ear- ly strong advocates for Daylight Sat ng Itwin 1917 that he was appoint- ed junior -Judge -of Huron- County ana then in 1923 on the death of Judge Dixon he received the appointment of senior Judge of the county. Tbe late Judge Lewis was keenly interested in Marine circles and spent a great deal of his time on the lakes studying marine laws, on which he was an au- thority. Besides bis bereft wife, who col- lapsed early today on learning that her son had been "hurt," there are sUrviving . awe daeghtere, jolie had Katherine, of Toronto, and one sis- ter, Miss Alice Lewis of Goderich and Toronto. Norman Lewis, aged 46, of Goder- ich, was killed almust instantly where the manhole to an abandoned area -- way blew up in front of the Unicitt Station Sunday night, hurling him ov- er a parapet to a 80 -foot fall down a subway, tearing /arse blocks of stone- work from the pavement led causing a roar heard deep in the station and for miles around. Ile is a son of County Judge Edgar N. Lewis, Heron County. Lewis was found in a dying condi- Lion at the bottom of the subway in flont of the post office, when Leo Barbee.% a station red cap, and Police Constable Titmarsh rushed down to hie aid. He died soon after being ad mated to St. Mitha.el's Hospital. A leakage from a gas main below Front street, following an electrical cable that passed through the wee - way and then acetentilating in the areaway, was blamed for the explos- ion. The areaway was abandoned, and had formerly been used for the old buildings destroyed before the fire. His injuries are said 'to have beet internal, a fractured skull, end both his legs were also fractured, From his injuric s it is believed that he heed struck the euteenty pavement firer,