The Huron Expositor, 1979-04-19, Page 10I 1,,
F1914 P(PPS.IT.Ofti, APEtil!,• 19, 1
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aw,. note:. This: is the second article in A twopart
series about William 4' Bible Bill" Aber hari'*;rise topms er
as the leader of the Alberta $oeial -Credit party in the
1.930s. Mr. Aberhares eareer is. highlighted on the
historical:marker on the Seaferth and;Pistri,3 High Scheel
lawn -
When the voters: Of Alberta. went to the polls tui119,3,5.
they did so with a vengeance. Not ,onl dal they defeatthe
United Farmers of Alberta who had held:power for so oral
years - voters. didn't even te-eleCt One tif that patty's
candidates, .
William Aberhart. the Calgary school principal. And his
new -Social Credit party won 50 the h3 seats m the
legislature - and not one of these candidates had any
previous legislative experienee! Also, while 182.000
people had voted in the' last election. this ume An
astonishing 302.000 Albertans turned up at the polls -
convinced that a Change in leadership Was the otth A ;AA the
province eould sUrvive the Depression. William Aberhari,
in a peculiar oversight. hadn't ma run OS a candidate in
the election, so an agreeablestAacessful candidate gaye
the future premier his seat ill the -legislature.
The election campaign had been a highly emotional one.
CommUnities were 414 along political ftnes.,and in
churches, Social Crediters often sat on one side and
nonbelievers on the other.
Hawdid the new party manage to rise from nowhere and
gam such widespread Support?The answer was the
depression. As one farmer said many years later. "the
•reason we voted Social Credit was Pigs. $3 each; oats. 8
•cents a bushel; wheat, 35 Cents; eggs, five cents a
bushel."' The farm -based population of Alberta was,reatlY
to try anything that seemed to offer some hope at the end
of the tunnel of depressed prices and :threatened
foreclosures,
• 2 VISITS SAFORTH
After his record-breaking landside victory, William
Aberhart paid a quick 'visit to Seaforth to see his `Mother,
brother Charles, a Seaforth druggist, and a second brother
Louis, an area farmer, - -
The Expositor devoted a lengthy editorial to the visit.
The editor said, "'Premier Aberhara has brought national
• distinction tp his of home tonw, arid Seaforth citizens
were Fetid to honor him in eivie reception on Saturday
evening and gain on Sunday evening when he oc,cupied the
pulpit of First Presbyterian Church (note; a charitable
move on the church's .part since the pretriier was now a
Baptist) and addressed an overflowing congregation of
While the editorial pointed' OUt Most Ontario resident
likely didn't believe in Aberhares scheme to "feed,
clother, and shelter' the people of Alberta. no one coufd-
denv the tievly..electedbreotier',.S S'itteeritY-
. ,
,rc I have
in his talthe k at. thurch, Bbl,e nurmade an thanks to the remit. r!,`'t „ wen
impassion .0c1 piea frhisaud'e c 's se port and pravms to some knowledge haVang been connected with.. the Calgary
eStAhlish a system whielt would abolish Pnerqtn nit' relief departmeat daring the past four years.
borne province. We only hope that Willie will be able tO carry out
deliver.04 g„motiono veech,satn0.thore are one of hisprograinof monetarY reform. We will all be
children. in Alberta who have not tasted butter or milk in Pulling Tor him. It he Can not do it. we will try something;
the last three years althoughthe )t' live On farms. Their else. Alberta; is the home of experimenters Rain Makers,
fathers have to sell all the milk the cows produce to 1L IJ F A s, Social Creditprs.
Not only w ere there People Stanring in the province., said Ja.ttlea D. Baily, ho had moved Wet from the village of
the lay preacher turned pulittelan. hut "there are women Nile, in Huron County, also hastily wrote te The Expositee
in Alberta who have worn nothing but gunny sacks for tho- to assure the people of Seaforth and area thaf thingS tn the
Past three years. dresses made front the bags in which the 'West weren't so bad after all.
blinder twine was wrapped." "A$ to people starvingand wearing gunny saelcs, there
A.t the civic reception held on Saturday nightpresided is nothing further from the truth,
over by Seaforth's or Sutherland. Premier Aberhart , This speech in question is a sample of Mr, Aberhart's
said, '1, am mighty glad to he back and hear these kind !, campaign speeches, mixing religion and politics, Mr.
words. It takes me hack to the old days when 1 used to go
from Egmonch Me to school in Seaforth and play football
ith the Seaforth Hutuns. It is a mighty fine thing to 'he
back here and tell you bow we have been fighting for the
cause of the cornmon people."
-One is impressed in looking around to see the large
number of ears and every indication of prosperity: ln
Alberta they eannot buy ars or gasoline. Conditions in'
that province almost made me a Cotnmunist, although 1
hake no use for Communism. Instead I turn to social
credit."
REACTION
Fortunately. or unfortun4tety.'dpencling which side •of
the pelhical fence you occupied, Premier Aberhares
speeches to Seaforth and' Mitchell residents were
immediately reprinted in the Alberta newspapers. In the
- next weeks, The Expositor was deluged with letters from
Albertans who were angry at what they considered their
new leader's slanderous' and untruthful picture of
conditions in the West: ••
Henry S'.41Lee and Mrs. Effie Plants joinedlorces to write
a letter that said angrily, "As to children on farms not
having milk and butter beaus e their fathers had to sell all
the milk to live, it is just fantastic. For what -could be a
cheaper food for the ebildren than milk produced at home. Although "Bible Bill" too quickly discovered that
The fanners Of Alberta are not all fools, if letS. Of thern •governing was another matter altogether from preaching,
did vote for Aberhart Social Credit," and few matters went as he had planned or promised, his •
The writers continued. The province is full of party did Survive. In the 1940 election, the Premier and his
automobiles. Per capita, there are as many autos here as in • _party were re-elected to 36 out of the 57 seats.•
other provinces. Our little towouf Tofield supports not less Assessing the Social Credit party's place in Western anC1—
'• Aberhart lives in A fine home in one of the best districts in_
• Calgary and is considered a wealthy man. who has been
drawing a war tinte salary from the Calgary Sehool Board.
Did be tel you how many people lost their homes
straggling to pay war time salaries?"
• FAILED PROMISES • •
The voters o Alberta never did receive the $24 a month
payment promised to theni by "Bible Bill" in his 193S
campaign. Like many party slogans, the Social Credit
message proved easier 'to preach than to *practise.
Attempts to centrol banking, finance and credit were all
rejected by the courts, since they interferred With the
federal government's control over banking and currency,
• The prosperity certificates, nicknamed "funny money"
which were issued by Aberhart's government in place of
• money were also soon ruled out plotter by the courts., The
Certificates ended up having value solely as interesting
collectors' items.
William. Aberhart's battle with the press notably the
two large daily newspapers, The Edmonton Journal and
The Calgary 1-lerald, also failed. He wasn't able to.
• suppress their criticism of his Social Credit politics and his
• attempt at doing so ended up in the newspapers' favour -
the two dailies were awarded a Pultizer Prize for their
• efforts to maintain a "free press" the:first time the prize
was ever awarded outside the United States.
han six filling stations. later Canadian politics is certainly far beyond this writer.
ess.nfBut one thg can't bedenied. MiliariAberhart didP,V. Burgardrot,Notebyhrein„
reception
the home folds gave him (Aberhart) - that was manage to take an untried doctrine, make it into a political
fine; he deserved it. But We were amazed at what he told philosophy and become the first elected Social Credit
youeo le concernin conditions out here. lf press reports leader in the world. •
correcthe surely had a bad dream. . . . . Now, who says elections don't really make any.
are ,
)Mural]
tain
B • •
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• • 'I, •
Theatre PaSse. Mnraille.
the group Who did
Shakespeare* r ot fun and
PrOfit in Seaforth, is taking
Ontario- farming to Britain
laternIthise FranritinrInshh.• one
.the :company'sMost success,.
fill plays, based on people
living in the Clinton area, is
' touring Englana and Wales
from April 23 t.. May 26, A
Steortd.play by the eompany,
"1837" about Colonel Van
Egmorid. Will'arn. Lyon
MacKenzie and the farmer's;revolt,
revolt. will tour Scotland ant
then play in Dablin, Ireland.
The group's lour is being
sponsoredttrin
e bt It! e
Canadian
dcpaexternal
I,ast week some of the
• actors in The FarmShow cast
paid , a return visit., to the
Clinton area ' to visit the
people and places that
• inspired the original show,
'The show was put together in
1972 when the cast spent six
• weeks on the Ray Bird fatal,
Since, then, some of the
original cast members have
• left the company, and also
director Paul Thompsop
• wanted to update some of the
• information *about farming,
contained in the play. One of
the actors who will be
travelling to Britain With the
• cast is Alison Lobb, whose
family lives in the Clinton
area.
• For people who . are
'travelling to Britain or who
would like to let relatives .
there know, the 'schedule for
' the Th eatre Passe Moraine
Tour is a follows:
lidonday,
23. April, 13eaford, Devon,
Great Waiehatii Farm;
Tuesday, 24 April, Chaeford,
Devon. •lObileo Hall;
Wednesday, :ZS April,
BradwOrthY, Devon, The
Village Hall; Thursday, 26
April Street, Somerset.
Strode' Theatre; friday, 27
April, Shepton
Somerset, The Centre;
'SaturdaY, 28 April, Bath,
Avon, Willis PerfOrming
Arts Centre; Monday, 30L
April. Extrittutit, Devon,
Rolle College; Tuesday, 1
May. BOO Devon,
Honiten Seconday School
and ComMunity College;
Wednesday, 2 May, Toriess.
Devon. Dartington College
•a Arts; Thursday, 3 May.
Bristol, Avon, Bristol Arts
Centre; FridaY.`].4 MaY,
Fro me.
S4merset,
Merlin Theatre; Saturday, 5
May, Taunton, 'Somerset
Brewhousc Theatre;
Monday, 7 May, liallworthy.
Cornwall, Fooisbarn
Theatre; Tuesday 8 May.
• Plymouth. Devon, Plymouth
Arts Centre; Wednesday.
May. Plymouth, Devon.
Plymouth College of Arts`;
Thursday, 10 May, Exeter,
Devon, Barnfield Theatre;
Friday 11 May; Exeter,
Devon, Barnfield • Theatre;
Friday, 11 May, Exeter,
Devon, Barnfield Theatre;
Saturday. 12 May, Exer4r,
Devon, Barnfield Theatre;
Monday, 14 May, *Letton,
• Herefordshire, A Barn;
Tuesday, 15 May *Clunn,
L BA
Times are none too good otit here, but rio one is Starving difference' ' ' •
•
Regular
___Setiforth-Legion-Hail
•
h
T urs..
prii.. ,.
1
8 p rn
n
• ;
euch re
• Winners of the LOBA Eu -
ii • . ; chre April 16 were; Ladies
I- high -Mrs. McIver, Ladies
t
' ' ' ' . ' -tone- Mrs. Margaret Smale, .
Ladies low -Olive • Walker,
.1 I
Mens high -George Grigg, •
ShrOphsire,Tbe Village Hall;
WedneSdaY. 16 May.
*Wortben,STrogusrhidre;9,17
The
villageHall;
May, Coventry, University
Warwick Arts Centre;
Friday, 18 May, Conventry,
University of Warwick Arts
Centre; .Sattirday, 19 May
COnientry University ot
• WaarwickArtseen.Theatre. Thursday, 24 May to 20
May
mod.Wales, ,
Clwyd.
TuesclaY, 8 May tO 12 May,
Tgr4avienrbseu rTghh'
eatrelMScotland,onday
14 May, Glasgow, Scotland,
Drama Centre, University of
Sfrathelyde; Tuesday, 15
May to 19 May Glasgow,
Se:nt 1 aan,Drmamayst
Drama irogCentre;n
m4y ...21
Scotland, MacRobert Centre,
Uinversity of Stirling;
Tuesday, 22 May, Stirling
Scotland, MacRobert Centre;
Wednesday, 23 May, Stirling
Scotland, MacRobert Centre;
Th ursday, 24 May,
Anstruther, Scotland, Waid.
Acidemy; Friday, 25 May,
Cupar i Scotland, Corn
Excange; Saturday, 26 May,
Lochgelly, Scotland,
Lochgelly Centre; Monday,
18 June June 4-9 Dublin,
Ireland, Project. Arts Centre;
Monday, 11 aiine to 16 June,
Theatre.manehester, Library
* to be confirmed
SUDDENLY
IT'S SPRING!
AND TIME TO THINK ABOUT
I
• SPRING CLEAN UP
THIS YEAR:
HIRE A STUDENT
MAKE IT EASY ON YOIJRSELF
• CANADA EMPLOYMENT
CENTRE FOR STUDENTS
GODERICH •EXETER
524-2744 ' 235-0471
•. . Mens lone,FrankSreale, and
BY ART MeNAVGEITON • members of other commit- services to join a committee? a fat Vlu •r e Mens lovy-Secord McBrien.
As 1 sat at the last Legion tees • and • attend other
executive meeting I canie to Legion's social functions?
realize why Branch 156 still One would` think with a
exists today. It is due Co a membership of 416 (of which
• mere handful of_des,.,fiated300± live_in._or around
members who year after year Seaforth) there would be no
'LAST NIGHT •. WED. APRIL lath
40014.m. •'AomtTIANtt
10 1111$0113.
:Th \ VtAAS 01 AGO OA OKI
•
„0„.
• Plods. note
-FRI.-SAT. 7100 9:04
SHOWTIMES SON-THURS. BIRO p.m.
THESE ARE THE ARMIES
.
OF THE NIGHT.
Tonight they're all out to get the Warriors..
1t4 1'3114
FIRST 1140V41
. , I+ F. Alitt rirtOktr
• 411k4P, U01.600
•
• THEATRE
1�14f SOUArtit ,GOnEitieff
PrOrrnni subloct to dieing*
• WIthOot notke
L
worivin a sometimes futile pMblem getting volunteers.
effort to keep 'things going! This is .Our 50th :anniver,
Why must the same few sary and we require more
members be in charge of volunteer S than ever to help
most soecial committees, be out. Why not volunteer your
prea es. o ntees are
APRIL• vincial convention. , •
.. Lucky
was Mrs. Hattie Johnston.
cake draw winner
BAR DUTY required. May 13-17 - Pro -20 . B. Govier `
WT11-11-01-S ----cite-rs---
21A ., A. Wilbee 40 -UT
1 i i
--2-1-N1----:' -----"-- 1C-;.-Syym
n Dori Hulley
24 Leo Teatro Mitchell is honouring itsdo..a..- +i
25 ons at the door and
•_.„ 3--slils. world skating competition local dignitaties, including
26 3. tiogariati; dinner I.orri Baier -and her M:P, Bill Jarvis and M.P.P.
27 • B. Govier partner Lloyd Eisler Jr. of Hugh Edighoffer will attend.
28A. • A. Wilbee Egmondville ata gala Baler •
A special invitation to
Seaforth and areas people to
attend has been issued by
the Mitchell organizers.
28N • A. Wilbee Night Friday, April 27 at
StratfordH& District Association
for the Mentally Retarded
RECREATION .FUNE)
9 - 1 a.m.
Sebringvilie Community Centre
Orchestra - "The Cousins"
Saturday,.April 21
• Refreshrtkents
• S2.50 per person , Door Prize
30 T. Williams Mitchell•Comniunity Centre.
Congratulations are due to
A• receti°
the membership committee dancif,71antr- family
again this year. It is the third
eonsecutive time. Branch 156
. was awarded the early bird.
plaque.
Our contingent of crib
• players placed fourth in
Harriston. This entitles them
• to enter the provincial tourn-
• ament April 28. We wish
them good luck.
•COMING EVENTS
April 28 - Legion Bowling
• dance: -Open to public. April
29 - Legion Men entertain
the 'ladies" - serve and ore-
•
•We,offer you the convenience of the —
1, Dance Hall
2. Picnic & Camping facilities
.„ . .
We a.NOW tittopfloo.
reserve:14°14- • • • .
• •
••
May 24th Weekend '.41/
* Seaton Bann
* Gittip Picnics•
•
• We ore pleased to serve yoti
• your hosts John Et Judi George
• Crr* on bmitess as wild
•
A
. •
DANCE
Pine Ridge Chalet
Sat., April 21
Music by
• Mozart Melody Makert •
!odd available
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL
262-22/7 236-4610 236.4213
Proceeds for community
service workers
$eaforth. junior "Centencares"
• Booster Club.
2nd AnnuCif
7E•tinlitlatt011
•NIONTE CARLO
-S�1 tickets
lit and oity SOth ticket drawn Wins S2$.00
List ticket drawn nlitti$500.00
Friday, ApriI 20
• 8 I a.m,
Seaforth Community Centre
Tickets S5,00 ',nth `
Includes chance on draw, admiatilen to Montt Carle
Night and buffet landa.
Admission reStr1eteda0116tSORS 19 yeats a age and
eVer,
Watt* wilitialite fro* CtetriAilree
• Etteisthe iinsigante
1
MONEY DRAW
Wed. Apr.. 2 -5th.
Hall .
•
ADM'. $1.00 LUNCH PROVIDED
Sponsored by. • 7-
C.P.&T. Committee• ,
The Humanitarian Service Branch of
• ,Odd FelIoWs & Rebekahs
Weloan Walkers, canes,
crutches Et wheel chairs
st*SigttittUM4bAl
FRI. - SAT. - SUN.
APRIL 20-21-22
aid
e?
ADM/trANCE
70I01.41,Irt: Owe
AND
ANEW Emanuelle in,
EXPERIENCE ' "BLACK
IN SENSUALITY EMANUELLE"
PLUS .
to nosomi.
to AAs or ocOl os dyer
HWY 8 60DEHICH AT
CONCESSION AD 4 •
• PHONE 524 9N111
"Uallatic•
"".