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The Huron Expositor, 1929-05-17, Page 1ft, pia SEVENTIETH YEAR II LE NUMBEl1, 8205 SEAFO1 T MEE TOWN DOCTOR (The DDaetor of Toeneo) Sews SOME TOWNS, LIKE TRUCKS, GDT STUCK DN THE DRUID There is something about the building of a highway that is, to me, as m nnagnet to steel. When driving through the country, a"Road Under Con- struction" sign is a near command to drive around the_ barrier, and learn if the notice is telling the truth. There is something majestic and awe-inspiring about the laying of a rib- bon of concrete across a plain, through the valleys, or over the hills. Per- haps it is not the actual construction as much as the value of what the com- pleted work will be to the communities it will serve, wondering if those it will benefit will take full advantage of the opportunity. The paving el a country road is an epoch in the life of the area through twhich it passes, fee it marks the passingof the old into the new, and to me, a changing from the old order of thinis always of interest. Last fall, while making what has been spoken of as a "-clinic journey," I obtained permission to driv • a twelve -mill strip of newly -laid concrete through the Palos Hills country in Illinois, It was a beautiful roadway in a beautiful country, and I could but marvel at the thoroughness—the per- fect contour of this "sidewalk for motor cars" to hillside, vale and wood- land—it was perfect. Some miles from the convergence of this roadway with the main arterial highway, a large force of workmen with a score of dump trucks were mak- ing a fill. Trucks loaded with loose earth came from both directions, sys- tematically they swung to the edge, half circled to the center of the pave- ment, then backed; a whistle blew, the truck stopped, the dump body tipped as the end gate opened; another whistle, and the truck moved out and on up the road. For an hour I watched them as like giant ants they came and went, filling the hole that was bad for the highway. Then something happened. A monstrous truck, very heamily loaded, back- ed up too far, :went off the pavement and down the embankment, settling deep in the wet, loose, spongy loam. It was stuck—no doubt about it! A loud whistle blew—trucks outbound stopped, swung around, and return- ed to the fill; inbound trucks drew up in a line. Chains rattled as each hitched to the other—a workman slid down to the truck in the mire, attach- ed a chain thereto, and a whistle blew thrice. At the first whistle, all trucks moved forward taking up the slack; at the second, gears meshed into low; at the third, every clutch of every truck was engaged and without jump or jerk, all, as one, moved forward, steadily, surely, until the stuck truck was back on solid pavement. There was no fuss, dissension, excitement or blus- ter ---all of the trucks pulled, none was standing at the 'side of the road, idling, watching or shouting advice; all pulled in the same direction at the same time. e. The moral is plain. If your town is "stuck"—if it isn't moving forward, gather 'round, everybody, hook on, get a sure "hitch," then pull together— in the same direction. Copyright, 1929, A. D. Stone. Reproduction prohibited in whole or in part. This Town Doctor Article is published by The Expositor in co-operation with the Seaforth Lions Club. TIME WEEK RIS OTTAWA (By R. J. Deachman) There is a certain liveliness along the political front this week. There is a stirring in the political dry bones. r. Peter Veniot, having disposed of most of his estimates, the House now returns to business. This is not to suggest that the discussion of Mr. Vemot's estimates were unimport- ant, still all things are relative. Mr. A. J. Balfour remarked one time that life upon this planet might be defin- ed as a minor incident. jf that be true, then of relative unimportance was this event, no matter how much time it occupied in the House of Com- m ons. The last of the Budget Resolutions disappeared. Here, there has probab- ly been an improvement in the House over past years. It used to be the custom to shuffle through these sep- arate resolutions with a gentle wave of the hand, more or less: They were under fiery discussion for some time. The exact wording of a tariff change is very important. The language must be precise. If it is not, then the Cus- toms' Board which administers the law, may take an entirely different meaning out of the Act, and the ac- tual working of the particular tariff item may be as far as it is possible to be, from what the House believed when it gave its final sanction. Are the Canadian Manufacturers taking advantage of the excise tax on automobiles It will be recalled that they made a solemn promise to the Minister in 1926 that if this tax were removed upon Canadian cars and left upon the foreign cars they would not consider it as an added measure of protection, and raise the price accord- ingly. It is charged that they have done so. The matter can be left to the decision of the Tariff Board. It has been relegated to that body and so in time we shall have a decision and know what the facts are in the Matter. Our Neighbors. ilt will be revelled that man does not live alone—he is, to a certain ex- tent, at least, his brother's keeper, no matter how much that assertion may have been disputed by a certain his- torical murderer of the past. There are certain passions and prejudices in the human mind and these die rather slowly. It is good political business to arouse antagonism against your neighbor, providing you can get away with it and catch votes. It is record- ed in the past, that certain kings, hav- ing found domestic trouble at home, calmed the raging seas of politics by having a nice little war with one of their neighbors. The neighbor, prob- ably delighted to have the conflict, because he, at the same time, was having trouble in his own domestic affairs and it was a very simple mat- ter to call down the wrath of Heaven upon his enemies instead of having the wrath of his own people fall upon his own head. Sometimes it appears, after listening to the House of Com- mons for a time, that it would be extremely interesting to live in a country, such as Australia, where neighbors are so far away that they are no particular cause for worry. Prolong the Session. There is a rumor at Ottawa that the Opposition has some intention of aolding the House in Session until the American tariff is finally passed and then calling for retaliatory measures. The American tariff legislation was submitted to the }[ouse of Congress during the past week. It increases the duty on certain farm products going to the 'United States from Canada. Our main exports however, remain un- touched. The potatoes of the Mari- time Provinces, a rather important item, are not increased, The Western Battle man will not suffer any dis- ability from the change in the Amer- ican tariff. It may, to a certain ex- tent, check exports of milk and cream to the United States and will have an injurious affect upon the shingle mar- ket the Western Province of Brit- ish Columbia. A greater effort is be- ing made to stir up an antagonism on this measure than on American tariff programmes of the past. We faced the Dingley Bill and survived it without particular loss. We did the same in regard to the McKinley tariff —also the Emergency and the Ford- ney-McCumber tariff proposals. The fact is that although increases in tariff check the exports of Canadian farm products, the• gradual increase in price which takes place eventual- ly solves the problem and the Canad- ian exporter surmounts the barrier and eventually increases the exports of farm products to the United States. Freight Rates. But if our neighbors give us trou- ble in some ways, they are always a blessing in others. Just lately the American railroads have decided to cut the freight rates on grain from the western wheat fields to the sea- board. What induced them to do this is difficult to say. If Mr. Hoover ex= ercised the big stick on the American Railroad System, then it is evident that the big stick of Mr. Hoover is a better weapon than any other hither- to held by an American President. The weapon seems to have been well used. The reduction in freight rates on the American side of the line will do infinitely more for the American ferrner than all the tariff changes that have taken place. Incidentally and from our standpoint of much more importance, is the fact that the Canadian Railways will, beyond doubt follow suit. The cut in American rates amounts to 7c a bushel. A reduction in freight rates of 7c a bushel or of 3c a bushel in the Dominion of Can- ada would be a much larger contri- bution to the prosperity of the Can- adian farmer, than the removal of the added tariff restrictions which the Americans have recently imposed. Political Result. Now, all these things have their political result. There is much discus- sion in the House in regard thereto. Beyond question, the Opposition will introduce sometime at an early date, a resolution expressing lack of confi- dence in the Government because it does not take some form of immedi- ate action in regard to tariff matters. These things can always be brought en nn going into Supply and this gives an opportunity for a field day or two and for the exhibition of much patriotism and a broad display of fer- vor and fireworks. It is not improbable that within the next few years we shall pass more or less out of the political orbit of the United States, though the prox- imity of that Nation will undoubted- ly continue to have a certain influ- ence in our affairs. There is gradu- ally growing up among the younger generation of politicians and speakers in Canada, the idea that we may take our own course without supinely fol- lowing the attitude of the United States. There are some of the older school who claim that when the Americans raise their tariff we should raise ours. These same gentlemen nev- er seem to get wise to the idea that the situation might be reversed and that we might lower our tariffs when they lower theirs. Had we done that in 1921 and 1922, agricultural pro- ducts would have been practically on the free list at that time. While the United States is our best customer, it must be recognized that the trade of Canada is growing throughout the whole world and that conditions have vastly changed during the last few years hi that regard. 1Tivoreee. Divorce has occupied a great deal of the time of the Session. We had not only the contentious point where Mr. Waodsworth undertook to enter into the details of every r'vorce, but Mr. Ward has a bill before the House asking that a woman shall be given the right to establish a separate dom- icile, after she has separated from her husband. The domicile of the wife is the domicile of the husband. Now when the two part company, the hus- band may go to Italy or "Timbuctoo." Under the circumstances, where is the domicile of this woman? It seems like a simple matter, but the legal pun- dits see otherwise and hence there is considerable contentious debate over the question. ST. CO LUM I::AN Notes.—The ladies of the Catholic Women's League surprised one of the members on Monday evening, May 6th, and read to her a very appropri- ate address prior to her departure to London. Mars. John Downey, Presi- dent, read the address, and Mrs. M. Downey, Vice -President, presented her with a beautiful lounging robe. Miss Curtin replied very feelingly and all departed, wishing Miss Curtin every happiness in her new home. — Miss Queenan has treated herself to a new Whippet.—Mrs. Krauskopf is serious- ly ill at her home here.—James Lane, teacher at Teeswater, visited at his home last Sunday.—Mark Miles and sister, Edith, spent Sunday here. M1 cK]I LILOP McVittie-Dodds. — A very pretty wedding ceremony took place at the Manse, McKillop, on Wednesday, May 15th, at 5 p.m., when Elspeth A., daughter of Mr. John Dodds,, Me- Killop, was united in marriage to Mr. Kelland T. McVittie, sots of Mr. and Mrs. Simon McVittie, of Hullett, by Rev. F. W. Smith. The bride was be- comingly attired in an ensemble of sun biege with hat and shoes to match. They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. James Scott, of Toronto. Following the ceremony, a wedding dinner was served to immediate friends and rel- atives at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Dodds, Seaforth. The house was prettily decorated with spring flowers, the color scheme of the din- ing room being carried out in pink and white. Among the out of town guests were Mr. and Mrs. Scott, of Toronto; Miss Blanchard, from Strat- ford, and Mrs. T. M. Dodds, from Buffalo, N. Y. The bride and groom were the recipients of many beautiful and useful gifts. STANLEY Farmers' and Builders' Attention.—Just ar- rived, a car of cement. As this is our second car this spring, you will get it nice and fresh here. Also have hard wall plaster, hydrated lime, lath, mortar stain, black and red, plas- ter Paris. At the old stand. Mrs. it. Cud - more, phone 107, Hensall, Ont. 3205-1 Notes.—Mr. and Mrs. George H. Stephenson, of Marlette, Michigan, are spending a few days with their friends in Stanley. They were called over on account of the illness of Mr. Stephenson's mother. Mrs. Stephen - see, Sr., is 90 years of age and until recently has been remarkably healthy and smart for her years.—Mr. and Mrs. Carl McClinchey, of Windsor, spent the week end at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Will McClinchey.—Mr. and Mrs. John Armstrong and family and Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Stephenson visited on Sunday afternoon with Mrs. Emily Armstrong, of Clinton. — Mr, Frank McClinchey, of Seaforth, spent the week end at his home here. --Mr. Charles Stelck, of Varna, is very sick at present and very little hope is held out for his recovery.—'Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Robinson and family visited at the home of Mr. James Reid of Clinton on Sunday.—Our Mother's Day services were very interesting and appropriate and brought afresh to our minds the great debt of love and gratitude we owe to our mothers. DUBLIIN Notes.—Mr. E. B. Tyers has rent- ed 25 acres of land in Logan. He purposes growing field crops for the canning factory in the village.— Mother's Day was duly observed in St. Patrick's Church, Dublin. A ser- mon was preached by Rev. Father O'Drowski at 8.30 a.m. Mass and at High Mass Rev. Father Bricklin gave a very lucid account of our duties to our spiritual Mother Mary in Heav- en and to our natural mother whose love is excelled by none.—Mrs. Ben - ringer spent Last Sunday afternoon et Goderich with her mother, who is in her ninety-second years and still hale and hearty. --Mrs. T. Carbert left for Blyth Last Sunday where she will spend a few days with her sister.— St Patrick's Altar Society gave a social evening last Friday night which was well attended.—Mrs. Joseph Car- penter was presented with an address and presentation on Monday last. Mrs. E. B. Tyers read the address and Mrs. David McConnell made the presentation of a beautiful prayer hook. On two accasions Mrs. Cars politer has been President of the C. W. L.—Mrs. P. F. Benn, new presi- dent of the C.W.L., held a very suc- cessful meeting on Sunday afternoon in the parish hall. The officers and members attended in large numbers. --Mrs. Nagle was the guest of her niece, Miss Carbert, of Clinton, over Sunday. — James Cummings w a s brought home from St. Joseph's Hos- rital, London, on Sunday by Dr. A. V. Traynor.—Alpert Kramer, owner of the Dublin brick and tile yard, started making tile on Friday. He has finished seeding.—Miss Beth Bick- nell spent Sunday at her brother's home at Seaforth.—Two unusually heavy rains of Saturday forenoon and evening stopped seeding operations for at least a few days. EvOry C quIr( Ilren .. . ra CLUFF & SO WALTON Notes.—iA large congregation at- tended Mother's Day serviee which was opened in Duff's United Church, Walton, on Sunday morning. Miss Mary Ennis gave "The Quest" story and Melvin Shannon the poem, "The Giver of Life." '.:v. W. J. Maines gave a splendid address. A large choir of mothers led the singing and rendered two very appropriate an- thems.—Basil Wilson, of London, has been visiting his aunt, Mrs. Fred En- nis in Wlalton.—Lawrence and Mrs. Cummings and family, also Miss Muriel. Farquharson visited friends in Brucefield on Sunday.—Mrs. Marshall and her daughter, Jean, spent the week end ivisiting Mrs. Marshall's daughter, Mrs. William Merritt, of Blyth.—Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kerr and their son, Gordon, also their daugh- ter, Mrs. William Gillespie and her son, all of Toronto, visited relatives in Walton over the week end. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Davidson and son, Murray, spent the week end with Mrs. Davidson's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bennett.—Miss Gertrude Mil- ler spent the week end in Seaforth with Miss Violet Rankin. i" IS, UCEFEELD W. M. S.—The regular meeting of the 11 V.M.S. was held in the school room of the church on May 8th, with Mrs. Bremner in the chair. The roll call showed a splendid attendance of mereters and was answered with a "cc. mmand." The Treasurer reported that the Easter thankoffering bad reached the sum of $95. The Society has been allocated supplies to the amount of fifteen pounds, and is to be composed of ' ' goods, under- wear and toy and is e be ready to ship, by June 26th:.. -Mr was the onvenor of The devo aDeird.; e programme. na : ' et was read by Mrs. A. T. Scott and was entitled, "The Needle's Eye." Mrs. Haugh then led in prayer; Mrs. Stevens and Mrs. T. B. Baird gave excellent re- ports from the Presbyterial recently held at Exeter, and a hearty vote of. thanks was extended to them. Mrs. G. McGregor and Mrs. D. Tuft read the topic taken from the study book, "Drums in Darkness," and Mrs. Jas. McQueen offered the closing prayer. Notes.—Mr. and Mrs. M. S. Aiken - head and daughter. Lillian, Miss Mar- garet Aikenhead and Miss E. Snider, all of London, visited friends here ov- er the week end.—Mr. and Mrs. J. Rattenbury and family, of Burlington, spent Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. Rattenbury.—Lance Norris was visiting at his 'home over the week, end.—Miss Anna Haugh and Carman Haugh have returned to To- ronto after visiting their parents here.—G. Keeler was at his home in Mitchell on Sunday.—Mr. and Mrs. ,J. Boyce spent Sunday with friends in Goderich.—Misses .Jessie and Mary Cameron were week end guests at the home of their cousin, Miss Anna Aik- enhead. — The regular missionary meeting of the Y. P. Society was held on Monday evening. Jesse Freeman. the convener, presided. The study book, "Forward with China," was tak- en by Gordon Keeler, who dealt with educational systems in China. Miss Eleanor Snider sang a pleasing solo, "Danny Boy." It was decided to hold a young people's anniversary on June 16th, and the executive was given charge of arrangements. IEX ETIER New Minister Ordained. — On Thursday evening of last week Caven Presbyterian Church, Exeter, was fil- led on the occasion of the ordination and induction of Mr. J. Bernard Rhodes, M.A., who recently graduated from Knox College as scholarship man of his class. The Presbytery of Hur- on, of which Rev. I. B. Kaine, of First Presbyterian Church, Seaforth, is Moderator, was in charge of the ser- vices which were most interesting and impressive. Rev. Mr. Dugan, the re- cently inducted minister of Willis Church, Clinton, preached and the Moderator conducted the beautiful and dignified ordination and induction ceremonies. Rev. R. C. McDermid, of Knox Church, Goderich, addressed the new minister and Rev. James Mcllroy of Carmel Church, Hensall, who had been interim -moderator of Caven con- gregation during the vacancy, acldres- sed the people. The choir was assist- ed in the service of song by the quartette of Carmel Church, Hensel]. who also most charmingly rendered as special numbers a duet and a quartette. At the close of the ser- vice, a reception and social luncheon was held in the basement of the church where small tables, decorated in the Presbyterian colors, were lad- en with refreshments. The new min- ister was presented to the large con- gregation individually by Mr. Thomas Pryde, the assistant Secretary -Treas- urer, in his genial manner, after which Rev. Mr. Kaine, acting as chair- man, called upon a number present to address the meeting. 'Rear. Mr. Anth- ony, of Thames (load Vetted Church, as special delegate of the South up- on Ministerial Association, in a speech full of wit and cordiality, coxa eeyed the congratulations and greetings of that body. Rev. Mr. Down, a retired min- ister, referred to the long and dis- tinguished career of Caven congrega- tion since its organisation sixty-two years ago, and recalled having been present at the dedication of the pres- ent building fifty-two years ago, Rev. Mr. McTavish, of James Street Unit- ed Church; Rev. Mr. Jones, of Trivia Memorial Church, and Rev. Mr. Sippel of the Evangelical Church, Crediton, expressed the good wishes of their respective churches as well as their personal congratulations to the new minister and his people. Rev. Mr. Foote and Mrs. Foote, now of Carle- ton Place, and recently of Coven Manse, sent a letter eloquently -ex- pressing their good wishes for the new pastorate and their loving solici- tation for the welfare of their former people. A delightful feature of the occasion was the presence of Rev. Hlerbert Rhodes and wife of the China Inland Mission, Toronto, parents of Rev. J. B. Rhodes, who were mission- aries for over twenty years in China, where their son was born. Both father and son acknowledged the many ex- pressions of cordial good will in hap- py speeches stressing particularly the significance of the brotherly greet- ings of those local churches which sent representatives. fILLSGI1$EEN Fanners' and )Builders' Attention.—Just ar- rived, a car of cement. As this is our second car this spring, you will get it nice and fresh here. Also have hard wall plaster, hydrated lime, lath, mortar stain, black and red, plas- ter Paris. At the old stand. Mrs. R. Cud - more, phone 107. Hensel, Ont. 3205-1 Notes.—Mrs. Robert Hopkins, of Chicago, is spending a few weeks at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Cochrane. — Mr, Grant Love, of Lansing, Michigan, spent the week end with friends in this vi- cinity.—Mr. and Mrs. Rice, of Los Angeles, California, were Saturday visitors with Mrs. L. Troyer.—Mrs. D. Nichol and Mr. Joe Hagan, of Hen- sel', called on the former's sister, Mrs. W. Jarrott recently. --Miss Vera Smith returned to her home after spending a few weeks with friends in Clinton.—The service will be with- drawn on Sunday afternoon, May 19, owing to the Young People's anni- versary in Kippen United Church.— M4•s. Robert Bonthron and daughter, Mrs. T_ C. Joynt, of Hensel', called on friends on Saturday last. --Mr. and Mrs. John McEwen, of Hensall, visit- ed with Mrs. L. Troyer recently.—Mr. and Mrs. George Stephenson. of Walkerton, spent the week end with Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stephenson.— The ladies of the congregation met in the basement of the church on Wed- nesday afternoon, May 8th, and quilt- ed three quilts. Mrs. Rev. Conner took the study from "Drums in the Darkness," after which a dainty Iunch was served. The offering was taken and the meeting closed by repeating the Lord's Prayer. TUCKIERSMi 1TH Notes.—Mr. and Mrs. William Fair- burn, Mr. and Mrs. Jonah Green and Miss Lula Green, of Grand Bend, were visiting relatives in Stratford on Mon- day.—Miss Etta Bell, of London, spent Sunday visiting her parents,`Mr. and Mrs. A. Bell.—Miss Annie Moore, of London, spent the week end with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. I. Moore.—Mr. Harry Eyre, of Sarnia, spent the week end with his mother. Died In Michigan.—The following from the Bay City Daily Times, of May llth, will be read with regret by many old friends here. Mrs. Mc- Geoch, before her marriage being Miss Fanny Oldfield, of this township: "Word has been received here of the death of Mrs. James McGeoch, at Ann Arbor. Mrs. McGeoch was the widow of the late Dr. James McGeoch, of North Henry Street, this city. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. S. A. Beier, of Baltimore, Md., and Mrs. C. C. Wolcott, of Batavia, N.Y., and two sons, Dr. R. W. McGeoch and Glenn D. McGeoch, of Ann Arbor. Services will be held at Elm Lawn cemetery chapel at 4 p.m. Monday." From An Old Tuckersmith Boy.— The following history of an old Tuck- ersmith boy will he of interest to many old readers in this district and for which we are indebted to Mr. W. M. Doig, whose opening letter ex- plains itself: Dear Expositor: I am enclosing you a letter, which I re- ceived from Mr. George A. McLeod, an old Tuckersmith boy, who has made his mark in the "Land of the free and the home of the brave." Mr. McLeod is descended from two High- land Scotch families, who came to Tuckersmith in the early pioneer days. His mother, Nancy Henderson, was raised on the farm now owned by James B. McLean, on the 2nd conces- sion of this township: Hailey, Idaho, May 7 1929. Mr. W. MacLaren Doig, Port Huron, Mich. Dear Friend:— Your kind and interesting letter of the 2nd instant 1 received yesterday and i was dee-lighted to hear from you, as Teddy Roosevelt would have said. it is so long since we have met that this letter from you was almost like "the touch of a vanished hand aur] the sound of a voice that is still." i will now tell you how 1 came to mail you that newspaper. My sister .Janet's daughter, who lives in Clin- ton, mailed me some papers and in ems of them 1 read of the gathering f the Clan Doig. T read and re- read that article and wished I could hap c been there. 1 thought of the time my sister, Janet (now Mrs. Roht. Pearson) and I had such a good time at a dance at your house nearly 50 years ago. T then resolved to mail you a paper and let you see that 11 am still in the flesh. Since coming West in February 1886, I. have my native lead three tinzeg first time in 1898. I then Went Brooklyn, New York, axed visited my brother, John, and deter, Gil for 12 days and took in m eny o hs sights of that great . city: ketone .as Greater New York, In Jaun9ryr U9/$ I again revisited Ontario. I stayed at my sister's place, which as about two miles north of Clinton, as hea,dgnar ters, for between two and threewaeles, I stayed at the hotel in Brumfield a couple • of days and visited around with old-time friends. Three .of these are gone and maybe more. I refer to Dr. David McIntosh, Jim McDonald (son of Little Duncan), and who liv- ed on the old homestead just north of Brucefield, and Andrew Scott. I went to church on Sunday while there and met Jim Moodie and went to his house with him and his wife and had quite a chat. I then went to Brooklyn, W. Y., in February, 1919, -and visited with my brother John, who is a Doctor of Medicine. He began the practice of his profession there in 1890 and is still doing business at the old stand. I got a job clerking in a department store in Brooklyn and stayed with that until I got a telegram offering me a deputyship here at a good sal- ary. I resigned my position in the store and went back to London and Clinton in September, 1920, and would like to have visited more but my time was limited. I am pleased to learn that you are in such good health and enjoying life in your chos- en profession. I am happy to be able to report that I am also hale and hearty and enjoying life, although I was 71 on November 11, 1928. I for- got to mention that I am glad to learn that you have made a financial success in life. I can not truthfully say that I have, although I am not broke. I fully appreciated( all the news you gave me about your family and the McKay's. I never heard what became of Hugh McKay after he had been West for a few years, although I made inquiries. I think he moved away and like many people from the east soon forget to write home, es- pecially if the fickle wheel of Fortune has gone against them. I certainly appreciate your kind intentions rel- ative to writing something of our family for The Huron Expositor. I think while I am at it I will write you something about our family. in- cluding myself. I met Dr. Hugh Ross in Seaforth in 1919 and went with him to his home and saw his mother, who was in the nineties. George A. Sills and I were always great friends. We went to school to- gether in Brucefield for a while. I learned from my father, Roderick Mc- Leod, that his paternal grandfather and his family left their home in Gairloch, Ross -shire, Scotland, and landed at Pictou, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, in 1798. My grandfather, George McLeod, was about nine years of age at that time. The latter mar- ried in Nova Scotia, Christina Stew- art, of this union there were born four daughters and five sons, my father being the eldest. This grand- father of mine and his wife and chil- dren left Nova Scotia and arrived in Huron County, Upper Canada, as it was then, in 1843. I believe the Mc- Donald's and others arrived the same year. I refer to the late Dr. Peter MacDonald, who 'was a member of the Canadian Parliament for sixteen years and Postmaster of London np to the time of his death, I believe. Pardon me if I disgress here to say that the Doctor was my first school teacher in t,Brucefield. I Called on him in 1919 and 1920 and found him a most pleasant, affable gentleman. He told me in 1920 that he was 85 years of age and had 130 clerks serv- ing under him. The first farm upon which my grandfather settled on he sold to the late James Dallas. He then settled on the second 100 -acre farm to the north of that and con- tinued to live there until his untimely death from a fallen limb of a tree, which struck him on the head as he was chopping. My father made some arrangements with the other members of the family and took up his resi- dence on that farm which is Lot 28, Concession 2, or rather, second con- cession, London Road Survey, Tuck- ersmith, Huron County. Upon that farm all my 'brothers and sisters and I were born. My brother John start- ed out early in life as a school teach- er. I would like to have started out early in life also but my mother beg- ged me to stay until the children would he grown up. I can truthfully say that "I was aye a truant bird that thought my home a cage." In 1883 father and mother sold the old farm and then I had to make a rather late start in life. I have always con- sidered that a handicap. But I have done the best I could. I graduated from the London Business College. While studying there the Northwest Rebellion, commonly called the Riel Rebellion, broke out. The Seventh Fusiliers of London were called out on April 1, 1885. The next morning 1 went and voluntarily enlisted; I think I put up the best talk of my life in order to be permitted to en- list. 1 had had no previous military discipline but my earnestness, in my opinion, won my fight. We left Lon- don on April 7, 1885, and got as far as Clark's Crossing on the banks of the Saskatchewan and within 35 miles of Batoche, where Riel made his last stand. We returned to London on July 24, 1885. I have always had a pardonable pride in taking part in that expedition. In February, 1886, I started West and arrived here on the 22nd of Feb- ruary the same, as you know, being the anniversary of the birth of Wash- ington. My brother, .Tohn, was teach- ing school here then. He taught here in 1885 and 1886. Then he went to study medicine. He was graduated frim Bellevue College, New York City, in 1889, and put in some time in the big hospitals. He tau ht school in Canada for four or five years before coming West. On Feb- ruary 2,4rd I resumed my journey en route to Seattle, Washington Terri- tory. When I arrirved there Seattle was under martial law and soldiers from Vancouver Barrocks, Washing- ton, were there. There end been ta: as