Georgetown Stories: 1840-1870 12

Georgetown Anti -Confederati on

In a public meeting in Georgetown in 1865, residents heard their Conservative Assembly member, Heath Haviland, speak for the proposed confederation of the British Provinces of North America. The Hon Roderick McAulay spoke against the plan, claiming that under present proposed terms it would be bad for the Island both economically and socially. The meeting showed respect for Haviland, but it was clear that most Georgetonians agreed at this time with McAulay. (N.H.M. from a newspaper article at the time)

Assault on a Georgetown J. P.

Notice: “Georgetown, Aug. 8, 1865: William Samuel, alias William Brown, Seaman, was convicted and fined Five Pounds before W. B. Aitken and Ezra Wickwire, two of Her Majesties Justices of the Peace, for an Assault and Battery upon John Smith, J. P. at Georgetown yesterday. Fine paid down and has been sent to the Treasury this day by me, R. Munro, Clerk of the J. P. Court” (Islander, Aug. 1865)

The Georgetown Railroad

“On the 15th ult. a discussion took place in the Court House before a crowded meeting on the propriety of extending the Summerside Railroad to Georgetown. Mr. R. Munro opened the discussion at some length and after showing that revenue usually doubled itself during the later successful years, argued for the future from the past that it will come up in less than 10 years to £100,000 and that, if it will, that the increase will be quite sufficient to pay the interest or the capital necessary to build the railroad from Georgetown to Summerside. Many other arguments were brought forward by him and Hon. A.A. Macdonald in favouring the popular scheme. Thos. Owen and Austin Macdonald. who are trying to build towns of their own at Cardigan and Montague Bridge were the only ones opposing the matter.” (Contributed by “Observer”, Mar. 16, 1866 to the Islander, Mar. 23, 1866)

Maritimers in Gloucester, Mass

An item in the Islander, Mar. 23, 1866, reported that it was believed that almost half of the population of Gloucester, Mass, the home of the American fishing fleet that visited Island waters regularly, were natives of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Dr. Kaye Honoured by Masons

“On Wednesday evening, the 28th ult., the brethem of St. George’s Lodge [Georgetown] assembled in the Masonic Hall for the purpose of presenting Past Master, the Hon. David Kaye, with a jewel made by J. Cornelius, Halifax, N. S., which for design and workmanship reflects great credit on the maker. The above was presented as a small token of their high appreciation of his valuable services to their lodge. The presentation was accompanied by an address read by the Worshipful Master to which Brother Kaye made a suitable reply. The ceremony being over and the Lodge duly closed, Bro. Kaye kindly invited the brothers to partake of a supper which was prepared for the occasion by Bro. James McDonald. After a few speeches made by Brothers Munro, Kennedy, McFarlane and Le Brocq, the brothers repaired to their respective homes pleased with the evening’s entertainment.” (Contributed Aug. 9, 1866 by “one of the brothers” and printed by the Islander, Apr. 8, 1866. Dr. Kaye was also an officer in the Sons of Temperance Lodge and for a time Grand Master of the Orange Lodge of Prince Edward Island. (N.H.M.)

Georgetown Mechanics Institute

“On Monday evening the 16th, a pleasant and highly instructive lecture was delivered before the above Institute by A. C. Stewart, Esq.. Subject: ‘Popular Prejudice’. The well-known ability of the learned lecturer attracted a large and respectable audience. The subject was treated by Mr. Stewart in a masterly and eloquent style, calling forth the admiration and praise of all present. A few appropriate remarks were then made by Rev. A. MacWilliam, F. P. Norton and Archibald McDonald, Esqrs., after which the vice- president, R. Munro, Esq., announced that F. P.