More Georgetown Stories

18

1900—1919

deep. After this had been penetrated, rock was struck. When they had bored through five feet of rock the water came gushing up right to the surface and is now flowing out at the end of the pipe at the rate of a gallon a minute rendering the use of a pump unnecessary.” (Guardian, Dec. 12, 1905)

Georgetown’s Mock Parliament Holds

First Session

“The first session of the Mock Parliament of Georgetown

took place at the Town Hall on Wednesday. After the reading of the speech from the throne by the Govemor— General, Sir James Manuel, the Premier announced his Cabinet: Premier& Minister of Railways & Canals: Hon. A. P. Hughes; Ministerof Justice and Education: Hon. J. G. Stewart; Minister of Finance, Trade and Commerce: Hon. T. E. Morrisey; Minister of the Interior and Secretary of State; Hon. E.W. Morrisey; Minister of Customs and Inland Revenue and Postmaster General: Hon. Walter Cotton; Minister of Militia & Defence. Hon. ED. Hessian; Minister of Marine and Fisheries: Hon. DJ. Stewart. Edward Leeman, Esq. was elected Speaker. Captain John Andrew MacDonald was elected Sergeant- at-Arms; Charles McLeod acted in the capacity of Clerk. The Leader of the Opposition was Hon. R. R. McLean. The address in reply to the Speech from the Throne was moved by Hon. ED. Hessian and seconded by Hon. T.E. Morrisey. A bill entitled the Petition Bill 1906 was read for the first time and ordered read a second time at the next night of meeting. Aftera prolonged debate on the Address, the House was adjourned at a late hour.” (Dailv Examiner, June 25, 1906) [AP Hughes was the school principal and Rev. Walter Cotton was the Church of England minister.]

Grand Ball Held

“The Ball given to the officers and crew of the S.S. Mimo by the citizens of Georgetown was a grand success. The dances consisted of two-step, waltzes, lancers, militaire and a Scotch reel. The piano music was furnished by Miss Nellie Robin of Charlottetown and Miss Annie Hilchey of Georgetown. Mr. [Henry] Gotell and Mr. Beaton played the violin and the latter f umished the pipe music for the Scotch reel. At 12 o’clock lunch was served. Dancing was kept up until 3 o’clock. Mr. Fred McLean of the Minto moved a vote of thanks to the citizens of Georgetown which was seconded by Mr. M. C. MacDonald of the steamer. The chaperones were Mrs. M.C. McDonald, Mrs. Dr. Stewart, Mrs. (Capt) William Gordon and Mrs. A. J. Macdonal .” (Daily Examiner, Feb. 7, 1906)

St. David’s Social

“ The Social held here last night in aid of St. David’s Church was very successful. The amount cleared was $107. The program included:

Chorus Recitation by Miss Helen Dix (sic); Song by eight little girls;

Laughing 5010 by Mr. Charles Hanson of the S .S . Mirna who was accompanied by Mr. Pearson on the mandolin and Miss Annie Hilchey on the piano;

Solo by Miss Clara MacDonald;

Piano duet by Misses Aitken & MacDonald;

Solo by Rev Walter Cotton;

Song by four little boys: “Good Bye, Little Girls Goodbye”;

Solo by Miss Marian Mom'sey;

Reading by Mr. John MacKinnon;

Recitation by Miss Eleanor Gordon.

There was also a sale of candy. Mr. Thomas Morrisey was auctioneer.” (Daily Examiner, Feb. 9, 1906) [T he article shows how Georgetown people of all churches joined together in assisting fund-raising events of other churches]

S.S. Entergrise Launched

“The Enterprise was launched on Saturday morning and is a handsome craft. She was built at Joseph McGill’s shipyard in Shelbume. NS. for the new Burrell-Johnson Iron Company of Yarrnouth. Her principal dimensions are 120 feet long over all, 25 feet beam and 9 ft. hold. She will be owned by the Three River Steamship Company of Georgetown, RBI. and is to take the place of the Electra. The Enterprise is to be commanded by Capt. William McLaren who paid a visit to Shelbume last week and was highly pleased with his inspection of the new steamer.” (Edited from Daily Examiner, April 29, 1907)

An Invasion of Fish

“There was great excitement in Georgetown yesterday afternoon as school after school of herring came into the harbour and swarmed up to the wharves and around the shores. It was a gala day for the small boys who came upon the scene with forks rakes and scoop nets and lined the shore with fish. Boats covered the water and a number of nets were run out. Such a sight has not been witnessed at Georgetown for eighteen years. The harbour was literally alive with the fish and the water turned to a milky white. We understand that large catches were made.” (Dailv Examiner, June 13, 1907)

Earl Grey’s Side-Trip

On August 21, 1907, the Govemor—General of Canada, Earl Grey, attended “the gathering of the clans” held that year in Georgetown. On the way, however, the train stopped opposite the residence of Miss Hamilton and was delayed there a short time. The Earl visited the property once owned by Dr. Kaye and “he noticed particularly an old cannon, the history of which he desired to learn.” He was told that it was “a relic of the first French occupation and was obtained at Brudenell Point by the late Dr. Kaye The Govemor—General was highly pleased with his impromptu visit and we have no doubt that the pleasure

was mutual." (Daily Examiner, Aug. 22, 1907)

1