125 YEARS AGO: NOV. 26, 1898
Physician Vacancies: It is reported from the Cariboo country that two or more of the up-country physicians will not remain where they now are, they having received notice that a Government subsidy would no longer be paid them after Jan. 1st. It is further stated that this does not meet with the approval of the people in general, as at some points it is necessary to have a doctor where he can be called in case of need, and that without Government assistance no man can afford to remain at Quesnelle or the 150 Mile House. The matter should, in the interests of all the people, be carefully considered.
Skating Rink: Everyone should attend a meeting to be held in the Ashcroft court house, on Monday evening next, to make arrangements for the management of the skating rink for the coming winter. It is rumoured that some wish to make strict rules in the matter of children being allowed on the rink at all times — so please turn out in crowds.
Thanksgiving Concert: On Thursday evening a Thanksgiving and praise service was held in Zion Presbyterian church, by the combined choirs of the Methodist, English and Presbyterian churches. The programme was most artistically rendered and showed careful training and conscientious observance of details, which reflected much credit upon the Rev. Mr. Muir, who had it in charge.
Office Kitten: The Journal office is now the possessor of a stray kitten, which has been named “Rubber”. When a little larger, “Rubber” will be quite handy for cleaning the presses and will replace the office towel, which fell down the other day and was broken.
Winter: The cold weather of the past few days indicates the approach of winter, but no extremely cold weather is to be expected in the Thompson valley. It is only occasionally a winter that it gets very cold.
100 YEARS AGO: NOV. 24, 1923
Huge Highway Programme; Province Plans For Five Years Road Construction To Cost $3,000,000: One of the most comprehensive road building programmes ever brought down by any government in Canada will be brought down at the next session of the legislature. It will involve an expenditure of over $3,000,000. It is a programme that will take five years to complete, but it will result in a network of roads to serve the needs of every community in the province, and it is expected that work will be started on a big scale next spring. At the present time Hon. Dr. W.H. Sutherland and officials of his department who are preparing the programme state that nothing definite can be given out. It is known, however, that they are at work on a pronouncement which will be made in the house in the next two weeks.
Dredge Update: The dredge that went adrift last week has been anchored at Kanaka. The machinery is being removed for salvage, but the hull is badly stove by the rocks encountered on her wild cruise from Lytton to Kanaka Bar.
Too Much Information: Little Dorothy Burr was taken to the Kamloops hospital on Wednesday suffering from bowel trouble.
Reopening Of Tomb Of King Tutankhamen Completed At Luxor: On Monday the final stage was completed in reopening of the tomb of King Tutankhamen which, after a respite of eight months, is about to become once again the centre of activity and interest. It is hoped and expected that the next month or so will reveal even more valuable discoveries than those made last year. This year’s work is to be entirely devoted to the taking down of the nested shrines, which fill the sepulchral chamber, with the object of reaching the sarcophagus which should be in the centre and should contain the mortal remains of the Pharaoh lying amid all splendour which, according to the contemporary records, was the fate of rulers of Egypt thirty centuries ago.
75 YEARS AGO: NOV. 25. 1948
Clinton Brightened By Lights: Clinton street lighting, inaugurated by Clinton Light & Power Co., has already brightened up the Main Street in a wonderful way and seems to be a progressive step in the right direction. Mr. McTavish states this is only the first move in glamorizing the old town a bit, and as material comes to hand the installations will expand to the side streets and take care of the dark spots. The Company has worked out a plan that seems satisfactory to light users by adding a Street Light Tax to their monthly light bill.
Highway Work: Howard Reed, with a crew of five, is camped in Clinton while demolishing the old “51” bridge, now rendered obsolete by the rerouting of the highway.
Plenty Of Game: Game seems to be more plentiful in the lower districts of the Cariboo country this year, possibly owing to poor feed on the meadows further north, while that part adjacent to Maiden Creek Ranch and the flat above skirting Big Bar Lake country has always been known for good hunting, and this year seems to be really drawing the hunters. Charlie Dougherty’s cabins are in demand this last month or so.
J.J. Ting: It is reported that the J.J. Ting Co. store and buildings in Ashcroft have been sold to Alan Cameron, and while there are several rumours around town about what Alan’s plans are with regard to the large building, nothing authentic has been learned.
50 YEARS AGO: NOV. 22, 1973
Too Many Non-Taxpayers: The all candidates meeting held at the Cache Creek Community Hall last Thursday drew a good crowd, who apparently were eager to learn the issues. Chairman Norman Vennard had a difficult task in keeping those asking questions, or just spouting off, and the subsequent discussions “on target”. At times the purpose of the meeting was lost. General meetings are no place to air personal gripes or to attack absent taxpayers. We would like to say we think too many non-taxpayers had too much to say, but apparently no one was listening anyways.
Library Referendum Resounding Approval: The electors in the three municipal areas of Chase, Clinton, and Merritt, and in the 10 rural electoral areas of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, gave strong approval to the proposed integrated library system for the district in the referendum held last Saturday. The result brought great satisfaction to the Executive Committee of the Cariboo Thompson Nicola Library System Society, who sponsored the proposal. [Total votes cast: 1,676, or 88 per cent, in favour; 227, or 12 per cent, opposed.]
Highway Maintenance: Several Walhachin residents have bundles of onions to offer the Ashcroft Highways Dept. Those of us who travelled to Cache Creek and Ashcroft Friday found absolutely no problem on the highway until we crossed the line out of Savona’s tender loving care and onto Ashcroft’s glare ice. There was no excuse for this condition at 9 a.m., but Larry Rogers, the Bookmobile driver, complained that nothing had yet been done by 2 p.m. I notice on my way back and forth to work, etc., that when the roads are bad, you will always find the Savona Highway Division out there somewhere working on the road. They are always very much in evidence: a comforting feeling. Kamloops and Ashcroft, on the other hand, are totally invisible, presumably working on the “God put it there” philosophy.
Mean Thief Takes Fun Game: A Kinsmen Fun Game for the Disabled was stolen from the Ashcroft liquor store last Friday. An estimated $10 to $12 was in the plastic container.
Wine Grapes Anyone?: The Ashcroft Chamber of Commerce recently received an inquiry in possible new growing areas for the growing of grapes for the making of a good grade of British Columbia wine. The Potters Distilleries, Langley, is proposing to go into production of B.C. wine, and wish to be assured a suitable supply of grapes. They are prepared to assist the development of new areas.
RCMP Warning: Ashcroft RCMP warn motorists that if vehicles are being driven with frosted windshields, they are subject to a fine, according to law.
