The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

niell 0c I | 1 i r) © gas-lighting made "he said, "In the mornings we The Oakville-Trafalgar Journal Vol i 1, No. 10. Oakville, Ontario, Thursday, January 29, 1948. 5 cents a copy, $2.00 Per Year in Advance J. N. Milne, chairman, the committee. NR. executives attending were N, A, Walford, General Su- perintendent Southern Ontario lines; Ralph Gadsby, General Passenger agent, and F. E. D, McDowell, public relations. With the exception of Mr. Walford, who entered the discussion brief- ly three times, C.N.R. visitors 'maintained their unofficial stat- us. On the topic of continued use of antiquated wooden coathes, M, FE, Auden said, "I consider the use of these coaches to be so obviously bad there is little to discuss: Carl Slipp brought to the atten- tion of the meeting recent pict- ures of an accident on C.N.R. lines in Quebec. "If the railroad haven't seen these pictures," he said, "I suggest they look at them immediately. The pictures show a steel pullman telescoped on top of a wooden coach." At this point Mr. Walford said, "Both coaches were steel, sir." A member of the audience said, "Steel sheathed." 'The railway official said, "Yes, Steel sheathing and underpinning. The Board of Transport Commis- sioners. considers that a steel car." - Carl Slipp immediately stated, "Then if it had been an all wood- en coach I take it the results would have been much worse?" To this Mr. Walford made no re- ply. Allan. Read recounted his ex- smmuters Complain of Safety And Service On C.N.R. wh © Attending Friday's meeting of the Publicity com- littee of town council in an unofficial capacity, | LR. executives heard spokesmen for commuters, 'Gomplain of lack of safety and inadequate service on commuter trains from Oakville to Toronto. Record- 1g the meeting, which was conducted by councillor 'M. Black, in the unavoidable absence of councillor railroad intend to make a Survey of points raised for later discussion with the Mrs. N. Robinson Passes At 82 Funeral services were held on Tuesday from the S. S. Russell Funeral Chapel for Mrs. Nelson J. Robinson, lifelong resident, of Oakville and wife of a prominent retired businessman, who died at her late residence, Lakeshore Rd, west at the age of 82, following a prolonged illness. Reverend C. Linbrook Rink Hours Fred W. Taylor has allocateed periods for shinny and free-skat- ing at the Linbrook Ratepapeys' association rink at the Linbrook school. "I would ask that all par- ents co-operate to see that these hours are observed by their chil- dren," he said. "A notice of hours will also be on display in the school." Shinny periods are as follows: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday night and Saturday morning. Free- skating periods: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoon, and all day Sunday. drop four feet in the dark to the same stony roadbed, and then cross the four tracks on the same uncertain footing, One man Who has been commuting for over 50 years is forced to make this drop each night," he stated indignant- ly. He went on to criticize the parking area as dangerous be- cause of loose rails left there and mounds of earth. He stated plat- form lighting was inadequate and the parking lot should be flood- lighted. Speaking about the shunting of freight trains when commuter trains arrived Scott McKay said he felt there would be increased freight as Oakville was expand- in, ally so rapidly. He perience some three years before when, as a result of antiquated gas-lighting. facilities. on. the wooten coaches a fire started in the vestibule of one car. "The fire was noticed as we passed the 8th Line crossing," he said. "By that time the train had gained considerable speed. There were no fire extinguishers available to passengers were herded into the coach ahead where they stood in ® _ the aisle until we reached Clark- son" He went on to say that when the coaches were put on the © siding at that station three of them were totally destroyed. £ * "Being dry as tinder they burned I | | fiercely," he said. "It is easy to imagine what would happen in the case of an accident," R. B. White said ventilation in coaches 'was very bad, with high temperatures in winter from sto- ves which were not controlled properly. He also said flickering it a severe eyestrain to read a newspaper. Speaking on the subject of heat, Harry Peers said, "Mr. 'White mentions the heat in win- ter--but the heat in summer sur- passes this after the coaches have stood out in yards in Tor- onto all day. We should have air- conditioned coaches." At this point a commuter showed the meeting, a badly-soiled hat which, had been cleaned only three weeks previously. "That is C.NR, dirt, gentlemen," he said. Mr, Walford again entered the \discussion to ask if anyone knew 'what an air-conditioned coach 'cost. He-agreed with a guess made by a member of the group that it was upwards of $80,000. He stated that of 30 steel cars 'on order for two years they had Just received delivery of six. He 'was immediately asked if any of "these were intended for the Oak- 'ville commuters, but he did not Janswer. General Safety Criticized The general safety condition of station platforms and yards were Severely criticized, the feeling be- ing the cumbersome length of trains had a great deal to do With this. "The railroad is very lucky there has mot been a serious ac- cident," Harry Peers contended. are re- quired to walk 50 yards to get our coaches. In the winter this is over slippery ground, in sum- suggestted that access should be provided to the present subway so that passengers would not have to cross the tracks or park- ing lot if they did not wish to. Charles Gage advocated the erection of an overhead walk. Mr. Walford said railway exper- ience had been that when such walks were built people would not use them. There was considerable discus- sion of the loading of express on commuter trains which delayed passengers from crossing to their cars and the street. "What we want to know is whether the C.N.R. isgworried about our saf- ety and is anything going to be done about it," Harry Peers sum- med up. Additional Service Demanded There was gemeral expression of opinion that many more peo- ple would use the railroad if there were a satisfactory serv- ice. One speaker pointed out tkere was no train in the after- noon for ladies to return from Toronto between 135 and 535. This prevented many women from using trains. J.W. Woodcock said additional service was required in the eve- nings between 6.35 and the 11.59 at night from Toronto. "Many of us would like to have our wives come in for dinner," he said. 'But we can't under these con- ditions." Another commuter poin- ted out it was hard to have to buy a bus ticket when working for a short time in the evening, to get home when a commuter ticket had already been paid for, "All the time we have to ride for 23 miles is ridiculous," said R, B. White. "We pay the high- est rate of any commuters along the line, and we sit for the long- est time." He also maintained one of the inducements of mov- ing to Oakville was that trans- portation would be better than that in the city. Telegraphy and Express Criticized "On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce I would like to say that the C.N.R. express service in town is most unsatisfactory," said Scott McKay. "I know that lack of trucks has been the ex- cuse in the past, but I believe the matter should be looked into carefully by the railway." Another speaker told of hav- ing sent a wire from Winnipeg on a Friday, Arriving home the following Tuesday his wire was delivered to him hours after his arrival. K. Nicoll at the serv- ice in the chapel and at inter- ment in St. Jude's cemetery. The former Wilhelmina (Min. nie) MacKay, she was born on the farm now "known as Glen- cairn Farm, Queen Elizabeth Highway West, which was pion- eered by her parents, the late William and Christina MacKay. The late Mrs. Robinson was a member of Knox Presbyterian church where for many years she sang in the choir and was active in the various women's organiza- tions of the church. Surviving besides her husband is one son, Waldo, at home, and a daughter, Mrs. W. J, (Wilhelm- ina) Small, of Toronto. Hospital Changes Now Complete At the last meeting of the operating committee of Oakville Temporary hospital it was dis- closed that operating loss for the first seven months of the fiscal year is higher than it has ever been in the history of the hos- pital, The committee have deci- ded that in view of rising living costs hospital rates must be in- creased to help meet overhead. New rates go into effect Feb. 1. "The major changes have taken place on the third floor," said chairman S. G. Fearman. " The floor has been entirely remodel led to make room for tie 'case room, a minor surgery room, and an x-ray room." It was stated xray was a new service at the hospital and that equipment of latest design would be under the supervision of a qualified nurse. Edward Barringham President of C. of C. At their meeting on Tuesday night the 1948 Chamber of Com- merce executive was announced. President, Edward Barringham; 1st vice-pres, Laurence S. Man- nell; 2nd vice-pres.,, W. Scott Mc- Kay; director of information and publicity, George Clark; direc- tors, Arnold Banfield, Dr. S. H. Boyd, Cameron Hillmer, J. N. Milne, Donald F. MacRae, Doug- las Wilkes. Conveners of committees were appointed as follows: D. F, MacRae; Retai Kay; Civic, Dr. S. H. Boyd; Pro- gram, D. F, MacRae and George Clarke. Band Play At Rink Skaters at Victoria rink, Wed- nesday evening, Feb, 4, will have the opportunity of skating to band music provided by the Oak- ville Citizens' Band. An excellent progam has been chosen so en- thusiostic skaters should care- fully note the date. Police Report Shows Encouraging Record ted, "As long as we allow these areas to exist where there is a The 1947 report of Oakville [truancy element and children Police Department reveals a 'most | 1ave no affiliation with youth satisfactory condition so far as groups or churches we will have chur- Penal Reform Sub ject At Lions Annual Education Night Twenty-eight teachers from Oakville public and high schools attended the Lions club Educa- tion Night on Friday. J, Alex Edmison, K.C, spoke on 'Penal Reform." Mr. Edmison told how clubs such as the Lions co-operate with the John Howard society, of which he is president, for advancement of penal reform. As an example of such work which was aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency in a Montreal slum, he told of how a Lions-formed Boys Club had cut convictions in the area from 74 cases to two cases in the year following. "In Canada when a problem of contagious disease comes up," he said, "health authorities are im- mediately on the scene. But the disease of crime is not handled that way." Contending the most slum areas were serious problem, he sta- juvenile Only three boys a in juv- enile court, and these were mere- ly present fdr an official repri- mand from Magistrate K. M. Langdon. No youths were com- mitted to Industrial or Training school. Police Chief Derry's report credits much of this excellent condition to work done by local young peoples' organizations and to the activities of the Rotary and Lions clubs to assist young people. A rising rate of traffic accid- ents was revealed although per- sons injured were less than the previous year. In 1946 there were 71 accidents with 19 injured; in 1947 there were 76 accidents with 12 injured, There have been no fatal accidents since 1944, when there was one. Of 1947 accidents 50 were under $50 damage and 26 were above that figure. There were no major crimes mmitted in the y Oratorical Contest] The annual Lions Club orator- ical contest will be held in the High school auditorium at 8.15, on Feb. 7. There were be two senior contests, one for boys and one for girls, The public are ur- ged to support this worthwhile youth activity by attending on that night. Topics from which contestants may choose are: "Liberty, Intel- ligence, "Our Nation's Safety," "What Opportunities Canada of- fers a Boy," What Opportunities Canada offers a Girl." Tickets will be sold by school during '1947, and only one sex offence which was later reduced to common assault. This record is good, the report points out, in view of the rapid increase in crime elsewhere throughout the province. In his report Chief Derry pays tribute to his entire staff, point- ing out that it is only because of their "keen observation, willing- ness and efficient work," that he is able to report such good pro- gress, The report points out that many residents still are not aware of a service provided for observation of vacant houses. However, during the year 77 houses received this special pol- ice protection. ches, homes and schools were the prime preventative agencies, Pointing out a Royal Commis- sion recommended segregation of first offenders 100 years ago, he said other Commissions had been making like recommendations "About every decade since." There was still no segregation, he stated. "First offenders are usually vagrants," he said. "They go to jail for a 'Fine Debt'--because they do not have the §30. They learn bad habits and when they come out are branded as crimin- als." He praised Ontario and British Columbia for being the first provinces to institute a program of rehabilitation of ex-prisoners and the teaching of trades and instruction of prison guards in psychology. W. S. Blake, principal of the High school, then expressed ap- preciation of teachers to the club, Look Before You Run Chris Copog, Clarkson, was slightly injured when he ran be- tween parked cars on Colborne Street to catch an eastbound bus and collided with the side of a taxi. Dr, Fred Sparling attended him for minor injuries. No char- ges were laid. Police Chief Derry points out a dangerous practice of passen- gers awaiting westbound busses. Because of the cold weather they wait in the Halton Inn, When the bus arrives they hurry out and, without taking care, run across the road. "It is only because of the care motorists are using that there has not been a serious accident," the chief said. He requests that passengers will observe more care in the future. Animals Like Oakville Some animals may believe that the animal kingdom is about to take over the town. Traffic of- ficer George Seddon, who guards school children at Dunn and Col- borne Streets, saw a pheasant cross the street and go scratch ing for food in a vacant lot next to Bill Grammell's store, This is almost the same location where a skunk held Councillor Howard Litchfield in play some years ago, Then there was the deer which was seen near the Lions wading- pool who evidently felt Oakville was as much a deer preserve as a location for industry, But for sheer audacity--which brought vengence in its train-- the muskrat that invaded Sam! Young's house, Allan St, last Friday was the winner. After cating well for a day his pros- ence was noticed in a back part of the cellar, and his unwilling landlord, after the muskrat re fused the open door, went into action. Resulting havoc among the glass preserve jars wag some- what disastrous but victorious Sam Young says, "I'm going to skin him. He's as big as a cat and has a fine coat." League Leaders Down Vets In Fastest Game Of Season intersections on Colborne St. -- Wilson, Navy and Dundas -- and at the intersections of Palmer and Reynolds streets, and Dunn and Dundas streets, first on the list. Parallel parking on both sides of Colborne Street is recommen- ded, with Installation of parking meters from Navy St, to Dun- das St. While meters would re- quire another member on the TOWN AND THE MAYOR REPORTS By Alfred E, Whitaker I have sent the following let- ter to the Board of Transport Commissioners in Ottawa urging them to reach a decision on the warning signal for the Sth Line crossing before we have another accident, which might this time be much more serious than the last one. Gentlemen: You may have noticed in the press the recent near-fatal- ity at the 8th Line crossing, east of Oakville. A truck was hit by a west- bound C.P.R, Express. The three occupants mercifully escaped in- jury. The question of a warning de- vice at this crossing has been ap- pealed to your Board, by the CNR. While I know that you are ex- tremely busy, I would urge that you deal with this matter as soon as possible. Respectfully yours, E. Whitaker, Mayor, A. TOWNSHIP THE REEVE REPORTS By W. H. Biggar As township council are anxious that the warning signal at the 8th Line crossing be erected as soon as possible, particularly in view of the close shave those men had recently, I have sent the following letter to the Board of Transport Commissioners: Gentlemen: Possibly. you have not heard of the recent accident at the 8th Line . crossing east of Oakville, where three men barely escaped with their lives. The matter of a warning signal at this location has been appealed to you by the railway. May I urge that you give this matter attention as soon as possible. The Trafalgar Council are con- cerned about the danger of this crossing, and it was last July your signal engineer concurred in our feeling that signals were advisable, We are aware you have matters to handle, but we would appreciate anything you can do to expedite matters, Yours very truly, Reeve W. H. Biggar, children at 25¢ each, the proceeds | 1, his recommendations to force to collect money and turn to be handed over to the Stu-| council, the chief places traffic|it over to the town treasurer, It dent's Activities Fund. control lights at the following |would, the report states, be a definite det t to double par- king and motorists who other- vise obstruct streets with indis- criminate parking. The report states the chief feels very strong- ly about this recommendation. Also recommended is Increased pay for officers, retroactive to Jan. 1st, 1948, and that money be set aside to send one officer per year to Ontario and Municipal Headquarters In Toronto, to at- tend a police school The report also contains a sep- arate recommendation for Tra~ falgar Township concerning bi- cycle licenses, It is pointed out that if the township would also institute a bicycle by-law it would make protection and re- covery of bicycles of township residents who come into town more satisfactory. The report contains a strong plea for council's consideration of a pension plan for members of the force, pointing out that oth- erwise members have to be kept on when they should be retired. Such a situation crea in the employes a feeling that he ls not being properly treated, which would be removed by a pension plan, the report states. It is poin- ted out many municipalities have adopted pension plans. Gathering four gonls In the first period and a like number in the third, Georgotown Intor- mediates, still unbeaten this soa- son, outplayed the local Legion team by an 8-1 score at the Vie- tora rink on Monday night. During the first threo minu- tes of play the Georgetown tonm banged home two counters--both from the stick of Gibson on ni sists from Patterson and Storey. Nash, of the visitors was penal- ized 'for slashing and while tho "yets" were putting on n powers play, Bortwistle broke awny and on a clever three-man passing play out-smarted Davies in the Ouleville net. Bradbury made it four goals a few minutes later when he combined with Murdock. There were five pennltios in this period, all minors, three going to the visitors, The second period slowed up considerably with plenty of clon, hard checking and neither team were able to bulge the twine duc to clever net-minding by the op- posing goulles. Davies, In the local net got clipped with the puck and was taken off for re- pairs. As his Injury required 12 Fitohon tho roforce ruled that the remaining five minutes of the period be added to the third, Dobson replaced Dayles in goal and gave just as atellar un por- formance us his predecessor, Stop- ping innumerable shots from the Georgetown sharp-shooters, How- ever four more counters were tallied for Georgetown from the sticks of Murdock, Bertwistle and Bradbury (2), while Oakville countered with on gonl by Speck from Yarnold. Showing class all the way thro- ugh, with clever passing plays and lots of stamina, the visitors demonstrated what artificial ice an do In putting a team' in tip- top shape. Tea And Bridge Planned The White Oak and Angela Bruce Chapters of the LODE, are planning a joint Bridge, Ten and Bale of home.made cooking, to be held at Teen Town on Bat. urday, Feb. Zlst.