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--t . The life story of William J. Nesbitt is soon told. He was born on Seven Mile Island, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Nesbitt, His early 'life was spent at the homestead. On reaching marnilood he moved to Toronto, where he worked for the Street Railway Company for thirteen years. Then he was employed by the Russell Motor Car Co. for nine 'years. He married Sarah Verral, 'of Toronto, who pre- a deceased him several years ago. Their two sons--Winnett and William O., of Toronto, both survive him. YOR 'Moving back to Port Perry in 1917, he was appointed to the position of Constable in June of that year, {left to mourn-his passing one sister " his own placid style carried the burden of our extras for forty years. John rand night, : _ with thase who really needed help. --do-not remember having heard that William Nesbitt shirked his duty. "Mr. and Mrs, Eric Collingwood and family spent Christmas at Mr. .Cuyler at Markham for Christmas. spent Christmas in Kincardine. He was a member of the Loyal Orange Lodge and of'the Independent Order of Oddfellows; also of the Port Perry United Church, He died in his 69th year. i _ The familiar figure ofléeThe: Chief" has disappeared from the streets of Port Perry, No more will he direct traffic, ting the town bell, hear com- plaints of citizens in trouble, hunt out law breakers, and be a helpful neigh- bour in a hundred different ways to all our people. For twenty years William Nesbitt has been our faithful servant as Constable, Street Commissioner, and general man of all work. If we had a new duty to be performed, Chief Nesbitt could do it "without additional salary." Of course this was not any- thing but a matter of habit and convenience. That is the way all our town constables have lived. They expected it. We expected it, and took it as a matter of course. i ! Such a life meant long hours and many worries, Robert McKnight in Cassidy followed in his steps and did the work cheerfully until death set him at liberty. And for twenty years William Nesbitt has served us day The Chief" will be missed in. Port Perry. . He loved the town, and he gave it his best service. Poor folk and transients will remember him with pleasure. * The law set limitations to his generosity; but he was kindly dis- posed, and the harshness of necessity was softened by his ready sympathy When conditions required, "The Chief" could be both stern and brave. It must have required considerable courage in his advancing 'years for him to go after some law-breaker--not at all sure that he would miss wounding or fatality. Easy criticism might be inclined to belittle the danger, but we He is at rest. - His memory will remain.with us as one of constant ser- vice under most commonplace conditions. There was but little of the flourish of trumpets, and praise was scant because we took all we got for 'granted; but he served us well, and with ¢he passing of the years we shall honour his memory more than ever. "At every corner you' could hear regret expressed at the passing of "The Chief." One minute's silence was observed at the nomination meeting. The town flag was at half mast. Appreciations were expressed: of his long ser- vice to the town by the Reeve and Councillors. ~The funeral 'service was held in the United Church, and was conducted], by Rev. W. J. H, Smyth. The building was filled to'capacity with people from every walk of life. Representatives of the County Council; all of the Port Perry Council and officials; Chief Friend, of Oshawa, representing the Chief Constables' Association of Canada; the members of the Indepdendent Order of Oddfellows, the Loyal Orabge Lodge and many friends, were present at the service, : 4 - Rev, Mr, Smyth spoke of the long years of service rendered by "The Chief"; of his kindness to those in distress; his patience and industry; and of Jie willingness to do any duty that needed to be done for the welfare of the "towp - Fath : Ro - 1 Then as the town bell tolled, the long cortege slowly made its way up the hill to Pine Grove Cemetery, and there surrounded by a host of friends, the body of the "Chief" was laid to rest. Mr, and Mrs. Norman Flewell spent Christmas at Bolsover, Messrs, AAlex and George Gall and Mrs. Sonley, of Pinedale, spent the holiday at Thos. Bushby's. Messrs. Alex and George Gall and Christmas with Mr .and Mrs. Elmer Wallace. i : Mr. and Mrs, Beckley in Whitby for 'Christmas. Mr. and Mrs. Boe spent the holiday at the home of their daughter in Oshawa. The Friendship Club is holding a New Year's party in the hall, The Y. P. S. are holding a skating party at Uxbridge on Saturday night. " GREENBANK Whitter's. : Ze Mr. and Mrs. R. Brandon and family of Markham, Mr. and Mrs. W. Hughes of Toronto, at Ryerson Beare's for Christmas. ! i Mr. Robt. Wells, of Niagara Falls, N.Y., at the home of Mr. H, Hickman over the week end. : : Miss Aletha Cragg, of Toronto, spent the holiday at her home here. Rev, Mr, 'Wallace and family were Mr. and Mrs, Francis Williams, 'Congratulations are extended to the following pupils of the Continuation School: who. were presented with 'diplomas at the annual school concert 'on Friday évening of last week--Grace Willan, Mabel VanCamp, Pear] Taylor, Elva White, Ray Graham, and Arnold Johnston. Sincere sympathy is extended to Mr. . 8. McNally and his sister Bertha, in the sad loss they have so recently sus- Rink. Bulletin Skate all season for only $1.50 EE RON "Those wishing to play Rural Hockey, send name and address to A. Farmer, Sec. of Rink. Where are the arowds. going. tending the wedding of his sister Ethel vice held on Friday, December 17th, at 2 o'clock from the residence of Mr. N. 8. McNally, was conducted by Rev. H. Bell. The remains were laid to rest in the Union Cemetery at Cadmus, The pallbearers weré Messrs. John and Cecil Hamilton, Geo. Crawford, and Wm, Taylor of Blackstock, P. Hamil. ton of Janetville and Milton Oster, of The beautiful floral offerings, a number of which came from Detroit, showed the love and esteem in which the deceased was held. { Besides his widow and sor there are Bertha, of Detroit, and one brother Norman of Blackstock. + ; Miss Florence McLaughlin, B.A., of Toronto, Miss Hazel Mountjoy, of Bronte, and Miss Susie VanCamp of Tyrone, are spending their vacatio under parental roofs. = Miss Norma Hooey is spending her vacation with her sister Mrs. Harry McLaughlin, i Mr. and Mrs. Austin Larmer and family - spent Christmas with her father Mr. A. Beech, of Haydon. Mr. Alvin Bell, B.A, and Mrs. Bell of Ottawa, are enjoying the holiday with his parents Mr, And Mrs, Robt. Bell, ; Mr. Ralph Eckleson and Miss Annie Archer were in Tofonto last week at: who was united in marriage with Mr, Herbert Lowrie. 3 ; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Willan motored to Kitchener recently to visit their nephew Mr, Arnold Stinson who is a radio announcer over CKCR. Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Hoskin cele- brated their 83rd wedding anniversary on Tuesday, December 21st when members of the family presented them with an Irish linen table cloth. We are pleased to report that Mr. R. Wall who has been quite ill is im- proving nicely. Mrs. S._ A. Devitt is spending the winter with her sister in Richmond Hill. We miss her from our church and community life, and will welcome her back in the spring, We are sorry to learn that Mr. Jack VanCamp met with a serious accident when he was thrown from a horse he was riding, hitting his head against a post. He is still confined to bed al- though improving a little. "The play "Gracious Grandma" which is being presented by members of St. John's Dramatic Club on Saturday evening, January 1st, in the commun- ity hall, will also be presented on Mon- day evening, January' 3rd. The-correspondent wishes to extend to the Editor, staff, fellow correspond- ents and readers of the Port Perry Star, -a-sincere wish for a long, happy and prosperous New Year. : SEAGRAYV The December meeting of the Junior Red Cross was held in Seagrave school on December 22. The meeting opened with the motto and "O Canada" after which reports were read by the var- jous officers. After the business period during which it was decided that the school send.a portfolio to a foreign country, the meeting was turned over to Claire Wooldridge. The program for the afternoon was a Major Bowes Amateur Hour with Claire Wooldridge as Major Bowes. There were prizes given for (a) recitation and dialogue (b) singing. Under (a) there were the following entries: 1. Marjorie McCoy, "The Kitten's Christmas"; 2. Marjon Gor- don, "My Thimble"; 8. Dorothea Wool- dridge, "To Santa"; 4, Group of boys (dialogue) "What's in a Name."; 6. Kenneth Short, "Dear Santa Claus"; 6. Lloyd Short, "What Santa Calls Him"; 7. Eunice Fishley, "Bright Stockings"; 8. Bernice Harding, "If". Under (b) 1. Four girls, "Dear Old Santa Claus"; 2. Carl Sornberger, Jingle Bells"; 8. Lloyd Short, "Three Blind Mice", Gong; 4. Beyetey Scott, and Earl Sornberger, "Home on the Range;; 6. Bruce McCoy, "The Big Rock Candy Mountain"; 6. Beverley Scott, "Popeye" (Gong). During the program Mrs. C. Sleep told the story of a little boy called 'tained in the death of their brother Ryerson, who passed away at Detroit, Mich., on Tuesday, December 14th, in 'his b1st year, after a brief illness of pneumonia, Deceased was born in these nights? Why to the rink! You should join them, ; Skating every Monday, Wed- nesday and Saturday, "Bobby". After the program Mr. J. Mark presented the School Fair prizes and the report of the amateur contest (was given. In group (a) Dorothea PORT PERRY STAR, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30th, 1957 Ld _ The presents and candy were given out and the meeting closed with "God Save the King." Miss Jean Sellery of Toronto, spent the holiday with her mother Mrs. C. Sleep. : Mrs, Chas. Wilson and family wera veeksend visitors with her parents Mr, rs, Geo. Clements. We are sorry to report that little Mary Harper, daughtér of Mr. and Mis, Clifford Harper is suffering from rheumatic fever and will be unable to return to school for sometime. . We wish 'her 'a speedy recovery. Also Verna Moase who has been suffering from a severe cold, | Holiday visitors. were:, Miss Alma Clements of Oshawa with her parents; Messrs, Archie and Jack McLachlan at the Parsonage; Misses Lorraine and Bernige Sleep with Miss Durella Mar- tin; Miss Kathleen Tobin of Toronto, with her mother Mrs. Mason; Mr, and Mrs. Orr Shunk and family of Belle- ville with relatives. . _ Mr. Morley Bruge accompanied his cousin Mr. Byron Holtby of Man- chester home for the week end, on Saturday. The Seagrave annual Christmas tree entertainment held on December 21st. The Sunday School orchestra was present and provided music at intervals throughout the evening. The 'concert was contributed by Seagrave school, Bethel school and Fingerboard school. The Seagrave pupils present- ed a play entitled "The Wishing Man". Claire Wooldridge in a clever costume was the "Wishing Man"; ably sup- ported by other members of the school. Their teacher Miss A. Frise is to be complimented on their splendid per- formance. , The Bethel school children presented a short playlet "followed by a drill based on the hymn "Onward Christian Soldier" and a drill "The March of the Wooden Soldiers." : Ruby Clarke of Fingerhoard gave a recitation, ~ One of the outstanding features of the program was a pantomime given by members:of the Senior Girls' Class and directed by Mrs. Wm. Keene. The music was "There's a Song in the Air" and was sung by Mrs. J. Harding, ac- companied by Mrs. R. Scott at the or- gan. The evening was concluded by a visit from 'Santa Claus who pleased 'the children and distributed the gifts. The older residents of Bethel com- munity recall with tender 'memories the Christmas Trees and concerts that were held some years ago in the little Bethel Church. Although the Sunday School is only a memory and the Church itself has been removed, the community spirit is still very much alive. The Bethel Public School S. S. No. 13, Reach, each year puts on a Christmas entertainment of which the ection have every reason to be proud. year was no exception and about sixty people gathered to help the teacher Mr. M. Moase and his pupils celebrate the Yuletide. Some of--the outstanding items on the program were a drill "Onward Christian Soldiers"; Harvey Mahaffey read the story of the hymn and its writer. Helen Bruce wearing a gold crown and carrying. a gold cross lead eight other pupils each with a crown and a flag with a blue cross on 4 white field. As they marched in per- fect time they sang the verses of the hymn. 'Before each verse Harvey read the Bible passage on which each was based. This was unusual and very ef- fective. The gramaphone provided music for a drill "The March of the Wooden Soldiers" which was very well done. Each child being as wooden as possible and taking very short steps. The main part of the program was a three act play entitled "Her Honour the Mayor" given by the older pupils. Harvey Mahaffey as the Irishman, Mike McGoon; Helen Bruce as Eliza Gaober the darkie cook; and Janet Mason as Beli McNabb head of the suffragist movement were exception- ally good. They were ably supported by a cast made up of: Jean Watson, Irene Chilvers, Marjorie Bruce, How- ard Hammond and Morley Bruce. Mr. Moase is to be congratulated on the sjiccess of the evening. A suitable climax was the entrance of 'Santa Wooldridge won the prize, in group 'Blackstock, a son of the late Mr, and | (b) the four girls who sang "Dear Mrs. Robt, McNally. The funeral ser- Old Santa Claus" were the winners. Claus "who distributed the presents from the tree and gave all the pupils a bag of Christmas Candies, The Editor 'and Staff of the Port Perry Star Wish You a Happy New Year 0 Ring out the old: ring in the new PRINCE ALBERT The Sunday School Christmas en- tertainment was much enjoyed. The little folk did their parts well and were trained by their public school teacher Miss B. Ward. The two short plays added some amusement to the program. We really felt sorry for poor "Mr, Whiffle" who tried so hard to explain that he was supposed to meet hig, wife's cousin in the waiting room of the store. But he was mis- understood by all of the customers, who finally called the constable. His devoted wife arrived just in time flo save his being arrested. Old Santa Claus did not forget to be on hand, and did his part well, too. Another year has almost gone and now comes the time for the annual meetings of the different organiza- tions. Those of the Women's Associa- tion, Young People's Union and Men's Bible Class are to be held! this week. Mr. C. Clark spent two days in To- rontp this week on Lodge business. The young folk are enjoying sleigh- riding jon the hills during the Christ- mas holidays. Among our Christmas visitors were Mr. and Mrs. Hartry, of Scarboro, Mr. H. Toombs, with Mr. and Mrs. James Kirby; Mr. and Mrs. W. Taylor and SAMUEL FARMER, Editor and Publisher. Port Perry Meeting Was Not Largely | Attended. Finances in Good Shape. No Election Necessary. I; is unfortunate that so few ratepayers take the trouble to attend the nomination meeting. At that meet- ing a detailed account of the work of the Council is given, and ample opportunity is afforded for asking questions If the ratepayers could become personally acquainted with the facts of the case, instead of depending on hearsay, there would be much less room for misunderstanding. Because of these conditions, we have again published" a brief statement as to the town's financial position. It Beth, with Mr, and Mrs. Tim Raines; Mrs. Strickland and daughter of Osh- awa, Messrs. Will and Ralph Lyle, of Toronto, at the home of Mr. Frank! Vickery; Mr. and Mrs. Sam Oiler with her parents Mr. and Mrs. L. Coates, at | Shirley; Mr. and Mrs. N. Wilson at' Raglan, with relatives. i Miss Robina McCrea, Oshawa, and Mr. Gerald McCrea, Midland, at their home here; Miss Jean Parker with Mrs. Parker; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Harper at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Murphy; Mr. C. Patterson at the home of. Mr. G. Luke; Mr. and Mrs: Regan' and family at their home here; Mrs. Swanick with Mr. and Mrs. Philp; Mr. and Mrs. Earl Williams and Austin, of Toronto, with Mr. E. M. Williams. | Mrs. W. Stabback has been on the sick list, but we hope is recovering. At time of writing Mrs. Fallis is not as well as usual. Mrs. R. Bond and Mrs. G. Luke in men are busy drawing wood. Visitors celebrating Christmas fes- tivities with Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Jack- son, were: Mr. and Mrs. T. Stephen: son, of Richmond Hill; Mr. and Mrs. C. Dolly, of Oshawa; Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Jackson, of Toronto. An enjoyable time was spent by all. Those from a distance returning home Sunday night. = -- PP ---- ~~ UTICA Mrs. (Dr.) Anderson and Miss A. Christie, of Cleveland, attended the funeral of their brother Mr. Mervin Christie. Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Parrott spent Christmas with friends in Oshawa. Mrs, Jas. Mitchell spent .the week end with Miss Verna Mitchell at Gravenhurst. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Bell and Billie of North Bay, with Mrs. Jas. Swan over the holiday. Sorry to report Miss Phenie Jones is under the doctor's care at the home of Mrs. Fred Stevens, at Ashburn, Mr. and Mrs. H. Giebner spent the holiday with Mr. and Mrs. R. Mann, Prince Albert. Mrs. Jno. Crosier and daughters visiting her parents Mr. and Mrs, Stewart, Scarboro. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ackney and children, Mr. Fred Ackney, and Mrs, Jas. Ackney, spent Christmas in To- ronto. share Fy a Provincial responsibility. How- ever, this obligation was not assumed until March, and the County paid Toronto last week. Now that the sleighing is good the some $8,000 for this purpose at the be- appears on the back page of this issue of the Star. THE NOMINATIONS REEVE--J, E. Jackson , W. M. Letcher. COUNCILLORS--Jos, R. Baird, A..L. McDermott, Grant Gerrow, Geo. H. Bridger, R M. Holtby, R. B. Smallman, H. R. Archer, J. E Jackson, G. A. McMillan, F. E. Reesor, Clifford Love, John Weir. Board of Education--Dr, C. P. Peterson, Mrs. Orde, S. Ploughman, Arthur Jemison, At the conclusion of the nomina- tons, Mr. M. A. Gerrow was elected chairman of the Ratepayers meeting. He first called upon Reeve Letcher, who paid tribute to the late Chief Nesbitt, and requested the audience to stand with bowed heads in one min- utes silence. Mr. Letcher gave a very clear bird'seye view of County matters. Financially the County has had a good year, starting with a deficit of some $11,000 and ending with a surplus of about $9,000. The total obligations of the County are very large, mainly due to the con- struction of improved highways. The debenture debt on this acpount was $600,000 at the beginning of the year, and has been reduced to $573,615. The interest alone amounts to $30,451. While the government has now taken over the whole cost of construction and maintenance of main highways, the Counties were not relieved of the debenture debt. Construction and maintenance of County roads cost 2% mills of the County rate, and this amount is supplemented dollar for dollar by the Provincial Government. Mr. Letcher was of the opinion-that it would pay to spend more money on these roads, and earn a larger subsidy from the Government, : He spoke of the appointment of chartered accountants as auditors, considering this move to be of benefit to the County. There is gradually being assumed by the Provincial Government a larger of public expense. This is shown-in Old Age Pensions, Mothers' Allowances, ete., which are now entire- ginning of the year. . Turping to the local council, the speaker stated that 22 meetings had been held during the year. The bud- get had been balanced. No loan has | been taken from the bank for four I years in succession. The tax rate has been reduced, and the financial posi- I tion of the town has been improved. One of the most importdnt pieces of work done was in connection with the assuming by the Government of the Port Perry-Peterborough highway. | The Council had been most ably as- sisted by Mr. Bowes. To his efforts | the final success has been largely due. As evidence of the good faith of the (Government in the matter, Mr. Letcher stated that Ontario County Council has received a request from the Gov- ernment that they continue mainten- ing the road until April 1st. Among other local improvements under consideration the widening of the main business block pavement has received required attention and the plan is progressing well, without great cost to the ratepayers. The transient nuisance has been stopped. xtra property has been purchased at the water front, and some outlying strips of road (like the one south from Goode's Creamery to Scugog bridge) have been taken over by the County. Mr. Letcher stated that a consider- able number of trees had been planted by the town, and he was sorry to note that some twenty of them had been destroyed on Hallowe'en. Another source of annoyance was the indiffer-' ence and carelessness shown by some citizens in 'the disposal of refuse, which has been scattered all over the roadside instead of on the site set aside for the dump. Tax collections have been good bot for taxes. During his address Mr, Letcher made special reference to the fine ser- vice of Mr. Manning--the Clerk-Treas. He- also referred to the helpful atti- tude of the Business Men's Associa- tion. This organization has done much to advertise Port Perry in a fine way. Mg, J. E. Jackson was the next speaker. He spoke of the late Chief Nesbitt, telling of his loyal and good service to the town for over twenty years. His duties were numerous and worrisome, but he served the town with patience and kindliness. } Speaking of the waterworks depart- ment, he said that the old system had been installed in 1903, and had paid for itself and had produced a profit. The debentures for $16,000 had been redeemed in 1933. : i Special reference was made to the fine service rendered by Mr. Tinsley, Hydro Enginer. One possible expenditure appears-- the renewal of the water tank. It may last for years, or -it-may need to be replaced in the near future. . Hydro has shown steady growth through the use by domestic custom- ers, This year's revenue was $500 in excess of any preceding year. Mr. Holtby paid tribute to Chief Nesbitt, and then stated briefly the work done on the roads, giving credit to his fellow committee member, Mr. Jackson... Some 488 loads of gravel had been placed on the streets and necessary repair work had been done. Speaking of the dumping of refuse on the roadside, Mr. Holtby told of the bad impression such a practice made on visitors, and requested that more care be exercised in confining rubbish to the dump site. He favoured using relief labour for town betterment wherever possible. account of the expenditures in his de- | partment -- Property, Parks, Water- | front, including Fire Protection. He | pointed out that through the dilligence | of Mr. Manning, the Town Hall roof had been thoroughly repaired by the roofing company without cost to the town--as per guarantee. The fire walls and the flashing had been re- newed, and now the roof is in good shape. ) A temporary job has been done at the waterfront where the shore had broken away north of the dock. The work had largely been done by those on relief. ' Mr. J. R. Baird told of the Reliet work. At the beginning of the year there were 16 families on relief. These were reduced to three in the summer, and now the number is thirteen. There have been six hospital .cases. The costs appear in the statement on page eight of this issue. : Mr. Baird suggested that work be provided for those on relief by having the brush cleaned up along the fences on the back streets. This brush is the harborage of tent caterpillars and other pests, and should be removed. (Continued on back page) the current year and for back Mr. G. H. Bridger gave a detailed | ~~ {i A « i. An, RR Sr _~ oT GA a Po eR RS Lat ES A) TE NE Sat Wo Fo AY pret i re ts Ce re ey 2 a 2 2 4 ¢3 re tT MLAS he Se Ne Th Tp py nw RIAA STG a ei "0 A Te We diate A >: yt wi CA Ea IE ad 5 pi