January 12, 1924
Plough Derailed
Wednesday’s express bringing the Kyle’s mail and passengers was considerably delayed due to a derailment in the vicinity of Northern Bight. On this section snow had collected to a depth of three feet and left the track whilst endeavouring to force a passage. Another plough and engine were ordered to the scene and the way cleared. The express made good time during the balance of the trip.
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February 29, 1924
Obituary
Gooseberry Cove,
Feb. 9th, 1924.
(To the Editor)
Dear Sir,- Please allow me space in your paper the Evening Advocate to record the death of our dear mother, Mary Dodge, who died at Island Cove, Jan.20th, at the age of 87 years. We wish to thank Mr. George Vey, Mr. Stephen Barfit, Mr. John Barfit,
Mr. John Stringer, Mr. W. H. Seward, who kindly came with their horses and took the remains of our late mother and relatives to Gooseberry Cove on Wednesday morning, after the storm of Tuesday. Also Mrs. Elizt. Jane Smith, Mrs. Pheobe Smith, and all kind friends of Gooseberry Cove who in any way assisted them.
Mrs. Emma A. Smith
Mrs. Bertha Smith
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March 11, 1924, page 6
Hillview Skipper Arrested
George Goobie of Hillview, Trinity Bay, was brought into town by Detective Sergeant Simmonds to-day.
This is the third arrest to be made in connection with the casting away of the schooner Willis C. The vessel was owned by T. & J. Dunn of Riverhead. Hr. Grace, but they have no interest whatever in the vessel or cargo.
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July 30, 1924
Question
In answer to question of Mr. Grimes respecting some appointments, addressed to the Minister of Posts & Telegraphs:
Mrs. Sarah ouse to be Postmistress at Gooseberry Islands instead of James Wells.
Mr. William Flynn to be Postmaster at Gooseberry Cove, T.B., instead of W. H. Seward.
Walter Andrews to be Courier between La Scie and Horse Islands instead of William Swyers.
Mr. Moses Butt to be Courier, Freshwater to Carbonear, instead of George Broderick.
J. W. Knight to be Telegraph Operator at King’s Point instead of Charles W. Tilley.
Adam Seward to be Line Repairer at Clarenville instead of Zebedee Stanley.
Barnabas Moss to be Line Repairer at Salvage instead of John Dyke.
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August 5, 1924, Page 5
Mr. Halfyard Discussed Dismissal of Mr. Seward
July 31st. Mr. Halfyard:- I beg to present a petition from certain of the inhabitants of Hant’s Harbor, asking for an allocation of $1,000, to effect repairs to a road. It leads to saw and to the lumber woods in that locality. The petition is very largely signed by Reuben Thomas and others. I beg to support the prayer of the petition and ask that it be referred to the department to which it relates.
Mr. Halfyard:- I beg to present a petition from a great many of the lady residents of Gooseberry Cove, Trinity District. The ladies give us their reason for signing this petition that their husbands are not at home. They are all away from the place. The petition is in reference to the present Postmaster there, and ask that he be continued in that position. Unless it is proved to the Department of Posts and Telegraphs that Mr. Seward is an unworthy official. I beg to support the prayer of this petition or protest against the removal of Mr. Seward from his position. In reply to the question asked by Mr. Grimes, Mr. Seward was the name of one of the officials in Trinity Bay who had been dismissed and Mr. Flynn had been appointed in his place. I favor the petition upon the principle that Government officials should not be dismissed from their position. If they have given satisfaction in the opinion of the community whom they serve, and when there is no reason given by any other parties, on account of inefficiency or otherwise for a person to be dismissed from that position. I may say further that Mr. Seward writes to say he received a notice on July 20th, that his services would no longer be required after the last of July. I understand that postmasters are paid quarterly, and if the Government have made up their minds to dismiss an official they should give the usual notice of three months, or payment in lieu of notice. I am very sorry that the Minister of Posts and Telegraphs cannot be in his place as I always though that he was a most reasonable person, and certainly he would give such matters the consideration they deserve before dismissing an official in such a summary manner. It is unjust, iniquitious. And therefore, without any further elaboration of my feelings on the matter. I pass this petition on to the Department of Posts and Telegraphs.
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September 5, 1924
More Tory Vindictiveness
A Competent Official Dismissed
Without Cause
Dear Sir, On the 20th of July I received a notice from the Department of Posts and Telegraphs that my services as Postmaster at Gooseberry Cove would be no longer required after the 31st of July, just eleven days notice. No reason was given for my dismissal at such short notice. I read a letter sent to a friend of mine, from Hon. W.J. Woodford, Minister of Posts and Telegraphs, stating ‘that Mr. W.H. Seward performed his work faithfully and well, and there was no complaint of file against him. That the Government made changes years ago when Mr. W Flynn had the office.” About 25 years ago when Mr. Johnson, now Judge Johnson, represented Trinity District, Mr. W. Flynn was postmaster at Gooseberry Cove. If I remember correctly, Mr. Flynn published something in the papers which was strongly objected to by Mr. Johnson. I was at Black River working at the time, Mr. Johnson wrote and asked me if I would take the post office, I replied stating he could give the office to my wife in my absence. The salary then was $1.50 per quarter certainly the job was not worth taking from anybody. My wife and myself held the office for 12 years. Then the Tory Government took it from me and gave it to Mr. Flynn. He kept the office four years in the Tory Government and three years in the Liberal Government when Mr. Halfyard represented the district and was Minister of Posts & Telegraphs. The office was not taken from Mr. Flynn to give to me. Mr. Flynn resigned his position as postmaster, as he intended to leave the country to reside with his daughter at Boston; and had all arrangements made to leave the country, but for reasons best know to himself he changed his plans and remained home. Five persons made application for the office, and as my wife and myself experience on post office work, my application was accepted.
Therefore, it is a barefaced falsehood and misrepresentation to state that the office was taken from Mr. Flynn and given to me. Mr. Flynn held the office three years under the Squires Government, and I was appointed when Mr. Flynn resigned. The Tory’s around here are sending all kinds of misleading stories to Mr. Mitchell, the defeated Tory candidate, and to Mr. Woodford, the Minister of Posts & Telegraphs, and these men who were going to give everyone a square deal do not take the trouble to find our whether the reports are true of false, recommend the dismissal of honest, trustworthy and efficient officials. Did the public ever hear of such indecent treatment to a public official. I was given eleven days’ notice. But I have informed Mr. Woodford that I should have received three months notice, otherwise I should be paid a quarter’s salary in lieu of notice. This I demand, and this I will get, if we have any British justice in this country. The people of Gooseberry Cove protested against my dismissal, and petitioned the House of Assembly for my reinstatement, but the request of the people, characteristic of the Monroe Government, was treated with contempt. Now, Mr. Woodford, as you have stated that I did my work faithfully and well, and now you know that the office was not taken from Mr. Flynn to give to me, if you will not undo an unjust act and reinstate me in my office will you willingly pay me the salary that is my just right, for an unjust dismissal?
W.H. Seward
Ex Postmaster
Gooseberry Cove
August 26, 1924
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October 6, 1924
Wedding Bells
Smith – Hiscock
A very pretty marriage was solemnized at the C. of E. Cathedral Thursday evening at 4 p.m., when Mr. Ben Smith of Gooseberry Cove, T.B., was united in Holy Bonds of Matrimony to Miss Eliza Hiscock of Hodge’s Cove, T.B.
The bride looked charming dressed in fawn canton, crepe and carried pink and white carnations, with hat to match. The bridesmaids being Miss Irene Hiscock and Miss Lora Hiscock, both sisters of the bride, while Mr. Timothy Smith, cousin of the groom, acted as best man, and Mr. James Smith, brother of the groom, being bridesboy. Many and great were the presents received by this happy couple.
The ceremony being performed by the Rev. Mr. Brinton, the married couple then drove to Stephen St., where teas and refreshments were served. They will leave by Sunday’s express for Gooseberry Cove, their future home. We wish Mr. and Mrs. Smith many happy years of married life.
Eighteen
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Transcribed by Valerie Johnson, Wanda Garrett and Lisa Garrett, October 2019. Latest update October 2022
These transcriptions may contain human errors. As always, confirm these as you would any other source material.