September 6, 1879
Steam for Trinity Bay
[To the Editor of the Standard]
Dear Sir,-
While as Newfoundlanders we rejoice at the progress that our country in general has made within the last few years, it must be with surprise that one would learn of the backward and primitive condition of a part of our land so near to the Capital and its civilization as the very romantic and interesting district of Random Is. Having recently spent a short time there on a Missionary tour, I was pleased with its beautiful scenery and with the kindness and hospitality of its people. The roads also were better than I expected to have found them; but its comparative isolation and means of communications with the outer world are something that ought not to be. Now, one may die, and for days be buried, in Carbonear or Harbour Grace, and unless a special boat be sent, friends in Random would not know it, though distant only fifteen miles from Heart’s Content. There is no postal communication, even in summer, with or from an outside district, except a fortnightly mail via Trinity, and when letters arrive they may lie about for weeks in Random before they are delivered.
What then is most justly due to that populous and interesting district, and to the Bay in general, (and which would also greatly benefit Bonavista and the parts adjacent), is nothing less than a Steam Packet running regularly between Trinity and Heart’s Content, touching en route at Ireland’s Eye and Heart’s Ease. An increase of way-offices in Random, now so much needed, would then soon follow. And I am sure if those who are so deeply interested would petition and thus strengthen the demands which their influential member would, I have no doubt, be willing to make on their behalf. Random would soon be brought within easy reach, to the great increase both in numbers and in prosperity of its inhabitants.
Yours very truly,
John Godden
Sept. 4
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Transcribed by Wanda Garrett and Lester Green, September 2014. Updated September 2021
These transcriptions may contain human errors. As always, confirm these as you would any other source material.