NFLD-ROOTS-L Archives

Archiver > NFLD-ROOTS > 2001-12 > 1008306054


From: "Chris Shelley" <>
Subject: [NF-ROOTS] Newspaper Lookups and R.A.G. 1922 - 5
Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2001 21:01:07 -0800


To the List,
I'm sorry that I haven't been doing postings, but I haven't had e-mail or
Internet access for over 1 1/2 weeks due to the switchover of my internet
provider. In any case, I will try to keep up with the postings as long as I
have access.



The Events for 1922 were transcribed with the help of John Baird.

Reprinted courtesy of Robinson-Blackmore Printing and Publishing

From the St. John's Daily News

Mon. Feb. 20, 1922

THREE FAMILIES RENDERED HOMELESS
EARLY MORNING BLAZE DESTROYS HOUSE AND CONTENTS - SHORTAGE IN WATER SUPPLY
HINDER'S OPERATIONS.

Three families were rendered homeless when the residence on Freshwater Road,
owned by Mrs. J. CURRIE, and occupied by Messrs. J. MILLER, J. NEIL and H.
BUGDEN and their families was totally destroyed by fire yesterday. The fire
was first detected shortly after 3 a.m. when the inmates of the adjoining
houses were awakened by the smell of wood. Mr. BUGDEN, who occupied the
upstairs flat of the western end, proceeding to investigate found that the
kitchen of the MILLER domicile was ablaze. He immediately called in the
mates and Mr. MILLER, his wife and two children, one of whom was a young
infant, were obliged to make a quick exit, as the flames were fast spreading
and dense smoke filled the upstairs apartments. The NEIL family were also
called, after which BUGDEN hurried to Box 228 at the corner of Cook Street
to ring in an alarm. Through not understanding the directions for pulling
the alarm there was a mix-up at the fire station and while the East end
Company and the Police station received the correct number the Central
Station have Box 112 or the General Hospital and the men responded
accordingly. There was a lot of unnecessary delay as a result when the
firemen finally reached the scene the eastern portion of the building was a
mass of flame. To make matters worse when the fire-fighters connected their
hose, there was no water to be obtained from the hydrant, while only a very
small supply, not sufficient to reach the top of the doorway, was got from
the other. The reservoir at the junction of Cookstown, Pennywell and
Freshwater Roads was then brought into action, but some time had elapsed
before this was properly working. All hope of saving the building was then
given up, the whole premises being enveloped in fire, while the tops of the
surrounding trees were also ablaze. Luckily the house was isolated from the
neighbouring buildings, otherwise a much more serious conflagration would
have undoubtedly resulted. As it was, the residence of Mr. M. E. MARTIN was
in imminent danger of destruction from the falling embers and the firemen
were compelled to devote constant attention to it. Very little wind was
blowing at the time, which was a good thing for this section of the city
with such a water shortage. For nearly three hours the fire burned fiercely
and at 6 o'clock, nothing but the ruins of the old cottage remained. With
the exception of some furniture and other effects saved by the NEIL family
everything went up in flames. Mr. MILLER lost everything and when his
family were taken to a neighbour's house they had very little more than
their night clothing to cover them. Mr. MILLER has only $500 insurance and
the loss to him is a serious one. The BUDGEN family are practically
destitute as they have no insurance whatever and all they had in the world
has been destroyed by the flames. Mr. NEIL, who with his wife and two
children, lived on the ground floor next to MILLER's was unable to save some
of his belongings before the flames burst through. He has $1000 insurance
and is not as heavy a loser as his neighbours. The building is also partly
covered by insurance and the total loss is estimated at several thousand
dollars. The shortage of water was a very serious matter and is attributed
to householders leaving taps open overnight.



Fri. Feb. 24, 1922

NEWFOUNDLAND GIRL POISONED
Collapsed on North Sydney Street, She is taken to Hospital

Maud BILLIARD, a young domestic age 22, employed with a North Sydney family,
collapsed yesterday afternoon in from of the home of Dr. McDONALD,
Archibald Avenue, and was removed to Harbor View Hospital where she is still
lying in unconscious condition. It is believed that poisoning is the cause
of her condition. The girl left the home of her mistress at 2.30 o'clock in
the afternoon to go to the moving pictures taking with her her mistress's
little daughter. She was on her way home when she fell to the sidewalk.
She was taken to Dr. McDONALD's surgery where first aid was administered and
later removed to the Hospital. Her condition this morning is considered
precarious. The young domestic belongs to Burgeo, Newfoundland, and is 22
years of age. - Sydney Post.


Wed. Mar. 1, 1922

THE LATE HUGH BAIRD.

All that was mortal of the late Hugh BAIRD was consigned to kindly British
earth in that land which his father left over seventy years ago to commence
his real work in life, with the dry goods firm of Wilson, in this city. The
late Hugh BAIRD, Esq., was the eldest of the family and death came to visit
him within a couple of years of his having passed his 60th milestone. As
Manager of the large dry goods business of the firm, he was known all over
the Island.
It would be safe to say that there was scarcely a business man or a planter
who visits the city but knew him and had a regard for his integrity, his
capacity and worth.
Outside of his business, he took a keen interest in sport, particularly
cricket and curling, and no big event in either of these pastimes even went
off without him being an interested spectator or a busy participant. In the
business of the firm in which he was a partner he specialized in the dry
goods department and for years was the British buyer of the firm. His
knowledge of the requirements of the local trade and his keen appreciation
of the value of goods was the equal of any man in that line of business.
One by one the old familiar faces are disappearing from our view. We miss
them on the street, in the shop, in the club and at Church. We shall miss
Hugh BAIRD, his bluff and hearty greeting.
The deepest sympathy goes to all the relatives.
GAIDHEAD
St. John's February 26th.


OBITUARY:

DANIEL DWYER
On Monday last, February 20th, death claimed as its victim one of Bell
Island's oldest and most respected citizen in the person of Mr. Daniel
DWYER. Deceased had been ill but a short while before the summons came, and
the news of his death came as a shock to those who knew him. Representing
as he did one of the oldest families and pioneer settlers on the Island, he
was known and respected by many to whom his acquaintanceship was a comfort
and a pleasure. In him the poor always found a friend and the sorrowful a
sympathizing heart. The knowledge of his life will always prove a
consolation, to those who are left behind to mourn the loss of a husband and
loving father, and sincere friend. Deceased leaves a wife, two sons, and
two daughters residing at Bell Island, also Mrs. W. J. MURPHY of this city,
and Thomas DWYER of Boston to whom, the deepest sympathy of the community is
extended.


We hope this helps someone,
Chris and John

This thread: