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“OPEN HOUSE” at Midland-Penetang District High School Wednesday night brought out a large number of parents to see their children’s work and discuss problems with teachers. This jumper, made by Carolyn Blythe of Grade 10, drew favourable comment from Mrs. Marie Desrochers (Marie’s Dress Shop), left, and Mrs. W. G. D’Aoust of Penetang, seen chatting with teacher Mrs. M. I. Rayner, right. 

A practicing dentist and a resident of Midland for the past 36 years, Dr. C. N. James died unexpectedly at his Midland home early Thursday morning. Active in lodge, curling and golf circles, Dr. James succumbed to a heart condition. He was in his 60th year. Dr. James had curled in Barrie Wednesday with Reg Mulligan, Dave Milner and Jerry Gerow. He had complained of feeling tired during the afternoon, Mr. Mulligan said. The body is resting at Nicholls funeral home until Saturday when it will be taken to St. Paul’s United Church for service at 2 p.m. 

The walls come out and the roof drops in. That’s what happens when the snow load on a summer cottage roof gets too heavy. Cottage owned by Harold Collins, Toronto, and fronts on the main road between Balm and Cawaja Beaches. It was built only about a year ago and contains a considerable amount of furniture. 

This string ensemble brought honour to Midland-Penetang District High School this week by placing first in its class at the Kiwanis music festival in Toronto. Seen with their director, W. A. Bartlett, are, left to right, seated, Marion Miller, Catherine McAllister, Karen Blair; standing Elizabeth Holt, Lois Cowan, Ellen Barber, Lloyd Preston, and George Haskill. Also a member of the group, Robin Benson was not present when the picture was taken. 

Shiny new typewriters in the commercial room attracted the interest of Mrs. Walter Lumsden as she and her husband attended the Midland-Penetang District High School “open house” Wednesday night. Typing critics are Mr. Lumsden, left, and Edward Cable, of the MPDHS staff. 

It was a proud night for Mr. and Mrs. Crawford “Fawf” Wilcox when their son Don came back to Midland Arena Tuesday night in the uniform of the Hamilton Cubs, an OHA junior “A” team. Don, along with his brother Jim, who plays for the Toronto Marlboros, are products of Midland’s extensive minor hockey set-up. Unfortunately for Don, Barrie Flyers edged his Cubs 4-3 in the exhibition encounter. 

One of the most avid hockey fans in Midland, Miss J. Carson, a teacher at Regent Public School, didn’t pass up the chance to see Hamilton Cubs and Barrie Flyers meet in an exhibition game in Midland Tuesday night. Here she chats with an old friend, coach “Hap” Emms of the Flyers. 

North Simcoe is tired of the long, cold winter but nobody, probably, is more so than the men engaged in outdoor construction and road work. Heavy snow and subzero temperatures have been the steady diet of the men working on the branch of the Trans-Canada Highway east of Coldwater. Top is a portion of the road stretching towards the Medonte hills, with the new bridge over the Coldwater River in the foreground. Lower photo, a big truck pours cement for a foundation of the bridge, despite temperatures many degrees below freezing.It looks pretty rough at the moment, but a few months from now motorists will be speeding around Coldwater on this new road, linking Highway 12 and the Crown Hill – Coldwater arm of the Trans-Canada Highway. 

It took Harold Barbour, 307 First Street, Midland, more than half an hour of thrilling action to land this 14 pound Lake Trout in Lake Simcoe on the weekend. Harold, who enjoyed every minute of it, said it was the biggest trout he had ever caught. It was taken in 70 feet of water off Eight-Mile Point, using a live minnow and light tackle. Wilfred Ball of Waubaushene helped Mr. Barbour with his prize catch. 

Giant squeeze play between CSL freighter Sir James Dunn and the Thunder Bay resulted in some odd snow formations at Tiffin elevator, Midland. Snow packed as hard as ice was forced up between the ships when one was lightened of its winter storage cargo. The same thing happened on the other side of the ship, between it and the dockside. 

Just like “Rocket” Richard, little Ross Cousineau, right, pulled the fans out of their seats every time he started down the ice with the puck during Midland Little NHL’s junior “B” final at Arena Gardens last Wednesday. Ross fired both Weston goals past Scarborough goalie Jerry Deschamp but it wasn’t enough. Scarborough won, 3-2. The tiny lads could skate under the crossbar of the goal without bumping their heads. Another “final night,” featuring three more games, is slated for tonight. 

• Midland Free Press headline of February 25, 1959; Report Hospital Finances Improved by $56,685. Citizens attending the March 25^th annual meeting will be greeted with a much healthier financial picture than at this time last year when a ”state of emergency” existed, resulting in a special meeting to re-organize hospital affairs, it was stated. According to figures presented by the board Monday night, the “net improvement” in the picture amounts to $56,685. As of Dec. 31, 1957, it was noted, liabilities exceeded current assets by $42,484. By Dec. 31, 1958, the picture had changed so that current assets exceeded liabilities by $14,200, making the change of $56,685. Contributory factors to the improved financial picture were said to be operating surplus (excluding depreciation) of $13,278; and donations to the operating account of $8,000 by the doctors, $1,000 by the Lions Club, and $1,275 from private sources, a total of $23,553.
• County Herald headline of February 28, 1959; Hospital, School, Benefit in New Ontario Budget; Ontario’s biggest-ever spending program, unveiled Wednesday in the Ontario legislature by Provincial Treasurer James N. Allan, will bring new financial assistance to North Simcoe district hospitals and the Midland-Penetang District High School. The no-tax-increase budget will see hospitals in this county receive $73,800 in special grants this year. Budget figures reveal that St.Andrews Hospital, Midland, is to receive $15,750; Penetanguishene General Hospital, $9,450; Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, $15,750; Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, $12,900; and Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie, $19,950. The grants amount to $150 for each bed available for service, as of Dec. 31, 1958. They may be used for the retirement of capital debt, to be placed in a special account to assist in a future expansion program, or set aside in a special account to meet depreciation on items of fixed equipment, Mr. Allan said. Of major importance in North Simcoe is the government’s decision to include the costs of industrial arts shops and home economics classrooms in the base for computing grants. Also, altered is the approved cost for each classroom and science laboratory in secondary schools. This has been raised to $25,000 from $20,000 per classroom.
• Completely bedridden with arthritis for the past 16 years, Charles Stephen Carter died at his Victoria Harbour residence Monday in his 72nd year. Before his illness, Mr. Carter was well known throughout the district for his active interest in the Conservative Party. A veteran of World War I, he was a former general manager of the Holt Timber Company which operated at Parry Sound. Mr. Carter is survived by his widow, the former May Scott, a daughter, Mrs. Cameron Grey (Helen) of Toronto and two sons, Rev. Charles Carter, and Walter of Victoria Harbour.
• Plagued in past years with the possibility of thin ice or thawing conditions, Penetang Winterama Committee this year faces a different problem—deep snow. George Kerr, the committee chairman, this week issued a plea to residents to leave their cars at home Saturday. “Conditions created by the abnormal snowfall have greatly limited our available parking areas. Space to accommodate out-of-town visitors will be at a premium, and the situation can be helped greatly by local motorists if they win follow our request,” he said. Preparations were well underway Tuesday for a start in clearing the area for the fishing derby. It will be necessary to push aside several feet of snow before a large number of holes can be drilled.
• “We have quite a smattering but it is not serious,” Regent Public School Principal M. 0. Lewis stated yesterday afternoon when asked by this newspaper if there were many cases of chickenpox among the pupils of his school. “There are about four cases per room up to Grade 3 and an average of one in the grades above that,” continued Mr. Lewis, “It is definitely on the wane for two weeks ago we had ten cases per room in the lower grades.”
• Penetang Clerk W. A. Argue said this week that preparations are proceeding for a plebiscite on liquor lounges to be held in April. Mr. Argue said enumeration of voters’ lists would start soon in the town’s eight polling subdivisions.
• St. Andrew’s Hospital, Midland, had a record-breaking month in January, the board heard at its February meeting in the hospital Monday night. Figures presented to the board showed a total of 2,377 patient days for the hospital in January. The previous high was 2,334 in the same month in 1957. Best month in 1958 had a total of 2,106 patient days. Representative to the board from the medical staff, Dr. Peter Brasher said the hospital usually had an influx of patients in January and February, tailing off to normal proportions by the end of April. Because of the difficulty of obtaining staff, the hospital is continuing to operate on a 75-bed basis, Dr. Brasher said, with two beds reserved for emergency cases. When occupancy drops to 73 beds, two more patients on a somewhat lengthy waiting list are admitted, it was explained. Few patients have to wait more than a week or two to gain admittance. Where possible, the doctor notifies the hospital three weeks in advance. Preference is given to the more urgent cases, and to cases involving the wage earner of the household, it was stated. The business manager of the hospital, Alex Craig said that only a few patients were coming into the hospital now without insurance coverage of some kind. Several municipalities, he said, are paying the Ontario hospital plan premium for persons on relief. “At $50 per year it is a wise move,” said Gordon Moss, board chairman. “At the present ward rate of $15 per day, it would take only three days to use up that amount for an uninsured person.”
• Five rabid skunks were found in January, Simcoe County Health Unit reports. “The rabies situation has abated somewhat during January with fewer cases in cattle (19) and more cases in foxes (11) and skunks (5),” the report states. “Incidence of the disease in cattle should drop fairly soon,” the report continues,” as most of these animals have been stabled well over three months and the incubation period is generally shorter than this.”
• BIRTHS – ARGUE — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Argue, 178 Colborne St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, February 22, 1959, a son. HORDIJK — To Mr. and Mrs. Marmus C. Hordijk, 119  Yonge St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, February 19, 1959, a daughter, Darlene Carol. NODWELL — To Rev. and Mrs. R. G. Nodwell, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, February 20, 1959, a daughter. STACEY — To Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Stacey, 293 William St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, February 19, 1959, a son. TUCKER — To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tucker, Waubaushene, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, February 19, 1959, a son. VALCHEFF—To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Valeheff, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Tuesday, February 17, 1959, a son.
• Obituaries – ANGUS A. McKINNON – A veteran of the first World War, Angus Alexander McKinnon died in Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, Feb. 6, in his 70^th Mr. McKinnon, was born in Woodville, Ont., and spent 20 years in Victoria Harbour. He was wounded in France and invalided back to England during World War 1. A Liberal in politics, he was active in baseball and hockey. Rev. Charles Carter officiated at the funeral service at Nicholls funeral home, Midland, Feb. 10. Pallbearers were Charles Schissler, Bruce Crooke, Roy Gouett, Leslie Winfield, Fred Hodgins, and William Clark. Mr. McKinnon is survived by a sister, Flora Brown, and a brother, Murdock, of Victoria Harbour, and a sister Mrs. Archibald Smith, Boissevain, Man. * * * ALTON FREEMAN TODD Unexpectedly in his 37th year, Alton Freeman Todd died at St. Andrews Hospital Midland Feb. 14. Rev. L. J. Delaney and Rev. R. Wright officiated at the funeral service at Nicholls funeral home Feb. 16. Pallbearers were Elmer Belfry, Edwin Cleary, Len Webster, Garnet Drinkle, Bob Carson and Irwin Ball. Born and educated in Midland, he married the former Doreen Taylor July 16, 1942, in Midland. Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Shirley Anne; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Todd, and a brother, Aimer, all of Midland. * * * MRS. MILDRED H. SMITH A member of the YMCA Auxiliary and the Women’s Association and Women’s Missionary Society of Knox Presbyterian Church, Midland, Mrs. Mildred Helena Smith died at St. Andrews Hospital Feb. 6 in her 82nd, year. The funeral service was conducted Feb. 9 at Nicholls funeral home by Rev. J. L. Self. Born and educated at Port Hope, Ont., Mrs. Smith was a member of this community for 74 years. In 1900 she was married to the late Harvey Ritchie of Elmvale who died in 1943. She married W. K. Smith in 1944 and he predeceased her in 1953. Mrs. Smith is survived by a sister, Mrs. M. Campbell, Midland, a brother, George McArdle of Niagara Falls, and two nieces, Mrs. W. Doubleday, Kingston, and Mrs. R. W. Hofland, Midland. * * * ALFRED WAGNER A Tiny Township resident for more than 70 years, Alfred Wagner died at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Feb. 14. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. W. L. Morden at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home Feb. 17. Pallbearers were: James Archer, Allan Hart, Theodore Hook, W. H. Taylor, Wesley Toole, and Stanley Tipping. Mr. Wagner was married twice, in 1904 to the late Elizabeth Rowat, and in 1930 to the late Martha Drysdale. Mr. Wagner had lived with his daughter, Mrs. Stanley Shaw, Midland, for about three years prior to his death. Born in Omemee and educated in Tiny Township, Mr. Wagner was a member of the United Church and a Conservative in politics. He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Stanley Shaw, Midland, Mrs. James Dean of Toronto and Ruth of Montreal; a son, Arthur of Sarnia; and a sister, Mrs. James Rowat (Carrie) of Dauphin, Man. Two sisters, Mrs. Samuel Archer, and Mrs. D. Jennett predeceased him. * * * MRS. I. C. DAVIDSON A life member of the Woman’s Missionary Society of the United Church and a resident of the Midland district for 57 years, Mrs. Isabella Carruthers Davidson died Feb. 19 in her 84th year. Funeral service was conducted by Rev. W. L. Morden at Nicholl’s funeral home, Feb. 21. Pallbearers were: Campbell Parker, Lome Campbell, Elmer Campbell, Adrian Isaac, Melville Sandercock, and Albert Sandercock. Born at Harwood, Ont., where she was educated, she married Francis Hugh Davidson Jan. 13, 1901, at Midland. Besides her early days and two years at Cold Springs, Mrs. Davidson spent the rest of her life in the Midland district. Besides her husband she is survived by two sons; Roy of North Bay and Leslie of R.R. 2, Midland; two sisters, Mrs. Philis Sandercock, Camborne, and Mrs. Albert Stickles, Clifford, Mich., and a brother, Robert Carruthers, Ladd, Illinois. Four grandsons also survive.
• PORT McNICOLL — Because Tay Township council has shown a reluctance to enter into an agreement with the council and volunteer fire department here, the fire department has asked Port council to restrict the use of fire equipment to the village limits, other than on Mutual Aid calls.
• Reported by A. R. LAPERE – Tonight’s the big night for the members of eight Penetang Little NHL teams as they battle it out in the finals for the championships of their respective divisions at Penetang Community Centre. Starting with the junior OHA final at 7 p.m., the AHL, NHL and senior OHA finals will follow at hourly intervals. Some good hockey should be in store for the fans in the four hours of action.
• Penetang curlers will be battling next month for a 47-year old trophy, unused in competitions for the past 33 years. Donated to Penetang Curling Club in 1912 by The C. Beck Co. Ltd., the trophy was returned by W. Beck, Jr., who asked that it be put up for competition this year. It has not been awarded since 1926. The trophy was never won by a home-town team for the first five years of competition. Barrie, Collingwood, and Stroud kept it until Geo. Robinson skipped the rink that won it for Penetang, March 9, 1919. With him were H. G. Todd, J. D. Flynn, and W. F. Beck. Apparently, there was not another winner until 1921 when W. J. O’Connell won it, assisted by C. T. Devlin, A. R. McDonald and W. H. Hewson Jr.
• 25 Years Ago This Week – North Simcoe residents were caught in a deep freeze. The mercury in thermometers had hovered between the 15 and 13 below mark for three days. Grocery delivery men had difficulty in keeping eggs, apples, and potatoes from freezing while they were delivering orders to homes. * * * Midland Boat Works, which usually had closed down during the winter months for several years, had reopened after the firm had obtained a large order for boats. * * * Nearly 7,000 persons had used outdoors skating and hockey rinks set up by Midland Park Commission in the latter part of December. * * * Midland Simcoe elevator had secured an order to ship half a million bushels of wheat to Halifax for export. * * * Marine men predicted that 1934 would be the latest opening of navigation at Sault Ste. Marie in years. Owing to the thickness of the ice, it was stated that navigation would not likely open until the first or second week in May. * * * For the fourth time in 100 years and for the second time in the 20th century, Easter fell on April 1 in 1934. * * * Penetang’s tax rate had been set at 67 mills for public school supporters and 60 mills for Protestant Separate School ratepayers. The public school rate was down two mills from the previous year and the separate school levy up two. * * * A Midland branch of the Simcoe East 20th Century Liberal Club was organized at a special meeting in the Liberal committee rooms in the Ingram block.
• An application for a licence to establish a radio station in Midland, being submitted by R. Bruce Armstrong on behalf of a company, will be heard by the Board of Broadcast Governors March 16. It is one of nine applications for radio licences to be heard by the board that day. The application made by the company proposing to establish the station in Midland calls for a new AM broadcasting station of 250 watts, operating on 1230 kilocycles.
• Hotel and motel clerks in this part of North Simcoe are a harried lot these days as they search frantically for a means of caring for the hundreds of reservations pouring in for accommodation during Winterama weekend. As early as Monday of this week it was impossible to find a vacant room in any hotel or motel in the Penetang, Midland and Elmvale area, officials said. It is understood some are booking rooms as far away as Barrie for this carnival weekend.
• WYEBRIDGE NEWS — Wednesday, Feb. 18, the Ladies Guild met at the home of Mrs. Alvin Leonard with 14 members present. The meeting was opened with prayer by the president. The ladies reported making two quilts and quilting six in the past month. After the meeting, refreshments were served by the hostess assisted by Mrs. James Haughton. Mrs. Clayton Leonard spent a few days in Midland with Mr. and Mrs. John Parker. A number of people attended the funeral in Midland Saturday of Mrs. Frank Davidson, a former resident of this district. Howard Leonard is a patient in St. Andrews Hospital, Midland. Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Robins visited Mr. and Mrs. Dean Jones in Toronto last week. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McCoy and Kathryn of Toronto visited Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Murdoch, Sunday. The W.I. held a quilting bee at the home of Mrs. Howard Toole last Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Coghill and family of Toronto are visiting Mr. and Mrs. Howard Leonard. Mrs. Douglas Dawes and Janice of Peterborough spent a few days with Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Downer. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Bell and Ronnie of Orillia spent the weekend with Mrs. Geo Parker.
• VASEY NEWS — Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Robinson and Allan visited Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bolander, and Mrs. Ferris at Weston recently. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brown visited Mr. and Mrs. Ed Wismer and Mrs. David Webb at Barrie Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Edwards spent the weekend with friends at Barrie. Mrs. Robert Graham of Elmvale spent last week with her daughter, Mrs. Stanley Robinson, who had fractured her ankle. The Robinson children returned home with her for a visit. Weekend visitors of Nathan Edwards were, August and Fred Rode, of Weyburn, Sask., Jack Rode and Ted Robinson of Camp Borden,  and Mrs. Jack McGurn and Carol of Pembroke and Mr. and Mrs. John Wylie of Stouffville. Mr. and Mrs. Ross Faint, Gwen and Bobby spent Sunday afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. Harold Graham at Wyevale. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Edwards and Kathy of Coldwater spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Edwards. Miss Sandra Robinson, who is affiliating at the Ontario Hospital, New Toronto, visited her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Robinson, over the weekend. Miss Eleanor Edwards spent a few days in Toronto. Mr. and Mrs. Eldon Nixon, Bradley and Scott of Toronto spent Saturday at Charles Brown’s. Miss Norma Cowden and Bruce Edwards were married Saturday, Feb. 21, in the United Church. Weekend visitors of Manley Edwards were Mrs. Lockhart and Tom of Hillsdale, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Harper of Willowdale, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Johnston and baby, of Barrie, and Miss Emmaline Edwards of Toronto. Harold Buchanan, Lorna, Arkle, Lloyd, and Dale spent Sunday with Mrs. Mary Buchanan and Mr. and Mrs. Russell Marshall. Glenn Nixon of Toronto visited Mr. and Mrs. Jack Nixon over the weekend.

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Good sportsmanship is a trademark of Midland’s Little NHL, here exemplified by Chester Graham, left, and Jon Pettersen. Jon scored three goals and assisted in another as his Rochester Americans beat Chester’s Hershey Bears 4-1 to win the AHL title at Arena Gardens Wednesday night. 

 This cottage at Port McNicoll acquired several “rooms with a view” early Thursday morning when the entire front wall caved under the weight of more than four feet of snow on the roof. Owned by Mrs. R. Loveridge, Toronto, the cottage was less than three years old and is located on the Tay Township side of the road to Paradise Point. Workmen hastily cleared roofs of other cottages at Paradise and Grandview Beaches following this mishap. 

These pupils submitted prize-winning posters in the contest sponsored by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union in Midland schools. Left to right, front row, are Brian Dunn, Beverley Thompson, June Brownlee, and Donna Lovell; back row — Janette Setterington, Gitta Duwe, Charlotte Lamour, and Deanna Boyce. Awards were presented by Mrs. Charles McElroy and Mrs. J. E. Shaw, including a provincial award to Beverley Thompson. 

Reporters – Photographers Vern Farrow, left, Penetang, and Ken Somers, Midland, right, examine the trophy this newspaper won for best photo journalism in the Ontario Weekly Newspapers Association better newspaper competitions. General manager Robert Chittick, center, presented the trophy to the two men who take most of the pictures which appear in the Free Press Herald and County Herald. 

Pictured are the Tay Telephone System operators Mrs. Jack Todd, Mrs. Laura Belfry and Miss Eva Lidstone. Veteran personnel of the system includes Miss Eva Lidstone, chief operator, and William Grigg, linesman and general supervisor. Miss Lidstone has been employed steadily for the past 32 years. Other operators include Mrs. Jack Todd, Mrs. Laura Belfry, Miss Grace Kirkwood, and Cecil Profit, the night operator. Linesman Stan Robinson is Mr. Grigg’s chief assistant. Article on the same page discusses recent improvements to the system. 

Each year, the Roxy Theatre trophy is presented to the senior boy student at MPDHS who best combines scholarship, leadership, sportsmanship and other qualities. This year’s winner, Wayne Morrison, left, is seen receiving the trophy from Rev. J. L. Self. Wayne is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Karl Morrison, Elizabeth Street. 

“I know just how you feel,” said Judy Mclntyre, as she crowned Gizele Bezner “Queen of Hearts” of MPDHS for 1959 at the Roxy Theatre Thursday night. Judy was last year’s “Queen”. The other contestant visible at the rear is Annette Ducaire of Penetang.

Small but compact, this building is the new home of Tay Municipal Telephone System. Tay clerk-treasurer and secretary of the phone system, Ralph Dalton stands in front. At the rear is the old building which was the home of Tay’s phone system from 1910 until last week. New building and equipment is part of a $30,000 outlay authorized by Tay taxpayers to bring their phone system up to date. 

Moving the big grain carriers around in Midland harbor is a tricky job under the best of circumstances. When the harbor is jammed with ice, as above, the job becomes even more difficult. Here, the CSL’s Goderich, unloaded, is being moved away from the elevator to make room for the Lemoyne by the ice-breaker “Bayport.”

• Headline from the Free Press Herald, February 18, 1959; “MPDHS Team’s Conduct Results in Ban on Games”. Dissatisfied with student “deportment and conduct” at inter-school sports events. Midland – Penetang District High School officials have withdrawn all interschool sports privileges from the student body. This decision was announced to the students yesterday morning. The move on the part of the physical education teaching staff and principal was precipitated by the actions of the MPDHS junior boy’s basketball team in a recent COSSA game in Collingwood. Director of physical education at MPDHS, William Setterington told this newspaper yesterday that the majority of students (spectators and players) had exhibited very poor sportsmanship during games. He said referees and game officials were booed and criticized during sports events and some players had argued with officials. Mr. Setterington said all teams were guilty. He added that MPDHS teams had two or three times as many fouls called against them as other teams.
• Headline from the County Herald newspaper, February 20, 1959; “Adopt Hold Line Policy on Police Salary Brief”. On most items, “no change from the present arrangement was the recommendation from Midland council’s police committee to the special meeting of the council called Wednesday afternoon to consider the brief submitted by the town’s police officers. The items which received the “no change” treatment were; salary increases, annual vacations, statutory holidays, hours of work, clothing, and equipment and sick leave. … Concerning the police force’s request for council’s payment of 50 percent of the cost of Ontario Hospital Insurance, the council decided to defer this matter until consideration was being given to the town’s budget.
• Two men narrowly escaped death when a car and a one-ton truck collided on Highway 27, about a mile north of Wyebridge, early Sunday evening. In St. Andrews Hospital with chest injuries and numerous abrasions about the face and arms is Dr. James Small, well known Midland physician. Another Midland resident, Elmer Lacroix, luckily escaped without a scratch.
• After nearly half a century in the old stand, Tay Municipal Telephone System moved into a brand new building at Victoria Harbour last week. True, it didn’t move far— just one door away, in fact. But for the TMTS it was a big step, one which could cost as much as $30,000 before it’s all finished. That’s the sum ratepayers of the township approved to bring the old system “up to date.” The new brick veneer building, measuring 18 by 30 feet, is only a portion of the program. Included are a new switchboard, new cables, new telephones and a general improvement of the lines. The new cable is the first step in making single party phones available to all who want them. They will too, enable the system to cut the heavy load on some of the lines, three of which have 20 or more subscribers.
• Midland Junior Chamber of Commerce will mark the 10^th anniversary of its inception at a banquet and dance Feb. 21 in Bourgeois dining room, Victoria Harbour. Driving force behind the organization of the Midland Jaycees was Lawren Johnson, who was also the club’s first president. Among its members during the past 10 years have been. Dr. Dalton Martin, Frank Swales, Bill Russell, Larry Dumais, John Corcoran, Ray Smith, Bruce Gilbert, Tim Nesbitt, Charlie Onley, John Burke, Bill Spiker, Ed Jeffery. Executive officers for 1959 are George McLaughlin, president; Bill Bennett, 1st vice-president; Peter Matts, 2nd vice-president; Cliff Ornsby, secretary; Ben Westlaken, treasurer.
• A group of volunteers had difficulty Sunday pumping a reported six feet of water out of the converted Fairmile “Nadine,” tied up at Penetang dock. An investigation was launched when it was noticed the craft had developed a considerable list, and water was discovered in the hold. Several portable pumps were required to drain the vessel and bring her back to an even keel. The trouble apparently started when frost worked on the fitting plate of a seacock in the craft’s hull, and finally developed a leak.
• Nine North Simcoe district music students achieved first class honors and four others honors in examinations in Midland conducted by the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. An announcement from the conservatory reveals the following students were successful in the tests: GRADE III THEORY Harmony — honors, George Haskill; pass, Bill Bates, Danny Richardson. GRADE II THEORY First class honors, Tony Moffat; Elizabeth J. Watkinson; Karen Blair; Anne Webster; Lynn Johnston, Lloyd Preston, Ardath Zimmer; honors, Gail Webster; Louise Bellehumeur, Frank Rynex; pass, Robin Benson, Kathleen McElroy, Ian Brownlee; Jean Lethbridge, Heather Scott. GRADE I THEORY First class honors, Jane Campbell; Gail Richardson.
• Obituary; LORAN WILLIAMS, A former Tay Township councillor and secretary-treasurer of S. S. No. 5 Tay, Loran Williams died of a heart attack at his home R.R. No. 1 Penetang, Jan. 18. He was in his 68^th Funeral service was held at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home Jan. 21 with Rev. Charles H. Carter conducting the service. Pallbearers were Fred Ball, Hugh Curry, John Curry, Walter Edwards, Edward Stewart and Thomas Zoschke. A life-long resident of this district, Mr. Williams was instrumental in getting Hydro and telephone service to the Midland Point area. Besides farming, Mr. Williams worked as engineer on the Midland City for several summers and then as stationary engineer at the Midland Shipyards. Mr. Williams, who was married 39 years ago to the former Ruth Mustard, was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Besides his widow, Mr. Williams is survived by four sons, Archie, St. Catharines; Alvin, Midland Point; John, Midland, and Raymond, Burlington; one daughter, Mrs. Michael Chapman (Marion), Midland Point, and seven grandchildren. (Alvin Williams Road at Midland Point)
• Ten Years Ago This Week – Midland Public Schools Board has discussed plans with a Toronto architect for constructing an addition to Regent Public School. W. M. Thompson, a former mayor of Penetang, was appointed Crown Attorney in Simcoe County. His appointment filled the vacancy caused by the death of Frank Hammond. * * * The Georgian Bay Tourist Co.of Midland Ltd. decided to go out of business. The Midland City, the S.S. City of Dover and the Waterbus, which the company owned, were to be offered for sale immediately. (We are in that situation again with the “For Sale” sign hanging on the Miss Midland and the Georgian Queen retired from cruising.) * * * Potato growers in Lafontaine area were seeking auxiliary storage space with a capacity of 50,000 bushels to store surplus potato crop. * * * * Two hundred and fifty visitors from all parts of Canada were in Midland for the presentation of the charter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Fifty charter members and 25 candidates were given the obligations of the order during the ceremony. * * *  More than 40 persons were employed at the Penetang Block and Brick Co. which had received a quarter million dollar order for its cement products. * * * At a special meeting of Coldwater council, Lawrence Devine was named village assessor and Wm. J. Hawke as hydro superintendent. * * * It was estimated that 7,000 persons attended the 11th annual Honey Harbour winter carnival and dog derby.
• Farmers in the Lafontaine area are looking forward to the time when several feet of snow covering the ground starts to thaw. None will be concerned about flood conditions so long as water is the result. Some farms have been faced with the task of hauling water for some time, while several others are watching their water supply dwindle day by day toward the point where they too will have to seek a new source. Rosaire Moreau said he is now hauling water to a half-dozen farms, and that he expects this number to increase in the near future. Mr. Moreau said he knows of a number of farmers who are transporting their own supply of water.
• Midland council, meeting in special session Wednesday afternoon, approved its share of the proposed 14 room addition to Midland – Penetang District High School. The estimated cost of the addition will be $300,000 made up of $240,000 for 12 additional classrooms and $60,000 for two rooms likely to be used for commercial and shop practice. Pointing out that on present public school attendance the high school board estimates that by 1965 the expected enrolment will be 1,280.
• George Wainman of the Midland Police department has been appointed meter maintenance man for 1959. On a motion approved by Midland council, Sgt. Wainman will be paid $40 per month to maintain and service the meters. His duties will commence March 1 and will terminate when the meters are removed from their standards for the season. Police Committee Chairman James Mackie told council that revenue from the parking meters had increased considerably. In 1955 it amounted to S4,000, in 1956, $4,200, in 1957, $7453 and in 1958, $9000, he said.
• Editorial – DR. A. H. PINCHIN raised a good point in an address to Midland Home and School Association this week that might well be given serious consideration by educational authorities. Quoting Dr. Penfield, a noted Montreal neurologist who has been studying man’s ability to assimilate languages, Dr. Pinchin said the peak of man’s ability in this field is reached by the age of 13 or 14. After that time, his capacity to learn and retain languages steadily declines. “Yet we find most people trying to learn languages at the university level, long after they have reached the peak in this particular field,” the Midland physician stated. He noted that language is a faculty a child acquires. He is not born with it. A Canadian-born infant placed in a German, Russian or Egyptian home will speak that language as proficiently as he would speak English if he remained in Canada. The ability of children to assimilate new languages has been amply demonstrated in Midland schools, where European-born children frequently have learned to speak better English than native-born Canadians. Dietmar Wagner, who won provincial public speaking honors, is one example. Yet his father, certainly above average intelligence in other endeavors, has admitted he could not begin to match the progress of his son in this particular field. It would appear then Canadians should be given the opportunity to learn more than one language at an age when they are most receptive — in public school. Perhaps, as the doctor said, in about 25 years the authorities will get around to this approach. Let us hope, as he does, that it does not take that long. (Ontario legislation authorized French language in elementary and high schools in 1969, Le Caron opened in 1982.)
• MPDHS Hysterics by David Maheu – Before talking about the “twirp” season, I would like to extend my personal congratulations to Gizele Bezner, this year’s “Queen of Hearts”. Also to be commended is Richard Wright, who won the best supporting actor trophy at the drama festival this year. Last, but not least, the Bantam Basketball Team merits praise for winning the league championship. * * *  Now for the “twirp” season. This year it has been a big success. And one of the reasons that it was is that the students helped put it over. The court last Friday morning heard quite an array of charges and meted out penalties. Along with his 12-man jury, Judge Blouin found Miss Bonnie Brewer guilty of failing to twirp. She was therefore put into the custody of Ron Marchildon (and don’t think any tears were shed over it) for the rest of the day. Court charges were read by Bernie Arbour. The second case was that of Jean Lethbridge charged with flirting with Mr. Blouin and failing to twirp. The unanimous decision of the jury was guilty! She was sentenced to push a jelly bean across the gym floor with her nose. This was to be done at the hard time dance Friday night. Lynn McAllen pleaded not guilty to a charge of refusing to wash Frank Okenka’s socks. The court found her guilty and sentenced her to wash his socks at the dance. Next victim was Linda Pyley, accused of leading a gang of juvenile delinquents who jumped Wayne Broad one dark night. The plaintiff Broad was called to the stand and, when asked to name the other members, could not do so. He said, “They all wore masks except the leader Linda Ryley.” Miss Ryley pleaded innocent but was found guilty. Her penalty was to shave Wayne Broad at the dance. Apparently, it was a good thing that the razor lacked a blade or there might have been some throats cut. Gizele Bezner, “Queen of Hearts”, was found guilty of bribing votes in the “Queen of Hearts” contest. Her penalty was to kiss the all-male jury and the judge. The next case was that of Gail Carr who invited Bill “Weasel” Moss to the show one night and somehow forgot her wallet. She was found guilty and as a penalty was made to blow into a bowl of flour until she reached the penny placed on the bottom. Betty Ann McCullough and Bev Scott were jointly accused of refusing to carry John Bell’s books and, on top of this, they hid them. They were sentenced to sing a song with John Bell.