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;i'w.' GUARDIAN. CHARLOTTETOWN

PAGE THIUEE '

J ANUARX 15, 1952

.?I1e Passing '

Scene ' By Observer

,1. recent news item to the of- feet that quite a number of matri- gulanis at a well known university V,-9,-e unable to give the name of cmada's Prime Minister has set me think g about the real edit- cational status of our schools gen- erally. not only here but all over the country.

what goes on in them? Are un- pmportaiit things being stressed at the expense of important ones? are the schools adequate for our titties? Are they. indeed. as good its they were. any twenty-five or thiriv years ago? Are the teach- ?-ho staff them alive to their

really care whether they are .. " Has the modern emphasis at '5,-.".rt' a good or bad inflii- mce." Do we or do we not need ,. drastic overhauling of our en- ciemenlary and secondary systein. an overhauling tliar relate it a bit more ciosr.-ly ..., the pressing needs of particular c:.!tin.il and economic areas?

1 am sure that these questions rrd many others of concern must hr in the minds of a great nianv iii-niivlitfiil neoplc as they view the passilllz educational scene.

Let inc sav here that I. like a Food mnnv other critics of our pre- sent school system. am a prodtict at what might be called the "old school." Anv render of this column will pmbably be nble to reallre this without my mentioning it. It 1,; about tliirty-five years since I lrlt llich School. Allowancc must be made for this fact in anything 1 irriic in this article for. of course. r is fashionable for the middle- .--rd to fancy that schools and all whcr institutions, for that matter tore better when they were voung rhis year's matrlculants will in r.li likelihood be making the same i'l'Pi('llSIOl'l thirty or forty vears fiini now.

tire rclinti I'll. W

The Three R's

There is no doubt that in past years Reading. Writing and Arith- metic were given preferred treat- ment. I am even prepared to ad- llili that. they were accorded ex- nzpcratcd places. It was felt that. if thc average child could learn to read tolerably well. write a good letter. and master the mechanics o! addition. substraction. multipli- cation. and division. fractions in- cluded, he was being given a fair- iv adequate foundation for other things that in due time would come itiiliui his scope of inquiry and knowledge. This emphasis seem- ed to work fairly well. although s'i'llPi.im0S it involved a measure of izastcd energy and lost labour.

linr example, I remember as if it were yesterday the occasion r.:u-ii a stern faced teacher in- stmcted me. a boy of twelve. to write a letter. in which I was to apply for a,.1ob as nlght-watch- man. to the head of a mercantile concern. In duty bound. and in dread of the consequences that I knew would follow my refusal to do so. I bent to the task with all the enthusiasm I could command. which wasn't very much. for it seemed most unlikely that I would tver want to be a night-watchman. I may say that through all the chances and chances of this mor- tal life since then my mind hasn't. changed in that respect, though. of rnurse. I have the utmost respect for those who have a vocation for ltlf.' kind of work.

Arithmetic A popular problem in arithmetic hsfiti to go something like this: If

twelve horses working five hours 8 nay. could pull it certain load in

SPECIAL

One rack of dresses Size 10--2414; 35.99 SUNTERS' EIADIEI. ' IVEAIC

m is; fa.agi.t..:.i'

M

Iiiti-Ii .

how nice the house looks!"

t;T.:i:WlaI my last call, Morn. now I can help-oh.

H

BEND FOR CATALOG

. I Arthur iiosey

York. 1'. E. I.

three days. how long would it take eight horses. working two hours it day. to ptill a load twice as heavy? It made no sense to me for it seemed to assume that one horse had the same strength as another which was. obviously, not so. I didn't think it mattered much any- way. and I still have the same op- inlon.

For all that. and allowing for me foolish things children were commanded to do in the sacred name of learning. a great lot of good was accumulated in the field of ihoiiglit. which was the purpose in view.

Please. Forgive

I hope our present day school authorities and teachers will for- give me if Ilm wrong. but I do not believe that reading. writing. and arithmctic are given due places, or any place worth men- tionlntz. in our modern schools. Whether the system itself is to blame. or the teachers. or the psychologists whose influence in our educational processes has grown by leaps and bounds in re- cent years. I have no way of knowing. Perhaps the blame can -be scattered over a much wider ai-ca than that covered by any or all of these. What does seem clear is that young people in ever in- creasing numbers are coming out of our elementary and secondary s:hcols year after year without. any real preparation in either reading or writing to say nothing of arithmetical alertness. As for spelling. it appears to be an al- most forgotten skill.

I have a friend who is the head of the personnel department of quite a large business concern which is constantly on the lookout. for promising High School and junior college graduates. Not long ago he told me that in the course of a yearfhe has occasion to read scores of letters from young peo- ple seeking positions of one kind and another. "If I were to judge the applicants solely by their let- tars". he said. ”I would be forced to reject most of them. for the letters are almost invariably mark- ed by poor spelllng, bad grammar. and haphazard construction.”

He went on to say. however. that in personal interviews they did much better. They possessed mach self-confidence (always an rttrihutc of vouth. thank the Lord). considerable poise and a keen de- sire to do their best and get ahead. These qualities are all to the good. but the ability to write an intel- iicible letter will always be count- ed an asset in any sphere of so- cial or business relations. I would not say it is more important than the ability to hold one's own in personal contact. but I would say it is. at least. of cqual importance.

Reading

.

As for reading. it must be ad- mitted that young people of today have more to contend with than those of, say. thirty years ago. anti the schools however good thev' might be. are up against influential forces which then were harmless or almost unknown. I am think- lily especially of the radio In many ways this ubiquitous Instru- ment has rendered and is render- Il'f! magnificent service to the cause of education but it does not do as much as it. might to assist young people in good reading habits.

Many of the popular programmes to which teen-agers are hound to listen are featured by mutilated English and atrocious diction News announcers. many of them, know every thing that's going on. but they don't. know ifow to read. Ti-cre are notable exceptions, to he sure, but only one incompetent reader over the radio (or anywhere else. for that matteri can do a lot of harm. one would imagine that ability to read well from a sheet of lraper would be regarded as the chief quuliflca'.'ou of a news an- nouncer. Obviously. it isn't.

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By George Clark

gen IP01 11-ant: i-. I-

Strange But True

3! F. H. MacArthur

'rhls,is the story of the "Saucy Nimcy . her crew. and Peter Barnes 01',ReIilh's Cove Nova Scotia. who. by Pllclns a deceptive light among the fir trees near his home. lur- ed the little schooner to her doom on the rocks off Peter's Point. and caused the death of the ship's crew of l.'X.

Three of the six on board per-

Tiie others managed to reach share. but later died from the cold of that Christmas Eve night in 1793 Their frozen bodies.were discov- ered the next day among the branches of a tree where they'd sought shelter.

That somebody had visited the scene of the tragedy the night be- fine was quite obvious. Why? Be- cause one of the victims had lost" a finger. The digit had been freshly cut off.

Peter Barnes was suspected. No doubt that finger wore a valuable ring. but nothing definite could be chalked up against him. From then on the villagers gave Barnes the cold shoulder. and his tragic death nearly a score of years later. was. they claimed. his Just reward for a foul deed committeed.

Another Christmas Eve is born in the year 1813, and we find Peter Barnes leaving William Pcarcci-' tavern. Like that Christmas Eve of 1793. the night was stormv. and those in the tavern watched Barnes leave without so much as wishing liim a Happy New Year. And la?- cr when they heard a cry for help.

no one answered that call.

The next morning they found the lifeless body of their hated neighbor on the shore. In his

clutched hand they discovered B valuable diamond ring.

Before leaving for the tavern Barnes had placed a lighted lant- ern among the fir trees. Some- how he lost his bearings and step- ped to his death over the cliff at the exact spot where the "saucy Nancy" met her doom.

0 0 1

Situated in Mahone Bay. N.S. lies a small tract of land known as "Sacrifice Island". and the story hack of its naming takes us back to the days of Acadian rule.

Foremost among the early set- tlers was a young Swiss noted for his daring exploits and deadly marksmanship. The Indians fear- cd and hated the Swiss youth be- cause he was cunning as a fox. silent. and could shoot straieht. One day they killed a German settler and his wife and carried oi! their fair-haired baby girl. Thi: put the settlers on the alert but the wary Indians kept hidden in the forest.

On the night following this tragedy. the Swiss youth observed a fire on one of the islands in the Bay. During the day all was quiet Not a redman came in sight. The following night. the fire was scar- eizain. so the Swissl thought it was time to investigate its cause. He knew the place well having paddled his course among the is- lands many. many times.

So with a couple of companions he set out on a venture which brought to light the following strange and startling story. Sus- pectini: trickery from the savages the three approached the, island cautiously. Not. a redskln was in sight. Near the shore. however. they came upon a canoe. which was promptly damaged to frustrate their escape.

Creeping along a well-worn path that. led to the summit of a hill. the seekers looked down upon the surrounding country. There below them in a deep depression of the islnnd.- they sighted seven warriors seated in a semi-circle. while'an eighth. in the regalla of a medi- cine man. was attending a fire which had been lighted on a crude atone altar.

Eagerly the three looked down upon the strange scene which in" before their astonished gaze. All night they watched. while the wild Izvlian ritual went on. Come day- light the watchers saw the medi- cine man reach for a bundle that lay on the ground near his bed.

I I I

With Runs trained upon the In- dians they observed the medicine man bend over and then raise up with the fair-haired baby held fast in his arms. There was no nits- taking his purpose now. He ad- vanced towards the fire with the child held above his head. In- stantly three muskets spoke. and three savage: died in,their tracks. startled by the surprise attack the medicine man burden and tried to ease himself

into the woods. not the Swiss was upon him in an instant. and. with the but: of his gun. knocked the suvage senseless.

Of the eight Indians only one escaped death at the hands of the young Swiss and his followers. This Mlcmiic, when questioned about the affair. stated that the Swiss was the causeof the baby's death His people he said were afraid of his

ished when the Nancy went down. ,

threw down his

and L (Notices

EAST ROYALTY SCOUT NEVVS

Keeping the "Out" In Scouting

Keeping up with their past re- cord of placing emphasis on out- door scoutlng. ten East Royalty Scouts and their Scoutmaster trav- elled to Montague during the monili of November for a week- end camping trip. Even though the weather wasn't. warm. the mercury hovering around the twenties most of the time. every- one thoroughly enjoyed them- selves.

All the camp meals were well prepared by the scouts themsel- ves. each having turns at cook- lng.

During their visit the Royalty Scouts together with the Mont- ague Scouts took part in various enjoyable giimcs. including rugby.

To all who made this visit a pleasant one the East Royalty Scouts take this opportunity to extend a hearty thank you.

Scout Bazaar

Something new was added to scout activities at East Royalty recently when the troop staged a full time hiiznar in their hail. All booths. ranging from spill flit: milk to bingo. were tastefully dec- united and managed by the scouts. This indeed was a novel idea for raising; scout funds and a very successful one.

With proceeds from such 8('IIl'-i iiics those Scouts hope to be able to paint the basement. floor of their school.

Cub Christmas Party

On Thursday. December 20, the East Royalty Cub Pack and the Sixth Charlottetown Pucks had a c mbincti Christmas party. tree and a l. at the Royalty hall. Needless to say with lots of presents. eats. and games for all. it was a great success.

Hockey

At last the long awaited season of winter, with all its outdoor activities. has arrived. to the Joy of the East Royalty Scouts and Cubs who already have organized and started playing hockey.

So far the Scout team has won one izume (10-4) and lost one (9-8i. both games having been played with the Holy Redeemer boys. The prospects of it good team in both Scouts and Cubs this year at the Royalty are good.

The next game: for both teams are planned for Saturday when the Royalty Cubs will take on the Sixth Charlottetown Cubs and the Royalty Scouts will meet the Holy ' Redeemer boys. These games. both being played at. Up- per Queen Street Rink, should prove exciting.

Linc-ups for both games are as follows:'

East Royalty Scouts: Goal. D. Maciausland: defence, D. Builman. .I. Gill. F. Corcoran: forwards. B. Douceiie. P. Mustard. K. Kelly. K. Bryenton. S. MacDonald. G. Kelis.

East Royalty Cuba: Goal. A. Walsh: defence. F. MacAusland. H. Livingstone; forwards. L. Robert- son. D. Storey. F. Robertson. D. Miller. I. Ashley. C. MacKInnon.

gain. and were about to sacrifice the child to their gods when the white men intervened. Why? So a charm could be put upon the gun and kill its power.

There you have it. reader. the story that gave Sacrifice Island its name and today it lies among the other islands of Mahone Bay. Nova scotia. as a monument to the mem- cry of the little German girl who would have been sacrificed against. the power of a gun in the hands or a fearless youth, whose only wish was to protect a child and others from the raids of the sav- age Indians.

T. BURNS

Aiiniversary..-l:oncert JAil. .25th. r.w.c. Auditorium

THE CENTRAL GUARDIAN

This column is reserved for news of local interest, but advertising of a nanny nature may be inserted at live cent: a word, strictly pay- able in advance.

JIMMY! TAXI - Phone 525.

HOWARD MaclNNls -I-'00T- WEAR at 175 Queen Street.

CBASWELL for Better Photo- graphs.

IIEFRIGERATOBS. Ranges. Mo- tors and Wlsher repairs, Storey Electric. Phone 8007.

FLIGHTS DAILY except Sunday to New Glasgow and Halifax. Phone Maritime Central Airways 2061 fir 504.

' Mrs.

" POLSESIS

Peter J. Morrison has left this morning for Camp Hill Hospital. Halifax, to receive treatment.

Miss Lucy Hagan has returned to her studies at Notre Dame af- tcr spending a. very enjoyable holi- day at her home. in Kelly's Cross. His many friends in Kelly's Cross and Augustine Cove are sorry to learn that Mr. John W. Murphy is seriously ill in the Charlotte- town Hospital.

Miss Olga Forsyihe has return- ed io Saint John after spending Christmas at. her 'iiome in Park- doic. Miss Forsythe is. on the staff of the Prince William Street branch of the Bank of Nova Sco- iia, Saint John, N. B

Mr. nnd Mrs. Oliver Paynler. Long River, accompanied by their son Jack and his wife. of Sum- merslde, motored to Charlotte- town on Christmiis day and were guests of Mrs. Paynlci"s mother. lrcne Matthews and sister. Mrs. Carrie MucNt-iii, Piirkdale.

NORTH RUSTICO C.W.L.

The monthly meeting of the sub-division branch of C. W. L. was held on Jan. 6. with an at.- tcndance of about 30 members. The meeting opened with the League Prayer by the pastor Father Robbin. The secreary then read the minutes of the previous meet- ing and reports of different con- vcnors were also read and adopt- cd.

Treasurer reported cash balance on hand and various subjects were clisczissed.

Father Robbin gave a talk on Family Life in the Parish and most necessarily in the home.

It was stated charitable baskets were given out at Christmas time. The meeting was adjourned by prayer.

Card O: Thanks

I wish to thank the Boxholders on Kensington R R. No, 2. for the many gifts I received at Christmas. Also the many acts of kindness rendered me during the past year.

llarris Blakeney. Mail Courier.

cafdbr Thanks

Mr. Franklin I-lickox and Farnily wish to thank their kind neigh- bours and friends for all they did to help them during their sad bereavement. Also those who sent floral tributes. letters and cards of sympathy.

I0 lbs. SI.'i9

Eating and Cooking APPLES

3 lbs. 25:

Fluffo

0 FAMILY

cEill'liAL li0YALTY"6LEE ctun

Presents.

At " PRINCE OF WALES COLLEGE AUDITORIUM

TUESDAY, JAN. 15th. 8 P5 M.

Admission 50c I - 1 Sponsored by Centennial Y's Men's Club Ticket Sale "Rendezvous". Old Spain. Hughes Drug. Worthy's Drug

This Ad is Sponsored by

'MILTOII'8g0LlI SPAIII & IIEIIIIEZVOIIS

ALBUM

SI-IORTENING 3 lbs. 51.00

LARD 2 lbs. 45:

Willie IEANS 5 lbs. 59:

Palmolive SOAP

3 cellos for 25:

TOWN TAXI-Phone 1600-322

MacDONA.LD RADIO SERVICE 180 Kent Street. sound equipment. Disc Recording Rogers MBJEEUC and Stewart War- ner Radios.

THE CENTRAL CHIIISTIA. CHURCH Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday. January lath. at 8.00 P. M.

SEE A NOVEL INTERPRE- TATION of Shakespeare's tragedy, Romeo and Juliet-at the Family Album show. Prince of Wales Col- lege. Tuesday. January 15th.

I

SEE mt, SHIIIVEL-shrlnkenl in his amazing reducing feat-at the Family Album show. Prince of Ygaes College. Tuesday. January

PENIIIANSIIIP EXPERT -Teach. crs and pupils of Parkdale School were honoured yesterday morning with a visit from Mr. H. 13. Mac- Lean, Vancouver. After visiting the various classrooms he gave in demonstration of penmanshlp to intermediate and senior classes.

CONCERT SERIES - A group of local artists will present the next concert in the Prince of Wales College Series in the near future. in the College Auditorium. Miss Suzanne Brenton. L. Mus., pianist. will be soloist and the P.W.C. Girls Ensemble will sing part songs un- rler the direction of Miss E. Lillian 2JfacKenzie, Mus. Bac. Mrs. Roberts Spencer Full, F.T.C.L.. will be the accompanist Miss Brenton is well known in Clint-loitetown as an ac- complished pianist and her pro- gtuim will be listened to with great interest. The choral group consists of eighteen young women from Prince of Wales College among v iioni are several outstanding sing- ers. Their director. Miss Mar-.Ken- ale. and accompanist, Mrs. Full. two of the Island's most distinguished musicians. complete a group of artists whose concert should be .1 real treat to music lovers.

IN It?TsEc3?iiliM

In loving memory of WILLIAM E. MICKINLEY

who passed away Janfiary 15th, 1942.

Ever Remembered by Wife and Family.

IN MEMORIAM In fond anirTo:Ing memory of my Mother. Mrs. Fred S. Purser

who passed away six years ago to- day, January lsth. I946,

Always ttcmember.-d by Her naught:-r Bvaty. (Mrs. Emmett Martin.)

IN MEMORIAM

In fund andwio-vfng memory of my Mother, Mrs. Fred S. Purser who passed away six years ago to- day. January 15th. 1946.

Always Remembered by Her Daughter Ruth. (Mrs. Cecil . amilton)