Item
Beacon
Nov 23/1911
Concerning Sardine Plants
Rumoured Mammoth Works will be Established at Chamcook, also factory at Saint John.
The Eastport correspondent of the Bangor-Commercial says that officials of the Seacoast Canning Co. of Eastport, are interested with prominent residents of St. Andrews in the erection of a large sardine plant at Chamcook, NB.
--Talk of this kind has been going on for year past. It has been rumoured tat a $500,000 plant, including can making, packing and fertilizing works with cottages for 1000 or more work people was to be established at Ross’s Point, Chamcook, also that leading CPR magnates were associated in the enterprise, and that markets for the products of the factory were to be sought in Australia, south America, West Indies, etc., but the men who are supposed to be promoting the mammoth enterprise say that no company has been formed and that much of the talk if premature. Beyond the acquirement of some valuable properties at Chamcook little has been done toward the rumoured enterprise, and it would not surprise any one if the whole scheme assumes an entirely different shape before it was through.
Beacon
Dec 7/1911
Big Fish Canning Plant
To be Constructed at Chamcook Immediately
The Beacon is in position to state that under the terms of a federal charter, the Canadian Sardine Company Limited has been organized, with G. F. Johnston, of Montreal, as president, and that the Company will at once proceed with the erection of a modern canning plant upon the lands recently purchased at Chamcook.
The plant will include a packing and can making outfit. There will be no fertilizer plant. A large wharf ill also be built.
Cottages for help will also be erected. All the building will be of concrete and will be thoroughly sanitary and odourless.
Sir William Van Horne, Mr. R. B. Van Horne, Mr. William Shaughnessy, and Mr. Bosworth, CPR vice-president are among the men who are backing this big enterprise.
Mr. H G. Jones, formerly of the CPR, architect staff, is now in St. Andrews to arrange for the preparation of the plans.
Mr. Charles Haycock, secretary treasurer of the new company, and Mr. R. B Van Horne, are also her to further the enterprise.
It is expected that consecution will begin at once.
The advent of this enterprise will be o incalculable benefit to this section.
Beacon
Dec 21, 1911
Montreal Star—A New Industry on the Coast to Tin Sardines
Million Dollar Company Headed by Mr. G. F. Johnson, to Operate at Chamcook
Details
In yet another branch of industry is Canada to claim her own.
Eighty five percent of the sardine catch along the Atlantic Coast is taken in Canadian waters and packed in the US. Outside the output of a few individual packers operating in a very small way, there are no sardines packed in Canada.
For years the American packers of Canadian sardines have done a large business in Australia, South American and elsewhere, taking advantage of the splendid fishing grounds of the Atlantic coast of Canada to supply them with their materials.
A new company formed in Montreal of Canadian capital, has been formed with Mr. George F. Johnson, of the firm of McConnell, Johnson and Allison, as president. The organization has been capitalized at ? and has on its board of directors such men as Sir William Van Horne, Mr. S. M. Bosworth, Vice-president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Mr. W. R. McInnis, of the same road, and Messrs. R. B. Van Horne and W. J. Shaughnessy.
The headquarters of the new industry will be at Chamcook, three mils from SA, NB, where a big packing plant will be erected in time for next season’s catch. The most modern machinery and methods will be installed in the company’s plant, which will be second to none in existence, either on this continent or in Europe. Large piers and a number of workmen’s cottages built of concrete will be erected at once and the company will be in a position to go into the market of the world before a year has expired.
The quality of Canadian sardines, it is stated, is equal to that of the Norwegian catch, and is held by some to be on a par with those caught along the coast of France, the latter being considered the highest grade in the world, and brining double the price of Norwegian sardines.
The can manufactory, on which architects are now working, will contain the latest machinery available and the package in which the Canadian fish will be placed on the market till be absolutely air proof. The cans ill be packed and sealed hermetically in oil, so that the contents may be kept for years without deterioration.
To Supply Navies
The marines and navies of the world are large users of canned sardines and the new company has in prospect several large contracts when it is in a position to supply the tinned fish. Arrangements are also being made to install machinery and other apparatus to pack larger fish in addition to the sardines. The food, it is said will be put up in a novel form, and will be placed on the domestic, as well as the foreign markets.
That the prospects of the company formed by Mr. Johnston and his associates are of the best, in so far as competition with the US packers at least is concerned, is the opinion of men will informed in the fishing trade. The close proximity of the new packing plant to the sardine shoals is a strong factor in favor of the higher quality of the Canadian product. Sardines, it is said, like many other fish lose their flavour rapidly when taken out of the water and so deteriorate in value. American packers have to bring their sardines from the Canadian coast to their factories in the US, in some cases, hundred of mils, and will labor under considerable disadvantages regarding quality and expense.
About 600 men and women will be employed by the new company. Mr. Charles Haycock, formerly of the Seacoast Packing Company, of Eastport, Maine, w ill be the secretary treasurer of the new concern, and it is likely that the manger of the Eastport Company Mr. F. P. McColl, will be appointed general mangers.
Forwarding Company’s Plans
Sir William Van Horne Will Lay Out New Town site
The announcement in the Beacon last week of the plans of the Canadian sardine Company was received with great satisfaction. It is felt that the establishment of this industry will give an impetus to the industrial development of this section which it stands much in need of.
It is a source of particular satisfaction that Sir William Van Horne is showing such a keen interest in the enterprise. Not only is he forwarding it with his capital, but he is also showing a personal interest in the undertaking which must greatly add to its success. It is understood that the laying out and designing the “town site” and cottages for working people have been placed entirely in his hands. Both in the Canadian west and Cuba Sir William has had considerable experience in this class of work and it is felt that with his experience and artistic taste the new company will be a model one in every respect
Architect Jones, who was here last week, has returned to Montreal and is busy getting out the profiles and plans for the company.
Sir William Van Horne was in town on Thursday last and consulted a number of builders as to the erection of the cottages.
Several of the men who are to occupy positions of responsibility in connection with the new industry, have taken up their homes here. Among these are Mr. Charles Haycock, secretary treasurer of the company, Mr. Ben Follis and Mr. Kuren, all of who have been connected with sardine industry I Maine..
Beacon
Dec 21/1911
F. P. McColl [just resigned as manager of the Seacoast Packing Company] to be General Manager of new Sardine plant.
New Ice Rink—through the kindness of Messrs. O’Neill, the boys of the town have been able to secure a piece of land for an open air rink. The rink has been laid out, and all that is necessary now is to flood it and get ice.
Beacon
Jan 18/1912
Canada’s Fishery Statistics
The annual report of the fisheries department show that last year the market value of fish product taken by Canadian fishermen broke all records, the total catch being valued at $29,964,433, an increase of $336,263 over the previous year’s high record. Ion the industry there were employed in vessel and fishing boats, 68,610 men, while 24, 978 persons were employed in the various canneries, fish houses, etc, on shore.
The value of sea fish caught in Charlotte county waters during the month of November, 1911, was as follows:
Lobsters--$13,110
Cod—380
Haddock—505
Pollock—150
Herring—24,112
Sardines—20,415
Smelts—448
Clams--1290
Beacon
March 7/1912
Contract for Big Sardine Works.
Awarded to a Well Known Montreal Builder—Expects to be Ready for Fish in August
Manager McColl, of the Canadian Sardine Company, Ltd., came back from Montreal on Friday. He told the Beacon that the contract for the erection of the large factory buildings at Ross’s Point, Chamcook, had been awarded to Mr. Hartman a Montreal contractor of wide experience and repute. Mr. McColl says that the work will pushed forward with all speed. He expects that the company will be in a position to take fish about the first of August.
The works will be thoroughly modern in every respect. The boiler and engine—the later of 200 h.p. capacity—will be supplied by a well known Amherst firm. The General Electric Company, of Canada, will provide the electric dynamo and other electrical fixtures by which the works will be operated and lighted.
Mr. McColl says that the works will not be wholly confined to the canning of sardines. In order to hold the help between seasons other products will be packed. One line—fish balls—will require a lot of potatoes.
Mr. Robert Clark, who is now looking after he interests of the Algonquin hotel company, in the work that is being done here, will act as inspector for the Canadian Sardine Company while the buildings are being erected. He is well qualified for the position.
Beacon
March 21/1912
The Sardine Works
Have Turned Chamcook into a Hive of Industry
All is bustle and activity around the site of the new sardine works at Chamcook. Engineer Skiff Grimmer has a battalion of men and teams at work preparing the ground for the mammoth structures soon to be reared upon it. Contractor Hartman has another large crew starting upon construction work; the CPR is laying down a spur track and tapping the water main from Chamcook Lake, Messrs. Kennedy and O’Neill, who have contracted to board the white employees while the work is going on are getting their boarding houses in readiness, an d have made a contract with Messrs. Mason for two hundred mattresses,--all of which creates a lot of stir.
Mr. G. D. Grimmer has contracted to supply sand and gravel for the big buildings, and he has his tug in readiness for the work. Haley and sons will furnish the doors and sashes for the new buildings,--a large contract in itself, also the lumber for the frame.
Manager McColl is most optimistic with regard to the future of the new industry. He sees in it not only an opportunity to pack about all the fish products of the locality, but a great opportunity for disposing of farm produce, particularly potatoes. As the Company will put up the best quality of goods that can be made in the world he is satisfied that a market can be found for all its products.
Beacon
May 2/1912
Sardinia
Lively proceedings at the new Sardine Town
Business has been lively at the new sardine town at Ross’s Point, Chamcook, lately. Not only have the builders of the new factory and the wharf been busy, but they have been up against some lively labor troubles. On Thursday, the Italian camp declared for higher wages and shorter hours, and threatened to enforce their demand by force of arms. The Immigration agent and Town Marshall were summoned to the scene, and to preen possible bloodshed Magistrate Stoop went out and some twenty-give or thirty husky white men were sworn in as special constables “NO. 10,” a swarthy son of Italy, with unpronounceable name was said to be the ringleader. He was collared, and place din charge of the Immigration agent, who deported him to the US by train the same night. But the other Italian s would not go to work and Mr. Murray, the Italian contractor was called down to use his influence on them.
Italian Open Fire
The labor troubles at the sardine works nearly culminated in a murder on Friday last. A number of disgruntled Italian laborers were hanging about the office of the works and were ordered away by special constable Marshal. One of them did not move quickly enough and Marshall gave him a push. The Italian responded with a blow, and Marshall, who is a bit of boxer, replied in kind. The Italian moved off a few feet and then wheeling around, drew a revolver and pointed it at his assailant. William Hannigan saw the revolver and pulled and he cried out to Marshall to drop. Marshall dropped just as the trigger was pulled, and the hot passed over his head. The Italian took to the woods, and it is though has gone away.
All the trouble makers on both sides have since been removed, and the work of construction is now proceeding peacefully along.
Beacon
May 23/1912
The St. Andrews Boom
Some of the Things Coming Way.
Bangor Commercial.
Eastport, May 16. St. Andrews, NB is experiencing a boom this year, which is causing the residents of this usually quiet little town to make an extra effort to keep pace with the time and the new improvements which are to be introduced. The large force of men at work on the construction of the Canadian Sardine Company’s plant at Chamcook three miles from the town, adds new life to the place. The American Can Company is to erect a can making establishment at Chamcook and the Sardine Company is to have its own electric lights. Rumor also has it that an electric road is to be built from Chamcook to SA, and may be extended to connect with the electric road at St. Stephen. A large number of concrete cottages are to be built for the accommodation of the employees.
New Sardine town
Rushing the Works and Town site Plans
Men, money and machinery, combined with brains and enterprise, can work marvels with the face of nature. In the space of a few weeks they have worked wonders in the development of the new sardine manufacturing village at Chamcook, St. Andrews. And the half has not been revealed.
The site for the sardine plant and its residential accessories occupies the tongue of land lying between the extreme end of what was formerly known as Ross’s Point, opposite the North-eastern point of Minister’s island, and the CPR track.
The factory plant will occupy the extreme end of the peninsula. This structure composed of reinforced concrete, 185 x 76 feet, is now more than half constructed. In another fortnight perhaps, the third storey will be built and the roof on.
On the western side of the factory building, the can-making plant is now in process of erection. This building will be 130 x 67 feet, and like the other buildings, will be composed of reinforced concrete. To place its foundations it was found necessary to erect a cofferdam around the work to keep out the tide. Between the can-making building and the factory the power-house is placed. This building will be 50 feet square. Its foundation has been laid and the superstructure is being erected.
The office building, 56 x 38, is immediately to the north-east of the factory, and will be so arranged that all the employees in entering or leaving must pass the office windows. The second storey of this building is now being worked on.
Stretching from the office towards Chamcook Narrows is the pier, which will be 400 feet in length. At the end of this pier there will be a depth of water of 18 feet at low tide. The cutting shed will be placed on this wharf. A part of the wharf has been built.
The Town site.
On Saturday last, Mr. Jones, the architect, was on the ground laying out the site of the residential section. This will occupy the upland, immediately to the south of the track. It will be in semi-circular form, with the station in the centre and a little square in front. On the eastern side of the station, occupying the upland alongside the property of Mr. James Scallion, the women’s boarding house ill be placed, while at the western slope will be the men’s boarding housel. These building will be of uniform size, three stories in height. Then there will be about thirty small cottages, also a larger building to contain stores and a concert hall. Concrete blocks will be used in the construction of the cottages. A building, for the manufacture of the blocks has been erected. As Sir William Van Horne undertook the responsibility for the town site plan there can be no question as to its artistic appearance.
A broad avenue from the works to the residential section has been cut out and is now being graded. An ample supply of fresh water will be obtained from the Chamcook Lake main. A thorough system of sewerage will also be carried out. The CPR has a large crew of men with steam shovel employed in laying a spur track from its main line to the works. The rails will run along the western side of the factory. This spur will be completed and ready for use in a few weeks.
The contract for the construction of the Sardine Company’s’ buildings is in the hands of Mr. F. M Hartman, who is giving the mater his personal attention and is spring no pains to hurry the work along. Mr. M. H. Walker, of Montreal, is superintendent of the contractor. Mr. R. A Clark is inspector for the Company. The necessary engineering work is being performed by Mr Skiff. Grimmer.
Beacon
June 20/1912
At the Sardine Town
Work is going steadily forward at the new sardine site, Chamcook. Last week the pay roll for the workmen was considerably over $4,000. The last storey of the factory building is being worked on and good progress has been made on other buildings. Work has also been begun on the boarding house and cottages.
St. Croix Courier
July 11/1912
New Canning Town
Girls will be imported from Norway and Elsewhere
Good progress is being made with the canning plant at Chamcook, also the boarding houses. The stand pipe which is to provide water for the new sardine town has been erected alongside the track. I till supply the purest of fresh water by gravity for the various buildings. The help problem is to be solved by the importation of girls from Norway and elsewhere. It is expected that 120 girls will leave Norway about the first of August. These girls are of superior type and are accustomed to the handling of fish. In addition to local help, it is likely that men and women will be brought here from Nova Scotia fishing villages. The company ha already booked large orders for sardines, clams and other products of sea and shore that it proposes canning.
Beacon
Aug 1/1912
The Chamcook Project
Canadian Sardine Company Directors Pay a Visit to New Town
On Thursday last, President Johnson, Sir William Van Horne, Mr. G. W. Bosworth, and Mr. Bienvenn, of Montreal, members of the directorate of the Canadian Sardine Company, paid their first official visit to the new works at Chamcook. They made a thorough inspection of the grounds and buildings and seemed well satisfied with the appearance of things in general. They returned to Montreal in Sir William’s private car.
Beacon
Aug 8/1912
The boss of the Italian s labourers struck for $6 dollars a day, but got the bounce instead, along with a number of his confederates.
Beacon
Aug 15/1912
A Big Sardiner
The “Cansarco” First of New Fleet to Reach Port
The “Cansarco” is the first of the big fleet of sardine boats, belonging to the Canadian Sardine Company, to make its appearance in St. Andrews harbor. It is a beauty and as strong as wood and iron can make it. Oak timbers and oak plank have been used. The boat reflects credit upon the builder, Mr McKay, of Shelburne. The dimensions of the “Cansarco” are –75 feet over all; breadth 16 feet; depth, 7 ½ feet. It has two masts and spreads 600 yards of 14 inch canvas. A 60 h.p. Murrand Tregurtha gasoline engine furnished the auxiliary power. The boat will carry 75 hhds of fish. Both the engine room and forward house are comfortably fitted up. The latter contains 8 bunks, besides closets for food, dishes, flags, etc. Capt. George Johnson, of Leonardville, more recently of Saint John, will be commander of the craft, his son, Byron Johnson, being the engineer. Both of them are proud of the boat and engine.
Beacon
Aug 22/1912
New Chamcook Town
A little community is gradually growing up in the vicinity of the Chamcook sardine works. In addition to the Company’s houses, “Oak Hall,” SS, has opened a branch store; John Ross, of SA, has established a barber shop; Charles Beach, of Honeydale, has opened a general store and boarding house, and a store is also being operated by a young man named Hatt, from Grand Manan. Several small dwelling houses have been run up, being owned by Messrs. Johnson, Black and Hatt.
Progress is being made with the Company’s concrete block houses, but they are still far from being in a habitable state. Two interesting members of the new community are two bear cubs, which were captured at Honeydale, and which are chained in front of the Beach Store. They are very knowing youngsters.
Beacon
Sept 5/1912
Eastport Worrying (sounds like Reciprocity would have been good for the Chamcook sardine factory)
There is an election on in Maine, and the newspaper editors are “seeing thing”—as they generally do on such momentous occasions. The editor of the Eastport Citizen sees the finish of the sardine factories and the boneless herring business should a low-tariff government be elected. Says the Citizen:--
Now the future of both of these industries depends entirely on the maintenance of the present high tariff. Remove the tariff from sardines and what will happen? Canada can force her weir men, by imposing an export tax on herring, to sell their catches to the enormous factory at Chamcook, or to the smaller concerns at L’Etang or Black Harbor. Canada could force her weir men to do this, but she wouldn’t have to. The Canadian concerns don’t have to pay the wages to their help that the Eastport factories must. It is said that the Chamcook Co. is importing girls from Norway and Sweden to work for forty or fifty cents a day. Women here often make three dollars per day, and sometimes as much as six or seven. Under these conditions, with no tariff to keep them out of our market, in which they can command the same price as our American packers, the Canadian concerns could forbid our packers at the weirs, and take not only the Canadian herring but the American as well. In that event, Eastport packers would have either to cut down their wages, which are low enough now, or go out of business; and those who now depend on the factories for a living, would have to accept the lower scale of pay, or seek employment on the other side, at Canadian wages.
“So much for sardines. Now for our boneless herring business. At the present time, that is developing into an industry of considerable importance, the more because it furnished employment during the winter, when the sardine factories are closed. The only market for boneless herring is the United States market, and the duty on boneless herring is centering that industry here in Eastport. Remove the duty and the business of putting up boneless herring will move across to Campobello and Grand Manan, where, owing to their nearness to the weirs and their low scale of wages, they can pack heaper than is possible on this side. Even now they pack to a certain extent, and sell their goods on this side, in spite of the duty.
The same is largely true of the handling of good fish of all other kinds. The removal of the duty would simply transfer the business across the border, where they are nearer to the fisheries, and pay lower wages than on this side.”
Norwegian Fisher Girls
100 Pretty Girls for Chamcook Sardine Works
Quite a respectable little bit of old Norway dropped in to St. Andrews on Saturday, when over 100 Norwegian girls and young men were brought here to be housed until their boarding hoses at the Chamcook sardine works is ready for them.
It was a pretty difficult problem that faced the Sardine Company when it was learned on Tuesday that their Norwegian help had arrived at Quebec, and that it would be several weeks before their dwelling were ready, but the situation clarified a good deal when the company were able to get a lease of the clam factory, near the steamboat wharf. (where the old St. Andrews Foundry building was moved for the purpose) Mr. Percy Mills was given authority to turn the factory into a hotel, and with the help of carpenters and other workmen, he had a very presentable place for the girls when they arrived. The two upper floors of the building were turned into a dormitory, and were provided with neat iron beds, “Health” mattresses and an abundance of warm, clean clothing. The lower floor was turned into a diningroom, with a toilet outside. The steam boiler and steam cooker belonging to the clam factory were turned into use to provide heat for the rooms and also to cook the food. When the train arrived on Saturday noon, Mr. Mills had all the tables set and ready for the newcomers. A few flowers and a few all decorations helped to add to the “homeliness” of the interior. The girls,--and there are some pretty ones among them,--appear to be enjoying their holiday in Canada. On Sunday, a large number of them attended service in Greenock Presbyterian church. It will be fortnight or more before they can get to Chamcook.
Two of the smaller fleet of sardine boats belonging to the company have arrived. They were built at Bear River, NS, and are numbered Nos. 4 and 5. Others are expected in a few days.
Beacon
Sept 12/1912
Chamcook Sardine Works
Progress Being Made Norwegian Girls Good Singers
As fast as possible work is being pushed on the Chamcook sardine works. Good progress has been made lately on the industrial plant and the work people’s dwelling, but there is still a great deal to be done.
The Norwegian girls find themselves in fairly comfortable circumstances in their temporary boarding house, but they are anxious to get down to work. Several of the girls were sent back to Norway last week, because they did not fit in, but those who remain are of a superior class, and when they get a change will “make good.”
On Friday night, a number of singers from the Presbyterian congregation visited the Norwegian lodging house, and spent a pleasant hour. Several hymns were rendered in English and in the Norwegian language. The Norwegian girls have good voices and sing well together. Their rendering of several of their Norwegian hymns was a revelation to the local vocalists.
On Sunday evening another interesting choral service was held.
Beacon
Sept 19/1912
New Sardine Plant
Montreal Star. There was a meeting Wednesday afternoon of the directors of the new Canadian Sardine Company Limited, when the report of the plant building operations at Chamcook NB was presented to the board.
Manager Director, F. P. McColl, who was present at the meeting, stated that the new plant would probably be ready by October 15th, as operations had been proceeding satisfactorily since the company took over the construction a month ago. The company has imported 100 expert packers from Norway and 25 from Newfoundland. Orders have been booked ahead which will take the entire output of the new industry next year, and this season’s pack will not be sufficient to fill the demands.
The sardine fishing in the vicinity of Chamcook, which is near St. Andrews by the Sea, has been of a most satisfactory nature. The company for some time has been operating small plant in the vicinity of the new one, and has obtained $5 per case for its output, as compared with the average price of $2.75 secured by the US packing companies, experts declaring that the quality is quite equal to the best sardines put up in Europe.
Mr. George E. Johnson is president of the company, which is the pioneer of its kind in Canada.
The other directors are Sir William Van Horne, G. M. Bosworth, W. R. MacInnes, Tancrede Bienvenue, R. B. Van Horne and F. P. McColl.
Mr. Bowers a Boston fish merchant, who has handled the Maine sardine products for many years, was in St. Andrews last week and inspected the samples that are being put up by the Canadian Sardine Company. He says they are splendid and that a ready market awaits such goods.
“Casarco No. 2,” another of the Canadian Sardine Company’s fleet, arrived from Port Hawkesbury, C. B., on Monday. She is 75 feet overall, and is constructed along he same lines as the “Casarco.” She is supplied with a 60 h.p. engine; Capt. Mariner Marker commands this fine boat. “No. 5” is commanded by Hazen Stuart, No. 4 by Durrell Pendleton, all of Deer Island.
Beacon
Sept 26/1912
The Sardine Business
An effort has been made by some of the Lubec sardine manufacturers to form an agreement with the packers in Eastport to close the plants for the season on the first day of October, owing to extremely low price of the manufactured article, but as the proposition did not entirely meet with the approval of all the packers it was abandoned for the time being.
The Chamcook Sardine Plant
Lubec Herald. The big plant of the Canadian Sardine Company, at Chamcook, NB, a few miles from St. Andrews has in the opinion of the many visitors who have inspected it, reached absolutely the last work in factory construction and equipment. Glass and porcelain tiling, concrete and stone are used largely, fire proof as nearly as possible. Every contrivance and improvement for comfort, economy and sanitary handling of goods is considered a necessity. This company, which will manufacture its own cans, intends not only to confine itself to a few months packing of sardines, but will also keep busy during the year. Among the man specialties it will handle are clams, lobsters, scallops, sardines of every description, canned string beans, peas and berries, squash, baked beans and brown bread (contained in the same can on opposite sides of a central partition) and the humble but savory fish ball. It is said that any thing that is procurable in the raw state and it fit to ear, will be put up in cans by the Canadian Sardine Co., which already has orders enough ahead for the next year’s business. The company pays liberal wages, is erecting comfortable and convenient cottages for its employees and will be a model establishment in every way. Many men and women from this section have been attracted by the new company, which is under the management of Mr. Francis McColl, formerly of the Seacoast Canning Co.
Beacon
Oct 3/1912
Sardine Company to Double Output
Montreal Paper. At a meeting of the directors of the Canadian Sardine Company at Montreal on Tuesday, it was decided to increase the capital of the company from $1,000,000 to $1,600,000. The additional capital will be employed in doubling the capacity of the packing plant at Chamcook NB, which is almost ready for operations.
The company of which Sir William Van Horne and Mr. George F. Johnson Montreal, are the ruling spirits, has enough orders booked at the present time to take the output for the next year, and are enlarging the capacity of the Chamcook factory to be in a ;position to handle other orders available in the industry.
D. Will MacKay, “the up-to-date photographer of SA,” will erect a 2-story hall on his property at upper end of Water Street, 30 x 60 feet. Upper floor for moving pictures, lower floor as auto garage. “During the summer season the building will be supplied with electric lights and the Chamcook water.”
Some Fine Photos—Mr. D. Will MacKay, photographer, has been rushed with order for photos of the Duke of Connaught’s visit. On the day of the public celebration, Mr. MacKay secured a number of good views, one shows the vice-regal party and reception committee moving up the wharf; another the public square, with many motors an carriages; a third, King street with the procession moving towards the school; a fourth, the ceremony at the school, besides a number of Water street and other part of the town. (
Norwegian vice-counsel
Comes Here to Enquire into Some Labor Troubles
Mr. Royden Thomson, Norwegian Vice-consul at Saint John, accompanied by Messrs. Harrison and Macrae, barristers, of Saint John, came here by auto last Thursday, after a pleasant four and half hour run from the city.
Mr. Thomson came here to enquire into complaints that had been made by the male Norwegians with respect to the manner of carrying out the contracts they had made with the Canadian Sardine company. the chief grounds of complaint was that the men were being put at work that their contracts did not call for, that there was unfair discrimination, and that it had been represented to them in Norway that ht fish plant was ready for them to go to work in. Twenty-eight Norwegians were examined under oath through the medium of an interpreter. Managing director McColl and Mr. Bosworth were also examined. The evidence taken will be submitted to the Norwegian Consul at Montreal, who will give decision thereon. In the meantime, as the foreigners are without money, they will be looked after by the Vice-consul. Mr. K. J. Macrae, barrister, of Saint John, was counsel for the Vice-Consul; Mr. Harrison, of Saint John, represented the men’s interest and Hon. George J. Clarke, the Canadian Sardine Company.
St. John Globe
A number of Norwegians who were brought to Chamcook to work in the new sardine factory at that place came to Saint John to consult Mr. Percy W. Thomson, Norwegian Consul. The men say the employers did not keep up their contract. Mr. Thomson will go down to adjudicate the dispute. One of the complaints of the men is that while the company brought out men and their wives and brother and sisters, it now seeks to get rid of the men, or some of the, retaining the women workers.
Showed a Revolver
Frank Hamilton threatens Life of Roy Hatt
Three was trouble at the Hatt boarding house, Chamcook, last Wednesday, which might have ended in a shooting scrape. During he melee, Mrs. Hatt, sr., assaulted Frank Hamilton, of Eastport, and received a blow in the face in return. Miss Hatt and her brother also played a part in the trouble, the brother smashing up his sister’s trunk with an axe, poured kerosene over it and then setting it on fire. When Hamilton drew a revolver on Hatt and threatened to put him out of business, ht services of the town Marshall were called in. Hamilton got out and away. Miss Hatt also went away and said she would return to enter an action against her brother. She claimed that he had destroyed $200 worth of her property.
Boats for Canadian Sardine Company
The Messrs. Oxner, of Lunenburg, expect this week to launch three of the twelve herring boats recently ordered by the Canadian Sardine Co. It will be remembered in this connection that the one called the Casarco was launched from the yard of Messr. W. VC. McKay and Son, of Shelburne, a few weeks ago. Mr. Mclean of Mahone Bay has one about ready and another has been built at Port Hawkesbury. Of the vessels so far built for this company the Shelburne craft has received most favorable comment.—Coast Guard.
Beacon
Oct 10/1912
Many persons took advantage of the summery weather of Sunday last to visit Sir William Van Horne’s beautiful flower gardens, which, even at this late date in the season, are radiant with all manner of blooms. Sir William takes particular delight in having the public visit his grounds.
Chamcook Sardine Project
Hurrying up Works. Norwegian Girls Move. Consul Gives Decision
The workmen at Chamcook, taking advantage of the good weather lately, have been making rapid progress on the new factory plant and dwelling houses. Within a few weeks they will be sufficiently advanced to enable packing to begin.
The officials of the American Canning company, which company will manufacture tins for the big concern are now on the ground getting their outfit installed. Mr. W. E. Taylor, a young man of energy and experience, is in charge of this department. The output of the can making plant will be about 5,000 cans per day. As more machinery is installed this output will be increased.
On Saturday, the Norwegian girls who have been occupying he clam factory as a boarding house for several seeks, were taken to Chamcook and were assigned rooms in their new boarding house. This is a very comfortable building, with a beautiful outlook and provided with all sanitary necessities. Miss Robertson is the matron in charge of the boarding house. She is a very competent young woman.
Mr. J. Roydon Thomson, Norwegian Vice-Consul, who was in St. Andrews on Saturday, stated that the Consul at Montreal had handed down his decision in connection with the complaints of the Norwegian male workers. The substance of his decision was that the company was liable for the board of the men while they were waiting for the plant to be installed. When work was ready for them they were to go to work according to contract. If the men refused to go to work he would come down in person. No damages were awarded the men for alleged breach of contract.
More on Norwegian girls.
Ruts on Bayside road so bad carriages drag bottoms.
Many people frequent Van Horne’s flower gardens in the fall, and are much welcomed by Van Horne.
Beacon
Oct 17/1912
The Sardine Business as it is in Maine
Lubec Herald. According to press reports the sardine business is in a more disorganized condition at present than has been the case since the dissolution of the Maine Mercantile Company some years ago. The markets are overstocked with good, bad and indifferent good, and the season bids fair to be shortened up considerably on account of the entire absence of cooperation of any kind among the different packers.
It is peculiar, but no less true that no other canning industry is subject to the vagaries of the sardine business. They open and close, put up their packs, and nothing gets in the papers. They sell their goods and keep on doing business. Not so with sardines. There have been estimated at be 6,783 different things that can happen to interfere with them from opening time to the close of the legal packing season and the estimate is conservative. The sardine business has more inherent diseases than you can find in a patent medicine almanac. Since the so-called “combine” went out of business it has been a go-as-you-please, devil-take-the-hindmost, quantity-packing industry, which although reported to be “settled” a number of times is yet in its infancy as regard any known basis of calculation.
With ninety percent of the sardine pack of the country confined to Washington County, it is strange that a centralized business is subject to such disorganization year after year. There ought to be some ready remedy which while not requiring more money from the consumer for the article, would put better money into the hands of the packer, the employee and the general public.
Might it not lie in cooperation—not merely apparent but real and genuine?
Beacon
Oct 24/1912
Maine Sardine Situation
Lubec Herald.
The early closing of the factories is a plain evidence that it is a business not to be depended upon with any certainty, but one which goes in streaks as it were—a good year and a bad one at regular intervals. This year will pass as a year in which neither the packers themselves nor any employees are under suspicion of having laid up any money. It is the fault of the system. There are fish in plenty, splendid equipment, fine boats, new and improved machinery running into the hundreds of thousands, ready employees and able men behind the business. The worm in the hear of the industry is too much competition, too little attention to quality, no uniformity, no cooperation, ad methods which are at times suggestive of murder and suicide from a business point of view. It may not be seemly to comment thus on the largest industry in the county, but events bear out the statements and have borne them out for a good many years.
It is an absurdity that any food producing industry should be interfered with as sardines have been. They ought to occupy as respectable and legitimate a place in the food line as canned beef or vegetables and be as generally used by the public. There are a few thins that can bring this about, and doubtless the packers, jobbers and retailers all know what they are.
There are too many dollars invested, too many energetic men behind the business, and too many thousands of people dependent upon it, for the sardine industry to be anything but what it should be—a perfect producing and selling organization, which will require no new legislation, which will look upon speculation as detrimental to itself and which will have the same standing s other industries having the same capital invested in the production o human foods.
Eastport Sardine Outlook
Eastport, October 17. E. A. Holmes Packing Co. has closed its factory for the season, and the Blanchard Mfg. C. took its last fish on Wednesday, October 16. All factories of the Sea Coast Canning Co both in this city and Lubec are still putting up sardines and will continue to do so as long as suitable fish can be obtained. The independent factories in Lubec have all closed for the season and a large number of people will be without employment during the entire winter months.
Beacon
Nov 7/1912
Three Norwegian youths, in a semi-intoxicated condition, were seen to pocket a number of articles in Thomas Odell’s store, the other afternoon, while the proprietor’s back was turned. When Mr. Odell heard of it he went through the pockets of two of them, and succeeded in recovering some gloves and neckties. The third man escaped.
Canadian Sardine Co. Notes
There is quite a family to feed at the Chamcook sardine works just now, 450 sat down to dinner the other day. Clarence Lank, who was in NS looking after the fitting out of the Sardine Company’s fishing fleet, has completed his task and has returned to St. Andrews. The last of the Casarco fleet arrived last week, when nos. 8 and 9 reported at St. Andrews. These were built at Mary’s Bay, NS. They are captained by Guy Flynn and Clinton Pendleton, two capable men. Thirty young women from Newfoundland arrived at Chamcook last week to work in the Sardine Company’s factory.
Charged with throwing a knife
A conflict of authority which arose among the women in charge of the Chamcook boarding houses, culminated last week in a case in the police court. T was alleged on one side, and the statement was supported by several witnesses, that Mrs. Neilson, Norwegian, had thrown a knife at Miss Robertson. Mrs. Neilson, who gave her evidence in her native tongue through the medium of an interpreter, declared that she had not thrown a knife at Miss Robertson. In her excitement at being accused of inciting trouble among the Norwegian girls, she had thrown her knife on the floor. She had several voluble witnesses to support her statement. F. H Grimmer appeared for the prosecution; Mrs. Neilson conducted her own defence. The magistrate decided in favor of the complainant, and a fine of $10 or 30 days’ jail was imposed. The fine was allowed to stand.
Beacon
Nov 14/1912
Sardine not a Herring
Washington, November 7
A herring is a herring. Assistant Secretary Curtis today answered the question: What is a herring? which has been before the treasury department for many months. It was recently discovered that many importations of sardines were coming into the United Stats under the guise of herring, the duty on which is much lower than on other fish. The Treasury Department made a deep study of the families and relationship of fish, deciding that anchovies, sardines, sprats, pilchards and alewives are not herring and should be assessed thirty per cent ad valorem duty when shipped in tons and small packages and three fourth of one percent when shipped in casks, etc. The decision becomes effective in thirty days.
Canadian Sardine Co. Notes
A large potato warehouse is about to be erected on the company’s grounds in Chamcook. It will be heated by steam and will hold a large quantity of the tubers.
The Norwegian Consul came down from Montreal last Saturday and made personal enquiry into labor conditions among he Norwegian laborers here. The clam factory has been fitted up for the manufacture of some of the Company’s samples this winter. Already a number of men are working there.
The announcement is made that Mr. J. Hayden Horsey, for the past seven years manager of the Montreal branch of the Dominion Bank, had been appointed manger of the banks’ branch in London, England.
Beacon
Nov 21/1912
Chamcook Plant
Steam is Up and Factory will soon be Ready
The building up of the new Chamcook sardine town goes on apace. The works are now pretty well enclosed, and on Saturday steam was run through some of the buildings. Just when the factory will be ready for packing cannot be stated, as there are a number of things yet lacing about the plants.
The army of carpenters and masons, who are busy erecting dwellings, are making good progress. Several double cottages and cottages for four families have been finished, while the big terra cotta boarding houses with tier immense dining hall, capable of seating about 300 girls is almost finished. The working girls are now comfortably housed, and with little to do except dress themselves, eat, sleep, and draw their pay, they are having a good time.
The Company maintains a rigid watch on the entrance of the grounds to prevent strangers from entering. It has been found necessary to erect a lock up to care for any troublesome members of the colony or unwelcome visitors.
It is complained that there is s a lot of liquor being peddled on the outside of the works. As no Scott Act inspector has been sworn in since the death of Mr. McCallum, these peddlers have had a pretty free hand. The sooner an official is appointed the betters.
The provincial government will have to pay some more attention to the roads in this vicinity. In the vicinity of the Beach and Hatt stores, the road is so full of deep ruts and gulleys caused by the large number of teams passing over it, that it is now almost impossible. Something should be done at once.
There is also a crying need in the outside village for a better observance of Sunday laws. Business is carried on on Sunday just as openly as during other days of the week. It is not surprising that foreigners should think that there were no laws worth observing in Canada.
Beacon
Nov 28/1912
Canadian Sardine Co. Notes
The army of workmen at the new sardine town are gradually bringing order out of the chaos of the past few months. The offices at the works have now been sufficiently completed to admit of the office staff entering into possession, which they did on Saturday last. The town offices at Andraeleo hall are now vacated.
Misses Edna Fuller, Madge Rigby, Alice Lank, and Jennie marten, the young ladies who assist Secretary-treasurer Haycock in looking after the business end of the Company’s affairs, started out to their duties at Chamcook for the first time on Monday morning. They have had very comfortable home quarters provided them in the Company’s residence, and will remain there during the winter.
Managing director McColl told the Beacon that early in the coming month the work of putting up sardines, clams and the other products which the factory will pack, will be begun.
On Saturday, mechanical supt. Kirnin, who has been one of the busiest men at the works got the big elevator running. The Company’s hotel and offices, and the street of the new town, were also illuminated with electrics for the first time on Saturday last. A 200 hp Corliss engine, backed up with 3150 hp boilers, provides the power for the dynamos and the other works.
the work of putting up samples of sardines, kippered herring, baked beans and brown bread, fish cakes, clams, bouillon, etc., which has been carried on for a short time past under the supervision of Messrs. Follis and Morris, at the clam factory in town, will be transferred to the Chamcook building next week.
Mr. Charles Haycock, the hustling Secretary Treasurer of the Canadian Sardine Company, will shortly occupy the Boyd cottage at Chamcook. Mr. Hoyt, of the NB telephone Company, has been putting in a telephone exchange at the new sardine town at Chamcook lately. A beginning will be made with 15 poles.
Beacon
Dec 5/1912
Canadian Sardine Co. Notes
A new note reverberates through the Chamcook hills. It is the big steam whistle of the new sardine plant, which starts the echoes answering from hill to hill.
The Company has begun the canning of clams. Can-making will be begun next week in the big can-making plant. It is being operated by the American Can-Making Company.
The Canadian sardine Company has been buying potatoes lately at $1.25 per barrel.
Beacon
Dec 12/1912
The Canadian Stores (Chamcook) have erected a temporary amusement hall on their property alongside the new sardine town.
Beacon
Dec 26/1912
Chamcook Notes
The sound of the workman’s hammer is still being heard at the new sardine town at Chamcook. In addition to the large factory buildings and offices, of concrete, there are now three hotels and large dining hall of terra cotta and cement, five double cottages, three quadruple cottages and a number of shacks, of wood.
A new piano has been installed in the big dining hall.
A Christmas tree—the first in the new town—will be one of the features this week.
Norwegian Troubles
The Norwegian consul was here last week, enquiring into troubles arising in connection with the Norwegian help at Chamcook. About twenty of them had been laid off for insubordination and other causes. It is said that a determination was reached to return the malcontents to Norway. One of the complaints made by the Norwegians was with respect to the food supplied. The consul was invited to partake of dinner with the help, and he found an abundance of excellent food. (doesn’t seem as though the help is quite of the “superior sort” described by Armstrong)
First Baby in New town
The first baby to be born in the new sardine town at Chamcook arrived last week to brighten the humble cabin of Mr. and Mrs. Longa. The father of he child to whom this honor belongs is the Italian foreman at the new works. The baby boy has been christened Casarco, this combination being made up of the first letters of the Canadian Sardine Company. It is needless to add that the new town is proud of its first human produce.
Beacon
Jan 2/1913
Its First Christmas
The New Canning Town Welcomes Saint Nicholas
The folly old Christmas saint has promoted many a merry Christmas entertainment during his merry career, but it is very doubtful if he ever gave his countenance to a merrier gathering than that which assembled in the big dining hall at the new canning town of Chamcook last week to mark the celebration of its first Christmas. No pains had been spared by the management to make the function a success. The immense room, which was opened to the public for the first time, was beautifully decorated, and was fairly ablaze with electric lights. Standing in a prominent place in the hall was a massive Christmas tree, bedecked with colored electric bulbs and weighted down with a vast number of Christmas favors. Such precious fruit was never carried on a tree in Chamcook before. Add to this illumination and decoration, 250 gaily dressed young people, laughing an chatting, their faces beaming with fun and laughter, and some idea can be formed of the scene which presented itself on Christmas eve, when the orchestra began to play and the young folks began to line up for the opening dance.
Miss Robertson, superintendent of the women’s department, and Mr. King, of the mechanical department, led off the merry dancers.
The hours sped along, and dance followed dance as fast as the prompter, Mr. C. Parker, could call them off. A feature of the evening was the dance of the Norwegian girls around the Christmas tree. The dancers formed in a series of circles around the blazing tree, singing Norwegian Christmas Carols and dancing the Christmas dance of their country. It made a most inspiring scene.
When intermission came, the Norwegian girls, through the assistant matron, Miss Severina Danielsen, presented Miss Robertson with a toilet sett of ebony, also an ebony manicure sett. The names of the Norwegian girls who had thus shown their esteem for the superintendent were written on the address which accompanied the presents. Miss Robertson was greatly pleased with this manifestation of appreciation and thanked the girls most heartily. Then the “Casarco” bon-bon boxes, which had been specially supplied by Ganong Bros., candy manufacturers, of SS, were distributed from the Christmas tree among the girls. Very many of the young people took advantage of the occasion to present each other with Christmas gifts. Several songs were rendered in English and Norwegian; then the dancing was resumed, and was kept up without interruption until the morning sun of Christmas Day burst upon their festivities.
Throughout Christmas Day, at intervals, the dancing was carried on, the dancers showing little weariness.
The feature of Christmas Day was the Christmas dinner at 3:30. Three hundred pounds of turkey, to say nothing of the loads of other sweetmeats, graced the tables, and every one was filled to the bursting point. It was the unanimous opinion that the Christmas programme was a pronounced success.
About 100 cases of clams are being packed daily at the canning works. The output will shortly be increased. It is expected that the packing of other fish products will be taken up at an early day. Great quantities of potatoes and fish are now in stock to be used in the manufacture of fish cakes.
Norwegians mentioned in Christmas festivities at Cannery. Also tree with electric lights.
CPR recently acquired Dominion Atlantic Railway in NS
St. Croix Courier
Jan 9/1913
Deed
Jan 13, 1913
Canadian Sardine Company Ltd. to Sir William Van Horne for one dollar “all that parcel of land being a port of the Chamcook estate, situate at Chamcook . . . recently conveyed to the Canadian Sardine Company Limited by F. Howard Grimmer and wife by deed dated the 8th day of December last past . . . 26 and 3/4th acres
Notes from Sardine Town
Affairs at the new sardine canning town are gradually getting down to a business basis. The management is weeding out all undesirable help, being determined to maintain a good reputation for the new community. In addition to the canning of clams which is being vigorously prosecuted, the company are putting up large quantities of dried hake for the West India market. Carpenters, masons, plumbers and painters have been employed lately in remodelling and otherwise improving the interior of the Boyd house, which is b\to be occupied by Mr. Charles Haycock, treasurer of the Company. The house occupies a pretty site.
Thousands of raspberry, blackberry and strawberry plants and many fruit trees have been planted on the Company’s far (the Boyd place) the product of which will later on form a part of the output of the Company’s canning plant.
A mill for the manufacture of box shooks will shortly be begun.
The Canadian Sardine Company is drying large qualities of hake for he West India market this winter.
Beacon
Jan 23/1913
A Social Evening At Chamcook
With the kind permission and approval of Mr. McColl, the large reception hall, on the premises of the Canadian Sardine Co., at Chamcook, was the scene on Tuesday, of lat week, of a cheerful and pleasant function. A party of friends representing various churches, very acceptably rendered a program of music, reading and recitations. there was a piano duet beautifully executed by Mrs. B. Rigby and Miss Kerr; there were reading by Mrs Andrews, William Morrow and Mr. Hobson, all of a humorous turn. Miss Hilda Finnigan, whose composure and “aplomb” evidently pleased the audience, gave a short recitation, and Mrs. Bartlett of Bayside, gave one of her inimitable recitations in character. Mr. Morrow and Mrs. Putman sang songs, Mrs. B. Rigby and Miss Gardiner sang a duet, and all the ladies a ballad—all very much appreciated. Our Norwegian friends contributed two choruses, sung in fine harmony, and a violin solo. Last but not least, was the generous contribution provided by Miss Robertson, and the assisting ladies—coffee and cake for everybody. The everybody numbered not less than 150, including visitors from Chamcook and St. Andrews. It was a notice to the stranger within our gates that they have friends who wish them well.
Looking After the Norwegian Girls
Norwegian Consul Koren came down from Montreal last week to enquire into the case of a number of Norwegian female employees at the Chamcook works. Mr. Koren had an arrangement with a town boarding house keeper whereby disgruntled Norwegians were boarded until he had an opportunity to personally enquire into their grievances. The result of the existence of this haven of refuge was that quite a bunch of girls came in with real or fancied complaints and were lodged in town at their country’s expense. When Mr. Koren came here and investigated he found that his good intentions were being abused. He forthwith despatched 2 or 3 girls back to Chamcook, others he sent to Montreal and Toronto t seek employment and four were left on the town’s hands as he could not recommend for employment elsewhere. He advised that they be deported. Their names were Kamila Wiche, Dagney Johanessen, Betzy Anderson and thora Svensohn, all hailing from Bergen, Norway. Proceedings for deportation were begun and in the meantime the girls were looked after b y the town authorities.
While here, at the suggestion of the Mayor, a conference was held between the town authorities, Manager McColl and the Consul. As a result of this conference, the Consul decided that he would, no longer maintain a shelter home in town. It was felt that this would lead to better discipline at the works. Manger McColl agreed with this view. He promised to look closely after the interests of he foreign employees, and agreed to promptly furnish the town authorities with the names of all foreigners who were dismissed from the works and who were likely to become public charges. These people will be placed under strict surveillance pending their deportation. The Consul expressed satisfaction with the result of the conference, and thought it would lead to a better understanding all round.
Wheels and Wheels
Some of the Things Seen at the Big Canning Works
“Come out and see the wheels go round,” was the cordial invitation extended to the Beacon reporter by Manger McColl, of the Canadian Sardine Company, the other day.
And the reporter went out to the big factory at Chamcook and saw so many wheels going around, so many whirring places of machinery acting with almost human instinct, so many evidences of industrial energy and ingenuity, that he found it difficult to believe that he was within the borders of the quiet little parish of St. Andrews.
In connection with this plant, one does not know which is calculated to excite the greatest admiration,--the natural beauty or commercial advantages of the situation, the largeness of things about the factory plant, the elaborateness and perfection of detail, intricate labor saving devices, completeness of the sanitary arrangements, or the evidences of interest in the health and comfort of the employees of the big plant which are everywhere discernible.
Of course there is much yet to be done. When it is considered that less than a year ago, Ross’s Point, where the new town was been established, was nothing more than a cow pasture and that today it contains an industrial plant that has no peer in Canada., if anywhere else in the world, the wonder is that so much has been done. There is a great deal of machinery yet to be installed, many parts of the buildings to be finished, several industrial accessories yet to be supplied, many workmen’s dwellings still to be built, but enough has been done to enable the Company to begin the labor of manufacturing.
At the present time the Company is confining itself to the canning of clams and to the curing of dried fish for the Wet Indian and South American markets. To these lines will be added when fish are procurable, the packing of sardines in several forms, also the manufacture of fish cakes, of baked beans and brown bread, the canning of fruits and the production of a variety of other valuable food products. There is n limit to the possibilities of the plant.
The clams are brought to the factory from various parts of Passamaquoddy Bay and Bay of Fundy and are landed in boats at the Company’s factory. After being hoisted into the factory building on the wharf, they are lifted by elevator to the floors above, where they are shelled. The clams thus removed are placed in a water conduit and conveyed by gravitation to the packing building some distance off, the running water cleansing and carrying them at the same time.
The packing room represents the very latest in the line, both as regard convenience in handling and in sanitation. The floors are of smooth concrete; the walls sheathed half way up with white enamelled tiles, there is light everywhere. The packing rooms are arranged in units of 100 tables. These tables have smooth, polished steel tops, with a swinging adjustable seat for the operator attached to each. A conveyor is continually in motion between the rows of tables, carrying the filled cans to the sealing room. There is device,--when sardines are being packed,--whereby oil is automatically placed in each can as it passes to the sealing machines. After being sealed, the caps are carried through the other processes of manufacture by means of overhead conveyors and the like.
The fish that are being dried for the southern markets are also prepared in this building, the drying being carried on by means of an air blast. The cold air from the outside passing through rows of steam pipes is driven with the force of a Chinese typhoon among the flakes of shish in the drying room. The smoking arrangements in connection with this building are very complete.
When the necessary ovens have been placed, the work of putting up fish cakes, baked beans and brown bread etc., will be proceeded with.
The cans are manufactured by the American Canning Company, in a large building adjoining the packing room, the process of manufacture being a very interesting one. The power for the driving of the electric dynamo which operate the plant and also furnishes power for the electric lighting of the Company’s buildings, dwelling houses and streets, comes from a Corliss engine of 150 horse power, three steam boilers being necessary to supply the steam therefore.
The sanitary arrangements about the factory are very complete. There are no square corners, even on the floors, when refuse may lodge, and sluices alongside the packing tables and at other points are provided for the carrying off of all waste products. The toilets are of the most modern description. In addition to the ordinary flushing, shower baths are provided.
The offices are very large, well ventilated and roomy, with a most attractive outlook.
The rails of the CPR run down to the company’s packing house, giving every facility for the transhipment of goods.
In addition to the works indicated above, the foundations are now being laid for the erection of a mill for the manufacture of box shooks. The Company has its own lumber on its land which can be used for this purpose for a time.
No description of the Canadian Sardine Company’s works would be complete without some reference to the hotels, dining rooms and dwelling houses which the Company have already erected, or which they will erect before another season. The women employees are housed in large hotels, or boarding houses, which are supplied with all the conveniences the male workers are accommodated in other buildings within and without he Company’s reservation. Before another season comes around a large boarding house for the men will be erected.
The water for the plant and for the hotels and dwelling houses comes form Chamcook Lake and is recognized as being of the purest description.
Beacon
Feb 13/1913
The Canadian Sardine Company began packing sardines last week, having been able to get quantities of suitable fish from the vicinity of L’Etang.
Norway Sardines a Failure
A prominent firm of New York importers state as follows: Unfortunately the sardine situation is unchanged and if possible, wore, because the catch in Norway has not improved, but, on the contrary, it is so bad that he fishermen are contemplating giving up fishing for the time until they can see better prospects. Not a single one of the packers in Norway has been able to fill even a fair part of the contracts they have entered into before the season commenced. The scarcity of Norway sardines begins to make itself felt and prices are higher all along the line and some of he best known brands are out of the market for the present. there can be no change in the French sardine situation because that catch has been over and in Portugal unfortunately , they are packing but very little and not nearly enough to keep us going.
Beacon
Feb 20/1913
French Sardine Industry
The sardine packers of France have of late, as a consequence of the very poor catch of the past few years, decided to close all their factories along the coast of Brittany and Vendee. The fishermen were poorly equipped, could not go far off the coast, and as a consequence, their catches have been very trifling. They were unable t supply the factories with sufficient quantity of fish and when they secured a good catch asked very high prices for it. The manufacturers claim that the Spanish and Portuguese fish are sold a very low price, and they cannot compete with the foreign goods Over 100 factories closed on Jan 1, 1913, and many others, it is said, will close before the end of January. It is also said that several manufacturers will re-establish their works in Spain and Portugal. The manufacturers’ decision affects quite a number of industries, such as tin can factories, olive oil works, etc, and in Brittany along 50,000 people will be put out of employment.
The big Fish Plant
Shook Mill Finished. Ice House Begun. All Ready for Bakes Beans and Brown Bread.
The work of development is still proceeding at the Canadian Sardine Company’s works. Last week, Foreman Rigby completed the erection of the new shook mill, being only 15 days on the job. One of the Company’s officials wagered a silk hat that he could not do it in 26 working days. As he did it in almost half that time, another hat should be thrown in. the building is of wood, 100 x 28 feet. The Company’s carpenters have now begun the construction of an ice-house, 70 x 50 feet.
The labor of making cans in the can-making plant has been going on for several days. Just at present it is being confined to round cans and quarter oils. The oven for the manufacture of bakes beans and brown bread and such like products has just been completed, and work on these lines will probably begin at once. A carload of beans arrived last week.
The Canadian Stores Limited are running their moving picture show every night except Sunday changing films every night. This is in addition to their general business, of which Mr. Robert Strain is manger.
Norwegian consul Koren, of Montreal, paid a visit to Chamcook on Saturday. On Monday, several Norwegian girls and men took their departure for the United States. One Norwegian family was turned back at Eastport. Thirty-five French Canadian girls arrived at the works on Tuesday.
Eastport girls as Instructors
A number of girls from this city, who have had experience in the can-making plant of the American Can o., have been engaged by the Canadian Sardine Co., at Chamcook to work in the Can Plant there and to instruct the Norwegian and French –Canadian girls in operating the machines.—Eastport Sentinel
Beacon
March 20/1913
French Canadians girls Arrive at Chamcook
Over seventy French Canadian girls from the North Shore and from Nova Scotia points arrived at the Chamcook works on Saturday. These girls, who appear to be a very respectable, well-behaved lot, are displacing some of the Norwegian help, who have left the Company’s employ. There are now about 250 girls at these works and when the factory begins to take fish in larger quantities they will be able to turn out a lot of work.
The clam factory in own will be opened again for the manufacture of the luscious shell fish. The Sardine Company have decided to put yup their clams here for a while, and have placed Messrs. Leavitt and Seavey in charge as before.
Beacon
April 10/1913
Chamcook Sardine Plant
Business is moving along quietly at the Chamcook sardine works. Last week, about 100 hogsheads of sardines were manufactured. As the fish become more plentiful, and the work-people more proficient, very much larger quantities than this can be handled.
There was a general clean-up of carpenters, masons, painters, etc., on Saturday last. After this, all buildings are to be erected by contract.
Schooner Samuel Castner, Capt. Hooper discharged 353 tons of “buckwheat” anthracite coal at Chamcook last week.
The Canadian Sardine Company have shipped their first sardine manufactures. The article the Company are putting up is of a particularly fine quality and o difficulty will be experienced in disposing of it.
The Clam factory at the steamboat wharf is now packing clams for the Sardine Company, with Messrs. Leavitt and Seavey in charge.
Beacon
April 17/1913
Opening of Sardine Season
The sardine factories at Eastport opened for the season on Tuesday. Fish are reported plentiful and there are indications of a good season. On Monday, the weirs at Chamcook, within a few rods of the big factory, were able to supply sufficient fish to keep the factory working all day. Up to the present time the Canadian Sardine Company has been paying $6 per hhd.
Beacon
May 1/1913
The Chamcook Factory
Poem by William F. Wren
Sardines led other fishes in value
That the sardine, or small herring, catch of NB lat year represented in money over a million and a quarter dollars, or to be exact, $1,236,551 was shown by William McLean, school inspector, in the course of an interesting lecture before the members of the Natural History Society at Saint John , last week.
A Great Factory
“Nothing is equal to it in the world for completeness of equipment” was the remarked dropped by an American packer, while discussing the Chamcook sardine plant the other day. Built in the very heart of the sardine fishing grounds, easily approached from salt water; with abundance of the finest fresh water in the world right at its door; with the rails and steamship lines of the CPR bringing it into touch with the entire world; with mechanical appointments of the very latest design; with sanitary arrangements that cannot be excelled, there would seem to be nothing in the way of its success unless it would be an utter failure of the fisheries or reckless mismanagement. The former contingency is one that is not likely to arise, while the latter should be equally remote.
Sardine Business in Maine
The sardine season of 1913 is well underway and thus far two factories of the Seacoast Canning Co have received fish, Nos. 3 and 7, and it is expected that no 5 will commence operations today and No. 1 some time during the latter part of the week. McNichol Bros. plant is in active operation, while the factory of the Blanchard Mfg. and Canning Co, opened for the season on Monday. It is thought that the other canners will rapidly fall into line, and the Seacoast Canning Co will open their largest plant Factory No. 4 as soon as necessary repairs and alterations are made.
Beacon
May 15/1913
Maine Packers Don’t Like New Tariff
Eastport Sentinel. A conference of the sardine packers in this vicinity was held at Bangor Thursday to take some action relative to the probably effect of the proposed new tariff on the sardine business in Maine, and to consider the advisability of sending a committee to Washington to protest against the reduction of duty as proposed in the bill now pending. It was decided to send a committee and to employ counsel and it sis expected that a hearing on the subject will be held in Washington on may 7, at which time a number of the packers will be present at give their views. As the tariff now stands, there is a duty of about $2.20 per case of 100 boxes or cans on foreign sardines, and it is proposed to reduce this to about 55 cents, which would no doubt be disastrous to the industry in this city and other places in the state where sardines are packed.
Beacon
Aug 7/1913
Canadian Sardine Co. Affairs
The affairs of the Canadian Sardine Co have been the subject of conferences lately between leading members of the directorate, including President Johnson, Mr. Bosworth and Sir William Van Horne, and General Manger Richardson, of the Bank of Nova Scotia. On Tuesday afternoon, a meeting was held at Sir William Van Horne’s residence, and an adjournment was made until the following day, without a conclusion being reached.
Beacon
Aug 14/1913
To those who have watched the progress of events at Chamcook, since the inception of the sardine enterprise, it is not a matter of very great surprise that the directors of the Canadian Sardine Company should have decided to suspend operation until the outlook seemed a little clearer. Albeit, it is al matter of regret to the public and to the working people that this course should have been rendered necessary, but perhaps it is better in the interest of everybody that the agony should be over as quickly as possible. A permanent and ample market is undoubtedly a very great essential to the ultimate success of the enterprise, but there are other essentials which must be apparent to the hard-headed capitalists who are backing this large undertaking. We are glad to be assured by a leading official of this company that the suspension is not likely to be a lengthy one.
Canning Works Suspend
Expects to Resume Work in a Few Weeks
As a result of the deliberations of the directors of the Canadian Sardine Company, it has been decided to suspend operations, for a time at least, in their canning works at Chamcook.
All of the Company’s boats took a number of the employees to Nova Scotia, the rest have scattered to other points. The mammoth engine has been stopped, the hum of industry has ceased, and all is quiet in the new town that started a few months ago full of such bright hopes.
Just how long the suspension is to last no one seems to know positively—some say three weeks, others a much longer period. In conversation with some of their friends, members of the directorate have said that work will be resumed when a sufficient market has been found for the output of the factory, and a more economical administration has been assured. President Johnson, it is said, will go to England to see what can be done towards procuring a larger market on the other side of the water, and in the meantime a reorganization of the Company’s affairs will take place here.
The closing of the works, even temporarily, is s serious bow to many people, and it is to be hoped that a speedy adjustment of the Company’s trouble will be reached.
In connection with the present situation, the following letters have been addressed to the creditors of the Company:
Canadian Sardine Company
SA, NB. August 8, 1912
Dear Sir:
I enclose a copy of a letter which, in substantially the same form, has been sent to a number of the creditors of the Canadian Sardine Company, Limited, and which was intended to make clear the general situation of the Company as it was up to the past week. Since that time a Conference has been held between a number of the Directors of the Company and its Banker and some of the general creditors. Some of the Directors have expressed their willingness to furnish the necessary means for paying off the Company’s general creditors and a reasonable amount for carrying on the business, provided that they can e assured of a thoroughly efficient management of the manufacturing department, and provided that they find that the markets for the Company’s products are approximately as have been stated to them; and there is no reason to doubt that these conditions can be satisfactorily met.
The Company’s Bankers have looked into the situation and have expressed their willingness, to afford all the assistance that could be reasonably expected of them in the readjustment of its affairs.
The Directors, after the conference referred to, have declared that, pending the necessary enquiries concerning the markets, the reorganization for the working departments, the payment of the floating debt, and the provision of the necessary working capital, it will be best, both for the company and its creditors, to shut down the works until the proposed arrangements may enable them to be started again under such conditions as will insure profitable results.
The works themselves, together with all the equipment and accessories, including the housing of the large number of employees required, are complete and no further capital expenditure is required. The works are in readiness to be started again at a moment’s notice hen the reorganization of the working department and the necessary financial arrangements are completed, and it is expected that all this will be very quickly done.
The works of the Company are by far more complete and perfect than any other, both as regard facilities for high-class products and general sanitary conditions, and they are so situated as to command the most ample and certain fish supply known anywhere; and they have, at the same time, exceptional whipping facilities both by rail land by water. IT follows that with proper managements the business should be more profitable here than elsewhere.
W. F. Lynch
Secretary Treasurer
July 25/1913
Dear Sir,
We are as anxious as you could be to settle for reduce your account, and all others, but at this moment it is an impossibility. I need not remind you of the extremely bad financial conditions prevailing in Canada and elsewhere. These have prevented our getting the new money we had every reason to expect. There is apparently no hope of getting a dollar of new capital until the situation is very much improved, and I do not hesitate to tell you frankly what our particular situation is.
The works, machinery and general outfit coast a great deal more than was estimated. Up to this time, although very much better off than our neighbors in the supply of fish, we have not had enough to run the works at more than one fifth of their capacity, and it is impossible for a manufacturing concern to run in this way and make a profit; indeed with the overhead charges a loss is certain. At this season we should have an ample supply of fish to run the works to their full capacity and we are hoping for this from day to day. We have got beyond the limit of our bank advances, and against these advances the bank holds our entire issue of bonds--$300,000—together with our oils and other materials for manufacturing as collateral. We have a considerable amount of bills Payable and Accounts Payable, and the people to whom these are due can, if they wish, make us serious trouble, but it would, no doubt, be bad policy on their part to do this because it would necessarily result in the surrender of everything in the bank.
We are convinced that the business is a profitable one; we know that our product is of the highest character and that there is wide demand for it, and that when the fish comes, we shall be able to work at a profit and work out of our difficulties if we have a chance. I can only assure you that the leading stockholders are vastly more concerned about the interests of the creditors of the Company than they are about he heavy loss which would fall upon themselves in the event of a stoppage, and I may say that some of the Directors have, within the past few months, become responsible as unconditional guarantors for large amounts in the hope of keeping things going until the business could be fully established, and they cannot be expected in these time to do more in this way.
W. F. Lynch
Secretary-Treasurer
Mr. Lynch stated to the Beacon that it is expected work will be resumed under a reorganized plan in about three weeks. The assurances that the Company have received with respect to the outlook for the factory’s output have been of a very satisfactory character, and he can see no present reason, provided the creditors do not force a foreclosure, why work should not be resumed at an early day. He says that all the working people and all the fishermen to whom bills are owing will be paid off at once. President Johnson will go to England at once to look into market conditions there.
Beacon
Aug 21/1913
The Chamcook Pant
With the exception of a few workmen who are placing the machinery and other parts of the pant in order, almost all the work-people attached to the Chamcook Canning works have gone to their homes. No further information has been given out with respect to a resumption of business, but the representatives of the company seem confident that an early stat will be made.
CPR Owned No Stock in Chamcook Plant
Bangor Commercial. The report that the CPR owned stock in the Canadian Sardine Company, whose million dollar plant at Chamcook NB, was recently closed, printed in the Commercial on August 9, was incorrect. A statement made by Vice-President Ogden of the CPR to the Commercial, states that he road never has owned stock in the sardine company, and that it has never had an interest in it, either directly or indirectly.
Having purchased a large stock of Clothing for the Chamcook trade, and the works at that place having closed down, I find myself with a heavy stock of good which I must dispose of, hence the reduction in prices, all of which are genuine bargains. P. G. Hanson, Clothier, St. Andrews.
Beacon
Sept 4/1913
Everybody in this section will be glad when the new canning plant resumes its operations. The suspension of the enterprise, even though it be temporary, only serves to emphasize the necessity of the US market being kept open and unhampered for our weir fishermen. If they were wholly dependent on the local plant they would be in a pretty hard situation just now.
Beacon
Oct 9/1913
The Chamcook Works
Expects to Resume on a Moderate Scale
The hope is that the sardine canning plant at Chamcook will resume operations before long on a more moderate basis than that on which the plant began a year ago. A few men are now engaged in labelling up the manufactured goods o hand. It is doubtful, however, if there will be any extended work until Spring opens.
the Montreal Star had this to say on Friday last:--
“Officials of the Canadian Sardine Company, whose big plant at Chamcook, NB, has been closed down for some time, announce that they expect to resume operations within a few days. The company has started a number of hands at work making boxes, cans, etc. it is said that about 100 hands will be employed when the factory begins to handle fish again. That means the company will only attempt to operate the plant to a small proportion of its capacity.”
The Canadian Stores Ltd., as will be seen by announcement elsewhere, feel sufficiently encourage by the outlook to continue their business at Chamcook. A new lighthouse is being built at the entrance to Chamcook channel. It is being built by the Marine department by days work.
Beacon
Oct 30/1913
New US Tariff
How It Struck the Sardine Men of Lubec
Here and there the new tariff strikes a community as something very real, and not simply as an interesting document that Congress has been discussing, says, the Boston Herald. Lubec, Maine, a town that is farther east than Eastport itself, though Eastport usually steals its laurels in this respect, has learned that the new tariff is more than a vague, distant and intangible economic theory. Last Tuesday, for the first time since a steamer has been running between Saint John and Boston, the Boston steamer did not stop at Lubec on its way west. Instead, the captain sent word ashore that the steamer was loaded to its capacity with Canadian potatoes, and other farm produce now admitted to the United States free of duty, and that it could take no Lubec freight to Boston. On the Lubec wharves were several thousand cases of sardines waiting shipment on rush orders, and standing around were several cores of laborers, waiting the $3 that would come to each as his payment for loading.
A small matter, no doubt, but it has loomed pretty big in the general conversation of eastern Maine for the past few days, and there are other communities that twill understand the significance of the incident. Of course, other steamers will bring the sardines later and the delay will probably work no harm. But how about the cargo of Canadian potatoes and other produce? Does it mean lower prices in the Boston market? What housewife sees the difference. Yet, in theory there should be a sudden drop of 25 cents a bushel in the price of potatoes, for that was the duty now removed.
Beacon
Dec 11/1913
Chamcook Plant
Lubec Paper Hears Favorable News of Opening
Lubec Herald. A resident of St. Andrews who is in a position to know what is being said in regard to the big Chamcook plant, told the Herald Monday that the thought there was little doubt that the factory with its connected industries such as go with an immense canning plant, would undoubtedly reopen in the spring of 1914. While not making the direct statement, our correspondent hints that there may be a scheme on foot to freeze out the small stockholders, and put the big plant in to the hands of a few men, who after calling vainly on the “little fellows” for more cash to start this up, will then put it up themselves—and there is no doubt but what they have got it.
Such men as Sir William Van Horne, Sir Thomas Shaughnessy and other men whose names are household words for success in the Dominion, are not, says our informant, going to let a little job like getting Chamcook in motion, stop them. They have tunnelled too many mountains and conquered too many difficulties—made too many millions—to let a little problem like the Canadian sardine trouble hold them up.
From an unbiased standpoint, it looks probably. the plant with all its accessories, including a refrigerating plant, three hotels, saw mills, and every possible sanitary appliance is on the ground. It is supplied with powerful boats near the weir, and prepared to handle immense qualities of sea food. If it does not run it ill be the first time that the principal men behind it were ever beaten to a stand sill.
Beacon
Dec 18/1913
A National Port for Canada
How it Hits Lubec
Lubec Herald. The new regulation permitting smoked herring from Canada to enter the American market under a reduction or entire removal of duty, has been in operation fully long enough to show that it is working a decided and evident injury to the only winter business of the town, and that without being of benefit to any person in the United States.
In former times, boxed herring were assessed half a cent a pound and boneless herring were assessed a cent and a half, which was a fair difference between the cost of catching and curing on the Canadian side and on the American side. Under this regulation the packers of smoked Herring had originated and developed an industry in which the men and women employed in the boneless herring business were able to make good wages, while leaving a good margin of profit for the dealer himself.
The Raw material was usually purchased at Grand Manan or about its neighboring Island, which is the natural home of large and small herring.
Today, the effect which it was feared the new tariff would have, is all too evident. American packers who have worked had for a home market, are forced either to pay a higher price for the herring smoked on Grand Man, or else see Canadian boxed herring which once aid half a cent a point, go by under the noses, bound for the western market; while their own hands are tied, willing as they are to employ help and do business. Americans have no fishing rights in Canadian waters, so that they are entirely at the mercy of the Canadian fishermen unless suitable fish are to be had on this coast, which is not always, by any means.
Beacon
Feb 26/1914
Canadian Sardine Co. Affairs
Creditors Asked to Accept Bonds for Debts
the silence respecting the affairs of the Canadian Sardine Company, which has prevailed for several months past, was broken on Monday last, when circulars were received by the creditors setting for the following statements and propositions:
Montreal, Feb 18, 1914
Dear Sir,
After a great many meetings of the Directors of this Company and the consideration of a number of proposals, a scheme of reorganization and refinancing has at last been arrived at which, if carried to its conclusion, will have the effect of placing the Company again on an operative basis and of giving it an opportunity of demonstrating its worth as a commercial proposition.
At present, the company is indebted to its Bankers to the extent of $400,000, for which indebtedness they hold first mortgage bonds of the Company, secured by the whole of the Company’s assets to the extent of $300,000, and the personal guaranties of two of the Directors of the Company for the remaining $100,000. The amount of the Company’s indebtedness to other creditors is now approximately $175,000, making the whole of the Company’s indebtedness at the present time about $575,000.
The Bank requires a personal guaranty to the extent of $400,000, and will accept such guaranty in lieu of its present security, and will deliver over to the guarantors the $300,000 of bonds it now holds. The individual Directors have indicated a willingness to undertake this guaranty to the Bank in an aggregate amount considerably beyond their aggregate proportionate interest, and they have little doubt that a sufficient number of the larger shareholders will join them in making up the full amount required; but it is necessary to know at this juncture the disposition of the general creditors towards the following proposal for the settlement of their claims.
It is proposed to cancel the $300,000 of bonds referred to and to issue $600,000 of new bonds, bearing interest at the rate of 6 percent per annum, secured by a first mortgage on the whole of the Company’s assets, and that $400,000 shall be held in trust for the security of the guarantors. From the remainder the general creditors are asked to accept bonds at par for the face of their accounts, which bonds will be redeemable in whole as soon as the Company finds itself in a position to meet its outstanding claims. these bonds will be deposited with a Trust Company in trust for the creditors, and the interest paid thereon will be distributed to the creditors in proportion to their claims at such interest date.
The Bank has agreed, in addition, to accepting the personal guaranty above mentioned, to advance to the Company a liberal amount as working capital to carryon operations, and the proposed arrangement with the creditors is found necessary in order to give the Company time to earn sufficient money to meet its obligations to them.
The Directors are most desirous of taking care of the creditors, and were it possible to secure sufficient money to pay all claims, the creditors would not be asked to accept this proposition, but in view of the fact that he Bank has so generously cooperated with the Directors, and in view of the heavy personal obligations necessary to be taken by the Directors and some of the other shareholders in order to protect the creditors and extricate the Company from its present difficult, position, it has been decided to ask the creditors to assent o the plan proposed; and there is every reason to believe that, with the cooperation of all parties, the Company will soon be in a position, not only to meet its claims, but to reimburse those who have made it possible for it to continue as a going concern.
This arrangement is, of course, dependent upon it being satisfactory to the creditors, and the completion of the guaranty required by the Bank, and failing in these, there would seem to be no other course open but to put the Company into liquidation. Since the cooperation of the Bank is dependent upon immediate action we would thank you to let us have your reply on the enclosed form not later than the 26th of Feb. instant.
Beacon
Feb 18/1915
Chamcook Sardine Factory to Start Again
A party of seven composed of the following gentlemen: E. F. Pitman and H. M. Hare, Boston; J. Spencer Smith, Tenalfy, New York; M. I. Palson and W. C. Palson, Gloucester, Mass.; T. E. Libby, Vinalhaven, Maine, and J. J. Piper, Townsend, Mass, representing the Lane-Libby Fisheries Co., of Boston, Mass., who have acquired control of the Canadian Sardine Company’s plant at Chamcook, arrived here on Saturday last to make an inspection of the mammoth works at Chamcook. Plans are now being prepared for a freezing, canning and general fish business similar to that now in operation by the Lane-Libby Co., in Portland, Maine, and in Gloucester, Mass. The Company is composed of practical men of long experience in the fish business, and they are certain to make of the r new acquisition at Chamcook an industry that will prove of great benefit to St. Andrews and to Charlotte county at large.
The members of the party returned to their homes by Monday night’s train. We hope soon to be able to record that the Chamcook plant, which has been idle or so long has resumed operations.
Beacon
July 15/1915
Catch of Sardines
Local sardine fishermen are enjoying an early catch, and several owners of weirs along he shore beyond Partridge Island have secured good returns in the past ten days. One weir is reported to have caught $1,200 worth of sardines since the season opened.
Weir owners farther down the coast are also doing well, and Herb McLean, at Letete, is said to have disposed of a three-weeks’ catch at $8,000.
The new Chamcook sardine factory is now ready for operating, but sardines are scarce in the vicinity. A new canning plant has been installed at Chamcook. It is expected that Chamcook will employ 150 workmen when in operation.
The sardines caught here are being sold at Eastport buyers, and the price is steady at $1. fishermen at Black’s Harbor are securing a fair catch, and the demand is good at $8.—telegraph, July 9.
Beacon
Sept 23/1915
The Late Sir William Van Horne. An Appreciation
R. E. Armstrong
To the Editor of the Globe.
Sir:--As one who for over twenty years enjoyed the very great privilege of an intimate, personal acquaintance with Sir William Van Horne, will you permit me to pay a brief tribute of regard to his memory.
. . . Sir William Van Horne manifested a deep interest in the material future of SA, and was ever ready to extend assistance and advice when called upon. The financial assistance which he extended toward the erection of the mammoth sardine works at Chamcook was as much for the purpose of benefiting the locality and the local fishermen as for his own enrichment. It was a matter of deepest regret to him that his hopes in this respect had not been fulfilled in their entirety.”