Item
Beacon (f9822)
Jan 8/1916
. . . The resolution gave the C. P. R. the concessions and authority which they sought; and it was believed at the time by the ratepayers, and presumably by the Council, that it placed the C. P. R. under certain obligations to the Town when the Town was in a position to extend the system of water works which the C. P. R. proposed to install. The Mayor [R. E. Armstrong] is said to have drafted the resolution; and if it had been done by the solicitor of the C. P. R. It could not have been more cleverly worded to confer upon the railway corporation all that they sought, without placing them under any obligations to the ratepayers of the Town in future, so far as waterworks are concerned. It is inconceivable that the Town Council, in a matter that so vitally affected the interests of the Town, did not secure the services of a competent solicitor to scrutinize the resolution and see that the Town's interests were adequately safeguarded. But it was not done; the Town saved the small fee it would have had to pay a legal advisor, but it placed itself completely in the hands of the C. P. R., which through the officials of the company, have ever since treated the Town with contempt, or worse, in the matter of waterworks. What the townspeople thought at the time, and have ever since stated and believed, that the C. P. R. were placed under an obligation to the Town by the terms of the resolution, is an utter fallacy. The C. P. R. promised nothing; and ever since have done nothing to co-operate with the Town in the installation of waterworks for the whole Town. That a promise of such cooperation should have been embodied in the resolution must be evident even to the meanest intelligence. To say that the interests of St. Andrews were betrayed on 17th September, 1910, is to state the case as mildly as possible; and the onus of the betrayal must ever rest upon the shoulders of the Mayor at that time [Armstrong].
While the C. P. R., according to the terms of the Council's resolution, are under no obligations whatever to cooperate with the Town for the purpose of installing a general system of waterworks, there is surely a moral obligation that they should do so. But for the past two years and more the officials of the C. P. R. have adopted tactics of procrastination bordering on contempt; and, as we understand the matter, the Town Council is unable to obtain from the C. P. R. any definite proposals, or anything beyond vague and indefinite promises of future consideration. This is unworthy of a great corporation.
New Year's honors have been bestowed upon the President [Baronetcy] of the C. P. R., and the townspeople are sincerely pleased that their fellow townsman should have been so signally honored by our Sovereign; but if Sir Thomas (to use his lesser title, not yet being formed what the higher one is to be) wishes to rise higher in the esteem of the people of St. Andrews he can easily do so by meeting their wishes in the matter of waterworks and by cooperating with them until their desired object is attained.
(cf. Douglass: "We have made every effort in our power to safeguard the interests of the Town, and have been met with an evident desire on the part of the officials of the Company to forward the enterprise in every possible way, and they have shown no disposition whatever to take an undue advantage of the Town.")
Beacon (f9822)
Jan 22/1916
R. E. Armstrong delivers address on history of newspapers in New Brunswick.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 10/1916
A gasoline lighting system has recently been installed in the town hall by J. S. Manuel of St. Stephen and was used for the first time at a meeting of the council on Tuesday evening.—Beacon
Beacon
Feb 12, 1916
A hot water bathing system is being installed in the Van Horne residence by goodwill Douglass.
Beacon (f9822)
Feb 26/1916
To Beacon from Secretary, St. Andrews Board of Trade:
—Interested in getting Imperial Oil Co. interested in Port. St. Croix—to locate here
—Corresponding with R. L. Borden, T. A. Hartt, M. P. and International Nickel Co. regarding Port St. Croix as more suitable location for proposed nickel plant in Canada.
"The small industries already in town are feeling more and more the lack of a water system, and the sooner the question is decided the sooner the future of St. Andrews as a town worthy of recognition will be decided."
Beacon (f9822)
March 11/1916
The C. P. R. and St. Andrews
Many complaints have reached us lately, and we make complaint on our own account, of the single daily train to which the C. P. R. limits us for nine months of the year, being allowed to leave McAdam so frequently before the arrival of the Montreal train. The Montreal mail and Express parcels are of prime importance to the people of St. Andrews, and it is intolerable that these should be so often held up for twenty-four hours. St. Stephen has two trains daily, and the departure of the morning train from McAdam before the arrival of the Montreal train does not affect it so adversely as it does St. Andrews. Such early departure not only delays unnecessarily the arrival at St. Andrews of Montreal mails and Express packages, but it also compels passengers from the West to St. Andrews to remain nearly twenty-four hours at McAdam. In the summertime, when the knights and bannerettes [sic] and plutocrats honor St. Andrews with their August presence, special trains are provided for the convenience of Algonquin guests and favored cottagers. The C. P. R. should have some consideration for the common people, and the mercantile interests of this long-suffering Town.
Beacon (f9822)
March 11/1916
Waterworks
Feb 7/1916
To the Rate-Payers of the Town of St. Andrews
Ladies and Gentlemen:
At the last session of the Council the Chairman of the Committee on water supply was instructed by resolution to prepare a report for publication in the Beacon for your information.
I deemed it advisable to go over the ground briefly from the beginning of the present agitation so that the whole matter may be better understood.
Some years ago the water supply at the Algonquin Hotel proved inadequate, and negations were opened between the Canadian Pacific Railway Co., and the Town of St. Andrews with a view to cooperate in the construction of a Water System having its source of supply at Chamcook Lake.
The Company placed the matter in the hands of Mr. Painter, then Chief Architect, who decided to make an effort to increase the supply from the existing artesian wells by blasting and deepening them, and it appeared as though his efforts were successful, whereupon Mr. Painter informed the Town that as far as the Company was concerned the water problem was solved.
The Mayor and Council then endeavoured to find some other solution of the problem. An appropriation of $1000 was voted by the Council, and a well was sunk on Humes Hill, on Commons land; near the site of the present reservoir. It will be understood that this move was made after all hope of co-operation with the Company had been lost, although the Council has been censured for spending $1000 in sinking this well instead of co-operating with the Company.
It was the intention of the Mayor and Council, should this test well prove satisfactory, to sink a sufficient number of such wells to supply the Town.
However, the Algonquin Hotel was again opened for business, and the water supply promptly dropped below the requirements of the Hotel itself and the cottages which were also depending on the same source for supply.
Sir Thomas (now Baron) Shaughnessy then gave orders to proceed at once with the construction of a line to Chamcook Lake, which would be independent of the Town, and as a preliminary step, the Company through its solicitor, petitioned the Town for certain privileges, such as the right to lay and maintain water mains in the streets and highways of the Town.
An act was then prepared, and a draft was presented to the Council for consideration and an effort was made to bind the Company to submit a reasonable proposition to the Town at an early date, it being understood that the Company's plant would be of sufficient capacity to meet the Town's requirements. This proposal, which was made in the form of a resolution was not, however, incorporated in the Act which was presented to, and passed by the Assembly.
The terms of the Act however clearly indicate that the Company had in mind the claims of the Town, and makes it competent for the Company to enter into an agreement with the Town to provide a water supply.
Unfortunately the plant proved to be very defective, and the Company did not care to take the matter up until it should be placed in proper condition.
In 1913 a committee was appointed by the Mayor, and an effort was made to come to an understanding, and interviews were held with Mr. Allerton who endeavoured to forward the enterprise in every possible way in his power, but chiefly on account of the unsatisfactory condition of the plant, nothing was accomplished.
In the spring of 1914 a committee was again appointed. This committee at once engaged an Engineer, and had plans and specifications prepared and an estimate of the cost made of a distribution system that would embrace practically every house in the Town, and provide hydrants at frequent intervals for fire protection. It was found that the cost of such a system would be close to sixty thousand dollars.
The committee then took the matter to Sir Thomas Shaughnessy direct, who took it up sympathetically and promised a proposition at an early date, and in order to hasten the matter, he sent his personal engineer Mr. Omany, down from Montreal to meet with the committee and our engineer with a view to an understanding which would be mutually satisfactory. Mr. Omany promised to lay the information he had secured before Sir Thomas so that we would have a proposition in two week's time.
About the same time the two weeks were up, however, the war had begun. A proposition was not forthcoming, and it was deemed advisable to let the matter drop until such time as conditions would become settled, and the question could be placed before the ratepayers with some prospect of success. The council concurred, and the committee was discharged.
In the spring of 1915 a committee was again appointed, who at once interviewed Sir Thomas Shaughnessy. This interview resulted in the following propositions:
For a minimum supply of 150,000 gallons daily, 12 cents per thousand gallons.
For a minimum supply of 200,000 gallons daily, 10 cents per thousand gallons.
As the minimum quantity was largely in excess of what we might be expected to consume for the first two or three years it was felt by the committee that the proposition was prohibitive, and a further effort was made to have the minimum reduced.
The whole matter was then placed in the hands of Mr. H. C. Grout, General Superintendent, unfortunately on the eve on an extended vacation period.
Upon Mr. Grout's return the matter was again taken up and the Committee had several interviews with him, and he again took the matter to Sir Thomas Shaughnessy, resulting in the following proposition:
"In accordance with discussion which we held in your office on Wednesday last in connection with supplying the Town of St. Andrews with water from our Chamcook pumping plant, the Company are prepared to furnish a supply from the surplus available after taking care of our own requirements on the basis of additional cost of operation plus 5% on the cost of supplying a meter at the wye in the hotel grounds and any necessary additions to the plant to meet the requirements of the town supply, together with 5% on a proportionate amount of the initial cost of installation, which will be in proportion to the annual consumption of water by the Company and by the Town.
"I figure that we will be able to furnish the Town with a supply up to 100,000 gallons without increasing the reservoir capacity, unless it is considered advisable in the interests of the Town to have a greater quantity in reserve than will be afforded by the present 250,000 gallon reservoir. We would not, however, care to undertake a supply in excess of 100,000 gallons without increasing the size of the reservoir, as it would be taking too great a rush should emergency arise." [here follows the rate table quoted elsewhere]
. . . It will be understood that the minimum named in Mr. Grout's proposition was arrived at by the total elimination of all upkeep and depreciation charges.
. . . This matter should not be gone into too hastily. It should have the careful consideration of every ratepayer. At the same time it should be borne in mind that this is the only price the Canadian Pacific Railway Company will make, and if the ratepayers decline to enter into an agreement, it will be many a long year before the Town of St. Andrews will have a water system unless the plant is taken over the expropriation or agreement.
The Company is willing to have a clause inserted in the agreement whereby the whole plant will revert to the Town by the usual process of arbitration upon the expiration of a stated number of years. They also agreed that all the cottages at present supplied by them, except the Company's cottages, will become Town . . . in the event of the Town's water mains being brought within reaching distance.
The clause in Mr. Grout's communication in reference to meters is in consequence of a request of the committee that the Town be allowed to sell water by direct connection to the Company's main from the wye back to the reservoir on Hume's Hill. Mr. Grout stated he had no doubt this could be arranged by agreement, but the Town would be required to provide meters so that a tally could be kept on the quantity of water consumed.
. . . We have made every effort in our power to safeguard the interests of the Town, and have been met with an evident desire on the part of the officials of the Company to forward the enterprise in every possible way, and they have shown no disposition whatever to take an undue advantage of the Town.
Let us not lose sight of the fact that Fire protection such as this system would provide is a very valuable consideration, and it is hoped that substantial rebates on premiums will be obtained.
No account has been taken in this report of the probably revenue that will be derived from the sale of water, but it is certain that our citizens will very generally avail themselves of the opportunity and provide themselves with a supply, and after the first year the income will be very considerable, possibly reaching a self-supporting stage in three or four years.
Respectfully submitted,
Goodwill Douglass
Chairman Committee on Water Supply
St. Croix Courier
March 2/1916
English Novelist Describes New Brunswick
An English novelist in one of his works, recently issued, writes the following somewhat interesting description on bird's eye view of New Brunswick: (rather romantic, almost epic, of great forests and rivers)
Beacon (f9822)
March 18/1916
Ratepayers and the Water Question
Being deeply interested in the question of a water supply for the town of St. Andrews, I most respectfully submit the following arguments, thinking that the publication of the same might to a slight degree assist in the campaign which you have been so ably carrying on in your valuable paper during the past months in reference to this vital issue.
Along with the majority of ratepayers I have at times criticized the Town Council for their apparent negligence in this matter. Of course any man accepting an election as counsellor must expect a certain amount of adverse criticism, and such criticism if intelligent is no doubt not only valuable but necessary in order that the business of the town be carried on with the best results. However, the trouble is that we as ratepayers do not know what the Council is doing because we do not attend its meetings. I myself attended their last meeting and must confess that I learned more of the water question than I had learned during the past two years by hearing it discussed on the street, and by reading the reports (necessarily brief) of the work of the Council which have been published in your paper from month to month. The Council invited questions from the ratepayers present; such were asked and gladly and satisfactorily answered.
Now, if we as ratepayers could be brought to feel that the councillors are doing their best in this matter, and to realize how little thanks they get for the work they do, surely we would arouse ourselves to the necessity of action. The present Council are, I think unanimously in favor of the installation of a water system. Let us return them to office that they may "finish their work." And let us start such an agitation on this question that every man, woman and child in the old town will be heard discussing it, and awaken such an interest that when the day of voting comes every man will be found at the poll ready to express his opinion.
Now for some arguments for and against. Out of all the discussion that I have heard on this question the only argument that I have heard against it, is that our taxes would be increased to such an extent that we would be unable to meet them. This idea however is far from right. The taxes of necessity would for a few years be higher but not to such an extent as some would suppose. If the system were installed and the water supply paid for by the year, and not one house in town took water, all the extra annual expenditure could be borne by an increase in the taxes of only about two-thirds. That is, if a man's tax at present is $12.00 per annum, under these extreme conditions it would only be increased to $20.00. But if the system were put in, it would only be a few years till comparatively every house in town would take water. A man would be ashamed to be seen on the street carrying a pail of water. When the telephone system was installed only a very few homes felt that they could afford the luxury, but now nearly every house is supplied. It is regarded as a necessity. So would it be with water. Thus this direct revenue would greatly minimize the additional tax. In fact after we should get some industries, which are sure to come as soon as water comes, and are sure not to come until water does come, to help bear the assessment of the town, this added assistance together with the revenue above referred to would probably do away with any additional tax whatsoever. Therefore in a few years we would reap all the benefits of the water system without it being the slightest burden.
Now as to some of the benefits or arguments in favour of installing a water system. In the first place it is bound to bring industries as already stated. The natural conditions and advantages of this location for almost any industry could not be beaten the world over. Industries would mean steady employment for the young men and women now constantly growing up and leaving the town in search of a means of livelihood. Industries would mean greater population, more money in circulation, more business for the stores, the hotels, the private boarding houses; better salaries for the clerks, better salaries for the school teachers and ministers, and more money in the pockets of every enterprising citizen directly or indirectly.
A water supply would guard the health of the townspeople. We never have had any serious outbreak of an epidemic here, but we must not fool ourselves with the thought that such a calamity might never come. Cleanliness is the foe of disease, and to have cleanliness we need water and water in abundance. When we pause to think of the cesspools that have been put in during the past ten years, and of the closets that have been connected with the old sewers which open above high water mark and poison the surrounding neighborhood with their filth, and which even cause discomfort in cellars and at street corners some distance from their mouth, do we not marvel that the community has not been overrun with typhoid or some such epidemic?
Then there is the protection from fire that a water system would afford; and this protection would greatly reduce insurance rates. When the Algonquin Hotel burned about two years ago, had the wind been blowing as strongly from the north as it did blow from the south-west, there would have now been no need of any discussion of the present water question. The town would have been burned to the last house. But shall we simply thank Providence and depend entirely on Him for future protection? "God helps them who help themselves;" let us rather therefore make use of the talent (natural conditions) that He has given us, and make our town not one of the loveliest, but the loveliest, the healthiest, and the happiest spot on earth.
And again we must understand that a great part of the $60,000 or whatever the system might cost for installation, would be spent right here in town. Our own working people would have a fine season's work at good wages, and all the outside help would of necessity spend a great part of their earnings here for board, clothing, recreation, etc.
Did space permit we might elaborate on many other although perhaps less important advantages to be derived from the installation of a water system. Just to mention a few: we should have no twenty minutes pumping first thing after breakfast, no inconvenience to suffer of being without soft water two or three times a year, no breaking of ice in the hogshead down cellar in the winter time, no difficulty in keeping our streets free from dust, and our lawns and gardens in fine shape, no trouble in having a skating rink or a curling rink. By purchasing a small water motor we could run small machinery such as washing machines, sewing machines, lathes, etc. etc.
In conclusion, Mr. Editor, I would respectfully suggest that you open your columns for general discussion, and invite other ratepayers to publish their ideas. I personally feel such an interest in the matter that I should like to be one of ten (or more) ratepayers to guarantee to pay a water tax of $100 per year for five years, if by so doing it would increase the probability of our having the system installed.
We have at length after all these years come to the point where it is possible to get a water system installed; opportunity now knocks; shall we vote "yes" and invite prosperity and beauty, health and happiness? Or shall we vote "no" and invite disease and sorrow, retrogression and poverty?
Thanking you in advance Mr. Editor for the space of which I fear I have occupied too much, I am
Most respectfully,
Ratepayer
St. Andrews, New Brunswick
March 11th, 1916.
St. Croix Courier
March 23/1916
Albert Denley's Father's name was Edward. A former resident of St. Andrews.
St. Croix Courier
April 6/1916
The flag is floating today, April 3rd, from the Algonquin. Captain, the Hon. Alfred Thomas (Fred), Shaughnessy, second son of Lord Shaughnessy, president of the CPR, was killed in action in France, Saturday, April 1st, by a shrapnel shell. Captain Shaughnessy was very well known here, and the sincere sympathy of many friends goes out to the grief-stricken family.
St. Croix Courier
April 20/1916
A. A. McClaskey of Saint John, representing the J. Bruce Payne cigar company, was in town last week. All were pleased to see him looking so well after his recent severe illness.
St. Croix Courier
April 27/1916
Tourists from the United States do not require passports coming into Canada. They are free to come and go, to enjoy the sublime scenic beauties of Canadian summer, and to take away with them all the physical benefits that our pure northern atmosphere affords. Autoists from the United States can spend ten days in Canada without payment of any bond or duty, by registering themselves at the first Canadian custom house. A bond is required if for a longer term than ten days.
St. Croix Courier
April 27/1916
Cost of Road Improvement
Federal Roads Bill, Shifts Part of Burden From Farmer to City Resident—Interesting Figures
St. Croix Courier
May 4/1916
The St. Andrews board of trade has recently issued an attractive pamphlet dealing with St. Croix Harbor and presenting reports of engineers, who have investigated its many advantages. The booklet also contains a "writeup" of the town, with cuts of its two famous hotels, the Algonquin and Kennedy's, and a chart of St. Croix Harbor. It was printed at the Beacon office and is a neat piece of workmanship.
Beacon
May 6/1916
St. Andrews by the Sea. By F. Y. Photographic collage of St. Andrews with appreciation. Algonquin also.
Arthur Mason, electrical engineer at Algonquin, has bought land below power station for summer home.
Easter Ball held in Merriman's hall. A very enthusiastic temperance meeting was held in the Inn Hall on Thursday evening.
Beacon
May 6/1916
Announcement is made from London of the death of Lieut. Clifton M. Horsey, who had been killed in action. guests of the Algonquin Hotel will remember this young man who spent several summers at St. Andrews. His father, Mr. J. H. Horsey, is London manager of the Dominion bank.
Beacon
May 13/1916
St. Andrews adopts daylight savings time.
On motion of Alderman Douglass, seconded by Alderman Shaw and carried. Ordered that the Town Clerk be authorized to hold a poll of the rate payers on Tuesday the 23rd day of May, inst. on the proposition made by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, for a water supply for the Town. Also that a printed circular be sent each non-resident rate payer, requesting an expression of their views re the advisability of installing a water system on the basis of supply, proposed by the Canadian Pacific Railway Co. and published in the Beacon of March 11/1916/19
Editorial advocating a delay in the vote by a month so the summer residents can participate. "The Military authorities at Ottawa have made a great point about the water supply before they could decide to send troops here."
Beacon
May 20/1916
Editorial argument for water supply as way of increasing permanent population. "It is not too much to say that at the present time the chief business of St. Andrews is catering for summer residents."
Costs per faucet of new water supply.
Fourth Pioneer Battalion to be established on O'Neil property known as Doherty's Hill. Water supply to come from main on Saint John Road.
Beacon
May 27/1916
Water: 135 in favour, 47 opposed.
Supervision of further negotiations should be placed in hands of Board of Commissioners.
St. Croix Courier
June 1/1916
Albert Denley, the well-known livery man, has added to his outfit a very handsome D-45 McLaughlin Cox, for the convenience and accommodation of his customers. It is a five-passenger touring car with all the up to-date comforts and is the most stylish car that has yet come to town.
Death of James J. Hill, railroad baron, Canadian of note in American mid-west.
St. Croix Courier
June 8/1916
The Riverside Hotel at Eastport, the largest hotel in that city, has been purchased by David McDonald, who has been proprietor of the Exchange hotel in the same city. The Exchange will be conducted as an annex to the Riverside.
Beacon (f9822)
June 10/1916
Recent alterations to Algonquin: extension of dining room.
The architect, Mr. Coffey, very kindly showed our representative the alterations which have been made in the construction of the Algonquin Hotel since the last summer season.
Most noticeable of all is the glassed-in extension to the dining room. During the rush season in August this extension will be used as a dining room; when not needed for that purpose it will be converted into a lounge. A splendid view of the Passamaquoddy Bay and the St. Croix River is to be had from this extension. The sides are covered with green lattice work, which gives a pleasing summer-like effect; and the electric fittings, twelve large lanterns, are well in keeping. The concrete floor has been finished with Toch Bros. paint, making a smooth surface. The windows are fitted with the latest thing in hinges, the Giesey elevating hinge, by means of which they can be opened inwards without the possibility of rain leaking under them when closed.
The Hotel Office was previously situated in the centre of the Lounge, and was found to be altogether inadequate and extremely inconvenient. It has now been moved to the corner of the building where the old Music Room and the Ladies' Lounge formerly were. This change of position will enable newly arrived guests to register and be shown their rooms without having to pass through the public sitting rooms. The spacious proportions of the new Office will give far greater facilities for the rapid transaction of all business.
The old Office, the Ladies' Writing Room and the Smoking Room have been connected up and redecorated, and have been fitted with new electric fixtures to match the lounge and drawing rooms which they open into.
The formal opening of the season 1916 at the Algonquin takes place on the 19th instant.
Beacon
June 17, 1916
Lady Van Horne and Miss Van Horne arrived from Montreal on Tuesday, and are staying at their summer home, Covenhoven, on Minister's Island. During the winter a steam heating system containing over sixty radiators have been installed in Covenhoven.
St. Croix Courier
June 22/1916
The Algonquin opened on Monday, sixty fives guests coming on the noon train.
Joseph Handy, of St. Andrews, has moved his hair-dressing establishment from his old stand to the Temperance House, which has been recently vacated by its former tenant, Walter Gilley.
Beacon (f9822)
June 24/1916
Mr. R. B. Van Horne with her son, William arrived at Covenhoven on Friday of last week and will remain there for the summer.
A series of arc lights has recently been added to the streets approaching the Algonquin Hotel and is a very decided improvement. A walk through the town at night now gives a splendid object lesson "Lights, Ancient and Modern." There are the gasoline lights of our stores, the electric lights of the picture houses, the dazzling brilliance of the street oil lamps, and, last but not least, the Algonquin's new arc lights. It is clearly shown how the darkness of discontent could be turned into glorious daylight.
St. Croix Courier
June 29/1916
Among the distinguished guests from Montreal arriving or soon to arrive here for the summer are Sir Thomas and Lady Tait, Miss Winnifred Tait, Lord and Lady Shaughnessy, Hon. Marguerite Shaughnessy, Hon. Mrs. W. J. Shaughnessy and Hon. Mrs. H. W. Beauclerk.
There are now about 900 soldiers in camp here.
Beacon
July 8/1916
Mr. R. B. Van Horne is with his family at Covenhoven.
Archaeology in St. Andrews
Some excavations are being made by the Streets Department of the Town Council on the eastern side of King Street northward from its junction with Water Street, and interesting discoveries have resulted. There has been exposed a street gutter neatly constructed with cobble stones, dating back to the time when St. Andrews enjoyed commercial prosperity and had a town government that carried on public works in an efficient manner. Years of neglect have allowed this gutter to be covered over with soil washed down from the roadway, and the soil was surmounted by a thick growth of turf or, rather, luxuriant grass. We hope the archaeological explorations will be continued and extended, for similar gutters may be discovered in other parts of the town where, for many years, the dividing line between the roadway and the foot paths has been completely obliterated.
At the junction of Water and King Streets, close to the point where the explorations are being made, is an ancient ruin which many years ago lost all its picturesqueness, and now is the most unsightly jungle and refuse dump ever permitted to disfigure the business centre of any town. All the flotsam and jetsam which does not litter the streets (and much of it still does) find a repository in the "dismal swamp" of a jungle. Nothing could be more unsightly to say nothing of its unsanitariness. The fence enclosing it on three sides had decayed and is rapidly disintegrating, and soon will be unsafe as a perch for those who are in the habit of roosting upon it or leaning against it in the early evening hours to gaze (and to comment) upon the passing pedestrians on business or on pleasure bent. Some evening, in spite of the unsightly props which now support it, the fence will collapse; and if this happens at a time when some of its usual occupants are perched upon it they may be precipitated into what looks as offensive as the Stygian pool is reputed to be.
If one did not know it for a fact it would be difficult to believe that his "Tom-all-alone" nuisance and eyesore is the property of the Bank of Nova Scotia, on which it has been rumoured for year, the Banks proposes to erect Bank premises. those who have cherished the hope that the Bank would build, someday, are beginning to lose faith and those who ardently desire to see the institution which has a monopoly of the banking business of the town do something for the town in return for the support it receives, are languishing in despair.
Description of interior of Kennedy's.
St. Croix Courier
July 20/1916
Thursday of this week is to be a public holiday by order of the mayor to give all the pleasure of witnessing the presentation to the 4th Pioneer Battalion, of the King's and regimental colors, by Mrs. Low, the donor, wife of Lieut. Colonel R. Low of Ottawa. The presentation will be made at the camp. There will also be various sports, prizes for which have been given by several of the townspeople. There is to be a battalion concert in Andraeleo hall in the evening, and a dance afterward at the Algonquin. It is hoped that the weather will be bright and entice all to the various amusements. Prizes are on display in the Edwin Odell dry goods store window.
Beacon (f9822)
July 22/1916
Algonquin Golf Club entertained a the dansant on Saturday night at the Club House for the officers and their wives.
Beacon
July 29/1916
First golf links in the United States. 1882. Long article. Oakhurst, near White Sulphur Spring, Virginia. Russell Montague of Boston.
Beacon (f9822)
Aug 5/1916
Letter from R. E. Armstrong, Secretary of "British Sailor's Relief Fund," soliciting donations.
Sir Victor Christian William Cavendish, 9th Duke of Devonshire
Governor General: 1916 - 1921 Appointed: August 8, 1916 Sworn in: November 11, 1916, Halifax Born: May 31, 1868, London, England Died: May 6, 1938
Beacon (f9822)
Aug 26/1916
Letter against the dumping of trash on Indian Point. (One year a town clean up drive organized by R. E. Armstrong removed 40 to 50 wagon loads of garbage from the Point.) "The attractiveness of this summer Resort has been greatly diminished, and the pleasure of guests at its hotels severely impaired, during the present year, by this unjustifiable practice." (Letter from 25 or so townspeople)
St. Croix Courier
Sept 7/1916
A number of the Algonquin guests have left for their homes, while a number are arriving each day. A total of two hundred and nine guests were still there on Saturday, and an addition of twenty-seven arrived Saturday night.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 14/1916
A conference of CPR passenger officials was held on Saturday in St. Andrews for the purpose of familiarizing some of the western agents with conditions at this summer resort with a view to stimulating tourist business during coming seasons. Among those who were present were C. B. Foster, a assistant general passenger traffic manager; W. H. Snell, general passenger agent, eastern lines; M. G. Murphy, district passenger agent, of Saint John and passenger agents from Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Cincinnati and Buffalo.
The best business in the history of the hotels is the report from St. Andrews concerning the summer season of the Algonquin and Kennedy structures. Accommodation was taxed throughout the period and many applicants for rooms were unable to secure places. Americans who intended to stay until a alter period returned to their home owing to the fear of trouble on the railways. It is rumoured that another addition to the Algonquin is planned by the CPR. St. Andrews was favored with good weather during the summer and visitors had a most enjoyable outing season.
Beacon
Sept 9, 1916
Lady Shaughnessy, the Hon. Miss Shaughnessy, Capt. And Mrs. Rene Redmond and daughter, Mrs. William Shaughnessy and family left on Wednesday night for Montreal.
Beacon
Sept 30, 1916
Mrs. R. B. Van Horne and son, William, returned to Montreal last week.
Beacon
Oct 7/1916
Algonquin closed for winter. This season 2 weeks longer than any previous one. Ideal summer weather helped. "A most popular and profitable year for the hotel." Winter service of trains comes into place. Morning train arrives at 12:10 p. m. and leaves at 5:25 p. m.
Beacon
Oct 14/1916
Beacon to have new press and location in two weeks.
Beacon
Oct 21/1916
Sir Thomas Tait retires as Director-General of National Services; has acquired from C. P. R. a site for summer home.
Beacon (f9822)
Oct 21/1916
Decline of whaling industry. Esp. "Right"
Beacon
Oct 28/1916
Lady Van Horne and Miss Van Horne, leave today, Saturday, for Montreal, and their summer home "Covenhoven" on Minister's Island, will be closed for the winter. Mr. R. B. Van Horne, and Mr. Wainwright left on Wednesday.
Beacon
Nov 4/1916
Covenhoven, the Van Horne residence of Minister's Island, is undergoing extensive plumbing alterations under the direction of Mr. Goodwill Douglass. Hot and cold water-water baths are being provided for within the house, and the old water tower and windmill are being replaced by an underground reservoir.
Wreck of the Casarco No. 3
Casarco No. 3, the first of the fleet of fourteen gasoline craft built for the Canadian Sardine Co., of Chamcook, on the St. Croix, has been lost off the Maine coast while carrying a cargo of cured fish from one of the lower Bay of Fundy islands to a Maine port. The lost boat was valued at $7,000, the entire fleet costing $58,000. The crew was saved. The vessel had been used during the summer to carry mails from the Bay islands to Eastport and along the St. Croix. She also was engaged in the passenger and freight trade. The boat is the first of the valuable fleet to meet with a mishap of consequence. When the company became embarrassed three years ago the fleet was sold at a sacrifice.
Complaint in eulogy over demise of old press how badly R. E. Armstrong treated it, irrespective of his merits as journalist and compositor.
Beacon
Dec 9/1916
Photo of Beacon's new press.
Still has the old press, which was probably at least 50 years old when bought by Armstrong. Also still has old hand press on which Beacon was first issued, "as were the St. Andrews papers which preceded the Beacon." At least century old. Hopes for a duplex press "that will come when St. Andrews attains the prominence and prosperity which are retarded only the absence of necessary enterprise in the town."
Beacon
Dec 16/1916
Sir Thomas Tait, Prominent in Railway, Financial and Golfing Circles. Long article. So fond of St. Andrews links that he had recently purchased 5 acres of land on links.
Beacon
Dec 23/1916
The news of Senator's Mackay's death was received with feelings of very deep and sincere regret in St. Andrews., where his beautiful summer residence, Clibrig, is situated and where for many summers past he and his family had made their home, and had endeared themselves to the people of the Town. A Scotsman of the finest type, and one of the keenest and most successful businessmen that the Dominion possessed, Senator MacKay was a man of unassuming personality and of most kindly and benevolent disposition. He was deeply read and took special delight in the society of men of culture. His death will be sincerely mourned by a wide circle of friends who will extend to the bereaved family their most profound sympathy.
Hon. Robert MacKay
The Hon. Robert MacKay, a member of the Dominion Senate since January 21, 1901, and a director of the Bank of Montreal, the CPR and vice-president of the City and District Savings Bank, died at his residence, Kildonan Hall, 681 Sherbrooke street west, at three o'clock yesterday afternoon after a brief illness. He was in his 77th year.
On June 14 last, Senator Mackay had a narrow escape from death when an electric car crashed into and ditched his motor car. He suffered serious injuries and for a time his life hung in the balance. He recovered, however, and apparently regained his old-time health and vigor. Less than a week ago, he was taken ill and did not again leave the house.
The funeral will take place from the family residence to Crescent street Presbyterian Church, of which the Senator was a member, at 2 pm tomorrow, thence to Mount Royal Cemetery.
The Hon. Robert Mackay was born in Caithnss, Scotland, On February 26, 1849, the son of Angus and Euphemia Mackay. In 1855 he came to Canada, and completed his education at the Phillips School, in Montreal.
At an early age he entered business life in connexion with his uncles, Joseph and Edward Mackay, proprietors of an extensive wholesale dry goods house, then conducted under the firm name of Joseph Mackay and Brothers. With the energy which characterized him throughout his life, he applied himself to the mastery of every detail of the business, and in 1867 he was admitted to a partnership.
In 1875 Joseph and Edward Mackay, his uncles, withdrew from the business, and were succeeded by Robert Mackay and his two brothers, Hugh Mackay, a member of the legislative Council, and James MacKay, who continued during their lifetime in active association with the house, under the firm name of Mackay Brothers. James MacKay died in 1899, and Hugh MacKay in 1890. Robert Mackay then remained at the head of the business for three years, when, owing to the many calls upon his time, in connexion with the many enterprises he had become associated with, he retired, and the business was wound up. During its existence, the firm of Mackay Brothers was noted all over Canada for its high standing and wealth, being considered easily one of the largest houses in the Dominion.
After 1893, Mr. Mackay devoted his entire time to his private interests and investments and he became financially interested in many of the most important enterprises of the Dominion. Shrewd, cautious and resourceful, his counsel was a valuable asset to the different companies with which he was connected.
He was a director of the Bank of Montreal, the CPR, the Montreal Light, Heat and Power Company; the Dominion Textile Company; the Canada Paper Company; the Dominion Steel Corporation; the Royal Trust Company; the Dominion Transport Company, and of many other corporations. He was vice-president of the Bell; Telephone Company of Canada; the LAKE OF THE Woods Milling Company; the City and District Savings Bank; and the Shedden Forwarding Company; and the Paton manufacturing Company.
Senator Mackay was president of Montreal Harbor Board from 1896 to 1907, and in that capacity his work was of signal service to the city and port. He formerly held the presidency of the Montreal Board of Trade, and of the St. Andrews Society of Montreal. He served for many years as vice-president of the Mackay Institute, which was founded by the Mackay family; and also was a Governor of the Montreal General Hospital, the Notre Dame Hospital and the Western Hospital.
In politics, Mr. Mackay was a strong Liberal, and Sir Wilfred Laurier, who honored him with his personal friendship, had strong confidence in his judgement as a man of affairs. At the Dominion general elections of the 1896 he contested Montreal West for the House of Commons, but was unsuccessful. He contested the same division against at the general elections of 1900, but with the same result. He was called to the Senate on January 21, 1901.
In 1871, Mr. Mackay married Miss Baptist, of three Rivers, Quebec. Mrs. Mackay died about four years go. There are four sons and two daughters, namely Angus Robert Mackay, mining engineer, of Arizona; George B. Mackay, merchant of Lethbridge, Alberta; Hugh Mackay, K. C., of Montreal; Edward MacKay, engineer of the Bell Telephone Company; Mrs. Robert Loring of London, England; and Mrs. Norman F. Wilson, of Rockland, Ontario.
Senator Mackay was a member of the St. James Club, the Mount Royal Club, the Forest and Stream Club, the Montreal Hunt Club, the Reform Club, the Montreal Curling Club, the St. George's Snowshoes Club, the Montreal Jockey Club, and the Rideau Club, on Ottawa. He was Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fifth Royal Highlanders, (since May 7, 12900) and had held office as vice-president of the Dominion and the Province of :Quebec Rifle Associations. –Montreal Star.
The offer of the C. P. R., as originally made, is not acceptable to the ratepayers of St. Andrews, as it is altogether too favourable to the Company in the matter of cost, and it does not safeguard adequately the interests of the Town.—Editor
Mr. R. B. Van Horne arrived on Monday from New York and registered at Kennedy's Hotel. His visit had for its object an inspection of the new system of waterworks being installed at Covenhoven by Mr. Goodwill Douglass. It has been decided to postpone the fixing of hot and cold water baths for the present.