January 1972

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The red hot stove

In Sallys Cove

That caused so much confusion

Was a mistake

That made some make

A New Year’s resolution.

From Robert’s Arm

To Hammond’s Farm

All celebrated gaily

With hopeful cheer

The coming year

Will bring good fortune daily.

While much joy juice

Did introduce

The New Year on us dawning

It’s back to norm

With some reform

And, too, a little yawning.

Daily News Headline: More strikes may close more fish plants - Antle

Life’s cycle once again will be complete

When Joe the Premier calls it quits at last

For Joe the Journalist will come on strong

There’s so much to be written and so fast.

The 22 years background he’ll recap

For memoir notes that he may care to jot

In time the total story he’ll reveal

And share some intricacies of the plot.

When Journalistic Joe the newscene haunts

In depth on many topics he should muse

It’s something for which many will be looking

And it should be found here in The Daily News.

Daily News Headline: (Details expected soon) St. John’s to get school tax system? (Preliminary report favourable to taxation to finance schools)

P.Cs. must have had a busy Christmas

Notice how they come on stronger now

They’re bubbling over with their press releases

Determined to be headliners somehow

Laying low since having been elected

They took it sensibly and played it cool

But now they’re bursting out with New year freshness

Convinced that time has come for them to rule

The Supreme Court now actively considers

If in the House they have a right to sit

So all of us await a just decision

We need a Government. Let’s on with it!

Daily News Headline: Chief Justice ticks off Liberal lawyer: St. Barbe decision soon?

Usually at a Convention

There is just a little dissention

But this year will be

One where all will agree

At least that is Joey’s intention.

No candidate is he supporting

Or so today he is reporting

But a few weeks from now

There could be a big row

When Liberals start their cavorting.

When we get the St. Barbe decision

It’s then we will see the division

Candidates will appear

Almost out of nowhere

Giving Steve one more painful incision.

It will end on a shattering note

When they all try to get at his throat

But we do not believe

That Steve Neary will leave

Until he confirms every last vote.

Daily News Headline: (Local interne, resident doctors “underpaid”) Major crisis seen ahead for junior hospital staff system

Eyes focus on the Supreme Court

Some view it as a bit of sport

But justice is being weighed as we look on

Chief Justice Furlong’s only goal

Despite the nettlings of Nath Noel

To settle the assignment he took on.

With Justice Mifflin at his side

They both with views quite open wide

Assess what either lawyer will present

“Set it aside”, the Liberals say

The P.C.s argue that: “No way!”

This St. Barbe South case has no precedent.

Our history will here record

That Sally Cove brought on discord

When counted votes went up in smoke that night

In history there will remain

The name of Mrs. Olive Payne

Who caused us now for two months to sit tight.

If students take in what is said

Of such events is history made

In legal happenings it’s quite unique

Nath Noel for Liberals makes the scene

For P.C.s there is Lawyer Greene

Names to recall this history making week.

Daily News Headline: Blackhead residents complain of gov’t dishonesty at meeting

License plates are old style now

But if you want your Sticker

The time is ripe to pick it up

When service is much quicker

Business now is very slow

At Motor Registration

They hope you take advantage of

The current situation

By getting stickers earlier

The queues you will be beating

Your license a few minutes takes

When you are not competing

So bring or mail your money now

To Motor Registration

You’ll help the staff by doing this

And save yourself frustration.

Daily News Headline: Eight uninjured in crash at St. John’s airport

St. Barbe South is settled, it saw Maynard win

But there still is some doubt the P.C.s will get in

Tom Burgess is hedging, can’t make up his mind

At moment of writing Joe hasn’t resigned.

Already tormented, not getting that far,

Now Frank is domestically sporting a scar

A real can of worms late last Fall was begun

Nearly three months ago and still nobody won.

When we look at ourselves we must truly confess

We are masters at being a political mess

We bicker and hackle and grasp every straw

And we ended our election by testing the law.

The next day or so when the smoke dies away

P.Cs will go in or the Liberals will stay

Whoever it is, be it Tory or Grit

There’ll be one more election, get ready for it.

Daily News Headline: Differences patched up says Moores (Burgess will stay with PCs.)

It seems the rumor factory

Is working overtime

To paraphrase an apt remark

A dozen for a dime.

We hear about defections

That some P.Cs will switch

And then again some Liberals

Have got the switching itch.

For some it is a hobby

And their hope is the dirt

They quickly manufacture

Will cause somebody hurt.

The good old politician

Has something on his side

Developed with experience

It’s known as thicker hide.

Daily News Headline: JRS will resign next week: “Like a boy out of school”

Mr. Smallwood at his oratorical best

Announced it was time for a well deserved rest

In caucus and cabinet all had agreed

The wishes at last of the people to heed.

Some procrastination is evident though

The vacating process is especially slow

Today or tomorrow in writing will be

Resignation of Liberals - a chapter finis.

With some tongue in cheek Joe conceded the loss

Acknowledging that the Supreme Court was boss

Then for his finale, quite pensive in mood

A melodramatic though brief interlude.

No personal transfer to Moores will he make

He’s just taking off everything to forsake

But folks at Placentia are slow to condemn

It’s symbolic, no doubt, call it Joe’s Requiem.

Daily News Headline: Scale down, abolish lieutenant-governor? NDP asks study

The skies are silenced for a while

Airports are lonely places now

Traffic Controllers have walked out

But business carries on somehow

At home C.N. to rescue comes

With extra buses on the road

And mainland passengers no doubt

Each day the trains will overload

The highway traffic will increase

To meet the traveller’s growing need

May they all reach their journey’s end

Unmarred by accident through speed.

Daily News Headline: Smallwood era ends at noon (Joey’s last day in office)

Good morning, Premier Frank, and worthy colleagues,

Those in cabinet we bid you all good day

Backbenchers of P.Cs. welcome to office

And may you get a chance a while to stay

To those in Opposition welcome also

As Liberals you have a change in role

You carry much more weight than predecessors

May constructive criticism be your goal

In appreciation of the inner workings

Is an asset that with wisdom you possess

May the welfare of the people be your yardstick

And with Government you speed up business

To all a hearty welcome to this era

A new enlightened vote is your command

Frank Moores and party, here’s the chance you asked for

Good luck in taking care of Newfoundland.

Daily News Headline: PC Government takes office; 15 member cabinet sworn in

From time that it started, in years it’s a score

Quite quickly C.J.O.N. came to the fore

To all Newfoundland radio came alive

And TV was added in late ‘55.

More frequent newscasts soon started to flow

Then on-the-spot chats with the folks on the go

Interviews, contests, awards for hot tips

Until C.J.O.N. was on everyone’s lips.

Open line programs, church service and such

Near or remote one was always in touch

Its staff which through years has continued to swell

To province and nation gave folks who excel.

Ongoing as ever its future is bright

Its smart talking D.J.s are quite a delight

So to CJON - Radio and T.V.

May you have many more and good luck with you be.

Daily News Headline: No further concessions to be made, Treasury Board must sweeten offer

A big day for boy will tomorrow commence

Whether goalies or forwards or playing defence

It will be worth your while if you just take a peek

In fact you’ll be hooked for the rest of the week.

All over the Province will Minors compete

Whether they win or lose every game is a treat

Each one works his heart out to strengthen his team

When they made a good play, man do they ever beam.

To add to his game and to bolster his joy

Don’t just send him along but go in with the boy

It means a lot to him when you come to cheer

And a thank you to coaches who work hard all year.

Daily News Headline: Moores urged to establish permanent military force

Tom Burgess had it knocked but, cops, he blew it

Hugh Shea seems like the next who’s gonna do it

A minister he wants to be that’s certain

But Hughie Shea’s the only one he’s hurtin’.

Impulsive, bouncy and a bit too wordy

He has to change else he be considered birdy

His energy and youth if well directed

Could in time warrant his being well respected.

To serve a riding well takes full attention

But not within one’s ranks to breed dissension

Maturity one needs, and good perspective

Some thoughts when Premiers must be selective.

So think about it, Hughie, it’s not yellow

To reassess oneself, take time to mellow

The best way to serve us in St. John’s South, sir

Apply yourself and guard the words you mouth, sir.

Daily News Headline: (Avalon School Board) Bring in school tax or raise assessment 50% in September

Let’s see if we can get it straight

Gus Oldford was a Magistrate

Through some coercion, he inferred

He entered politics, but erred.

We can’t too easily forget

He had a post in cabinet

He simply went along with same

But P.C.s won which changed the game.

No longer apprehensive, he

Appeals to public sympathy

His post is gone, his high hopes too

He wonders now what he can do.

From magistrates we expect more

He should have spoken out before

But then he had good pension dreams

The Liberal loss changed that it seems.

A precedent he now can quote

When Magistrate Horan, we note,

Made his big bid, but voters spurned

And to the bench he has returned.

The P.C.s now are on the spot

To reinstate this man or not

Our Magistrates we do respect

But politics could see that wrecked.

Daily News Headline: Shea will sit as an independent (District PC executive wants him back)

There once was a young politician

Who made a strong plea of petition

With words he’d caress you

And throw in ‘God Bless you’

But now we see selfish ambition

Hughie Shea was P.C. candidate

And to serve in the House couldn’t wait

But ‘twas all a decoy

This curly headed boy

Has as yet only come up with prate

From his District advice he sought not

What he’s saying is all tommy rot

Has the chap flipped his lid?

It would seem that he did

Since he got not a cabinet slot

People voted the Party, not Shea

Had he been Independent - no way!

His big mission is done

He at last made page one

But what price will his voters now pay.

You insult people you represent

By declaring your Independent

You prove quite immature

And you’re selfish for sure

So resign, if you’ve honest intent.

Daily News Headline: Premier Moores admits no “formal” talks on Bowater option

More people these days

Are just going nowhere

The controllers’ strike yet

Is still “up in the air”.

But that’s all that we see

As we look overhead

The big birds are grounded

And business is dead.

It tests meditation

To limits extreme

Big strikes like this

Always do it would seem.

Daily News Headline: Doyle says he offered withdraw from project

How the winter quickly passes

Christmas was a month ago

Valentine’s around the corner

And the streets are bare of snow.

Storms may yet be in the offing

But we’re heading for the Spring

When our spirits will be lifted

As the robins start to sing.

Cheerfully we look at winter

As being quickly on its way

Spreading the New Year before us

With ever-lengthening day.

Daily News Headline: Air traffic expected resume today

If you have a yearnin’ some evenin’ for mutton

Don’t think for moment you’ll get it for nuttin

In Grand Bank two residents had a light touch

But found in the long run it cost them too much.

The sheep owners must have had quite a surprise

To find that the wool was pulled over their eyes

They took proper action and loudly did wail

The sheeplifters choice was a stiff fine or jail.

The owners were paid for the sheep they had lost

The guilty of course being forced to pay cost

There’s a moral as well, keep it under your hat

Ewe mutton snatch sheep, no you mutton do that

Daily News Headline: Dismissed civil servant appeals to NAPE

John Crosbie is hot on the linerboard mill

That white elephant over in Stephenville

The deals that were made make him want to recoil

As he aims to dispose of promoter John Doyle

Now Doyle is a hard one and counters real fast

It riles him that Crosbie should give him a blast

He forecasts work stoppage, conditions adverse

Projecting, financially, things will be worse

Such bullies and threats P.Cs. will not condone

So Crosbie with Doyle is still picking a bone

There’s 24 million that Doyle must repay

Or else pack it up and be gone on his way

The management aspect is lacking it seems

Good business is needed instead of just schemes

The firm ultimatum ship out or chip in

Is a toughie for Doyle to take smack on the chin.

Daily News Headline: Burgess, Shea switch to Liberals; House will decide fate of gov’t (Moores promises session “as early as possible”)

Puerile, pathetic, pernicious, pretentious

Chaotic, childish-like, cheekish, contentious

Selfish, impetuous, dissident, dubious

Yet Burgess and Shea think each other salubrious.

Selfish the reason to draw such attraction

How else justify such nefarious action

No logic at all are these nomads displaying

The business of Government only delaying.

If Labrador people to Grits were devoted

That’s how in election they all would have voted

The South St. John’s vote was a very strong Tory

But Shea scuttled that with his weak upper storey.

Daily News Headline: Devlin warns “There’s another day” (Describes IRA plan of blood-letting)

The scorched windowless facade

of the two-in-one house

and adjoining structure

on Water Street West

gives mute testimony

of the triple tragedy

that occurred within its confines

in an early Tuesday morning fire.

One day - an

animated structure;

The next - a memorial.

Sober thoughts

reflected in serious faces

accompany the visual assessment

of the scene;

people identify with the victims,

with the bereaved,

contemplating life’s brevity

in the total concept of time.

Past the initial reaction to the fire,

or its aftermath,

the comment centres on its cause.

The firefighters, the clean up,

the rebuilding, until in short weeks

the final impact will be erased.

The blackened ice-damped clapboards

will disappear

and only those who bear the loss

will share the memory.

Life moves on - we move with it,

ever onward to meet its daily challenge,

stopping momentarily

to reflect on our inadequacy

in getting the complete picture

of the jigsaw of life.

Daily News Headline: Threatened strike by city workers averted

He went to his psychiatrist

Quite jumpy, haggard, shaken

He seemed so overly distressed

The doc thought he was fakin.

When put completely at his ease

His story he narrated

That he was P.C. all his life

And had been so elated.

Then some developments took place

Which shook his whole foundation

His sleep by nightmares was disturbed

Then came hallucination.

He thought he saw himself attend

The Liberal Convention

And heard himself quite loudly shout

He had no such intention.

But drowned completely were his cries

As Joe on shoulders entered

And with that noisy entrance theme

On him attention centred.

Joe said: “I’m rested, feeling fine

Quite healthy, strong God thanking

And now I have some things to say

About his hanky panking.

“In Florida when news reached me

I got the heaves and urges

Young Shea has got to go - agreed?

We’ll also sack Tom Burgess.

“Now Edward, mind you, isn’t bad

He’s young, finesse is lacking

He needs some more apprenticeship

Before we give him backing.

“And Steve did what I told him to

Kept everyone’s attention

So he’ll be your new President

At this worthwhile convention.

“But Rowe and Wells and such upstarts

Are not the main attraction

I’m back in harness once again

Your Leader, man of action.”

With that he jumped up from the couch

“Now doctor, see my trouble?”

“You bet, ‘twould drive a man to drink

Here, join me in a double.”

Daily News Headline: The Queen’s 20th Anniversary: she’ll reign a long time

St. John’s welcomed Liberals last weekend past

From many outharbour and bay

We hope it’s a visit they’ll always recall

And each did enjoy his brief stay,

Though cold weather greeted the first to arrive

It warmed up a bit at the end

And certainly happenings down at the hall

Showed warmer would now be the trend.

It’s over and done with, they’ve all gone their way

The party’s top brass voted in

With earnestness now a fresh start will be made

Their hopes high next election they’ll win.

Daily News Headline: Ed Roberts’ victory overwhelming (Liberal Party leadership decided on first ballot)

Steve Neary drew lots of attention

From election night up to convention

He stepped down as coxswain

And backed Edward Moxon

Who won the race without dissension.

Vince Spencer excels in presumption

While Student Rod Moores showed much gumption

To be magnanimous

Tom call “unanimous”

He’s a Liberal again, the assumption.

Ed Roberts is faced with the mission

Of leading a strong Opposition

Let’s hope he is able

To help keep things stable

And not lose his cool through ambition.

Daily News Headline: Gov’t seeking new owner in Stephenville Project

“Mommy, what are Tories?

Are they saucy, do they bite?

If I ever dreamed about them

Would I wake up with a fright?”

“No, my darling they’re real people

Like your Dad and Uncle Ted”

“Joey Smallwood didn’t think so

By the way he shook his head.”

“It’s a game big people play dear

Some day you will understand

You can play it when you’re older

‘Politics in Newfoundland’.

Daily News Headline: CTC orders railways to continue rail service to Maritimes

When at MUN where the students empty cans and eggs did pelt

Hughie Shea learned something of the way that Judas felt

His role as a betrayer long and loud has been declared

Until he stops ego tripping he had better be prepared.

It does appear of late he goes way out to get his thrills

But at MUN he had no answer for an irate Thomas Mills

Who challenged him quite openly to state to them his case

But he only got evasive and digressed to save his face.

It is unfortunate indeed that Mr. Shea so chose

To show us by his actions just how little the man knows

He went off on a tangent and in orbit now is lost

A no return point he has reached, and that’s a frightful cost.

In interests of his health and wealth he should now chuck it in

To carry on much further would be tantamount to sin

Pig headed and being ill advised he blew it all the way

So let’s get those petitions signed ... We’ll see you Mr. Shea.

Daily News Headline: Councillor cries “smear” in arterial route wrangle

How much at all knew Crosbie, John

About the previous carryings on

When Doyle in public he denounced

And subsequently on him pounced.

What really did make John C. Doyle

Change mind and, so to speak, recoil

The inside track we’ll never know

But it looks like a really good show.

P.C.s knew we could not afford

To gamble on the linerboard

Their theme had been it won’t be long

With deals like this they come on strong.

Daily News Headline: Crosbie threatens investigate ex-deputy minister O.L. Vardy

Irreversible now, having so made his stand

Joey Smallwood no longer controls Newfoundland

As leader and Premier he finally resigned

Writing will be his bridge to get back in the grind.

Having knocked many things these last years of his reign

As a person we have to look at him again

He’s a doer, a talker (magnetic in speech)

Making difficult goals much more easy to reach.

He’s a thinker, a bundle of energy plus

Drinks not, nor smokes, nor resorts to a cuss

He’s perceptive, alert, patriotic and proud

At his best when addressing a Newfoundland crowd.

Self made, he’s well read, and his stamina’s high

Even now it’s “so long” not a final “goodbye”

Though his politics caused us to strongly object

As a man Mr. Smallwood commands our respect.

May time treat him well and he mellow a mite

Have time for his home, for the House, time to write

With giving due credit I’ll always agree

Better said at this time, and not posthumously.

Daily News Headline: Union said seeking new probe at ERCO (Working conditions believed cause of latest walkout)

Without much fanfare, song or dance

The staff of St. John Ambulance

A service role to high degree

Fulfills in our community

Convention or a cavalcade

A hockey game, a big parade

Where there are gatherings big or small

You’ll find them at your beck and call

The front line Uniform Brigade

Of volunteers is solely made

A truly dedicated band

Who always give a helping hand

Home nursing service and child care

Available most everywhere

Costs quite a lot, with prices high

To keep an ample stock supply

Now thirty thousand bucks they ask

To carry on their yearly task

Theirs is a noble job to do

Do help to make their goal come true.

Daily News Headline: Power outage throws 750,000 out of work (Food shortages loom as Britain braces for the worse to come)

Today is Ash Wednesday, beginning of Lent

Which once meant a time of almsgiving

Prayer, fasting, and penance, and doing good works

And a change in the way of one’s living.

All this self-denial is gone by the board

Gone too are the many restrictions

But in spirit there’s still very much to be gained

If we live by our Christian convictions.

In a positive way for the next forty days

We can try being very objective

Review our life’s pattern with hopes to amend

Improve if we can our perspective.

Preparing for Easter, Lent’s purpose it seems

A time for complete introspection

How better prepare for the coming of Christ

Symbolic in His Resurrection.

Daily News Headline: Collapse of stern door judged cause of ferry sinking

It’s ironic indeed where the fishes abound

That much fewer fishermen are to be found

The young men who once from their fathers took o’er

Have not the same interest their dads had before.

A doorstep resource has been sold down the drain

There’s a need to update its perspective again

Taking men from the boats, a near fatal mistake,

Can be straightened out yet if we but stay awake.

Concentration we need on this natural resource

Fishing limit restrictions we have to enforce

Incentive is needed for hardy young men

To get back to their boats and go fishing again.

Daily News Headline: Gov’t may lease Burgeo plant, ask Lake to market products

A special Good Morning to you on this day

With a wish every thing will be going your way

We especially note February eighteen

And the change it has made in our daily routine

It is two years today since we made our debut

And we’re thankful indeed that our following grew

In this novel way we’ve expressed many views

A feature found only in your Daily News

In book form as well you’ll find “Rhymes of the Times”

A price within reason, just 25 dimes

The comments you make are most encouraging

With support such as this we’ll keep doing our thing.

Daily News Headline: Chop up to 10 cents off gasoline prices?

It’s hard to say what’s best of all

About the Music Festival

We’d like to take in every single show

From little hands which music bring

To voices young that sweetly sing

In glee clubs, classroom groups, duet, solo.

Whether in voice or instrument

Much preparation has been spent

In giving of one’s best in every try

All through the week it will be seen

The competition’s very keen

And everywhere young confidence rides high.

Apart from being competitive

Young people get a chance to give

A talent exhibition that’s worthwhile

A big increase this year we see

In entries for the family

Who capture audiences with their style

Howe’er their planning is designed

Kiwanis are well organized

A monumental task they carry out

To them, and to performers all

Good luck in this year’s festival

May many good results bring it about.

Daily News Headline: City advised to spend $3 ½ million on parking

Come you lovers of the Arts

In multitudes present yourselves

To witness young and old display

Through voice and instrument technique

The proud result of practiced hours.

Make haste to spare yourself the loss

Of being without seat

For final nights

When talents from the ranks emerge

To represent with much finesse

Competing classes

Through the week’s events.

Come rally ‘round in numbers rare

Encouraging with presence

Those who try

To qualify

For higher echelons within the music sphere

That those who learn

May see within their reach

A chance to teach

And spread the charm of music through our land.

Come music lovers all

In hundreds pour

To Arts and Culture Centre

Lending ear

The choicest tones to hear

Of blended song

Or other form of music so performed

That hearts with pride will fill

And share the thrill

Of each euphonic offering

There expressed

Equated only with the very best.

Daily News Headline: Hint of disagreement as Nixon meets Mao

Before the House is even called

We are a little bit appalled

To hear Ed Roberts starting in

With terms like “Crosbie-Moores Admin.”

But Crosbie too has no more sense

By quickly jumping to defence

Retorting “Barbour-Roberts-Rowe”

The whole bit is a rotten show.

If Crosbie’s quote verbatim read

It’s worth remembering what he said...

“Put the most powerful man first”

In substance that was his outburst

If this meant from his point of view

That Roberts held place No. 2

With Barbour calling every shot

Then Crosbie now is on a spot.

By reasoning along this vein

He really in effect is sayin’

You’re right Ed, Moores is second best

I’m No. 1, from St. John’s West.

Now that was not so clever John

Howe’er you meant to carry on

Forget those petty smear attacks

And get on with essential facts.

Let Ed and others so inclined

Keep last House Session fresh in mind

Too much time foolishly was spent

This time lets see real Government.

Daily News Headline: 1.) Newfoundlanders beginning to wake up to a “very serious” drug problem (First in a series) 2.) IRA vengeance bombing kills seven in Britian

When representations have to be made

We look to a group such as Board of Trade

To initiate action before too late

We need such bodies to throw their weight

The year’s reports, as they now change hands

Show clearly each member understands

The role of any group such as theirs

And the need for a body that really cares

Whether transportation, pollution, rent

Aid in economic development

They offer a program that’s broad in scope

Firm in conviction, and high of hope

The talents of so many businessmen

At disposal of each concerned citizen

Channelled through groups such as Board of Trade

Is a powerful force to keep matters staid

Burf Ploughman exits as President

His term of office being wisely spent

To him and successor an accolade

We need strong groups like the Board of Trade.

Daily News Headline: 1. West Coast of province has distressing drug problem (Second in a series) 2. Spending estimates over $18 billion

When snow and ice and frost abound

The traffic has a different sound

Like yesterday right through to lunch

The sound was like a rolling crunch.

The din of daily traffic flow

Is sometimes cushioned by the snow

But normal traffic noise is lost

When we get all the extra frost.

The dipping temp in cloudless sky

Minutest tones will amplify.

To all sounds each day be alert

You’ll hear some new ones in this cold spurt.

A chap named George hailed me today

“There’s something that you must be told

The P.C. government must go

It’s their fault it’s so bloody cold”.

Daily News Headline: 1. Shortage of enforcement officers means few drug prosecutions (Third in a series) 2. (Gov’t in effective control of mill project) Cost to oust Javelin placed at $20 million

The people who shop

At the St. John’s Co-op

Must be pleased with reduction in gas

It’s a good way to buy

What with prices so high

And we’re glad it at last came to pass

Opposition we hear

But that’s all fairly clear

This man’s money comes in as gas flows

What must now come about

Is more people to shout

That we’re paying too much, goodness knows.

If more people could see

That co-operatively

They are saving through buying this way

Then with prices cut down

They’d have less cause to frown

As their savings would mount day by day.

Daily News Headline: 1. Drug education today: Like putting band-aid on a cancer (Fourth in a series) 2. Bye-election March 20 (Fate of gov’t hangs on Fortune Bay vote)

To those whose birthday is today

Come greetings in a special way

For each four birthdays you add one

Which should bring you some extra fun.

The women’s lib so evident

Was always with us by intent

Each leap year, so tradition said

The spinsters had their choice to wed

While normally the men pursued

On leap year all the ladies wooed

The same could well hold true today

To judge by outfits on display

Weddings, I’m sure you’ve realized

This month were widely advertised

With things to buy for those being wed

Like wedding dress and double bed

So hang on fellas, play it cool

On this exception to the rule

While always at their charming best

This year gals put you to the test.

Daily News Headline: 1. Marijuana is most commonly used drug in Newfoundland (Fifth in a series) 2. (Liberal opposition “delighted”) PCs decide to open House tomorrow

It’s fun being a pedestrian when comes a fall of snow

Until sidewalks are passable, into the street you go

With autos you play cat and mouse and deftly step aside

Being sure with trucks and buses that the berth you give is wide.

With traffic on the increase you try sidewalking somehow

Eventually on main streets comes the little sidewalk plow

The operator’s judgement seems the guideline for its path

But what it does at bus stops just invokes the patrons’ wrath.

The guessing game’s a good one when the path is single file

A person is approaching, so each gives a little smile

You step aside to pass him, he elects to do the same

But he walks right on your instep – so much for the guessing game.

Try games of chance when walking, like the interaction bit

When you try to gauge the traffic, certain drivers take a fit

Sun, salt and sand together work against you in your dash

Through you managed to cross safely you get covered by a splash.

Daily News Headline: 1. Parents may be principal reason their children take drugs (Last in a series) 2. Minimum wage rise in gov’t program?

Nell says she wants Government changes

Husband Tom says he doesn’t care

Next month they’ll be voting in Fortune

Two big votes in less than a year

Fate of government they’re deciding

Might as well be doing their share

Sally’s Cove once did it like Fortune

Still the whole things up in the air

Visitors will come by the dozens

Telling us how much that they care

We should take ‘em all to the cleaners

Sock it to ‘em much as we dare

Government is coming and going

Nothing with it can we compare

Every cent on people of Fortune

May they help us to clear the air

Daily News Headline: Throne speech heavily laced with resource development

Cheers and Hooray, it is settled at last

The House opened up and it closed just as fast

Fortune Bay’s onus today is repealed

As a date of election the Premier revealed

Enough of this business of crossing the floor

Hugh Shea gets a chance to go back to his store

Tom Burgess to Ireland should now book his flight

This time he’ll lose badly his Labrador fight

Joe is now free and for him it’s a break

No longer involved, he has nothing at stake

It’s just as well there was no more House time spent

With the foolish crosstalk despite all good intent

So off to the battle as never before

The magic day named, Friday March 24

The season is wrong for the mud slinging bit

But they could use snowballs to score the odd hit.

Daily News Headline: General election March 24 (Moores says stability essential; timing “irresponsible” – Roberts

A there’s an Axe to grind

B means we’re in a Bind

C is Confusion it can cause

D means Deciding on

E an Election

F simply points out many Flaws.

G what a mixed up bunch

H says we have a Hunch

I stands for Immaturity

J it’s no Joke at all

K Kidding since last fall

L Let’s give up this Levity

M N O P

Things can’t go on this way

Q R S T

Government we need that’s goin’ to stay

U better take a note

V is your right to Vote

W X Y Z

It’s fun to wander through

The alphabet with you

Whether Liberal or P.C.

Daily News Headline: (Increase of 20 per cent) Gov’t to seek $120 million interim supply

Easternbound flight cancellations caused some Curlers to perspire

Knowing they missed something special at the opening of the Brier

Now that all have made it safely and each works out with his rink

Plans afoot to entertain them will make up for this, I think

Gauging those concentric circles as the stone slides into place

There’s a mask of concentration on each earnest player’s face

There’ll be upsets, screams of pleasure, and conversely there’ll be moans

As the skips, leads, thirds and seconds try to knock opponents’ stones

Every end has to be counted, teamwork is the secret word

Sweepers frantically, whisk-brooming as the skip is plainly heard

Then come shouts of jubilation, obviously in their glee

As opponents’ stones are scattered and they close in on the tee

It’s a great week for the Brier, crisp and clear with ice all around

Visitors you’re very welcome as you have already found

Alec Henley and Committee prepared well for all of you

May you all have pleasant memories of your Brier ‘72.

Daily News Headline: Despite valiant effort Durant’s Newfoundland rink loses

Because they found us so naive

The Liberals still can’t believe

That Premier Moores outfoxed them with his move

But those things happen they will learn

And people do in time discern

The differences between “cut” and “in the groove”

It’s not elections people hate

But all that silly useless prate

That everything the Tories do is wrong

This petty chatter has to go

Whether its Roberts or Bill Rowe

Let’s get from you an image much more strong

Elections we do not resent

For there is extra money spent

And that is welcome any month or year

But what’s the good of dollars spent

Unless there’s stable government

And people seeking votes are more sincere

It’s time to stop this whole charade

And frankly call a spade a spade

What happens if a tie is still our fate

It’s possible, not likely though,

But if it turns out to be so

For change of mind it then will be too late.

Should that be how election ends

The government for us dear friends

Will be as good as candidates at hand

Together we must place each mind

Put party differences behind

And work toward a better Newfoundland.

Daily News Headline: “We’ll play them one at a time” says Durant

St. Mary’s Hall was quiet all within

Until they came; it echoed with their din

The people who in St. John’s South do live

These voters - Progressive Conservative.

A fair size list of candidates were there

Some knew of course that they would get nowhere

But so incensed with Hugh Shea had they been

This time they felt they wouldn’t be so green.

Healy, Harlick, Saidi made their bid

McGrath, Daley and Trainor also did

But ‘draft Wells’ people had much homework done

One thousand plus turned out, and Robert won.

Maunder bowed and backed up Terry T.

Too late his gesture one could plainly see

Over 700 votes rang victory bells

For a lawyer of the people - Robert Wells

This man will win the race in St. John’s South

Of that there’s not the slightest bit of doubt.

His campaign will be quite sincere we bet

The South may have a cabinet minister yet.

Daily News Headline: Durant likes “Black Thursday”, upsets B.C.

Peter Simple must have dipped his pen in poison

With his sharp attack on Moores, a footnote then,

That his articles on politics were finished

Unless Frank Moores was acting up again.

This doesn’t sound like one who holds convictions

Rather like a person on and open line

Who will belly ache about a certain party

Then hang up abruptly, showing lack of spine

Moores is not the only politician running

Roberts has no special rights to be immune

As a writer who is given space to work with

Peter, you should see the other side, and very soon

A master mariner you say is Frankie

I’ll go along with that he knows his stuff

It is Roberts first command, and tough the sailing

Why not give him hell as well, I call your bluff

Daily News Headline: (Incident on lonely road) Trio terrify young couple, get 3 months

We meet today, we speak

I hear your voice

Ere this we neither felt

Cause to rejoice

That both our parents

Gave us birthright

Choice to live

And we today

In separate ways

Our talents give

To help - our fellows

Those within our reach

Who join with doctors

As they now beseech

That every soul conceived

Has right to light of day

To develop fetus wise,

As child then all the way

Is there one among us

On this blessed morn

Who gives not thanks

For privilege of being born.

Daily News Headline: Gov’t takes over Burgeo fish plant

A solid looking bird

Of greyish plume

The pigeons in the cities

Choose to stay

They strut where traffic flows

They cross one’s path

Unhurried

Nonchalantly making way.

Through windows of a building

Where they perch

One studies them

Heads bobbing, all on edge

Restless as they strut

Or swap positions

On an eave,

Or like protruding ledge

Perpetually nodding

Preening, strutting

They side step

Fly away again alight

Take listening poses

Pick, make broody sounds

Keep on the move

On foot, or into flight

Daily News Headline: (Liberals fail to field candidate) Moores wins Humber West by default

Through a hospital window

I looked into the closing day.

Green shingles, red brick chimney,

Overhead wire, a vented skylight,

Clumsily filled the foreground.

Beyond, in increasing distance,

Were skeleton-branched trees,

Roofs of blue, black, brown and green,

Upper storeys of high rise buildings,

Television antennae, church towers.

The three-dimensional back drop of real life

Revealed lazy, black, industrial smoke,

Calm waters,

Brilliant orange-pink sun reflected windows,

Scattered pink clouds in the eastern sky

That betrayed the sunset.

Merging into the horizon

Were mounded rolling hillsides,

Draped with irregular patches of clinging snow,

Crevices and roadways, tributary-like

Emptying into the mirrored basin of water

That compactly reflected the quiet scene.

A day passed.

The scene could not be duplicated.

The reflected sunshine is gone.

Contours are similar, but less discernible.

Gone too are the color blends.

A thin white veil of snow now covers the scene,

Its component sister snowflakes,

Yielding to the gravitational pull,

In profusion add veiled layers,

Of vertical whiteness,

Limiting the range of vision

To the foreground of green shingles,

Red brick chimney, overhead wire

And vented skylight.

Daily News Headline: (Ninety per cent earn under $10,000) Only one family in ten can afford to have own home

Faith and begorrah ‘tis March Seventeen

The traditional day to be wearin’ the green

The day to say lephricon, fairy and elf

And to sing out the praises of Paddy himself

A day of good spirits (take that how you will)

A day of step dancin’ and doin’ quadrille

Players of fiddles, accordions and all

Like everyone dancin’ for sure had a ball

The lilt of the music, the spirit of joy

Enraptured each adult, each girl and each boy

The freedom from Lent made this feast day unique

Ah ‘twas great to be part of it all, so to speak

How much we looked forward to concerts and plays

Directed by people of charm, like Kay Hayes

Max Connolly’s songs, parodies of Mike Fewer

To any program added much to be sure

Oh the changes have come, and the Governments say

We’ll honor St. Pat on the twentieth day

Be proud of the shamrocks, whatever your view

Pleasant weekend, and top o’ the mornin’ to you!

Daily News Headline: Gov’t should share offshore resources revenue says report

Murphy I, hailed far and wide as “Ank”

To bat will go it matters not your rank

To St. John’s Centre he is now betrothed

And in the P.C. garment he is clothed.

Murphy II, renowned in sports as “Dee”

Is game to tackle Ank’s monopoly

His interest lies with St. John’s Centre folk

He’s flashing the new Liberal Moxon cloak

Here voters must be specially aware

Their X must be marked in precisely where

They want their vote to be, their personal choice

Either side, through errors, could rejoice.

See the problem, and it’s only just begun

“Will I vote for Murphy II or Murphy I?

I’ve faith in youth, I’ll vote for Murphy II

I like the things he promises to do.”

“Or will I cast my vote for Murphy I?

I can’t forget the many things he’s done

He’s ready at the call, will hear our plea

Yes, I think Murphy I will work for me.”

“But then again I like young Murphy II

He works so hard for youth, I’m in a stew

Murphy I did much which I approve

I can’t decide so I’ll just have to move.”

Daily News Headline: Trudeau says he’s in no hurry for a general election

It’s spring

You ding-a-ling

March twenty one

A time

When you like I’m

Glad winter’s done

Sunday

You’d really say

That spring was here

Bright styles

Those easy smiles

A sense of cheer

It’s time

For change of clime

Long winter past

With zing

We greet the spring

It’s here at last!

Daily News Headline: Gov’t - Javelin reach basis for negotiations on linerboard project

It must be a new mystery show

That’s coming on T.V.

The man with glasses looks so sad

It’s not a comedy.

The Liberal platform someone guessed

That’s why it looks so small

Two people only it can hold

Better than none at all

The young man sitting there looks tired

He stopped to take a rest

He talks intently to himself

While waiting for a guest

He wants a conversation with

The Premier of they day

But VOCM did it first

Won an award that way

To this platform the cleaning staff

A path will daily wear

As they take the husting dustings

From that T.V. empty chair.

Daily News Headline: Hotel complex life or death for downtown

The list of candidates is long, it totals ninety four

But only forty one will sit on the Assembly Floor

The names are interesting, one four-syllables can claim

A party leader once and OTTENHEIMER is the name.

There’s CALLAHAN, FITZPATRICK, RYAN, ROEBATHAM, ELLIOT,

A COLLINS, BURGESS, MATTHEWS, HOWARD, ROBERTS and BARTLETT

HODDER, MILLEY, EVANS, HISCOCK, ROWE (of which there’s three)

PIERCEY, HARVEY, BLACKMORE, MARTIN, STARKES, two THOMS, a LEE.

BARRY, WOOLRIDGE, MULLETT, CHEESEMAN, HICKMAN and MANNING

FARRELL, CARTER, CURRAN, WELLS, two RUSSELLS, one CANNING

a MAHER, a DOYLE, a COLE, a JANES, a CAMPBELL, MORGAN, BURT

WILSON, BENNETT, DUNPHY, GOSSE and SHEA (who can’t be hurt).

Two MAYNARDS, NEARYS, MURPHYS and two MOORES we find indeed

a brace of BREETS, a CROSBIE, STRICKLAND, PECKFORD, and a REID

AYLWARD, HICKEY, WOODWARD, KELLY, FAGAN and ROUSSEAU

DOODY, DAWE, O’REGAN, BOONE, and for the season - SNOW.

There’s a touch of the old century - WINSOR, ENGLAND, CHURCHILL too

For romance we have a LOVERIDGE, if not will a HUSSEY do

There’s a BARBOUR, with a GILLETT, which is SHARPE to trim each curl

And there’s just a bit of blueblood with the presence of an EARLE.

When these hungry men are EATON, to the KITCHEN they retire

Where a BAKER serves them CONNORS, or STAGG roasted o’er the fire

Whether they are YOUNG or SENIOR, we have seen them on parade

Let their MARSHALL halt them Friday, and let’s end this whole charade.

Daily News Headline: (Drop fines, prison terms?) Recommend soft laws for users of soft drugs

The day of decision at last has arrived

The political onslaught we all have survived

Our conscience goes with us as privately, we

Make a choice that will calm our political sea

In the booth’s privacy, for a moment alone

We must make a decision that’s solely our own

It’s a right we have earned and we would be unwise

If we missed exercising our rightful franchise.

On this twenty-fourth day we must feel in our heart

That each one of us plays a significant part

In our government, which we can really decide

And by voting we’ll know that we earnestly tried.

Daily News Headline: Dirty weather forecast as province goes to the polls

It’s over and done with, the die has been cast

The smoke of the battle is settled at last.

Those off for the weekend can lie back in bed

They welcome the rest as they nurse a big head.

The viewers of TV who work on this day

Will lose half the morning in instant replay

The P.C. supporters will say with a grin

Slapping friends on the back “See, I told you we’d win”

Their Liberal opponents will show their hope

“You’ll hang yourself yet, we’re just giving the rope”.

Though partly in earnest, it’s mostly in fun

And we’re all mighty glad that it’s over and done.

Daily News Headline: 1. Frank Duff Moores: The lengthy quest for a solid majority 2. PC sweep with 33 seats (Moores’ smashing win: entire cabinet re-elected)

Another deadline now awaits

If picking up your license plates

Three days are left, officials say

As Friday is a holiday.

Each night as well straight through to nine

You have a chance to get in line

Because the hour is getting late

The staff hopes to accommodate.

There’ll be no license plates as such

It seems they cost a bit too much

But for a sticker you must pay

Deadline is 9 p.m. Thursday.

One sense it’s not completely fair

On thirty-first they won’t be there

To give the benefit to you

One day extension should be due.

Daily News Headline: House heading for summer session?

It’s Holy week, a time to pause for prayer

To see if we are getting anywhere

A time to think, for this it’s never late

A recap time, a time to meditate.

A Christian time, a time to reassess

A time to ask that God our lives will bless

A time to dwell on Christ, the crucified

A time to see the reason he so died.

A time of hope when Easter dawns anew

A time to give more thought to things we do

A time to give the Risen Christ more thought

A time to pray sincerely as we ought.

Daily News Headline: (Russia is main culprit) Four nations agree phase out fisheries

This time of year there’s quite a need

For drivers to pay special heed

To school kids as they freely play

They get their holidays today

The snow is gone and each kid likes

To join the others with their bikes

All out to get their special thrills

By riding on their bicycles.

A word of caution here today

Will surely not be much astray

All drivers quite alert should be

To save the kids from injury.

Those riding bicycles must share

In exercising special care

Proceed with caution, stay alive

Whether a car or bike you drive.

Daily News Headline: Death of “The Bullet” may be reopened (Review now being considered, Pickersgill tells parliamentary committee)

With deft precision fingers swiftly move

Wrists, hands and arms co-ordinately weave

The thinnest threads of life together that

The patient’s suffering he may relieve.

His nerve is not of steel, just resolute

And confidence his being must pervade

His failure’s which are Providence’s gain

Are monuments to supreme efforts made.

Composure in a crisis is his strength

Emotions, disciplined, are left behind

His theatre of work inspires with awe

Dexterity of mind and hand combined

A dedication, purpose quite profound

Is his, such a vocation to elect

Co-workers, the relieved, his own confreres

Hold surgeons rightfully in high respect.

Daily News Headline: Gov’t borrows over $50 million in U.S.

Today we’re really in a bind

The City Council has resigned

Ray Guy has given in at last

He tied the knot on Thursday past

You should go down to see the train

The Newfie Bullet’s back again

And if that gives you any doubt

Consider this then how about

The news that Hotel Newfoundland

Instead of closing will expand

and did you hear quite recently

That Rossie Barbour turned P.C.

And three more members crossed the floor

That should help liven things up more

To put an end to all these tricks

I’m getting into politics

Not true, but in case you forgot

It’s April Fool’s Day, is it not?

Daily News Headline: Christian pilgrims retrace Christ’s final steps to Calvary

Did you get your flipper, skipper

And your tastebuds satisfy

Did you give the missus kisses

When she made it into pie.

Ah, the taste of flipper skipper

When it’s cleaned quite properly

With a rum base, like Big Dipper

It’s a treat that’s heavenly.

Tastier the flipper skipper

As the seal hunt scarcer grows

And if you’re a nipper skipper

Drink a toast before it goes.

Here’s to every flipper skipper

Every man who gaffed a seal

And to flipper a la Dipper

Which has special taste appeal.

Daily News Headline: Abortion “unspeakably wrong” say R.C. bishops

Drama isn’t just an actor in the footlights

Pacing counted steps his place on stage to take

Nor the voice projection with developed accent

When his native tongue the player must forsake

Rather, it is a reflected situation

Of a fictional experience, or real

That invites in many ways participation

Each segment of which has its own appeal

There’s a playwright, a producer, a director

Backstage workers, those on props, on lights and scenes

And the cast who come on stage as other persons

Hopefully conveying what the author means.

Then an audience rapport through mixed emotions

Makes the art of drama in its concept broad

Our festival this week in Arts and Culture

Is a cultural event that gets the nod.

Daily News Headline: North Viet armor, men pour into South Vietnam

To pick a bone

With Dr. Cohen

Would net us nought we reason

Commission take

Four years to make?

There should be open season

He took, we think

Like Rip Van Wink’

Extended hibernation

Quite stale may be

This long study

On labor legislation

Though he was ill

Commissions still

Are too drawn out and many

The Fraser one

Was overdone

And cost us quite a penny

Of all the lot

On top we spot

The Dalton road commission

Report was made

Results delayed

Advising his position.

There is a trend

Much dough to spend

To set up such commissions

There’s surely need

For some more speed

With such high paid positions.

Daily News Headline: (Bus fares hearing adjourned) CN told service is important too

Through Medicare

Quite well did fare

The province’s physicians

It’s understood

The teamwork’s good

And ideal the conditions

Here is one twist.

For Specialist

A G.P. must refer you

But medicare

will pay the fare

So don’t let that deter you

Next group to watch

Move up a notch

Through work in legislature

Will lawyers be

Just wait and see

We’ll call it human nature

Up by degrees

Watch legal fees

Reach heights of new dimension

And legal aid

Will have it made

By getting prime attention

More lawyers will

Positions fill

On legal rights advising

But then why not

We’ll pay the shot

Which should not be surprising.

Daily News Headline: Investigation at ERCO finds “numerous” safety hazards

There’s a change in the ball game

But is it pleasing the crowd

Not sports alone it’s a business now

In Cincinnati they started a row

The Major League Baseball Players

Are looking for a pay hike

And the term that they use

Is that they’re on strike.

Oh for sport as we knew it

When strike meant hitting the ball

Now it’s big business but just the same

We still regard it as only a game

Too bad that strike’s other meaning

Into the ball games have come

May one, two, three strikes you’re out

Soon make big leagues hum.

Daily News Headline: Irish inquiry finds kidnapping of U.K. government figures considered

Today a week of Drama ends

So many people made new friends

And much experience was gained

As we sat back being entertained

Peripheral events were good

And from the many comments should

Ally with drama every year

There’s room for such expression here

Minnie (Aodla) Freeman’s play

Must certainly be rated “A”

While Artist Squires in paint and grease

Creates a conversation piece.

If in the A. and C. today

You still can see Aodla’s play

Readings of poetry you’ll hear

As local artists with you share

Rubia, Pittman. Cook and I

Your varied tastes should satisfy

And many other poets too

Will share their choicest words with you

Daily News Headline: (Warns against joining NFFAWU) Fishermen cutting own throats - Antle

It’s student hiring time again

So businessmen remember when

Some extra dough you needed too

The only way you could get through

It hasn’t changed, the money counts

As cost of living daily mounts

A willing, working lot you’ll find

On jobs they have an open mind.

If there is something you want done

As of today just contact MUN

They’re placing students right away

So why not phone them up today.

Employment office now complete

In Marshall Building, Water Street

Has students who are on the ball

And anxiously await your call.

Daily News Headline: (Mayor Brett demands) Stop “piddling around” with Goose Bay future

He takes the pass, he’s o’er the line

He shoots, and Ohhh, so close that time

The fans are shouting “Cmon Score”

He makes it this time, what a roar.

That time again - the Stanley Cup

When TV viewers all stay up

To catch the action play by play

And talk about it all next day

The action’s fast, the players keen

As witnessed on the T.V. screen

The fights, though scarcer, spark the crowd

Even at home we shout aloud

The kids are sharp on every play

And hope to be like that some day

Their idols really mix it up

Especially in the Stanley Cup.

Daily News Headline: St. Johnsman’s blood vital to Malaysian boy

You sit and wait your turn, whate’er your purpose

In Doctor’s office, rectory, or bank

Employment centre, school, or place of business

A breather welcomed, if you’re really frank.

Unwinding is essential to well being

Relaxing helps the nervous system out

A thought about the futile pace of living

Will raise a question. What’s it all about?

So welcome any chance you have of waiting

For a girl friend or wife on a shopping spree

Slowing down you might do yourself a favor

Soon enough you’ll earn the letters R.I.P.

Daily News Headline: Accused woman thought “...that was my last minute to live”

The stubborn winter drags its feet

And covers up the once bare street

It jealously performs its thing

Refusing to acknowledge spring.

The sun shone for a day or two

But quickly it bade us adieu

As old man winter took a fit

And chose to drag it out a bit.

To me it seems a certain bet

This winter is the longest yet

November past, a three inch fall

And still it snows, ‘twould make you bawl.

Daily News Headline: Scrap tax system Fraser advises (“Revolutionary” approach is needed to spur growth)

The funeral directors and planners

Had better put out a few scanners

It costs too much dough

When your time comes to go

Just to publicize somebody’s banners.

A slow fellow who never hurried

And pitied poor people who worried

Said no one will cry

When it’s my turn to die

No money, but still I’ll be buried.

If not there’s a simple solution

I’ll work on their weak constitution

Though I may be at rest

I will still do my best

By contributing to their pollution.

But it’s serious business, no jokin’

And a new group so very outspoken

Wants to see dignity

For a much lesser fee

The bereaved will be much less heartbroken.

Daily News Headline: It’s outer skin shredding away astronauts ordered aboard lunar lander

So Water Street will stay alive

The downtown businessmen with thrive

Their staying power can’t be ignored

The reward - it is being restored

Resounding to the shoppers feet

The ancient charm of Water Street

Will cast a form of magic spell

On tourists from the new hotel

New Gower Street if things go all right

May well be yet another site

To be developed, with hotel

Which for the future augurs well

The downtown news, as it unfolds

Initially much promise holds

The facts: There’s money to be made

By catering to tourist trade.

Daily News Headline: Moores says Brince still considering Labrador as project site

If you want to be a politician

There’s something to be borne in mind

You should be a good mathematician

Or else you’ll be left far behind

Chorus:

Use naaa naaaa as your trademark

Like any outport billy goat

You must be a plucky old bucky

To pull off a popular vote

To begin with you must know many angles

Not only acute and obtuse

But tackle things from the right angle

When there’s a tirade of abuse

Regardless of your disposition

What you’re saying is beyond compare

Whoever is your opposition

You can bloody well call him a square

Chorus

At talking in circles be gifted

Pretend even though you don’t care

That you want to see people uplifted

That lures them right into your lair

What to you might seem infinitesimal

To voters could mean quite a lot

Remember that little old decimal

How important was that little dot.

Chorus

There is no specific equation

To solve your political woes

Be trained in the art of evasion

And manage to keep a clean nose

You must promise lots of employment

Prepare a short and simple speech

To add to the voters enjoyment

Bring yaffles and bottles of Screech.

Chorus:

Use naaa naaaa as your trademark

Like any outport billy goat

You must be a plucky old bucky

To pull off a popular vote.

Daily News Headline: (The Johnstone Report) Local shipowners stay alive

She’s back, unspoiled, so very sweet

This pretty miss with form petite

In her own right she is a queen

Our charming Newfoundland’s Miss Teen

Unostentatious, and demure

Intelligent, quite poised and sure

A nifty dresser, smart in style

A friendly girl with tender smile

She represents young people who

Are genuine, sincere and true

So full of life, with youth aglow

Ask any of her friends, they know.

To Susanne Moores, a great big hand

For representing Newfoundland

May memories of ‘72

Be happy, and remain with you.

Daily News Headline: DAVIS CONFIRMS INTENTION CLOSE DOWN SALMON FISHERY

For the Government he’s speaking and he’s strong in his appeal

There’s an awful lot of interest in lawyer John O’Neill

He’s not seeing economics as a factor all alone

And with CN about service he elects to pick a bone

The CN’s counsel Brean doesn’t see it quite that way

He feels roadcruiser service at the moment doesn’t pay

He piled high his statistics backing up increase in fares

Giving figures to support the rising cost of bus repairs

O’Neill all this questioned and rebutted statements made

And he has as ammunition service complaints that were made

The hearing before PUB goes on, a lively one indeed

As CN seeks an increase - will the Government accede.

Daily News Headline: Breakthrough near in fisheries management (Canada to demand right over coastal resources)

It’s once again that time of year

When people out in Carbonear

Turn out in numbers for the Festival

Participants will play it cool

In Davis and the James Moore School

And also in Bethany U.C. Hall

Those little hands and voices small

Will captivate the hearts of all

As music floats across Conception Bay

The Rose Bowl competition should

This second year be very good

As well-rehearsed performers sing and play

This Trinity-Conception meet

Should be a very special treat

Kiwanis have worked hard to make it so

If you are in the neighbourhood

And want to witness something good

The Festival is just the place to go.

Daily News Headline: Jamieson announces transportation study

“Hair Hair”, said the barber

While scanning the harbour

“I’m backing the two bucks demand”

“Well now that’s the head”

A new customer said

“But I’m not sure that I understand”.

“To the wall is my back

As my business is slack

I just can’t make ends meet”, his reply

“Well we all go through that”

Said the man as he sat

In the mirror he looked, gave a sigh.

“Look you’ve cut too much there

Would you take some more care

And the last time you clipped me too short

If you’d shape it I’d say

Two bucks gladly I’d pay”

And the barber gave him his retort.

“Look I’ve cut all my life

I’m supporting a wife

Seven kids, have a house and a car

You should all buy a wig

The new styles I don’t twig

Some men are way out, and too far”.

“Now the problem we’ve pinned”

And the customer grinned

“You’ve a big change to make, do you twig”

I’ll show you how it’s done”

He was just having fun

And proceeded to lift off his wig.

“Yes I tricked you I know

And your business is slow

But a stylist by trade sir am I

Now I’ll pass on to you

All the things you must do

Are you game? Good, let’s give it a try”.

Daily News Headline: Murphy will try to “save” New Gower St.

Tuesday, May second, the day set aside

By The Home League of Salvation Army, with pride

At the Springdale Street Temple they meet on this date

It’s an Apron Parade, says our friend Mrs. Laite.

An apron’s an apron, or so I had thought

Not so, there are so many types to be bought

There’s an Eve’s apron, Cook’s apron, Apron burlap

A tea apron, dainty with cross over strap.

A Grandmother’s apron, a Carpenter’s too

An apron for Cobblers, while mending a shoe

A Butcher’s apron, for the man cutting meat

And an apron for Nurses, as white as a sheet.

That’s just about it, but to round out the lot

There’s an apron for Clothespins, believe it or not

Whatever your choice, a small apron or big

You’ll find it at the Salvation Army Home League.

Daily News Headline: Supreme Court rejects idea breathalizer against Bill of Rights

The days as of now will be stretching a mite

As summer approaches more hours of daylight

When clocks are put back there’s an hour loss of sleep

But days that are longer we’re anxious to keep

Daylight savings time is a bright spot each year

The winter behind we look forward with cheer

To our weekends of pleasure in warm summer sun

And a few weeks vacation for frolic and fun.

The Newfoundland Standard is gone till next Fall

Daylight Savings Time is the name that we call

This bright spot in life that is coming our way

Which through juggling of hours means extension of day.

Daily News Headline: Hint of budget restrictions by U.S. in Goose Bay talks

In days gone by each dear old Pop

Our wayward ways would try to stop

By threatening to call a cop

Today there’s quite a different crop

With people lifting from your shop

Solution comes in Rent-A-Cop

Prospective thieves keep on the hop

But will be more inclined to stop

If your shop is a Rent-A-Cop

The novice criminal will flop

When he knows a karate chop

Could be his fate through Rent-A-Cop

You’ll find you will come out on top

If property, your home or shop

You now protect by Rent-A-Cop

Daily News Headline: CN loses bid raise trans-island fares

The cry is out, bring back the files

Of which we know that piles and piles

Have been removed and travelled miles

And strangely there are no denials

Now Premier Moores is being frank

Those files Joe had no right to yank

The action of itself is rank

And is no political prank

A private citizen named Joe

Can keep those files? Well I say no

If you snitched them, know where you’d go

Ten chances to one, down below.

Surely the Crown is strong enough

To call ex-Premier Joseph’s bluff

And make him return all the stuff

They have the power to make it rough

We need a new assistant, Giles

“I say old chap, no time for smiles

Even if you must search for miles

It’s serious, do fetch the files”

Daily News Headline: Liberals begin investigation, would welcome inquiry: Rowe

Mr. Peckford who’s the MHA for Green Bay

Has put his foot inside the money door

He made no bones about his own position

And feels that members should be paid much more

Ten thousand isn’t quite enough to make it

so claims this PC member from Green Bay

The salary upgrading he’s supporting

So watch for sessional increase in pay

He made one point that’s worth a second looking

For some it’s all the money they will get

The lawyers, businessmen and independents

Comprise the government let’s not forgot

Would more ordinary people be encouraged

To make politics a real career if they

Got some extra for being full time politicians

A sort of bonus plus the session pay

This would balance out professional incumbents

Give the middle class more legislative say

Make incentive pay got those who would work for it

Poor and middle class would get their say that way

Daily News Headline: (Nixon summons top advisors) Vietnam major decision looms

Almost 900 ladies o’er the weekend hit St. John’s

Attending a convention held for TOPS

With many graduating if their goal they had achieved

Which earns them a new status they call KOPS

They registered on Friday, and at MUN did they reside

At Arts and Culture main events took place

Awards were made for many things like banners and name tags

Weight losers were all jubilant in face

From U.S. came Rae Getter who was thrilled with what she was

Four chapters once has grown to fifty five

In Newfoundland and Labrador the lose weight drive is on

The TOPS movement has come very much alive

Dr. Wyatt was guest speaker and Miss Anderson as well

Lending much support to efforts being made

Mrs. Wyatt from the Council, U.S. Consul Richard Strauss

Through welcome words passed on an accolade

The loss of weight statistics were impressive all around

You’d say so if these ladies you had seen

Getting the TOP honors both for Windsor and herself

Mrs. Hyacinth Mitchell, the new TOPS Queen.

Daily News Headline: (It’s a crackerjack budget for the aged, veterans and students ... but - ) NOTHING FOR THE MAN IN THE STREET

To Ottawa a team did go

To have discussions with Trudeau

Not too late nor a moment soon

The time indeed quite opportune.

Crosbie, Hickman, Senior Rowe

Doody and Cheeseman also show

But Ottenheimer isn’t there

To liaise with P.M. Pierre.

So strange we thought their contact man

There was nobody scarcer than

Aha, thought we, there is a flaw

But no, he’s just gone back to law.

In England now exams to take

Already he the ice did break

That Frank anew might state our case

And do it without losing face.

Daily News Headline: (Bold ... courageous move” or “utter madness”?) “IMPEACH NIXON!” CRITICS CRY

The 24th looms up again

That time when ardent fishermen

Will go afar in search of trout

With hope to bring prize winners out.

Excitement mounts for sons and dads

Or just a sporty bunch of lads

Who hope to overload each creel

The 24th still has appeal.

For some it’s just the trip outdoors

To drift away from daily chores

To boil up, have a mug of tea

And then a snort, or two, or three.

Howe’er it goes we share their wish

That all of them get lots of fish

The holiday this year for you

Will be held on May 22.

Good luck, good fishing and good fun

Where’er you go, to everyone

Who on the 24th of May

Makes it a trouters Special Day.

Daily News Headline: SEPT ISLES RESIDENTS TOLD TO STAY INDOORS (Crowd virtually takes over Quebec town

“Lard jumped up bangbelly, scruncheons

Cod-nettin’ swiler - faced Joe

There’s no spring at all this year, Martin

Just rain, sleet and piles of old snow”.

“T’would give you the heaves every mornin’

Wake up to nuttin’ but drift

To set lobster pots go ice-breakin’

It’s high-friggin’ time for a shift”.

“Ah b’y we can’t do much about it,

It’s just as well to be resigned

Since the Tories got it, it’s been shockin’

T’would fear drive you out of your mind”.

“Naw they’re not concerned with the wedder

They’re changing the days, that is all

If they want to keep the daylight time goin’

So the time won’t go back in the Fall”.

Daily News Headline: No surprise, Stanley Cup goes back to Boston (Bruins 3, Rangers 0)

We know that contact does a lot for people

Whose problems sometimes touch on melodrama

Through help they sought they did help indirectly

By running off a music Fun-o-Rama.

The Elementary Schools come to their rescue

From Junior Highs cooperation too

The effervescent children helped out gladly

So pleased that there was something they could do.

Contact gave them a chance to use their talents

And musically each one did his thing

Non-competitive were all their special concerts

And with extra gusto each would play or sing.

Such concerts help to give the kids exposure

Build up a confidence as they perform

While they helped contact, it did something for them

And audience response was very warm.

Daily News Headline: (Tumbles 250 feet over cliff) 9-HOUR WAIT FOR INJURED

YOUNGSTER, 11

Whoever thought

Though hard he fought

In Loyal Opposition

That stalwart Ank

Would act for Frank

In such a high position.

With Moores away

Ank had his day

An acting-premier title

His time well spent

In Government

He acts on all things vital.

Folks from Flower Hill

Must surely thrill

To see Ank elevated

At St Pat’s Hall

He’s 10 feet tall

They too are quite elated.

Though such a break

Some years did take

Hard work and dedication

We’re pleased as punch

To join the bunch

And say congratulation.

Daily News Headline: Fishing nations begin preliminary studies of fish resources

It’s good to see so many motivated

To tidy up their lawns and property

With rakes and hoes in this quick change of weather

They make their homes attractive tidily

The debris from the winter now is gathered

Fences fixed and hedges trimmed as well

Windows cleaned, and fresh paint signs appearing

Proud of property are people, one can tell

The Council feels some special days are needed

To help clear up backyards, and offer you

A service that will help with your spring cleaning

Make things look fresh, the season start anew

Daily News Headline: Would-be assassin questioned 48 hours before shooting (Wounded Wallace easily wins Maryland primary

The mighty roaring Churchill Falls

Whose harnessing caused many squalls

Far corners of the earth now calls

But Joey won’t be there

All Labrador will come alive

As dignitaries soon arrive

To tell how business will thrive

But Joey won’t be there

The ball of fire, who strong of will

Got on the good side of Churchill

Chalked this up as his greatest thrill

But Joey won’t be there

Joe travels now by day and night

More books to read, memoirs to write

Churchill for him meant sheer delight

But Joey won’t be there

When ceremonies go ahead

In spirit Joe’ll be there instead

The Smallwood name will oft be said

But Joey won’t be there.

Daily News Headline: Up to 1½ million Canadians have tried cannabis, LeDain finds

A weekend of fishing and frolic and fun

By nightfall for some it’s already begun

They need quite a head start going so far away

And they want to start fishing at first sign of day.

Through Saturday, Sunday some more will take off

To boil up the kettle and cook a good scoff

To take out a boat and go trolling about

With hopes of returning with prize winning trout.

A lot will be wading, and there are some more

Who will sit on a bank and just fish from the shore

With fresh country sounds they’ll be very content

And will come home refreshed from a weekend well spent.

This year extra caution and special advice

To watch for the danger where ponds still have ice

The overflow banks we must carefully tread

Come back safely and not a statistic instead.

Daily News Headline: Tough budget coming, Crosbie tells bankers’ group

There’s no trouble statin’

That Constable Peyton

Deserves special mention as one of the ten

In duty unswerving

Police are deserving

Of our recognition, a fine breed of men

To focus attention

And some special mention

On other policemen, the rookies and all

We feel it is proper

To think of each Copper

As someone we look to as being on the ball.

Their sense of devotion

Requires more promotion

The task that is theirs is quite major indeed

If one thing is lacking

It’s more public backing

We must recognize them as people to heed

Through friendly persuasion

A Boys’ Club liaison

Has helped change the image, and that’s a good start

They quell much disorder

Retain law and order

Encourage we must, let us all do our part.

Daily News Headline: Nixon given correct, but cool reception by Soviets

Bus fare dropped into the box

If you are discerning

Doesn’t lie there as before

The fare box now is churning

All the buses in St. John’s

New fare boxes sporting

Drivers simply press a switch

Then the box starts sorting

Nickels, dimes and quarters are

In the fare box churning

All the while is registered

How much the bus is earning

Almost like a slot machine

Is the initial notion

But pennies work it overtime

And keep the thing in motion

Daily News Headline: U.S. threatens withdrawal from fisheries organization

I met a humble soul today

A lady from around the Bay

Who spoke to me with downcast eye

A trait of yesteryear - so shy

Her gently voice conveyed to me

A sign of her humility

Almost inaudible, yet she

Completely captivated me

Transplanted from a distant shore

Where she returns not anymore

She has resigned to city life

In her role as a devoted wife.

The joined hands and shifting feet

The home so wholesome looking, neat

Just gave an extra dignity

To her sincere humility.

Daily News Headline: U.S. Russia agree to curb arms race

Visitors welcome to sunshine and peace

Rain and sea breezes and fog

The mixture of weather we offer to you

Is pure in its form, there’s no smog.

We offer you help when you’re stranded en route

You can count on us too when you’re lost

The beauty of outports you’ll see for yourself

A new world when the Gulf you have crossed.

The richness of natives in kindness and trust

Sincerity, being what we are

Makes visiting us an experience worthwhile

Unmatched though you may travel far.

Though dusty some highroads, some grades very steep

Take the time when our cities you’ve seen

To visit the outports with scenic delights

Relax where the air’s pure and clean.

The carpets out for you, we’ll all do our best

Your holiday time make worthwhile

May you find something special in memory to store

A scenery, a kindness, a smile.

Daily News Headline: Peace breakthrough in Ireland: IRA “officials” stand down

It’s difficult to understand

Some people here in Newfoundland

For years they cried “For Heaven’s sake”

“There’s more to us than fish and flakes.”

And rugged coasts and lands awash

It’s time to change that stuff by gosh

The scenes were changed in Rowdyman

But please them? there’s no way you can.

Some like to make a little fuss

About the language, “must he cuss”?

And why the house scene “A la cat”?

Because that’s where the action’s at.

Will Cole was credible to me

With sense of humour and carefree

Yet prone at times to getting vexed

Like all of us at times perplexed.

The audience may share the blame

But what I thought was quite a shame

Was loss of words, some great lines too

You noticed that as well, did you?

The calibre was good all through

A job worthwhile did Pinsent do

Good scenery, a well picked cast

Helped change the Newfie scene at last.

Daily News Headline: Giant air planes may one day replace Gulf ferries

The boys played a good game of poker

And each was a real avid smoker

They would light up in turn

Have a puff, let it burn

But one chap gave it up, what a joker.

His buddies were jeering and riding

But proudly he gave them the tiding

He had tried and ceased

But incentive increased

And the government helped his deciding.

Another ten cents he was certain

Was only his pocket book hurtin

He ignored all the boys

Disregarded their noise

As with cancer too long he was flirtin’.

“Here” said he, and with confidence spoke

“Here’s a buck, watch it go up in smoke”

Lit the bill, watch it burn

Money so hard to earn

“Now you see fellas, this is no joke.”

Daily News Headline: 1st PC Budget: Mothers’ allowance out, tobacco taxes up

Hitch - hiking time is upon us again

And drivers are ever alert

Some will oblige but a number will not

Their kindness could mean getting hurt.

One city practice that bugs me a lot

We should find a way to delete

It isn’t the thumbing itself I decry

It’s the way kids step into the streets.

They step from the curb and the motorists veer

For drivers it’s quite a headache

Let hitch - hikers stay on the sidewalks, say I

Both for traffic and safety sake.

Daily News Headline: Says union of Anglicans, U.C. appears doomed

Quite unique is the position

Of the N.L.C. Commission

As they pool the information they’ve procured

By their differences and findings

They removed the secret bindings

From agreements where some opportunists scored.

When they bring it to a closure

There might be a rare exposure

Of the way concessions such as this were made

While there’s dough dispensing liquor

This way money’s more and quicker

Owners guaranteed a captive market trade.

Those concerned are very certain

That somebody will be hurtin’

When the word gets out on liquor stores and rent

Hopefully we’ll get the picture

Why some people get much richer

And learn how our money has been poorly spent.

Daily News Headline: Newfoundland delegates jubilant over fishery quotas

Things are humming on the highway

There are tourists on the verge

And one T.C.H. improvement

Is the sign that now reads “Merge”.

Right lane traffic ‘ere this summer

Had a sign most would ignore

“Yield” it read, some didn’t think so

And would put her to the floor

Now at least both lanes use caution

And it is a welcome sight

To see traffic, except passing

Keeping mostly to the right

Still there is the road hog showoff

And his cousin Tailgate Sam

In a hurry going nowhere

But he doesn’t give a dam

These we watch with special interest

And if life means much to you

Take the license of offenders

It’s the safest thing to do.

Daily News Headline: Ticketing deliberate for revenue purposes: Murphy

He served us well for forty years

Nabbed many a suspecting thief

Patrolled our streets when lawmen walked

Is now appointed as our chief.

We’re glad to see John Lawlor named

As keeper of the law and peace

No better choice or popular

Appointment as Chief of Police.

A christian man in word and deed

Stands tall in his honesty

And has throughout his long career

Displayed unmatched integrity.

We wish him well in his new post

Good health to serve in future years

And in tradition of our land

We offer him three hearty cheers.

Daily News Headline: Joey appears before O’Dea inquiry

John Murphy’s work is proudly done

Reporting on Plan 91

It warrants our attention

It tells the story as it is.

No doubt he truly understood

Reactions would not be that good

An accolade too must go

Despite reactionary flow.

Concerned not with impressions made

He simply called a spade a spade

His findings were direct precise

No yes man stuff no just being nice.

The hearings were a big success

And one good thing we must confess

From comments that he made to us

Plan 91 we all discuss.

Daily News Headline: ERCO mishap blamed on human error

Edward the name caller, blowing his stack

Gone so far now, there is no coming back

Thinking up names which to him may be coy

But showing us only he’s still just a boy.

Pitiful when as a leader opposed

To this kind of nonsense he seems so disposed

We’ve heard all of that and its time is passed on

There’s an atmosphere change, the old government’s gone.

When a leader resorts to picayune remarks

Like a plug passed its day his losing his sparks

If not stated before, then it’s time it was said

We expect greater things, so snap out of it Ed.

Daily News Headline: Brutal war: Napalm and the children

Winter left and summer came

We had Spring - there was none

So now as temperatures soar

Quite suddenly there’s Sun.

Already from the week end past

Some cases came to light

Of people soaking up the sun

But who can’t sleep at night.

We must now restrain ourselves a bit

Be glad that we’re in luck

Let’s get those tans more gradually

It’s no fun being sun struck.

Daily News Headline: (Urban renewal switch) Basford banishes bulldozers

The Regional College

To the best of our knowledge

Will likely be in Corner Brook

But Stephenville folk

Almost having a stroke

Say the government should take a look

Not a matter of greed

But community need

Says Fred Stagg member from Port au Port

But in Corner Brook they

See it the other way

With Father Moores’ and Lord Taylor’s support.

In the Regional bit

Corner Brook feels more fit

With facilities students will need

It is not just a whim

MUN is filled to the brim

And its limits already exceed.

There is not too much doubt

Corner Brook will win out

And the Regional College will gain

College technical let

Those in Stephenville get

It at least will ease some of the pain.

Daily News Headline: Jobs his No.1, Turner assures Commons

You’ve heard the word from Dr. Copes

But don’t let it build up your hopes

Two hundred thousand folks should leave

Now what did he have up his sleeve.

Well Dr. Copes you’re way behind

No doubt some clippings you did find

Two years ago one Parker (Jay)

Had just about the same to say.

It seems you read his words a lot

And then, when most of us forgot

You spoke, but we say this to you

You’ve not come up with something new.

Jay Parker said it all before

It seems he also knew the score

So Dr. Copes we’ll say to you

We’ll give credit where it is due.

Daily News Headline: Biggest drug seizure yet ( ...valued over $40,000)

What’s happened to our youth today

So round of shoulder, so slow to move,

Unknowingly they’re in a rut

And yet they think they’re in the groove

On sports days, when they try to march

Some pitifully roll and heave

No spring of step, nor body braced

Their relaxation state won’t leave.

How different when with effort made

Such zing and vigor smartly show

Spectators silently would wish

Their chance again wild oats to sow.

Not so, by looking on today

Instead there’s pitch for such boys

Who know not marching step by step

And lack so much a manly poise.

All youth should be compelled to spend

Some time, at least as a cadet

To learn to carry themselves well

And discipline, lets not forget.

Daily News Headline: Churchill Falls feast: 10½ tons of food

The still hale and hearty

New Labrador Party

Is looking to a byelection

For representation

They hold nomination

Next Tuesday they’ll make their selection.

From last March’s polling

Eyeballs are still rolling

One vote made Joe Harvey the winner

Mike Martin felt strongly

The thing was done wrongly

Made quite a case for a beginner.

We have a suggestion

In answer to question

What will be the P.C. position?

If you haven’t guessed it

They should not contest it.

Who knows more about Opposition.

Daily News Headline: (Eastern provinces’ stand on offshore resources revenue sharing) Federal 50-50 proposal is out

To country homes the move is on

The city left behind them

Away from noise and cluttered streets

And traffic jams that bind them

With doors and windows open wide

All rooms are ventilated

The kids can swim and play all day

Relaxed and quite elated

The father’s life is changed somewhat

Advanced the hour of rising

And facing traffic driving back

He finds quite tantalizing.

He feels it’s worth the effort though

To live outside the city

His main complaint that summer is

Too short - and what a pity.

Daily News Headline: Flaps up early ... Cause of air crash?

Ye olde St. John’s is rich in leaf and flower

In gay profusion trees of yesteryear

Majestically stand to offer shadow

As brilliant sunshine heat says summer’s here

Through King’s Bridge, Circular, and Bonaventure

LeMarchant Road, the Promenade, and such

We marvel at the foliage resplendent

Acknowledging the Mother Nature to touch

The fragrance of the lilac laden bushes

Is e’er so pleasing to the sense of smell

The scents and colours of the flowers blooming

The season past all adverse thoughts dispel.

Daily News Headline: “Good Samaritans” help others, welfare clients like themselves

The longest day has come and gone

Old Sol in full resplendence shone

To 80s temperatures aspired

And summer styles were much admired.

Pools and beaches quickly filled

So many people really thrilled

That there is hope that summer may

Be hopefully like yesterday.

Jack Dodd and Chase’s Almanac

At weather forecasts take a crack

They both predicted days like this

And we enjoy our summer bliss.

Daily News Headline: Neary ‘cods’ House with ‘Petition’

If through close shaves you get a thrill

The place to go is Kenna’s Hill

Let your emotions have a splurge

Where Logy and Torbay Roads merge

Down from the apex of the hill

It’s okay if you’ve made your will

The curve is sharp and narrow too

And there’s a pole confronting you

Bus patrons waiting there must know

At any moment they could go

When someone does get killed one day

The cemetery’s across the way

Daily News Headline: Premier says of Norman case ... “May not be good law”

Miss Norman’s test case headlines at this time

Not much hard news and even less of crime,

She had already sensed a change may come

And prematurely starts to make things hum

Her point has some validity no doubt

But has she really thought the matter out

If in an R.C. School she seeks career

She should know of Religion teaching there

In fact a bold new change appears somehow

Not Catholic, but Christian concept now

Surely if Judy Norman were to try

With faith declared as Christian she’d get by

Until some better system is devised

Our principles should not be compromised

The standards set by DEC, we need, and more

We all lose if Religion gets the door.

Daily News Headline: Tornado devastates Quebec town

Now my ducky here’s a quickie

You might find a little tricky

Who’s right? Neary or Tom Hickey?

Well to tell the truth my dearie

Can’t help being a little leery

About him and Stephen Neary

Like a cat and dog they’re scrapping’

Every day their tongues a-flapping’

Wonder now what’s gonna happen

To trip each other up they’re hopin’

Now at last it’s in the open

And it’s too late for soft soapin’

Daily News Headline: Irish ceasefire begins

“I saw it with me own two eyes”

The little lad said with surprise

Then told his chums what he had seen

The signs where once a boat had been

Some things we’ll buy, some more we won’t

So off went we to waterfront

And sure enough a crowd came out

To see what it was all about

On through the wooden barricade

A cleavage in the wharf was made

His ship some master swiftly drove

To carve out yet another cove

No doubt enquiries have begun

On St. John’s Harbour’s hit and run

The splintered beams and large indent

Outline the path the vessel went

It struck the pier quite forcibly

Backed out, then headed out to sea

The harbour pier sure got a dart

Looks like a job for Maxwell Smart

Daily News Headline: (Crosbie’s revelation ...) Quebec preference on Churchill project

We drank our apple cider

On the banks of Quidi Vidi

While a couple of the boys home brew consumed

Many lovers we saw passing

On their way to evening grassing

With the wiggling ladies, overly-perfumed.

Ah, the time is quickly going

As the crews get in some rowing

Very sluggishly at first but they’ll improve

There’s a lot of commentating

From the men who are spectating

Each night sees more extra bodies on the move

Much ado in boathouse showers

In the early morning hours

As the schedule get pre-breakfast rowers out

“One and Two” the coxswains hustle

“All right men let’s see that muscle

Pull hard now, boys, that’s what it’s all about.”

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Timothy Eaton sings tonight

He does his thing with a spirit bright

Though talents range many fields afar

Such as role of Judas in Superstar

The back-up band is called “Timothy”

A sound inundated with quality

Equipment maintained is quite a man

In the person of bearded David Kahn

Another chap who can make things hum

Is Paul Armstrong, with a real cool drum

And the solid beat that’ll make things click

Is bass guitar artist Hendrick Riik.

There’s a new dimension to concert nights

By David Joliat’s talent - lights

Mike Brews on organ, Phil Groves guitar

Like the others is each in his right a star

On to Clarenville, Gander, Grand Falls they will

Head for Corner Brook, also Stephenville

Port aux Basques they’ll do leaving Newfoundland

They say “See the world when you join a band.”

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