January 1974

---

What kind of bounce’ll

The new City Council

Have, hopefully lots of it now

It is my conclusion

The “new blood” infusion

Will make quite a difference somehow.

Young Ayre men like Miller

With Dot at the tiller

And Murphy in 2ic spot

Should find it good dealing

With on Ray, O’Neilling

His “no nonsense,” get off the pot.

Two people insuring

They will be enduring

The four year term policy set

Barrett, singer of lyric

And young Gullage (Eric)

Have hard work ahead of them yet.

Repeater Brian Higgins

And young Riche, whose jiggins

Were good for the first time vote fishin’

Together with Fagan

Will not be renegin’

Their very trustworthy positions.

There’ll be some derisions

As they make decisions

And that’s a straight fact not a fable

They’ve four years to try it

And like Dotty Wyatt

Should lay all their cards on the table.

Daily News Headline: City’s first woman mayor takes office

The New Year weekend has been accident free

All watching their Ps and their Qs

Caution it seems was in evidence here

Despite all the parties and booze

Off-season weather contributed much

Free of ice, glitter and snow

Making conditions conducive indeed

For partying folks on the go.

Visits to heads of Church, City and State

Were made in the New Year’s Day sun

Business to normal returns once again

In wake of a weekend of fun

Driving is slower this morning you’ll note

The Christmas vacation is o’er

Children go back to the classrooms again

And into the traffic stream pour

Flurries of the snow and howling of winds

We will get if for no other cause

Than to give little children the chance to enjoy

Sleds and skis they got from Santa Claus.

Daily News Headline: MORE MONEY FOR HOUSING

“What’s the matter Harry boy,

You’re acting kinda queer.”

“Shh, come in, I’m working on

A brand new batch of beer.”

“You’ll be hung boy if I know

Your straight-laced little wife

It’s different with me, I’ve been

Bootlegging all my life.”

“Ruby took the kids upstairs

To have a little nap

Give me a hand to finish up

Here, pass me another cap.”

“You know I never think I’d see

You try to beat the law”

“Nor I, but when they jacked it up

To me that’s the last straw.”

“The same old fellow pays the shot

This time I’m not payin’ mine

Instead I’ll bottle it myself

Then make my own moonshine.”

“Now take it easy Harry boy

Try one thing at a time

I bet before the month is out

You’ll still go out and buy ’em.”

Daily News Headline: (Experiencing down time already) Row materials cut may hit ERCO plant

Why is it that radio stations

Play same old tunes day after day

With so much available music

There must be a much better way

To serve the cross-section of people

Variety add to the shows

And shake the monotonous mixture

That into our cars and homes flows.

The everyday bubbling announcer

Who makes with the clatter and discs

Is limited in his selection

Or else doesn’t take any risks

To lose out on certain promotions

For surely there’s no other way

To justify radio dosage

Or same old tunes day after day

So many LPs never make it

Because of a D.J. whose taste

Is very restrictive in music

Yet so much is going to waste

How about a few good instrumentals

Give more of the offbeats a whirl

Not forgetting the bulk of commercials

Geared not to the boy or the girl

Are aimed at the listener who’s older

Who too would be pleased with a whirl

Of new sounds and songs, why not try it

Give other talent a break

A slight change of listening diet

Even the Dee Jays could take

Daily News Headline: (Doctors seek new definition of death) What stand will they take on mercy killing?

At all liquor outlets I view with alarm

Goings-on doing our young people harm

Where kids, I mean 12, 13, 14 about

Have no trouble getting their liquor brought out.

At Brewers Retail it is easier still

Their own choice of beer drinking order to fill

The bigger ones, 17 years, even less

Can pick up a six-pack without any stress.

Police, I would ask observations to make

Apprehending the buyers would not too long take

And parents as well, if you are on the ball

Can see it at Churchill Square or in the Mall.

It’s easier now for the booze to be bought

But the people who buy it for kids should be caught

Are there no standards for Clerks in retails

Or is their concern solely running up sales.

To me it’s important, to kids even more

To parents, police and the clerks in the store

For heaven’s sake, let us our children protect

Or before they get started their lives will be wrecked.

Daily News Headline: (NDP delaying House closing) Gov’t may drop wiretapping bill

Winds of winter

Drifts of snow

Temps are dropping

Way down low.

Ice gets thicker

Which is great

Every pond

A place to skate

Bigger snowfalls

Now in sight

Offer kiddies

Much delight.

Adults gripe

Grimacing

Hoping for

Early spring.

Kiddies beaming

Smiling wide

Thrilled to try out

Santa’s slide.

Daily News Headline: (Policemen have no choice) “We’ve got to moonlight to eat”

Developers are looking down with frown

Upon St. John’s downtown

Claiming there’s no cause to stall their call

for an extension to the Mall

Another group will like to start K-Mart

but they must still have heart

For Council also Village place must face

Relating it to change in traffic pace

Despite Bill Adams off the scene I glean

development will be routine

And Council many hours will sit with it

to seek for City greatest benefit

Daily News Headline: (To help ‘77 Summer Games effort) Dorothy asks you to send this * to

this man **

Comments: About the headline: * is an arrow pointing to a postcard sized petition, and the ** is an arrow pointing to a picture of Marc LaLonde, federal Health and Welfare minister.

Can you live with a handicap?

Of course you can, however great,

Its limitations of the mind

That say you can’t participate.

The blind, the deaf, the mute; the maimed

Adjust, their handicap accept

By patient practice they in time

In their new state become adept.

Don’t look upon your handicap

As if it were some kind of curse

Take consolation from the fact

That there is always someone worse.

Dismiss any self-conscious thought

Get out, being there makes you a part

You could be an inspiration to

Another with a troubled heart.

Daily News Headline: (Million dollar law suit) Doyle loses round in annulment case

The emphasis on lottery

Which Mayor Wyatt thinks is neat

Was introduced last Fall by me

When I for Council did compete

I was the only one in fact

To advocate this novel way

To meet, without increasing tax

The rising costs from day to day

There are being sweepstakes selling now

A ready market here has grown

Outside the Province money goes

The point I made: Let’s have our own.

The time is very opportune

Initial steps on this to take

You’re right on, Mayor Wyatt, yes

Through lottery let’s money make.

Daily News Headline: Jules Leger is 21st Governor General

O bitter whistling winter wind

The driving force behind the storm

Your fury we cannot rescind

As we defiantly keep warm.

You take the softly falling snow

That feather falls in normal course

With frenzy on it you do blow

To push it in our face with force.

The ringleader of elements

That cause adversity and strife

Creating great impediments

That threaten, sometimes claim a life.

O howling, scowling winter wind

You have a mean, destructive mood

With a vengeance spent, we look to find

In your wake peaceful interlude.

Daily News Headline: (Needs council approval) $75 million development for city (Idle land would be utilized)

Love is nothing seasonal

Though oft times it’s allied with spring

Symbolic of the brighter days

Ahead, when birds in chorus sing.

It’s here, it’s now, alive and well

Through night and day, through calm and fuss

It’s in the eyes of couples young

In hands entwined on evening bus

It’s in the heart of most we meet

Not always evident ‘tis true

But there, as one assumes a foot

Resides in every passing shoe.

Daily News Headline: (Council behind closed doors on new shopping centres) Secret meeting on growth issue

There’s an invitation for a twenty buck fee

To take living history given by three

Controversial figures who fought for a cause

With each other at times, but it’s time for a pause.

The trio of Smallwood and Cashin and Power

Through their own immersion can speak by the hour

On history made of which they are a part

Next Monday the lectures are scheduled to start.

The sessions are nightly from eight until ten

Though I strongly suspect now that time and again

They’ll go past the limit, and cause the odd fuss

When in depth with their audience their deeds they discuss

MUN’s the location to hear the three spout

If you have twenty bucks and you want to get out

They’re colorful, talkative, love to be heard

And rest assured none will be short of a word.

Daily News Headline: (Tragic situation) Trades college can take only one applicant in four

Tell me tell me if you can

What’s happened to the middle man

He is the one who gets the shaft

Not in on finer arts of graft

Adrift on economic raft

Each day He’s closer to being daft.

Tell me tell me if you can

What’s happened to the middle man

He’s beyond government relief

Is sidetracked when he makes a beef

Though working hard beyond belief

Still hits the odd financial reef.

Tell me tell me if you can

Are we knocking the middle man

So hard he soon will not endure

The constant knocking to the floor.

Will things go back to days of yore

The mighty rich, the very poor.

Daily News Headline: (Seven children die in fire) Burial today in mass grave

If I were a watch

I’d have time on my hands

A commodity harder to find

If I were a mirror

I’d like to reflect

The things that I see on your mind.

If I were a car

I’d refuse to obey

Anyone who’s impaired at the wheel.

If I were an orange

I’d strongly object

To the streets being littered with peel.

If I were a snowfall

I’d rather enjoy

The work that I make people do.

If I were a baby

I’d go up the wall

Every time someone says kitchy-coo.

Daily News Headline: Victims of Torbay tragedy laid to rest

Tragedy,

unlike the fabled lightning,

can strike again

with merciless disdain,

numbing mind and heart,

bludgeoning philosophies of life,

shivering the pillars of one’s faith.

Tragedy,

with Bradburys had known

two years ago,

through life by waters claimed,

returned with greedy hand

to terminate abruptly

seven lives;

from sleep disturbed by fire

they sleep in peace.

How great the loss,

how deep the mystery.

No answers come

though queries be in depth

for life and death

have an affinity,

both touched by hand of God.

Creation’s fault, in human eyes,

is death; though sudden or prepared

it leaves a scar,

yet an awareness

of our mortal being

gives hope to pending

immortality -

unknown dimension yet,

it is our hope.

Daily News Headline: (Ottawa proposal) Oil price subsidy plan (But it may not get anywhere)

Minor Hockey Week is closing

Though the weather was severe

Many parents as suggested

Went along their boys to cheer.

They could see the great potential

Knowing that by their support

Boys for life are being fitted

As we coach them now in sport.

Week of prayer we are concluding

Christians of all faiths combine

In their praises and petitions

And in service intertwine.

In St. John’s, church of St. Patrick’s

Sunday evening terminates

Special Week of Prayer endeavours

As each faith participates.

Hockey week for building bodies

Stressing principles of play

Week of Prayer, uplifting spirits

As together Christians pray.

Daily News Headline: VARDY ARRESTED IN PANAMA

I think it’s time to call a spade a spade

Despite the promises sincerely made

It is not feasible for Mayor Dot

Without some private meetings course to plot.

The people who supported her by vote

Of her position duly will take note

Private discussions do in fact provide

All avenues of doubt to open wide

The problem has been that is where they died

But Mrs. Wyatt proved she really tried

And now should with her colleagues acquiesce

In some instance a private chat is best

We don’t infer her actions be subdued

But her going along won’t be misconstrued

Provided that discussions are relayed

Before a business cornerstone is laid.

Daily News Headline: (United Bus hearing) Protests die as company’s plight aired

Houselights dimmed.

Silence of anticipation

She confidently walked to centre stage

acknowledging with graceful bow

the warm welcome of colliding palms.

Her audience settled,

she paused significantly;

then with gentle inclination of the head

to accompanist Andreas Barban

her concert began.

That first note -

clear, precise, well-intoned

cultured, professional, -

and its successors,

delivered with charm, ease

and graceful stage presence

established an intimate audience rapport.

Kiwanians, in obvious admiration,

recalled their part

in making her first major award possible.

A proud mother’s eyes

sparkled in happiness teardrops,

ears attuned to the impulsive applause

and wafting comments

of an appreciative audience.

What is lacked in size,

it compensated in sincerity.

Lynn Channing in concert -

a graceful package of charm,

finesse, talent and dedication.

May the standing ovation

herald continued success.

Daily News Headline: (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH O.L. VARDY) “I would be crucified in Newfoundland”

The octopus moved in the stealthiest way

Its tentacles reaching afar

Zeroing on its morsel parfait

Which it wanted to take without scar.

The Alvery species in Panama found

Was really a gourmet’s delight

But when it began to be Newfoundland bound

A legal snag brought it up tight.

The species here is quite very well known

Its other name you’ll recognize

Al Vardy, remember his comin’ and goin’

And hogging the tuna first prize.

The secret is out, he is now on the hook

It took lots of patience to wait

And strange were the routes that the octopus took

To catch up before ‘twas too late

The octopus? Justice, its tentacles reach

To any spot on the globe

From Newfoundland up to a Panama beach

There’ll be much to be learned from the probe.

Daily News Headline: Whether meetings are secret is itself a secret

A kitchen stove the only source of heat

No radio, TV, the wiring’s poor

Broken windows, doors that can’t shut tight

Thin ceilings where a bed comes through the floor

No water. No, the well has not gone dry

It’s not an item from an ugly past

The scene’s today, St. John’s, the neighbours know it

A mother, seven kids comprise the cast.

The Welfare knows, they paid one-fifty monthly

The Council knows, for they condemned outright

To force a hand, they stopped supply of water

To this family and their mother - what a plight

The neighbours help by dishing out the water

For drink and daily washing of the clothes

No place to go, the mother does her utmost

With clean a wash as any I suppose.

A family marooned within a city

Nowhere to go, no one to understand

Welfare, Council, put your heads together

They’re human beings, for God’s sake lend a hand.

Daily News Headline: Gov’t backs Games with $3 million

When a taximan’s role is discussed

To me it is always a must

That precautions he take

For his passengers sake

Since his is a position of trust.

Traffic rules he must know like a song

But so often so many are wrong

I’ve seen traffic lane switch

And double parking, which

To a taximan shouldn’t belong.

It’s a very responsible chore

Current traffic demands even more

But if taxis they run

Then to get the job done

It’s their duty to know all the score.

I would further quite strongly suggest

Standards be set, with a test

Make defensive driving

A compulsory thing

Taxi drivers should rate with the best.

Daily News Headline: ($16 million to be spent) Mayor’s double vote approves Village, K-Mart

Will you read this and simply say “oh never mind

In any case I don’t know anyone who’s blind,”

If that’s the score then more’s the pity, for you’ll find

That you can get much inspiration from the blind.

Just look around, now take in everything in view

Then imagine blindness happening to you

To see no more the people whom you always knew

To miss the brightness of the snow, the sky of blue.

More than that just ask yourself how would you cope

Would you give up in despair, or keep up hope

Would you go into depression, and just mope

Or adjust, not being embarrassed as you grope.

You would know you’d be trained by C.N.I.B.

You would certainly not look for sympathy

You would also know that people who can see

A helping hand would give quite readily.

White Cane week starts on Sunday, get the drift

If you see one at a bus stop, give a lift

Through the handicaps of life carefully sift

And you’ll find eyesight a very treasured gift.

Daily News Headline: IT’S A BIG DAY! (New DREE agreement to be signed today)

The Carlton Showband, off T.V.

Are characters, like you and me

They kid each other left and right

Despite the pace of day or night.

Lively music, full of fun

They’re almost always on the run

On stage, in hospitals or when

They’re entertaining at the Pen.

They’re right at home in Newfoundland

Of course we treat them something grand

But anyone who met them knows

They are a regular bunch of Joes.

They have their problems like us all

But just the same they have a ball

And give a lift where’er they go

Good music, skits, a fun-filled show

They still find time to chew the fat

On dis and dose and dese and dat

Full houses prove they play to please

With good results for our Jaycees.

Daily News Headline: (Cut annual timber yield, or else) Use tax slick on paper mills

This week devoted to the blind

A special lady comes to mind

One for years who knows this state of life

Her independence was a must

To handicap she did adjust

And played successfully the role of wife

The weekend past her husband died

She spoke of him with so much pride

His gentleness, his love, his tender care

At his bedside to the end

Hand of warmth they’d each extend

His loss she now accepts with fervent prayer

We take for granted all too much

What others only “see” by touch

She traced the casket’s outline, and within

The cushioned lining, clothes he wore

The crucifix he did adore

And gently touched his unresponsive skin

She spoke of death and how it came

Whispered “poor darling” with his name

And kept her tears in check courageously

There is for all a peace of mind

When to our lot we are resigned

Lessons in life from blind to us who see.

Daily News Headline: (DREE elementary school in balance) City - R.C. school board spat

It’s sneaking upon us

The whole thing’s suspect

It will get worse unless

We more strongly object.

Inflation’s the subject

We’re too bloody soft

If you hadn’t noticed

We’re being ripped off.

Jacking up costs is

The name of the game

And the energy crisis

Is taking the blame.

American citizens

Canadians too

In time will acknowledge

This thought to be true.

Controls are abandoned

No price ceilings set

Groceries and services

Still climbing yet

When energy crisis

No longer takes blame

Prices still will stay up

It’s a ripping off game

Daily News Headline: (Premier Moores in Halifax) Blasts Ottawa again!

We do things differently here

Are we just gullible, or what?

We’re so unlike Ontario

Who make CN get off the pot.

The C.T.C. quite strongly state

CN a daily train must run

From Barrie to Toronto, and

They name the hours this must be done.

Although it’s history we note

No ultimatums here were made

Though no one really spelled it out

It looks like certain deals were made.

Completion of the T.C.H.

No doubt explained their being mum

Our rumblings very minor were

Not too much stronger than Ho Hum!

Daily News Headline: (Election costs “out of hand”) Liberals’ debts a half million

The skyline on the waterfront is dominated by

A crane that looms to an impressive height

On Water Street, Atlantic Place is getting under way

The first steel being erected on the site.

Throughout construction phases you’ll be posted by the press

TV and radio on how it’s goin’

And whether just a visitor or living in St. John’s

Drop down for an appraisal of your own.

For sidewalk Supers, this should be a very busy year

New Gower Street area a face lift due

Extension to the Mall, The Village complex and K-Mart

Just keeping tabs will give them lots to do.

Daily News Headline: (More diptheria discovered) Crash immunization, Goose-Happy Valley

I tucked you in my pocket

To see you every day

To whisper my sweet nothings to

As long as I’m away.

I kiss your picture gently

And memories renew

As I recall the tender moments

Spent alone with you.

I treasure every letter.

The thoughts in every line

Time cannot go fast enough

To see you Valentine.

Daily News Headline: (Government will decide - Marshall) Investigate Saunders’ resignation?

I’m fluttery when you pass by

My heart is in a whirl

Do you know I give you the eye

Cause you’re my special girl.

I love the way your hair hangs down

The softness of your speech

The fact I never see you frown

Though all day long you teach.

Admiring you in my own way

I think of you as mine

Though six I’m like a man today

So be my Valentine.

Daily News Headline: CP AIR HERE? (They want to establish St. John’s to Montreal service)

You make my day, that pleasant voice you own

Brings happiness across the telephone

You make my day, in street or evening dress

Just seeing you brings total happiness

You make my day, so tender, warm and sweet

So lovable, so gentle, so petite

You make my day, my Sweetheart, being mine

May you forever be my Valentine.

The thought of you can set my heart alight

I long to hear your footsteps every night

And though I let you ring and ring the chime

I’m bursting to be with you all the time.

I try to let my head rule, not my heart

But cannot stand the time we are apart

You wonder why? I love you, silly goon

It isn’t the influence of the moon.

I like your pleasantness, your total cheer

Your thoughtful ways, your manner so sincere

You treat me with respect, I know it’s meant

That’s why I’m lady like, you’re such a gent.

Daily News Headline: MURPHY HITS BACK! (Minister defends welfare program, blasts critics)

Comments: Both poems ("To Her" and "To Him") were printed on the same day in roughly the same space taken by one poem on other days.

Isn’t it simply terrific

To see that Canadian pacific

At hearings appear

Since they want to come here

And provide an air service, specific.

If they wanted to service the nation

Where were they since Confederation

I’m not too impressed

And would strongly suggest

That we overlook their application.

With everything now on a platter

No wonder they’re ready to matter

With platitudes fine

They’re just slinging a line

If we buy it then something’s the matter.

Daily News Headline: (Many businesses razed) Churchill Sq. in flames

It’s four years ago since this column’s debut

With our daily comments being passed on to you

We vary our writings in meter and style

Though some are tear subjects, most bring you a smile.

Your many reactions, your comments, your mail

Confirm without doubt that we’re on the right trail

We’ll keep up the practice of writing each day

On all current happenings having our say.

Subtly, with humour, - however we choose

You’ll find us each morning in your Daily News

The four years went quickly and yes, it is right

I do make a different poem each night.

No time to stockpile them I write as I see

On anything that has some priority

An action, a person, an object, who knows?

I put into rhyme things you can’t say in prose.

Daily News Headline: Peter Simple is dead

The awful state of housing in St. John’s is nothing new

Despite John Murphy’s registered surprise

It didn’t take a conference to clarify the view

It’s the simple act of opening one’s eyes.

It’s only just three weeks ago a sample did I cite

Of people in distress, a case well known

It’s no surprise to Dorothy, our Mayor with a fight

She knows the score from visits of her own.

The present sitting Council stressed the urgent housing need

When each was seeking his respective seat

They now have opportunity to follow talk with deed

And housing programs must aim to complete.

Daily News Headline: (Industry warns restrict flounder fishing or else) Newfoundland’s fish plants WON’T SURVIVE (Some 8,000 plant workers depend mostly on flounder for a living)

People prepare in elaborate ways

For vacation, a picnic, a ball,

But how few prepare for a change in their lives

That’s the biggest decision of all.

Some do, which is why it’s refreshing to note

That young people who so contemplate

Are taking a marriage course months in advance

To prepare them for life’s newest state.

Through lectures, discussions, and heart to heart talks

With professionals, husbands and wives

They’re given an insight on what it’s about

And the total impact on their lives.

All of the aspects are freely discussed

The beauty of marriage revealed

Love and togetherness, showing respect

Yet none of its hardships concealed.

No preparation and so little thought

For many ends up in a mess

The firmer foundation, the better the chance

Of marriage being blessed with success.

Daily News Headline: (THE PRESIDENTIAL TAPES) Were they really ERASED?

The Fort Motel, a landmark

For the driver who was homeward bound

Or tourist driving through the night

Where very welcome haven found

Has met the fate of Circle Lounge

And as a night club will be missed

By many people young at heart

Who in a way could not resist

The little drives just out of town

That took them to their place of fun

The drive being just the proper length

To say sweet nothings on the run

And as the visits had increased

The staff began to know them well

In fact the Fort Motel acquired

A kinship with its clientele

They’ll miss it now but hopefully

The owners will again rebuild

For guests and clientele alike

The Fort Motel a need has filled.

Daily News Headline: OTTAWA HAULS IN ITS HORNS (Fishing vessel policy reversed)

The multiple components of this festival unique

Are hidden ‘neath the surface of the glamor of this week

When last year’s was completed, work on this year’s was begun

There are serious decisions in the background of the fun.

Deciding on selections for the levels taking part

Exposing many children to the thrills of music art

Assuring categories are with taste and skill designed

With total opportunity being uppermost in mind.

Administrative duties growing heavier each year

Show an effort by Kiwanians devoted and sincere

By music teachers, other people sponsoring the art

So many many people in the right place have their heart.

To all participating, whether adult, girl or boy

The playing of your music should be something to enjoy

Your singing group, or solo, or your practiced choral speech

Show with practice and attentions goals can come within your reach.

Daily News Headline: (Under river ice nearly an hour) She’s lucky to be alive!

In Newfoundland so many homes

Today will serve a common meal

It’s pancake night, though things are changed

This has its own kind of appeal.

The custom stays despite the change

And children for their meal tonight

Look forward to a pancake treat

With special notions of delight.

As each one has the pancake served

Inside they’ll find most anything

A ring, a coin, a piece of wood

A button, nail, or piece of string.

The feast before the fast it seemed

Was the original intent

The next day starting 40 days

Of fast and ??? known as Lent.

Daily News Headline: Jackie’s dad defends police

Comment: The print quality of the final line of the poem was terrible, and I could not make out the word that I've entered as "???"

Love is an intangible delight

Surmounting many obstacles in life

Love magnetizes hearts and brings together

A couple who becomes a man and wife.

Love is all encompassing, it’s special

It spans age groups, geography and time

It’s a very basic element of humans

Oft times propelling them to heights sublime.

Love is inspirational, uplifting

Carefree, happy, bubbling, full of fun

A comforter, a source of inspiration

In hours of darkness, brilliant as the sun.

Daily News Headline: (Request made over two years ago) Police still wait for rescue kit

Yesterday began a season, Lent,

In yesteryear a time when penitent

Would fast and pray and seek an inner peace

And after Lent on life take a new lease

But has it gone, are not the options there

In present day to find oneself in prayer

To be more introspective during Lent

Assessing how one’s time is really spent

How do you speak of others in a crowd

Do you defame their character out loud

The effort is no more to turn the cheek

Say nought unless you can with kindness speak

If some injustice has been done by you

Be big enough to take the other view

How would it be if it had been your fate

In Lent on such things can we meditate

From ashes a quite simple lesson learn

a state to which we all some day return

In pattern of our life it’s so designed

Through Lent a fresh perspective may we find.

Daily News Headline: (New approach to inflation) Help fishermen, farmers to boost food production

A brand new month today

What does it hold

For better or for worse

Watch it unfold.

Two seasons in the month

See winter pass

The snow will soon give way

To peeping grass.

The winter gloom will go

The birds will sing

Spirits too will soar

With welcome spring.

Daily News Headline: (New record: $22 billion) Here come the big spenders!

I know that House procedures can be boring

Reading details of studies and reports

Introducing and debating legislation

But I’m sickened by exchanges and retorts.

Must ignorance so blatantly be offered

The tolerance of such is a disgrace

Childish, assinine behaviour patterns

In House procedures are so out of place.

Is this a way of life that’s worth bequeathing

Are youth asked to inherit such a bore

Where went integrity and basic honor

Or is self respect not with us anymore.

The foolish few on all are casting image

As one who votes I register protest

No argument with arguments I offer

But names and insults need a lengthy rest.

No place at all in fact are they deserving

Let’s have worthwhile discussions and debate

What’s happening is cheap and poor example

So loose-lipped politicians, cogitate.

Daily News Headline: 346 DEAD in history’s worst crash

“Get to know your Province,” this year’s theme

Could well be quite promotional in scheme

As we prepare to fully celebrate

A quarter century historic date

Yet better late than never that we took

At things Provincial a much closer look

So rich are we in talent and resource

That any thinking people will endorse

The input individuals can make

When introspective steps at last we take

Students, parents, educators all

Should truly answer education’s call

And with objectiveness they will discern

Of our native province there is much to learn.

Daily News Headline: (Alleges conflict, says House misled) Neary wants Crosbie impeached

Verbal orchids to our pretty Miss Teen Newfoundland

Almost Miss Teen Canada, a showing that was grand

Her charm and poise were excellent, she manifested grace

Her smile was not a forced one, just a prettiness of face.

With Bishop’s Falls we join in complimenting her today

She did Newfoundland honor in a very special way

This year of celebration she should be in much demand

And by Government be sponsored for a tour through Newfoundland.

She’s capable in speaking, calm, collected, confident

To such a teen example we should give encouragement

She served the Province proudly, displaying much finesse

Our wish for you Bev Duncan, a future of success.

Daily News Headline: R.C. mixed marriage regulations under fire (Protestant clergy should not go along - U.C. publication)

There was a young lady named Heather

Who could not make up her mind whether

She’d become a wife

Or take up public life

Now poor girl’s at the end of her tether

It seems that the poor little dearie

Whose political outlook was cheery

Is that way no more

Since her stomach turned o’er

A nausea attack a la Neary

She hoped it was just an illusion

The chaos and utter confusion

Such a racket and roar

She could stand it no more

Lest she see in the House a confusion

Young Heather is no longer wishin’

A career as a politician

Having spent just an hour

In the House, she turned sour

And marriage is now her prime mission.

Daily News Headline: (Ottawa “surprise” causes flutter, but) DOT’S DOUBLE VOTE

ENSURES TRIZEC’S OPTION

Streaking is the in thing now

So we should all join in

It gets a lot of coverage

This flash of unclothed skin

How about in public life

A streak of honesty

Would a streak of goodness

Get the same publicity

The media will highlight

All this impropriety

Is there no streak of decency

Left in society

The moral fibre weaker gets

Greed, lust and vanity

Yet overlooked in background are

Some streaks of sanity

Perhaps ‘twould take a streak of luck

To bring them to the fore

We need more streaks of common sense

Now, more than e’er before.

Daily News Headline: (Strange message from Patty) She’s alive, but ... (Accuses parents of indifference, F.B.I. of trying to murder her)

If our City would hope to keep solvent at all

Then there’s wisdom in Trizec support

The prospect of Federal interest it seems

Was just a decoy of some sort.

Apart from employment that Trizec creates

It’s a definite revenue source

With earmarked returns for a housing program

The Council could chart a good course.

But Federal building on that piece of land

Our tax revenue would restrict

Returns in the long run from Trizec will be

A good thing for St. John’s I predict.

Daily News Headline: Price for Brinco may be $185 million

It came at last, as if upon a bet

“I’m still around, you can’t discount me yet”

The winter seemed to say, then made its move

As if its mean and vicious side to prove.

With unrelenting force its work was done

Cramming many storms all into one

The pent up snow and winds, like stifled child

When on their own ran rampantly, and wild.

Released at last they lost no time at all

The wind increased as snow thickened its fall

Abetted then by temperatures low

A vicious storm was made by this trio.

It forced the traffic to a grinding halt

Though being caught was quite a human fault

It did a favour to the human race

By forcing it to change its daily pace.

It gave to families a chance to find

Each other as they started to unwind

It formed relations, friendships it made warm

The silver lining in the clouds of storm.

Daily News Headline: (Labrador: Everybody’s happy with EPA) NO MORE NIGHT FLIGHTS

In wake of this week’s storm so many people should take bows

Those who work in blizzards, like the men who man the plows

Operators of machines and trucks and four wheel drives

Who brave the elements to ease the lot of many lives.

The doctors and the nurses and the workers stuck on shift

By total dedication gave their patients such a lift

The people who responded to the many pleas for aid

Despite the storm, because of it perhaps, have friendships made.

Credit to the Mayor for the way she has performed

Through all the media she kept the citizens informed

Her services were total, many firm decisions made

To our lady Mayor Wyatt, we pass on an accolade.

Daily News Headline: Councillor backs up on proposed parking ban

Did you ever see the like? Seventeen people

Flown from Carlton University

To question St. John’s citizens who heard of

By word of mouth state of emergency.

E.M.O. has come up with this doozy

With Department National Defence

Asking people how they spread the message

What a useless, meaningless expense.

The D.N.D. already has a program

Called the “fan out” system and it works

They know the score, so why a special study

Such a waste of time and money only irks.

And even if they felt it so important

And they had money that had to be spent

In courtesy they should have asked the locals

I’m sure they’d find them very competent.

Daily News Headline: (Canada Games) Now the work begins

When people work together

The results must better be

As witnesses the support we gave

To Mayor Dorothy.

Successfully spearheading

The quest for Summer Games

She got support from littlest tykes

To influential names.

The motorcade of welcome

And support that’s yet to come

Will show the nation that St. John’s

Can really make things hum.

Congratulations Dotty

To all who helped you too

That work is only just begun

As you said, is quite true.

Daily News Headline: Family bungalow heading over $50,000

The English chap on Paddy’s Day

To City Hall did go

From where much Irish music flowed

“So different don’t you know!”

The passers-by were quite impressed

And did congratulate

The Mayor. Said one Irishman

“Begorra, shure ‘tis grate”.

The Scotsman when the jigs came on

Did fancy steps and turns

“Hoot man, hope they do the same

For us on Bobbie Burns.”

For those who did on Monday past

Hear music bright and gay

It gave a warm dimension

To a building cold and grey.

To citizens it was a treat

They all enjoyed it much

It was indeed a personal

And folksy kind of touch.

Daily News Headline: (MUN’s Morgan warns against) Living like pigs

Well what do you know

It’s the first day of Spring

New signs of life

Like the bird on the wing

And the skeletoned tree

Now bereft of its snow

Feels a new surge of life

As extremities grow

And in very short time

Buds will come into sight

And the twittering birds

Will in numbers alight

And in delicate chorus

Their greetings will bring

As they intro a season

Of happiness - Spring.

Daily News Headline: (Kidnap letter found) They almost got the princess!! (Hail of bullets ... Anne and Mark escape unharmed)

Who’d ever think

Rio Tinto Zinc

And Brinco would warrant the dart

It seems Frank Moores knew

What he set out to do

Although it took two years to start.

With homework well done

His political gun

Was aimed when the timing was right

For who else could choose

To make takeover news

Jibe with second refinery site.

Around Come-by-Chance

Much song and dance

Will follow as this comes alive

Believe it or not

This double-barreled plot

Will help the P.C.s now survive.

Daily News Headline: Brinco deal done ... almost

Current Urban Region hearings

Are the frankest we have seen

Whether in written belief or verbal

People say just what they mean

The Bell Islanders revoked it

It’s a concept they can’t buy

By their presence at the meetings

An enforcement they’ll defy

All objections duly noted

By the quite attentive ear

Of the Chairman Alec Henley

Who is competent, sincere.

He with Messrs Morgan, Andrews

Have a fresh approach indeed

While disseminating info

Concerned populace they heed.

Daily News Headline: Will this cure work for Ted, Jr? (New cancer technique)

And so one known as Homer White by name

Did on the weekend solemnly proclaim

As prophesied, it soon will come to pass

From Come-by-Chance will come supply of gas.

He spaketh not of what it would entail

In coins, when local product is for sale

Nor passeth on if buyer gets for less

What Come-by-Chance will make - we maketh guess.

If passing out of coin diminisheth

When processing of gas is finished

Then workers of the land will sing and dance

When cometh tidings such from Come-by-Chance.

Daily News Headline: (Banished!) Four days off for Steve

It’s not a healthy time for politicians

Mayor Wyatt in confinement due to flu

Ank Murphy’s at the moment convalescing

Harringtonitis put him all askew

Brincoitis got our blushing Premier

Exhausting him to point of being confined

The House has witnessed a new strain of virus

Which in no other Province will you find

It’s hard to put a name upon this latest

Oppositionitis one might say

Some might label it as Crosbieitis

Steve Neary would agree and say touche.

Nearyitis, languageitis -- name it.

The House is sick, behaviour pattern, dumb

Politicianitis summarize

The sicknesses that to the House have come.

Daily News Headline: (Henley Commission) Pull houses down, build anew (-at double the cost!)

For a little piece of paper such confusion

It always seems no matter what you do

This time of year although you’ve tried to beat it

You always end up getting in a queue.

No license plates are issued, just a sticker

But getting them is something of a chore

The winds of March are surely no incentive

To stand outside the Registration door.

Every year it’s still the same old story

Clerks run ragged as the deadline nears

Best of luck to people in the line up

Here’s hoping that you make it people, cheers!

Daily News Headline: (Virginia Park) Building lots all sold out!

Special entertainment on this weekend

At St. John’s Memorial Stadium

Local skating talent in the spotlight

A show for family - so why not go.

The St. John’s Figure Skating Club, producers

Have put together quite a lively show

Over two hundred taking part, and really

You couldn’t find a better place to go.

The shows are set for 2 and 8 on Sunday

Guaranteed the program is first rate

Our support will make them even better

Let’s encourage all the kids who figure skate.

Daily News Headline: (Confederation silver anniversary) Blazing bonfires to mark the moment

Just as everybody thought

That things were going fine

The word leaked out the weekend

Premier Moores will now resign.

The Trizec deal is halted too

The Council took a stand

They cancelled the arterial

It won’t go on as planned.

All the nuns have gone on strike

There’s no T.V. this week

Babies are being jailed because

They’re not allowed to streak.

Mince carefully the words you’ve read

And to this recipe

Just add a little grain of salt

It’s April Fool today.

Daily News Headline: (Tack another $4,000 on home building) CARPENTERS WANT MORE

It’s a party time in Newfoundland

But it is hard to understand

That as we choose to celebrate

There still are some who agitate.

There’s still divisions in the ranks

The P.C. government gives thanks

But like dog coveting a bone

The Liberals will dine alone.

So party politics must be

The top of the priority

Instead of one big time by all

We come out looking very small.

No wonder C.F.A. would write

With intimation of delight

Each politician’s verbal poke

Makes celebrating just a joke.

Perhaps that’s how it’s meant to be

Cashing in on publicity

To Newfie jokes they’re adding fuel

It all took place on April Fool

Daily News Headline: (Students demonstrate at state banquet) They don’t like the food at the university

The subject of so much contention

Atlantic Place - now draws attention

One curious soul

Walked right into a pole

An experience I doubt he will mention.

Daily the steelwork is rising

And really it isn’t surprising

That people do stare

Looking up in the air

As the height of the Place they’re surmising.

So this fellow just took a gander

Down Water Street he did meander

And as he looked back

In the pole he did smack

Atlantic Place got up his dander.

Daily News Headline: (Gordon Dawe says:) WATCH IT BILL COLLECTORS (No more calls after midnight)

It’s flipper time again around the province

The delicacy many tables grace

Restrictions on the seal hunt notwithstanding

The servings a la flipper have their place.

Presented in a tantalizing fashion

With all the trimmings to make it complete

Or in a pie that seals in the aroma

The flipper meal is certainly a treat

This year it seems more succulent than ever

Someone expressed it in a manner cute

“Now we know how Adam felt in Eden

When he was tempted by forbidden fruit.”

Daily News Headline: Problems along the waterfront (Shed spade crisis may halt plans for $20 million ship)

Intensified research still seeks the answer

To the cause and cure of dreaded cancer

Education programs too enlighten

Not knowing of it only tends to frighten

The daffodil campaign we choose to mention

Aware that it deserves our prime attention

Daffodils symbolically are giving

Hope to all and peace of mind to living.

Daily News Headline: (He’s done it!) No. 714 Aaron equals Ruth!

Parking on the waterfront

For vacant spot he’s on the hunt

Will he will, or will he won’t

A Water Street dilemma.

Clerks and others going down

To their place of work downtown

Start the day off with a frown

A Water Street dilemma

No alternatives they get

Businessmen are in a sweat

For parking give them a ticket

A Water Street dilemma

Managers have all agreed

Customers are what they need

To their staffs they pay no heed

A Water Street dilemma

Council too got into it

But should have tried the “one way” bit

Before the clerks all threw a fit

A Water Street dilemma

The parking situation’s tight

But wrongs like this won’t make it right

It needs intelligent insight

This Water Street dilemma.

Daily News Headline: (They want $10,000 a year) Police holding secret talks

How are you feeling this morning?

A little bit down, out of sorts.

Do you find it a little bit tougher

To keep up your program of sports.

To you perhaps feel a bit sluggish

And each day find harder the stairs

When not have a physical checkup

Your body may need some repairs.

It's good there's a week to remind us

To pay special heed to our health

For mental and physical soundness

Is quite an unparalleled wealth.

Daily News Headline: (Big, new industries announced) To be Frank, it’s not Joey!

Bringing down budgets is bothersome business

Brunt of the balancing bearer must bear

Crosbie will comment on certain commitments

Conservative capers he’ll chant loud and clear.

Neary will natter and needle and ‘nock it,

Roberts will ruefully risk a reply

A week to work on it or weasel out from it

Tricks to trigger trip up they no doubt will try.

If Moores isn’t missing he might even mention

Industrial innovations he implied

Moola no object in millions he mentions it

Seems Smallwood sometimes is stood by his side.

Daily News Headline: Growing threat of FAMINE!

Blank spots in releases to the local scene have come

The forestry task force report is said to have had some

Like jig saw puzzle incomplete it now would seem to be

Missing sections add to it an air of mystery.

Sawmills by the little man discouraged now will be

This despite the emphasis on smaller industry

But this still a rare report, and one of magnitude

To futuristic thought it does supply the basic food.

Daily News Headline: (Sales, income taxes up) We’ll pay more!!

The quickness of the step that comes with Springtime

The cognizance of life that starts anew

The shedding of the tiresome winter clothing

For lifting of one’s spirit is a cue.

May Easter bring you hope, new inspiration

A better way of life, a peace of mind

A message from the Saviour’s crucifixion

A greater understanding of mankind.

Daily News Headline: (Those “embarrassing” licence plates) Police ordered turn blind eye

The brightness of the Easter sun

Lured people out of doors in droves

To take that long awaited ride

To not too distant bays and coves.

The older folk were on the move

Released from winter’s surly grip

Free to stroll at a leisured pace

Without the fear that they would slip.

The skipping ropes were out in force

One group of kids I almost floored

I joined right in and had a skip

Though other passersby detoured.

In strollers babies made the scene

At harness length were little tykes

And dogs chased after little friends

As boys and girls took off on bikes.

Daily News Headline: (MUN researcher named) Doctors indicted as “graverobbers”

License plate gawking is our latest fad

And while that in itself isn’t really too bad

It’s the danger of having a real accident

When you step out to look at a license that’s bent

The plate looking craze is a Newfoundland sport

It all started off when a case came to court

And the noise was about a bad muffler we learn

Then the question arose, why not license concern?

The plates on our autos are cheaper we know

Since out of the province the contract did go

A non-luminous lesser grade product at best

In some proven cases they can’t pass the test

So now it’s a game that is very well paced

See how many plates that are really defaced

Some have numbers missing, some more are bent in

The more play the game the more money you win

The game’s very simple, when up down town

Each one that you see jot the license plate down

Have bets prior placed, that’s a part of the deal

Don’t discard your list, give it to Robert Neal

Keep gazing and gawking and staring at cars

The worst they can do is put you behind bars

And then from your cell you can holler and shout

“I was just playin’ a game and I want to get out”

This license gawking has some built in risks

Increased could be the number of slipped discs

On bending and craning and such, careful be

This whole license plate bit borders on lunacy.

Daily News Headline: (Diving record for MUN) Living at the bottom of the sea

The Nova Scotia Derby is the very latest sweep

That we are asked to back up and support

We’ve had Olympic Lottery and will have it again

But frankly the whole thing just gets my goat.

Not the sweep idea or the money people win

But this is really my contention bone

Either Government or Council or some such authority

Should come up with a lottery of our own.

The Summer Games are coming and we’re looking for some dough

An untapped potential source our bids await

Now’s the time for action on a Lottery worthwhile

The money’s here so why procrastinate.

Daily News Headline: Tories vote with gov’t on small business bill

No one more than patrons know

A taxi shortage does exist

For months the fact has been denied

But finally they got the gist.

Now taximen agree at last

And Councillors confirm the need

Hopefully the shortage will

Be remedied with all due speed

While on the subject, taximen.

Some laws of safety should respect

Parking on wrong sides of streets

Is one thing to which we object.

A bit more courtesy as well

Should come by service, not as chance

More courtesy and service would

The image of the cabs enhance.

Daily News Headline: Strike would suspend AIR SERVICE (Weekend travellers out of St. John’s move up to Thursday and Friday)

The strikes have struck, each day we hear of more

One with I.O.C.C. in Labrador

And miners dig the scene out in Baie Verte

Now bigger strikes, more people getting hurt.

The legal ones in ways we must condone

But no time for those striking on their own

Illegal stoppage by Post Office crews

Should be squelched right away, it’s we who lose.

Here on the Island while for mail we wait

The airlines threaten now to isolate

As travellers are rushing off their feet

The weekend tie-up possibly to beat.

Strikes and threatened strikes just ruin spring

As management and union do their thing

They do create a climate we confess

That gives to way of life just added stress.

Daily News Headline: No mail and no air service (No one knows how long it will last)

I, too, support the citizens who make a song and dance

That nightly meetings didn’t even get a fighting chance

It was a good idea of which citizens made note

When all potential councillors were looking for a vote.

The circumstances under which the first night session came

Were certainly not normal ones, so there can be no blame

On citizens for not displaying interest as such

But having had a major storm, it did demand too much.

For one thing people were attending to the needs of home

And then driving conditions would not entice one to roam

The lack of proper parking space, did not an asset prove

But Council’s cancellation action it did not behoove.

One up Gullage, you are right, it’s much too early yet.

A trend of night attendance cannot at this time be set

Continue it at least three months, and while I do suspect

Attendance will be minimal, then public can’t object.

Daily News Headline: (Moores libel, slander case) Neary ordered to name names

Among some disconcerting news

Is jacking up the price of booze

But a solution can be found

Just give up buying round for round.

The regulars at lounge or club

Or any other type of pub

On cost of living do expound

But still match up with round for round.

The money spent on other guys

And not just what one person buys

Is where the dollars go, we’ve found

As each one buys up round for round

Drinking wouldn’t cost as much

If one had courage to go dutch

In fact much savings would be found

By cutting out the round for round.

Daily News Headline: Newfoundland has 258,400 drinkers, 10,000 alcoholics

Beauty abounds in our province

A statement with confidence made

As witness our Miss Celebrations

And recently Miss Board of Trade

The natural charm is outstanding

One would have to search for a while

To match the refreshing expression

And sweetness of local girl’s smile

In talent and poise they’re delightful

Statistically too they are great

All of our pretty young misses

We very much appreciate.

Daily News Headline: (“Completely dissatisfied”) Waterford Hospital staff vote to strike

The student wrote his dissertation

On his career post-graduation

“My brain may be small

But I’ve plenty of gall”

His subject he did with elation.

His sense of humor he relied on

The type of career to decide on

He was popular too

Quite an asset he knew

And in photos he was handsome side on.

He knew he would seek a position

That would warrant some recognition

Yet this ding a ling

Said work wasn’t his thing

And his choice of career - politician.

Daily News Headline: (Danger in a pack a day) SMOKE ... and get a stroke

As with all elections the School Board is o’er

Some had to win and some lose

The winners will warrant some comment in time

A word for the losers I choose.

Displaying an interest above and beyond

A parent’s involvement, as such

Tells us your values and standards are high

And in person you’re really in touch.

All who were willing to take on the job

A special concern have displayed

For youth, and the nucleus school has to be

To them a sincere accolade.

Daily News Headline: Canadians to be “British” no longer?

Billed as entertainment are the Bingo games in town

Guaranteed to give you a lift if you are feeling down

Unless you go especially to win, but that’s a shame

You’ll miss the sideshow antics, going just to play the game.

“Will you switch your card” you’ll hear, or “change,” someone will say

The caller says “N-31” – “I just gave that away”

“If I am playin’ your card for you I’m goin’ to keep it all”

And then a shout of “Bingo” as her voice rings through the hall.

The muttering when someone wins is something else as well

“I just wanted one under O, ‘twould make you mad as hell”

“One more would put me on the hitch,” someone is bound to say

“Shake ‘em up boy,” someone shouts, “I’ll never win this way.”

“What’s the rush boy,” someone shouts “I got four cards you know”

And sure enough there’s someone else to counteract: “Too slow.”

The bit of crumb comes out as well, who’s sick, who’s fired, who’s wed

What firm has just gone up the spout, who can’t make home made bread.

Politicians names are tossed like feathers to a breeze

The calling starts again “Hey hang ‘er down there buddy, geez”

A big roar of approval “First time that was out tonight”

Yes, Bingo’s entertaining, if you go about it right.

Daily News Headline: (The Lower Churchill Project) Jamieson’s figure “too high” but ... Barry admits costs zooming

The home noise factor had reduced

Explaining why I heard

The sound of music floating in

The singing of a bird.

On one branch of the tallest tree

Of foliage still bare,

A robin red breast stately stood

Of humans unaware.

A little boy of eighteen months

Was called to window frame

He knew the species bird as such

We hailed it by its name.

A little bird just standing there

Will never know what joy

In moments few, it gave a dad

And his excited boy.

Daily News Headline: (The Watergate Affair) THE TRANSCRIPTS: Do they clear Nixon, or condemn him?

Bike riding time has arrived

So take heed

Let no one of life be deprived

There’s no need.

Bike time is one of delight

So beware

Don’t drive without light at night

Ride with care

Use signs when in traffic flow

When you turn

Those trips to hospital show

How to learn

Motorists do have a chore

Every day

And you can help them in your

Special way

You’re not being smart if you dare

It’s a crime

Have fun but pedal with care

All the time.

Daily News Headline: ELECTION STAGE SET (McGrath predicts government defeat)

The oft promised fish market spotlights again

But not through the promises made

It’s rather by study, research, and detail

Elicited by Board of Trade

Though Deputy John in his platform built in

A fish market, as part of the game

I knew through the Board of the plans they had made

And, too, could have promised the same

So placed in perspective objectively now

We certainly need such a mart

Council and Board of Trade jointly will play

An important but integral part.

The need for a market for produce and fish

For years has been evident here

Hopefully nothing will come in the way

Of a produce mart starting this year.

Daily News Headline: (No reply from Moores) Trudeau is ready take us to court

A new plague is hitting the city

Many new cases each day

And this will be further increasing

Atlantic Place is under way.

Pedestrians by their neck craning

Are subject to all kinds of kinks

The M.D.s should do a good business

It’s not all that funny, methinks.

Steel beams o’erhead are exciting

Suspended from boom of crane

“Heads up” will be automatic

When you go downtown again.

But there is another side to it

Instead of looking down the drain

People will hold their heads higher

And things should soon look up again.

First publication: May 6, 1974 in the Daily News

Daily News Headline: Now ... Impeachment proceedings begin

Although we have snowfalls nigh daily

Calendar-wise it is Spring

And Councils accenting Spring clean-up

Are asking that you do your thing.

They’ve set out the dates for collection

Of debris and junk from your place

So look at your backyard or basement

And quickly this litter chore face.

Tackle the garden and driveway

Clean out the sheds and garage

Take Councils up on their offer

And give them a garbage barrage.

Avail of the offer that’s given

Don’t put it off any more

No fear of its blowing away now

‘Twill freeze in a lump by your door.

Daily News Headline: (With a hook, a line, and a sinker) Turner goes fishin’ But ... Will they bite?

The above is the name of a book that is filled

With items from the Newfoundland Writers’ Guild

A brand new collection of colorful prose

And poetry, that you’ll be happy to choose.

The many contributors cross-sections give

Of quite varied backgrounds and ways that we live

The fact and the fiction are well intertwined

For reader delight has this book been designed.

At several outlets this book may be found

Pick up a copy as you go around

Returns from the book have a project in sight

Encouraging young Newfoundlanders to write.

Daily News Headline: (Big gain for city) Tax windfall if Omega rents increase

If Liberals in Ottawa

Non-confidence vote get

A waste of money is in store

(Results I don’t know yet)

Now what will an election prove

Just time and money spent

To give us an unstable

Coalition government.

For obviously no one will

Majority accrue

Indecision will prevail

Economy’s askew.

The nation’s state should foremost come

Not parties and their graft

No matter what decision’s made

The voter gets the shaft.

Daily News Headline: ELECTION! (Nearly full House defeats gov’t)

Guardians of law and restorers of peace

Two major items we know our police

Keep foremost in mind – whether said or implied

They want to help us by the law to abide.

The role of policeman is surely no cinch

He isn’t there just to put on us the pinch

Neither out to get us, not jump down our back

He tries to keep all of us on the right track

The laws he enforces are ours, in effect

Made by politicians we chose to elect

If we are at fault we don’t open our craw

But when we are right, then we call on the law.

It’s good that we have them, their service to seek

Hats off to them – National Police Week

Their role isn’t easy, their hours for the birds

Their services warrant encouraging words.

Daily News Headline: Province may have to bail ‘er out!

In sunshine or rain

Quite a hectic campaign

Will be fought the next 55 days

As each party will try

To somehow justify

Its cause, and in devious ways

Our Nation is split

There is no doubt of it

And Canadians new image need

Borrowed heritage, we

Have to quite a degree

Not much National substance or creed

All the monies being spent

As our nation is rent

Is a waste, and we should give it a try

Stronger image to make

And a real hard look take

At new efforts to solidify.

Parties fighting at length

Should give some of their strength

To the fight against living costs here

And this welfare state bit

Let’s not overdo it

If our politicians are sincere.

Daily News Headline: (New marriage act will allow) CIVIL MARRIAGES (Age for consent will be lowered, licence required)

An outport wedding has to be

The greatest thing around

Fun and food and merriment

Abundantly are found.

Most everyone each other knows

As families converge

On home, or hall, whatever place

The Bride decides to splurge.

The playing of accordions

Non-dancers even lures

And feet more agile seem to be

As each bartender pours.

The ballads, without music sung

Are just the special touch

That show why outport weddings

Are enjoyed so very much.

Daily News Headline: (Quinton murder case) Chief Justice withdraws from trial

The money’s allotted, it’s all cut and dried

How much and by whom, did they jointly decide

In the House, as the time limit squelched the debate

Which actions did Opposition agitate.

The Liberal spokesmen were madder than hell

And with varied expressions dissension did yell

The Government actions they loudly deplored

While the Government side simply sat back and roared.

There’s a lot to be said for the pros and the cons

Individual capers and carryings-on

For the P.Cs a squelch was the name of the game

Getting back at the Liberals who had done the same.

The shouting is great Opposition-wise now

They seem to be on to the gimmick somehow

But then ‘twas OK when they were in their stride

Now they look o’er the fence, but from the other side.

Daily News Headline: (Constabulary costs double Mounties) Little hope for expansion bid

‘Twould sure make you boil

How the case of one Doyle

Is being twisted, manoeuvered and changed

To make us look sick

So the charges won’t stick

And defenders of law look deranged.

When the case came to light

I passed comment one night

But the News felt it shouldn’t appear

The opinion was mine

But they had to decline

Though the pattern is now looking clear.

If a lifetime you wait

It will all dissipate

Counter charges and such will be laid

And I say now to you

Where there’s money a guy has it made.

Daily News Headline: (Quinton murder trial) Witness says she was threatened

Airport jammed

Big parade

Cameras clicked

Movies made

Hands outstretched

Kisses thrown

Grit support

Freely shown

Smiles galore

Not a frown

Pierre Trudeau

Came to town

Pierre pleading

For his cause

Interrupted

With applause

Tight indeed

Security

Local and

RCMP

To a fish plant

Then downtown

Pierre Trudeau

Came to town.

Daily News Headline: (Trudeau in St. John’s) Leadership the key, party workers told

The Jaycees of St. John’s in jubilation can explain

Their efforts through the year have won them Regional Acclaim

The Jaycettes, all the ladies, came back home with honors three

Outstanding Jaycette of the year is Doris Gellately.

Outstanding President of the Atlantic Region is

Ruth Tilley, a dynamic girl, we’ll now address as Ms.

They Jaycettes easily as the Outstanding unit won

And though getting all these honors up at Kentville they had fun.

Leadership Training Award of Excellence they rate

To outstanding Jaycee Unit did they also gravitate

Award of excellence earned for Public Relations too

Most miles travelled to Convention they did easily accrue.

The Effective Speaking Contest had its highlights and its thrills

The Atlantic Region winner was well spoken Cyril Mills

Who to B.C. travels shortly, nationally to compete

One more award did Jaycees get - The Blue Chip - hard to beat.

Daily News Headline: (They’ve studied) The Pill ... (and it’s better than they thought!)

Legislation that is passed

Should equally apply

Whether in society

You’re low, or very high.

Driving hazards normally

Attentions occupy

But airplanes have been designed

For those who wish to fly.

People heavy on the foot

Are certainly not right

Wonder is heavy foot offset

By in the head being light?

Conclusions may be freely drawn

But justice, to be true,

Must to all levels be applied

As much as me and you.

Daily News Headline: BLAST SCHOOL TAX (Mayor, Board of Trade jump on gov’t decision)

The fabulous weekend at last has arrived

Amazing indeed how the men have survived

As they lived with the fever of fishing each day

Straining horse-like at bit until they get away.

They’re off and they’re running to favourite spots

For wetting the line most of them have the “hots”

As to streams, ponds and gullies in droves they go forth

To celebrate their own way May twenty-fourth.

The hook, line and sinker, the cast and the fly

The brook freely babbling, the blue sunny sky

The rippled reflections, waves lapping on shore

Are some of the gems, and there are thousands more

The quiet of countryside fishermen seek

Of these cherished moments they seldom will speak

Instead they bring stories, believe if you may

Of fish caught, and big ones that just “got away.”

Daily News Headline: (India’s perilous act) Threshold of disaster, tragedy

All tuckered out and soaking wet, the fishermen are home

Though weather somewhat hampered plans they may have had to roam

For most of them through the woods and marsh would willingly strike out

In hopes of catching the elusive and prize winning trout.

The rattling teeth, goose-pimpled hides and matted heads of hair

Seemed not to squelch the spirits of the fishermen out there

They did some improvising and with innards glowing warm

They somehow braved the elements of wind and rain and storm.

The spirit of adventure is too great to force them back

The angler of the twenty-fourth in gumption isn’t slack

He through the years knows weather-wise, that all may well be lost

And psyches himself up to a trip he’ll make at any cost.

The outcome always is the same, the memories are good

With plans for next year’s trip already made, or understood

The gems of shard experience in future hours will fill

The twenty-fourth is quite a treat - unparalleled the thrill.

Daily News Headline: (Record holiday death toll) NINE DEAD

A chunk of ice

Can look so nice

When floating in a glass

Of tinted blue

Or other hue

As one a glass may pass.

Another chunk

A glacier hunk

At sea is a delight

It is a fact

It does attract

As quite a lovely sight.

We now can boast

Around the coast

Of icebergs in the droves

They lose appeal

When chill we feel

From them in bays and coves

The mariner

Would much prefer

This ice parade to pass

And any chunk

Would rather dunk

With whisky in a glass.

Daily News Headline: (Connors, Furlong tangle) Tempers flare

Don’t slack off, Ray O’Neill, not one iota

This highway carnage has to stop and now

Courage of convictions is essential

Keep at it and you’ll get to them somehow.

There’s no defence the Government can offer

The local drivers are a careless lot

New menaces we all meet daily driving

It’s time to shake some people off the pot.

So many drivers take so many chances

Yet all can’t be just blankly labelled cracked

Ignorance of hazards they’re creating

Through lack of education is one fact.

There has to be for simple preservation

A much more stringent driver testing law

Boating accidents are escalating

It’s time indeed somewhere a line to draw.

Keep up your persistent, constant needling

To do your job should not require being brave

But if you must, be so, and indirectly

Some M.H.A.’s own life you may yet save.

Daily News Headline: (Accommodation problem solved) Legion convention largest ever

The “save us” trait is going strong

And it’s been going on so long

The delegates to Ottawa

Will grab at any “save us” straw

Save our seals you’ll hear them say

Our bedlamers, our hoods

Save our forests, someone says

Put men back in the woods

Save our fishery, the cry

Save lobsters, save our crabs

They’re ready to save anything

When seats are up for grabs

A lady jumps into the ring

With save our caplin biz

Something fishy when this comes

From one whose known as Ms

Save our independent ways

Save our goats, our whales

But save us from the promises

That sound more like tall tales.

Daily News Headline: (Marshall claims) School tax forced on gov’t

If fate dictates a one day stand

When summer comes along our way

A lot of people will be pleased

That summer dropped in yesterday.

In thousands strong, so colorful

The Legionnaires were on parade

With many thousands looking on

Parents and kids both had it made.

The waterfront saw visitors

In droves along the Harbour Drive

The narrows iceberg background helped

To bring the waterfront alive.

An open house aboard some ships

To some was quite a novelty

As was the flying visit by

A top the hill up at St. Bon’s

One David Lewis, N.D.P.

An afternoon splendidly spent

By those who went to watch their boys

Perform in their big Sports events

A busy day for many folks

A really chock-filled afternoon

A pleasant way to introduce

The long awaited month of June.

Daily News Headline: (What are they looking at? ...) (... St. John’s largest parade, and ...) What a parade!

That time of year is here again

With June there comes a wedding boom

Everyone admires the bride

But what about her mate, the groom.

I heard a good toastmaster say

Last week in manner somewhat glib

Let's talk about the groom today

And pull a switch on women's lib.

The groom immediately blushed

At this exception to the rule

While smiling quietly his bride

Enjoyed it all and kept her cool.

If women's lib (whate'er that is)

Should be a cause for gals to boast

At weddings we may shortly see

The bride responding to the toast

A wedding day is special and

One view is, the bride's claim to fame

Is only that she forfeited

Her well established maiden name.

No doubt of course that this is so

But everybody's wedding day

Should mean the same for bride and groom

And things should work out well that way.

By all means say the bride is sweet

But do remember, in the room

Is one who made it possible

Her dashing and admiring groom.

Daily News Headline: (MacDonald says) Veterans getting fair share

The welcome received must convey how we feel

And time in its passing will slowly reveal

Combination of efforts made on your behalf

From the statliest moment to giving a laugh.

A community effort you’ve truly inspired

To ensure your Convention comes out as desired

And, socially yes, it’s the City’s delight

But the substance is found in your soldierly fight.

You’re determined to fight on a battleground new

For standards and values so well known to you

You want just society, human respect

Prepared to be leaders, the way to direct.

The courage of battle in spirit prevails

Your true dedication each citizen hails

When business is done and the finish line nears

Enjoy yourselves fully, to each of you - Cheers!

Daily News Headline: (Now Southern Newfoundland has it) A daily newspaper first thing in the morning!

No longer can we have our say

About things in Placentia Bay

The fishermen are in the way

So says the latest study

They really have to knock on wood

To fish the waters as they should

If mowed down – they misunderstood –

The whole deal’s really cruddy

Seems they have no recourse at all

In person or absentia

No one will listen to the plea

Of baymen from Placentia

Why should the fishermen recoil

From tankers coming in with oil

Their fish resource to likely spoil

When they had rights before them

No instruments or such had they

Through fog and storm they made their way

Knew ins and outs of all the Bay

Why suddenly ignore them

Seems they have no recourse at all

In person or absentia

No one will listen to the plea

Of baymen from Placentia.

Daily News Headline: (Stanfield in Central Newfoundland) Tory leader says all the right things

A big hello to the South Coast

To all the readers of The Post

The Daily News can proudly boast

Of daily distribution

It took a while to make it so

It’s sometimes better to go slow

Despite some obstacles you know

They’ve reached a good solution

The news we get first hand from you

Our keeping up on what you do

The fiction notes, the very true

To readers are appealing

The Daily News in special way

Gives coverage from day to day

On what’s being done, what people say

You’ll find it so revealing

From comics to the headline news

A recipe for fish and brewis

The pattern that you want to choose

The Daily News will have it

The best of columnists you’ll find

The paper is so well designed

With you the reader in their mind

Make Daily News a habit.

Daily News Headline: (Special $7.5 - million payment announced) Bonus time for Nfld. civil servants

We waited so long for a City Fish Mart

We hope it gets off to a very fine start

Mike Marr and John Hurley a certain chance take

It’s up to us if a success they will make

For all of the griping we’ve done through the years

And promises that each election one hears

The fish mart is here, the first start being made

With a bigger one promised from the Board of Trade

If anyone knocks its being on the South Side

Then they will be guilty of crime - marticide

For killing a business getting off the ground

Yet to shopping marts they drive around and around

Let’s back up these men who have granted our wish

Let’s patronize them and buy all kinds of fish

John Murphy had this in his platform, it is true

And we’ll give him some credit for seeing it through

To Hurley and Marr we give credit indeed

They take on a venture to fill a big need

Good luck opening day and in future we wish

To the new South Side market that’s trading in fish.

Daily News Headline: (Stricken by “abrupt stroke”) Governor-General gravely ill

Newfoundland is hatless

According to the Atlas

The land that tops the Island just isn't there at all

There'll be a lot of hissing

Cause Labrador is missing

Compilers of the Atlas just weren't on the ball.

Are Labrador folks wishin'

That every politician

Be dumped into the Churchill to let them know they're there

I guess they're turning sour

With every passing hour

Think more of independence when some factions do not care

Now Labrador, what is it?

A northern place to visit

When politicians need it to brag about and such

Despite all its potential

Is it now non-essential

Ignoring it completely is just a bit too much.

Will someone make a button

"Look at me I'm a nuttin'"

And make a presentation to each one in Labrador

Joey found it vital

To put it in the title

But compilers of the Atlas didn't seem to know the score

Daily News Headline: (Fire destroys warehouse) Damage set at $1-million

“What did you say was the date?”

“I tink it is July the eight

I almost forgets

No one’s placing bets

And so far there’s not too much prate.”

“That’s how I sees it too Dan

And ‘tis less than a month, understan’

And I spose I am blind

But the truth of me mind

Is I’m goin’ to vote for the man.”

“Sure that’s all you can do Charlie boy

And with everything so bloody high

No one seems to care

Up in Ottawa there

But our fellas are willin’ to try.”

“Now Jamieson, he did all right

And Carter and Jim McGrath fight

Marshall’s not bad

But that Lundrigan lad

I tink he’s in a bit of a plight.”

“Who are the two others, let’s see

Hmmm, Rompkey, oh yes, and Rooney

They’ll make it I spose.

Still can’t tell how it goes

We’ll just have to wait b’y and see.”

Daily News Headline: (Just like 1930s?) Jobs few in Nfld.

It really is a quandary

What can a fellow do

When he buys himself a flagpole

For a flag that never flew.

It was to be distinctive

The flag Tom Doyle proposed

But just the way ‘twas brought about

It strongly was opposed.

There was no competition

And hence the hue and cry

Pity people building flagpoles

For a flag they’ll never fly.

The decision arbitrary

A new flag design to try

Raised just far too many eyebrows

And too many questioned - why?

Now a situation novel

As new flagpoles you will spy

Bare, as in suspense they’re waiting

For the flag they’ll never fly.

Daily News Headline: (Lawyer claims) Real estate fees not out of line

With friends around them in the room

The smiling bride and blushing groom

Their happiness and wedded bliss

They showed with every little kiss

They gave as glasses tinkled here

To wish them just that extra cheer

That in our hearts for them we feel

As we share with them their first meal

And wish them both much happiness

From our hearts as we say God Bless.

Daily News Headline: (Challenges expected) Canada sets tone for Law of Sea Conference

School is out. Hip! Hip! Hooray! and Cheers!

And time to think about the little dears

So free at last and absolutely thrilled

With visions of fun-days completely filled

As they so oft with traffic danger flirt

Oblivious of chance of being hurt

Which leaves the onus on us, for each child

By very nature oftentimes is wild

And so we must be ever on alert

Through our fault none of them will e’er be hurt

As they run to and fro without a care

Of their impending dangers unaware

Perhaps engrossed in things they really like

Driving, sometimes unsteadily, on bike

Which should remind us parents readily

To caution children to ride carefully

No daring stunts, nor foolishness, to try

And not to listen to the other guy

Who sometimes warrants kicking in the pants

For taking just that extra foolish chance

Oh summer’s here, and today school is out

Being careful is what this is all about.

Daily News Headline: (Oil countries meeting) (So ... consumers watch out!) LOWER PRICES BLOCKED

If milk goes up, so what - to you or me

Some of us can’t afford it presently

And yet the Dairymen offhandedly

Are speaking of an increased subsidy

That they in business may stay alive

How else can we expect them to survive.

Grants and aids and subsidies and such

Are only putting people out of touch

Far better independence be restored

For handouts as such are to be deplored

Incentive goes, like business, up a tree

Where there is freely given, subsidy.

Our way of life is just a paradox

The same old middle man takes all the knocks.

While answers lie in getting off our ass

And stop this foolishness of greener grass

The monies spent in subsidies and grants

The cost of living causes to advance

Let’s cut it out and on freeloaders frown

It’s a step to bring the cost of living down.

Another thought in which I have belief

Is making able bodies on relief

Aware that money doesn’t grow on trees

And life is not a bowl of subsidies

But rather make them work for their dessert

An honest day’s work will nobody hurt

And enterprise to independent be

Should operate without a subsidy.

Daily News Headline: (IRA does what Hitler couldn’t) Bomb rocks British shrine

From customer viewpoint the taxis are bad

Late at night there’s scarcely one to be had

Even at midnight one’s nearly distraught

When so many phone calls produce a big nought.

Example: Ten rings and we ask for a car

“No sir, can’t help, afraid that is too far

Our driver’s up west but he’s going home then”

To that conversation we added Amen.

Example: Few rings, but an answering staff,

“Sorry sir, nothing around for a half”

Which was too long to wait, so it’s back to the dial

I tell you that getting a taxi’s a trial.

The cabbie we got when we asked about this

Admitted to us there is something amiss

To him it was help, he was doing all right

But they just can’t get drivers to work through the night

The other side is that they too pick a bone

They come to an address and “I didn’t phone”

Is the answer they get and the look in the eyes

Confirms that the call is a double surprise.

We’ll buy that but no matter how they expand

There aren’t enough taxis to really go ‘round

In addition they still have to go a long way

In courtesy, just look around you today.

Daily News Headline: (200-mile fishing limit) Yes, says fishing scientist

The Doctor and Nurse were a team from the start

He had his practice and she played the part

As Nurse and as Wife, with attention to each

Then a role on the Council seemed so easy to reach.

So young Nurse and mother named Dorothy Wyatt

Adopted a slogan that she won’t be quiet

And captured the voters in manner forthright

As Councillor getting her colleagues uptight.

She soon set her sights on position of Mayor

And citizens chose to put her in the chair

Now Doctor and Nurse took a bit of a flip

In public to him she is now “Your Worship”.

But Don in his own quiet way went ahead

Choosing to make his own headlines instead

Federation of Newfoundland Amateur Sports

Is the body to which and on which he reports

Dot dons her Mayor’s role, Don dons his own

Successful together, successful alone

A husband and wife team that give us a lot

The sports have their Don and the citizens Dot.

Daily News Headline: (But it won’t resign) British gov’t loses crucial vote

The little hen

Late in the day

Had one more egg

She had to lay

She clucked and clucked

(She never spoke)

And left behind

A double yoke

Two little fellows were playing

One day they got made and fell out

One threw a duck at the other

His friend got a quack in the mouth.

Daily News Headline: (200-mile limit) Canada’s threat may be needed (Caracas meets won’t resolve a thing - Waldheim)

“Scarce as hen’s teeth” must describe election talk today

You can’t get any arguments, no matter what you say

The cost of living skyward goes, but who will get involved

Whatever party squeezes in, it will not be resolved.

Indifference in this election sets a precedent

Except for comments on the waste of money being spent

The language barrier is broke, bilingualism’s here

Whatever be the issues what they are is not too clear.

There’s one that no one mentions, yet it seems part of a plan

The elimination process of the so-called middle man

“Holy rantin’ reevin’ roarin’ jumped up,” shouted Jake

“Some election this is, I’ve seem more life in a wake.”

“Yes b’y, nutting doin’, just some foolish talk that’s all

Too much pussyfootin’ Jake, we needs a scattered squawl,

I’m not goin’ to the meetin’ me empl’yment check is here

Come over after supper, now, I got a case of beer.”

Daily News Headline: (They say it hasn’t “a chance in hell”) Canada’s impossible demand (law of the sea)

Holidays are trying times where families are large

As kids all hours of day into a busy household barge

“Can I have half a dollar, Mom, we're going for a swim”

“I haven't got it dear” - “but Jody's mom gave it to him.”

Or smaller types stick out the hand for 15 cents this time

They know themselves so little can be gotten for a dime

The bags of chips are pitiful, they're only filled with air

With just a token portion of potato captured there.

Bars of chocolate as well are very, very small

With the packaging attractive but ' twould drive you up the wall

To see the little bit that in the wrapper is enclosed

On children and their parents the frustrations are imposed.

20 cents for soft drinks, and the little ones don't know

But moms and dads have money trees on which the dollars grow

Yet children will be children, very normal their demand

Inflation hurts vacation, things are getting out of hand.

Daily News Headline: (GUNSHOTS FIRED IN DRUG SEARCH) Armed police scout Southern Shore

The Mobile goat is all shook up

It’s time again he spoke

Since smuggling grass is going on

For those who wish to smoke

The whiskered fellow hates it

His being so upstaged

And at the thought of smuggled grass

Is very much outraged.

Chorus

“Are we flushin’ em Dillon

Are they out of the woods

Are we makin’ a killin’.

Of the smugglin’ hoods

O Ho I tell you Dillon

On every smoke they’ll choke

I’ll scare them worse than I scared you”

So spoke the Mobile goat.

A very upset Mobile goat

Suspects it’s all a plot

To squelch his popularity

This crowd who smuggle pot

He’s had a chat will Dillon

Who this time knows the score

And both agreed they should defend

The good old Southern Shore.

Chorus

And so the goat and Dillon both

A crafty plan devised

To flush out smugglers in the woods

With their kind of surprise

Our fabled Mobile mascot

Took time to clear his throat

It’s time for resurrection of

The talking Mobile goat.

Chorus

Daily News Headline: (Former Newfoundland mayor arrested) MILLION DOLLAR RAID

With issues getting scarcer

I suppose it is a treat

That we are kept informed

On what the politicians eat

One creates an image

As raw fish connoisseur

To heighten this dramatic touch

He should have shed a tear

Another politician

On scallops likes to munch

This fish entree suggests he likes

To be one of the bunch

Without their eating habits

Their visits would be dull

Too band they don’t have a chance

To row a boat, or scull.

Whatever be the outcome

When comes July eighth

Their eating habits we’ll recall

As this election bait.

Daily News Headline: (Churchill Falls now owned by Nfld.) Brinco Oks sale