January 1976

---

It’s time to go

At last you’re free

To take your place

In history.

Your claim to fame

Was “Women’s Year”

In closing days

Things went austere.

The bad, the sad

To some you brought

And lessons you

To others taught.

You’re worn out with

The human stress

Yet you brought many

Happiness.

Daily News Headline: This is simply: Fantastic!

Reinforcement of law by the R.C.M.P.

By checking for drivers impaired

Was effective, but not as on Mountie alleged

‘Because they have got people scared.’

Their setting up checkpoints at random all o’er

And stating that business they meant

Made people aware of the positive side

With party times happier spent.

The message of drinking and driving is clear

Strong measures to keep us alert

Result: We respected the arm of the law

With no one killed, not even hurt.

The R.C.M.P. protect us from ourselves

They started, and precedent set

The local police followed suit, as we know

But Justice has far to go yet.

We commend the Mounties for doing their job

On duty, while we celebrate

And taking a firm and a meaningful step

For this effort we congratulate.

Daily News Headline: Compulsory insurance law: Police told to take it easy – for now

Women’s year is over

But another one is here

Or didn’t you know it’s the case

With every leap year.

Tradition says when leap year comes

The ladies have a chance

And may propose if men are shy

In field of true romance.

This leap year also means that some

A birthday celebrate

The first one since four years ago.

Do they anticipate!

The month of February has

This year days twenty-nine

May gals who propose to propose

And birthday folks do fine.

Daily News Headline: FISHERIES DEPARTMENT PROBE: Fraud charges follow arsonist fire

Decorations come down and the trees are thrown out

The season is over, what’s it all about

Our homes have been cleaned, papered, painted and such

Preparation for Christmas to most meant so much.

But now that it’s over, it’s time to think hard

What else with the trees and lights do we discard

That spirit of friendliness that we put on

Is it still with us, or will it be gone.

The extras we did as we tried to be nice

Are we satisfied with them, and will they suffice.

The spirit of Christmas has touched us somewhat

How long can we hold it before it’s forgot.

Daily News Headline: KILBRIDE DEVELOPMENT HEARINGS: Nobody likes plan for future

The blue on orange licence plates

We see more of each day

They signify a new concept

Is getting underway.

When we see them we’ll recognize

The registration soared

A captive source of revenue

The government explored.

Another image they’ll convey

A feature now obscured

The owner of the licence plate

Will have to be insured.

Daily News Headline: Seven injured at N.W. River: PLANE CRASH: 2 DEAD

The change that comes with public life

Remember one named Ank

His word was loud and clear one time

But now it’s just a blank.

The man who took his very pride

From Flower Hill heritage

Has let them and folks like them down

It’s almost an outrage.

Even if he could not fulfill

Hi promise on the beer

He should have fought each rising price

To show he was sincere.

But no, he dared not make a noise

Of cabinet a part

But it a lot of gumption takes

To tip the apple cart.

In politics, as anything

I guess it’s true to say

The promise of the day before

We can’t recall today.

Daily News Headline: ST. LAWRENCE: TIMING IS THE KEY: Stalemate again?

The Harbour Grace shoe factory

Is looking for support

Not for their employees

But increase in export

It seems M.P. Dave Rooney

Gave them a bit of tongue

And laced them for their actions

On which employees hung

Rooney’s mail was boosted

By letters like in tone

An obvious conclusion

Each didn’t make his own

So Rooney went in person

A sole assessment made

Heel stick to his conclusions

That plans were subtly laid

To see that each employee

Would really toe the line

But management’s denying

An intimidation sign

Rooney suspects all sneakers

While canvassing about

Concluded management had put

Its foot into its mouth

His main concern, that workers

In no way get the boots

By being obliged by management

To go into cahoots.

Daily News Headline: MARKETING BOARD IDEA DEAD: Export licences for fishing companies

If card parties or bingos

You run to make some dough

One major law you’re breaking

In case you didn’t know.

A quite recent ‘for instance’

To my attention came

When minors won some liquor

At a recent bingo game.

With current drinking problems

Of those of tender years

Watch carefully or someone

Will surely pin your ears.

Before you sell your tickets

Announce it loud and clear

Under nineteen years of age

No ticket on the cheer.

Daily News Headline: ALBRIGHT AND WILSON HAVE IT IN MIND TO CLOSE: THE BEAST (Long Harbour plant is on its last chance)

The drinking-driving pattern

Improves most every day

Controls imposed, effective

For police concerned – touche!

If that was so successful

Let’s set a precedent

By keeping minors out of

Each drinking establishment.

Some go for entertainment

To hear a certain band

But each is just a patron

With a drink or beer in hand

A visit any evening

And plainly can be seen

If many of the night spots

Youths far under nineteen

They don’t deserve a license

Who young teenagers serve

But someone must take them to task

They sure as heck have nerve

Daily News Headline: SCHOOL TAX AUTHORITY: They’ve got their first million

One side of Hutchings Street is gone

As progress simply marches on.

The eastern side with houses old

That could have many stories told.

Has crumbled to arterial

The controversial serial.

But not the slightest doubt at all

That other places too will fall

To onslaught of steel and concrete

As plans go on route to complete.

Daily News Headline: Some good news in Goose Bay: Threat to jobs removed

The Power in power to Power the plowman spoke

Pretending turn of phrase was just a joke

But Power the plow man in his points persist

Patronage political, the gist.

Power the plow man planned some plows to rent

Presuming Power in power did this prevent

Protested and was promptly put in place

The party would prefer a change of face

Power the plow man proof now present

Of party patronage, if pertinent,

With cancelled Cheques and picture now is plain

The Power in power projects personal gain.

The Power in power is prone to turn one sour

The Power of plows is patron of the hour

Proof of the pudding, time will tell the tale

Prestige in politics looks pretty pale.

Daily News Headline: When search got in high gear: It was too late (But Olive Hillier waits, and hopes)

Rotarians and media are programmed

To hear a well prepared array of words

Often sending them to dictionary

But just as often strictly for the birds.

Stereotyped are many speeches given

Prepared by others than the speaker’s self

Used by media to make their precis

Discarded then on dust-collecting shelf.

But when one speaks as Mayor Wyatt, Thursday

With candor, openness, and as it is

Those who claimed they didn’t understand her

Won’t let reality upon them fizz.

Precisely that’s the substance of her comments,

High salaried employees shirking work

A city manager? who really needs one

The onus should be on our City Clerk.

Retitle him if need be, make some changes

They Mayor’s message should some thinking cause

For its sincerity and honest purpose

Not for its imperfections nor its flaws.

How strange we are so expert at avoiding

The facts of life when told in language plain

Let’s hope some snub nose experts get enlightened

Thank you Mayor for your “As it is” refrain.

Daily News Headline: Mice, cockroaches, bugs: Good enough for retarded? (Teachers threaten walkout)

Good money after bad, can’t we arrest it

It’s false pride if reverses we can’t take

Let’s just recall schooner “Norma and Gladys”

And save a little face, for heaven’s sake.

The money spent, correction, money wasted

To satisfy a whim, has been too much

If we keep pressing on with the idea

With promotional returns we’re out of touch.

We erred so let’s recall the little schooner

Just write her off as one of our boo boos

She’ll soon be touted as a ship of skippers

And party seeking join-and-leave-her crews.

If Mr. Hickey has a grain remaining

He’ll have her brought back ere it is too late

He must, and promptly, else she will be captioned

The biggest Newfie joke we have to date.

Daily News Headline: Prime Minister on the hot seat: The words are different but Trudeau says it again

You told it as it is, madam

Let’s say you cleared the air

An admirable attitude

Where do you go from there

To Council first and foremost go

And jointly pick the bone

You’re all in this together ma’am

It isn’t you alone.

If you perhaps inherited

What seems a bag of nails

And weaknesses are evident,

Whatever it entails

You must be totally prepared

The problems there to solve

And each elected Councillor

To totally involve.

The way you tell it we can say

There’s nothing she obscures

But now the ball is in your court

The onus truly yours

You have the full authority

To find a remedy

In Council air it well and long

And to it write finis.

Daily News Headline: Record federal payments, 1976 will be: Another boom year

One hardly thinks of Summer Games

When snow is on the ground

When glittered trees the lights reflect

Low temperatures abound.

But project work is going on

Logistics being worked out

Hundreds of people working hard

It won’t just come about.

But when it does and that’s next year

Nought can be left to guess

A happening we all must share

To guarantee success

Daily News Headline: Grid expansion vital, Groom says: Power running away (Oil price will drop)

Hail to the Athletes of the Year

Last week their names were heard

For females, Colleen Tapper

On the male side, Denis Byrd.

The titles validly deserved

Showed dedication’s strength

The total effort made by each

The practicing at length.

The individual rapport

Will colleagues as they plaed

Has in addition to their skills

A big impression made.

They join in automatic way

A group that’s quite unique

The sportsmen whose recorded deeds

Of which we highly speak.

The spot light on their efforts shine

The choice being very clear

To Denis and Colleen the best

In this their reigning year.

Daily News Headline: Hydro wants 40% more: It’s a real shocker!

Throughout our Province, or in countries strange

An influence of quite far reaching range

Was Christian Brothers’ teaching through the years

Still with us through our children and their peers.

With pride ex-pupils here in Newfoundland

To former teachers give a welcome hand

To share in celebrating an event,

In some way recognizing what it meant

To have the guidance in their years of school

Of men who lived by standards high, by rule.

Of code religious, and who would exhort

Their pupils best to give in school or sport

In music, speaking, writing, farming chores

To every talent there were open doors.

The disciplines imposed command respect,

Though at the time a proneness to object,

Yet reasoning and years maturing brought

Appreciation for what Brothers taught.

The Christian Brothers dedicated are

Those subject to their guidance have gone far

A purposeful vocation is their role

Relating needs of body and of soul.

This era more than ever does require

This caliber of person to inspire

Our youth, ourselves, and thus we do today

With gratitude for Christian Brothers pray.

Daily News Headline: Two nights in the open: Meal of turrs helped keep them going (Lost in sudden storm)

Paging the ladies and the men

It's minor hockey week again

Big brothers, sisters know the score

Can hardly make it through the door

With hockey sticks and skates and gear

The entranceway is never clear

But kids are kids and that is that

This week go where the action's at

As the arenas echo loud

With anxious and supporting crowd

Of aunts and uncles, moms and dads

Who cheer on effervescent lads

Each in his special way "with it"

Displaying his degree of grit

By digging, poking, skating quick

Maneuvering with hockey stick

As they develop special skills

That herald future hockey thrills.

Participation on our part

Gives all the kids the extra heart

To try their best in their hockey

And sportsmanlike to always be.

Daily News Headline: Smaller towns still: AFRAID of being swallowed up

Frankie passed along the word

the POWER increase he has deferred

He offered a three month reprieve

Which gives old SOCKET-to-‘em Steve.

A chance to play their fun and games

And come up with a list of names

Ten thousand strong no less says he

Have sent responses in to me.

Petitioning against the ruse

To up again the price of JUICE

I guess there is a way to show’m

Letters in from every OHM.

And show ‘em WATT an awful jolt

We’re getting, let us all reVOLT

Unless the Premier has a plot

For licences to KILOWATT.

Daily News Headline: Highway Safety Board: No safe school buses

When Carlton Showband fans turn out

They do not leave the slightest doubt

How they accept the way these mem perform

Five Irishmen are in the crew

There are two Nova Scotians too

And always they receive reception warm.

This time with them some extra class

A quite attractive Irish lass

Whose voice superbly dramatizes song

Anna McGoldrick is the name

By which she won rightful acclaim

Though she’s wife of Mike Nolan all along.

Her song about Tom Connolly

Delivered e’er so skillfully

Standing ovation earned, she has finesse

The many talents of the band

Received for them a standing hand

Jaycees are proud, a decade of success.

Daily News Headline: $50 million bond issue placed, but: It was tricky going

We call ourselves Formation Five

Some people say we’re not alive

But really we’re alive and well

And enjoy giving people hell.

In Vee formation do we stand

And each extended arm and hand

That pushes, throws or rolls a ball

We answer with a different call

The five of us all look alike

If we all scatter it’s a strike

If one or two or more remain

That ball will come at us again

The second time, if we so care

We’ll scatter and it’s called a spare

But sometimes we resist the ball

And no way are we goin’ to fall

Now people watching is our game

With lots of laughs in every frame

Some genuflect, some run and trip

Some do a little dance or skip

The marksmen too are a delight

With ball in hand they take a sight

And some are stiff, like at a wake

They wouldn’t bend for heaven’s sake

We help frustrated people too

On gum or something else they chew

And all frustrations of the day

Are in the ball that comes our way

The crawler is the draggy one

With that type there is not much fun

On the approach they only creep

So long we wait we fall asleep

Until from alley speaks the ball

“I guess I’ll make it, hi you all.”

Sometimes we’re temperamental too

And top notch bowlers put askew

But mostly we’re just playing tricks

To see which one the longer sticks

Our number five most people like

He’s hit if it be plug or strike

A three and two are next in line

Go down together if all’s fine

But when alone twos fare the best

That’s when they catch up on their rest.

Daily News Headline: Brinco and Gull Island project: Wouldn’t do it now

The Summer Games are on the line

There would appear to be design

A controversy every day to start

Meetings, tenders, have your say

Yes, nit-pick at it every day

Until the plans made for it fall apart.

The Montreal picture is bad

Because of many troubles had

In their attempts Olympic games to stage

Now on the local scene we see

A quite unpleasant imagery

Which must send games committees in a rage.

Perhaps it’s really not too soon

To get the populace in tune

Committee people number near two grand

We’re far too apt, we’re often found

To knock each other on the ground

For once let’s try unite for Newfoundland.

Daily News Headline: COULD BE “ANOTHER KOREA”: Trouble if miners forced back

Saturday night

Was a skier’s delight

As the fluffy-white substance alit

There were many high hopes

For peninsula slopes

Mr. Weatherman made a big hit.

The Logy Bay hills

Will resound to the thrills

Of the skiers so filled with delight

And cross country fans

With mitt-covered hands

Will be out till the last glimpse of light.

Anyone with skidoo

Is quite pleased with it too

And the hesitant ones will now buy

It is Candlemas Day

Spring is still far away

But for the sportsmen the time will just fly.

Daily News Headline: Legislation may end St. Lawrence dispute?

The little toddlers snug and warm

Knew nothing of the weekend storm

But howled with new found winter thrill

As they went sliding down the hill.

They flopped and tumbled in the snow

Their cheeks reflecting healthy glow

From walking up the hill they’d flop

On their toboggan, without stop

So good to hear the kiddies thrill

To every bump and slip and spill

Winter can be a wealth of joys

For all the little girls and boys.

Daily News Headline: It’s a miracle! (Spectacular blaze kept under control in high winds; fireman injured)

Though money appears to be tight

The Government thinks it’s all right

It is now protocol

Flying to Montreal

To charter an E.P.A. flight.

Whatever in time will be found,

The Premier and party are bound

On a European tour

Good for esprit de corps

In political merry-go-round.

It’s not new as the Liberals know

And old hat for the people with Joe

Frank could not better choose

Ways to keep in the news

While in Europe he keeps on the go.

Daily News Headline: In Little Catalina fire police suspect: MURDER AND ARSON

Remember the five for a change

To elections they were somewhat new

Are four councillors setting the stage

For a new group – The Frivolous Few

O’Neill, Murphy, Gullage and Ayre

Are akin in the making of noise

But the Council has men in its ranks

As well as these overgrown boys

Beneath there’s a message from Murphy

Discrediting Dotty it seems

The mayor-aspirant won’t make it

Next time around unless in dreams

One only needs short recollection

To see how our Mayor Dot grew

Support for our having the Games here

Who will spoil it? The Frivolous Few?

There’s respect due the office of Mayor

Support Dot and give her her due

Getting too big for the britches

Just labels you Frivolous Few.

Daily News Headline: No coffins for the dead: Death toll over 4,000

The ultimatum’s shadow

Gave miners little choice

Return to work was really not

A reason to rejoice.

Alcan’s latest offer

Is no real cause to dance

Yet through the talks and actions

The miners gained advance.

Avoiding legislation

Took Alcan off the fence

As well as anxious miners

In town of St. Lawrence.

The threatened legislation

They beat by action done

We wish them full production

Good times, good health, good fun.

Daily News Headline: NEXT TO MURDER AND EXTREME VIOLENCE: THE WORST CRIME (Iron bar magistrate cracks down on break entry into private homes)

It’s Valentine week

We’ll be writing a few

Who will you be sending

A Valentine to.

The fourteenth this year

Will on Saturday fall

Some sweethearts this weekend

For years will recall.

Many ring fingers

Will sparkle and shine

Engagement the answer to

“Will you be mine”.

Not only sweethearts

But families too

Will share their affections

How goes it with you?

Daily News Headline: Study shows many students: DOUBT GOD EXISTS

Though skies be gray or skies be blue

I’d do most anything for you

A wish of yours is one of mine

So Frankie be my Valentine

Whatever hour of day or night

I’ll always get for you a flight,

Guess ?????

Mayor Wyatt on the line

“Shucks, will you be my Valentine

Perhaps you think that I’m a snob

But I’m just looking for a job”

Guess ?????

You digger, you, though sometimes bold

We wish you back into the fold

Your absence sometimes makes us grieve

Our Valentine will you be, Steve.

Guess ?????

Daily News Headline: Accused of burning school: Cleared by lie detector

Whenever you are in my arms

I sense the magic of your charms

The tenderness and rich bouquet

Of purest love you bring my way

My private dreams with you I share

As I admire your flowing hair

And capture briefly soulful bliss

With each responsive tender kiss

You are the moon of darkest night

The reason for my heart’s delight

The answer to a whispered prayer

The only one for whom I care

Someday I hope to make you mine

My special precious Valentine.

Daily News Headline: Attributed to police: “Okay, Wanda, you’ll do!”

My heart is fluttery today

In quite a very special way

I saw you passing down the street

And my heart really skipped a beat

I wanted so to call your name

But dared not bring you any shame

I wanted so to hold your hand

But people wouldn’t understand

I would have given anything

To hear your voice so gently sing

To see you dance in sprightly style

To get a close up of your smile

To sense the nearness of your heart

But that is o’er, now we’re apart

And moments once called yours and mine

When you were my first Valentine

Can only now a treasure be

To store in tender memory

For you chose not to be a wife

Instead a very different life

And I, a tramp upon the street

A warmth of heart my only heat

Today thought I would almost choke

When you remembered me and spoke

God bless you for the kindness done

You do look lovely as a nun.

Daily News Headline: Margaret tells Canadian women: Stop bitching!

We have a talent rare in Newfoundland

That now appears to be quite out of hand

The talent: throwing money down the drain

With anything political in vein.

The industries, no doubt in good faith planned,

Compatible were not with Newfoundland

We by-passed every natural resource

From each industry we wed, we get divorce.

Come-by-Chance may also go-by Chance

The warning’s given, and well in advance.

Amidst much controversy did it start

And controversy may see it depart.

At fishing quickly we turned up our nose.

Not enough sophistication, I suppose

Ignored one of our major industries

Now we’ll have to get back to it by degrees.

Daily News Headline: IT’S A MYSTERY (Joey wants Frank to dismiss old foe John)

“Sex on the Ice” could a new novel be

Brian Davies has some plans in mind as we see

To bring from the States for a novel ice jaunt

Stewardesses who claim hardy sealers they’ll taunt.

Greenpeace are planning on making their bed

On icefields, so they can paint all the seals red,

While painters are busy as heck with the brush

The stewardesses plan to be doing the rush.

The running mascara, eyelashes that freeze

Wigs knotted up, and the knocking of knees

Would comical be, if it wasn’t for real

But these gals don’t belong in the land of the seal

They’ll get the cold shoulder and who knows what else

It’s no picnic when sealers are fighting for pelts

Don’t stand in their way is the simplest advice

Or two trips you may take, first and last, to the ice.

Daily News Headline: FISHERY STORM BREWING (Parzival Copes to do study; Cashin livid)

The halfwayhouse for Leslie Street

          has controversy brought

People with life investments there

          against it strongly fought

But more against the principle

          of snow job they received

The application subtly slipped

          throught Council New Year’s Eve

The merits of “John Howard”

          I’m not questioning at all.

If they contrived the timing of it

          they are on the ball

Since people in the festive season

          overlook a lot

Elected Councillors must be

          our Johnny-on-the-spot.

Daily News Headline: ELECTION HEARING MUST DECIDE: Does two years in Toronto deny vote in Newfoundland?

Millions and mortgages boggle the mind

And truly we have to confess

The man who is losing a Come-by-Chance job

Quite honestly couldn’t care less

He sees the plant only as means to an end

A place where a dollar he’ll earn

He figures the people elected by him

Will management problems discern.

He places his faith in a blind sort of way

In public officials of Crown

But no matter which way he has chosen to vote

Year after year he’s let down.

Daily News Headline: CUPE DEFYING ANTI-INFLATION LAW: Ready to go to jail

Want to kick the smoking habit

This week there’s a program, grab it

This is serious, no joking

Here’s your chance to give up smoking.

Respiratory people laud it

Those who tried it do applaud it

There is of course a kit to quit it

You have only to get with it.

If you think someone if bluffing

Try a week or two no puffing.

You’ll have nervous twitches maybe

But you’ll kick the habit, baby.

Daily News Headline: 4th ballot win for a guy named Joe: PCs pick young Mr. Clark

Pudgy fingers plunking on pianos

Tiny digits tickling eighty-eights

A mother in a flutter doing touch-ups

As little one her turn to sing awaits.

Petite and pretty misses looking nervous

As tinkle of a bell bids them perform

Intention timing, diction, and expression

They sing to audience that’s very warm.

The rolling eyes, and turning of the ankles

The fingers crossed, the many little ways

That each reacts in cutest of traditions

The little bit of nervousness betrays.

A tiny glimpse of Festival charisma

Its musical excitement fills the air

The best way to commend Kiwanis efforts

Is the very briefest comment “I was there.”

Daily News Headline: Dorothy is afraid: City will get NIPped

Focus on Talent the Festival brings

The instrument player, the person who sings

Ensemble or soloist, chorus or choir

To standard of excellence each will aspire.

The audience judges to certain degree

With adjudicators may not quite agree

But their very presence the appetites whet

True talent their comments won’t quickly forget.

For theirs is a role of constructive critique

To bring out the strong points, but mostly the weak

That through an awareness we set our new sights

And bring local talent to far greater heights.

Daily News Headline: Second man still missing: Vessel found with one body

Each parent singularly proud

Finds Festival a time a joy

Supressing oft the urge to shout

“Hey, that’s my girl”, or “that’s my boy”

Yet other hearts elated are

As the performances progress

A teacher, or director, smiles

And thrills to every new success.

Potential they had recognized

Used patience and encouragement

In each performance do they share

With a sense of an accomplishment

We pause a moment in our day

Acknowledging the work they do

Parental pride stood not alone

Some teachers eyes were misty too.

Daily News Headline: VARDY FIGHTS ON (Supreme Court decision won’t have much effect, his lawyer declares

A “thank you” to Kiwanis for a very special week

Of entertainment at its very best

Audiences reaping all the talent benefits

As participants proceeded on a quest.

The sifting through of thousands in a fashion orderly

Tremendous organizing represents

Which ranks Kiwanis Music Festival among the best

Of civic, social, cultural events.

Participating once I did a scholarship receive

Which comment serves but to substantiate

Kiwanis Music Festival is twenty five years old

With gratitude we now congratulate.

Daily News Headline: Lie test causes police: Drop all arson charges

Despite or because of the squalls

The refinery goes in mothballs

Money by barrels spent

Leading to this event

Will re-echo in stock exchange halls

It’s really a big knockabout

And labour will get a big clout

But we now have been told

If it’s to be resold

There must be a protected phase out.

Many barrels of money were spent

Many barrels of oil came and went

The Come by Chance scene

A la John L. Shaheen

May become a “boo-boo” monument.

Daily News Headline: SHAHEEN REVEALS: DEAL FOR DOYLE LANDS (Refinery ordered put in mothballs)

These days one can’t get very far

Without the use of motor car

With all the places she must go

The mayor dislikes a “no show”

And figures with some civic pride

A mayor’s car won’t be denied

Nothing elaborate says she

Just the availability

And sure enough O’Neill again

Starts on his anti-Dot-campaign

Developed now into a trend

Which most cannot quite comprehend

For anti-Dot the antidote

Is watching how next time you vote

The councilor who most will do

Is one with a constructive view

The one who no respect can show

Next time round should be first to go

Constructive criticism’s fine

But somewhere we must draw the line.

Daily News Headline: Given type of rescue ship, remoteness of search direction: THEY WERE DOOMED

The somberness is gone from Lent

But present still is the intent

Of prayerful and reflective view

On things we daily say and do.

With waiving of self discipline

And scant acknowledgement of sin

There is an even greater need

The call of consciences to heed

An introspection time is Lent

Those quiet moments wisely spent

To some may new dimensions bring

And graces new come with the spring

Daily News Headline: Carr case could proceed following B.C.: DRUG ARREST

Winter is losing its starch

We’re into the fourth day of March

Longer the daylight hours grow

And the sun will dispose of the snow.

There may be a blizzard or two

Before Mr. Snowman is through

But we know in traditional way

It breaks up around St. Paddy’s Day

So if there’s a fresh fall of snow

There’s only a few weeks to go

Enjoy it, if that is your thing

We will soon feel the presence of Spring

Daily News Headline: INQUIRY POSSIBLE INTO CHARGES FEDERAL MINISTERS: PRESSURE COURTS

While rocking is a pleasant thing

And it relaxes you

When you are rocking hours on end

You get a different slew

The metronomic to and fro

Is called a rockathon

But surely there’s monotony

When it goes on and on.

Not so for some in Kelligrews

They knit and rock and sew

Through sleepless nights and days they rock

That kids may somewhere go

Kiwanis Club some playgrounds need

For outdoor sports like soccer

Let’s hope the money raising folks

Will not go off their rocker.

Daily News Headline: Termed evidence of reckless exploitation: Redfish used for meal

The accent annual on education

An opportunity each year provides

To analyze the academic setting

But it opens other avenues besides.

It gives a chance to see the teacher input

It brings out students creativity

Provides an overview of the components

And scope of our students’ activity.

That education’s everybody’s business

Has been accepted as being very true

Community involvement is suggested

With this year’s query: “What can my school do?”

Daily News Headline: $500,000 CHURCHILL FALLS FIRE: CFLCo SAYS: IT’S ARSON

He saw a cause, a need, an open challenge

And resolutely set himself a goal

That handicapped, though physically restricted

Would not in spirit lack, or strength of soul

His very presence proved a motivation

Armchair sports came promptly to the fore

To handicapped who sought a little extra

He was their sesame, their open door.

We know their pride that Dr. Lush was chosen

Citizen of the Year to honored be

To Dr. Norman Lush, congratulations

His humbleness accents sincerity.

Daily News Headline: Churchill Falls trouble: Police in control

A missing tooth is prominent

When someone tries to smile

And from the harbor St. John’s looks

That way for quite a while.

The vacant spot the worse has been

Since revenue is nil

But now there’s hope a building new

The gaping hole will fill.

A fifteen million dollar home

To process Income Tax

St. John’s will get, Don Jamieson says

We’ll mark these down as facts.

Now where to build, no question Don

Space is there all the while

Fill in the gap along New Gower

Restore the City’s smile.

Daily News Headline: No dye now, they’ll: Shield the seals with their bodies

To Steve Neary goes an awful lot of credit

But in our system there’s a fallacy

The ordinary Joe is hailed a rebel

If he dares a strong dissenting voice to be;

Here’s a man who wouldn’t miss a public hearing

And if vocal, is the subject of abuse

I suggest the opportunists who berate him

Are upset that he’s alert to every ruse;

If there were more Steve Neary’s in the chamber

Committed to constituents each day

Hard working, probing, speaking out in earnest

The rip-off artists would be turning gray;

If a lawyer or a multi-degree holder

His ideas would be aired, no ifs or buts

But the ones who should be speaking out like Steve does

Have these other attributes, but lack the guts.

Daily News Headline: Churchill Falls dispute: Gov’t won’t intervene

Are we at peace with Greenpeace?

The con job now complete?

They talked their way to Newfoundland

Then wrapped it up real neat

By talking with the natives

And would have us believe

They’re after the Norwegians.

Are we really that naïve?

They thrived on controversy

Which gets the better press

And caused our local landsmen

Unnecessary stress

They’re now at odds with Davies

Despite their claimed research

The green gall of this Greenpeace crowd

Would make a body lurch.

Norway is just a decoy

To douse the native’s fire

They must have sensed the outcome

And quelled the sealers’ ire

Let’s make a deal, they ventured

To justify their trip

A lot of money wasted

On a lot of Greenpeace lip.

Daily News Headline: Fishery Products gets Marystown plant: Control kept in province

A scene of tears of sadness recently

The D.O.T. wharf where the San Juan lay

Witnessed another story of the sea

But relief and joy tears flowed there Saturday.

Arrival of near-tragedy survivors

Was not without its moments of suspense

As relatives could not their loved ones welcome

Separated by security and chain link fence

A fleeting glimpse, as ambulance and squad cars

Sped through the gate, would then have to suffice

No word relayed about the men’s condition

Check with the General, the sparse advice.

A mother and two children stood beside me

Her husband saved, one of the twenty-three

The cape Freels drama for her neared conclusion

“Thank God” were words whispered repeatedly.

Daily News Headline: CURL ON MacDUFF!

Lead on MacDuff

Lead on MacDuff

And Shakespeare knew you not

Lead on MacDuff

Lead on MacDuff

For when you’re hot your’re hot.

Newfoundlanders viewed with pride

Their local “Chico” at his best

Doug Hudson and Ken Templeton,

Toby MacDonald did the rest.

Favoured were the youthful four

Being more impressive every day

From end to end and house to house

They dominated every play.

As curlers they’re the nation’s best

They gave us great publicity

Onward to Duluth, MacDuff

May you sweep on to victory.

Daily News Headline: THE LEUKEMIA CHILDREN: TONY DIES; DARLENE LIVES ON

This truly is St. Patrick’s Day

Observed already it has been

As Monday past the B.I.S.

Took to the wearin’ of the Green.

The joy is gone out of the Feast

As on recall, it once was spent

In jubilation, song and dance

Because it meant a break in Lent.

The flavor of the day is changed

To other things we gravitate

With all restrictions cast aside

There’s little left to celebrate.

Daily News Headline: PRINCESS LINKED WITH YOUNGER MAN: IS IT OVER?

Greenview and Nuport are newsmaking names

Nuport is silent and just playing games

With people of Greenview in current distress

As rainfall and run-off makes homes a big mess.

A major commitment have families made

Mortgage secured and their future plans laid

The ink’s hardly dry when in debt they are placed

As with major floods in their homes are they faced.

Nuport Construction did Greenview homes build

Which should mean good drainage and lots being backfilled

Building regulations are too bloody slack

When complaints are like water upon a duck’s back.

Daily News Headline: Newfoundlanders may soon find: MEDICARE FREE NO LONGER

How often we gripe, as we hop in the car

To the neighbourhood store, which is not very far

Too lazy to walk, and it would do us good

Think of those who can’t walk and would if they could.

The time of year comes when we focus again

On the Easter Seal drive, quite a special campaign

Which shows that though cerebral palsy is real

Its victims can shame us through drive and zeal.

This year’s pretty Tammy, at tender age nine

Is up with the other Grade Fours, doing fine

Her penmanship’s special, from it one can tell

Whatever she does she’ll be doing it well.

Pamela Densmore, who lives in Kilbride

And all rehab people, we hail you with pride

She plays the piano and sings with the choir

She’s a dreamer as well, and a girl we admire.

Daily News Headline: Death toll mounting: Flue claiming the aged

Greenview and Nuport are newsmaking names

Nuport is silent and just playing games

With people of Greenview in current distress

As rainfall and run-off makes homes a big mess.

A major commitment have families made

Mortgage secured and their future plans laid

The ink’s hardly dry when in debt they are placed

As with major floods in their homes are they faced.

Nuport Construction did Greenview homes build

Which should mean good drainage and lots being backfilled

Building regulations are too bloody slack

When complaints are like water upon a duck’s back.

Daily News Headline: Cable TV questions coming to a head

Comments: Though the title is different, this is the exact same poem which appeared in the Daily News two days earlier under the title “The Greenview Blues”.

One Brian Davies, meddler,

Has had his case postponed

In May continued hearings

A thing we have bemoaned.

The sealers will be gone then

To places far and wide

For men whose work is seasonal

Are quite diversified.

If it’s held in Toronto

Then there is no fair play

For there his sympathizers are

Opinions they will sway.

Bert Davies and Greenpeacers

Deserve a big salute

Aimed at each one’s posterior

With steel toed safety boot.

Daily News Headline: STEELWORKERS SAY CONFLICT POSSIBLE: Object to commissioner

Sunday is one of brightness

When choirs in churches sing

On weekend past is special was

It heralded the Spring.

The Spring in sunshine’s spotlight

A warm impression made

As broken is the winter’s back

Bright, longer days ahead.

The earth suppressed all winter

Will proudly do its thing

As life to soil and bulbs and buds

It gives, because it’s Spring.

Daily News Headline: MPs say government holding: SEARCH, RESCUE REVIEW

They walk arm in arm by the house every day

And their love for each other does show

There’s a neighbourly chat as they’re passing our way

And with smile do their countenance grow.

The lady is gracious with natural charm

The gentleman thoughtful, concerned

Attentive to her as he cradles her arm

A place in our hearts they have earned.

These two gentle people we’ve missed for a while

He, alone, if he walked up or down

St. Clare’s nurses know about her as they smile

“And how are we today Mrs. Brown”.

It’s really refreshing that lovelights can shine

Through the years and be ever so bright

Respect and devotion and hand in hand love

Give observers a quiet delight.

Daily News Headline: Budget reaction: It’s mostly bad

If you’re in civil service

Then watch your Ps and Qs

Five hundred civil servants

Have been rated as taboos.

If you are prone to sickness

Requiring acute care

No point going to hospital

Your bed just won’t be there.

If you think recreation

Should be expanded, boy

You’re greener than I thought you were

Just an election ploy.

If you’ve a foot that’s heavy

Then get a small machine

Holy diesel! Two cents more

Tacked on to gasoline.

Our hopes for Walter Carter

Are more dead than alive

Fisheries received the slash

From twelve million to five.

Daily News Headline: Erco plant won’t close: The beast will live!

Dominion Supermarkets are sloppier each day

The service getting poorer, though more we’re forced to pay

People in the line-ups will gripe, each other hear

And have to go quite often at an overworked cashier

Frustratedly in line-ups, they wait to be checked out

Then come the final insult, that’s what this is about

The girls who checks the items, the groceries must pack

That’s when comments should be made, you people are too slack.

Get management’s attention, and make a bit of noise

The wages paid are minimum, ask them “Where are the boys?”

Embarrass all the managers, and to them make your gripe

Unless you have the kind of back that sports a yellow stripe.

Daily News Headline: Close call for gov’t

The government has changed its mind

It’s not as you supposed

The tax on gas was a mistake

It won’t now be imposed.

And Dot has changed her image too

Tossed her headbands aside

Wears her hair now in a sweep

Discarded glasses wide.

The province has a brand new flag

And what is still more odd

The business of forecasting

Is being given up by Dodd

MUN’s helping unemployment

With only local staff

No more foreign profs around

If you think that’s a laugh

Then join the many thousands

Who try to keep their cool

When someone pulls their leg today

You’re right on, April Fool.

Daily News Headline: April Fool’s not withstanding: NO JOKE: WE’RE BROKE! (At least temporarily)

Those of British ancestry

Can truly get the gist

Each Spring in Newfoundland we get

Imported English mist.

Hazards it creates for us

As auto miles we log

Patience, and car batteries

Are drained because of fog.

A certain strain is evident

In every driver’s eyes

Those unmarked potholes can provide

A negative surprise.

There’s no effective radar screen

Our potholes to detect

But new statistics have emerged

Like “Cars by potholes wrecked”.

Daily News Headline: Newfoundland MPs are asked: “What about the death penalty?”

The former seat of Government

Where archives now reside

Should be a place, inside and out

To which we point with pride.

A plywood box monstrosity

In front of building stands

It houses an inactive fount

Adverse comment commands

The fountain spray which once was there

With colored lights at night

Accented the Colonial

And was a pretty sight

In certain winds its side effect

Would be a car wash free

If scrapped, remove it, and as well

That box monstrosity.

Daily News Headline: Lost wife, son in smashup: FISHERMAN MAY NEVER REMEMBER

What problems has the common man

In trying to be heard

Rebuttals of the thoughts expressed

Can make him look absurd

A lawyer’s terminology

His comments can reverse

And common men have not been known

For bulging of the purse.

If some one has a point to make

To champion a cause

He’s labelled rebel, radical

Is it not time to pause

To see what’s happening to us

And question why the plots

To take a people’s champion

And tie him up in knots.

Daily News Headline: Lang’s statement admits it’s true: Search setup inadequate

It’s like a breath of freshest air

A bright new shining star

It can’t negate the labor gloom

But in a way goes far

To offer just a little hope

The major government

Some thought of Newfoundland retains

When monies are being spent.

The choosing of the Bay Bulls site

From which to operate

Ships of surveillance and research

Is welcome news, though late

Up to three million could be spent

To bring it up to date

It’s in the offing for next year

And we can hardly wait.

Daily News Headline: Refinery financiers, Ataka: Japanese in deal for Julien Lake? (Moores, Crosbie deny Nearly’s allegations)

Kids playing allies

Can brighten one’s day

It’s fun just observing

The children at play.

The skipping rope artists

Are doing their thing

In spotlight of sunshine

And spirit of Spring.

I echo their feeling

Of brightness and hope

Surprised two young skippers

Jumped into their rope.

We shared a brief moment

And when I skipped out

We chatted and laughed

That’s what it’s all about.

Daily News Headline: Rather than wait for search and rescue, stranded men say: “Better to walk”

There’s nothing to a very simple elevator ride

And yet some people at the thought are truly petrified

A lady such as this I know, a gently soul, and kind

Can’t force herself to go inside, it is her state of mind.

She knows what claustrophobic embarrassment can cause

Where people do a normal thing, she must decline or pause

Decide on the alternative, the stairs, for exercise

Most people do not understand, and rare the one who tries.

That closed-in feeling isn’t one that she can toss aside

To others foolish it appears, repeatedly she’s tried

“I know it sounds ridiculous, if I saw it in print,

Some extra effort I would make,” good luck, I took the hint.

Daily News Headline: Hydro putting up its charges, so: NL&P looks for more

This is the final week of Lent

Who knows what it has really meant

For some it’s nothing, they but ask

What’s Lent? And go about their task

And others who recall the past

Will speak of penance and of fast

Yet those of Christian faith will feel

That Lent a message does reveal

For Christ the Scriptures did fulfill

Submitting to his Father’s will

The final days in anguish spent

Atoning for the penitent

That through his sacrifice and love

We may have faith in God above

For was it not through Christ’s demise

Redemption came, as he did rise

Triumphantly that Easter Day

Lent, time to think, and thank and pray.

Daily News Headline: Report finds San Juan: Crushed by a wave

The daffodil, a sign of hope and spring

In season heralds a great happening

At Easter time our hearts with sunshine fill

True as the yellow of the daffodil.

May Easter joys be yours to know and share

Let your loved ones know you really care

And hearing Resurrection’s story told

May the love you give return a hundred fold.

Daily News Headline: Fooled by fish companies – LEBLANC FURIOUS! (They used insider information to jump proposed Gulf redfish quota….)

Although they may be bad for hives

The lobsters are a treat

And many dishes soon we’ll see

The season starts this week

“Save the lobsters” is my theme

And not because of hive

But think how awful we must be

To boil the thing alive

How cruel, how callous, shame on us

Think (shudder) of the pain

I know now what I’m going to do

I’ll start a big campaign

Some funds from Federal I’ll get

They got it for the seal

I’ll start my “Save the lobsters” bit

After I’ve had a meal.

Daily News Headline: ALL HOPE GONE FOR LAW OF THE SEA: NOW CANADA’S READY FOR 200-MILE LIMIT

The swans return to Bowring Park

And with them a nostalgic rush

Of days when we walked hand in hand

And had the decency to blush.

The swans return to Bowring Park

The tranquil scene to complement

As pondside lovers looking back

Remember happy hours spent

The swans return to Bowring Park

That young and old might come and look

And be themselves a paragraph

Of mother nature’s story book.

The swans return to Bowring Park

A graceful, peaceful symbol they

If only vandals would get lost

And all the swans were here to stay.

Daily News Headline: They might sell us power, but: Quebec won’t renegotiate Churchill

A secretary is

a talented individual

whose skills have been honed

to an enviable degree of precision.

Secretaries may be found

all over the world.

They come in many shapes, sizes,

creeds and races, and in both sexes.

Secretaries are alert, attentive,

perceptive, persuasive, intelligent,

resourceful and confident.

A good Secretary must be subtle,

sympathetic, sharp and sage,

but above all sincere.

Secretaries require the finesse of a diplomat,

the firmness of a disciplinarian,

the dexterity of a classical pianist,

the staying power of a Newfoundland winter,

and the patience of Job.

Secretaries are the essential vertebrae

in the backbone of business.

They punctuate, placate, validate, innovate,

facilitate and motivate.

If you have one – appreciate.

Daily News Headline: NOW WE KNOW WHAT QUEBEC’S AFTER: THE BOUNDARY AGAIN

A time change is due

On this Saturday night

Does your clock go ahead

Or go back, which is right?

The answer is simple

The clock goes ahead

Here’s something to help you

In case you’re misled.

A nice thing to know

And a cinch to recall

Spring ahead in the Spring

And fall back in the Fall.

Daily News Headline: Sexton gets 10 years

We once looked at hockey in National League

As sport and admired the finesse

Of positional play and dexterity shown

But since it opened out it’s a mess.

That physical contact is part of the game

Is obvious, that’s how it goes

But there were controls before World Hockey days

And in brawls, the incompetence shows.

If street-brawling bloodthirsty playing is here

In lieu of the game’s many thrills

Then sad is the state of our national sport

And sadder, society’s ills.

Daily News Headline: Authorities say Newfoundland treasury: WIDE OPEN FOR FRAUD

The ultimate in union strikes

The public stands agape

Employees of a union struck

Against their union NAPE

This complicated things a bit

What does a union do

Respects its union’s picket lines

Or as they did, walk through

It’s kind of hairy, isn’t it

And the employees say

Their strike is predicated on

Their getting higher pay

Executive and members blame

Each other for dispute

The first strike of its kind may yet

Become a union suit.

Daily News Headline: LABRADOR GAS, OIL FOR QUEBEC: PIPELINE TRADE-OFF?

For gentlemen who’ve paved the way

Through business, services or trades

A club for leisure days is theirs

Which warrants many accolades.

The locale is a central one

From Harvey Road the club looks down

In sights, Southside and Signal hills

The Narrows, and the new downtown

To all who will its comforts share

We wish good fortune, luck and cheer

And many, many happy days

In your new club, year after year.

Daily News Headline: Settlement at Churchill

No wonder some of us lose heart

Of Canada we’re not a part

If people come or someone goes

Then they or we pay through the nose

And now to further aggravate

The CN ferries upped the rate

Which won’t to very much degree

Affect the tourist industry

But what it does we’ve realized

Is make sure we are penalized

For living here, to heck with us

The Newfies won’t make too much fuss

But let each one be man not mouse

This issue bring before the House

And thrash it out right on the spot

Are we Canadians or not

If so let’s share as others do

Not be on wrong end of the screw

It’s time we shouted, had our say

We might get isolation pay.

Daily News Headline: “We’d rather drown” (Crosbie says “No!” to P.Q.

The licensing of bicycles

Is kid stuff at a glance

But latest word from Ottawa

Might change that circumstance

If gas by gallon jumps again

A quarter, that’s a lot

The middleman gets hurt again

Coincidence, or plot?

Mobility he’s used to now

A car he’d really like

But if the costs keep going up

He’ll settle for a bike

Hence licensing of bicycles

May revenue provide

When bikes become the travel mode

And cars are cast aside.

Daily News Headline: If Quebec doesn’t co-operate, we might: PULL THE PLUG

It’s a bird! It’s a plane!

It’s a colorful sight

But it’s neither of those

It’s a little boy’s kite.

Whether you make your own

Or it’s one that you buy

The thrill’s yours alone

When you see the kite fly.

When you find a free spot

Let your kite go, and run

Release twine with each tug

And prepare to have fun.

There’s a thrill all its own

When your kite’s in the air

As one little boy said

“I feel like I’m up there.”

Daily News Headline: Five major gear suppliers investigated: Fraud report filed

Why must we have imposed on us

When groceries we buy

A coupon for a cash refund

Provided we reply

The quoted list price means that we

The highest figure pay

Not many have the time to send

That cash coupon away

Besides your trouble, it will cost

The postage, so you see

You don’t get all your money back

In this type of gimmickry

We’re paying the promotion costs

Direct, it’s very plain

Inflation is consumer’s loss

For business it’s a gain.

Daily News Headline: GOVERNMENT MOVING TOWARDS: HEALTH SCIENCES PROBE (Cost overruns estimated at $15 million)

A company of many years

From council soon will get the gears

If this firm does not win its case

About the cost of parking space

Then there is definite design

Such enterprise to undermine.

What of the firms on Water Street

Must they this obligation meet

And what incentive can be found

To get a business off the ground

Should new parking by-laws behoove

An old firm out of town to move.

We have few industries as such

Then surely it’s not asking much

To waive a by-law such as this

For business old, not hit or miss

To bite the hand that feeds brings pain

Council, it’s time to think again.

Daily News Headline: It’s the first time: Hydro to open its books

Born to lose, I wish that it were so

How I fight to get those pounds to go

All my life it’s nothing but a pain

People lose, but all I do is gain.

Then good luck, a group named TOPS I found

Where friendship truly does abound

Take Off Pounds Sensibly their motto clear

But it only works if you’re sincere

You’re inspired by what the others do

To KOPS-in-waiting, known as KIW

From TOPS to KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly)

Is an accomplishment, like a degree

For it means that you have reached your goal

It’s a very satisfying role

Though pounds you lose, in TOPS you also gain

Many friends, may TOPS for ages reign.

Daily News Headline: Health Sciences Complex: POLICE MAY BE CALLED IN

Mothers God Bless them, they merit our prayers

A kind word or deed shows that somebody cares

They cherish affection, our thoughtfulness, love

And in our lives shine like the stars bright above.

Mothers, God Bless them, we owe them respect

Our errors as fledglings they tried to correct

Their guidance and firmness was tempered with love

This Sunday our Mothers we are thinking of.

Mothers, God Bless them, if you are away

Send flowers or greetings to honor her day

Phone, get in touch, but whatever you do

She’ll treasure your thoughtfulness, all mothers do.

Daily News Headline: MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY ORDERED IN TCH DEATHS: It’s not enough

Thank God some values still remain

That time of year comes once again

A giant step in life they take

As children First Communion make.

Much time in preparation spent

For this significant event

In Christian life, when they believe

In sacrament Christ they receive.

Through body nourishment by bread

The spirit also is being fed

Our human personage is whole

When body complements the soul.

Daily News Headline: Newfoundland youth choose their: FLAG OF THE FUTURE

The yarns about the fishing gear

Give no doubt twenty-fourth is near

As fly and tackle box and pole

And talk of favorite fishing hole

In measures definite convey

Upcoming twenty-fourth of May

When young and old and in between

Will be around the Island seen

At gully, pond or distant lake

A special catch of trout to take

That seems more precious on this day

Than any other day in May

Or anytime through the year

For Newfoundlanders are sincere

In putting emphasis each year

On this event, which is unique

And tainted with its own mystique

Natives are restless everywhere

The twenty-fourth is in the air.

Daily News Headline: No equipment, no plans, but: Eastcan’s not leaving

The shudderers are thousands strong

Seen mostly in St. John’s

Not in the shade, or wooded parts

Sports fields, or lakes, or ponds

They’re mostly seen in motor cars

And shudder to their knees

Victims of potholitis

A special spring disease

Watch the drivers grimacing

As potholes, sunken grates

So cleverly catch them off guard

It clearly aggravates.

And people with a tender spot

Post-ops, or someone aged

With surfaces like Cornwall

Are especially enraged.

Daily News Headline: Estimates debate stops after 75 hours: $500 million free ride

Estimates debating time must some revision get

The hour has come and we are far from finished with it yet

A half a billion bucks to spend gets automatic vote

The seventy five hours spent is not enough, please note

That standard was in vogue when members spoke with eloquence

Today we forfeit some of that to more loquacious gents

The monies now involved if we with early days compare

Are almost astronomical, why all the rush and tear

Revise revise revise I say, allowed debating time

Five hundred million bucks unchallenged at most is a crime

Members should intelligently budget terms discuss

Remembering that bread and butter really comes from us.

Daily News Headline: ST. JOHN’S AREA NAPE MEMBERS INDICATE: THEY FAVOR STRIKE

Local talent all too often

Spotlight doesn’t get

A brand new happening suggests

It isn’t too late yet.

The need is there to know about

The talent, where it lies

That’s why I’m pleased to see

Joan Morrissey’s new enterprise

She’ll catalogue the many types

Of talent on the go

And for conventions, clubs

Or dinners, come up with a show.

That suits a very special need

So talent here’s your chance

It’s up to you and you alone

Your talent to advance

It means being neat, presentable

Being proud of what you do

The chance and challenge now is yours

The rest is up to you

Daily News Headline: IF THERE’S NO AGREEMENT WITH QUEBEC: ALL WORK WILL STOP on transmission line-tunnel project

Clean up time in the capital

Is just around the bend

The aftermath of which should be

A time to set a trend

We could make this a practice year

With Summer Games in view

And litter conscious make ourselves

If each our bit will do.

The sidewalk, lawn, or frontage space

Where we live, work, or play

We should with pride keep litter free

Each try to lead the way

The Council then some teeth should put

Into the litter laws

The public willingly responds

To any worthwhile cause.

Daily News Headline: (HERE’S WHAT WE’VE WAITED FOR) THIS WEEK CANADA TAKES A GIANT STEP TOWARDS BEING: Boss of her oceans

Twelve hundred ladies came to town

And in a Convention met

They’ve come and gone, and very few

Know little of it yet.

From Avalon to Labrador

No controversy stirred

The Greenpeace handful headlines got

They scarcely got a word

Mayor Wyatt true to form

Welcomed the gals from TOPS

Who, transportation money spent

And patronized our shops

With “people helping people” theme

Much weight the girls did lose

A positive and noble thought

And yet no interviews

Twelve hundred ladies came to town

Their stay well organized

TV, press and radio

You goofed, I’m not surprised.

Daily News Headline: Newfoundland Light asks for: $5 MILLION FOR HYDRO: AND THAT’S NOT ALL!

A lottery for Newfoundland

I oft did advocate

But no one dared to make a move

Until it was too late

Our Quebec neighbours jumped the gun

And someone’s word did heed

In Montreal they tried it out

And set a nation lead

Atlantic province will now

For lottery combine

Whatever set-up is arranged

We simply fall in line

We could have done it on our own

But that would be too smart

I guess we should feel lucky that

They’re letting us take part.

Daily News Headline: Cabinet could pull the switch

Shopping has a happy face

A brand new spot, Atlantic Place

Last Wednesday all the fancy stores

To public opened up their doors

It’s fun to see the passers-by

Who stroll around with searching eye

To scan price tags or well stocked shelves

Or layout of the stores themselves

As droves of people passing through

To browse, shop, or take in the view

Three floors of stores does it provide

Via an escalator ride

Stairs, elevators, take your choice

Developers must now rejoice

Activities are under way

It means downtown is here to stay.

Daily News Headline: Topsail Beach issue: Now they’re: Afraid of pollution

The jitters must have taken o’er

Some men can’t stand it any more

With sweaty palms and itchy feet

They anxiously await the treat

That comes to them but once a year

As they prepare to share their cheer

With friends who to the country take

Like ducks to waters of a lake

In quest of trout of any size

Bigger they are, the more surprise

As some competitively cast

To take home first prize, not the last

And come up with some apt cliché

Describing ones that got away

Which when explained with waving hand

Are bigger than the ones they land

And funny are the stories told

Of falling in and catching cold

Of burning beans, and snagging lines

And screech and beer and home made wines

A treat of treats, no other day

Can match the twenty fourth of May

And this year something is restored

The old familiar “All aboard”

Will echo through the years again

It’s back – the Trouters’ Special train.

Daily News Headline: Could we take back all the power?: ULTIMATUM TO P.Q.

Blessed be the days when men had pride in work

The carpenter would diligently build

The product of his patience, time, precision

Would be the trademark of his being skilled.

Not satisfied with mediocre doings

His best in brain and brawn he would reveal

The unseen, as the visible, well finished

His work had character, naught to conceal.

The modern building practice is pathetic

Lifetime investments slapped up over night

Wall and ceiling cracks too soon appearing

The owner takes the onus, it’s his plight.

On horizon is a warranty arrangement

That careless workmanship has now imposed

We pay the price for lack of pride in product

On days of honest toil, the chapter’s closed.

Daily News Headline: Arson again

A salmon net that nets a moose

The record books must rate

It happened to a Broad Cove man

And caused a lot of prate

The man who found it is Bob Short

This tale cannot be tall

A Short story that’s credible.

The wonder of it all!

From Broad Cove the broad statement came

A fishy story, right?

A moose caught in a salmon net

Can give an awful fright.

Was it a salmon in disguise

Bob Short of Broad Cove found?

The net result: salt water moose

No further need expound.

Daily News Headline: After two years, Tors Cove drug case in court: Carr pleads not guilty

In the valleys of Kilbride

an archway of sky

between two columns

of cylindrical concrete pillars,

obscured at time by the dust

of the passing traffic,

signals the progress of

the continuing saga

of the harbour road arterial.

Men, money and machinery merge

to change the natural façade

of the Southside Hills

to accommodate a belt of concrete

that will be the conveyor

of vehicles of all vintage,

even to the yet unmade,

which will be spewed in all directions

into the city’s core – downtown.

The snake-like board fence

that slithers its way toward Long Bridge

maps out the course for the inquisitor.

Neither root of tree, nor family, is spared

nor does it help to know

that trauma in the shadow waits.

Progress comes, and with it comes a price,

that we so close cannot in focus get,

a chore to future generations we bequeath,

who can determine if the price is right.

Daily News Headline: No stabbing in the dark… Carter wants: TOTAL BAN ON CAPLIN

The weatherman missed by a day

His little fall of snow

The trouters were all back to work

And had the last ho ho.

Of course he had his kicks as well

The fog and drizzle bit

With rain and thunder in some spots

Tents lightning flood lit.

All’s well again, order restored

And as old timers say

There’s nothing better for your eyes

Than snow that falls in May.

Daily News Headline: They complain, nobody listens: Blast has Southsiders afraid for their lives

You’ve heard the project people

Of health sciences complex

Complain about the Government

And how they’re all so vexed

That anyone on their work

Would dare to cast a doubt

They’re quite upset and threatened

On the project to walk out.

The money we are spending

And the Government is “we”

Deserves form of policing

And a lot of scrutiny.

If anyone’s insulted

It is we who pay the shot

And this hasty bluff reaction

Is a lot of tommy rot

If a project supervisor

Is above reproach, that’s it

We deserve the castigation

To self govern we’re not fit.

Daily News Headline: From now until school’s out, it’s: Danger time for kids!

One, two, three, nine, seven, eight, six

It’s census day, and the statistics

To be accurate must dependent be

On the forms submitted by you and me

Today is the deadline we must meet

The census form we should all complete

Humans alone, not your kitten or pup

And it’s bound to help when your number’s up.

The statistics fold must be satisfied

The person number X is the one who died

Tell them of your home, of your school, your degrees

If you work, or you don’t, and the tongue you speak with ease.

Are you widowed, say so, are you separated

Are you single or divorced, or are you still wed

They want to know it all and a pencil is supplied

The postage has been paid, so now what have you to hide.

Daily News Headline: 25 men fighting Rodney Pond fire: PLUCKED FROM FLAMES

The soccer season opened up

So it seems, did the sky

For rain beset the starting game

Imposed many a sigh

In early morn and through the day

The St. John’s soccer fans

Had talked the game up quite a lot

And made attendance plans

But it was fanless when I passed

The park at Wishingwell

Except for cars by roadside parked

But this a tale will tell

The teams were still out on the field

Cold rain upon them fell

Guards and Holy Cross teams proved

Soccer’s alive and well

This type of dedication rates

Opening night bouquet

May dry and sunny pitch be theirs

The next game that they play.

Daily News Headline: Legal action next on Labrador power: Quebec is “damned unfair”

Quebec has now taken a stand

And so has our own Newfoundland

Cournoyer, my son

Before we are done

______________________________

Jean, we hear that you are in a plight

You don’t want to screw anyone, right?

But without being lewd

______________________________

And in time you’ll be seeing the light.

Since major shareholders are we

In Churchill Falls, it seems to me

We can still call the shot,

Quebec, ready or not

______________________________

Premier Robert Bourassa, please hark

Frank Moores’ bite can be worse than his bark

We’re good card players too

Word of caution to you

______________________________

Daily News Headline: Health Science inquiry complete: Clean bill, Farrell says

The weekend should be country time

The streams to cross, the hills to climb

The fish to catch, the boats to row

But lighting fires is a no no.

The month of May we liked so well

Could yet bespeak a living hell

For forests dry, and careless folk

Can send the whole thing up in smoke

The smoking man should careful be

To leave no trail of misery

And those who would a campfire light

May have a forest fire to fight.

It’s country time, but happiness

Can quickly change to time of stress

Forests, wildlife, and humans too

Ask extreme care of each of you.

Daily News Headline: Protesting Quebec farmers leave: Parliament Hill a mess

Citizens alert, alert

For major increase in your tax

In rumor category now

Soon you can file it under facts.

It’s evident that Mr. Ayre

Has strong designs to push it through

A new tax base in mills expressed

That puts the bite on me and you.

A strong objection here I raise

Because there’s an alternate way

To get the monies they require

If they’d make out-of-towners pay

The poll tax which was much discussed

At last election must be tried

This revenue source we insist

You try, take it not from our hide.

The poll tax wasn’t pushed enough

At last election must be tried

This revenue source we insist

You try, take it not from our hide.

The poll tax wasn’t pushed enough

It should, and I for one insist

Turnips are quite scarce on blood

A little thought you’ll get the gist

Daily News Headline: WATER LEVELS FALLING FAST: Rationing within 30 days

The lovely sunny month of June

I speak not of the weather charts

But of the weddings that will bring

Sunshine to oh so many hearts.

The brides in flowing gowns of white

Their bridesmaids prettily attired

In shades and patterns colorful

In all their glamour are admired.

The happiness of Bride and Groom

Is so infectious on that day

That all their friends who wish them well

Share in it in a special way

A wedding is a happy time

In June especially it seems

To anyone this month being wed

May you achieve your fondest dreams.

Daily News Headline: For the working people, it’s a: BITTER PILL

The day was truly floodlit with the sun

The gusting wind at play with flags and hair

As St. Bon’s youth in colorful display

Presented themselves with Olympic flair

The young so dazzling looked in purest white

Grey-trousered boys bedecked with shirts of gold,

Or blue, as did befit their graded status

Their figure marching talents did unfold.

The sports events by all were followed closely

The side attractions crowds, like magnets, drew

Success in weather, drills and competitions

Crowned sports day of the boys of gold and blue.

Daily News Headline: BYELECTIONS: “WE WANT TO GET THEM OVER”: FRANK PICKS JUNE 30

By margin of votes – forty four

The P.C.s of the Southern Shore

Gave Tom Doyle a delayed encore

Thus Charlie Power is up a tree

No longer being their nominee

How he’ll react we’ll wait and see.

The by election is at hand

For district of famed Ferryland.

Of this seat who will get command?

The Liberals or N.D.P.

Could give a fright to a P.C.

If certain parties disagree

If in the ring his hat he throws

And Charlie, independent goes

How it will swing, nobody knows.

Daily News Headline: PILOT PROJECT IN FOUR NEWFOUNDLAND HIGH SCHOOLS: PUBLIC EXAMS ARE OUT – at least for next year

A cliché borrowed from the years

Quite aptly does apply

You’ll never miss the water, folks,

Until the well runs dry.

Supply of water grows acute

With every passing day

We have been asked to use it well

For needs alone, not play

Reduce amounts when swabbing down

Refrigerate to drink

Turn off the taps, don’t over’flush

Keep kids away from sink.

The action could be serious

How quickly then we’d fuss

We can prevent a crisis now

It’s up to each of us.

Daily News Headline: Prices soar, Beryl quits

The current rain we welcome as refreshing

As hearts with warmth and sunshine overflow

Your Golden Jubilee spreads rays of friendship

Of love, devotion; in its golden glow

Reflected are the years of dedication

To God, his children, your community

So many lives you touched, some o’er so lightly

Some with a personal intensity.

The call to God is always sacrificial

Your prayers and thoughts for others have returned

As your service, intense, devoted service

A special place with God and us has earned.

May joy and satisfaction crown the glory

Of fifty years of service set apart

To know and love and serve your God, the Father

Good wishes to you from a sincere heart.

Daily News Headline: COLUMBIAN MARIJUANA: NEW KIND OF PIRATE’S TREASURE? There’s a bale missing… and it ain’t hay!

Cartoonist Murphy captured well

Our Mayor in rain dance

For her it obviously worked

We have a better chance

At very least we have offset

With all the weekend rain

The city hall embarrassment

With last week’s busted main

There was a lighter side to it

And many made a joke

That Dottie’s labor pains are rare

That’s twice the water broke

But her recovery is great

She gets back on her perch

No wonder, with such great resource

She never misses church.

Daily News Headline: Electrical rate hearings: Newfoundland Light operations: DICTATED BY HYDRO

The marijuana mystery

Of Southern Shore is solved

With eight and ten year sentences

To two of those involved.

Some missing links, or rather,

Missing people, now we need

In time we’ll catch them, after all,

We can’t resort to speed.

The wheels of justice slowly turn

The Vardy case we’ll cite

At this rate they’ll have to exhume

Before they extradite.

Daily News Headline: Newfoundland Light: Financially troubled, or: Shareholders’ bonanza?

Living costs still escalate, yet limits on a wage

A demonstration was arranged, which turned another page

The Labour Federation to the Government did march

But subsequent after-effects took out some of the starch

Some people who were on the hill, anti-inflation wise

When they returned to work were subject to a small surprise

For time off work suspension came, a walkout followed next

The labour scene each passing day just leaves us more perplexed.

In union leaders’ rationale there seems to be a flaw

Advising or condoning a defiance of the law

Injunction when applied by court, though one may still object

Must honoured be, for laws are made, all people to protect.

Daily News Headline: For lawns, gardens, flowers: Water one hour a day

One item I feel is gummed up, I must put teeth in this

In supplying local dentists, I feel something is remiss

Harold Collins, Health Minister, if off to the U.K.

To lure some dentists over here, and they’ll get best of pay

With tax free years thrown in as well, it strikes me sort of odd

That students for a dental school almost a note from God

Must have to be accepted, even then, the struggle’s great

It’s time we started out at home, before it is too late.

Have they even been encouraged? Have you heard of a campaign

To get enough to meet our needs, to ease the toothache pain

Of children who must wait and wait, appointments to receive

No wonder we’re down in the mouth, we’re just so darn naïve.

Let’s make investment in our youth, solicit dentists here

Train supply to meet demand, get program in high gear

Wars were fought to give our youth such chances in their time

To seek outside professionals is tantamount to crime

Of pure neglect of a resource, a human one, the best

The whole system merits review I strongly do suggest.

Daily News Headline: St. John’s man claims son: BEATEN BY POLICE

It’s good to see people with heads up again

And if you’re inclined to ask why

The answer was evident Saturday past

As kite flyers looked to the sky

The shortage of breeze posed a problem for some

Of the heavier kites of the day

The smaller and middle sized ones went aloft

But the biggies could not get away.

Though people were seen with their heads in the air

It wasn’t the usual thing

In fact quite despite all their lines getting crossed

We saw friendship and fun in full swing

The high flying kite held by one little girl

Was invisible to naked eye

Though comments were heard: “It has red polka dots”

Some alleged: “On it’s left wing a fly.”

‘Twas a fun making day on the Government lawn

With adults and children at play

And insurance man said things are sure looking up –

‘Twas The Daily News kite flying day.

Daily News Headline: City’s new police chief reported to be: AN OUTSIDER

If you’re out for a day of fun

And basking in the summer sun

With sunburn danger do not flirt

At intervals don blouse or shirt.

For little ones, complexion fair

A cap or bonnet on their hair

Could save distress, for it’s no joke

When one’s a victim of sunstroke

So little sun is ours I suppose

Our tendency is shedding clothes

But it must be in reason done

Let’s not get o’er exposed to sun.

Daily News Headline: DEATH PENALTY GOES (Parliament votes 133-125 to abolish capital punishment)

“Let me get this straight again

What was that I heard you say?”

“Ferryland will switch this time

But not to Hughie Shea.”

“Hold your horses now me son

You realize since Roberts spoke

In nasty tones to J.R.S.

The Southern Shore is now a joke”

“Joey wasn’t goin’ to run

A member there, as he’ll confess,

But Roberts challenge boiled his blood

And now the thing is just a mess”

“Charlie Power is on his own

Tom Doyle is backed by the P.C.

For Liberals – Marin O’Brien

Now Gerry Panting, N.D.P.”

“Multiple choice as you might say

Forgot how this whole thing began

What party are you voting for?”

“I’m not, I’m voting for the man.”

Daily News Headline: Air dispute: TRUDEAU APPEALS FOR END

‘What’s the gaff on Hughie Shea?’

‘I don’t know b’y, hard to say

A plucky chap there is no doubt

Can’t figure why he’s pulling out’.

‘He’s gifted with a silver tongue

No shortage of vocab or lung

I’d say he took an insight peak

And found the pulse a little weak.’

‘This politic is always fun

In Keeping with the caplin run

There’ll be all kinds of tasty bait

And no one will be short of prate’.

‘Panting may run short of wind

On Laurie, Reform hopes are planned

And with the P.C. Doyle-Power show

O’Brien may find some place to go’.

Daily News Headline: DR. CARR KEEPS $100,000 YACHT

They sit and ponder, scratch the head

They call on all their brain reserves

And then with diligence they write

Some find it quite hard on the nerves

The Grade Elevens finals reach

By virtue of public exams

Their efforts of the year will reap

Though many at last minute cram

In my day (then called C.H.E.)

Our full marks on it did depend

But that was a bit much I thought

And I welcome the changing trend

The cutting out of these exams

And using school assessment guide

For total year’s performances

Should work, I’m pleased it will be tried.

Daily News Headline: The air dispute: IT'S OVER

Five bronze, eight silver medals, and whoopee, 20 gold

That’s really an accomplishment to any five year old

Then throw in words like “handicapped”, “disabled”, “amputee”

And victory is caliber of very high degree.

The wheelchair sports in Newfoundland, five years ago begun

Outstanding progress has been made, all in the name of fun

They’ve earned Olympic places for the Province, it’s a treat

With fifty two nations, for Canada they will compete

The local wheelchair forward thrust has come, because of three

Quite dedicated persons, who had the tenacity

And daring, to begin it all, Chris Facey, of course, one

The others Doctor Norman Lush, and Gerald Sorenson.

They saw the need, with diligence set out to learn the score

And spread the word effectively from here to Labrador

Response was great, enthusiasm shown by one and all

Now they’re Olympic stature, and that’s really on the ball.

Daily News Headline: $1,000,000 GOES UP IN SMOKE