July 1976

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Sixty years ago

the enemy was real, was freedom’s threat

Courage, resolve, hope, prayer,

and love for one’s own,

gave young men an unparalleled strength of spirit.

They fought, lost some, won some;

and they died.

Despair and tears filled sorrowed loving hearts,

but pride in those who gave their lives

that ours may peaceful be,

commanded a respect beyond the grave,

in grateful memory.

Respect, en masse, with passing years has gone,

and fingers count the ones who know it now.

The world for which they fought, has vastly changed.

The enemy no longer looms afar,

but is among us now,

in abstract form, and yet so very real,

no longer subtle, rather very bold.

Respect for people, places, sacred things,

for laws of land and church, by wayside went.

People in power, our trust will violate,

and breakdowns from within its freedom’s threat.

The men who fought the enemy they knew,

their job did well,

bequeathing us a courage that we may

be equal to the battles of today.

Daily News Headline: THE WINNERS: C’s beat Liberals 2-1

July is here, and swimming is the thing

A fun event that happiness should bring

But there must go with swimmers everywhere

A mental note to take the utmost care

The use of raft and inner tubes, to float

To often ends on quite a tragic note

Tell kids to swim only where supervised

Their lives could be saved by being chastised

But better still, point out the swimming fun

How it can be enjoyed, properly done

The diving, splashing, paddling, fun should be

For young and old, don't be too carefree.

Daily News Headline: Dot and hubby off for Bristol

The dory races yesterday

Brought out the long lost summer sun

As crowds turned up for the event

Which proved a special kind of fun

The bandstand drew the music fans

Carl Hibbs and band played to a sweat

Joan Morrisey was singing too

Joined Mayor Dot in a duet

People really laughed a lot

As novices the dories rowed

And lost their bearings many times

Four being a total dory load

The walkways skirting edge of pond

Were great for stroller-pushers there

A few sideshows were on the scene

And friendliness was in the air.

Daily News Headline: $100,000 a year: (Fermeuse fish plant) They’ll try to keep it open

If I were a judge

And a man in my court

Were to threaten when sentence was passed

For such a contempt

I would sentence him more

And give him a judicial blast

Where has it all gone?

Where’s the strength of the law

When a man who near snuffed out a life

Would in violent threat

Throw the ball back to us

In the guise of protecting his wife

Very sad is the state

of society now

When this element we will condone

This particular case

Was a total disgrace

It is time blades of justice to hone.

Daily News Headline: $15 million worth of building held up

For years by the sun and the moon and the clouds

The winds vegetation, and sky

The Fishermen figured the weather out well

And sensed when a storm would be nigh

Then came the forecasters who plotted the storm

Winds temperature, sunshine – the lot

And Fishermen became dependent on them

Their nature charts almost forgot.

But weather reporting has gone to the dogs

With metric, a new language grew

Till no one can tell but the experts themselves

What the elements likely will do.

So Fishermen back to the old system go

Reading signs nature places at hand

No fancy words in the forecasts they make

But sure as heck they’ll understand.

Daily News Headline: The water crisis: IT’S A DISASTER

At Arts and Culture every day

For the next month or so

The Summer Festival is on

It’s quite a place to go

For young and old, for visitors

There’s always something nice

From children’s themes to folksy tunes

To satire of “Slob Ice”

Noon hour, through the day and night

What you like best of all

You’ll get a great selection of

At Summer Festival

Daily News Headline: This affects 224,000 Newfoundlanders: AUTO INSURANCE (They won’t know about any rate increase for another week or so)

Hi ho, hi ho

To Bristol she will go

Our Mayor Dot

Is on a spot

Hi ho, hi ho, hi ho.

Hi ho, hi ho

John Murphy starts to crow

We will not vote

Her travel float

Hi ho, hi ho, hi ho.

Hi ho, hi ho

As if we didn’t know

We pay the shot

Go to it Dot

Hi ho, hi ho, hi ho.

Daily News Headline: Gov’t death penalty bill: SURVIVES KEY VOTE

In the sea of politics

An iceberg has emerged

“Wells” we’ll have to label it

For so much is submerged

In his withdraw from cabinet

And his House Leader role

That hidden there must also be

Some searching of the soul

I do not buy so easily

The practicing of law

Being prone instead to read in it

A governmental flaw

The iceberg part that’s visible

The size of it belies

Beneath the surface of this one

I predict a surprise

Daily News Headline: Solution to water crisis?: DIG WELLS (This man has water to waste because of it)

We’re fortunate in old St. John’s

That traffic deaths aren’t more

So many drivers every day

The basic rules ignore

One type that irks a lot of us

Just hop from lane to lane

Behind, they pass, then out in front

Then in and out again

Another one who set you up

To have an accident

Is one who gives no warning

That to turn is his intent

Until the final moment when

His signal lights he’ll flick

Which makes you wonder if indeed

His reflexes are quick

He surely puts yours to a test

And no allowance makes

For speed you both are travelling

Some patience it all takes.

Daily News Headline: Surprise move by CN

We preach tradition morning, noon and evening

How steeped we are in monarchial ties

But when it comes to spending a few dollars

Our actions every lofty word belies.

No need to send two couples o’er to Bristol

One person from St. John’s could do his share

If there’s controversy o’er the Mayor’s going,

Or Councillors – the protocol’s still there.

When the Bristol chair to Council was presented

I was part of the pageantry involved

Why not a citizen to do the honors

The controversies too would be resolved.

I’d gladly represent our St. John’s City

And feel quite capable of such a task

Our Council morally should have an envoy

It could be me, they only have to ask.

Daily News Headline: MORGAN’S TRYING, TOO

It’s prohibition time in St. John’s city

Even kids know what it can entail

When their fun is affected it’s a pity

The prohibition subject: Adam’s ale.

Water all around us but restricted

Are we in how we use it every day

Flowers, lawns and cars must do without it

Or through the autumn months the price we’ll pay.

It’s prohibition time in St. John’s city

The ones to make it work are you and I

Conservation is the only answer

We can’t let our demands exceed supply.

Daily News Headline: MORGAN ON CN BUSES: “I’ll raise hell!”

The artist stood on consecrated ground

Blessed would appear dexterity of hand

As he on canvas captured what he witnessed

Fred Winterbottom paints in Newfoundland

Among the Masters under whom he studied

Edward R. Glen, Frederick S. Challener

Archibald Barnes, R.P., also John Russell

Of the Paris influence, all of whom were

As Fred describes it, very instrumental

In giving him new insights for his gift….

His confidence, finesse and gift artistic

To his beholders give a special lift

Fred deals in water colors, oils and pastels

From Ontarios Institute of Painters hails

In Canada, United States and Europe

Artistically he’s captured the details.

Since 1932 a night class teacher

This gentleman of art respect has earned

For centuries will be his art remembered

The preservation secret he has learned.

Daily News Headline: COPES IS DOING IT

You’ve sung many times of the pub with no beer

Now our Public Utilities Board has gone queer

For brevity we’ll refer to them as Pub

And what is their purpose, well that is the rub.

Canadian National caused a great fuss

They bypassed the Board and withdrew every bus

Then Ottawa proved from its ivory tower

That we have a Pub, but a Pub with no power.

They turned down the rates for which CN applied

But CN headquarters that edit defied

They did in effect tall us take a cold shower

And did what they wished, for our Pub has no power.

Provincially now we will take them to court

For Ottawa that’s just a wee bit of sport

We’re really the “have nots”, on us they turned sour

For we do have a Pub, but a Pub with no power.

Daily News Headline: (CN Bus issue): This man is furious over: “The DIRTY DEED”

Their home was by the railway track

And any day when it would rain

The little boy and girl would bet

With noses pressed to window pane

Which one would be the first to get

A wave from people on the train

But one day as they watched and watched

And almost to the point of strain

With misty eyes their mother said

“My dear they took away the train.”

He’s married now and he has kids

Who look through windows just the same

They know not trains as father did

But play their little waiting game

They wave at every CN bus

These kids – Sue, Wayne and Jeff by name

Last week their dad recalled their youth

As he stood by the window frame

And tried his darnedest to explain

The CN bus that never came

He spoke of writing on the wall

That things would never be the same

But his kids couldn’t comprehend

They thought ‘twas just another game.

Daily News Headline: $1 MILLION TO INVEST: Can they make it in Argentia?

From Toronto a bus labelled Travelway Tours

Brought visitors here for first time

In capable hands of driver Maurice Cruse

And I promised to put them in rhyme

Escort Candy Malcolm, a cutie indeed

Ensured all the choice spots they saw

Those people from Burnaby, Thornhill, Surrie,

Toronto, White Rock, Austria

From Edmonton, Milton, New Westminster

They came and they loved it so much

Andreas Schaffgotch, the Austrian chap

The R.G. Ostroms, who are dutch

Joyce Allison, Alice MacDonald were here

They liked the reception they got

John and Alice Langstone on this too agreed

Carl Ward fell in love with this spot

On the map, which to her it was this time last year

The scenery to Peggy Neely appealed

Betty Pepper in comment sincere

Of the warmness of natives in praises was high

For Loretta McCarron the same

A salt of the earth Betty Pepper was here

And a fiddler, Leona by name

Our trust is that they have our province enjoyed

As we hope all travelers do

Why not drop a line to St. John’s Daily News

We’d welcome a comment from you.

Daily News Headline: LUDICROUS AND HOGWASH

Headbands do not good halos make

When worn too tight they pain.

The missing link? Could it perhaps

Be in the mayor’s chain.

Do you see more with biggies dear?

What do they signify?

They’re not much help with Councillors

You can’t see eye to eye.

And what of colors that you don

Can’t you make up your mind

Are you hung up on rainbows dear

Or simply colour blind.

Your “Wyatt won’t be quiet” theme

Was not an idle boast

But you’ll be quiet for a while

Tonight we’ll watch you roast.

Daily News Headline: HE’S BOILING MAD (Accuse crab processing companies of “breach of faith”)

Garden parties everywhere

They’re basically the same

Just change in the location

And a change in parish name

The averages are with them

For getting a fine day

To have festivities outdoors

Where kids are free to play

As parents patronize the wheels

And visitors drop by

The profits for the day build up

With every gallant try

The garden party teas are great

Bread, pickles, jams and such

And that’s the highlight of them all

That special homemade touch.

Daily News Headline: AFTER GRAND BANKS HIT AND RUN, THEY’RE LOOKING FOR A: MYSTERY SHIP

The Regatta at Placentia is behind us

The day itself a weatherwise success

A record setting one in shell boat racing

The crew from Southeast showing their finesse.

The course in Southeast Arm saw many winners

But none to match young fellows in their prime

As Adrian O’Keefe, their coxswain, pushed them

To a record new 9.37 time.

The day was lively, games of chance in action

A dog fight, and at times a gust of dust

The Lions were a group of busy workers

And Tom Traverse’s involvement was a must.

Today will see the Harbour Grace Regatta

For visitors and all a welcome treat

Come Wednesday next St. John’s is the location

Where rowers from all over will compete.

Daily News Headline: Fish management activity would make St. John’s: BUSIER THAN EVER

Too oft we take our beauty spots for granted

A tranquil scene we seek, it seems afar

With vision of a drive for hours unending

And frustrations of a highway trip by car.

Yet Bowring Park can offer to the seeker

The scent and beauty of its many flowers

The comfort of the shade of trees in sunshine

A grass of carpet one could walk for hours.

It offers sound of little birds tree hopping

The quacks of ducks which in formation float

The graceful swans creating gently ripples

The lazy paddle in flat bottom boat.

The swimming pool, the swings, the playground section

The picnic tables, and the tennis courts

Are other features Bowring Park can offer

It’s yours for leisure, pleasure, and for sports.

Daily News Headline: They’ve decided to do more pumping: NO RATIONING YET

Tradition’s fine but something is the matta

With people who’re in charge of the Regatta

The first We’n’sday is so frigid

At any thought of change the whole works fidget.

At race time if one asks “who’s rowing mister?”

To answer you must carry a transistor

What’s going on, who knows, and that’s the pity

A sadly lacking think in this committee.

Around the lake should be posted loudspeakers

To satisfy the information seekers

And turn attention of the many faces

To what it’s really all about, the races.

No comment stroke by stroke, but the position

Of which team at what stake, the competition

Who’re rowing, for what team, the coxswain steering

So people could pick teams and do some cheering.

Imagine how you’d feel in oarsmen’s places

For months you sweat your heart out for the races

And when the big day comes for the Regatta

Just a handful know you’re there, something’s the matta.

Daily News Headline: THERE’S NO SPLIT IN APEC: They’re solid for St. John’s

What do we offer kids at the Regatta

No one thinks of them at all at this event

One concession has some pony-rides to offer

That, with the games of chance, is the extent.

The committee’s lacking in imagination

No one from tradition dares to break

Why not two days or more, and with a circus

And really make it fun down at the lake.

The swinging boats were once a big attraction

What now for kids, let’s give ‘em a fair shake

Include them in the plans for the Regatta

Next year’s committee smarten up for heaven’s sake.

Daily News Headline: MILLIONS DRIVEN INTO THE STREETS (This may be China’s worst disaster)

The new white markings on the road

Are conversation pieces now

Invariably someone’s asking

“What are those things anyhow?”

Some still do not recognize them

Others know them to a tee

Noting mileage in between them

Noting too R.C.M.P.

Use these as the distance markers

To observe the traffic flow

From the air, in helicopters,

So that people on the go

May be safer in their travels

And offenders brought to light

That majority of drivers

Make it as they planned, all right.

Daily News Headline: For 200-mile jurisdiction to work, there’s: NO OTHER WAY

A ride in a row boat is thrilling indeed

A contrast to everyday concept of speed

Propelling oneself by the pulling of oars

With ducks and swans sharing the joys of outdoors

For kids it’s exciting to be in a boat

The pond’s little secrets to silently note

As they row to an island, or drift all about

To where river runs in, or spot where it runs out

It’s fun when the opposite shore they can touch

To give them these moments it doesn’t cost much

Except some of your time as you wait patiently

For the boats are accessible daily and free

It’s a rarity, true, but this isn’t a lark

The boats are available in Bowring Park

And if there’s a bouquet to give, let it be

To the people preserving the tranquility

Of the park, and again we are happy to note

It’s all there for free, like the ride in the boat.

Daily News Headline: Now they say they might: SHUT OFF THE TAPS (Water rationing a serious prospect)

The banks of Kitty Vitty

In the heart of our fair city

Today invite us all to come and sit

And see the many faces

Of the people at the races

If weatherman conditions will permit.

Even at the time of writing

It already looks exciting

As vendors all their many stalls erect

Some are practicing their hollers

To relieve you of your dollars

As their pitch to you today they will direct.

I am under the impression

This will be a worthwhile session

Expect to see some brand new records set

Placentia boys could do it

If someone would drive them to it

Too bad there is no spot to place a bet.

Daily News Headline: ($150,000 HYDRO REPORT IS VIRTUALLY) USELESS: Grid idea out, for now anyway

The day was superb it had total appeal

Conditions for race of the champions ideal

As I had predicted in yesterday’s rhyme

Placentia did win with an excellent time

A Newfoundland Day – I saw one little girl

In a cardboard carton give the business a whirl

With an egg cup in water she’d ask you to stop

And cutely invite you your money to drop

A fiddler with buddy who played the guitar

Gave impromptu music, and found a new star

A gentleman dancer who stepped to their tunes

And spry for his age having seen many moons

The Mayor was there selling tickets no less

A boost to Summer Games group I would guess

Folk dancers and singers, musicians galore

And the C.L.B. band earned many an encore

A swimmer of daring the lake tried to swim

But didn’t quite make it the law got to him

Two boats headed for him and to his dismay

Took him quickly aboard and they whisked him away

A day for being different, deserves a big hand

It’s a friendly fun-filled day a la Newfoundland.

Daily News Headline: REPORT SAYS FISHERIES FACING: DRASTIC CUT IN JOBS

It is a pleasure nowadays

A lazy stroll take

Along the freshly cleaned up shores

Of Quidi Vidi lake.

The cared for sods, the rustic bridge

Playground and barbecues

A beauty spot in old St. John’s

Is ours if we so choose.

In west end there’s another spot

Of which let’s not lose sight

Where races once were also held

A natural delight.

It’s time to think of Mundy Pond

Give it its rightful spot

Among attractions of St. John’s

It offers quite a lot

New homes build beside the old

A church beside its shore

And so much could be added to

Its natural contour.

Daily News Headline: Up, up and away – yay!

A shuffle due in cabinet

Arouses speculation

And heightens rumors current

Of a certain resignation.

Musical chairs by other name

Is cabinet in shuffle

New voices will be loud and strong

Old ones may get a muffle

It’s just a game of governments

When they are short of action

To keep the public gasping

To its own satisfaction.

Daily News Headline: (Income plan abandoned) Bigger UIC benefits for fishermen

The family of Screech gave birth

To quite a hefty bouncer

When government last week declared

We have a forty ouncer.

The public now is so fed up

With eeking out existence

That big announcements such as this

Should lessen their resistance.

From pups of Screech to normal size

We could drink ourselves silly

Could be they’re trying to psyche us out

For this one is a dilly.

Daily News Headline: New rates mean they’re operating at a loss: Reopen hearings, insurers demand

Gasp now has something on its side

And can point with a certain pride

To saving lives: on second look,

They can save too on pocket book.

The fags called Flags were in my prime,

By packet just a humble dime

And now for those with habit stuck

It’s just a few cents off a buck.

The price is going up again

Which could cause some to say amen;

To what was once a pleasure smoke

The cost now nearly makes ‘em choke.

Daily News Headline: Refinery: Nobody wants it (Talks with Shaheen only “preliminary”)

What happens to John Crosbie

If P.C.s convention hold

And someone else the nod receives

Leaves him out in the cold

What happens if that bid he wins

And he’s the one they choose

A Liberal byelection wins

And he’s the one to lose.

And isn’t it quite possible

Some Liberals of note

Could campaign quite successfully

It’s in, I hope, the vote.

To me it seems presumptuous

Though subtle, an intrusion

The media are helping too

Creating an illusion

What happens if? I speculate,

But feel it is worth noting

Presumption should no factor be

Let’s leave it to the voting.

Daily News Headline: It was one of the world’s great events: They remember

Mid-August issue of the Muse

I read, result: Kerplunk!

Can MUN

Such journalistic junk

Expletives scattered through the sheets

Are nothing to admire

Should not a press of student ilk

Be something to inspire

The writers’ lack of courtesy

To those prepared to read

I’m not prepared to write off as

Their being a different breed

Vocabulary lacks a lot

And worse it seems to me

That such trash is identified

With University.

Daily News Headline: (Bell Island mines could still give up) A billion tons of iron ore

It happened out in Corner Brook

As I stopped to directions ask

An R.C.M.P. constable

Stopped in the middle of his task

Three of them were then engaged

This on a Sunday afternoon

At passing parking tickets out

The weekend traffic proved a boon

A softball tournament was on

And hundreds viewed this finals game

The parking space was limited

The ticketing seemed such a shame.

Daily News Headline: EARTHQUAKE!: China is rocked again

When visiting historic sites

Do you just breeze on through

A glance ever so casual

A rush type peek-a-boo

If so you’re missing quite a lot

Where there are guides on hand

Take time to hear the history

Behind your native land.

A staff such as at Castle Hill

Full credit we assign

In manner conversational

The records they align

Of battles fought on certain sites

The early settlers plight

In all a talk-through walk-through

Is a visitor’s delight

Daily News Headline: HOSPITALS, TEACHERS, POLICE, FIREMEN: WHO IS GOING OUT?

Pencils, scribblers, exercises

Pens, erasers, rulers, clothes

Lunch tins, school bags, chalk and crayons

Binders, atlas, all of those

Are just some of the reminders

In department stores today

As the parents and the children

For school year get under way.

This one is an early starter

School doors will with children burst

As the kids with mixed emotions

Make the scene September first.

Daily News Headline: Report will call for: Seat belt law

At a major shopping centre a ring of people stood

The rosary reciting in a foreign neighbourhood

The team of lay apostolate through Mary prayers beam

Led by Carmel Craig from Ireland as the leader of the team.

A rosary in a shopping nook to keep alive a spark

A far cry from the crowds that overflowed St. Pat’s ballpark

When Father Peyton’s family crusade the thousands drew

Then with change, devotion wavered, but it now springs up anew.

As this group of Scottish, Irish and Canadians were there

Under name Legion of Mary to encourage us in prayer

“Perignatio proChristo” would in Latin have sufficed

They explain it means in travel they are “wandering for Christ”.

It is faith in new dimension, and a very modern trait

It underlines important role of lay apostolate

The members of the Legion of Mary in Newfoundland

In renewing the devotions welcome any helping hand.

Daily News Headline: WATER SHORTAGE FORCES DESPERATE MOVE (Less water for some west end taps)

You’re always welcome, come again

No need to bring a gift

Your visit I enjoyed a lot

It gave me quite a lift

To someone in a hospital

A home, some other spot

The visit of a friend like you

Can mean an awful lot.

It brightens up a shut-in’s day

Is change from the routine

New face new talk, new look at life

Your visit brief could mean.

Daily News Headline: OIL REFINERY TO REOPEN EARLY IN 1977?: SHAHEEN HAS THE MONEY

The barrens are seeing more people each day

As blueberry pickers arrive

On weekends where crops of blueberries abound

The woods will be coming alive

The typical boil-ups are banned for a while

So much for that rare spot of tea

And berries are scarcer than previous years

Met an old gent who put it to me

“You’re paying the Government when you go out

To pick your own berries,” said he

“The price of your gas, wear and tear on your car”

An interesting philosophy

But there is a bonus, pollution-free air

The sounds of the birds, flies and bees

The beauty of nature in silence absorbed

Amid hills, dales, ponds, marshes and trees

Daily News Headline: POWER BATTLE BEGINS

Parents you are gutless! “For as the tree is bent

So shall it grow”, now what about reduced age of consent

Will you let it happen, just sit and let it be

Have you forgotten meaning of responsibility

All of us should fight it, we should be in a rage

Surely God we see results of lowered drinking age

You people of the Churches look not down nor aloft

Unless you’re loud and clear on this, we’ll think you’re going soft

I am incensed; with Doctor Killigan I pick a bone

Are you prepared to do it too, or must I be alone

It’s difficult enough to grow up with help and concern

We should be saving kids from fire, not throw them in to burn

For God’s sake people come alive, some action take today

Or will you sit in silence while your children you betray.

Daily News Headline: THEY’LL MOVE BUT… Some of them won’t like it

All children must have discipline

But discipline with love

When straying to offbeaten paths

They need a little shove

To get them back on road of life

Of roadsigns be aware

So they in adult retrospect

Will know you chose care

The starting time is from day one

Until they leave your care

In the interim they need

Your love, firmness and prayer.

Daily News Headline: NO SURPRISE: It’s Crosbie

The fears are all allayed at last

The little vessel that did roam

To many ports on distant shores

Has made it safely to her home

Some skeptics were among the crowds

On waterfront with welcome hand

Who tingled with a native pride

As Tom Hickey did chest expand

Though locally we barely knew

“Norma and Gladys” as a name

Warmly accepted when abroad

We all now share her claim to fame

A venture novel was her trip

Some aspects still a mystery

But controversial or not

She’s earned her place in history.

Daily News Headline: Buses and freight: CN cutting

It’s last days freedom for the kids

No late morn sleeping anymore

Tomorrow they’ll be dragged from bed

Then hustled briskly through the door

For mothers who were ne’er distraught

With snack time almost ‘round the clock

They’ll organize their home again

Soft music play instead of rock

For parents and the kids alike

More regimented life in store

Vacation time come to an end

As school opens its welcome door.

Daily News Headline: Research into life has them: SCARED!

School is starting, siblings sniffling

Traffic tie-ups tantalize

‘Rithmetic, reading and ‘riting

Educators emphasize

Many moms have mixed emotions

Some with satisfaction sigh

Happy holidays have halted

Children can conversely cry

Caution car owners at crossings

Kids excited everywhere

Drive with diligence at daytime

Crowds of children call for care.

Daily News Headline: TAKE OVER LINERBOARD MILL?: Bowaters not asked

A strike that will be nation wide

As far as unions go

May message mean for Ottawa

The A.I.B. must go

But surely Trudeau and his team

Who head up government

Already from reactions know

The unions discontent

Why must employers scapegoats be

If government is lax

The pending strike appears to me

Distortion of the facts.

Thinking caps for union heads

Should necessary be

Ego trips don’t always make

The nicest history.

Daily News Headline: Mill losing $100 on every ton: 1300 jobs in danger

How is your imagination

You could be the latest find

If you have a keen and fertile

Fresh and active alert mind.

There’s a current competition

For the best in a design

To present a craftsman logo

As a trademark genuine

We need something to embody

All the local crafts, and shucks

From the Province you’ll be getting

Two hundred and fifty bucks.

Daily News Headline: DEEP DRILLING OFF ST. JOHN’S: Big play for Texaco

A buck a brick

Is pretty slick

And for young Pickersgill means luck

A water scare

Is in the air

He’s fetching for a brick a buck.

Our Mayor Dot

Won’t be forgot

A cartoon you get with the brick

The brick won’t fail

The adam’s ale

In tank displaces, that’s the trick.

The ale supply

Is getting shy

And Dot has taken many knocks

Whoever thought

The noble Dot

Would end up in a cistern box.

Daily News Headline: He’s only 3 but… THIS BOY’S A HERO!!

Impeccable in dress this pair who visited our home

Twenty five thousand men like these throughout the free world roam

Though young, they are as elders known, their faith is wide awake

Sincerity I found in Elder Harvey, Elder Frache.

Two years of their lives they give and at their own expense

To bring the word to families, in faith, with confidence

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints bids them go

The message of the Lord, to teach, the seeds of kindness sow.

I bade them welcome in my home because I was impressed

That in this age of mixed up youth, these two so neatly dressed

Well spoken, who no liquor take, nor drugs, a wholesome sign

We shared a prayer at their request, indeed the pleasure’s mine.

Daily News Headline: It’s good news: NEW GAS FIND

An accident is always news

Each word that politicians speak

Crimes will the headlines always make

When will we turn the other cheek

The media a job can do

In giving space to brighter news

The good things happening to folks

As Tuesday’s headline in the news

The negative, the gloom, the doubt

Forever is in heavy print

Being positive would be a switch

If someone would but take the hint

Daily News Headline: Spokesman says Pentecostal schools: NOT INFERIOR

Darkness earlier each evening

New hazards with it attend

On which we focus attention

Standard time’s around the bend

Motorists turn on their parking lights

Without thought proceed to drive

Can to lucky stars be thankful

Some people are still alive

Parking lights are meant for parking

When in motion headlights use

Who can tell your car is moving

There’s so much one stands to lose.

If pedestrians misjudge you

It’s too late when someone’s hurt

Headlights on for evening driving

Helps keep everyone alert.

Daily News Headline: Shipbuilding contract for Marystown: A Shaky deal: Newfoundland looking for too much?

What rhymes with circus, a challenge to you

Said someone to me as I stood in the queue

With spouse and the two youngest, excited as they

That I to the circus was wending my way

The acts I enjoy, never cease to be thrilled

Aware through much practice the artists grow skilled

The music, the showmen, the animal acts

Magician’s illusions distorting the facts

People, and kids, above all, make the circus

Clowns, and their happy scenes, or their tear jerker’s

The mood of the circus all ages do share

Unique the excitement that hangs in the air

Back to that first statement friend lest you forgot

What does not rhyme with circus, believe it or not

Daily News Headline: Linerboard sales difficulties: Task force finding was ignored

Since postage rates are up again, as usual we squawk

But mostly just among ourselves, thus idle is our talk

Yet one such chat a thought produced, I happily convey

An idea for Christmas cards, thanks to a friend B.J.

Christmas cards are on the wane, though nice the custom be

His thought is Canada P.O. should give publicity

The bargains around Christmas time, a certain close off date

Purpose twofold: business soars, and cards will not be late.

The same for parcels overseas, for those who early buy

Why not give customers a break, and bargain rates apply

Stepped up business, help requires, employment benefits

We optimistically await a P.O. Christmas blitz.

Daily News Headline: (Complete, total, absolute) “It was a flop”: BUT THEY’LL TRY AGAIN

For people whose jobs are downtown

Parking cars always caused them a frown

Of this Council’s aware

And said “We’ll get you there

Use our buses and we’ll take you down.”

If you’re in East Extern here’s the plot

Park your car at the stadium lot

It is free, but we must

Charge a fare for the bus

But you’ll save in the long run, eh, what?

Question now is it getting rebuttal

Are they slow to accept, being subtle?

Two weeks should be quite fair

To see what’s in the air

But it looks like they’ll scuttle the shuttle.

Daily News Headline: Bigger than the Norwegian contract: SECOND DEAL FOR

MARYSTOWN

The Trudeau shuffle has been made

For Don he obviously cares

Still in there, Mr. Jamieson’s role

Is not with External Affairs

It’s good to see a native son

In such position of command

A credit to his own zeal

A credit too to Newfoundland

Relations with United States

Through wartime strong, but growing weak

Should through his influence come back

Improved relations we bespeak.

Daily News Headline: Car in the harbour, one body found

When nomination time arrived

As Liberals their member chose

The silent persons in the crowd

Really had final word I s’pose

Hugh Shea’s supporters cheered him on

His speech had spontaneity

And mixed with facts and figure quotes

Were Hughie’s with and gaiety.

Contrastingly the Innes speech

Was read and though no doubt sincere

It didn’t have that certain spark

That moves an audience to cheer

Those Liberals are thoughtful ones

And to Joe Smallwood paid respect

Then on with business of the night

As they Bob Innes did elect.

Daily News Headline: Businessman charged in gear program: Police alleging $289,000 fraud

With shooting season off the ground

Another hazard is at hand

Just buy a license and a gun

You’re on your way in Newfoundland

While some have safety uppermost

And in the use of guns are skilled

Far too many have not a clue

Increasing chance someone being killed

With higher numbers in the woods

One should proceed with utmost care

The user safety conscious be

And other travelers beware

Meantime it needs another look

Training should mandatory be

And untrained gunman on the loose

Is just inviting tragedy.

Daily News Headline: Liberals and LRP: They’re going to unite

Observing mothers with their kids

Just browsing, or on shopping spree

The little folks are oft forgot

And with these comments may agree

“How come you’re dragging me around

My arm is stretched up high you know

I’m still so small I’m walking fast

Though you may claim you’re walking slow

Why yell and scream if I should stop

If something new should catch my eye

How come when you stop it’s okay

Don’t understand but I will try

You’re walking faster, I must run

You’re squeezing too tight on my hand

We’re too young to explain these things

I’m just a child, please understand”

Daily News Headline: Fishing gear replacement program: SCANDAL GROWS (Fisheries department accused of gross mismanagement)

Yesterday official was the call

That heralded arrival of the Fall

Weather variables will it bring

Sun, fog, rain, frost, snow – most everything

Autumn shortens days and stretches nights

Offers many visual delights

Photographers and artists autumn choose

To gather the most colorful of views

Harvest sunsets, countryside afire

With color mixtures certain to inspire

And falling leaves that flutter to the street

To form a rustling carpet at our feet.

Daily News Headline: Unable to carry out proper audit: Ottawa won’t pay more

East is East and West is West

The East has been put to the test

The West were sizing up the East

Who seemed to care the very least

About the City Council’s fuss

To give the East a shuttle bus.

The Transportation people feel

It’s lacking somewhat in appeal

So they’ll give the East End a rest

And try out shuttling in the West

The Westenders can play it cool

There’s parking space by Bowring pool

From St. John’s East they’ll keep abreast

Of what is happening in the West.

Daily News Headline: No charges will be laid: Department blamed in deaths

The monies spent on outer space by nations near and far

Is staggering, with pride at stake to reach a moon or star

To what avail, while all around in human stress and strife

The probe will ever onward go in search of other life.

What waste of scientific skills, of monies nations need

Such talent and such money could our starving peoples feed

A higher plane of life than we, the object of the search

Were there such beings wouldn’t they easily find us first?

The quest is not designed to help along one’s fellow man

The motivation being power, to get the upper hand

Such monies spent could better be on earthlings spent, out odd

Man’s greed will blind him to the supreme being, the author, God.

Daily News Headline: Fuel costs will do it: Power rates going up again

The glibness of an auctioneer on paper can’t be caught

The ear can best his fluency enjoy

The visual is not that great but action is the theme

And interesting the nature of his play.

Psyching people up, and out, his forte it would seem

The rhythm of his semi-song a cue

As rapid figures in succession roll across his tongue

That hand up in the air belongs to you

You’ve bought yourself a beauty sir, this way with money please

You didn’t buy? But sir, that was your hand

The washroom sir right over there, the first door to the right

Oh, your arm is in a cast, I understand.

Daily News Headline: Police brotherhood favours: BROWNE FOR CHIEF

It’s parent-teacher meeting time

The better that each might acquaint

The other of the way it is

And quite an honest picture paint

The student interest is high

Among the teachers everywhere

They want our children to perform

To best ability while there

The teachers need a home rapport

To aid their academic role

The total person they must know

To help that student reach a goal

The parents need a school rapport

Their children’s role to comprehend

How can you know what’s going on

Unless you take time to attend.

Daily News Headline: NAPE WARNS: Wait ‘til the snow flies!!

Approaching from Trans Canada the city of St. John’s

Potential hazards motorists await

The exit for the harbor road arterial sneaks up

And at driving speed it registers too late

I’ve personally witnessed people pass the exit by

Haul in on the shoulder, then reverse

Easing back against the traffic, weird things people do

Their car could well turn out to be their hearse

What’s needed is a sign quite bold approaching Fort Motel

It’s gone I know but that’s about the site

Where “arterial route exit right” could motorists alert

To help them judge, especially at night

Next time in a traffic flow when heading to St. John’s

Of this turn off take very special heed

You’ll witness while you’re at it some near accident I bet

It’s a hazard to be remedied with speed.

Daily News Headline: Fish supply critical: SOME PLANTS MAY CLOSE

When you stick out your foot today

A pretty miss will shine your shoe

The student nurses will be out

How well they fare is up to you

Cystic Fibrosis is the cause

Research and treatment funds they raise

This humble act on students part

Is worthy of a little praise

But more than that let’s really show

Their efforts we appreciate

Support is their encouragement

So make this a shoe-shine date.

Daily News Headline: The lives of 14 Newfoundland seamen: SAVED BY HEROES

A ship of quite elegant features

A model of worth I recall

In ’70 came here from Lisbon

Was presented to City Hall.

It then took its place as a symbol

Of ties o’er the centuries bound

From under Dot’s nose someone stole it

An item for the ‘Lost and Found’.

Bring back, bring back

Oh bring back my vessel to me

Bring back, bring back

Oh bring back my vessel to me.

The model is of sterling silver

Adorned with a platinum gold

This nautical symbol was stolen

By some naughty persons, how bold!

The Mayor is anxious to find it

And promises not to relent

Lost articles patron she’s called on

Appeal to St. Anthony sent.

Bring back, bring back

Oh bring back my vessel to me

Bring back, bring back

Oh bring back my vessel to me.

Daily News Headline: 3,700 workers involved: AIB rolls back construction pay

The bowlers in hundreds are now on the move

“Keep balls on the alley, and not in the groove”

The veteran whispers to somebody new

And patiently shows him the right thing to do.

A bowling alley any night is a treat

Precision some take in positioning fee

To others it’s all in the warm swing or wrist

More have an approach like they’re doing the twist.

To some it is serious, others make fun

A way to relax when a day’s work is done

Bowling is exercise and you’ll agree

A chance for us to interact socially.

Daily News Headline: They’re talking about another: MAIL STRIKE

What lures the moose to city life

Could be an access change

The new road through the Southside hills

May bring it more in range

In west end that might reason be

But then what can we say

of moose on loose in the east end

At Hoyles Home and Janeway

Moose on the move in numbers rare

Some omen may well be

This winter may the answer bring

We’ll have to wait and see.

Daily News Headline: Wild cat spreads

The little hand is reaching high

A sudden scream, a flesh burn pain

A cooking unit not turned off

For child and adult, ne’er again

The last draw on the cancer stick

As sleepiness at night takes o’er

May be significant in that

The smoker may not, any more

An iron, kettle, lamp, T.V.

On extension cord is great

For those who save a little time

To save a life may be too late

A little thought we’re asked to give

Nothing original, unique

Just caution in the little things

Make each a Fire Prevention Week.

Daily News Headline: U.S. threatens to raise tariffs on fish: It would be serious

An acid tongue can damage do

To one who is sincere and true

From seed a weed quite often grows

To hide the beauty of the rose

A rumour spread, however wrong,

On fertile ears and tongue grows strong

Some jibes initially in fun

Cause damage hard to be undone

A bridled tongue, a guarded word

Should be the attitude preferred

It’s quite a different story, friend,

When you’re on the receiving end.

Daily News Headline: Postal workers and 24-hour strike: They could go out again

Some time ago I passed the word

I thought it seemed a bit absurd

That violence, war, theft and greed

Filled for the media a need

And question asked, why can’t we give

More time to things more positive

Now it appears, and I am thrilled

That such a need is being fulfilled

As Tuesday’s Daily News (ahem)

Joined forces with VOCM

To give the TOPIX a debut

Of youth gone right, and not askew

And hopefully the many views

Of youth a la The Daily News

Will give us all the real insight

On youth who still like things done right

Who are concerned what adults do

Which onus puts on me and you

To give them leadership and scope

But above all to give them hope.

Daily News Headline: For Newfoundland municipalities: A SHOCKER

The “Sweetheart of the Forces” sang to Arts and Culture filled

Nostalgically, or otherwise, the audience was thrilled

To hear on stage, in person see, the voice we’ve known for years

A voice that brought us laughter, a voice that moved to tears

A captivating singer, could one really ask for more

The span since war years dwindled with the audience rapport

166th programmers do have reason to rejoice

She sang the war songs adding in contemporary choice

Dave Vera Lynn in concert, a cultural delight

A charming presence on the stage, a talent shining bright

A gracious lady above all, in movement, charm and song

Although we have to say goodbye, we’d rather say so long.

Daily News Headline: OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION: Deliberate downplay off Newfoundland

With employee groups large it is found

People do get the great runaround

And where some departments overlap

There develops a customer gap.

For example, a person will phone

Information to seek on his own

But the answerer often is vague

Treats customer like a plague

So the caller in frustration sighs

Hangs up and some other source tries

Until finally it has to stop

And he’s forced to complain to the top

If people in jobs would take pride

And would some indifference hide

They’d act in a more informed way

Customers do most salaries pay.

Daily News Headline: PLEDGE OF JOBS (Year-round job creation program directed to areas of high unemployment)

It’s a protest day and it’s my guess

It is a hard one to assess

A day off work, what can it prove?

Far better would have been a move

To have MPs and MHAs

Give reckoning of elected days

And truly represent us all

By being alert and on the ball

Each one to whom we gave a seat

Should be told to get on his feet

And set himself a private goal

To bring about some price control

Did all the “yes men” get our vote

Are they afraid to rock the boat

And those who legislation set

We voted in, let’s not forget.

Daily News Headline: RUBBER BURNERS BEWARE!

A high school movement going well

Which you see not when passing by

Is one with action positive

A group who call themselves A.Y.

The boys and girls of Allied Youth

Work from an area or post

Are scattered all through Newfoundland

And nation-wide from coast to coast.

Involved in their community

They set themselves projects and goals

Through meetings, workshops, training themes

Develop to leadership roles

Of social ills of drugs and drink

They make themselves so well aware

Involvement helps each person be

The better for just being there

They work toward a summer camp

It motivates them in their deeds

The type of citizen it makes

Is what this generation needs.

Daily News Headline: VD may force this issue

Today’s the day for St. John’s West

Each candidate put to the test

Awaits results most anxiously

To see which one you choose of three

Three gentlemen today have we

Each has good points we must agree

But will the party label ride

Or on the man will we decide

The answer isn’t too complex

It only means your marking X

To signify whom you will choose

To represent you and your views.

Daily News Headline: ABORTION STANDS PROVOKE CLERGY BOYCOTT: REFUSE TO VOTE

Family Life, one up for you

Not just because I share your view

But rather with your thoughts sincere

Hope on horizon does appear

At last someone is speaking out

It’s time we gave a little clout

To moral issues, took a stand

The thing was getting out of hand

A silence fell, a tranquil note

So few would dare to rock the boat

But now the pendulum swings back

Unchallenged, things got out of whack

A politician and his views

Have ways of getting in the news

It’s good therefore to see a stand

Against abortion on demand

Our churches must more vocal be

We’ve lived too long with apathy

Swing pendulum, slowly and long

Until the church again grows strong.

Daily News Headline: NDP runs second in low turnout byelection: Easy win for Crosbie

The vicious winds attacked without relent

Respecting not the age of thick-branched trees

Branches and tired trees it hurled at traffic

Clearly uprooted some, (saw two of these).

Clapboard, roofs unfinished houses challenged

But battle lost, as did the gulls in flight

The open sea, a wide-screen sense of movement

Of wind-whipped whitecap frenzy, awesome sight.

O schizophrenic wind, oft warm and gentle

And now so callous, cold, destruction bound

A nature element extreme in actions

Whose depths to probe serves only to confound.

Daily News Headline: THE THREE P’s (Permissiveness – Promiscuity, and the Pill – main factors in rising VD rate)

For St. John’s West district the voting is o’er

But through it a lot of groups now know the score

The Liberals message got re A.I.B.

“Don’t take us for granted,” they told the PC

Sincerity, hard work, and campaign worthwhile

Brought N.D.P. interest along in great style

Influence of churches was underlined too

But some in their thinking in this went askew

Despite opposition to issues, let’s note

It cost lives to get us the freedom to vote

Raise issues, make points, but let followup be

Loud and clear, forceful, with vitality

The person who didn’t vote lesson learned too

The other guy can’t do your voting for you.

Daily News Headline: FISHERY CRISIS

While scanning through some papers old

In archives, my eyes came to rest

On writings of Edgar A. Guest

In paper I as newsboy sold

The stanza following I chose

At random from the few I read

The ghost of Guest I give to you

On Temper, this is what he said.

“There never was a man in rage

Who cooling off was very proud

Of what he’d done before the crowd

When two in argument engage

I’ll back the fellow with the smile

Who seems to know what he’s about

Who has a temper hard to rile

And when he answers doesn’t shout.”

Daily News Headline: First the San Juan, now the Gabriella: NO INQUIRY

A club is hanging o’er our heads

As highway workers pose a threat

To strike same time as winter does

Through this results they hope to get

Should it occur in Newfoundland

It will the young people amaze

To be forced back to where we were

In well known isolation days

Who’s pushing this, the working man

Or is it someone at the helm

The effects could be serious

And many people overwhelm.

Daily News Headline: IS THIS BIGOTRY?

Will Hallowe’en on Sunday be

To hold it Monday is too late

Will it go back to Saturday

We at the moment speculate

There seems to be a certain thought

That Sunday isn’t all that right

If not, then who will give the word

To have it on Saturday night

Perhaps it matters not too much

It’s for the kids, some dress up fun

And based on past experience

There isn’t that much harm being done

But yet the question has been raised

Rather than two nights on the run

A change or not, let someone say

As long as we agree on one.

Daily News Headline: IT”S A MYSTERY!

The Board of Trade lays emphasis

On input to community

Encompassing most businesses

Suggesting strength in unity

This group comprised of businessmen

Reads consumers thermometer

Alert to ever-changing trends

It's also trade's barometer

It's very positive and theme

And wants to make us all aware

In joint interests of them, and us

The Board of Trade is always there.

Daily News Headline: Search and rescue in Newfoundland: Here it is!

Today marks the beginning of the Civil Marriage Act

Administering persons must discretion use and tact

Quite special is the privilege so given to perform

And to a standard very high these people should conform.

But yet one has to realize we are a bit behind

And with a little levity a comic comes to mind

Lil Abner by Al Capp which featured a ‘Marryin' Sam

Whose antics showed he liked to add a little bit of ham

Picture a couple all keyed up, excited, overjoyed

“Is this a workmen’s wedding, sir, or are you unemployed?”

Another wants some music played, would like a choir to chant

“The government will pay for this, of yes, you have a Grant”

A hasty wedding one requests “to finish up a bash”

“We must have prior notice, sorry can't be paid in hash”

Comments on the lighter side we hear of mayor Dot

Who knows from surplus headbands she may tie the nuptial knot.

Daily News Headline: Morgan says there’s got to be more: MONEY FOR MUN

Five hundred smackers is a lot

To pay out to some reprobate

Five hundred cents would be too much

No wonder people are irate

Without the facts we can condemn

The Mayor’s actions easily

But note she has comment declined

And what hear we from C.I.D.

She could with plain clothes men have worked

To bring about a quick arrest

Council agreed “no questions asked”

Did she put their word to the test?

Whatever circumstances be

The Mayor in this stands alone

And subsidizing criminals

Is something we cannot condone.

Daily News Headline: $617 MILLION FOR COME BY CHANCE: Have they got it?

On the fishery seen things are not looking good

And for this time of year not as good as they should

The South Coast is facing a closedown of plants

Even in Fermeuse there's not much of a chance

With quota used up redfish catch is taboo

For Canadians only, aren't things gone askew

What are the restrictions on foreigners' catch

It's time for encounter, a face to face match

We've kicked around this one, political style

Setting limitations of 200 mile

Which if to be meaningful and any good

Should be enforced strongly, and Canada should

Take action on foreigners straying off course

With Navy patrols fishing limits enforce

Action's the only answer, not bluff expertise

If we mean it we must get control of the seas

To set fishing limits is just the hee-haw

Unless it's enforced as a meaningful law.

Daily News Headline: Presidential election: CARTER AHEAD

The shortened days new hazards bring

A difference one hour can make

And motorists especially

Extra precautions now must take

One common fault this time of year

Is dusk driving with parking lights

If only drivers were aware

Such action causes many frights

For parking only, park lights are

For driving headlights should be used

When walking it is tough enough

Without with park lights being confused.

Daily News Headline: TRIZEC WANTS OUT (And here’s why……)

Are you young, energy galore

Have you got drive and zip

If what you like is doing things

Then take yourselves a trip

Tomorrow afternoon, downtown

The waterfront’s the spot

The story of your life may build

From such a simple plot

Militia people will display

Equipment, people, skills

You’ll hear of programs broad in scope

Of rifle ranges and drills

Of travels to the countryside

And travels overseas

Of music, sports, and social life

Of your own expertise

That comes from training you receive

Self discipline imposed

Much opportunity awaits

If doors are not kept closed

So open yours, and size it up

Make waves, investigate

I did, ten active years I spent

How did I find it? Great!

Daily News Headline: Minister suggests: TRIZEC IS WRONG (No delay in arterial road)

It's raining now, relaxed, I look outside

Into a gray late autumn afternoon

Onto a lawn where gathered drops of rain

Alight, wind carried, to a lilting tune.

And just beyond, two roof levels I see

From upper one to lower, raindrops fall

From lower one to man-made concrete walkway

In dancing patterns form the droppings all.

The drops themselves would not attention take

Without the gentle wind that made them dance

A rhythm lively, raindrops doing ballet

A windswept chorus in a fleeting glance.

Daily News Headline: This announcement could be made soon: ROWE VS ROBERTS

Mount Cashel tour, with Brother French as guide

Was reason for our eyes being opened wide

As new addition to this structure rare

Stood proudly as an answer to much prayer.

Refurbished was the edifice of old

Tucked neatly in its portals yet untold

Were stories of an orphaned group of boys

Who made it come alive with youthful noise.

And yet who learned from Christian Brothers there

The laws of life, entwined with earnest prayer

That in their loss of parent strength was found

Where fellowship and love freely abound

For dedicated man of Christian strength

For orphaned boys would go to any length

To help enrich their lives in any way

They're with us now, and still do it today.

They need is ever present, give a prayer

And give in other ways if you so care

For great the challenge, also agreed to the need

Me your contribution be your silent deed.

Daily News Headline: Daily News report confirmed: Rowe wants to be Lib. leader: Neary says Liberals in a rut

City Councillors please note

If necessary take a vote

If I, today, were one of you

I’d certainly express this view

Give one week’s parking free at first

The curious would quench their thirst

And learn to like this parking spot

Then John and Eric (oops – forgot)

Jim, Ray, and Brian, Dave and Dave

With Miller may some day get brave

And with Her Worship cast a spell

On all prospective clientele

The patronage would slowly build

Until in time the place was filled

But not at rates as you advance

The thing will never have a chance

Now after that first week why not

Add something to the little plot

By charging first hour fifteen cents

And then to help you meet expense

A quarter for each extra one

Then see that something else was done

For those who by week, month or year

Would rent, then you’d be in high gear

Even then it won’t go too well

Until someone builds a hotel

Next door above Atlantic Place

That’s how it is, if facts you face.

Daily News Headline: City may take Trizec to court: Special meeting Monday to discuss Trizec’s letter

One of the better known appeals

Is that for T.B. Christmas seals

With monies from the seals we bought

Were respiratory ailments fought

The struggle onward daily moves

And it, each one of us behooves

To do our bit, by what we give

Or, in the neighbourhood we live

A canvass make from door to door

To gather just a little more

At same time give people lift

Providing chance to give a gift

To this, a very worthy cause

Make them a T.B. Santa Claus

Unknown reward when someone feels

The benefit of T.B. seals.

Daily News Headline: IF CHARLES WEDS CATHOLIC PRINCESS, HE MUST: Forfeit the throne

The House was opened Friday past

And just as quickly closed

To justify a Christmas pay

Most everyone supposed.

In fourteen months they sat for four

And that was tough enough

These House Debates sometimes drag on

Makes very boring stuff.

For sake of talking members speak

Sometimes for hours on end

Why can't we have some true debate

And see good speaking trend.

The role of being M.H.A.

Looks better every day

Though some publicity adverse

I like the hours and pay.

Who knows I may yet joined the ranks

If I can take the stress

The deals not bad, in fourteen months

To get ten months recess.

Daily News Headline: STUNNING DEFEAT FOR BOURASSA: “Oui!” for Levesque and the P.Q.

At this time of year there are tickets galore

But in '76 something new is in store

The Atlantic Lotto soon gets underway

A venture that's guaranteed profits to pay

The fishermen's Scandal is still very hot

We must be sure what that has been, is not

Tight controls needed we warn in advance

Too serious is it to leave it to chance

The administration were checked carefully

But who'll check the checker, or is it checkee

For years advocating the lottery route

It's good to see such effort bearing good fruit

We are being provided a chance to win dough

In no time at all steady profits will show

To all fans of Lotto investing he

Means helping each other, and meantime good luck.

Daily News Headline: (Scared to use parking garage) Fear of mugging keeps women away

Today delegations to Ottawa go

Protesting abortion as such

What thought have you given to life before birth

Try this for a personal touch.

“What have I done to deserve such a fate

Why all the confusion and strife

Can't someone avert it before it's too late

I'm frightened of losing my life.

I'm made to the image and likeness of God

Complete as it being, but minute

Now I'll never know the experience of

Being cuddled in arms and called cute.

I'm nestled in comfort as nature designed

Beneath kindness' symbol, a heart

Society pressures my mother, she sighs

The decision must tear her apart.

Too late, it is time. There is naught I can do

I am only an infant in womb

How ironic the place my existence began

By deliberate act is my tomb.”

Daily News Headline: TURNAROUND AT ERCO (Productivity, morale, safety at record high)

So Steve the soloist stands by

Wild, wary and with watchful eye

Reform with Roberts rates rapport

Should Steve start now to settle score

We do suggest Steve isn't slack

What bright beacon will bring him back

Will Liberals this loquacious one

Take back as if a long lost son

Since jostling, juggling Joe has jumped

In trick or treat fashion has trumped

And rattled Roberts rivalry

We wonder as we wait and see

What wisdom will we witness next

Steve ponders privately, perplexed.

Daily News Headline: THE LINERBOARD MILL: Can they save it?

Danger! Caution! Oops! Beware!

The message must be always there

Where little kids are, adults please

Protect each darling one of these.

They bug you sometimes, understood

But ask yourself, are you that good

That others are not bugged by you

You get under people’s skin too.

You wouldn’t wish kids any harm

Remember that each little arm

Can reach much farther than you think

And damage be done in a wink.

Prescriptions, medicines and such

Should always be kept out of touch

Let care and caution guidelines be

To this responsibility.

Daily News Headline: Catholic school boards explain “morals” issue

Our youth have been a source of pride

When they to other places go

Sports or entertainment-wise

They guarantee a real good show.

In culture, drama, otherwise

They rate among the very best

New local posts of Allied Youth

To standards high can well attest.

Miss Mary Buckley stole the show

Through the States and coast to coast

At Allied International

Emerging with the highest post.

Her total knowledge of A.Y.

Her charm and poise, her talking skill

Above all her sincerity

Combined to merit her this thrill.

We wish her well the year ahead

May her accomplishments be great

To Allied Youth, to Mary B.

We’re pleased and we congratulate.

Daily News Headline: MUN administration accused of: FISCAL FAILURE (Two members of board of regents depart after battle with president)

How often it's said ask the busiest man

If something you need to get done

In this context traffic's most courteous folks

Are people always on the run

The drivers of trucks are a courteous lot

Those big tractor trailers you see

Have behind the wheels quite considerate men

With road manners gentlemanly.

I've noticed so often when they are in town

They give many people a break

While most of us in our slick late model cars

This moment or two will not take

But men of the road though they've schedules to meet

Think of others and oft to let them go

Perhaps to acknowledge the courtesies shown

We ourselves should some kindnesses show

We can't be as busy as man on the road

With certainly not the same stress

It they give a break where so many will not

It's all in one's nature I guess.

Daily News Headline: Liberal MPs boycott Nfld. caucus meeting

Santa Claus is getting nearer

Are your Christmas plans being made

Don’t forget Fourth of December

Jaycees Santa Claus Parade.

Route will be the same as last year

At Avalon Mall he’ll arrive

Then with music, floats and dancers

Move along Prince Philip Drive

Make your plans and dress the children

In a manner snug and warm

With a special word for parents

Who have children who perform

I met Santa Claus in person

He’s a robust, jolly man

With a warm spot for all children

For this day, boy, did he plan.

He’ll be there in bright new costume

Waving at the kids and you

Happy clowns there’ll be by dozens

Bring along those letters too.

Daily News Headline: Jamieson rips into Crosbie……

One need not be a seasoned sage

To see that lowered drinking age

Big problems for youth did create

When they cannot adulthood wait.

The limit down to nineteen years

Has brought much more heartache and tears

Than ever dreamed, each older kid

Brags to the younger what he did.

Or she, the pattern much the same

This growing up’s a tricky game

To be an adult their delight

But must it happen overnight

The mind may try, almost convince

But all youth systems truly wince

Being not ready, it’s just not fair

For such an onslaught one can’t prepare

While governments do legislate

What monsters do they sometimes create

Before the plight of youth grows worse

That drinking age we must reverse.

Daily News Headline: OUTLOOK ’77: drab and dreary but… There is hope (Marginal growth in 1977 but long term outlook optimistic)

It doesn’t take a second look

To sense the mood in Corner Brook

In droves are shoppers on the go

Since getting that half foot of snow

To quote two chaps named Ted and Roy

“Out our way it’s the real McCoy”

And they for many moments dwelt

On how they, Christmas spirit felt.

Now when you give it thought, well, hey,

It’s now less than a month away

And shopping days are scarcer too

So there’s a message there for you

As yet we haven’t got the snow

Which makes it easier to go

Let’s take advantage while we may

And enjoy every shopping day.

Daily News Headline: Selection committee reports Tuesday: Norman to be chief

The speculation daily grows as Bandeen comes to town

Will CN business get a boost or will he close it down

The pessimists going full tilt the outcome presuppose

The optimists, thought thorns they see, lost not sight of the rose.

Whatever outcome is to be service is our due

Despite whatever deals were made to put the highway through

The drive in ’65 was fine but it is fair to say

The rush job still leaves us with an inferior highway.

A public transportation is a must for Newfoundland

The people and their needs should be the only ruling hand

But persons we elect don’t always keep our needs in mind

With interest we await what Mr. Bandeen has designed.

Daily News Headline: TWO MINERS SURVIVE UNDERGROUND COLLAPSE: “A MIRACLE”

It’s difficult to drive these days on which I’ve written much

But Friday’s revelation tells me I’ve been out of touch

The latest menace on the road exceeds them all by far

So aptly he’s named Denis; yes, Dee Murphy drives a car.

This man who did in taxicabs a rear impression make

And never drove a car before, must really take the cake

Instead of watching pretty girls he eyes the yellow lines

Thanks to the efforts (Dee insists) of patient Kevin Hynes.

Through Young Drivers of Canada Dee learned the proper way

To take to streets and highways with the traffic of today

In traffic there are umpires too, so watch them closely Dee

We call them the Constabulary, or R.C.M.P.

Daily News Headline: THEY’RE TRYING TO PREVENT THE: Breakup of Britain

The Mount Pearl Council gets the nod

For common sense display

When street retarders troubles caused

They had them put away

They thought was good initially

Control to exercise

But side effects were quite adverse

Hence their decision, wise.

They could have stubbornly held on

Opposing views denied

But some you win and some you lose

Give them credit, they tried.

Daily News Headline: It’s an economic bright spot

The sending out of Christmas cards

Once thought the thing to do

Is going by the wayside fast

Since things have gone askew

The ever present threat of strike

Uncertainty presents

Should it prevail we may hail mail

One of our past events

Communications have improved

Through auto, air and phone

If postal service hassle grows

We could leave it alone

The sending out of Christmas cards

Meant much in yesteryear

But people who should want them now

May cause them disappear.

Daily News Headline: SEARCH, RESCUE STEPPED UP, BUT: Control stays in Halifax

The current heavy traffic flow

Just by its volume sets a trap

For auto-object accidents

Or some pedestrian mishap

As winter brings us hazards new

The time is prime to stop and think

On extra driving skills required

And loss of same through extra drink

The frosted windows we must count

As giving a restricted view

Should be cleaned far as possible

The message there for me and you

Is drive with special care this week

And keep it up all through the year

Vehicles lethal weapons are

This week’s message is loud and clear.

Daily News Headline: Gear Fraud: 15 suppliers to be charged

In warmth and comfort I now sit

As engines noisy background make

My seat belt fastened through the flight

For comfort and for safety sake

With storm in view, no morning sun

As we were pointed to the sky,

Through could we made a quick ascent

Now seas of cloud beneath us lie

The gentle fluffy-cotton look

Belies the turbulence of cloud

Our first sky is below us now

Above a sky of greyish shroud

On the horizon bands of blue

The presence of the sun denote

Through breaks in clouds we look below

At whitecaps as they slammed a boat

Which gave us a perspective new

To look at ourselves from afar

Important though we think ourselves

How insignificant we are.

Daily News Headline: ABORTION IN NEWFOUNDLAND: Fantastic growth (Over 200 cases in first half of this year…)

What is Christmas all about

Don’t tell me we forgot

The Santa Claus parade is o’er

It missed something. Guess what?

Not one single float was seen

That had a Christian touch

To give thought to the birth of Christ.

Is that asking too much?

The one whose day we celebrate

Completely was left out

As much as I love Santa Claus

What is it all about

Christian community wake up

The Christ-child should have been

The subject of at least one float

A quiet manger scene

To Christ in Christmas theme each day

We must give extra stress

A thought for someone’s float next year

Whoe’er it be, God bless.

Daily News Headline: City’s budget over $20 million for first time but… NO TAX HIKE FOR 1977

The float aspect of this parade

Should be a matter of concern

Even the unobservant one

Could very readily discern

The absence of the bigger names

Who takes the most with least return

The chain stores in the grocery line

The hefty names in merchandise

Conspicuous by absence were

We feel some obligation lies

To give back to community

Returns from firms we patronize

Just think about it for a jiff

As you your Christmas shopping do

The stores where you shopped yesterday

Did they have any floats in view

The big names couldn’t care that much

It’s all left to the faithful few.

Daily News Headline: JOINT VENTURES (We could have our first in 1977 – LeBlanc)

The construction of the Village, interesting!

The Arterial moving full steam ahead

The Donovans Industrial expanding

All around us we see people move the lead

Apartment buildings, houses being erected

Dispel the forecast of a year of gloom

Those in the know will busy be preparing

For future years when everything will bloom

Why is John Crosbie federally seated

Mark my words it all will come to pass

Expansion, moves, and other things we’ve noted

Are related to our offshore oil and gas.

Daily News Headline: B.C. Packers are pulling out

It’s long-john weather, sweater time,

Big boots, bulky clothes

Woolen socks and scarves and mitts

And double panty hose.

For motor cars it’s pretty rough

Too cold to give exhaust

Gas and oil lines frozen up

Compliments Jack Frost

But snow nor frost nor hailstones

Nor seven feet of slush

Will ever be deterrent to

The big pre-Christmas rush

In droves are people shopping

All over Newfoundland

As if it’s going out of style

It’s hard to understand.

Daily News Headline: Cuts, slashes, lops and drops: IT’S BALANCED!

It’s children’s Christmas concert time

Where some recite a little rhyme

Or others say their lines too fast

If in a Christmas play they’re cast.

The singing too of little tykes

Of which we’ve never heard the likes

Reaches the heart and not the ear

The little dears are so sincere

Each teacher has a real big heart

To see that each child gets a part

To play or act or sing or dance

Or just look cute in baggy pants

Despite the efforts made by all

In Christmas plays things go askew

And that’s what breaks the adults up

The things they weren’t supposed to do

If you have someone on the stage

In school performance taking part

Do go, forget the rushing ‘round

And you’ll find Christmas in your heart.

Daily News Headline: TAKE OVER SHEA HTS., WEDGEWOOD (It’s Murphy’s guess about Henley Report)

Toyland have a special place

Each store by store display

Can help the little kids decide

Their needs for Christmas Day.

Advertising on T.V.

Can drive the children mad

And so to see things as they are

They go with Mom or Dad

To Toyland where their oohs and ahs

Give Santa Claus a clue

To what they like the very best

For he knows what they do.

If curious on Christmas morn

Why price or name tags show

There’s something that the little folks

Should really truly know.

So many children need so much

Some live so far away

It sometimes is impossible

To fit all on his sleigh

That’s why we have department stores

To help Santa this way

And things you saw and liked a lot

He’ll get from their display

This lightens too the reindeer load

And makes a faster flight

To sleeping children everywhere

Each silent, holy night.

Daily News Headline: “FOOLISH VENTURES” AIDED: Who gets the money?

As usual in Newfoundland

We’re a few months behind

No Chief of Police have we yet

Why take so long to find

Replacements for retiring Chief

What can we now conclude

Does not this post merit being filled

Why such an interlude

Should not for such an active force

A person have been trained

While Mr. Lawlor held the reins

His expertise have gained

As countdown to retirement came

The build up should begin

And as Chief Lawlor closed his door

The new Chief moved right in

There should be waiting in the wings

Others to fill the role

Quite capable of taking o’er

Aspiring to that goal

With any business it should be

Why not our police force

Backward in going forward

For us that’s par for the course.

Daily News Headline: ALL SIGNS POINT TO: No halt to flu shots

By this time almost every year

We get the sense of Christmas cheer

Excitement of the young is great

And does the adults motivate

The decorating, Christmas lights

The open stores through all week nights

The ticket rush, the parties booked

Gets all of us on Christmas hooked

The smell of every home-baked cake

The time for others that we take

The party down at City Hall

The raffles with their special call

The sending out of Christmas mail

Carols, “Night before Christmas” tale

Combine to help us figure out

What Christmas time is all about.

Daily News Headline: Snowmobile mishap kills one; three injured

Motorists it seems have much in common

A good many have problems with their nose

One out of four at least have this affliction

Could be a sort of nervousness, I s’pose

But sure as every daily traffic tie-up

You’ll find the drivers strike a common pose

On armrest leaning, tapping to the music

Or finger exercising with their nose

It seems for some a real concerted effort

For more no depth at all, a nervous trait,

But either way, it is a driver habit

Though obviously not the most sedate.

Daily News Headline: Scientists say NO – LeBlanc, YES! = GREEN LIGHT FOR GULF REDFISH (To ban fishing could spell doom for Newfoundland south coast plants)

Dick Nolan hit on something good

Much better than he had planned

When he gave us Aunt Martha’s sheep

Theme song of Newfoundland

With Province credit ratings out

In all of Canada

We have to claim distinction with

The credit rating “Baa”.

Aunt Martha’s sheep you’ve pushed aside

The mascot known for years

The humble Newfoundland Dog now

Will be reduced to tears

Ewe pulled the wool over his eyes

Now all of Canada

Will easily identify

With credit rating “Baa”.

Aunt Martha’s sheep you’re pretty slick

This kind of thing to ram

A new flag we may see some day

It’s centrepiece a lamb

So all the world, and certainly

The rest of Canada

By looking at our flag will know

Our credit rating’s “Baa”.

Daily News Headline: SPRUCE BUDWORM PLAGUE: It’ll be far worse in 1977

The message of each Christmas

Is the same though eras change

Peace, good will and harmony

Are always within range

We lose a lot throughout the year

So often go off track

But Christmas is reflection time

A time for coming back.

May yours be one of happiness

Of love, and joy, and cheer,

Spent with thoughts of what it means

With those whom you hold dear.

The peace of baby Jesus

In your hearts and homes be felt,

Touched with the same humility

Of Shepherds as they knelt.

Daily News Headline: It’s in January: POWER RATES GO UP AGAIN

Santa I’m excited

You will be here tonight

Mom tucked me in with a kiss

And said I must sleep tight

Was I a bad boy, Santa

I did smack Jimmy Brown

And I’m the one who pushed down

All that pile of shirts downtown.

Was I a bad boy Santa

To pull my sister’s hair

But she stood on my telephone

I told her “Don’t you dare”

Why am I crying Santa

I did the best I could

Aren’t I just idle, Santa

Ask Dad who gets his slippers

And who answers the phone,

Who helps Mom tidy up sometimes

Who gives the dog a bone.

I do my best, dear Santa

And any little toy

You have to spare, please don’t forget

Love, from a little boy.

Daily News Headline: For speeding drivers in St. John’s: THEIR RECORDS COUNT

The music from the Christmas sky

As helicopters drifted by

Gave folks a lift on Christmas Eve

While they through shopper maze did weave

An extra thought of me and you

From boys of search and rescue crew

Which prompts the thought; as we enjoyed

The Christmas Day, there were employed

The rescue type of land and sea

Hospital staffs, emergency

So many people working shift

Their homes would leave to give a lift

To those entrusted to their care

And Christmas spirit with them share

Police and watchmen, wardens too

Ambulance drivers and their crew

The firemen, with whom we are blessed

The weekend past were quite hard pressed

Press, radio and T.V. crews,

Think of them all, step in their shoes

And all too clearly you will see

That others work diligently

And many sacrifices make

Some, while we rest, are wide awake

To service give, truly we’ve found

A Christmas spirit does abound

To all such people, workers all

Bus drivers, taximen and all

A special thanks for jobs well done

May your days be filled with fun

Daily News Headline: Bodies can’t be identified: MASS BURIAL LIKELY

A tragic circumstance, a province mourns

A concentrated loss of human life

Over a score of families to share

Through common loss, intensity of strife.

What can we do? It behooves us all

Our thoughts with loved ones, whom we know, to share

A comfort be, to ease memories haunting

A Christian be, to think of them in prayer.

At Christmas time, a new dimension dawns

It accents more this type of tragedy

Where fire consumes and lifetime is no more

A page turned in book of humanity.

A threshold crossed for those who are no more

A sensitive awareness for bereaved

The impact, cause for action, understanding,

God’s wonderous ways we have not yet perceived.

Daily News Headline: Nursing homes need 24-hour security, professiona staff: LOVING CARE IS NOT ENOUGH

The curtain’s coming down upon another passing year

It brought to many laughter, and to others brought a tear

For some came disappointments much elation others found

It had its lighter moments and its moments quite profound.

We look back on the part we played, objectively, of course

Could our role have been better done, did we use each resource

The new year looming challenges a better life we plan

And by comparison with this should be much better than.

Daily News Headline: AFTER MIDNIGHT TOMORROW, FOREIGN FISHING FLEETS: MUST OBEY OUR LAWS