April

Having a Great Time!
Wednesday, 1st…Great holiday! I didn’t go to Fox’s Harbour due to the weather. Had a good game of cards with Tim at the Nursing Station with other entertainments. I put a new throttle cable on the old cruiser. Great!

2nd…It’s now 10.45 a.m. and I’m lying in bed looking out towards the School in Mary’s Harbour. I’ll fill in on the details of the past few days:I went to White Point with Dan Campbell, Nurse Jean Skelly, Chris Haynes, Tim Acey, Pete Manson and Sue Munro. We arrived in White Point at about two o’clock and we all had a good look round whilst the Nurse, Dentist and Sue went about their work. It’s a Government Weather Station situated on an island which makes it like a prison for the 12 workers based there. I played a few games of snooker with Ed O’Brien and Grade 4 Kirby Ross Bradley. Kirby doesn’t have a teacher except for his sister who has a Grade XI. From White Point we went to The Lodge where Chris is the V.S.O. We all had supper at Frank Pye’s. After supper we came back to Mary’s Harbour. My cruiser doesn’t have a light but I managed O.K. by driving in the light between the other two skidoos. Yesterday was uneventful except that I didn’t go to Fox harbour. I didn’t mind that one little bit with great attractions elsewhere.

Friday 3rd…Last night I went over to Lodge Bay for “The Tyme”. We reached there at about 10.00 p.m. and I didn’t lay my weary head down to rest until 5.00 a.m. this morning. I was up at 7.30 a.m. taking Tim into Mary’s Harbour to collect his bag from Rev Lewis’s. I also took him back to reach The Lodge by 9. 30 a.m. only to find that he’d been left behind by the Henley Harbour crowd! He’s got to get down by Monday. I’ve also got to get back to PHS by Monday. It’s snowing heavily now and the fine weather has come to an end. Just as I was leaving Lodge Bay to come back here to Mary’s Harbour, my spark plug blew out and after a couple of hours of work I reached Mary’s Harbour having given Chris a lift out to Long Pond where he was going to do some wood – cutting for Reverend Lewis. When I got here I went and had a rest for an hour or so this afternoon after dinner at Fate and Paul Bradley’s at Lodge Bay. Due to odd sleeping hours I feel “fooled up” and before long I’m off to bed for the night. I plan to go home tomorrow with Ivan and Jesse Green. I certainly hope the weather clears up because it’s blowing a storm out now.

4th…After breakfast this morning I went down to the Nursing Station on my cruiser and stayed to a lovely dinner with Sue, Margaret and Jean. It consisted of liver, carrots, turnips, peas, potatoes, gravy, jelly and coffee. After dinner I said goodbye and left Mary’s Harbour with two other skidoos driven by Ivan (carrying Jesse) and Baxter (carrying Linda Russell.) After some trouble with my forward cylinder on the cruiser we got under headway. The going was fairly good but I managed to get bogged down on more than one occasion because the cruiser doesn’t ride on the snow so well as the skidoos. Having left Mary’s Harbour at 2.45 p.m. we all arrived here at about 7 o’clock. This long time was caused by the trouble with my old machine. Anyways, it got me here safely. I had supper of potatoes and gravy in the house and then went on the cruiser down to Pete’s. Believe it or not, the fellah has stayed here all week. He’s had attacks of sickness recently. Poor bloke. After a wonderful, wonderful week’s holiday I close for the night. Before I go, I’d like to mention how Kimberely greeted me,
“Wernie’s back!”

The following article was written by Tony Williamson, Field Worker for the Extension Service, Memorial University.
The Unknown Labrador
“When Labrador is mentioned in Newfoundland, most people have visions of the great new modern iron ore mining towns and the huge hydro-electric development of Churchill Falls. A few people also think of Goose Bay, of the military base there and the possibility of pulp cutting. Still fewer people think of the coast, and when they do it is a vision of Eskimos and Indians hunting and trapping in the time honoured tradition. Ferry and road connections are now placing the Straits section of the Labrador on the map and in the minds of a few tourists. That section of the Labrador Coast which stretches from Southern Gross Water Bay to Henley Harbour, however, remains an unknown entity save for the Newfoundland Stationers and Floaters who traditionally fish there. If thought of at all, it also is imagined as the homes of the Eskimos. Little wonder that the 3,000 people, scattered in ten winter communities and some 30 fishing settlements, have a feeling of frustration and neglect. Isolation, poorly developed communications, few community services, the exploitation of a feudal mercantile system combine to keep this region one of the least known and least developed sectors of the province. Yet this part of the southern coast of Labrador is not devoid of human and natural resources. The people who think of themselves simply as Labradorians and are usually called Livieres, come mainly from Scottish and English stock, with some Eskimo or Indian blood from three or four generations back. They are primarily fishermen, though agood many continue to excel as hunters and trappers. Many are excellent carpenters and boat builders. They are among the dying breed of people who can do nearly everything manual and mechanical more than reasonably well. Their resources, manly in the sea, include codfish, salmon, trout, herring and seals. On the land are fur bearing mammals and some of the last great stands of undeveloped timber. In a good year the average catch of codfish per fisherman is between 100 and 200 quintals and gill nets and long liners are augmenting cod trap fishing. The salmon stocks have been declining in recent years but some men still manage to catch 20,000 lbs. In a season. Sealing has not entirely disappeared. Last winter the Cape St. Charles people netted 350 seals with simple shoal nets. Trapping also had a revival due to the increase in prices of long haired furs. Some men earned up to $1500 with only casual trapping. Prices paid for these activities still remain well below those in Newfoundland, however. Last summer (1968) salt bulk fish brought on the average $8.50 per quintal while salmon brought only 32c per lb for large and 20c per lb for small.Also facilities are still lacking. There are no bait depots or fish plants on the coast. The fishermen have little or no choice in marketing their products.
One of the unique aspects of life on the southern Labrador coast is the continued seasonal migration of families from winter homes in forested bays to summer stations on the headlands and islands. Some families in Sandwich Bay still have three homes, their summer places are divided between salmon catching berths in the Bay and cod fishing berths on the outer islands. These migrations are a deeply entrenched part of their social lives as well as an economic necessity. In St. Michael’s Bay and Lodge Bay the school teachers move out in the spring with the families to conclude the school year. It is a dramatic sight: the spring convoy of skidoos (which have nearly entirely replaced dogs in southern Labrador) towing komatiks loaded with household goods, mothers, babies and puppies, nestled in a tent covered komatik coach box.But as major winter communities receive electricity, modern schools, and other services, there is pressure to discontinue the seasonal migrations of families. The smaller settlements of 20 families or less are also finding it difficult to survive. Only Cartwright and Mary’s Harbour of the 10 winter villages are served by electricity.Isolation and lack of education have muffled the voices of need and frustration. But as communications, transportation (there are still no roads), and education improves, the people are beginning to discover a unity in common problems and a common voice through co-operation. Through the assistance of The Extension Service of Memorial University, the southern Labradorians came together in two meetings, at Cartwright in November and Mary’s Harbour in April. In November problems were identified, in April solutions were sought. The people elected to seek ways of solving their own problems through cooperative effort in The Coastal Labrador Regional Development Association. There is cautious hope that southern Labrador will no longer be unknown and underdeveloped.”
“Decks Awash”, Volume 1, Number 4, February 1970

Sunday 5th, 9.30 a.m….I’m just waiting for my breakfast. Up at Mary’s Harbour, in the Coish’s home, I was treated like a guest with a good variety of food. For example, for breakfast yesterday I had two eggs, bacon, toast, marmalade, orange juice and coffee. Mind you, I did stay there without payment of any kind except for a promise of my “Polaroid” sunglasses to Mr. Bert Coish.

Benefiting From My Holiday
The weather from the time I left here on Sunday until yesterday has been glorious and I couldn’t possibly have got anything better. I’ve had a marvellous, super, tremendous, fabulous Easter holiday – one I’m going to remember for years to come. (Why did Pete stay here all Easter I wonder? I suspect it was to do with my money.)

A Fresh View on Life out Here
I think that the holiday has given me a fresh perspective on life here. It’s made me see, for certain, that Port Hope Simpson is one of the poorer settlements on the Labrador, especially when it’s compared with Mary’s Harbour. The Nursing Station (I. G. A.) has a profound effect on the whole of Mary’s Harbour because IGA owns all the land in The Harbour and it has set down rules of cleanliness for the Labradorians. I didn’t see any piles of tin cans outside anybody’s house like you see outside almost every house in Hope Simpson. All rubbish is piled on the ice in the harbour ready for the break – up when it will sink. The people here need education in so many different walks of life. I’m sure my holiday has left me ready to live here for another few months without too many complaints. I’m very pleased that I managed to get my holiday outside this place. I’m off to pay a visit to the shoreline and to return my cruiser.

I’m off to bed now (9.15 p.m.) having just returned from Stephen’s where I stayed for supper. ($35 for the cruiser which was very good.)

The Money Saga
Monday 6th…I’ve just had breakfast and Scott told me that Reverend Lewis was up here yesterday afternoon and told him about my money. Scott knows who took it although Reverend Lewis didn’t tell him in so many words. Anyways, enough of this badness in people.

Meeting to Organize “The Tyme”
The weather this morning is overcast with slight snow showers. This doesn’t dampen my spirits in the least and I can safely say that I’m quite ready to start School again. I can attribute this prepared state of mind to the wonderful holiday I had over Easter. Scott told me this morning that they plan to go to Mary’s Harbour on Saturday and I’ve offered to help him get his wood on Saturday and he accepted! Boy, I wish I had a pail in my room like I had up at Mary’s Harbour. A great comfort! It’s now 12.45 a.m. and I’ve just written a letter after returning from a meeting over at the School to organize “The Tyme” on Thursday. I’ve just finished six posters. Only six people were there. School went well. Pete was “sick” with “schoolitis”. It’s past my bedtime so I’ll close.

Advertising “The Tyme”!
7th…The weather today is sunny with a clear blue sky. Just like the weather I had over Easter. I’ve finished all my posters and distributed them to the stores where my handiwork will be on display. I’ve also made a poster for Claude to put on his skidoo since he’s going to Mary’s Harbour tonight to broadcast The Tyme which will mean Wednesday afternoon off School and also all day Thursday. That doesn’t bother me because it’s out of my control but it seems a loss to the kids. Oh well, I might as well enjoy myself. My dinner is just being served so I’ll close for the moment. It’s now 5.15 p.m. and that dinner I had was a proper Newfoundland one of fish, grease and potatoes. Cake for afters as usual. I enjoyed it as much as possible.

“Learning the Ropes” About Teaching
At the moment I feel rather upset because of a discipline problem with Charles Russell. Brazen young whippersnapper. That’s what I don’t like about teaching. That it’s sometimes a teacher – pupil battle. Some of the kids will continually challenge my authority and it’s as much as I can do to keep control. I intensely dislike getting angry in class. It is most definitely teaching me about controlling my temper.

Back into Life at PHS Again
I’ve just lugged in the wood because Scott has buzzed off to Mary’s Harbour with “the crowd” who went over for the wedding. He should be back tonight. Claude’s off to Mary’s Harbour after supper whilst I’ll be off up to Margaret and Rube’s to see about this bearskin they’ve got up there. Well, I’ve slipped back into the rut of life out here in only two days. It’s not really a rut because there’s The Tyme to look forward to on Thursday. Also I won’t be teaching tomorrow afternoon but I expect to be working harder getting games ready in the School. Pete and Austin have gone in the woods to cut some firewood. More a lark about than anything else I fancy. He’s O. K……I suppose. Boy, I wish I could be more enthusiastic about Pete. Scott said that the thief would have been sent home if it had happened earlier. Oh well, I’m glad Pete wasn’t sent home because of me, because I still feel that he didn’t deserve that punishment although at times since my money loss he’s made me wonder. Like today when he kicked up a fuss about me using a piece of his cardboard on which he’d drawn something. I’d used it for a poster for Claude’s skidoo. It’s 10.55 p.m. and I’ve just returned from Stephen’s where I left 20 odd diarrhoea tablets. Stephen’s sick.

An Extra Charge for the Skidoo!
After supper I changed my $157 and went up to Ron Penney and handed over an extra $48 for the skidoo belt that I’d worn thin! Then I went to Rube’s where I bought from Eldrid, Rube’s son, a small bearskin for $20. Rube’s gone to Occasional Harbour to cut wood for the summer. No more news. I’m dog – tired and off to bed now.

Preparing for the Tyme
8th…I’ve just had my seal, turnip, potato and prune dinner. There isn’t any School this afternoon because it has to be prepared for The Tyme. There’s a good bit of work ahead but I don’t intend “sweating my guts out” for the people. It’s very difficult to get anybody to do anything around here. Everybody just waits until somebody else takes the initiative. The weather today is overcast and at the moment (1.15 a.m.) I don’t feel like doing anything much.

The Local News…
One thing I’ve just realized about Scott, Rita and Betty is that they can just keep on talking about small things. There’s been an absolutely massive event in their eyes in this house because the cat has given birth to five kittens! That will be big news here for the next week at least. Another piece of “big news” is that Scott is now hauling firewood. I wonder how long it will be before he’s hauled all his wood out.
I managed to do some work over at the School after dinner – drawings etc. for the games. I’ve just had a brief read and a snack. Actually I bumped into Ed who was doing just the same as me in Edgar’s store – buying a lunch to have with a read. There are quite a few people in here tonight especially from Rexon’s Cove. There are more expected tomorrow if the weather clears up because it’s stormy outside tonight. After supper I went to El’s to Pete’s to Nath’s to Uncle Bob’s and then home. Quite enjoyable going cruising. I’m off to sleep now. Incidentally, Pete hasn’t lifted a finger to help with The Tyme – lazy slob.

The Tyme is a Dud!
Thursday 9th…It’s now 5.25 p.m. and I’ve just been having a read and a rest after returning from the School that’s been closed for the day. The weather has been very poor with wet snow and so The Tyme hasn’t come to much so far. I was over there this afternoon to hold a few games but it was pointless staying with only a few kids fooling around. I collected 75c on the Darts, Rings and Bean Bags! My jeans and socks were soaking wet so I didn’t stay there very long. Oh well, I’ve had a sort of a holiday and at least I’ve done some work for The Tyme as well.I’ve just done a “rubbing” from the front plate damper on the woodstove (see earlier diagram.) It’s done on a piece of Pete’s typewriter paper which I got from over at the School. It’s now 11.30 p.m. and I’m just going to bed. After supper and a chat with Jerry Wintzell from Charlottetown I went up to Stephen and Sandra’s.

My Bearskin’s a Cub’s!
I fetched a barrel of water from Rube’s for them and collected my bearskin. It looks some good hung beside my bed. Rube shot it 12 springs ago. It’s a cub. I showed it to Aunt Maude, Mrs. Wood and then came back here for bed. Today didn’t see a plane and tomorrow will see another day off School for The Tyme which should go ahead then. Races start at 9.30 a.m. provided the weather is good. Stephen is better now.

10th…I’ve just had breakfast and I don’t plan to do anything much today. The weather is overcast, mild and raining which means there won’t be a Tyme and races to speak of. Claude said last night that there wasn’t going to be any school today and the races were going to be held if the “weather was at all suitable.” Well, so much for that.

Bertrand Russell, a Great Philosopher, has Died
Two days ago I read Bertrand Russell’s obituary. This man was 97 years of age and in the prologue to his first autobiography, published in 1967, he claimed,
“Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge and unbearable pity for the sufferings of mankind.”
This man had the ability to psycho – analyze himself which is something I wish in a way I could do. His great liking and ability in Mathematics probably had a large part to play in accounting for this ability.

Navel - gazing
When I look at myself I see that I don’t particularly excel at anything except being friendly. I’m sure that I’ll be happy no matter what I do as long as I’m doing something which holds my interest whether it be drawing, writing, reading, making articles of furniture or playing rugby! I feel very confident that I will be leaving PHS in the knowledge that I’ll be leaving people who will think, ”Oh yes he was a very nice man.” I also feel I will have accomplished something indescribable by the time I will have returned to England.. No, it’s not indescribable. It’s a feeling of inner satisfaction that I will have helped these poor people even if it is in my infinitesimally small way! It makes me feel happy and contented with myself if not with things around me. One thing I’d like to note is that Bertrand Russell made a mess of his love–life having had four different wives. I wonder if that accounts for the rather estranged look on the man’s face in his picture. It’s wonderful easy to make a slip in the choice of your life – long partner. That’s all I’ve got to say here on the matter.

The Tyme is on…
It’s now 7.05 p.m. and at the moment Sam and Dora are up here chatting. Sam’s drinking (as usual). At about five o’clock I went down to the School “to lend a hand”. I was in charge of the log tossing and I collected $4.61. Hub Burden heaved the log the greatest distance. I’ll be “off down” to the School “the once”. Sam has just been sitting on my bed chatting with me and he said he’s never seen a sealskin like the shape of mine. He also said that he has skinned more seals than anybody in The Bay. He’s a nice fellah who sadly is without children. Both of them want kids. It’s now 1.30 a.m. and I’ve just returned from The Tyme over at our (for the first time) electrically lit School. I was helping Redge Russell collect money and give out the tickets (“big machines”) at 75c for adults and 35c for children. I had a supper over there and was very close to my first witnessing of a fight. It was between Guy Burden, Stan Penney, Stan Campbell and Bob Strugnall. Nothing more than a skirmish after Bob took a swing at Guy who had been put out mainly by Don Burden – quite exciting! There was a good bit of dancing going on over there and I helped make some ice – cream. Prizes for the day were given out by the Principal of the Anglican School who was certainly “feeling his drink” as Redge said to me. He’s got no right to be Principal sleeping with his girlfriend and drinking like a fish – stupid. Today has appeared to be “wonderful” long because I wasn’t teaching. I’ve been helping out with The Tyme whilst Pete has been sick – true or false? I’m off to bed now with a closing note about the weather. Today has been very mild with rain falling all day. It’s now stopped and it’s very wet and slushy underfoot. Well yet another holiday tomorrow.

Saturday 11th…
Living at the level of his/her indigenous colleagues – that is what a V.S.O. must do. Blast! A dash to the forest this morning meant me filling my Wellingtons with wet snow. Scott and Rita are having a lie – in after The Tyme last night. Its overcast this morning and I don’t suppose we’ll be lucky enough to see a mail plane but you never know what’s going to happen out here until it’s actually happening. I’d like to get some mail this morning. It seems like a long time since I heard anything from home. I hope it’s not my turn to write. Maybe their letters have gone via Australia and hence the huge delay. Well, I have absolutely nothing lined up for today which is quite nice although I expect to go out visiting somewhere. Maybe I will or maybe I won’t, as yet I haven’t decided. I think I’ll write some more about The Tyme.

The Tyme in More Detail
The closest English equivalent I can think of is a social where supper is served and dancing goes on. At 7.00 p.m. last night the women started serving suppers to anybody who wanted one. That cost was covered by the entrance fee. All the women had made soup, cakes and sandwiches which they brought down. Whilst suppers were being served in Pete’s end of the School the Fox Harbour crowd were doing most of the Morris dancing at my end. The partitioning boards had been taken down between Pete’s classroom and my own. The Fox Harbour crowd has got a reputation as good dancers around these parts and Lawrence Rumbolt in his stripped trousers looked as if he was enjoying every minute of it. I don’t think anything appears to be very good when a person has had a part to play in the organization of the event.

Rest and Relaxation
Yesterday I managed to score 400 pts. on the 2.2s with 500 pts. (five bulls) by Cliff Rumbolt being the highest score. I also managed to organize the log – throwing and two races. Pete wasn’t over at all for the whole event because he was “sick.” I’m glad that I helped out over there. It’s now 12.25 a.m. and I’ve just returned from the restaurant where Pete actually turned up to play pool with myself, Scott, Alt and later Austin Ward and Harvey Kippenhuck. I’ve had quite a good evening. After dinner I went out and cleared some wood with Scott and then I cruised to Stephen and Sandra’s where I fetched a bucket of water for them. When Stephen returned from the Post Office with Jonathan I had very interesting chats with him which ended with my staying to supper. After supper I went down to Pete’s where the inevitable “120” was in progress between Pete, Austin, Jim Penney and Harry. Harry didn’t have his cap on which brings him luck. I then went down to Bill Kippenhuck’s with Henry and then down to the restaurant where I had some chips fried by Albert Hiscock and bought some for others. I stayed there all evening playing pool, chatting and listening to Harry Hibbs amongst others on the juke box. Great fun!

Reading and Thinking
12th…It’s now almost dinnertime and I’ve been reading “Anna Karenina” all morning. I’d just like to put this quote down where I won’t lose it:
“Levin is a faithful reflection of Tolstoy himself.”
(Introduction)
Levin says, “This whole world of ours is nothing but a speck of mildew, which has grown up on a tiny planet.”
I just took a fancy to that sentence although I disagree when Tolstoy wrote that everything is of no consequence because death is the end of everything. Everybody’s life is everlasting because they live on in somebody’s memory. Even when the next generation perishes they pass on their attributes gained from their parents. So in that way life is everlasting.

In Good Spirits
I am all ready for bed having successfully accomplished my bath! I’ve been reading all day today. The only time I went out was with Scott for a game of pool, (which I won!) and to Mrs. Ward’s from where I’ve just returned after “lunching.”
Today has been relaxingly happy which is very nice. I’m just worried about the sty on my left eye that hasn’t disappeared yet. I wonder what’s causing it. I’ve been wonderfully happy since my return from Mary’s Harbour. Everything just seems to be so good to me. The weather has cleared tonight and it’s frosty at the moment. I wonder when the mail plane will come. I think I might take my film down to the Post Office tomorrow sometime. Possibly after School. Nothing has happened today except that I’ve progressed with “Anna Karenina”. It’s an enjoyable book but its style is circumlocutory I fancy.

13th…I’ve just been reading “A.K.” again and it’s more than just good to me now. School went O.K. except I kept Austin Penney and Douglas in ‘till 5.00 p.m. for not doing a punishment of not too long ago. Kids are little torments too much of the time but I still call teaching a very good career. Monday morning is never the best time during a school week. I’m sure that’s true for any teacher. I’ve just had a nice supper of soup, fruit and custard which was very tasty. Pete had spaghetti on three pieces of toast for his supper. When I came out from School I went to Pete’s after taking some film down to the Post Office.

Charlie Ward: A True Man
Charlie was knitting a net in the “kitchen” and he certainly is very skilled at it. He jokingly said, “The Lord made us fellahs to do jobs like that.” He’s a very nice man with half a grade of Kindergarten for an education. I‘ve had some very interesting chats with him on religion and he holds just the same sort of compromised views on God as myself. I feel that I can live just as good a life as anybody without forcing myself to believe in God.

Haircut Time for Pete
I am going to give Pete a haircut “the once”. I’ll put my very much admired wellies on because it’s still wet underfoot and overcast! It’s now bedtime again and I gave Pete quite a professional haircut. I had a long game of “120” at Pete’s with Harry, Henry and Pete. Hen and Pete “bait” (beat or won!) Then I had a relaxing rock by the fire and returned home to write a letter to Mr. O. Forsey in Main Brook enquiring about the wood boats.

Scott and Family off to Mary’s Harbour
It’s very cold out tonight and Scott and family are off to Mary’s Harbour tomorrow morning. I wonder if tomorrow will see a mail plane. I’ve got to get my letter down to the Post Office – blast, what a drag! No more “news” so I’ll close for the night.

Tuesday 14th…I awoke this morning to find Scott and Rita making preparations for their ride to Mary’s Harbour. They left with Becky Penney this morning and I came home to light the fire and get my dinner despite Scott telling me that I could go “up the other house” (Uncle Jack Burden’s). I had a “bean feast”. Washing – up successfully completed I returned to afternoon School and after keeping a few behind I went over to Pete’s. From there we went down to the Post Office on Charlie’s skidoo (unpaid for, according to Scott) where I handed in Mr. Forsey’s letter. After a short chat with El we returned and I stayed at Pete’s for my corn beef hash and peaches supper. It was very nice. From there I have just returned to keep an eye on the fire that I lit when I when I dropped in with Pete on leaving School. When I went to Edgar’s to buy a few things Doug said, ” You’re shacking it on your own.” That means I’m living on my own which I don’t mind a little bit either. I feel quite proud that Scott has left the care of his house in my hands. At the moment there is enough wood in and just about enough water.
Mrs. Cook said that the Nurse will be coming in on Thursday and she (Sandra) will be going out on the next plane. The mail plane was heading for Black Tickle today but had to turn back because of freezing rain. It’s quite mild out now and “the going is good” because a couple of nights of frost has dried up “the slush.” It’s quite easy walking about now with only a scattered slight snow shower falling from the overcast sky. The sky hasn’t been clear for quite a while now. I just fancy writing some general comments in “this ‘ere book.” It must spoil the reading of it as a whole but who cares?

A View of England from Labrador
I’m pretty sure that about three months of my year out here can be classed as a settling – in period. Really to do a good job of work as a VSO one year is too short a period of time. I don’t think I’ve done badly considering everything and I’m certain that I will have “done my bit” in helping some people who aren’t so lucky as myself. I know I will be leaving a lot of friends behind me in PHS when I leave and from that point of view I will be sad to leave this place. I don’t fancy spending more than one year out here because England appears to be such an attractive country when viewed from across the Atlantic. One of the many impressions that I have about England from here is that it is a very, very well – serviced country. It is well served by road, rail, water and air traffic and never again will I grumble about late buses or late trains because they are there and serving the people. Well to be perfectly truthful I expect I will grumble but I certainly won’t when I think of life out here.
All the institutions, government and otherwise are so much more accessible to the people in England than they are to the people out here. The crux of the matter I that England is a much smaller country than Canada and she has surmounted the problem of communications (to name only one problem of this new country) that Canada has not yet managed to do. At least that Newfoundland has not yet managed to do. This is a “New Country.”

Ready for Battle with the Labrador Night
I’m changing the subject yet again to note that this house is ready to “do battle” with the Labrador night. I’ve just cleaved and lugged in the wood after Claude “came down” and sawed up three sticks for me. He’s cleaving the wood for his lodging house as I write this. He ought to as well because as he admitted to me, he doesn’t pay anything to stay there. Well, I don’t know what I’m going to do tonight. I think I’ll just stay in and have a quiet read in my bed. At least I’ll have a white light to read by because I’ll put the gas lamp on the table in my room. I almost forgot I have a piece of news.

The Dangerous Furnace at School
At “Recess” today (10.30 a.m.) the furnace in my room decided to start leaking and spread burning oil under the School. It was very dangerous and Claude and I went up to Pete’s room to find something to smother it with. Claude got a mop and with the ice – cream freezer full of water he managed to successfully damp out the flames. That furnace is too dangerous for my liking.

Living Alone at the House
15th… Last night was the first night that I’ve slept alone in the house. I found it very nice and much, much more relaxing. I got up at 8.15 a.m. and lit the fire for the second time since I went to bed. The first time was at about 4.00 a.m. I don’t know why I bothered to light it then. Maybe I thought it would stay in until I had to get up. My own cooked breakfast was the nicest I’ve had since my last trip to Mary’s Harbour. I had orange juice, egg and beans, toast and marmalade and coffee. It went down very well. I did the washing – up before I went over to School. I’m really finding out what it’s like to live by myself. I expect the novelty will wear off. It’s great to feel so independent. As I write this (8.05 p.m.) I expect to spend another night alone here because the family isn’t yet back. Scott took my advice of taking a few days over the trip. It wouldn’t be much of a trip if he only spent one night up there.

The Mail Plane has arrived!
School went O.K. today in the knowledge that I can collect my mail tomorrow (40 bags arrived). Wednesday is the holiday for the Postmaster (Eldrid Penney).He will have sorted it today ready for collection tomorrow. I haven’t heard from home since before Easter. I wonder what Mum thought of Jennifer Jane (my sister’s daughter)? The mail plane was leaving this place just as I got out to light the fire at 8.15 a.m. It’s very easy to light because I use some of the white gas in the “Javex” bottle.

Trying to Improve My Nutrition
For dinner I had a mixture of beef stew and vegetable soup with only three pineapple cubes for afters. I ate too many last night! I came home at 4.20 p.m. to get supper, calling in at Edgar’s on the way to buy a tin of spaghetti, a tin of pineapple and a can of soft drink. My supper was a repeat of dinner with a full dish of pineapple this time! I’m also finding out what it’s like to “live out of cans.” It’s very convenient to just open a tin of something and heat it up. Before I washed up the supper dishes I had a quiet read on my bed, sawed then clove up three sticks. I used a “buck saw” which I found quite a strain for the first stick. The old – timers must have put up with a great many hardships in their life out here. A great many hardships are still put up with out here today. The Labrador has been called by V.S.O. the most pioneering area served by volunteers. The weather has been slightly overcast for most of the day clearing away to give a crisp, clear, frosty evening. The snow on the road has just about the same consistency as school semolina. It looks like semolina as well.

The Sty on My Eye!
The only thing that really bothers me is this blasted sty on my lower left eyelid. I think I’ll ask the Nurse about it if she comes in tomorrow. I expect to see them in because the weather is good at the moment. That’s not much to go by though because the weather can change incredibly fast. It’s going to be very cold tonight.

Politicians Take Over My Classroom!
Just before the start of afternoon School today my classroom had been taken over by the notables in this settlement. It was a meeting called by a smooth – talking man to get delegates to go to the Progressive Conservative (P.C.) Convention in St. John’s on May 3rd. The P. C. s is one of the two main political parties in this Province. The other one being the Liberals. Claude’s name was put forward by Bart to go as a delegate from here. It’s an expenses – paid holiday for the delegates. They get an allowance of $10 as well as having a place at a hotel in St. John’s. It all appears to be a very smoothly run political operation to get people in to cast their vote for one of the seven people trying to become the leader of the P. C. s. The May 3rd Convention is to choose a new leader for the party.

Thursday 16th…
Scott and Family are Back
The family came back at about ten o’clock last night. I was just having a lunch when they all came in. I greeted them all warmly. Scott now has a new “Power-lite” power saw ($135 marked on it) that he brought from Mary’s Harbour. Ivan is going to Churchill Falls today on the Power Commission plane. His wages will be a minimum of $2.60 per hour. It’s now 11.15 p.m. and bedtime. I’ve just had a lunch at Pete’s where I’ve been all evening after dropping off a map to Vic Russell at Uncle Bob’s.

Family Rivalries in PHS
School went O.K. with a discipline problem assembly at 10.30 a.m. the Butts (R. C. s) think they are being discriminated against but it’s the parents who are at fault. Family rivalries are shown up in School which is very sad.

The Northern Lights…
I received all my mail today from the two planes, one having called today as well. I’m off to bed on this clear, frosty night on which I’ve seen The Northern Lights again. They were white streaks of light across the Northern sky that was nowhere near as spectacular as I’d expected.

17th…I’ve just returned from morning School and dinner will be ready shortly. It’s a beautiful sunny day today with a hazy, white clear sky. I feel happy to think there is no School tomorrow. I certainly seem to get a lot of holidays out here. Not that I’m complaining I hasten to add.

Dealing with Trivialities
My life out here has now fallen back into the same sort of routine groove that I had before Easter. I don’t mind that. It’s just all too easy for me to get annoyed with trivialities. Well, I don’t suppose trivialities out here would be regarded as trivialities elsewhere.

Scott’s Crashed His Komatik
The Nurse, Mrs. Butt and Dan Campbell all went out at eight o’clock last night. I expect they had good going. Scott has been in to get a load of wood this morning but he had to leave the load in there because the skidoo and log – laden komatik were going too fast he said. The skidoo crashed into a “big old tree”. When you’re not sensible things can easily become dangerous on the skidoos. It’s now five to seven and Scott has just left to fetch his crashed komatik. I’m off into the woods with him tomorrow to fetch some logs for lumber. I’ll have to be on – guard against his recklessness. I’ve just had supper after some extra – curricular work over in my classroom.

Some Very Basic Carpentry for the School
The children in my class don’t know their own height. So come four o’clock today I decided to stay behind and put up a Height Measure near the School’s Porch door, next to the map of the Battle Harbour District. I managed to get Redge to give me a sawn plank of lumber and with the loan of his plane and two saws (a Rip and a Cross-cut) the plank looked quite respectable. I went into the broom cupboard and with six three inch nails proceeded to attach the plank to the wall. I had to pull off a piece of moulding at the bottom of the wall by using the snow spade so that the foot of the plank would be exactly on floor level. I “doctored” the piece of moulding and replaced it on each side of the plank. Then, using my three foot classroom ruler,(which is a handy thing to have close at hand), I marked off the plank in feet and inches. Its highest point is 6’ 10” and I can’t help but say that the whole job looks rather professional with “FEET” and “INCHES” printed at the top capping the whole job off quite nicely. I just decided to do the job and before I knew where I was, after one and three quarter hours I’d done it! I’m very happy when I’m doing any job with wood! So much for my mammoth undertaking. The Pharaohs had nothing on me! I’ll tell you something dear reader: putting up that measuring board gave me a great feeling of self – satisfaction because it was something I didn’t have to do. Mr. Bighead. Just like last night when I took Vic Russell’s map (which was a present from me) over to him and Aunt Edith asked me to read this very poorly punctuated, poorly written letter to them. I accomplished that feat with honours needless to say. The person who wrote the letter didn’t have the foggiest idea about where to put full stops or “periods” as they are called out here. An ambiguous word folks, for an Englishman.

Redge Russell, Boat Builder
I was just glancing at the Tony Williamson article that I put in the diary and he said that,
“Many…(Labradorians)…are excellent carpenters and boat builders.”
Just before I came over from the School this evening I was chatting with Redge for a few minutes about his speedboat. I could hardly believe my ears when he told me that he took four or five days to build it. He started it when he returned from Mary’s Harbour over Easter. It’s a superbly built boat that he’ll be using this summer “on the outside”. He asked me how much he would get for a boat like that and I said about $500 – $600 which is a conservative estimate on my part based on the knowledge of glass - fibre speedboats. Redge said that he’d sell it for about $150 which showed me that he had no idea whatsoever of its value. I’d feel very, very proud if I could say that I’d built a boat like Redge’s. I suppose he doesn’t think that way because boat – building is so common in these parts. With very few tools and no written plans I should add. These men just don’t need the plans because they build their boats “by eye”.

Cleaving as Good Exercise
Saturday 16th…
After my egg and toast breakfast this morning I went outside and started cleaving. I also clove up a massive pile after dinner for a couple of hours. Scott sawed it up with his $135 saw (price confirmed!) and I did the chopping. I broke one old axe handle but “that was no odds”. After I’d finished cleaving this afternoon I got on with my newspaper reading which I enjoy a great deal.
By supper time I’d decided that I’d done enough reading and went down to Pete’s. He asked me if I was going down the restaurant and I said, “In a short while.” I went up to Jim Penney’s where the house was filled with kids, about a year apart in age I should say, up to nine years old. They are only a young couple and she must have been damned young when she had her first. They are very nice people. Jim’s a great tormentor. I returned to Pete’s to go on to the Ray Hiscock run restaurant only to be told that he would be coming down “the once”. He was busy sitting on Austin’s bed letting the boy play with his hair as I could see through the open door. He acts with Austin just as if they are of comparable ages. What I saw, not for
the first time, nauseated me. I went on down to the restaurant on my own.

Bruce Hiscock’s Leg is on the Mend
I had three games of pool with Bruce Hiscock whose broken leg is on the way to a complete recovery. He won one game to my two. It costs a quarter (25c) for each game. I also bought some soft drink and then returned home where I haven’t felt like going out again. It’s now 10.15 p.m. which is quite late enough to go to bed. I’ve had a good bit of exercise today. I make sure I fit in enough manual work to keep me feeling happy.

The Importance of Reading
I’m off to bed now to read “Anna Karenina” by my “neon light”. (It’s been like any day back home today with the temperature around the lower 40s degrees F. I should say.) Pleasantly mild which enabled me to sit out on the bridge and read for a while this afternoon. Reading keeps me sane out here I think. Nope, that’s an exaggeration. Or is it?

More Reading, Clive’s in from Rexon’s Cove and Lonesome People
Sunday 19th…I’ve just had breakfast of puffs, toast and coffee and the whole day is ahead of me. What am I going to do? Read, read and yet more reading interspersed with a period of wood cleaving. Pete Ackerman slept here overnight on a mattress put out for him in one corner of the cum – everything – room. He’s a nice fellah, about the same age as myself I believe. There’s a stiff breeze blowing at the moment with the sky overcast in the higher altitudes. Alto – cumulus being the order of the day. It’s now 12.30 a.m. and I’m almost in bed. I’ve just returned from Stephen’s where I went with Clive who’s in from The Cove. He’s got Searle’s skidoo and it was great fun going up to Stephen’s and back in the dark because his lights aren’t working. He’s going out tomorrow and he said Rexon’s Cove is moving back to William’s Harbour on Tuesday.
After supper this evening I trooped down to Pete’s with some “”Pete and Dud” (Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, British comedians) scripts to show him. On arrival I was greeted with the news that Clive was up at Uncle Bob’s. Also Mrs. Ward wants to see the map I drew. That’s the map in this ‘ere book. Also Pete wanted to take a photograph of it the other night with his new $104 Reflex camera. I left Mrs. Ward’s having seen Pete and Austin boxing on Austin’s bed and went to Uncle Bob’s where I met Lonesome Clive from Rexon’s Cove. I had a bite to eat there and after a while we went up to see Stephen who is another lonesome because Sandra has gone to St. Anthony’s to have her baby. It’s expected on the 29th of this month. Best of luck Missus! I’ve only been reading today and I haven’t got any more news. So it’s bedtime for our Ern. Oh yes, that stiff breeze is even stiffer tonight.

Scott’s off Birding on the Outside
20th…I’ve just had a very salty salmon diner and Scott’s off birding for ducks at George’s Cove this afternoon. That fellah “takes the biscuit”. He’s off to have a great bit of sport when he could find plenty to do at home if he had a mind to. He’s going outside with Royd and Graham Kippenhuck. I expect he’ll manage to get some ducks. They are Eider ducks which are very tasty although I don’t fancy eating the head and claws like Rita did on Saturday when we had a feed of duck.

My Flaming Furnace
My furnace was burning O.K. this morning when I went over to open School. (Claude left me his keys on Friday.) When Claude arrived he saw that the ground was burning outside the furnace and below the School. He put it out but I left the furnace turned down low for fear of fire. The kids were also complaining about the cold. Claude showed himself up by bawling across the classroom that it wasn’t any wonder my room was cold with the furnace turned down. I told him that I thought it was unsafe to turn it up but that’s what he did. It’s leaking oil and it’s blasted dangerous. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to wake up one morning to find that the School had burned down. It’s the Principal’s responsibility not mine. At least I’ve made him aware of my views on the matter. Also there are absolutely no fire precautions taken, for example, no fire extinguishers available.

Showing Off and Applying to Extend My Stay in Newfoundland
It’s now 4.25 p.m. and I’m writing this in Mrs. Ward’s after bringing my diary over to show Mrs. Ward my sketch map of this place. She was very impressed by it. School went O.K. this afternoon. Just the same old routine stuff. Nothing special. I’m off back up to the house now because I’ve got to write that letter applying for an extension to my stay in Canada. I’m due to leave Canada on June 20th which is too early if I’m to see Newfoundland Island. It’s now 8.45 p.m. and I returned from Pete’s to find Mrs. Hiscock and daughter here. Kimberley was just being put off to bed – late as per usual. Neither Rita nor Scott has any idea what time a two year old should go to bed. Betty and Jean, the taciturn twins, were also in. I went down to Pete’s after my seal and seal flipper supper which was very nice. There I had three enjoyable games of “120” with Jim, Pete and Harry. Pete opted out to let “big buddy” Austin play which marred the game I thought. I had a lunch down there and I’m all ready to get off to bed. I certainly sleep well out here and I feel very healthy if slightly overweight. Clive went out after dinner today. I’ve got my mail ready and I’m sending off for an extension to my stay until August 20th. I think everything will work out O.K.

Nothing Much Happens
Tuesday 21st…It’s now 5.50 p.m. and yet another day has been “clocked in” without anything of significance having happened. After School this afternoon I collected my mail, including my passport letter, and took it down to the Post Office. Dora asked me to come in and have some pineapple ice cream which I thoroughly enjoyed. (Dora is Sam Penney’s wife and they live next door to Eldrid’s.) After chatting there for a while I returned to Pete’s and then on back here after been given a cup of soup by Mrs. Ward and being asked many times to stay for supper. I wonder what’s for supper here? At dinner today with Rita and Betty they didn’t say a blasted word to me. Not that I care that much but it really makes me feel at home when they won’t come out with something to say to me at anytime. Oh I forgot to mention that I got up this morning to light the fire.

22nd…It’s now 8.35 a.m. and I’ve just made a successfully accomplished “dash to the woods.” Boy ! What a drag! Last night after supper I had a read and then went to Pete’s where I had one game of “120” with Harry, Henry and Pete. They “bait.” Pete and I then went down to the restaurant for a game of pool and then back up to Pete’s Pad.

Examination Tips
From there I went down to Aunt Maude Burden’s where I gave John some examination tips because he’s studying for his Grade 10 over at the Pentecostal School. I’ve given him some advice before I might add. My “A” Level passes are equivalent to one or two years university out here and so even the magical Grade 11 is within my capabilities except in those subjects I’ve never studied.

Off My Cat Food
Breakfast is laid. Rita won’t say a word. So I’d better go out and try to eat it. I had slight cramping pains this morning – OUCH! It’s now 5.00 p.m. and this afternoon has seen three planes – “Bell Telephone”, “R. C. M. P.” and a mail plane. The latter with no mail Rita said. I expect it brought somebody into this place. I had a dinner today of, one glass of diluted Carnation milk and “Nesquick” and two sulphaguanadine tablets. The thought of food revolted me and the thought still doesn’t have much appeal as I write this. I expect we’ll have seal, part of which the cat ate after hopping up on to the sideboard. Oh well, it’s been cooked well but I still don’t feel like eating anything much.

“The Happening” at Charlottetown
Quite a few people have gone off to Charlottetown because of “The Happening” – a wedding. Claude only had four of his class present. He doesn’t seem to mind that they’ve just buzzed off, breaking the School Attendance Act. Compared with his counterpart, Stephen, Claude is not at all conscientious. How can a Principal, who lives with his girlfriend, be setting a good example for the children he teaches? He also drinks anything he can get his hands on which shows he’s not very sensible.

23rd…I’ll just fill in from after supper yesterday. It wasn’t seal it but hamburgers that I had for supper. I had one hamburger with potato and one and a half bowls of jelly for afters. After supper I took a pile of newspapers down to Aunt Maude’s where only John and Muriel were at home. From there I went up to Pete’s and after one game of “120” I just sat around for a while. Hedley, Wallace, Clyde, Clifford and Will Butt came in and after Clyde and Will had smoked their adult cigarettes they went on. They hadn’t come from Church although that’s where most people were last night. I returned home (at about 10.00 p.m. ) last night I nearly forgot to mention that I finished “Anna Karenina” which left me with a good bit to think about. I went to bed with a lunch of a chocolate flavoured drink of Carnation milk. Today I’ve been on mini – rations ; breakfast of half a bowl full of puffs, quarter piece of toast and coffee; diner of macaroni cheese; supper of mashed potato.

Stomach Cramps
I’ve been having stomach cramps all day with frequent visits “to see Mrs. Jones.” The sulphaguanadine tablets have helped my bowels fight the latest attack of this PHS bug. I’m certainly suffering.

One Measly Letter!
School went O.K. today, apart from the regular excursions! Two visitors came to see Claude after Recess. They were Mr. Lethbridge and his 6’10” Mr. Chalk. They gave Claude quite a bit of encouragement for his proposed sawmill. The mail plane came today with 35 bags of mail. One measly letter and two newspapers for me. Pete had three letters about his badges. He’s bought with Austin, a power - saw for Charlie which is a good point in his favour. I wonder if he’s going to accept Mrs. Ward’s offer of free board from now on.

Scott’s back with Ducks and White coats
It’s been beautifully clear and sunny today with a good bit of melting. All the ice will be gone in another month or so opening this place to water borne transport again. Scott came back before dinner with two ducks and two white coats. He took them from inside the carcass of their mother which Bill Butt had killed.

Must be a “Hard Rig” Moving Back Out
Graham Russell, father of the family that Clive lives with was moving out to William’s Harbour today. Partly by skidoo and partly by speedboat. It must have been a “hard rig” moving out like that.

Stephen’s Wonderful Stereoscope
24th last night from supper until 11.00 p.m. I was up at Stephen’s. The only other visitor was Eric Rumbolt with a loaf of bread brought from Rube’s. Stephen showed me his stereoscope and Stereograms which I used. By looking through the stereoscope at overlapping air photographs, had a superb three dimensional picture of what I was looking at. It was just the same as being in the aeroplane that took the pictures. No wonder I thought that the spy satellites can tell their country about a foreign power’s missile bases so easily.

Getting in the Firewood Early
It’s another beautifully clear sunny day and as I got out of bed at about eight o’clock this morning Scott came up to the house with his second load of wood. He’s just gone off again. A lot of people are getting their wood home this morning because all of the snow and ice isn’t going to be around much longer. The snow and ice makes wood – hauling a lot easier. The people here try to bring home enough firewood for the Summer and for The Fall. Come next winter they start again to haul firewood. This morning Scott has to haul his wood early before the sun melts the top few inches of snow and ice. Last night I was amazed to see how quickly everything froze as soon as the sun went down. Out here the warmth of the sun is certainly felt on a clear day like today.

Keeping Up My Spirits
I wish I felt in good spirits on this fine day but I don’t. My stomach is still causing me quite a bit of pain. Every now and then cramping me up slightly. Although I think I’m better today than I was yesterday. I’ve just got to eat little and keep on the tablets. I wouldn’t even like to eat anything much so I can’t be quite right. It’s a sure gauge with me, when I’m off my food I’m not 100% health - wise. The idea of greasy seal flipper for supper yesterday sickened me and all I’ve had since that meal was a warm lemon drink, apiece of fruit cake at Stephen’s and half a piece of toast and an egg with a coffee for breakfast this morning.

The Saga of My Sty
I was pleased to see that the sty on my eyelid is going at last. It’s still quite big but definitely smaller. It’s just taking a long time to go that’s all. I’ve written a lot before today even starts for me. (It started three hours ago for most people here.) Nine o’clock is mid – morning! I just find that I like to write in “me diary”. It’s become a habit with me since I came out. Well, it’s certainly going to be a very full chronicle about my year on voluntary service.

Mr. Frank Roberts, Our School Inspector Pays Us a Visit
It’s now 1.25 p.m. and it’s been a full morning. Mr. Frank Roberts, our School Inspector, came in after Recess. About time that he was in here as well! Also the Mission plane has come and gone this morning. Mr. Roberts is going to chat with the children this afternoon after he and Claude decided that it would probably do more harm than good to call a Parent’s Meeting at this late stage in the School year. Mr. Roberts had a good look over our School and amongst other problems that of my furnace was passed on to him.
It’s now 4.15 p.m. and yet another week is at a close. We started five minutes early with a submissive style lecture by Mr. Roberts to the kids. He went off on a plane as if he was only too glad to get away from this place. He wasn’t here for any length of time although I expect he will get something done for our School.

Important News about the Coming Year’s Fishing
Tony Williamson is in from Rexon’s Cove with important news about the coming year’s fishing. There’s a meeting over at our School at 7.30 p.m. when Tony will be telling the fishermen here about the Government controlled fish prices that will be coming into force this summer. The Government will be fixing the price for the fish and the merchants will be acting as their agents in buying it. Claude will be over at the meeting and after it he may go on to the head of Lewis’s Bay to look at the site for his sawmill. I can go along with him if I want to. I might. I haven’t’ decided yet. I think I will just for a “change of air”. I expect it will freeze tonight and in that case we’ll go out. I’ll be on the komatik.
It’s now 11.35 p.m. and I’m not going out. After my meager supper of duck, potato, bread pudding, gravy and apricots – baby portions only – I took a few papers down to Mrs. Ward’s and also asked Pete if he was coming to the meeting. He didn’t want to go and asked me to stay and have a game of “120”. I went down to the School with Harry and George. When I arrived, Tony had set up his videotape equipment that included a television set! It was nice to see a telly again and a good few of the fishermen in my classroom (the meeting place) had never seen one before.) After showing an introductory film to cover the arrival of the late – comers, Tony went on to explain the main reason for calling the meeting.

It Sounds Like a Much Fairer Scheme for the Fishermen
A Salt-fish marketing Corporation has been set up by the Government to guarantee the fishermen of Newfoundland – Labrador, about 200,000 in all, a good price for their cod – fish. The fishermen here will be selling solely to this Corporation via agents. These agents will be the buyers whom the fishermen have dealt with in previous years. The agents will receive a commission from the Corporation whilst the Corporation itself will pay the fishermen directly in cash. The price per kettle of fish is supposed to be sent to the fishermen on the 15th May of this year. Any extra money that the Corporation finds it can make from selling salted cod – fish (for which there is a lucrative market) will be sent back to the fishermen. This is a big step forward in the history of the cod – fish industry on the Atlantic coast. For the first time, the fishermen will actually be getting what the fish is worth instead of many middlemen gleaning all the profit.

The Watchdog of the Labrador
The Chairman of the Corporation is a fellah who three years back, said Tony wrote an article advocating the phasing – out of the inshore fishery industry on the Labrador. By establishing the Corporation as the sole buyer of the cod – fish the Government has put a stranglehold (if they want a stranglehold) on the fishermen. It looks like a progressive step that will be watched very closely by Tony who I like to call “The Watchdog of the Labrador”. He’s been making people in Ottawa, St. John’s and even Goose Bay aware of the life led by the people of Southern Labrador. His Extension Service from Memorial University, St. John’s is trying to get videotape equipment set up in each of the coastal settlements. The larger ones I presume. This will enable the people in these isolated settlements to keep in touch with matters that affect their lives. Matters that, like the cod – fish industry, are being dealt with by people who have absolutely no idea of what life is like up here. That’s what Tony said tonight. He also said that the films he showed had a great impact on his audiences. A greater impact than all the talks and lectures he has given so he said. I can well believe that because the films were highly excellent. Well, that’s all I’m writing tonight and because I have a headache I’m off to bed. I wonder what will happen this weekend? I mustn’t expect anything to happen. More films being shown 10.00 a.m. – mid-day, 2.30 – 4.30 p.m. and after supper. That’s all I expect.

Recovering and Planning to Go out to Mary’s Harbour
Saturday 25th…I’ve just had my meager dinner because my stomach still hurts quite a bit and it’s unsafe for me to eat a usual amount. I’ve lost quite a bit of weight already. I got up at ten o’clock this morning and after a bowl of cornflakes, half a piece of toast and a cup of coffee I had a read of my newspapers. At about eleven o’clock I went out for a walk to Pete’s to find out that he and Austin had gone over to the School to see the television. I went on down to Sam’s where Vic said he’d take me out to Mary’s Harbour for a trip and bring me back Saturday. I wonder if that will come about. I might be off to Mary’s Harbour tomorrow for the day with Stephen and Rube. I expect we’ll leave early in the morning but Claude left late this morning to go up to the head of Lewis’s Bay to look at the wood there. It’s mild today but apparently the going is good. The sky is overcast and we’ve already had some light rain that’s made the temperature pleasantly warm.

26th… It’s now 6.50 a.m. The clocks were put forward one hour yesterday. I think that’s correct. I’ll fill in the log for yesterday: After my still small dinner of pease soup I walked up to Stephen’s with some newspapers. I helped lug some wood across from Rube with him and chopped up a bit. I’d asked Rube on the telephone yesterday morning to take me to Mary’s Harbour and since he’d agreed I was chatting with him. He said they’d be leaving at about seven o’clock in the morning. I was told that I’d be able to get Guy Burden’s komatik which I managed to do after speaking with him in his shed. Stephen had taken the offer of Dick’s skidoo to go up on. From Rube’s I walked down with him to the School where Tony Williamson was going to show some films. After “hanging about” for the man I left the School vicinity and walked down to Edgar’s store where I bought one of the work - shirts for $3.30 that I’d bought for Scott’s Christmas present. Only Rob Kippenhuck and Doug were in the store. Having put my shirt in the house (I’ve only paid $1.00 because I can get things on credit very easily because the storekeeper knows I live here) I went down to Pete’s. Pete and Austin had been trouting. Austin had caught two. Austin took Mrs. Ward in and he caught another one. Pete was lying down on his bed and after he’d said very childishly that it would be raining in the morning I left him. Oh, before I left I went to sit down in the rocking chair but, having announced my intention, Pete dashed and sat down first. I bet he’s “as pleased as punch” that it’s raining heavily as I write this. From Mrs. Ward’s I went over to George’s, not planning on a visit.

Cutting Hair, Supper and a Mountain Cat’s Paws
When I got there I was asked to cut his hair which I did. By way of payment I stayed for supper. I didn’t particularly like to stay with all his kids running around underfoot but I could see that they wanted me to. I had tomato soup, macaroni, apricots and tea. I couldn’t eat much of it. After being sociable I went on from George’s planning to go back to the house. The time was about 7.00 p.m. As I was going past Uncle Bob’s I saw Vic’s face at the window and so called in. Whenever anybody enters anybody’s house it is done without knocking on the door. It’s the same with me because the people here know me. I stayed until mid night and Vic gave me the four paws of the mountain cat which he’d caught in his trap some time ago around Skinney’s Water. The bait had been beaver’s pride (very good bait). Vic has sent off the skin and is waiting to see how much he can get for it. After a lunch that Aunt Edith had lain after she had returned from last night’s meeting I came on back to the house and went to bed.

The Mary’s Harbour Trip is off
That’s filled in yesterday and should partly account for why I’m up so early. A dash to the woods has been made but I won’t be going to Mary’s Harbour because it’s raining heavily at the moment. The rain that’s been falling all night will get rid of a lot of the snow and ice. I don’t mind that in the slightest and it will be very nice and a good bit easier walking on the dirt road again. Although the dirt will be saturated for a long spell. Everything is going to be muddy for the next few weeks. It’s now dinner time and my stomach is not as happy as it should be about the idea! It’s been raining all morning and I’ve just stayed in reading my papers. I only have one left and I hope some more will arrive on Thursday. George has just paid a quick visit and he and Scott were talking about skidoos and about getting firewood. That’s the level of conversation in this house. The majority of the locals are just unable to enter into an intellectual conversation. I find it very tiresome having to live here and continually be listening to uninteresting chat. “Footling things” (Sukey Goodwin, V. S. O.) are just continually talked about which I find deadly boring but at the same time I have to appear interested for the sake of good public relations. A volunteer is a rubber ball.
It’s now 11.20. p.m. After dinner I went up to Rube’s, came down again, had supper, went up again and I’ve just returned. I was showing him “all me photees”. They are an educated family and Margaret Burden has loaned me “How Green was My Valley”. In return I’ve loaned her Anna Karenina. Scott and Rita have gone to church and Jean and Claude are minding this house. They’re in on the bed at the moment. Morals burn and heat the house I suppose they think. Twits! No more news except that Tony’s gone out on the Bell Telephone plane and Claude’s trying to get a loan from The Industrial Bank for his sawmill so I’m off to bed.

Mary’s Harbour is On Again!
28th…A lot happened yesterday so I’ll fill this log in now : The morning went uneventfully except that Stephen saw me before School and told me that Rube and himself might go out straight after School. He confirmed that at dinner time so come four o’clock I partly changed and went down to Dick’s. Stephen was already there and when Rube came with the komatik and box we got underway, after phoning through to Mary’s Harbour to let them know we were coming. So off we went at 4.45 p.m. Rube had lashed a box on the komatik for me to sit on and it was the closest thing to a horse I’ve ever ridden. I felt just like one of those cowboys in a rodeo! We hauled up Vince Hill through the wet snow without any bother.

Hair - raising: Our Skidoo Crashed Through the Ice!
But when we were heading out on the trail we went through the ice. I hopped off the komatik and we managed to pull skidoo and komatik out O.K. It was quite a hair – raising experience that was repeated more than once before I arrived back in PHS early this morning. A bit further on we helped Claude get his wreck of a cruiser onto a komatik so that he could get it back for repairs. The trail which runs across frozen ponds and wooded areas wasn’t too bad but when we reached Bennet’s Hill on the descent to Lewis’s Bay our next happening occurred. Let me explain dear reader: that to go from Hope Simpson to Mary’s Harbour entails following a nine mile trail across the land, or rather neck of land and then going 18 miles south – east towards Mary’s Harbour on Lewis’s Bay that’s frozen of course.

The Skidoo and I Part Company: Broken Tow - Bar
Half – way down Bennet’s Hill the tow bar and komatik parted company and on went Rube leaving komatik, box and me behind. Stephen was coming on behind and I told him to go on and stop Rube. I scooted down the hill on the komatik for a short way at breakneck speed and managed to reach the bottom O.K. Rube looked at the damage and decided that I could go on the back of the skidoo with him for the rest of the way because it was level going.

Through the Ice We Go Again!
The majority of the ride down the bay was O.K. except my heart missed a beat when, all of a sudden, when traveling at least 30 miles per hour we were up to the running boards in slush and water! We desperately managed to scuttle closer to the shore where the ice was better. I really thought my last moment had arrived but all went well. In places on our journey the slush was at least a foot thick but all was safe because I learned after reaching Mary’s Harbour that the ice was solid enough beneath the slush or “slob”. So we reached Mary’s Harbour safely and left a “footing” that showed open patches of water where we bumped through but because we were going so fast we managed to navigate successfully.

Very Brief Stay at Mary’s Harbour
We went to the Nursing Station and by nine o’clock we were ready to leave. After only a two hour stay we “gassed – up” the skidoos and set off to return.

Broken Skidoo Ski!
Having just got out of the Bay to head for home our skidoo broke a ski. Rube went back to Stephen’s machine to get a ski whilst Stephen and I looked after the broken machine. The silence was very noticeable as we sat there chatting. We were truly in the middle of nowhere.

New Ski Fitted
After a while Rube returned with a new ski purchased from Yulet’s. After a moment’s work we were on our way again. We followed the same footing we made coming in and I happened to notice that it wasn’t until mid – night that we really got going.

Broken Komatik Tow – Bar: A Temporary Repair
The going was excellent up the Bay and we arrived at our komatik by 1.10 p.m. Using a broom handle which Rube “bummed” from Jim Rumbolt we fixed the tow bar and I mounted my steed ready for the bumpy ride home! And bumpy it was too! We got back to Hope Simpson at 2.15 a, m, and I didn’t hang around long before “hitting the hay.” I hauled off my socking socks and went to bed.
School went O.K. today and the weather has remained pleasantly mild all day. Nothing much has happened except Rita’s gone off trouting with Becky and Dick. We had beans for dinner with mandarin oranges for second course. I’ve just finished supper of meat balls and gravy and we’ve just had a bit more excitement.

A Badly Cut Finger
Young Oral Burden came up to the house asking Scott to take Perry out to Mary’s Harbour. Perry, a youngster, has cut his thumb quite badly from what I can gather. Scott’s just getting ready to go out as I write this at 7.20 p.m. I’ve just fetched five gallons of gas for Scott at his request. He’s just gone and I’ve lent him my Parka because Rita’s got his. It’s now 11.40 p.m. and I’ve just returned from Rube’s and Margaret’s. Eldrid was there. I gave Rube a paltry couple of dollars for the gas and I had a job getting him to take even that. They are very nice, sensible people with ten children. They aren’t very old either. I’m safe in saying that neither of them are more than 40 years of age. The way back was rather treacherous tonight and I whacked down once not very far from their house. The wind is quite strong and offshore which means that temperatures are sub – zero on this almost completely clear night.
Before I went up to Rube’s I called in on Pete’s but didn’t see much of him I’m quite pleased to say. I had a nice chat with Harry, Mrs. Ward and Henry. I passed on all the news about the two patients who have gone out. Perry Burden has cut his thumb and Austin Penney has sawn his foot with a power – saw belonging to Wince Clark so I heard. News gets mangled quite a bit as it is passed on from person to person in the settlement. I’m going to get a lunch now, a wash and then bed.

A Terrible Accident Has Happened
Wednesday 29th…It’s now 7.55 p.m. and there’s been an accident. Bob Russell has drowned. He left to go to Rexon’s Cove yesterday morning but he and Albert’s skidoo got in the water. I was only speaking with him the day before yesterday. Everybody is speaking about him now, everybody here knew him. He was a nice fellah.
School went O.K. today except that my furnace wasn’t working. Frank Roberts has been told about it. When I came home Scott was home after safely returning from Mary’s Harbour. He collected his tar for the roof of his house. At the moment he’s just sitting and chatting with Jim Ward whose up for a visit. Scott’s talking about how much work he’s got but he does more talking than working! I can’t think of anything much to write tonight so I’m off to Pete’s just for a visit.

Thursday 30th…School again went O.K. I only had 11 children in my class because of Bob Russell’s death. The Mountie’s out there now and Claude’s going out tomorrow morning to do the burying. The body is going up to Goose Bay for an autopsy. Rexon’s Cove is a very sad place tonight. The body was trawled for in ten fathoms of water. He didn’t make it up onto the ice or to the shore.
The weather’s been clear today with a little freezing. The mail plane came in today and I had some mail. No more news.