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For the latest news from Scotland see our ScotNews feed at:
https://electricscotland.com/scotnews.htm
Electric Scotland News
Papers full of Brexit news with most predicting that the vote next week will be lost. Lots of speculation on what would happen next. Also the Government was forced to publish the full legal advice they got on the deal and it's really bad new for the Government.
In the news items below I have highlighted an article which shows that Britain has survived much worse than this Brexit deal in days gone by which helps to calm things down a bit.
Here in Canada lots of views on the oil pipeline. For those that don't know Canada is estimated to have the second largest reserves of oil in the world BUT the only marker they have is the USA and as a result they only get around $10 a barrel. They have been trying for years to get their oil to any coast where they can sell the oil for much more to the world.
To be frank this is a real problem for Canada. The country could literally be making billions from their oil but due to so many protestors not wanting to see a pipe line built this has been delayed for well over 10 years. To me it makes no sense at all. Given the latest protests the Canadian Government spend some $4 billion to purchase the company trying to build the pipeline but still protests and legal challenges have delayed things.
The Greens don't want it built and many, but not all, First Nations people are also protesting. It's really time Canada got its act together and get the pipeline built.
-------
Here is the video introduction to this newsletter...
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
Note that this is a selection and more can be read in our ScotNews feed on our index page where we list news from the past 1-2 weeks. I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on Google and other search engines. I might also add that in newspapers such as the Guardian, Scotsman, Courier, etc. you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish.
The UK has a cunning plan to prep for the electric car revolution
With around 155,000 electric vehicles already on the UK's roads, a consortium of big industry players is getting together to work out what's holding back the EV revolution
Read more at:
https://www.wired.co.uk/article/elec...-biggest-trial
Capturing the unique rhythm of Scottish crofting life
When Beatrix A Wood moved to Uist in the Western Isles she became caught up in what she describes a unique and challenging rhythm of traditional Scottish crofting.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland...lands-46358869
Tim Hortons opens first drive-through restaurant in Scotland
Fans of the Canadian coffee shop queued for hours at the store on Linwood Road in Paisley to be in with a chance of winning free goods.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/business/co...land-1-4837503
Jackie Anderson's Christmas recipes
Making your own Christmas Pud!
Read more at:
http://www.thinkscotland.org/thinkcu...ead_full=13748
The Glasgow man who sketched the ultrasound machine
For a few short years in the late 50s and early 60s Glasgow led the world in its research and implementation of ultrasound and its medical uses.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-46386317
Martin Howe QC responds to No. 10’s rebuttal of his Spectator article
Chairman of Lawyers for Britain Martin Howe QC has published here his response to 10 Downing Street’s rebuttal of his Spectator article on the legalities of the Withdrawal Agreement.
Read more at:
https://lawyersforbritain.org/martin...ctator-article
Fortnum & Mason’s Scots-born boss hails exceptional’ trading
Fortnum & Mason, the iconic London-based retailer run by Scots-born chief executive Ewan Venters, has unveiled rising profits helped by a jump in sales of tea and biscuits.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/business/co...ding-1-4837324
The proportion of Party members who want May out now hits over half for the first time.
This is a lamentable background against which to campaign for the deal, and try to win the hearts and minds of activists. If the survey is right, most members have faith in neither it nor her.
Read more at:
https://www.conservativehome.com/the...irst-time.html
Overseas investment into the UK at highest ever level
The UK remains a top destination for investment, with new figures showing that inward stock is at the highest level since records began.
Read more at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/o...est-ever-level
Archaeologists Have Unearthed An Ice Age Settlement That May Rewrite North American History
It’s a story that has been passed down from generation to generation among the Heiltsuk Nation. Indeed, it forms part of the oral history of the Canadian people.
Read more at:
http://newravel.com/a/anthropology-a...rican-history/
George W. Bush Remembers His Father, George H.W. Bush
Well worth listening to.
View this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/show...eorge-H-W-Bush
Plan to make Scots beer a £1bn industry
Scottish drinkers have been urged to ditch imported beer for local brew, as part of a drive to turn the sector into a £1bn industry by 2030.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland...iness-46451060
Brexit? A crisis? We’ve had much worse
Brexit may seem like an unprecedented crisis to some, but British history suggests otherwise.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinio...eson-1-4839940
Electric Canadian
Mining Review
Added the volume for 1922 at: https://electriccanadian.com/transport/mines/mining.htm
The Canadian Horticulturist
Added volume 5, published by the Fruit Growers Association of Ontario.
You can read this at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/tra...culturirst.htm
Canadian Archive Reports
Added the 1885 report.
You can read this at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/mak...er_douglas.htm
History of Prince Edward Island
Where some 65% of the population are of Scots descent by Duncan Campbell (1875) (pdf)
You can read this book at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/can...wardisland.pdf
The Significance for Canadian History of the Work of The Board of Historical Publications
By Adam Shortt, LL.D., C.M.G., F.R.S.C. (1919) (pdf)
A very interesting article and here is a little from it...
In the transition from one of these extremes to the other, history has been continually broadening its scope. It is to history in its most disinterested form—a broad and impartial presentation of conditions as they have actually developed—that we may yet have to appeal to save us from many wild phases of economic and social doctrine. A study of history in its broadest sense is simply the intelligent appraisement of the development of a people or a nation, not merely in its outward political and international relations, but even more particularly in its social, economic, and intellectual progress. It involves a clear visioned presentation of the varied experiences through which peoples or nations have passed in the constant attempts to improve their condition individually and collectively. It presents the outcome in failure or success of the numerous and varied experiments which communities have made in settling new countries and in reducing the relatively unproductive wilderness to a fruitful basis for life, relative comfort, and even what the framers of the Declaration of Independence, with wise restraint, called "the pursuit of happiness."
The successful student must spend not merely weeks but months, or even years, according to the nature and extent of his researches, first in locating and afterwards in examining, comparing and transcribing the materials necessary for accurate first- hand work. Needless to say, it is still more difficult for those beyond the limits of Canada, whether in other parts of the British Empire, in the United States, or other foreign countries, to avail themselves of the varied treasures of our Archives. If, therefore, our Canadian history is to be known in authentic form, not only to our own people, but to the outside world, whose interest in Canada is steadily rising, it requires the facilities for direct knowledge to be greatly increased. It is necessary to put in available form the chief documents relating to the various phases of the country's history.
You can read this at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/his...gnificance.pdf
Six Years in the Canadian North-West
By Mons Jean D'Artigue translated from the French by L. C. Oorbett, Esq., B. A., and Rev. S. Smith, B.D. (1882) (pdf)
You can read this book at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/sixyears.htm
Bureau of Scientific and Industrial Research and School of Specific Industries of the Royal Canadian Institute
Bulletin: Series I. No. I. Presidential Address at Opening Meeting of Session of 1915 by President Frank Arnoldi, K.C. (1915) (pdf)
Most interesting address which shows the changes that were forecast for Britain and Canada because of the first world war....
The calls made upon the spirit of sacrifice and endurance in the case of the people of Great Britain have been so contrary to their state of mind, social relations and mode of life moulded by a century of peace and of great commercial prosperity, that new conditions must hereafter prevail. We find that this is the common theme of the prominent writers and commentators of the time. These say that things can never again be in Great Britain as they were. A new order will prevail from the time peace is declared. It is even said that the political life of the nation will be changed in many respects. It would require much greater prescience than we are accustomed to meet to enter with certainty into a more particular enumeration of the new conditions arising and to arise.
You can read this at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/tra...00arnouoft.pdf
Electric Scotland
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got up section 1 of the December 2018 issue which you can read at: https://electricscotland.com/bnft/index.htm
Ross-Ter Newsletter
Got in the 2018 end of year report which makes interesting reading and can be read at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...ross/index.htm
Clan Munro of Australia
Got in their August 2018 newsletter which you can read at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...unro/index.htm
The Treaty of Waitangi
Or How New Zealand became a British colony by T. Lindsay Buick (1914) (pdf)
You can read this book at: https://electricscotland.com/history...ofwaitangi.pdf
The Royal Air Force
Its organization, duties and prospects as a profession or a trade by T. Stanhope Sprigg (1935) (pdf)
You can read this book at: https://electricscotland.com/history...l-airforce.pdf
Voyage of His Majesty's Ship Alceste
To China, Corea, and the Island of Lewchew with an account of her shipwreck by John M'Leod, M.D., surgeon of the Alcese (Third Edition) (1819) (pdf)
You can read this book at: https://electricscotland.com/history...agetochina.pdf
A Voyage to India
Containing reflections on a Voyage to Madras and Bengal in 1821 in the Ship Lonach; instructions for the preservation of Health in Indian climates and hints to sugeons and owners of private trading ships by James Wallace, surgeon of the Lonach (1824) (pdf)
You can read this book at: https://electricscotland.com/history...agetoindia.pdf
The Life of Major-General Zackary Taylor
Whig Nominee for President of the United States, a brief biographical sketch with a brief biographical sketch of the Hon. Millard Fillmore, nominee for Vice-President by Arthur Sumpter, U.S.A. (1848) (pdf)
Interesting biography which shows how many wars the US were involved in and you can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...karytaylor.pdf
Tait's Edinburgh Magazine
Added volumes 14. 15 and 16 to the site which you can read at: https://www.electricscotland.com/his...es/stories.htm
Middle East
A Record of Travel in the Countries of Egypt, Palestine, Iraq, Turkey and Greece by H. V. Morton (Seventh Edition) (1945) (pdf)
You can read this book at: https://electricscotland.com/history/Middle-East.pdf
The Story
A Gift from the Past
A young boy in the 1930s has trouble deciding what to give his family for Christmas.
Written by Jean Mills, December 7, 2014
Davy! Hurry up! It’s the Christmas concert rehearsal this morning!” Emma called. “Wear something warm,” she added, in bossy big-sister fashion.
David Haworth sighed. He had been thinking about last Saturday’s hockey broadcast on the radio, not about school or warm clothes.
At age 10, Davy was growing out of everything, but his mother said they couldn’t buy anything new until after the winter, and maybe not even then.
The last few years of drought and dust storms had brought hard times to the Saskatchewan prairie.
Some neighbours had even left their farms and moved into town. But the Haworths were relying on preserves from their vegetable garden to get them through the winter. Those, and a few skinny livestock that Davy’s father still kept.
“Davy,” his mother said, “Grandma might have something to keep you warm. Go see.” When Davy entered his grandmother’s room off the kitchen, she was already searching through her trunk.
“I have just the thing here!”
She turned to him, holding up a green sweater.
Davy hesitated. It looked too big for him.
“Take it, Davy,” she ordered. “No one in this family is going out into the prairie winter without warm clothes and a full belly. And not even Prime Minister Bennett and his relief plan could find you a warmer sweater.”
She liked to sound fierce, but Davy knew she was very soft-hearted.
He pulled the sweater over his head. Sure enough, his hands disappeared.
“Come here,” his grandma said. She reached for the sleeves and started rolling them. “You know, I knitted this for your Uncle Frank.”
Davy glanced over at the framed photograph of a young soldier on her bedside table. Uncle Frank had gone to France in the Great War, but he had never come home.
“It’s nice that you have things to remember him by,” Davy said, looking down at the sweater.
“Yes, but I still miss his voice, especially his lovely singing. No sweater in the world can replace that,” Grandma said. “Now,” she shooed him out, “off to school!”
* * *
“What are you going to give Grandma for Christmas?” Davy asked Emma as they trudged along the road toward the schoolhouse.
“It’s a secret,” Emma replied.
“What about Mom and Dad, then?”
“Secret.”
“What are you giving me?”
“Nice try!” Emma laughed.
Davy knew what kind of gifts he would receive this Christmas. Everything would be carefully knitted, baked, or hammered together. No ordering from the Eaton’s catalogue anymore — too expensive.
Gifts had to be handmade.
“Come on, Emma, just tell me,” he pressed. “I need some ideas.”
“Oh, all right,” she sighed. “But don’t tell!
I’m drawing everyone a special picture. Just like the ones on the covers of Maclean’s magazine.”
What a good idea, Davy thought. Maybe I could do that, too. But then he remembered that he wasn’t very good at drawing.
What was he good at, anyway? Skating and hockey. Milking the cow. His father said he was good with animals because he had such a soft voice.
His voice! An idea started to form in his mind …
“Hallo there! Anyone need a lift?”
Davy and Emma turned to see their neighbour, Mr. Thomas, approaching in his jumper — a little hut on runners, pulled by a workhorse.
“Sure, thanks!” cried the children. They climbed in to find their friends Sarah and Mike huddled comfortably by the little coal stove.
“We’ll be all warmed up for the concert rehearsal today,” Mike said. “Not that being warm will help my singing any.”
They all laughed, and Emma said, “It doesn’t matter, Mike. Everyone loves the concert, no matter how we sing. It’s just a tradition.”
“Mr. Templeton said they won’t hire him back if he doesn’t put on a good show this year,” Sarah told them. “He said people are counting on it.”
“Then we’ll put on a good show,” Emma declared, “because I think he’s a very good teacher.” Davy agreed. For the rest of the trip to school, he silently practised how he was going to ask Mr. Templeton to help him with his Christmas gift.
* * *
The night of the concert arrived, colder than ever.
“We should be fine,” Davy’s dad said as they gathered blankets to keep everyone warm in the car. It was now hooked up to the family’s two remaining oxen. Like many farmers without money for gasoline, Mr. Haworth had removed the engine and turned his car into a “Bennett Buggy,” named after the prime minister.
“Are you feeling all right?” Davy’s grandmother asked him once they’d settled into the back seat. “You look very pale.”
“I’m fine,” Davy muttered. But he didn’t feel fine. He had hardly been able to eat his supper. He wanted to find Mr. Templeton and back out of the plan before the concert began.
But there was no time. Before he knew it, the show had started. There were Christmas carols in both English and French, a skit about an all-night Christmas bonspiel at the curling club, and a folk dance by some of the Ukrainian kids. Finally, Mr. Templeton beckoned to Davy.
Families, friends, and students,” he said as he and Davy stood together at the front of the schoolroom. “I guess we could all agree that 1933 has been a tough year. But evenings like this help remind us of what we have, not what we don’t have. Thank you for being here, enjoy the holiday season, and I will leave the last word to David Haworth.”
Davy glanced over at Emma, Mike, and Sarah. They were watching him with surprise.
He looked out at the audience. Every family from the whole town of Wilkie was there, waiting for him to speak. He cleared his throat. “I didn’t know what gifts to give everyone this year. I don’t have any money, and I can’t knit or bake.”
Everyone laughed, but Davy saw that they were nodding at each other, too. After it got quiet again, he continued. “So, this is my gift for everyone, but especially for my grandma.”
He started to sing, and to his surprise, everyone soon joined in.
“Silent night, holy night …”
* * *
“Well, who knew you could sing like that?” Emma exclaimed as they crammed into the back of the car for the trip home.
“Sounded just like Frank, didn’t he, Mom?” Davy’s father said.
“Well, Davy,” laughed his mother, “it looks like you inherited more than just your uncle’s sweater.”
Davy looked over at his grandmother, who whispered something so only he would hear. “Thank you, David Frank Haworth, for the best Christmas gift anyone has ever given to me!”
The Great Depression
In the 1930s, most Canadians experienced serious hardship. They suffered through the Great Depression — an economic crisis that lasted from 1929 to 1939. All across Canada, large numbers of people were poor and unemployed during this time. Farmers in Saskatchewan were hit especially hard. Major droughts and dust storms ruined their wheat crops. And what wheat they managed to grow was hard to sell. Many families abandoned their farms. Others stayed and tried to make do. During the holidays, they found simple ways to celebrate the season.
And that's it for this week and hope you have a great weekend.
Alastair
https://electricscotland.com/scotnews.htm
Electric Scotland News
Papers full of Brexit news with most predicting that the vote next week will be lost. Lots of speculation on what would happen next. Also the Government was forced to publish the full legal advice they got on the deal and it's really bad new for the Government.
In the news items below I have highlighted an article which shows that Britain has survived much worse than this Brexit deal in days gone by which helps to calm things down a bit.
Here in Canada lots of views on the oil pipeline. For those that don't know Canada is estimated to have the second largest reserves of oil in the world BUT the only marker they have is the USA and as a result they only get around $10 a barrel. They have been trying for years to get their oil to any coast where they can sell the oil for much more to the world.
To be frank this is a real problem for Canada. The country could literally be making billions from their oil but due to so many protestors not wanting to see a pipe line built this has been delayed for well over 10 years. To me it makes no sense at all. Given the latest protests the Canadian Government spend some $4 billion to purchase the company trying to build the pipeline but still protests and legal challenges have delayed things.
The Greens don't want it built and many, but not all, First Nations people are also protesting. It's really time Canada got its act together and get the pipeline built.
-------
Here is the video introduction to this newsletter...
Note that this is a selection and more can be read in our ScotNews feed on our index page where we list news from the past 1-2 weeks. I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on Google and other search engines. I might also add that in newspapers such as the Guardian, Scotsman, Courier, etc. you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish.
The UK has a cunning plan to prep for the electric car revolution
With around 155,000 electric vehicles already on the UK's roads, a consortium of big industry players is getting together to work out what's holding back the EV revolution
Read more at:
https://www.wired.co.uk/article/elec...-biggest-trial
Capturing the unique rhythm of Scottish crofting life
When Beatrix A Wood moved to Uist in the Western Isles she became caught up in what she describes a unique and challenging rhythm of traditional Scottish crofting.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland...lands-46358869
Tim Hortons opens first drive-through restaurant in Scotland
Fans of the Canadian coffee shop queued for hours at the store on Linwood Road in Paisley to be in with a chance of winning free goods.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/business/co...land-1-4837503
Jackie Anderson's Christmas recipes
Making your own Christmas Pud!
Read more at:
http://www.thinkscotland.org/thinkcu...ead_full=13748
The Glasgow man who sketched the ultrasound machine
For a few short years in the late 50s and early 60s Glasgow led the world in its research and implementation of ultrasound and its medical uses.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-46386317
Martin Howe QC responds to No. 10’s rebuttal of his Spectator article
Chairman of Lawyers for Britain Martin Howe QC has published here his response to 10 Downing Street’s rebuttal of his Spectator article on the legalities of the Withdrawal Agreement.
Read more at:
https://lawyersforbritain.org/martin...ctator-article
Fortnum & Mason’s Scots-born boss hails exceptional’ trading
Fortnum & Mason, the iconic London-based retailer run by Scots-born chief executive Ewan Venters, has unveiled rising profits helped by a jump in sales of tea and biscuits.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/business/co...ding-1-4837324
The proportion of Party members who want May out now hits over half for the first time.
This is a lamentable background against which to campaign for the deal, and try to win the hearts and minds of activists. If the survey is right, most members have faith in neither it nor her.
Read more at:
https://www.conservativehome.com/the...irst-time.html
Overseas investment into the UK at highest ever level
The UK remains a top destination for investment, with new figures showing that inward stock is at the highest level since records began.
Read more at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/o...est-ever-level
Archaeologists Have Unearthed An Ice Age Settlement That May Rewrite North American History
It’s a story that has been passed down from generation to generation among the Heiltsuk Nation. Indeed, it forms part of the oral history of the Canadian people.
Read more at:
http://newravel.com/a/anthropology-a...rican-history/
George W. Bush Remembers His Father, George H.W. Bush
Well worth listening to.
View this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/show...eorge-H-W-Bush
Plan to make Scots beer a £1bn industry
Scottish drinkers have been urged to ditch imported beer for local brew, as part of a drive to turn the sector into a £1bn industry by 2030.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland...iness-46451060
Brexit? A crisis? We’ve had much worse
Brexit may seem like an unprecedented crisis to some, but British history suggests otherwise.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinio...eson-1-4839940
Electric Canadian
Mining Review
Added the volume for 1922 at: https://electriccanadian.com/transport/mines/mining.htm
The Canadian Horticulturist
Added volume 5, published by the Fruit Growers Association of Ontario.
You can read this at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/tra...culturirst.htm
Canadian Archive Reports
Added the 1885 report.
You can read this at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/mak...er_douglas.htm
History of Prince Edward Island
Where some 65% of the population are of Scots descent by Duncan Campbell (1875) (pdf)
You can read this book at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/can...wardisland.pdf
The Significance for Canadian History of the Work of The Board of Historical Publications
By Adam Shortt, LL.D., C.M.G., F.R.S.C. (1919) (pdf)
A very interesting article and here is a little from it...
In the transition from one of these extremes to the other, history has been continually broadening its scope. It is to history in its most disinterested form—a broad and impartial presentation of conditions as they have actually developed—that we may yet have to appeal to save us from many wild phases of economic and social doctrine. A study of history in its broadest sense is simply the intelligent appraisement of the development of a people or a nation, not merely in its outward political and international relations, but even more particularly in its social, economic, and intellectual progress. It involves a clear visioned presentation of the varied experiences through which peoples or nations have passed in the constant attempts to improve their condition individually and collectively. It presents the outcome in failure or success of the numerous and varied experiments which communities have made in settling new countries and in reducing the relatively unproductive wilderness to a fruitful basis for life, relative comfort, and even what the framers of the Declaration of Independence, with wise restraint, called "the pursuit of happiness."
The successful student must spend not merely weeks but months, or even years, according to the nature and extent of his researches, first in locating and afterwards in examining, comparing and transcribing the materials necessary for accurate first- hand work. Needless to say, it is still more difficult for those beyond the limits of Canada, whether in other parts of the British Empire, in the United States, or other foreign countries, to avail themselves of the varied treasures of our Archives. If, therefore, our Canadian history is to be known in authentic form, not only to our own people, but to the outside world, whose interest in Canada is steadily rising, it requires the facilities for direct knowledge to be greatly increased. It is necessary to put in available form the chief documents relating to the various phases of the country's history.
You can read this at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/his...gnificance.pdf
Six Years in the Canadian North-West
By Mons Jean D'Artigue translated from the French by L. C. Oorbett, Esq., B. A., and Rev. S. Smith, B.D. (1882) (pdf)
You can read this book at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/sixyears.htm
Bureau of Scientific and Industrial Research and School of Specific Industries of the Royal Canadian Institute
Bulletin: Series I. No. I. Presidential Address at Opening Meeting of Session of 1915 by President Frank Arnoldi, K.C. (1915) (pdf)
Most interesting address which shows the changes that were forecast for Britain and Canada because of the first world war....
The calls made upon the spirit of sacrifice and endurance in the case of the people of Great Britain have been so contrary to their state of mind, social relations and mode of life moulded by a century of peace and of great commercial prosperity, that new conditions must hereafter prevail. We find that this is the common theme of the prominent writers and commentators of the time. These say that things can never again be in Great Britain as they were. A new order will prevail from the time peace is declared. It is even said that the political life of the nation will be changed in many respects. It would require much greater prescience than we are accustomed to meet to enter with certainty into a more particular enumeration of the new conditions arising and to arise.
You can read this at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/tra...00arnouoft.pdf
Electric Scotland
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got up section 1 of the December 2018 issue which you can read at: https://electricscotland.com/bnft/index.htm
Ross-Ter Newsletter
Got in the 2018 end of year report which makes interesting reading and can be read at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...ross/index.htm
Clan Munro of Australia
Got in their August 2018 newsletter which you can read at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...unro/index.htm
The Treaty of Waitangi
Or How New Zealand became a British colony by T. Lindsay Buick (1914) (pdf)
You can read this book at: https://electricscotland.com/history...ofwaitangi.pdf
The Royal Air Force
Its organization, duties and prospects as a profession or a trade by T. Stanhope Sprigg (1935) (pdf)
You can read this book at: https://electricscotland.com/history...l-airforce.pdf
Voyage of His Majesty's Ship Alceste
To China, Corea, and the Island of Lewchew with an account of her shipwreck by John M'Leod, M.D., surgeon of the Alcese (Third Edition) (1819) (pdf)
You can read this book at: https://electricscotland.com/history...agetochina.pdf
A Voyage to India
Containing reflections on a Voyage to Madras and Bengal in 1821 in the Ship Lonach; instructions for the preservation of Health in Indian climates and hints to sugeons and owners of private trading ships by James Wallace, surgeon of the Lonach (1824) (pdf)
You can read this book at: https://electricscotland.com/history...agetoindia.pdf
The Life of Major-General Zackary Taylor
Whig Nominee for President of the United States, a brief biographical sketch with a brief biographical sketch of the Hon. Millard Fillmore, nominee for Vice-President by Arthur Sumpter, U.S.A. (1848) (pdf)
Interesting biography which shows how many wars the US were involved in and you can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...karytaylor.pdf
Tait's Edinburgh Magazine
Added volumes 14. 15 and 16 to the site which you can read at: https://www.electricscotland.com/his...es/stories.htm
Middle East
A Record of Travel in the Countries of Egypt, Palestine, Iraq, Turkey and Greece by H. V. Morton (Seventh Edition) (1945) (pdf)
You can read this book at: https://electricscotland.com/history/Middle-East.pdf
The Story
A Gift from the Past
A young boy in the 1930s has trouble deciding what to give his family for Christmas.
Written by Jean Mills, December 7, 2014
Davy! Hurry up! It’s the Christmas concert rehearsal this morning!” Emma called. “Wear something warm,” she added, in bossy big-sister fashion.
David Haworth sighed. He had been thinking about last Saturday’s hockey broadcast on the radio, not about school or warm clothes.
At age 10, Davy was growing out of everything, but his mother said they couldn’t buy anything new until after the winter, and maybe not even then.
The last few years of drought and dust storms had brought hard times to the Saskatchewan prairie.
Some neighbours had even left their farms and moved into town. But the Haworths were relying on preserves from their vegetable garden to get them through the winter. Those, and a few skinny livestock that Davy’s father still kept.
“Davy,” his mother said, “Grandma might have something to keep you warm. Go see.” When Davy entered his grandmother’s room off the kitchen, she was already searching through her trunk.
“I have just the thing here!”
She turned to him, holding up a green sweater.
Davy hesitated. It looked too big for him.
“Take it, Davy,” she ordered. “No one in this family is going out into the prairie winter without warm clothes and a full belly. And not even Prime Minister Bennett and his relief plan could find you a warmer sweater.”
She liked to sound fierce, but Davy knew she was very soft-hearted.
He pulled the sweater over his head. Sure enough, his hands disappeared.
“Come here,” his grandma said. She reached for the sleeves and started rolling them. “You know, I knitted this for your Uncle Frank.”
Davy glanced over at the framed photograph of a young soldier on her bedside table. Uncle Frank had gone to France in the Great War, but he had never come home.
“It’s nice that you have things to remember him by,” Davy said, looking down at the sweater.
“Yes, but I still miss his voice, especially his lovely singing. No sweater in the world can replace that,” Grandma said. “Now,” she shooed him out, “off to school!”
* * *
“What are you going to give Grandma for Christmas?” Davy asked Emma as they trudged along the road toward the schoolhouse.
“It’s a secret,” Emma replied.
“What about Mom and Dad, then?”
“Secret.”
“What are you giving me?”
“Nice try!” Emma laughed.
Davy knew what kind of gifts he would receive this Christmas. Everything would be carefully knitted, baked, or hammered together. No ordering from the Eaton’s catalogue anymore — too expensive.
Gifts had to be handmade.
“Come on, Emma, just tell me,” he pressed. “I need some ideas.”
“Oh, all right,” she sighed. “But don’t tell!
I’m drawing everyone a special picture. Just like the ones on the covers of Maclean’s magazine.”
What a good idea, Davy thought. Maybe I could do that, too. But then he remembered that he wasn’t very good at drawing.
What was he good at, anyway? Skating and hockey. Milking the cow. His father said he was good with animals because he had such a soft voice.
His voice! An idea started to form in his mind …
“Hallo there! Anyone need a lift?”
Davy and Emma turned to see their neighbour, Mr. Thomas, approaching in his jumper — a little hut on runners, pulled by a workhorse.
“Sure, thanks!” cried the children. They climbed in to find their friends Sarah and Mike huddled comfortably by the little coal stove.
“We’ll be all warmed up for the concert rehearsal today,” Mike said. “Not that being warm will help my singing any.”
They all laughed, and Emma said, “It doesn’t matter, Mike. Everyone loves the concert, no matter how we sing. It’s just a tradition.”
“Mr. Templeton said they won’t hire him back if he doesn’t put on a good show this year,” Sarah told them. “He said people are counting on it.”
“Then we’ll put on a good show,” Emma declared, “because I think he’s a very good teacher.” Davy agreed. For the rest of the trip to school, he silently practised how he was going to ask Mr. Templeton to help him with his Christmas gift.
* * *
The night of the concert arrived, colder than ever.
“We should be fine,” Davy’s dad said as they gathered blankets to keep everyone warm in the car. It was now hooked up to the family’s two remaining oxen. Like many farmers without money for gasoline, Mr. Haworth had removed the engine and turned his car into a “Bennett Buggy,” named after the prime minister.
“Are you feeling all right?” Davy’s grandmother asked him once they’d settled into the back seat. “You look very pale.”
“I’m fine,” Davy muttered. But he didn’t feel fine. He had hardly been able to eat his supper. He wanted to find Mr. Templeton and back out of the plan before the concert began.
But there was no time. Before he knew it, the show had started. There were Christmas carols in both English and French, a skit about an all-night Christmas bonspiel at the curling club, and a folk dance by some of the Ukrainian kids. Finally, Mr. Templeton beckoned to Davy.
Families, friends, and students,” he said as he and Davy stood together at the front of the schoolroom. “I guess we could all agree that 1933 has been a tough year. But evenings like this help remind us of what we have, not what we don’t have. Thank you for being here, enjoy the holiday season, and I will leave the last word to David Haworth.”
Davy glanced over at Emma, Mike, and Sarah. They were watching him with surprise.
He looked out at the audience. Every family from the whole town of Wilkie was there, waiting for him to speak. He cleared his throat. “I didn’t know what gifts to give everyone this year. I don’t have any money, and I can’t knit or bake.”
Everyone laughed, but Davy saw that they were nodding at each other, too. After it got quiet again, he continued. “So, this is my gift for everyone, but especially for my grandma.”
He started to sing, and to his surprise, everyone soon joined in.
“Silent night, holy night …”
* * *
“Well, who knew you could sing like that?” Emma exclaimed as they crammed into the back of the car for the trip home.
“Sounded just like Frank, didn’t he, Mom?” Davy’s father said.
“Well, Davy,” laughed his mother, “it looks like you inherited more than just your uncle’s sweater.”
Davy looked over at his grandmother, who whispered something so only he would hear. “Thank you, David Frank Haworth, for the best Christmas gift anyone has ever given to me!”
The Great Depression
In the 1930s, most Canadians experienced serious hardship. They suffered through the Great Depression — an economic crisis that lasted from 1929 to 1939. All across Canada, large numbers of people were poor and unemployed during this time. Farmers in Saskatchewan were hit especially hard. Major droughts and dust storms ruined their wheat crops. And what wheat they managed to grow was hard to sell. Many families abandoned their farms. Others stayed and tried to make do. During the holidays, they found simple ways to celebrate the season.
And that's it for this week and hope you have a great weekend.
Alastair
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