So, you think juvenile delinquency is new?
An editorial in the Nanaimo Free Press, November 1, 1884:
The growing tendency of the age is the loosening of the restraint which parents and guardians impose upon their children or wards. That this greater freedom of motion to children ranging from 10 to 18 years is conducive of the most dire results must be apparent to the general reader.
In the city of Nanaimo, the evil is a growing one and it should be checked. Several nights during this present week gangs of youths ranging from 12 to 18 years of age, and some of respectable parents, have been reeling through the streets of this city in a state of intoxication.
It is but justice that we should state here that the intoxicating beverage was not procured by the boys themselves from any licensed house. We have been furnished the names of the lads, but refrain from publishing them this time in the hope that by drawing public attention to this evil they may see the error of their way and reflect on what must be the inevitable result of such degrading practice.
Boys, we are not going to preach you a temperance sermon,
but we warn you that if you continue in your present course, your career will be cut short by a premature death, or you will expiate some serious crime behind the prison gratings.
Parents and guardians, you will be doing your lads a life long service by counselling them to stay home at night and not allow them to prowl around the streets at unseemly hours. At Victoria, this pernicious practice grew to such huge proportions that the Council found it necessary to pass a by-law to not allow the children on the streets after a certain hour at night.
Unless there be an immediate change for the better, by the action of the boys themselves or their parents, it will become the imperative duty of the Council to pass a by-law similar to that found necessary at the capital.
We sincerely hope that the lads will take this warning to heart, stop at the threshold of what, if continued, must inevitably be a dishonourable career, reform their habits and grow up honourable men, capable of filling the highest positions in the land.
Boys, show by your future actions that there will be no necessity for such a by-law.
Friends in Duncan sent us the very nice article that you wrote in the Cowichan Valley Citizen, feb. 14th….about my husband’s aunt, Elaine Holm….I wish she had been able to read it, she would have been delighted. She never got much recognition at the time. She just loved taking photos of all the old houses in the valley, and finding out about their history. Thank you very much….we have sent the article to his sister and relations in the UK….
Cheers, Sally Passey
One of the greatest joys of writing a newspaper column is the opportunity it affords me to acknowledge the contributions of people to the community. Elaine Holm’s legacy in the Cowichan Valley is the fact she began the movement to record our heritage, a project I am now fulfilling by writing a two-volume social history of the Valley’s heritage homes and buildings.
As you note, she wasn’t recognised at the time. Here’s hoping, better late than never. And it was my pleasure. TW
Hi Tom. Like your website. Sad to read Jim Hume’s last column in the TC today. You may be the last freelancer standing. Hope all is well.
Brian
I’m going to miss Jim Hume’s Sunday column in the Times-Colonist. My twice-weekly ‘Cowichan Chronicles’ column in the Cowichan Valley Citizen is into its 17th year. Long may it reign! TW
Hello. Found your website and think you might be able to help me. I live in Scotland and and tracing my family history. My great great aunts Margaret Gibson nee Brogan and Elizabeth Fraser nee Brogan moved with their husbands(miners)and families to Manaeno(I think) from Ayrshire Scotland in about 1870. I know that mining opened up on a large scale at that time. Do you know if many Scottish miners moved out at that time? I am intrigued to find what route they might have taken. If you can give me any information or point me to any websites that may be useful I would be really grateful. Kind regards. Kate.
Hi, Kate: I’ve passed your request on to two friends who specialize in the history and genealogy of Nanaimo area and coal mining families. I’m sure they’ll help to at least steer you down the right roads. Bravo for your taking the interest to research your family, something I believe everyone should do.
Including me, if I had the time! Cheers, TW