You are presumed to be honest and responsible without evidence to the contrary beyond a reasonable doubt… on the balance of probablilties you are justified by 51 % likelyhood.
Candidates forum for the October 19th general election of the legislature of British Columbia.
Left to right: Tony Luck, BC Conservatives, Francyne Joe NDP, Jonah Timms, Green.
Wednesday the 2nd of October the three hopefuls for the legislature in BC to be representing the Fraser Nicola Riding presented and responded to moderator Darcy McLeod and about 75 interested listeners. The ” meet the candidates ” was held in at the Canadian country music Hall of Honor 2000 block Quilchena avenue, Merritt BC.
Issues from Public safety through deficit and lifestyle were intelligently committed to, in a moderately paced response.
Taking 7000 dollars in money and gold dust as well as about 250 thousand in US bonds and Australian securities in his famous Mission train robbery( first in Canada) he was on the lam here as a gentlemen and traveling abroad to Europe.
The local Coldwater hotel (1908) has a story of the securities being hid behind a mirror and in the dome of the three story building. There are no accounting of the securities ever being recovered but a strong interest in the CPR authorities to do that.
The timeline of Minors activities brought him to the 1907 Duck lake train robbery which netted Bill Minor, Shorty Dunn and Louis Colquhoun,( died of TB in the BC Penn was a teacher from Ontario) about 20 dollars and the registered mail that secured their conviction in a two week trail in Kamloops. The three had been arrested after one of them had lost his nerve when being talked to by searching posse members.
Minor and Dunn got life in the BC Penn the other 25 years. However Minor weighing in at less then 140 lbs acted in the way of a rabbit and slid out of prison under a fence within 13 months of the sentence. He died in Georgia in 1913 after at least one train robbery there. Noted as the picture of innocence it was reported that the locals there chipped in for a burial.
Nina Wooliams in her 1979 book Cattle Ranch says that while working as George Edwards,  Minor was responsible for and accident where a Chinese laborer fell out of a wagon and died of head injuries. The mans brother a cook at the ranch was wanting to kill minor causing Greaves to let him go. This gave him the time and inclination to plan the Duck lake robbery. It is also noted that he was after the relief money going to the San Franciso earthquake victims in 1907. He got the wrong train.
This year is the 100th year since his death in Georgia and it marks an age that passed the authorities excepting of Robin Hood types like Miner. Even the 1907 attribution of credit in Miner with the catch words Hands Up by a the head of the Pinkerton agency would probably not be done today.People operating on the wrong side of the government and community face public relations and vilification that is hard to beat. Even political figures like Saddam and others must not have been all bad.
In the words of a favored son ,when talking of an arch villain Adolf Hitler the statement of innocence ” I heard he was good to his dog” gave a sense that borrowing trouble not your own is a pricey emotional and spiritual due.
Hating someone makes them bigger then they are and engaging them somehow lessens you. Though necessary sometimes, we hope that you are spared these episodes in you and yours lives. We wish that you escape like a rabbit under the fence the cost and confinement of ill will.
Ode to the Grey Fox may he continue to rest in peace. Watch out for PR on the other side.
Shorty Dunn drowned at 70 years of age involved in prospecting in northern Canada, its said that he lost his life in bravery saving another. Colquhoun is buried in the New West Minister Penitentiary grave yard with about 100 other unclaimed bodies. The NWP is torn down however the graveyard remains with unmarked graves and some concrete marker bearing prisoner numbers.
Although the stories are sanitized through the lens of history and belief, he is noted as having a career by the RCMP in their web site page”The Story of Bill Miner” it included over thirty years of prison time and is softer then the term  ” Career Criminal”. The police also say that his capture gave then credibility. Two jurisdictions did the arrest here in Merritt. The CPR also lost a lot of chinese labourers building the rail road to nitro explosions ( transported in wagons)
In 1914 a year after Bill Miners death in Georgia the Government of British Columbia purchased two Chilean Navel submarines, this was covert against the law and against an American embargo. The constitutional authority for defence was the Canadian Federal Government who quickly acquired them from the province of British Columbia. The price that BC paid a reported 1.1 million dollars was bigger then the Federal governments navel budget. the clouds of war in Europe had been gathering foe some time and challenges to structure had occurred since the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. The time and setting fit the range of Miner in BC. Since the arrest in Merritt was done by a BC Policeman and a NWMP federal cop we can image politics and positioning even with the reports of Pinkerton cops coming up and the vilifying reports that Miner had been after the San Fransisco relief money going south.
He was a crook and a thief ( a long record) but some civility was clear and gave a mood that fit the time and sense of right and wrong here in BC.
His play was acted out some time after the Mcleans who were real murders and uncontrolled. They were hung at the BC Pen after holding off a large posse at the Douglas large ranch. The posse formed after they had killed a civil cop at the stump lake ranch north of Merritt. Still the conspiring context of these criminal acts were addressed by a need for credibility and country that did not fully get settled untill after the great conflict of the first world war and events like Vimy ridge and other.
Why is this relevant today, because the same passions are excited by insecurity now and in particular with young people they are the easiest group to blame for budget problems and malaise and political strife. Case in point the 15-year-old that was shot by police in Greece, that perception and movement against banks and globalization ran a gambit several years ago.
These guys were bad guys but where did it start, someone missed a opportunity to lead and it went to blame…..?
Its save to say that being civil has its rewards; sometimes.
Review: Nina Woolliams Cattle Ranch, 1979: For a frontier sense in Canada *****Â excellent
Longtime Nicola Valley resident and contributor to the fellowship of the local arts community. He is showing work running from Wednesday into the summer at the Gallery in Merritt.The photographer is understanding of the grace and presence that this interior of British Columbia Valley has on the population and guests as they seek imagery on travels and tours over time.
Kevin uses a Canon 800D camera and is an avid fan of developing digital tech.
Venue
The Nicola Valley Community Arts Council, Gallery is located at 2051 Voght street in Merritt BC, Canada. The entrance is next to the Kekuli Cafe.
Present and looking on at us was the Moon on Friday night. In Merritt this picture was captured as it rose above Iron Mountain; the mountain is weather reference used to plant gardens in the spring. Gardens have suffered here as the weather has been cold and wet. If premonition is your bag the sky cleared of clouds on rising into this photo. However the Man in the moons face neither provided a smile nor a frown.
Good luck
The moon will swoon.
The beach will draw breath…
Then take the soul to borough.
Tomorrow in play.
Moon in weather
Weather lore often includes observations related to the moon, such as the belief that a ring around the moon signifies an approaching storm.I’m Additionally, folklore suggests that the moon’s appearance can provide some indication of upcoming weather conditions. For instance, a clear view of the moon could indicate fair weather, while a halo around the moon may indicate the approach of a warm front and possibly rainy conditions. While these observations may carry some anecdotal truth, it’s essential to rely on more scientific and reliable meteorological forecasts for accurate weather predictions. As such, while the moon’s appearance could be an interesting aspect of weather lore, it should not be used as the sole basis for making important weather-related decisions.
Moon appears full
The moon will usually appear full for some time after it is completely full, enjoy this special edition strawberry moon.
Summer 2024
Summer 2024 will run from June 20th to September 22nd 2024.
Returning to routine after celebrating a life event can be a significant shift. Here are a few tips to ease the transition:
Reflect on the Celebration: Take a moment to reflect on the event and the joy it brought. This can help you appreciate the experience and carry its positivity forward.
Re-establish Priorities: Identify your important tasks and commitments, and gradually reintegrate them into your schedule. Setting achievable goals can help you regain a sense of normalcy.
Slow Transition: Ease back into your routine rather than abruptly diving back in. Start by tackling the most essential tasks first.
Self-Care: Ensure that you take care of yourself both physically and mentally, as transitions can be emotionally taxing.
Stay Connected: Maintain the connections made during the celebration and use them as a source of support as you return to your routine.
By approaching the transition with mindfulness and self-care, you can effectively reintegrate into your routine after celebrating a significant life event.
Feet on the ground
Remember you may have gotten yourself into a distorted sense of entitlement that may clash with others routine. KDG
The west end of Canford avenue and Voght park suffered a lot of damage as the river took mobile homes and vehicles from up the river to the empty mill yard and washed out a train bridge that connected the empty mill yard to the east side of the Coldwater river.
November 14th 2021
The mid part of June 2024 seems right to tempt the remembrance of the events of November 14th in Merritt British Columbia when a cold front met a warm wet front coming from the west and the Pacific and dumped its load over the Mountains that owned the watershed of the Coldwater river and causing a flash flood that terrorized people and stock in their properties to the lower mainland.
Never saw anything like it…
Barry Sanford of Brookmere said I never saw anything like it ever before as he described the estimated 5 feet of snow that he observed being washed away in the sense of a moment on its way to the destruction of bridges and home life in Merritt and beyond. Barry was grateful for the help of a Christian relief agency that later removed about 9 inches of gravel deposited on his property.” they did a good service” Barry thanked his providence and fortune that spared him from a lot that could have happened.
Resiliency praised
The most defining word generated by the experience was ” resiliency” Government and individuals, companies “Thank you Trans Mountain” et al all for the years as they mounted as catalyst for for fire and flood, mood and brood; the people of British Columbia exceeded all that came with plaque and prose and ( touch wood ) have produced an experience that matters. Without boast they and Canada have had the opportunity to ” overcome” without drama or bred accusation.
👀💦👣🤞 Look
Water infrastructure after relenting waters.
Kudos to the City
Merritt BC can be proud of the way that the local authorities managed infrastructure to able support workers and responders to an orderly return to habitability over time.
The Merry month of May is giving up the ghost. Just in time for June’s arrival there seems a race to the end and the begging of something at the same time. Citizens are used to emergency here the mundane is prowling and wants in to fray. This is strange, like waiting for a trap door at a gallows that didn’t provide one.
It will be OK, this to will pass. or it might be nice to believe in this local that good things will break out soon and calamity be muted.. Then the rhetoric should be muted by enjoyment.
Next Friday night market is on June 7th. What a good chance that will provide for tasting, smelling and procuring something missed in half a decade of difficult times.
How do local business groups work
Local chambers of commerce play a crucial role in promoting and supporting local business activities. They serve as a unified voice for the business community, advocating for policies and initiatives that foster economic growth. Chambers of commerce also provide networking opportunities, business training, and resources to help businesses thrive. Additionally, they may organize events, such as fairs and markets, to promote local commerce and attract customers. Overall, their goal is to create a conducive environment for businesses to succeed through collaboration, advocacy, and support.
Coldwater hotel at the corner of Quilchena and Voght in Merrritt BC
Don’t go alone
So, its be there a bit and this photo is dated months not years. But staffer Brain Jack was very proud of this new door on the historic Coldwater hotel . The building has charm the restaurant has a collection of old clocks ( got the time) go see it. Wednesday or any day and ask to see the door.
Merritt, British Columbia, is home to several historic buildings that offer a glimpse into the city’s past. One notable landmark is the Coldwater Hotel located at the corner of Quilchena and Voght. This establishment exudes charm and character, with its historic significance and a restaurant adorned with a captivating collection of old clocks. Additionally, the recently renovated door at the Coldwater Hotel, as showcased by staffer Brian Jack, further enhances the building’s appeal.
Another point of interest is the Kenguard Apartments, although only a photograph remains of this historic site. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s architectural heritage.
For more information and support related to these historic buildings and other local landmarks in Merritt, consider reaching out to the appropriate historical society or tourism office for a comprehensive list of contact information.Ăł
All that remains of the Kenguard Apartments. Photo KDG
The world has seen empires go and come some have legacies that are useful some not so much. Today the legacy of Pax Britannia is remembered as noticeable that relative world peace was enjoyed by the world as the US civil war raged on. The struggle for peace and security is ongoing but starts wit your neighbor and your own heart and mind. My thought for you today is that you stay calm in the struggle for a life. That you find wisdom and strength knowing that yours is important and is the one that you can control and guard; watch your relationships and don’t engage in grudge or hate. Do not be deceived you most probably can change little outside yourself. In that knowledge remember others demands for your change is secondary. Peace to all you but first thanks for allowing mine as i allow yours.
At the Arts Center, 2051 Voght street Merritt BC, Canada. Opie passed from life on May 15th 2021, his friends and supporters have put together a show of his Art and limited edition prints.
Known also for his making of flutes and flute music Friday saw a reception with live flutes and that haunting shrill sound of chords that charmed his 76 odd years of life and productive times.
Open House Take Down; June 2nd 1-4 PM
The Opie show will end on the second of June with a take down of displays and an open house at the gallery from 1-4 PM. Enter by the Kekuli cafe, hours are Wednesday – Saturday 10 Am to 5 PM, Sunday Noon – 4 PM.
Kevin Griffiths
percypaschal
The Proprietor Review 