The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Beaver, Vol. I, No. 4, January 1921, by Hudson's Bay Company This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: The Beaver, Vol. I, No. 4, January 1921 Author: Hudson's Bay Company Release Date: September 2, 2013 [EBook #43622] Language: English Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BEAVER, JANUARY 1921 *** Produced by Bryan Ness, Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) List of Contents (created by transcriber) The Beaver Bidding for World's Fine Furs at London Auction Sales An American Account of an Ancient Selkirk Settlement Caravan How Smith's Landing Became FitzGerald "Uplands," the Ancient H.B.C. Farm on Vancouver Island Hoot Mon! Th' Roarin' Game is on Wi' Lads o' the H.B.C. How Many "Advertisers" Has H.B.C.? Tree 95 Years Old Bears Apples More than 100 Benefits Paid in 1920 C. H. French Has Long Experience in H.B.C. Fur Trade SEND IT IN How the Eskimo Hunts the Musk-Ox There'll Be No More Slacker Contributors If They All Read This Fortunate Canada! The Yankee Balloonists Ambition A Martian at the Rink Egotism Our Reporters The Wanderers Reputation The Prize Contest Some People in the East and the West are Whimpering and Whining! MOTTOE FOR YE NEWE YEARE START THE NEW YEAR WELL C. W. Veysey Always Pushed the Work—Never Let It Push Him Rupert's House Notes Buffalo River Post News B.C. District Office News Requires Long Trip to Inspect B.C. Posts A Seaplane Visits Moose Factory FAMOUS TRIPS BY H.B.C. DOG TEAMS [Pg 1] LITTLE JOURNEYS TO THE HAUNTS OF CANADA'S FUR-BEARING ANIMALS G. L. Bellingham Won Way From Clerkship in Land Dept. WHAT HAPPENED AT MOOSE FACTORY DURING SUMMER AND FALL, 1920 The Ghost is Foiled in Lac Seul's Haunted Room SASKATCHEWAN DISTRICT OFFICE NEWS "SKIPPERING A SCOW" ON THE ATHABASCA Moose Island Afire WINNIPEG EDMONTON CALGARY VANCOUVER KAMLOOPS VERNON BEAVER CHIPS Vol. I JANUARY, 1921 No. 4 The Beaver A Journal of Progress Camping Out at 40° Below A Hudson's Bay Company's Post Inspector camping for the night near Great Slave Lake. Defying the snows, these hardy men "mush" with dog teams from Fort to Fort across the vast silent spaces of the great North, keeping H.B.C. communications open and taking account of furs traded at each post of the district. Devoted to The Interests of Those Who Serve The Hudson's Bay Company Bidding for World's Fine Furs at London Auction Sales Four Weeks' Annual Selling of Pelts Draws Cosmopolitan Crowd of Buyers from All Quarters of the Globe— H.B.C. Auction of Chief Interest. By J. D. J. FORBES (London Fur Warehouse) If a stranger were to ask where the fur quarter in the City of London is situated, perhaps the simplest answer would be to tell him to make for the Guildhall, and then to walk due south towards the River Thames. He would proceed along King Street (which is continued as Queen Street after Cheapside is passed) and in less than five minutes would be at his destination. What the Rue d'Aboukir is to Paris and the Bruehl to Leipzig, Queen Street is to London. It stands for the heart and centre of the London fur trade. Except for the Hudson's Bay Company's warehouse, which stands apart, all the most important fur merchants and commission houses are located within a stone's throw of the College Hill Public Saleroom—the entrance to which is in Queen Street—where the world's fur produce is periodically put up for auction. World's Buyers Assemble in Saleroom In the saleroom itself there is little to suggest a fur market; no skins or pelts are to be seen; no samples are displayed to catch the eye of possible buyers; there is no odour of furs or naphthalene. The saleroom reminds one of a large classroom with its rows of desks and forms facing a narrow rostrum whereon the selling broker and his assistants sit. Here three times a year assemble fur buyers from all over the world. The typically English features of the brokers contrast strangely with the faces of the cosmopolitan crowd which throngs the saleroom benches; and when in the intervals of selling a buzz of conversation is heard, it seems incredible that one is in the heart of London and not in some Levantine port. Selections Are Made From Catalogs Each buyer brings to the saleroom his catalogues, containing valuations and descriptions of the pelts he has inspected at the various fur warehouses. For the most part, only a very small proportion of the lots catalogued are seen by the prospective buyer; these are "show" lots and represent the bulk, which could not be properly examined in the short time at his disposal. There are usually about twenty catalogues—some of which contain only a few hundred lots but most of which run into thousands of lots—and as the fur collections are distributed amongst a dozen different wharves and [Pg 2] warehouses, where the skins are lotted and placed "on show," only a few days before the sales takes place, it will be appreciated that the thorough-going dealer who wishes to acquaint himself with the whole collection of furs on the market has plenty to do! The Order of the Sale At one time the order of selling was rather haphazard, but in recent years the sale arrangements have been revised and co-ordinated. Catalogues are now divided into definite sections, and the entire market supply of furs contained in section 1 of the various catalogues is offered for sale before section 2 is dealt with, and so on—the brokers balloting among themselves for precedence. In accordance with long-established custom, the first goods to be put up for sale are those coming from China and the far east (these auctions are referred to as the "China sales"); next comes the catalogues of Australian furs, followed immediately by any offerings there may be of fur seals. H.B.C. Auction Premier Attraction Although these auctions occupy the whole of the first sale week, they are of secondary importance when compared with the sales of the choicer North American and Siberian furs, which commence on the Monday of the second week with the Hudson's Bay Company's sale. Needless to say, the Company's auction always proves the greatest attraction of the whole series and never fails to draw a crowded room. The Company's catalogue is the only one now sold in its entirety without a break, and this for the very good reason that it provides the most reliable basis for comparison of values and enables the experienced buyer to appraise market fluctuations with confidence. The rest of the week following the Company's sale is taken up with the disposal of "fine" furs (such as beaver, ermine, foxes, marten, otter and sables) from other catalogues; the third week sees the "staple" lines (such as skunk, opossum, musquash and raccoon) offered for sale; and in the fourth and final week sundry South American and lower grade skins are offered. The Flexible Eyebrow An Aid in Bidding The method of bidding at the fur auction is by what is known as the "silent" system. The auctioneer usually starts the bidding himself at a moderate figure and the buyers interested signify their bids by various methods—such as by a nod, or a wink, or even a flick of the pencil; sometimes indeed a buyer will merely look at the auctioneer whilst the bids are being taken and only remove his gaze when his limit has been exceeded. It is often amusing to notice the tactics adopted by two bidders, each of whom wants a particular lot: one may perhaps be seated in the front row and he will perhaps bid by raising his eyebrows; the other (seated further back) will not look at the broker at all but will narrowly watch his rival's hat (the movement of which betrays the bidding) whilst he records his own bids by moving his little finger! As a rule, bids advance by a definite amount, which varies with the value of the article in question: bids for beaver skins, for example, may start at 50s. and advance by 2s. steps to 100s., beyond which the advance is by 5s. steps; in the case of musquash an advance of 3d or 6d per bid is sufficient. When demand is keen and bidding brisk, buyers frequently discard the silent method, and the broker is assailed with a chorus of "up! up!" from all parts of the room. As it is often difficult in such cases to distinguish between bidders, the possession of a good pair of lungs is a decided advantage for a buyer. Furs Sold at "Per Skin" Rate Most lots are sold "at per skin"—that is to say, when a lot of musquash containing 1600 skins, for instance, is put up, the auctioneer needs to register the price of only one skin—the value of the lot being 1600 times that figure. Although sitting for weeks in the saleroom buying sundry lots of skins from this catalogue and that may seem a dull job, yet the buyer with imagination finds the fur trade fascinating. He realizes that the skins he buys have taken months of patient toil and careful handling to assemble from the uttermost parts of the earth. To him, the sale mark "MKR" denotes not merely a particular quality of fur, but suggests the mighty river of the great Northwest threading its lonely way from the plains to the Arctic Sea. It is this sense of the world-wide ramifications of the fur trade, and the knowledge that the Company's organization has played, and still plays, a notable part in its development that make one feel proud to belong to the Hudson's Bay Company. An American Account of an Ancient Selkirk Settlement Caravan The Public Archives of Canada at Ottawa contain the following characteristic description of a Red River Caravan from the old Selkirk Settlement, as printed in the Wisconsin Herald of September 15th, 1847: "On the 10th of July, there appeared at the village of St. Paul, on the Upper Mississippi, the most novel and original caravan that has ever appeared since Noah's ark was evacuated. Our readers are aware that there is an isolated settlement of several thousand inhabitants in a high latitude of British North America, known as the 'Selkirk Settlement.' Cut off from the commerce of the world, they rely entirely upon their own resources, their farms, their flocks and fishing for support—being a community, so to speak, of Robinson Crusoes. Their crops having failed the last two seasons, they have been forced to break out of the wilds again and seek food in the markets of the great brawling world. Formerly their chief point of contact with commerce was Toronto; but now, owing to the increase of supplies on the [Pg 3] [Pg 4] Upper Mississippi, and the abundance of game and forage on that route, they trade at St. Paul, and the head of steamboat navigation on the Mississippi River. "Into St. Paul they came, on the 10th of July, a caravan of one hundred and twenty carts, in a single file, wearily moving along by moonlight. Long after the head of the caravan had reached the village, the lengthened train of followers could be seen moving over the undulating prairie, partly visible and partly hidden between the billowy ridges of the extended plain, crawling onward like some huge serpent, the extreme rear still invisible and partly hidden in the dimness of the distance. They had travelled southward over the prairie six hundred miles, having been nineteen days on their way, through a region abounding in buffaloes—encamping at night in a tent, around which the carts were drawn in a circle, to fence in the cattle.... They brought along a large elk, a bear, and some other animals they had captured on their way— and many packages of furs. They had a very choice lot of buffalo robes, well dressed, which they sold at St. Paul by the lot at $3.50 each. "They had with them also an abundance of specie, and waited a few days at St. Paul for the arrival of a steamboat load of flour and groceries. The caravan was made up of men and boys of all ages, kindreds, tongues and complexions.... Their dresses were as various as could be imagined, being uniform in only a single article of apparel—all wore moccasins. The carts were made wholly of wood and hides, the hubs being covered with bandages of green hide, drawn on while soft and then shrinking until they became nearly as tight as bands of iron. Some of these odd two- wheeled vehicles were drawn by little horses, and others by oxen, each animal—horse or ox—being geared in a harness of green hide. They are now again on their way back to the frozen wilds of the North, many of them probably never again to commune with the great world." How Smith's Landing Became FitzGerald Heroic Sacrifice of R.N.W.M.P. Officer Led to His Name Being Given to H.B.C. Landing FitzGerald, originally known as Smith's Landing, is at the end of the Athabasca River navigation, approximately three hundred miles below McMurray. It is an important point in the transportation system, as cargoes are there discharged and portaged sixteen miles to Fort Smith, where they are loaded into other steamers navigating the Mackenzie River. In 1910, a commissioned officer of the mounted police named FitzGerald, along with three members of the force, left Fort McPherson for Dawson. The party encountered severe storms, and lost their way in the mountain passes. After wandering for several weeks, they decided to return, but owing to lack of food and inability to procure game of any kind they suffered great privation. Finally, they were obliged to kill their dogs for food. One of the members of the party died and the position of the survivors was desperate, as two of the remaining members were unable to proceed. FitzGerald left these men with all the clothing and whatever else they had that might benefit them and continued alone in an endeavor to get back to Fort McPherson and bring help. On reaching a point about twelve miles of the Post—which was then actually in sight—he was too exhausted to travel further and was frozen to death. Meanwhile, the non-arrival of this patrol in Dawson caused the mounted police to send out a search party from that end on the assumption that FitzGerald's party might have been held up nearby, but the search party had to continue within this short distance of McPherson before finding the evidence of the tragedy. FitzGerald was held in high regard by all the people in the Northwest Territory in which he served and application was made to the authorities at Ottawa to change the name of Smith's Landing to Fort FitzGerald to commemorate his worthy but unfortunately unsuccessful effort to secure relief for his party. "Uplands," the Ancient H.B.C. Farm on Vancouver Island Onetime Natural Park and Grazing Ground Now Being Subdivided at Victoria By C. H. FRENCH, District Manager for B.C. When Victoria was established by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1843 all that tract of land between Cadboro Bay and The Willows was a park, being studded here and there with beautiful oak trees and plentifully supplied with grass in which the elk loved to scamper about. Farm Required to Support Post At all Hudson's Bay Company's forts, the self-supporting feature was always given first consideration. At Victoria it was not only necessary to raise sufficient grain, butter and beef to support the Fort, but also sufficient to supply Russian America, or Alaska as we now know it. Uplands was one of the first farms established to gain those ends. The farm buildings were always just where they now are, but the road leading to them was different, in that where it now takes a bend where the golf links association put up their sign, it continued straight through the cultivated fields to the farm buildings. An examination will show the trees and rocks still marking this road. [Pg 5] Riding to Uplands for the View The officers at the Fort had saddle horses and it was to the uplands they went when desiring a ride on horseback. Many officers of Her Majesty's ships immediately on landing made arrangements for a horseback ride to this wonderful piece of country. It has an elevation—without seeming to climb—sufficient to present perhaps the finest marine view to be found anywhere. The view was obtainable from almost any part of the thousand acres contained in the farm. The handsome oak and maple trees were just sufficiently scattered not to obstruct the view of the Olympic Mountains to the south; San Juan and other islands to the east and southeast, which were overlooked by glorious Mount Baker, always standing out as if a sentinel clothed in white, guarding a country so rich in minerals, lumber and fish that its equal has yet to be discovered. Looking north, towards James and Salt Spring Islands, one is almost speechless with admiration of the beauty that is stretched before the eye. Indian Villages Are at Strategic Points Indian villages were in earlier times established only at points where the food supply was abundant, but in this particular instance the village was established for strategic reasons. There were two points occupied by Indians; one toward the northern side of the bay, where the present Cadboro Bay Hotel is to-day located, and the other just inside the point, east of the present Yacht Clubhouse. Those living on the north side of the bay were the custodians of a portage from Telegraph Bay to Cadboro Bay, while the Indians on the south side of the bay were the real defenders of the tribe as a portage from there to Rock Bay had to be blocked to all enemies as it was to this point that retreats were made and where also was stored their winter supply of food. The Songhees Had a Magic Spring The Songhees on the southeast end of Vancouver Island had, I believe, the most strategic situation of any tribe on the coast. From their central village at Concordance Arm the all-important route was by Cadboro Bay, principally because the great spring that was regarded by them as possessing certain medicinal qualities was located at that point. This spring was surrounded by willows and was so carefully camouflaged that one could hardly find it, excepting that the ground from the spring to the waterfront was more or less wet. In the improving of Uplands, this spring was drained in some way and, I am told, does not show on the surface now, but probably is diverted to the sea beach. Hoot Mon! Th' Roarin' Game is on Wi' Lads o' the H.B.C. Land, Retail and Wholesale Departments at Winnipeg Get Away to Fast Start—Some Already Displaying Mid Season Form By OUT TURN At Winnipeg, the respective Curling Associations of the Land Department, Retail Store and Wholesale Depot are making up for lost time, the season having started late. Extent of the enthusiasm displayed in the Company's Winnipeg establishments for the grand old game is indicated by the hundred and ten yelling, sweeping adherents who turn out once and twice a week. Ice has been good and the weather just cold enough to induce lively work behind every skip. It is to be noted that more rocks are getting across the "hog" than the first part of last season. "Meet Me Face to Face" If ice holds after present schedules are completed, it is planned to bring the victorious rinks together in an H.B.C. "bon spiel" for a decision on the Company Curling Championship for Winnipeg. "Draw Weight, We'll Sweep It!" Sketched are two well-known "skips" heading land department rinks and one "skip" who cuts a lot of ice in wholesale circles. Our staff artist caught him as he was shooting his first rock of the season, using the follow-through system. He is usually more dignified than as portrayed (on next page) and the editor remarks a terrific shift of latitude here as this arctic "skip" was but lately a strutting Toreador. The two land department "skips" pictured on this page wear no disguise and need no introduction but we'll give a Made beaver to anyone who'll guess their identity. It is of course too early to make predictions as to probable winners in the various departmental associations. We cannot get any sort of a prognostication from our usually very opinionated Sporting Editor. For next issue, he promises to analyze the performance of the leading rinks and tell Messrs. Harman, Vesey and Sparling exactly what their respective chances are. On the following page is the standing of the rinks as at 10th January: Wholesale Boys! "Do You Know Him?" [Pg 6] [Pg 7] —!!! Sweep Her-Up—She'll Never Reach H.B.C. CURLING ASSOCIATIONS. Winnipeg, 1921 Land Department SKIP Games Played Won Lost Standing Harman 4 3 1 .750 McDill 4 2 2 .500 Bellingham 4 1 2 .250 Joslyn 4 1 2 .250 Retail Store Games Played Won Lost Standing MacGregor 2 2 0 1.000 Mills 1 1 0 1.000 Scott 2 2 0 1.000 Pearen 1 1 0 1.000 Parker 2 1 1 .500 Healy 2 1 1 .500 Tait 2 1 1 .500 Sidey 2 1 1 .500 Sparling 2 0 2 .000 Ogston 1 0 1 .000 Pugsley 2 0 2 .000 Bowdler 1 0 1 .000 Wholesale Depot Games Played Won Lost Standing Swan 2 2 0 1.000 A. Thompson 2 2 0 1.000 Iveson 1 1 0 1.000 Veysey 3 2 1 .666 Poitras 3 2 1 .666 Phelan 2 1 1 .500 Brock 3 1 2 .333 O. Thompson 2 0 2 .000 McMicken 2 0 2 .000 Ross 2 0 2 .000 How Many "Advertisers" Has H.B.C.? By MRS. JACK HAWKSHAW Some one will answer, "there's one ad-man in Winnipeg, one in Edmonton, one in Calgary, one in Yorkton, one each in Lethbridge, Nelson, Vernon, Kamloops and Vancouver." If that is all, then I am afraid it's time to be up and doing. Each employee in the Company's service should be "on the advertising staff," to promote good feeling and optimism. Think what a great thing it would be right now at the beginning of a New Year and on the threshold of a new season, if the company's thousands of employees took a leading part in the advertising of the Company's stores. Tree 95 Years Old Bears Apples Vancouver, Washington, Dec. 18th (Special)—Two apples grown on the famous old apple tree in Vancouver barracks were picked to-day by A. A. Quarnberg. This apple tree is the oldest in Pacific Northwest, if not the United States, having been planted in 1826 by Bruce, the gardener for the Hudson's Bay Trading Company. This makes the apple tree more than ninety-five years old. The seeds were brought around the Horn in a sailing-vessel by an Hudson's Bay Trading Company official who carried them in a waistcoat pocket. The tailor was cleaning out the pockets and found these apple seeds and he gave them to the gardener who planted them. Many trees were raised. All have died except one. More than 100 Benefits Paid in 1920 The Hudson's Bay Employees' Welfare Association at Winnipeg Retail continues to flourish despite the many demands made on the "exchequer" during the past twelve months. Upwards of one hundred individual employees have received benefits during 1920 and the Secretary, P. Harrison, reports that the balance in hand at present is larger than at any time since the inception of the plan. C. H. French Has Long Experience in H.B.C. Fur Trade British Columbia District Manager Entered Service in Lake Winnipeg District, 1887; Sent to New Caledonia on Important Mission in 1894 By F. S. GARNER Mr. French in the B.C. District Office C. H. French, District Manager of the Company's British Columbia fur trade district, is a man whose experience in the service during 33 years, from Lake Winnipeg to the Pacific Coast and north to Alaska, has excellently fitted him to narrate countless stories of brave adventure and stern duty under the H.B.C. flag in the great Northwest. Mr. French, though 53, carries his years lightly. True, his hair is grizzled; upon his face is delineated the tale of dangers met and hardships overcome. Yet one would not place his age at over 45, if even that. Seasoned as an oak, with hard and healthful living in a climate which eliminates all but the fittest, Mr. French, now in lovely Victoria, may know at least a measure of the relaxation and joy of living such as is seldom granted the fur trader. The "spring" in his step and the active interest he takes in the life and development of Vancouver Island identify in him a youthful spirit which well might be envied by many men under thirty. Mr. French was born in Markham township, twelve miles north of Toronto, Ontario, on 23rd July, 1867. He served a full apprenticeship at printing. Then he acquired a fair knowledge of bread-baking, fishing and sailing, which experience he says stood him in good stead after entering the service. In 1887 Mr. French joined H.B.C. in the Lake Winnipeg District, doing work of various kinds, one job being the sailing of the boat "Beaver" under Mr. W. J. McLean at Lower Fort Garry, and afterwards Mr. Flett at Fort Alexander. During this period he brought the body of Chief Factor Belanger in from the lake and delivered it at the Selkirk Roman Catholic Church. The Chief Factor was drowned at Norway House. Fur Trade Commissioner Wrigley went out of office and while his successor, Mr. C. C. Chipman, was Commissioner, he had the able support of such men as William Clark. It was with William Clark that Mr. French engaged to go to New Caledonia District, British Columbia (March, 1894) to break up a ring that was pilfering merchandise from the Babine, B.C., warehouse. This was successfully accomplished, and Mr. French was given charge of Babine Post, remaining there until 1901, when installed as fur buyer at Victoria, under Mr. James Thomson. He was in charge of that work until February, 1914, when he was made District Manager for British Columbia. SEND IT IN If you have a bit of news, send it in. Or a joke that will amuse, send it in. A story that is true, an incident that's new, "We want to hear from you," send it in. Never mind about your style, If it's only worth the while, send it in. Will it make a paragraph? Send it in. If some good your words can teach, If some distant reader reach, If you have a glowing speech, send it in. MISS D. L. BENS, Winnipeg Retail [Pg 8] [Pg 9] How the Eskimo Hunts the Musk-Ox Description of Eskimo's method of hunting musk-oxen in the Arctic regions as given by Capt. French, R.N.W.M.P., one of the patrol who went north to investigate the killing of Messrs. Bradbury and Street, sent out by Smithsonian Institute and National Museum at Ottawa. The Eskimo, sighting a small band of musk-oxen—usually a bull, cow and one or two calves—lets loose two or three husky dogs (part dog and part wolf) which encircle the animals. The bull and cow turn their heads towards the dogs, with the calf or calves in the centre, and prepare to give fight. Once the oxen are "anchored," the Eskimos turn loose all their dogs which serve to keep the oxen "anchored" instead of taking to their heels, and proceed themselves with bow and arrows and dispatch the animals. These musk-oxen are very fierce and warlike animals, hence the necessity of the Eskimo protecting himself with dogs. In the case of a wounded bull charging an Eskimo, the dogs immediately rush to attack it and withdraw its attention from the Eskimo who may thereby find time to string another arrow to his bow and then dispatch it.—W.E.A. Holding the Musk-Oxen at Bay There'll Be No More Slacker Contributors If They All Read This Barriere Post, Ontario, Editor, The "Beaver," Winnipeg. It is, I think, the duty of all of your readers to wish THE BEAVER a very happy New Year. You cannot realize what the magazine means to us who live in the silent places far removed from social intercourse with our fellow creatures. We who have access to such little reading material to interest us in our lonely lives will look forward eagerly to the arrival of THE BEAVER. And I can assure you that I wish it every success in the years to come, and I trust that all the readers will recognize the fact that it is their bounden duty to contribute either in writing or photographs from time to time. I think that it is not to our Commissioner alone that we should look for guidance nor to our District Managers, but to our friendly intercourse one with another, which can only be accomplished through the medium of THE BEAVER and I sincerely trust that this friendly intercourse will grow stronger and stronger as the years roll by, and so help to strengthen and firmly cement together the bonds of good fellowship. I have the honor to be, Sir, Yours obediently, (Signed) ASHTON ALSTON, Post Manager. Issued Every Now and Then in the Interests of Those in the Service of the Hudson's Bay Company The Beaver "A Journal of Progress" Copyright, 1921, by The Hudson's Bay Company Address all communications to Editor, "THE BEAVER," York and Main Streets, Winnipeg, Canada Vol. I JANUARY, 1921 No. 4 Fortunate Canada! The big war is all over but the paying. A whole "bale" of little wars, however, have been engaging the attention of the world until recent settlements were effected. [Pg 9] [Pg 10] Famine in China. Russian chaos and Irish thunderclouds. Inoculation against the "Bolshevik bug" in every quarter of the globe. Fortunate Canada! Industrial depression, unemployment and foreboding grips the United States. Canada has had a tinge of this malady, too, during price convulsions—but Canada is sound. Canada—especially Western Canada—is busy, optimistic and possessed of a confidence unbounded. A happier or more prosperous Christmas and New Year's that just past in Canada, never has been. For twelve months ending October, 1920, Canada's volume of trade was up five hundred million dollars over the year previous. Canada is fortunate. To the sweet uses of Peace, she is applying herself assiduously. The Yankee Balloonists The Beaver refrains from elaborating upon current newspaper reports about the U.S. Navy balloonists who drifted from New York City to Moose Factory and were rescued by H.B.C. men at James Bay—until the report of our Associate Editor at Moose Factory and his photographs have been received. It is expected these will come out to Mattice by next packet, and The Beaver will then be able to give authentic details. Ambition Ambitious men raise themselves like the tallest trees high above the shrub growth of somnolent spirits and so are "most in the power of the winds of fortune." Your chance for Success is not lacking as long as the spark of Ambition is alive within you. With some men, Ambition dies between thirty and forty; with others it remains unquenched. Some men have made fortunes and lost them at forty- five, then have turned in and made other fortunes before retiring. Scores of great Successes have been recorded after the age of fifty; cases where Ambition, the "divine discontent," was never downed. Without Ambition, the fire under the boilers of Industry would die and the pop-valves of Commerce would cease to reveal live power that drives the pistons of progress. A Martian at the Rink Picture a man from Mars, just descended, as he steps into an H.B.C. curling rink during the ninth "end"—when Scottish excitement is at its hottest. Try to comprehend his bewilderment as he hears frenzied shouts of "SWEEP, SWEEP, SWEEP 'er up! GET IT across the hog!" And again—"out turn, Mac; draw-weight and a wick off this one. Just come TO it!" And sweatered, mufflered figures contort themselves in fantastic fox-trots on the ice as they swing mad brooms in the van of the skidding stones. The grey rocks curl and thump—or twist uncannily to a berth behind guardian stones. "WE LIE," bursts in raucous chorus from steaming throats. "A marvelous confession thinks the man from Mars." The roarin' game of Cur-r-r-lin' is in full fling at many of the Company's branches. Young and old all become younger in a fast and furious "draw." Buy a broom and a pair of "galoshes" and get on the ice. Forget business, bid dull care begone. Curl ten "ends" and then you'll say "where's that pack of worries that was hounding me this afternoon?" Egotism The large proportion of the human race which is afflicted with "Self Importance" can draw pointed conclusion from the facts that: (1) Michelson the scientist has discovered an accurate method of measuring the distant stars, by which it is determined that one star in Orion is twenty-seven trillion times as large as the earth, and twenty-seven million times as large as the Sun. (It's no use trying to visualize this tremendous planet. Even a billion is incomprehensible to the human mind; a [Pg 11] trillion simply cannot be embraced in our thought.) (2) Latest available figures indicate that there are about two billion people living on the Earth, despite the slaughter of war. We are somewhere in that crowd. If we ever feel ourselves getting "chesty in the head," let us repress even the faintest stirrings of Egotism, for we're only one in two billion (never would be missed!) riding to an unticketed destination on a "pin-point planet" that swirls every day a million miles nearer to that gigantic sun, Alpha Orionus (see it any clear night in the heavens) which is so tremendous in dimension that our poor little earth at the instant of contact would sputter out like a tiny drop of grease on a big stove. Our Reporters The Beaver should be all-seeing, all-knowing—as far as H.B.C. events are concerned. If a single incident which affects the Company or its employees escapes being reported to this journal, we are not fulfilling our mission. If any other publication tells of an H.B.C. event or reports any H.B.C. employees' activities which do not reach The Beaver—then we're "scooped," in the parlance of the press. You faithful readers of The Beaver who daily are giving your time and thought to H.B.C. affairs—you are the eyes and ears of this journal. We have a good many "live-wire" reporters, but need more. Let every member of staff take a personal interest in forwarding to The Beaver intelligence of every description that might interest H.B.C. people. The Wanderers The lure of exploration has not lost its power since the two main prizes—both Poles—were achieved. Recently it was announced that a considerable number of new expeditions would set out in 1921 to various remote quarters of the globe—one to Baffins Land, one to the north of Siberia, one to Central Africa and so on down the list. Amundsen is now trying to drift across the North Pole. The Challenge of Discovery ever has greater power than strong drink to inflame the blood of daring men, particularly of the British and Scandinavian races. They will never tire until the last "back-lot" of the earth has been carefully scanned, mapped and staked for science and civilization. Reputation A man may live a lifetime of virtue and honesty; then by one false step destroy the delicate structure of Reputation which he has so painstakingly constructed. The Good Name of H.B.C. has taken two hundred and fifty years to build. Yet one year's departure from H.B.C. ideals and H.B.C. standards would serve to corrode the foundations underlying this priceless Reputation. When acting or speaking in the name of the Company, employees who appreciate the insecurity of Reputation think twice before saying or doing anything that might be adjudged un-Hudson's Bay. The Prize Contest "How I Earned My First Dollar" Contest is stirring up much interest among "old timers" in the ranks. First letters are beginning to come in. Please do not delay in sending the facts about your early start. Two hundred words are enough to give the main details—and are soon written. Some People in the East and the West are Whimpering and Whining! Pessimistic over the outlook for spring business. Some people think the bottom has fallen out of things, when the fact is things are as good as ever they were. Only that with the getting back into the condition that prevailed before the war prices are falling, and [Pg 12] many people have contracted a fever which was very prevalent in the States a short time ago called Pessimania. We've Got to Do Our Part to Create a Spirit of Optimism, for if we all join the army of pessimists, it's going to be bad for ourselves, bad for the Company, and bad for the country too. Besides, we have every reason to be optimistic and here are the reasons —First, there is the good news of lower prices on nearly all kinds of goods, and people who have been doing without can now buy freely again. Second, the government has abolished the undesirable luxury tax. Encourage your customers and friends to buy now, for prices cannot jump down below what they are now for the spring, and the more they buy the more it will add prosperity to the country. No country's prosperity was ever built up on fear, but faith. The low prices are here now. People have money for necessities and we must do our part by talking and thinking hopefully for the coming spring. That's it! Have you ever stopped to think of the wonderful power of thought. Like the pebble dropped in the lake, ever widening in circles, your tiny thought of hopefulness and helpfulness will have an ever-widening effect. Every word that you say with belief behind it stimulates other people to be optimistic, and so your influence increases. This is what makes power. Every added sale that we make will not only increase our own record but it will add its quota to the prosperity of Canada. Let everybody think good times, talk good times, and buy for good times' sake, then the ranks of the unemployed will melt before the sunshine of prosperity! Won't we make a resolution to start being peptimists to-day?—F. S. Garner. MOTTOE FOR YE NEWE YEARE Modernized by A. Seymour H.B.C. Post, D-14 There arre noe Byrdes In Nexte Yeare's Neste. In Nexte Yeare's Creame There arre no Flyes. Noe Vaine Regrettes Disturb my Breaste For Aught yt in Ye Futurre lyes Ande Laste Yeare's Flyes Ande Laste Yeare's Byrdes Arre paste ye reache Of Tearres ande Wordes. ? ? ? ? —Chaucer. START THE NEW YEAR WELL by joining the vast and ever increasing multitude of those who find in Life Insurance the one sure way of protecting dependent ones—while making timely provision for their own future at the same time. Join the ever increasing number who have found, in the Policies of The Great-West Life Assurance Company, all that can be desired in profitable Life Insurance. Thus you will obtain protection at low cost, and will secure a share in the remarkable profits that are being paid to Policyholders of The Great-West Life Assurance Company Dept. "D. 30" Head Office: WINNIPEG C. W. Veysey Always Pushed the Work—Never Let It Push Him General Manager of Winnipeg Wholesale Developed Himself So Consistently With H. B. C. at Vancouver That [Pg 13] He Was Called to Fill a Big Man's Shoes By A. BROCK, Associate Editor The career of Mr. C. W. Veysey, Manager H.B.C. Wholesale, Winnipeg, furnishes an excellent example of the Company's appreciation of, and reward for, faithful service and ability to apply one's business acumen in the Company's interests. C. W. VEYSEY, Esq. General Manager, Wholesale Department A Nova Scotian Who Early Came West Born in the little town of North Sidney, Nova Scotia, of English parentage, Mr. Veysey was privileged to spend the first years of his life in that country and community which produced so many of the leading business men now in the West. When he was thirteen his parents decided to move to British Columbia. They arrived in Vancouver in October, 1888. A few years spent at the west end and Central Schools, Vancouver, brought Mr. Veysey to that stage where he decided that it was about time he was learning to paddle his own canoe. Began Business Life in B.C. Refinery The B.C. Sugar Refinery was the scene of his first labors, given in exchange for what at that time seemed the magnificent remuneration of $12 per month, with the promised reward of an increase to $15 in three months, providing the service he rendered was satisfactory to his employer. It is interesting to recall that the Company's present general manager at Vancouver, Mr. H. T. Lockyer, was at that time also connected with the B.C. Refinery in the capacity of accountant; and Mr. Veysey was fortunate in forming a friendship in those days which later proved to be a source of great help when the experience and assistance of an "older head" were needed to straighten out, ofttimes, the rough business road he had to travel. Joined H.B.C. Service in 1896 A period of five years, however, completed Mr. Veysey's connection with the refinery. During this time Mr. Lockyer had entered the H.B.C. service as accountant and perhaps in view of the association begun at the refinery it was not strange that an opportunity should shortly present itself enabling Mr. Veysey also to join the Company's service. On 1st November, 1896, he commenced his duties in the Vancouver office. Mr. E. J. Cuchinay was the Company's accountant at Vancouver at that time, but on account of ill health was being transferred to one of the Company's steamers as purser. Consequently, his position at Vancouver had to be filled. Mr. Lockyer Got Him a New Job Feeling, as Shakespeare says, that there is a "tide in the affairs of men," Mr. Veysey decided to approach Mr. Lockyer (who by this time had attained the position of general manager) and ascertain if he could not be allowed to show his ability for the position. Mr. Lockyer informed him that he had already wired Commissioner Chipman, recommending his appointment and showed him the wire. Mr. Veysey experienced anxious days while awaiting the reply from Winnipeg; but eventually word was received approving the appointment. Mr. Lockyer Gave Him Lesson in Self-Reliance Perhaps a little incident that occurred soon after Mr. Veysey's appointment will be appreciated by a great many of the present aspiring accountants of the Company. The time of the month had arrived when the famous "Form 20" had to be compiled and with the help of Mr. Lockyer this task was successfully accomplished. The next month, however, the young accountant found not a little difficulty in completing this form unassisted. He thought of Mr. Lockyer's kindly assistance the previous month and again approached the general manager for help; but much to Mr. Veysey's surprise, he was met with the reply, "Why, Charlie, I showed you how to do that last month. Go back and do it." And back he went, and what is more important, he did it. Mr. Veysey often remarks that that was one of the best turns Mr. Lockyer ever did him. Handled Big Business During Yukon Rush Mr. Veysey has many pleasant reminiscences of the days of the Yukon rush and what it meant to Vancouver. H.B.C. business was so great at that time that it meant working every night until midnight for five months. Mr. Lockyer will also remember this strenuous time, as he bore his share with the rest. Midnight would often come and find him still on the job. Promoted to Assistant Managership Promotion again was the order of the day, and Mr. Veysey was made assistant general manager at Vancouver. In 1908, however, he was approached by Messrs. Kelly Douglas and Company to join their firm as credit office manager, which position he filled until 1913, when he was asked by the Hudson's Bay Company to go to Winnipeg in the capacity of general manager of the Depot and Wholesale Branch, which had been rendered vacant by the death of that valued servant of the Company, Mr. G. W. Cochrane. [Pg 14] Became Wholesale General Manager Mr. Veysey arrived in Winnipeg in July, 1913, and immediately applied himself diligently to the task of building up a wholesale business which should be second to none in the West. It was by no means an easy task, but perseverance eventually prevailed and H.B.C. Winnipeg Wholesale has registered great gains. Since Mr. Veysey's appointment at Winnipeg, wholesale branches of the Company have been established at Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan, under his management. The H.B.C. candy factory, at Winnipeg, owes its inception to his efforts for expansion of the Company's business. Serves Fur Trade and Stores Efficiently One of his greatest ambitions has been to operate the depot so efficiently that the service given both to the fur trade posts and retail stores would be as near perfect as it was possible to make it. The Company's many district managers and store managers all over Canada acknowledge and appreciate the efforts which have been put forward in this direction by Mr. Veysey's organization. Amongst the staff it may be said without fear of contradiction no man could be held in higher esteem than Mr. Veysey. Exacting, but human, he is and always ready to lend a helping hand. Having climbed up from the foot of the ladder himself he believes in employees' earning every step of their advancement, but he is always prepared to recognize and reward merit where demonstrated. Mr. Veysey Always Active in Sports In the world of sport, Mr. Veysey is an ardent devotee of the ancient and honourable game of golf, and many predict that some day the Burbidge cup will be seen reposing in his office. Mr. Veysey also takes a wholesome interest in curling. His enthusiasm and ability as a "skip" usually helps place his rink "on top of the league" at the wholesale. Rupert's House Notes Staff Changes J. S. C. Watt, late in charge of Fort Chimi, succeeds Mr. A. Nicolson, retired. R. J. Sherlaw, late in charge of Mistassinny Post, to charge of Rupert's House Post. A. Brebner, of Aberdeen, Scotland, apprentice clerk. Mistassinny Post F. Mcleod, late clerk at Albany Post, succeeds R. J. Sherlaw in charge of Mistassinny Post. Woswanaby Post H. Hawkins, late clerk at Rupert's House, succeeds D. M. Stuart, in charge of Woswanaby Post. Mr. Stuart left on board the S.S. "Nascopie," for a holiday in England. Buffalo River Post News We have had considerable sickness among the people of this district but are glad to say that only a few are now incapacitated. A considerable number died during last summer. Mr. J. M. Cumines, manager of H.B.C. Buffalo River, recently made a very pleasant trip to Toronto, to visit his mother, who was ill. Lamson Hubbard Canadian Fur Company have opened their new store at Buffalo River. (But H.B.C. is still here doing business.) B.C. District Office News Mr. and Mrs. C. H. French received congratulations on the birth of a fine daughter on December 1st. Mr. F. B. Wombwell, B.C. District accountant, returned from a visit to Mayo Brothers, Rochester, Minn. During the past month the H.B.C. Victoria office has had the pleasure of visits from: Captain Evan J. Edwards, of Montreal, H.M. Senior Trade Commissioner in Canada and Newfoundland; Mr. L. B. Beale, of Winnipeg, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner, Department of [Pg 15] Overseas Trade, London; Captain Louis Knaflich, of the Kuskokwim Fishing and Transportation Company, from whom the Hudson's Bay Company chartered the "Ruby" for Western Arctic District; Captain J. Bernard. Requires Long Trip to Inspect B.C. Posts To those of our readers who are "city folk" or whose travel is limited, the following might prove interesting: To make an inspection trip to the Hudson's Bay Company's Posts in British Columbia District alone a distance of 3758 miles must be covered as follows: 404 miles by trails. 974 miles by rivers. 56 miles by lake. 80 miles by automobile. 976 miles by railroad. 1268 miles by steamboat. A Seaplane Visits Moose Factory August 27, 1920, will be well remembered by the natives of Moose Island, as it marks the arrival of the first air machine to any H.B.C. post in James Bay district. A high-pitched, droning noise heralded the approach of the machine; and soon the 'plane came into view, flying at an altitude of about three thousand feet. A fine sight it was to see the great bird coming nearer, suddenly "bank," and, with a great flash of silver, as the sun's rays glinted on the tilted planes, it nose-dived and planed down to the "landing" stretch of water, which had been previously marked with a buoy and red flag. This channel of deep water runs between Moose Island and a smaller island, the river at this point being of delta formation. Meanwhile the inhabitants and the Company's staff had gathered on the bank, the latter all armed with cameras. A canoe shot out from the river side and the airmen were soon exchanging greetings with us. The seaplane to the Indians was a matter of great mystery and for long bands of them stood gazing at the craft which the white men had handled so dexterously. During their subsequent trips to their base near Cochrane they very kindly carried our outward mails. The object of the seaplane's journey was the recording by motion pictures the life and customs of the inhabitants of northern Canada.—G.F. FAMOUS TRIPS BY H.B.C. DOG TEAMS 107 Miles from Dawn to Dark By H. M. S. COTTER, Cumberland House In the year 1896 I was in charge of H.B.C. Northwest River Post on the Labrador. It was customary for the post managers to assemble annually at district headquarters which at that time was located at Rigolet on the coast. This council was usually held in April on a specified date. Rigolet is ninety-two miles from Northwest River by the winter trail. The trip occupies two days as a rule, and when we left the Post it was the intention as usual to run the first fifty miles and camp for the night at a place named the Lowlands. The feet of the dogs are protected by deerskin moccasins from laceration on sharp edges of the ice We had the ordinary length of sled or "komatik," which is about twelve feet long and weighs about a hundred pounds. We carried a load of about six hundred pounds, which in that part of the country is considered light. We left the Post at 4.30 a.m. April 7th, 1896, just before dawn. The sky was somewhat overcast and a light wind was blowing from Southwest. The travelling was good, particularly in the early morning, as the melted snow of the previous...