Branksome Hall - Slogan Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

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24 The Branksome Slogan to international causes and unity of purpose in promoting the general welfai-e of the world. Yet we ca nnot hope to see the final, workable truth clearly now, in stress and turmoil of war. The reconstruction both at home and abroad calls for sacrifices and co-operation from us all. NANCY MARLOW. An Unusual Evening The vivid memory of that mid-December evening has never dim- med. Now, as I write, I can see again as clearly as if it had been yes- terday, the wall of driving snow outside; hear again the clatter of hail as it pricked the window. Inside, Dick and I were earnestly discussing such a foolhardy adventure. It was entirely Dick ' s idea to visit the place. I remember the icy fingers of fear that crept around my heart when he proposed the plan. He laughed at me then — I can hear his taunting now — he made faces at me and called me a ' ' jelly fish ' . Foolishly I allowed my pride to conquer my fear. The ' ' Black House at the end of the road had two visitors that night. At half past eight we left home. The night had been black for several hours. The wind tore at our jackets as the two of us crossed the dark field. Then down the long road we went until there, before US, stood the gate — high, forbidding. I think Dick, himself felt some inward pang. But, undaunted, with fingers chilled and stiff, we fum- bled with the catch. Groaning heavily, the gate gave way. The house loomed directly ahead. As we stood before the massive door, my fear slipped away like a phantom through the darkness. A voice of adventure seemed to call me from within. I would not have turned back for all of Dick ' s entreat- ies. I can smile now when I think of Dick. Yes, he was afraid ; Dick went home without me that night ; I entered the house alone. My curiosity allowed no room for caution. I explored the house from room to room, from closet to closet, from floor to floor until every corner was familiar. It was only then that I ' became aware of the eeriness that prevaded the whole atmosphere. The rooms were large, the ceilings high. A idusky dampness, intangible, seemed to chill the very soul — and I was alone in this great place. Outside the snow mur- mured, the eaves troughs creaked, the trees stretched white arms into the vast darkness of the sky. The story of the place came back to me then, a foolish story perhaps, but one that I remembered with awful

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The Branksome Slogan 23 Certain kinds of private spending will probably be encouraged and subsidized by the government. Housing is the foremost example. The available housin g in the country as well as in many cities is in- adequate and unsatisfactory. Perhaps homes will be constructed ' en masse in the cities and prefabricated houses erected in the country. New projects, such as the expansion of airports, will be planned. The enormous power plant now under construction in Northern Quebec will give the country districts the benefits of a more extensive supply of electricity. Plans are made to enlarge schools, hospitals and modern- ize railways, bridges, and highways. Our Federal and Provincial Governments should embark upon a broader program of social welfare. The needs vary for different sect- ions of the country, the following should be of universal application, health services, unemployment insurance, vocational training, health insurance, family allowances, old age assistance and better nutrition. The Beveridge Plan may be mentioned here as it embodies most of these ideias. It even considers the worthy status of the housewife. Only unity of interest and unity of purpose on the part of every group able to help — business, labour, farmers and government — will enable us to carry out these plans. The conservation of our natural resources will be the object of a long range program to prevent wastage of Canada ' s heritage, i.e. in lands, forest, mines and fisheries, and to increase her wealth. We must have wider utilization of our primary resources. Agriculture may be extended through the wider industrial use of farm crops such as plastics, textiles and dehydrated fruits and vegetables. The greater part of the forestry problem can be faced by looking after young growth in territories that have been cut or burned rather than by re- planting. The rich oil being extracted from sand cliffs in Northern Canada will still be needed after the war. Such necessary enterprises offer wide scope for employment after the war. Canada ' s closed immigration policy of the last twenty years must be changed. Our land was not destined to be a home for only twelve million people. Within our borders, after the war, we can absorb grad- ually millions of European refugees who can work with us in our in- dustries or create new ones. Already, exiles have established here their unique trades of diamond cutting and pottery making. These peoples will appreciate more than ever the freedom which Canada has to offer and ' they will work with us to preserve it. We aim to preserve the liberty, equality, security and unity of the United Nations. Unity in a political sense, equality of opportunity in international trade, security against war and business depression due

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The Branksome Slogan 25 awareness. I stood staring with horror at the staircase. There, the story said, many years before, the old retainer had been found hanged, the rope tied to the bannister at the thirteenth stair. Here my memory fails me. My manner of departure I do not know. But I do remember the hectic flight up the long road and across the field, the nightmarish dash that ended at my own front door. Yes, I smile when I think of that evening — so frightful then, so foolish now. How clearly it all comes back to me! I wonder why I never returned to the house. ORDE SKEELES EVENSONG 1 sing of warm immeasurable days. When up the gleaming river in the haze The ponderous heron flaps on heavy wing; And of the drone of sun-sequest- ered bees From some far distant shadiness of trees I sing. Yet, v hen the thirsty cattle wend their way Here, from their pastures at the close of day. And the smooth pools are ringed with ripples fine, A silence falls about the drowsy herds, A song more beautiful than any words Of mine. For then, as eve her cooling finger draws Across the furrowed brow of earth, a pause Falls quietly as the dews on grasses long — Music too faint for human hear- ing ' s reach ; This is the poetry of earth, her speech, Her song. HONOR PASS.