Vermilion School of Agriculture - Yearbook (Vermilion, Alberta Canada)

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Versatile Club C. Warner W. Williams E. Swindlehurst Miss F. MacLean Miss L. Withnell Third Year Group L. McGhan J. Chantreau E. Swindlehurst Pawliuk Miss O. Melnyk Mr. F. B. Dixon W. Durda D. Hay B. Smith [ Page twt THIRD YEAR T JL he Third Year of 1930-31, considering the times, was very well represented. Although we were kept unusually busy, we still found time to join in the Social and Committee work of the school, and to enjoy ourselves generally. If space permitted many tales might be told, of our “Three Musketeers ’, Jacques, Steve and Walter; of Barrie our budding Don Jaun; of Doug, the protector of the employer; of Olga, ever sweet and demure; of Lloyd, of hockey fame; and of Ed., who kept the still going, but would on no account offer the boys a drink. We owe much to our instructors, Messrs. Djxcn and Turn- bull for their untiring energy on our behalf. This indeed, has been a pleasant term, and we are sorry that the time is fast approach¬ ing when our ways will part. THE DRAMATIC CLUB M 1 T JL any and enjoyable have been the gatherings of our Dramatic Club this year. During the term we undertook to produce three plays. While primarily the object of the Club was to encourage that poise and absence of self-consciousness which is an attribute of every true actor we managed to entertain a very appreciative audience on these three occasions and we sincerely hope that during the coming years the Dramatic Club will hold a prominent place in the social life at V.S.A. “Evening Dress Indispensable,” was staged before the Christmas holidays. The cast was as follows: George Connaught Percy Howe Geof. Chandler George Mills Alice Waybury Lucy Withnell Sheila (Alice Waybury’s daughter) Margaret O’Brien Nellie (the maid) Merle Duprey During the second term two plays were undertaken: “That Rascal Pat” CAST Laura Dorothy Hetherington Nancy (Laura’s maid) Betty Haverslew Major Puffjacket (Laura’s uncle) Everett Johnson Charles Livingston James Williams Pat (an Irish servant to Charles) Donald McDougall “Aaron Slick from Punkin Crick” CAST Aaron Alf. Russell Clarence Green Stanley Lawrence Wilbur Merridew (Gladys May’s Uncle) Percy Howe Mrs. Berry (a widow) Olinda Drozdowich Gladys May (a City Girl) Mary Applegate Sis. Riggs (a Country Girl) Jean Calder ]

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The Farm By the Farmer himself T JL o attempt to write of the future of Agriculture in Alberta,—to pose The truth of the matter is that most of us farmers have suffered in as one of these latter day (minor) prophets,— is a clear case of “fools rush in where angels fear to tread.’’ However, we find, today, so many wonderful experts from every class of life handing out with a lavish hand all the secrets of agricultural success, that the poor old farmer can hardly be blamed for an occasional effort to usurp the platform, and venture a few of his own modest opinions. Not being overburdened with grain hauling this winter, the weather being open and the stock looking after themselves pretty well, this aspiring hayseed has had time to read the newspapers a little more thoroughly, and try to summarize the high lights of all this invaluable advice which has been showered on him by such Agricultural Authorities as the lead¬ ing Bankers, Politicians, and Railway Bosses. With regard to the vexed wheat question, it looks as if an open ballot would be about the best thing. It would let a poor old farmer decide whether he should put in the same acreage, a bit more to cut production costs per acre to compensate for the drop in price and to provide against this dry year some prophets are promising, or attempt to reduce the world’s wheat surplus by putting the forty-acre home field into green feed instead of wheat, thus cutting down (to an appreciable extent), the acreage seeded to wheat in our fair and sunny Province. Whatever is done is going to hurt somebody’s feelings, that’s the hard part for a poor farmer, sensitive for skins of his kindly advisors: Too bad! isn’t it? They are telling us nowadays, as a discovery recently come on after profound thinking, in the Research Bureau of the University of Fireside Theorists, that we must spread out more, must go in for diversified or mixed farming. One philanthropist has even promised to get us a con¬ siderable sum of money as a loan (interest not yet stated), to buy our neighbour’s cows and sows, his ewes and his steers. This is going to solve many ills—neighbour Jones gets a good price for his cows, and pays his grocery bill and maybe a slice to carry the implement agent along. Later on perhaps the wholesalers and the Banks will get their fingers on “bossy’s” purchase price, and eventually the money drifts round back to the original raisers of the loan, thus completing the magic circle. The fact that old Smith who borrowed the money in the first place to buy Jones’ cow, still owes the original amount, plus a bit of interest, is no serious deterrent to the kind hearted gentlemen who thought out the scheme, and nobly provided the wherewithal. To return to our muttons, or rather to Smith’s new cow, the fact that she is now in Smith’s possession instead of Jones’ means that—if we understand the written word correctly—in some mysterious way the live stock population of the country side is going to undergo a quick increase, thus solving the undesirable fact that at present we do not possess enough live stock as a whole. Probably in Smith’s hands “bossy is going to raise twins, though we understand that he had not much experience in Animal Husbandry before. However, eventually there will undoubtedly be more hogs and steers and butterfat to sell, which will keep the wheels greased and turning, whether there is any money for Mr. Farmer or not. This hayseed has “had some’’ already, and though an optimist by profession and of necessity, as witness his calling, he can hardly be blamed if he looks the latest gift horse in the mouth. True, the old nag’s teeth have been filed down a bit by a lower interest rate, and his hocks have been carefully treated for the bog spavin which made him pretty stiff and unwieldy in the old days, but he’s still the gift horse. the past,-—partly our own fault—from too free credit, and an ostrich¬ like ignoring of the future. We’ve treated our faims as temporary abid¬ ing places, factories for producing money quickly through selling the fruits of the soil: our intention has too often been to collect a “stake,” unload on a “sucker,” and “pull out” for the California or Florida of our dreams. It is a hard thing for those cau ght in the pinch to realize, but perhaps this so called depression is the best thing that could have happened to us and to Western Canada. If the result of the times is that we start from a solid foundation, create real permanent homes to be lived in, live on part of last year’s income rather than the inccme of a year ahead, and realize to the full that we possess neighbours, good-hearted folk ready to share with us the joy and problem of living together in com¬ panionable manner,—then indeed will this fair Canada of ours achieve to the full her glorious destiny, a Nation of united happy people, admired and respected by the rest of the world. The foundation of this lies in the farm homes of our land, and the outcome rests on you, her Youth. Yours is the future; grasp it and be strong! Fischer (in Field Husbandry Class)—‘‘Say, Don, give me my pen.” Don—“Oh, dry up.” Fischer (with vigour)—‘‘Nobody can tell me to dry up, and get away with it.” Mr. Whitbread—‘‘Fischer, DRY UP.” Fischer (meekly)—‘‘Yes, sir. Sidney Mitchell on his return home at Christmas was asked if the instructors at V.S.A. like him. His reply was, ‘Well, they do not seem to get enough of me during class hours so they keep me in after school.” h= h= Miss Shaw—‘‘ Betty, don’t you know when the morning class starts? ” Betty—‘‘No, you are always started when I get there. He Ian H. ‘‘What did you think of my lamb at the Royal, Mr. Elliott?” Mr. Elliott ‘‘Fine, laddie, fine.” Ian H. (reflectively)—“Where have I heard that word before?” Hammie (coming into room 94 with a coat across his shoulder)— “Ogston, have you seen a coat hanger looking for me? ” He Definition Teacher—“What is a Farm?” Student “A piece of land entirely covered by mortgages. He H= He Bob M. “Say, Gunda, I just cracked my head on the door.’’ Gunda—“H m, that’s once you cracked a joke.” [ Page nineteen ]

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THE RADIO COMMITTEE W e feel that the “Radio” has had a successful year. The issue has been restricted to a semi-monthlj ' publication rather than a weekly one. and the aim has been towards quality rather than quantity. To Percy Howe, the Editor, is due much credit. He has worked hard and consistently and the success of our school paper has been due, in no small measure, to his efforts. To Miss Fern Clement, too, who although not a member of the Committee, has given her typing ability so faithfully, we tender our thanks. An open Valentine dance put on by this Committee was well attended. There were new lighting effects, and several novelties were introduced which, no doubt, helped to make the affair an outstanding event. Financially, the “Radio” is on its feet. It contributed $15.00 to the “Little Royal,’’ and, with the profit reaped from the dance, there is a surplus with which to begin next term. We hope that you treasure your “Radios, and, that years from now when you wish to freshen your memories of dear old College days, you will cast an eye over their pages. Until next year, then—good-bye! VERSATILE CLUB irst formed in January 1928 the “Versatile Club” has kept as its aim the bringing of outside speakers to address the members on various subjects not too closely connected with agriculture. The Club originated among the Second Year Boys and for the first year the membership was confined to boys. However this year as last, the girls were admitted to membership and took an active interest in the welfare of the Club. In spite of a somewhat late start this has been a very successful year. Our membership stands at practically one hundred, we have enjoyed four lectures to the full, and we still look forward to having one or two other speakers visit the school. Mr. L. Higgins, a well known Edmonton authority, gave a very interesting talk on “Fine Prints.” This was the opening lecture of the season, and gave the Club an excellent start. Mr. Higgins set an extemely high standard for the succeeding lectures to try to equal. Our second speaker, Mr. Sackville, addressed the Club at the time of the “Little Royal.’’ In his talk “The Problems of To¬ morrow,” Professor Sackville threw fresh light on many of the much discussed problems which are facing us at the present time. The name of “Big Bear’ will long remain fresh in the memories of those attending Mr. Bleasdale Cameron’s lecture, the third one on the list. Mr. Cameron, an old timer, past editor, author, and the sole survivor of The Frog Lake Massacre was bound to be an interesting personage. Such he proved to be, holding the attention of his audience with a vivid account of the early days and his association with the Indians. Mr. Ottewell’s addr ess was perhaps the most humorous of all. The serious nature of the subject “Unemployment” did not Iqnd itself to humor readily, but Mr. Ottewell entertained us rather than lectured us. The Versatile Executive wish to thank all members for their support, and to express the hope that the present First Year students will return to carry on the good work of the Club. Radio Committee From Left to Right: Miss F. Clement, J. Don, Miss Duprey Miss M. O’Brien, Miss O. Melnyk, P. Howe Athletic and Gymnasium Committees Standing: E. Johnston, B. Smith, W. Durda, G. Ogston Seated: Miss V. Dempsey, A. Russell, Miss M. Clouston, Miss L. Withnell D. MacDougall, Miss MacLean Page twenty-one ]