1834: DIED

In Greenbush, Hallowell, on Sunday evening March 23d, 1834, of dropsy, under which she had laboured for 18 months, and during which she had received the best medical treatment, Mrs. Mary, wife of Anthony Merrill, aged 38 years.

Mrs. Merrill, who has thus been removed from a husband, and two promising children, was the eldest child of Mr. Jacob and Mrs. Abigail Benson, of Sophiasburgh—at whose present residence she was born, and with whom she continued, till 20th, Feb. 1823, when she was married.

She was a member of the Methodist Church, and gave, during her period of health, a practical illustration of the sincerity of her religious principles, by a meek and faithful discharge of all the relative duties and offices of life—being estimable as a wife, a parent, and a neighbour.

During her last protracted illness, she evinced a calm resignation and fortitude, which was both instructive to the observer and consoling to her friends. The faith in a Saviour, on whom she cast herself, at no time failed her, and as she drew towards the close of her trial, it blazed out light and steady.

Latterly she partook of the communion in the English Church—and was considered as a meet partaker of it.

On the day of her funeral, a most numerous concourse of sympathising friends, from several townships, followed her remains to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, in the Church yard of which they were deposited, and where a funeral Sermon was preached by the Rev. W. Macaulay from the Epistle of Jude 20, and 21st, V.—“But ye beloved, &c.— Communicated.

1944: New Shoe Industry Already in Operation

Bata Company at Present Employing 15 Girls–Make Sports Shoes

The Bata Shoe plant, located in the market building, is now in full swing. Operation commenced on Wednesday.

During the afternoon, The Gazette paid a visit to the plant located on the second floor. Here, 15 local girls were at work operating electric sewing machines. At the present time the sport shoes being manufactured are of fabric and are easily sewn. As soon as the workers have gained more experience, leather will be used, Manager Ronza stated.

The first step in making the shoes is marking of sizes, then various parts are sewn together to produce finished product.

Working conditions are good. There is fluorescent lighting overhead and shaded light on each machine. The walls have been covered with wallboard and painted; the floor is of hardwood. There are washroom facilities. The Company did a rapid job of remodelling and painting and swung into production with short notice. Most of the machines used originally came from Czechoslovakia, but were manufactured in the United States.

Work hours are from 7.30 a.m. to 12 and from 1.00 to 5.30, while on Saturday hours are from 7.30 to 12.30. This makes a 50-hour week. There is a ten-minute rest period each day.

Mr. Ronza showed The Gazette several pairs of shoes completed at the Bata plant at Batawa, both of fabric and leather, and these will be manufactured here later, and the staff is to be enlarged.

The new industry will put a nice sum in circulation locally each week.