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MARCH 1912

There have been developments since our report of last week that oil had been struck near the Brandon brick works. A sample of the oil was sent to Toronto for analysis and the verdict was received yesterday --specific gravity.45 (that of Petrolia oil is .32) quality the highest grade of lubricating oil, equaled at Cleveland, O., only and worth from 30 to 33¢ a gallon. A pump was produced and was put into operation yesterday. The flow was approximately 100 gallons or four barrels an hour, value $10 a barrel. With this splendid flow there is no intention of shooting the well. Yesterday's pumping was of accumulated oil and may not have been an exact test, but a steady yield of 35 or 40 barrels every 24 hours is expected.

There is a big invasion of oil men from various places. Some such as Dr. Fairbanks of Petrolia, who is represented, are real and heavy operators, but some are fakirs who are trying to secure options on land on the chance of selling them. They have been interviewing farmers as far away as Hornby, 5 miles, but, it is said without much, if any, success. The farmers are said to be wary. They should be wary, slow about giving options... A depth of 1,480 feet was reached before stopping. It was said last week that the indicator showed that oil or something had risen 50 feet in the hole bored which is between 4 and 5 inches in diameter. The fact was that there had been a rise to 500 feet. This increased to about 700 feet before pumping began. There will be many drills in operation soon, among them one operated by the Halton Oil & Gas Co. which is busy raising funds from its members. Ten large tanks, capacity 400 gallons each, arrived here this morning for the Brandon well.

MARCH 1912

The carnival which was held at Edgar McDougall's rink, base line, on Tuesday night was a great success. The night was ideal, the ice was in good condition and a large crowd assembled. Skating commenced at 8 o'clock and continued till eleven. Much interest was taken in the races, but more amusement by those in fancy costume. Fastest Lady skater, Miss Annie Lawson; green lady skater, Miss Jean Elliott; best looking lady in the arena, Mrs. Edgar McDougall; fastest skating couple, Miss Annie Lawson and Norman McDougall.

The hurdle race was won by Barney Elliott (he being a high jumper). Fastest gentleman skater, Norman Benjamin McDougall; green gentleman skater Wm. Lawson. Edgar McDougall won the prize for the best looking man, with Michael Lawson a close second. Seaward Wilson, though seriously handicapped by a contrary pair of skates, carried of the honors for best fancy costume. Wm. Hamilton (Drumquin) won the prize for load. Credit to the judges J.H. Wilson, A. Robinson and G.E. Bousfield, for the manner in which they performed their duties.

MARCH 1912

Following is the result of the vote on church union in Hornby and Omagh Presbyterian congregations: Hornby- Members for union 56; against 13. Members for basis 49, against 16. Adherents for union 10, against 3. Adherents for basis 10, against 3. Omagh- Members for union 50; against 10. For basis 40; against 10; Adherents for union 6; against 0. For basis 5, against 3. In both congregations-Elders in favour of union 9; against 1. Total membership 145; members voting 120.

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