From the Archives of Western Newspapers

By Samantha Johnson
For Southern Alberta Newspapers

February 6, 1908 – The Advertiser and
Central Alberta News

A motor canal boat has been tested in England along the Birmingham canals. It was found that a roundtrip of 150 miles is twice as costly using the old method of horses than the new one with a motor.

In the House of Commons this week, half the time was taken up by the refusal of the Government to produce records required by opposition members, who decided to fight the matter out and have it settled before further supply was voted.

On Feb. 2 in Lisbon King Carlos and his son, Prince Luiz Philippe, the crown prince, were both killed and Prince Don Manuel was wounded when they were attacked by a band of assassins. The royal party were returning from a short trip away from the capital when they were attacked, which was made easy on account of the King refusing a bodyguard. It is believed the assassins were anarchists.

February 9, 1912 – Bow Island Review

This morning John G. Klundt was shot dead before the gunman turned the weapon on himself with fatal results. This took place on the eastbound CPR train No. 4 and when the train drew into Moose Jaw, police and the coroner took possession of the bodies. An eyewitness to the tragedy reported Klundt and his brother were visiting Medicine Hat from North Dakota to look at land. The shooter, whose name is unknown, was an older man who was travelling from Vancouver to North Dakota. He took offence to a remark made by Klundt when the train was approaching Maple Creek and the shots were fired as the train neared Swift Current.

The government of the USA has given permission to Horace G. Harold to remove a 12-ton meteorite that was discovered in Washington National Forest in December of 1907. It is thought to be one of the largest meteorites in the world.

A company in Japan has been experimenting with mixing volcanic ash with Portland cement. The combination is said to be particularly valuable for the construction of material submerged in salt water. It is claimed the cement formed by the mixture possesses greater tensile strength, is denser than regular Portland cement, and is more resistant to the percolation of water.

February 8, 1917 – The Munson Mail

In Delia, William McNeil recently returned from Calgary and brought a bride with him, although stated to those who know him that it was a rough trip.

One of the largest ranch deals in the history of Alberta has been finalized whereby P. Burns disposes of the Imperial Ranch Property, which includes 40 sections of grazing lease, some deeded property, 1,500 cows and an equal number of calves. J.L. Walters of Clive and Thomas Usher of Scollard became the new owners by paying out approximately $175,000 and will take possession on July 1.

The Dominion Government has appointed a Board of Pension Commissioners for Canada with offices in Ottawa. The public is asked to communicate directly to this board to prevent delays, which will occur by communicating with other government departments. The Patriotic Fund Association and Military Hospitals Commission have kindly consented to give information and assistance to those wishing to write to the Pension Board.