WW1 Trivia time

[Barry Churcher]

Yes Chris, the Newfs sure got shabby treatment by Britain especially after they fought so bravely for the British Empire. The road to confederation certainly was a rough one and the referendums split family and friends. Joey Smallwood was a good salesman though and won in the end. It is said that a lot of women voted yes so they could order things "duty free" from the Eatons catalogue. Don't know if thats true or not but it sure makes for a good story. Thanks also to Paul for posting the poem which I have never seen before. The following is an interesting lament by a.b. Perlin after the signing of Confederation. Many people still think the same way today although with time it is not as prevalent.
Cheers,
Barry

On this day of final parting sad nostalgic
thoughts arise,
Thoughts to bring hot tears surging to the
Newfoundlander's eyes.

Thoughts that bring to mind the story of the
struggles of the past,
Of the men who built our island, nailed its colours to
the mast.


Sold by only half the people, all too willing
to deny
For illusionary profits what the future might
imply.

They have bought confederation paying in the
country's pride.
Let us hope their expectations will be amply
satisfied.

Those who lost the fight for freedom have the
greater pride this day,
Though their country's independence lies the victim
of the fray.