Dateline Cowichan 1959: Cowichan welcome for the SPCA
Scenes of the Cowichan River flooding its banks have been commonplace in the valley for generations. This one was captured in about 1935.
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Our attitude towards animals is often in the news, and this fall, the Cowichan Valley marks a half century in its strong support for prevention of cruelty to animals.
In November 1959, the valley celebrated the official opening of the 15th SPCA shelter in the province.
Close to a hundred people attended the event at the newly built kennels on Skinner Road to watch Mrs. E. F. Musgrave, one of the original SPCA members and sister of the founder of the Cowichan branch cut the symbolic green ribbon.
Musgrave’s daughter, the president of the local branch, was praised by Maj.-Gen. C. A. P. Murison, the reeve of North Cowichan.
Lang’s devoted work and quiet insistence had made the opening of the shelter possible, and if the society continued to receive the support of the people of Cowichan as it had done so far, there was no fear for the future, Murison said.
Representing local farmers were Stan Owens, president of the agricultural society and Jack Ross., while Mrs. A. J. Gadsden and Mrs. H. H. Norcross were present for the Cowichan District Riding Club. Tea was served in the SPCA house, home of Inspector and Mrs. H. Orrick.
1959: Bucks
Cowichan Chapter, IODE, received a letter from Roger Andrew Buck, winner of the chapter’s $100 bursary to a Cowichan High graduating student in 1958, who was attending UBC.
1959: breakwaters
Mr. F. W. Matthews, MP, told Duncan/Cowichan Chamber of Commerce he felt a pleasure boat breakwater at Oak Bay, then under construction, to be less necessary than a breakwater at Chemainus.
1959: health care
At a stormy meeting of the Cowichan District Hospital Association, a bylaw that forbade employees to become members was overturned. As well, another change would allow appointment to the board of a physician from the medical staff.
