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fvTf- - at; i- 6 d* Christmas Presents Name wanted--A dollar bill was enclosed enclosed in our printed remittance blank and envelope without the name of the sender, postmarked Toronto, Dec. 21, II p m. Who sent us that $ ? This Year you will be looking for something something useful as a Christmas Present. Couch, Johnston & Cryderman have made great preparations to meet this want^and are now showing showing a lovely lot of Handkerchiefs of all kinds. Ladies' and Gent s Neckwear, Ladies' and Gents' Gloves and Mitts, Men's Braces, Ladies' and Gents' Scarfs, Ladies' and Gent's Umbrellas, Knitted Goods in Toques, Hoods and Sweaters, Hosiery and Underwear of all kinds and sizes. FANCY LINENS--Doylies, Centerpieces, Tray Cloths, 5 O'clock Cloths, Embroidered Pillow Covers, Shams and Runners. Luncheon Sets, Table Linens and Napkins to match. LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S COATS, all new, selling from one- third to one-half below regular prices. A lot of Ladies Suits at half-price MEN'S SUITS AND OVERCOATS AT REDUCED PRICES. Couch, Johnston & Cryderman IJlHIS store is ready Christmas - ready for the demands you will make on it for the most sensible gift articles one person can give another. We began planning for it in ad- placed orders for holiday goods Vance so there would be no doubt of having everything in readiness when the buying campaign opened, High School will re-open January 4th at 9 a.m. Sports prizes were presented Tuesday afternoon. Lloyd Rice won the senior championship prize for boys, and Miss Helen Johnston for senior girls. Short Winter Course in Agriculture will be given in the High School this year, commencing January 18th. Mr. R. S. Duncan, the District Representative, will have charge. This Short Course will not interfere at all with the regular work of the school. High School staff and students wish to express their appreciation for the vefv attentive attentive audience which honored Commencement Commencement Exercises by their presence Friday evening. The program was given entirely by the school and the proceeds will be devoted to equipment for athletics and physical culture. The pyramid building building by the boys was worked up by Mr. W. G. Butson, and the following took part : Students Mingeaud, Rice, Manning, Veale, Warnica, Kerslake, Cox, Snowden, Sanderson, Sanderson, VanNest, Souch, Jeffery and Martin. Martin. Miss Smith's girls' dumb-bell class included : Misses Dorothy Johnston, Lola Souch, Marion Worden, Marion Morris, Louise Morris, Helen Henderson, Gladys Power, Jean Dumas, Jean Doncaster, Nellie Burk, Esther Stevens, Florence VanNest, Louise Hardy, Annie Cox, Evelyn Evelyn Dickinson, Bessie Eastwood, Agnes Haddy, Vivian White. Many thanks for Toronto papers you so kindly sent me; also for your own paper, the arrival of which has been most erratic since the war began--four arrived at once one week. We read with very keen interest all about Canadian troops in Canada and England. We had a hearty laugh over the recital of that young Canadian's Canadian's experience in being kissed by a Belgian lady of uncertain age. He must have been rather startled and yet I can quite imagine how grateful the dear lady felt to the brave defenders of her country as well as ours. Truly, we in 'England can never, never feel grateful enough to Canada for so promptly and loyally coming coming in such numbers to Britain's aid with men, guns and horses, food and money, too. Really what should we do without such assistance from Canada and our other loyal Colonies in this our hour of great need ?.... I saw a soldier in uniform the other day with "Canada" on his shoulder straps and really I felt, I confess, a wee bit like the Belgian lady, but luckily luckily did not go quite so far ! [Note by ' editor--We are not surprised that ladies in England should ha vè such desires when they see our boys---they look so attractive in uniform and carry the Canadian beauty features where'er they go]. Brave fellows, fellows, I wonder how many of them will return to their homes and friends ? It is so sad to know that several officers and men from this part of Devonshire have been killed in action but it serves to stir up others to go to fill the gaps. Besides j the regulars, our little parish (Nonham) has already sent 100 men who joined since war began and are in training, expecting to go to the front in January. How very glad we should all be if this awful war were over by that time.... Here is a paragraph paragraph from my cousin, Lance-Corpl Frank Oke, 12058, Field Company, Royal Engineers, 8th Brigade, 3rd Division, Nov. 6th: He said--Five days ago we had 176 Jack Johnstons" drop around us and no one was hit tho the pieces flew all over the place. The holes they made in the ground were a yard deep and 6 ft wide, so you can imagine what the ground is like, after such a rain of shells as that. We picked up pieces of the shells over 1% inches thick. They are awful during a siege as the pieces fly so far in all directions. directions. We have dug ourselves in under ground with just a small hole to slip in. We sit around the mouth of the hole till we hear "Jack" coming, then, we are like a lot of rabbits bobbing into their warrens. warrens. It is rather amusing, but more so when we have heard him crash and find out no one was hurt."... .This is enough to indicate what a terrible t me our soldier soldier boys are having at sea and on land. Frank felt so badly leaving his dear wife and two children, but he felt that duty to King and Empire must come first and he answered the call. We have 56 Belgian refugees here in Northam and Bideford district, all of whom are homeless and penniless and are housed, clothed and fed by the public. Nearly every village is taking some of the poor souls, even at Bradworthv there are four maintained by the villagers.--(Miss) M. E. Oke, Northam, Northam, N. Devon, England.. Pretty Christmas Letter. The sentiment in Dr. Frank Crane's Christmas Letter to a very dear friend is so touching, real and frank that we accord it a place of honor in this paper feeling that it is the language of many hearts at this season : My Dear Friend : Christmas is coming, the great human festival.. festival.. It is making me realize as it approaches that the best possessions possessions I have been able to get from life are my friendships. I want to give something to my friends. The other night, after thinking it all over, I was surprised by the old' truth, which came strongly to me* that what friends want most is to know we think of them and love them. Therefore I am going just to tell you I think of you, that Christmas to me means you, that you are a part of the spirit of these times in my life. I want to tell you. that the thought of you is sunshine to me. When memory brings back our days and words together, I am glad. If I were Fate I should make you very happy.. I should write success upon your hands and ; brain every day,.and bring restful sleep to you every night. Each impulse from my heart goes out to you in well-wishing., I like you. And I am angry with the space that separates us and the circumstances that render our meetings few. You are "my kind of folks'* and I have a constant constant desire to be near you. I do not believe any of us realize how much friends mean tous, how their spirits subtly touch and stimulate stimulate ours when we are far apart, and what a glorious companionship they make for us when their faces gather around us in fancy in our moments of loneliness. Your face, my friend, is often with, me, and I wish you could know what cheer it always brings. So here's to you ! I raise the glass of memory brirafull of happy recollections and drink to you. All my good wishes fly to you as doves, I appreciate appreciate what you have meant tome. I value your personality, just as it is. I clasp your hand through intervening distance. From the bottom of my heart I say "God bless you !" I think of you when I recall these words of Goethe : "This world is so waste and e-npty, when we figure but towns and hills and rivers in it; ; but to. know that some one is living on with us, even in silence, this makes our earthly ball a peopled garden." HIGH SCHOOL EVENT Annual Commencement Exercises Prominent Success. THE EDITOR TALKS. "The Canadian War" is a new weekly publication being issued from 32 Church- st., Toronto, at 5 cents a copy. It is to be out this week and will be good enough for any company say the promoters. The aim will be to discuss and illuminate Canadian Canadian aspects of the War, and explain why we are in the conflict for all the present present is worth and all the future may disclose. disclose. The public is invited to test its quality and temper. Wait for the first number then play up for Canada's share in a triumphant wa r and her assurance of a magnificent future. Several well-known writers are on the first executive and are giving their services. All profits that are made will go to war funds. A special message from King Albert of Belgium will appear in the first number. Buy it at book-stores. FARMERS* SHORT COURSE. BEST NEW YEAR GIFT Nothing is more appreciated than news of the old home town by those who have lived in it and have moved from it. Writing Writing letters is one way of keeping friends in touch with that news--but it is a most laborious way and one which is irregular and is often discontinued. The most satisfactory satisfactory way is to send the old family paper. After it is started there is no further further bother, going regularly every week, and is appreciated more than a letter because because it brings all town and country news. Each New Year finds more and more thoughtful folks sending such treats to their friends. Have you not several friends who would appreciate such a thoughtful gift from you 52 times a year better than anything else ? Think over your list and send them The Statesman for one year for $1.00, mailed weekly for 1915 to any address in Canada at that price. Of course slippers will be popular--they always always are--and rightfully so. Our showing is the most comprehensive we have ever made and includes includes the most fashionable novelties, as well the regulation house styles. as Other Suitable Gifts are : SUIT CASES 90c to $7.50 CLUB BAGS $1.25 to $15.00 LADY'S AND GENTLEMAN'S KITTED CLUB BAGS 4 $12.00 to $18.00 ■ THE STORE OF QUALITY 5. SERVICE Last Minute Shopping We are well prepared prepared to look after your last minute Xmas shopping. Our stock is still well assorted and we are showing some splendid values in Pearl Jewelry, Silverware, Silverware, Wrist Watches, etc. See our window display and come in and in spect our stock if interested in useful Xmas gifts. C H. HADDY, Jeweler The House of High Grade Watches ^Bowmanville In our bo> hood it was a weekly treat to spend an evening in the village general store, mostly grocery, to hear the other fellows discuss the topics of the times. Newspapers were scarce in those days, especially local ones out at Chateauguay, now Enfield, where we grew to man's estate, estate, hence John Ashton's store was our rendezvous for hearing the news, each taking a turn at relating what he knew. Our Confrere Editor W. G. M. Purser of the Port Hope Times must have had a somewhat similar experience in his youth for in his last issue he says, "We find a lot of college men just now running around the country telling how the war began, although in the corner grocery store there is many a local philosopher sitting on a soap box who could tell more about the war in five minutes than a Professor could in two hours." A five weeks' Course in Agriculture will commence in the Bowmanville Higl School, on January 18th, 1915, open to all farmers' sons in Durham County over 16 years, in the large Assembly Room of the High School this class being entirely separate separate from regular classes and teachers. This course is to reach young men who desire additional education, yet whose circumstances may not permit of taking a full course at an agricultural college. Lectures and practical work will continue continue during regular school hours on regular regular school days. These lectures will explain explain scientific principles underlying successful successful agriculture and will be of a practical practical nature, covering care, feeding and management of all classes of live stock and poultry, use of fertilizers, prevention, identification and control of weeds, insects and fungus diseases affecting farm crops, fruit and vegetable culture, farm bookkeeping--in bookkeeping--in short, the latest methods of combating the problems of agriculture necessary to the successful pursuits of farming operations. A special feature will be visiting various farms for practical lessons in stock judging. This Short Course will be specially directed by Mr. R. S. Duncan, B.S.A., District District Representative for Durham County, assisted by Mr. D. R, I vine, B.S.A. Only expense will be raVwav fare and board. No fees are charged, no text-books required. required. Proper application forms and calendars may be had from Mr. R. S. Duncan, Department of Agriculture, Port Hope. Commencement exercises of Bowmanville Bowmanville High School were held in the Opera House on Friday evening and, as usual, was attended with an interested audience and a good program given by the students* Dr. J. B. Dandeno, M.A., Principal, presided, presided, and after the opening address by Mr. W. B. Couch, Chairman of Board, the following following program was presented: piano solos, Misses Le ta Bragg, Reta Cole and Mr. Lloyd Ricep vocal solo "Three for Jack", Mr. Carl Clémence, encore "England's "England's Daughter" by Mr. R. L. Werry; a chorus " Twelve Sang the Clock" by a number of H. S. girls; Mr. Ross Lang, a Kirby boy, brought glory to himself and the school in the valedictory address, which was well composed, well delivered, and well received; by the students and audience generally. Pyramid building by the boys under direction of Mr. W. G. Butson, Mathematical Master, was a most interesting, novel, and cleverly performed feat. The dumb bell drill by the girls under direction of Miss I. K. Smith, B.A., teacher of Arts and Moderns, won the approval of everyone as well as giving much pleasure to all who witnessed it. The medley chorus by the boys was also enjoyed. The closing number a tableau tableau by the "soldier boys" accompanied by the choruses "Just before the battle. Mother" and "Tipperary" was loudly applauded. applauded. The presentation of diplomas was in charge of Dr. Dandeno, the recipients recipients being: Entrance to Normal Schools-- Douglas Barton, Mary Galbraith, Alan Gale (honors), H. Johnston, May Reynolds, Reynolds, G. Manning. Entrance to Faculty of Education : Gladys Cousins, Nancy Johns, Leta Bragg, Madeline Stephens. Mr. J. H. Jury of the Board presented the Fairbairn prizes, $10.00 in books for General Proficiency, to Rob Parker and Marion Virtue from Form I; to Catherine Warnica from Form II; Galbraith prizes for public speaking at Literary Society,- $10 in books, to Miss Florence L. VanNest VanNest and Miss" Louise Hardy; the Dandeno Dandeno prize of $5 in gold for highest standing standing at Departmental examinations in science in Lower School, to Miss Louise Hardy; and the Gilfillan prize, $10.00 in books, for highest standing at the Normal Entrance exams, to Mr. Alan Gale. Major A. E. McLaughlin presented the Couch writing prizes of $5 in books to Misses Reta Cole and Lola Souch: the Smith prizes of $5.00 for highest standing in Artistic Decorative work, to Master Everett Hardy and Miss Louise Hardy; the Hoskin prize of $5.00 in books for highest standing in either part of upper school exams for entry to Faculty of Edu- tion to Miss Gladys Cousins; the Tamblyn prizes from income of $200 for reading and public speaking to Mr. Milton Sanderson. Sanderson. VERY WISE PROPOSALS agree that timely and by Premier in Ont- to the At this season Sunday School workers are considering what helps to order for next year. We have taken The Sunday School Times for many years, published weekly at 1031 Walnut-st., Philadelphia, Pa., at $1.50 a year or in clubs $1.00--this includes postage in United States or Canada. Canada. Free copies will be sent on application application to above address. There are numerous numerous teachers' helps on Sunday School lessons, lessons, but The Sunday School Times is "the daddy of them all" without exception. exception. It matters not in what class in school you are interested The Times enables enables you to master the whole lesson, and so manv sidelights are thrown on it that a student gets a fairly good education about bible lands and bible characters. It is a high class religious family weekly as well as a galaxy of information for Sabbath Sabbath School teachers and students. If you do not know The Times by all means send for a free sample copy. BOYS' CONFERENCE. CANADA'S BIG CHANCE Applications for billets for delegate Jto the older Boys' and Young Men's Conference Conference at Peterboro under-auspices of Bay of Quinte Conference, already exceed 120 and more coming in. Some from Toronto Toronto Conference have applied. Meetings will be held from Monday, Dec. 28 to Wednesday, Dec. 30 in George-st, Methodist Methodist church. Principal speakers are : His Honor Judge Huycke, Peterboro, Mr. Leo Copp, Peterboro, Mr. J. F. Lane, Oak- wood, Mr. C. W. Bishop, B. A., Toronto, Rev. H. B. Kenny, Bowmanville, Mr. Taylor Statten, Dom. Secy., Y. M. C. A., Rev. S. T. Bartlett and Rev. F. L. Farewell, Farewell, Secy's., E. L., and S. S., Toronto, Rev. H. W. Foley, B. D., Brooklin, Rev. C. W. Demille, B. A., Havelock, Rev. R. G. Peever, B. D., Peterboro, Rev. T.H. Arnup and -Rev. R. Bsunforth, B*A. f Port Perry. With such an array of talent and on subjects vital to the work among the young men of the.Methodist church, every League and Sunday School throughout the Bay Conference should be represented. If you have not sent in your application to Rev. J. F. Chapman, Cannington, do it now. The European war concerns every Canadian. Canadian. Nobody knows tor sure which side will win, but we all wish it may be the Allies, We know that we are not responsible responsible for the terrible struggle. Our feeling is one of profound sympathy with the sufferers, for in a large sense they are all our brothers. In recognition of that fact it is our privilege and opportunity to do whatever we properly may toward restoring restoring the essentials of ordered life after the conflict shall have ceased. This is the purely human side of the case. There is another. It is inevitable that we should,in a commercial commercial sense, be the beneficiary of the war for, as a nation of producers, we" are compelled to regard this as an extraordinary extraordinary opportunity for the expansion of our productive industries. Eventually will we be the overwhelming victor, because because with her vast resources and uninterrupted uninterrupted activity, Canada will be required required to assume a foremost place as the world's provider. This is a decree of the fates; we shall profit legitimately, fairly and abundantly because of our position and resources. Pending the settlement that cannot be long deferred, the business of Canadians is to build up our own industries, so that we may be prepared to accept our responsible responsible position as a producer of the commodities which millions of people will expect us to offer when peace is restored. Such action will teward the world in general general and us to know. Our first step should be fundamental; agriculture is our basal industry. At present it is unbalanced, unbalanced, one-sided--it lacks meat, milk and woolf It has run largely to starch, and is deficient in protein. It is like a sandwich sandwich inadequately buttered or poorly chinked with meat. A self-sustaining agriculture is economically impossible without a live stock population sufficient to balance it. It is considerations like these that are fixing the alert eyes of thousands of Canadian Canadian farmers and stockmen and ther families in all parts of the country on -1 great forward movement in stock-rais ,/g in all lines- All reasonable people -will these proposals are wise and should be promptly accepted Hearst ï 1. To close all bars and clubs ario during the war, 2. At the end of the war to submit the people the question of whether bars and clubs thus closed shall remain forever closed or be re-opened, the question question to be settled by a majority vote. 3. To impose such restrictions upon the residue of the liquor traffic as will most effectually limit its evils. This is Mr. N. W, Rowell's proposal of a definite plan to deal with the definite situation in Ontario arising out of the To accomplish these ends he has war. offered to co-operate with Hon. Premier Hearst in bringing them about. Mr. Rowell went further and said he now renewed to Mr.Hearst, the newPrem- ier' the general offer he had made to his predecessor, namelv,to lift the temperance question entirely above the realm of patty controversy and to settle it by united action action by wiping out all bar and club licenses within the Province and by imposing imposing such restrictions upon the residue as would most effectually limit its evils. If the new Premier did not feel like doing doing this; then Mr. Rowell made his proposal proposal to close all bars and shops during the war. With so much unemployment and financial financial disorganization in the Province as there is to-day, the closing of the bars and the subsequent stopping of the waste of money and energy, Mr. Rowell considered would be of the greatest value in a time of stress. The proposal is exciting keen interest throughout the Province and is sure to be one of the interesting subjects of discussion discussion at the pending Session of the Legislature. Legislature. Miss Gladys Jackson's Christmas story is completed in this number. CLUBBING LIST. The Statesman or The News will be furnished for 1915 in connection with the under named publications at prices stated :-- Daily Globe. .* $4 00 Daily Mail & Empire : 4 00 Toronto World 3 5° Daily News 2 5° Daily Star • 3 00 Weekly Mail & Empire 1 85 Weekly Witness 1 85 Weekly Sun 1 85 Farmers' Advocate - • 2 50 Farm and Dairy 1 85 Family Herald & Weekly Star 2 00 T dies Canadian Home Journal.. nristian Herald ..... -hristian Guardian Canadian Farm Canadian Countryman Saturday Globe.... Toronto Sunday World.. 85 50 50 85 00 00 50 4 4 4 4