Anecdotes and Updates 1882-1982 - Virden Centennial ... - Manitobia

anywhere by sinking wells to a moderate depth. The coal fields ofthe west and the timbered districts of the north and east, as well asthe south, will supply fuel for hundreds of years.RAILWAYSThe main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway passes directlyeast and west from Winnipeg through Brandon and Moose Jaw.SCHOOLS AND CHURCHESFrom a social standpoint Manitoba has every advantage thatcould be desired. Educationally, the Province holds a proud position,with its university, colleges, and schools. The school systemis one of the best, the training of teachers and their qualificationsbeing of a high standard. The schools are free, the organizationbeing on what is known as the National System. The Governmentgives large grants, practically reducing the charge on theratepayers to a merely nominal figure. One-eighteenth of the landis set apart for school purposes.Churches are found in all the new settlements, and missionariesof various religious denominations keep pace with settlement,and sometimes anticipate it. Some of the church edifices areamong the best on the continent. The strict observance of theSabbath is commented upon by visitors from districts wheregreater laxity is the rule. All the leading fraternal societies arerepresented, and whether it be in the hamlet of a few dozen personsor in the city with its thousands, one or more lodges may be found.LAW AND ORDERThe laws are cast on reasonable lines, and the guardians ofthe peace have little difficulty in its maintenance, owing to the lawabidingcharacter of the population and to the fact that no favouritismof any kind is permitted or indulged in.HINTS TO NEW SETTLERS ON PLANNING A SOD STABLE,:For a stable 27 feet square inside I take sods ploughed fromsloughs, 12 inches wide, 4 inches thick, cut 2 feet long, and thus Imake a wall 3 feet thick, making the stable 30 feet square outside,8 feet high. I take four 6 x 6 timbers, 12 feet long, for posts, setthem 9 feet for equal stalls, put on four plates for upper end ofpoles, set poles on the wall, making a cottage roof with a smallwindow in top on south side at peak. Two doors in south side with aglass in for light; thus I have with brush on to keep the sods or for7