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Rump Parliament

Letter to the Editor
envelope letter 2

Dear Editor

Around 1650, England had what was known as the Rump Parliament. Apparently, it was useless. History is surely repeating itself in this country.

The mind-numbing scenes of Beirut must remind Canadians of the Halifax 1917 explosion when 1950 people were killed and 9,000 were injured. Beirut reminds me of the destruction of Liverpool, England, during WWII. I recollect destroyed buildings and being bundled into a backyard bomb shelter as a chilling air raid siren sounded.

My brothers and I were evacuated to Australia during the war to stay with a childless relative who could not tolerate his privileged comfort being disturbed. In 1942, we sailed back to Scotland as Japan threatened invasion. The ship was designed for 1,000, but carried thousands, including survivors from a torpedoed sister ship. Outward we sailed via India and returned via Panama. It is a miracle we reached the River Clyde safely.

In 1968, my wife and I left Scotland seeking a better future and settled in the Battlefords 32 years ago. This area and the people here have so much to offer. It is a shame that this country does not have better national government. We ourselves are grateful and content to live here in a world where troubles never seem to cease.

R.H. Wood

North Battleford