Part 2

Fur Trade Commissioner Wrigley went out of office and while his successor, Mr. C. C. Chipman, was Commissioner, he had the able support of such men as William Clark. It was with William Clark that Mr. French engaged to go to New Caledonia District, British Columbia (March, 1894) to break up a ring that was pilfering merchandise from the Babine, B.C., warehouse. This was successfully accomplished, and Mr. French was given charge of Babine Post, remaining there until 1901, when installed as fur buyer at Victoria, under Mr. James Thomson. He was in charge of that work until February, 1914, when he was made District Manager for British Columbia.

SEND IT IN

If you have a bit of news, send it in. Or a joke that will amuse, send it in. A story that is true, an incident that's new, "We want to hear from you," send it in. Never mind about your style, If it's only worth the while, send it in. Will it make a paragraph? Send it in. If some good your words can teach, If some distant reader reach, If you have a glowing speech, send it in.

MISS D. L. BENS, _Winnipeg Retail_

How the Eskimo Hunts the Musk-Ox

_Description of Eskimo's method of hunting musk-oxen in the Arctic regions as given by Capt. French, R.N.W.M.P., one of the patrol who went north to investigate the killing of Messrs. Bradbury and Street, sent out by Smithsonian Institute and National Museum at Ottawa._

The Eskimo, sighting a small band of musk-oxen--usually a bull, cow and one or two calves--lets loose two or three husky dogs (part dog and part wolf) which encircle the animals. The bull and cow turn their heads towards the dogs, with the calf or calves in the centre, and prepare to give fight. Once the oxen are "anchored," the Eskimos turn loose all their dogs which serve to keep the oxen "anchored" instead of taking to their heels, and proceed themselves with bow and arrows and dispatch the animals.

These musk-oxen are very fierce and warlike animals, hence the necessity of the Eskimo protecting himself with dogs. In the case of a wounded bull charging an Eskimo, the dogs immediately rush to attack it and withdraw its attention from the Eskimo who may thereby find time to string another arrow to his bow and then dispatch it.--_W.E.A._

_There'll Be No More Slacker Contributors If They All Read This_

_Barriere Post, Ontario,

Editor, The "Beaver," Winnipeg._

_It is, I think, the duty of all of your readers to wish THE BEAVER a very happy New Year._

_You cannot realize what the magazine means to us who live in the silent places far removed from social intercourse with our fellow creatures._

_We who have access to such little reading material to interest us in our lonely lives will look forward eagerly to the arrival of THE BEAVER._

_And I can assure you that I wish it every success in the years to come, and I trust that all the readers will recognize the fact that it is their bounden duty to contribute either in writing or photographs from time to time._

_I think that it is not to our Commissioner alone that we should look for guidance nor to our District Managers, but to our friendly intercourse one with another, which can only be accomplished through the medium of THE BEAVER and I sincerely trust that this friendly intercourse will grow stronger and stronger as the years roll by, and so help to strengthen and firmly cement together the bonds of good fellowship._

_I have the honor to be, Sir,

Yours obediently,

(Signed) ASHTON ALSTON,

Post Manager._

_Issued Every Now and Then in the Interests of Those in the Service of the Hudson's Bay Company_

The Beaver

"_A Journal of Progress_"

Copyright, 1921, by The Hudson's Bay Company

Address all communications to Editor, "THE BEAVER," York and Main Streets, Winnipeg, Canada

Vol. I JANUARY, 1921 No. 4

Fortunate Canada!

The big war is all over but the paying. A whole "bale" of little wars, however, have been engaging the attention of the world until recent settlements were effected.

Famine in China. Russian chaos and Irish thunderclouds. Inoculation against the "Bolshevik bug" in every quarter of the globe.

Fortunate Canada!

Industrial depression, unemployment and foreboding grips the United States. Canada has had a tinge of this malady, too, during price convulsions--but Canada is sound. Canada--especially Western Canada--is busy, optimistic and possessed of a confidence unbounded. A happier or more prosperous Christmas and New Year's that just past in Canada, never has been.

For twelve months ending October, 1920, Canada's volume of trade was _up five hundred million dollars_ over the year previous. Canada is fortunate. To the sweet uses of Peace, she is applying herself assiduously.

The Yankee Balloonists

The Beaver refrains from elaborating upon current newspaper reports about the U.S. Navy balloonists who drifted from New York City to Moose Factory and were rescued by H.B.C. men at James Bay--until the report of our Associate Editor at Moose Factory and his photographs have been received. It is expected these will come out to Mattice by next packet, and _The Beaver_ will then be able to give authentic details.

Ambition

Ambitious men raise themselves like the tallest trees high above the shrub growth of somnolent spirits and so are "most in the power of the winds of fortune."

Your chance for Success is not lacking as long as the spark of Ambition is alive within you. With some men, Ambition dies between thirty and forty; with others it remains unquenched. Some men have made fortunes and lost them at forty-five, then have turned in and made other fortunes before retiring. Scores of great Successes have been recorded after the age of fifty; cases where Ambition, the "divine discontent," was never downed.

Without Ambition, the fire under the boilers of Industry would die and the pop-valves of Commerce would cease to reveal live power that drives the pistons of progress.

A Martian at the Rink

Picture a man from Mars, just descended, as he steps into an H.B.C. curling rink during the ninth "end"--when Scottish excitement is at its hottest. Try to comprehend his bewilderment as he hears frenzied shouts of "_SWEEP, SWEEP, SWEEP 'er up! GET IT across the hog!_" And again--"_out turn, Mac; draw-weight and a wick off this one. Just come TO it!_"

And sweatered, mufflered figures contort themselves in fantastic fox-trots on the ice as they swing mad brooms in the van of the skidding stones.

The grey rocks curl and thump--or twist uncannily to a berth behind guardian stones. "_WE LIE_," bursts in raucous chorus from steaming throats. "A marvelous confession thinks the man from Mars."

The roarin' game of Cur-r-r-lin' is in full fling at many of the Company's branches. Young and old all become _younger_ in a fast and furious "draw."

Buy a broom and a pair of "galoshes" and get on the ice. Forget business, bid dull care begone. Curl ten "ends" and then you'll say "where's that pack of worries that was hounding me this afternoon?"

Egotism

The large proportion of the human race which is afflicted with "Self Importance" can draw pointed conclusion from the facts that:

(1) Michelson the scientist has discovered an accurate method of measuring the distant stars, by which it is determined that one star in Orion is _twenty-seven trillion times as large as the earth_, and twenty-seven million times as large as the Sun. (It's no use trying to visualize this tremendous planet. Even a _billion_ is incomprehensible to the human mind; a _trillion_ simply cannot be embraced in our thought.)

(2) Latest available figures indicate that there are about _two billion people living on the Earth_, despite the slaughter of war. We are somewhere in that crowd.

If we ever feel ourselves getting "chesty in the head," let us repress even the faintest stirrings of Egotism, for we're only one in two billion (never would be missed!) riding to an unticketed destination on a "pin-point planet" that swirls every day a million miles nearer to that gigantic sun, _Alpha Orionus_ (see it any clear night in the heavens) which is so tremendous in dimension that our poor little earth at the instant of contact would sputter out like a tiny drop of grease on a big stove.

Our Reporters

The Beaver should be _all-seeing, all-knowing_--as far as H.B.C. events are concerned. If a single incident which affects the Company or its employees escapes being reported to this journal, we are not fulfilling our mission. If any other publication tells of an H.B.C. event or reports any H.B.C. employees' activities which do not reach _The Beaver_--_then we're_ "_scooped_," in the parlance of the press.

You faithful readers of _The Beaver_ who daily are giving your time and thought to H.B.C. affairs--_you_ are the eyes and ears of this journal. We have a good many "live-wire" reporters, but need more. Let every member of staff take a personal interest in forwarding to _The Beaver_ intelligence of every description that might interest H.B.C. people.

The Wanderers

The lure of exploration has not lost its power since the two main prizes--both Poles--were achieved. Recently it was announced that a considerable number of new expeditions would set out in 1921 to various remote quarters of the globe--one to Baffins Land, one to the north of Siberia, one to Central Africa and so on down the list. Amundsen is now trying to drift across the North Pole.

The Challenge of Discovery ever has greater power than strong drink to inflame the blood of daring men, particularly of the British and Scandinavian races. They will never tire until the last "back-lot" of the earth has been carefully scanned, mapped and staked for science and civilization.

Reputation

A man may live a lifetime of virtue and honesty; then by one false step destroy the delicate structure of Reputation which he has so painstakingly constructed.

The _Good Name_ of H.B.C. has taken two hundred and fifty years to build. Yet _one year's departure_ from H.B.C. ideals and H.B.C. standards would serve to corrode the foundations underlying this priceless Reputation.

When acting or speaking in the name of the Company, employees who appreciate the insecurity of Reputation _think twice before saying or doing anything_ that might be adjudged _un-Hudson's Bay_.

The Prize Contest

"How I Earned My First Dollar" Contest is stirring up much interest among "old timers" in the ranks. First letters are beginning to come in. Please do not delay in sending the facts about your early start. Two hundred words are enough to give the main details--and are soon written.

_Some People in the East and the West are Whimpering and Whining!_

Pessimistic over the outlook for spring business.

Some people think the bottom has fallen out of things, when the fact is things are as good as ever they were. Only that with the getting back into the condition that prevailed before the war prices are falling, and many people have contracted a fever which was very prevalent in the States a short time ago called Pessimania.

_We've Got to Do Our Part to Create a Spirit of Optimism_, for if we all join the army of pessimists, it's going to be bad for ourselves, bad for the Company, and bad for the country too. _Besides, we have every reason to be optimistic and here are the reasons_--First, there is the good news of lower prices on nearly all kinds of goods, and people who have been doing without can now buy freely again. Second, the government has abolished the undesirable luxury tax. Encourage your customers and friends to buy now, for prices cannot jump down below what they are now for the spring, and the more they buy the more it will add prosperity to the country. No country's prosperity was ever built up on fear, but faith. The low prices are here now. People have money for necessities and we must do our part by talking and thinking hopefully for the coming spring. That's it! Have you ever stopped to think of the wonderful power of thought. Like the pebble dropped in the lake, ever widening in circles, your tiny thought of hopefulness and helpfulness will have an ever-widening effect. Every word that you say with belief behind it stimulates other people to be optimistic, and so your influence increases. This is what makes _power_.

Every added sale that we make will not only increase our own record but it will add its quota to the prosperity of Canada.

Let everybody think good times, talk good times, and buy for good times' sake, then the ranks of the unemployed will melt before the sunshine of prosperity!

Won't we make a resolution to start being _peptimists_ to-day?--_F. S. Garner._

MOTTOE FOR YE NEWE YEARE

_Modernized by A. Seymour H.B.C. Post, D-14_

There arre noe Byrdes In Nexte Yeare's Neste. In Nexte Yeare's Creame There arre no Flyes. Noe Vaine Regrettes Disturb my Breaste For Aught yt in Ye Futurre lyes Ande Laste Yeare's Flyes Ande Laste Yeare's Byrdes Arre paste ye reache Of Tearres ande Wordes.

? ? ? ? --Chaucer.

START THE NEW YEAR WELL

by joining the vast and ever increasing multitude of those who find in Life Insurance the one sure way of protecting dependent ones--while making timely provision for their own future at the same time.

Join the ever increasing number who have found, in the Policies of The Great-West Life Assurance Company, all that can be desired in profitable Life Insurance.

Thus you will obtain protection at low cost, and will secure a share in the remarkable profits that are being paid to Policyholders of

The Great-West Life Assurance Company Dept. "D. 30" Head Office: WINNIPEG

C. W. Veysey Always Pushed the Work--Never Let It Push Him

_General Manager of Winnipeg Wholesale Developed Himself So Consistently With H. B. C. at Vancouver That He Was Called to Fill a Big Man's Shoes_

By A. BROCK, _Associate Editor_

The career of Mr. C. W. Veysey, Manager H.B.C. Wholesale, Winnipeg, furnishes an excellent example of the Company's appreciation of, and reward for, faithful service and ability to apply one's business acumen in the Company's interests.

_A Nova Scotian Who Early Came West_

Born in the little town of North Sidney, Nova Scotia, of English parentage, Mr. Veysey was privileged to spend the first years of his life in that country and community which produced so many of the leading business men now in the West.

When he was thirteen his parents decided to move to British Columbia. They arrived in Vancouver in October, 1888.

A few years spent at the west end and Central Schools, Vancouver, brought Mr. Veysey to that stage where he decided that it was about time he was learning to paddle his own canoe.

_Began Business Life in B.C. Refinery_

The B.C. Sugar Refinery was the scene of his first labors, given in exchange for what at that time seemed the magnificent remuneration of $12 per month, with the promised reward of an increase to $15 in three months, providing the service he rendered was satisfactory to his employer.

It is interesting to recall that the Company's present general manager at Vancouver, Mr. H. T. Lockyer, was at that time also connected with the B.C. Refinery in the capacity of accountant; and Mr. Veysey was fortunate in forming a friendship in those days which later proved to be a source of great help when the experience and assistance of an "older head" were needed to straighten out, ofttimes, the rough business road he had to travel.

_Joined H.B.C. Service in 1896_

A period of five years, however, completed Mr. Veysey's connection with the refinery. During this time Mr. Lockyer had entered the H.B.C. service as accountant and perhaps in view of the association begun at the refinery it was not strange that an opportunity should shortly present itself enabling Mr. Veysey also to join the Company's service. On 1st November, 1896, he commenced his duties in the Vancouver office.

Mr. E. J. Cuchinay was the Company's accountant at Vancouver at that time, but on account of ill health was being transferred to one of the Company's steamers as purser. Consequently, his position at Vancouver had to be filled.

_Mr. Lockyer Got Him a New Job_

Feeling, as Shakespeare says, that there is a "tide in the affairs of men," Mr. Veysey decided to approach Mr. Lockyer (who by this time had attained the position of general manager) and ascertain if he could not be allowed to show his ability for the position. Mr. Lockyer informed him that _he had already wired_ Commissioner Chipman, recommending his appointment and showed him the wire. Mr. Veysey experienced anxious days while awaiting the reply from Winnipeg; but eventually word was received approving the appointment.

_Mr. Lockyer Gave Him Lesson in Self-Reliance_

Perhaps a little incident that occurred soon after Mr. Veysey's appointment will be appreciated by a great many of the present aspiring accountants of the Company. The time of the month had arrived when the famous "Form 20" had to be compiled and with the help of Mr. Lockyer this task was successfully accomplished. The next month, however, the young accountant found not a little difficulty in completing this form unassisted. He thought of Mr. Lockyer's kindly assistance the previous month and again approached the general manager for help; but much to Mr. Veysey's surprise, he was met with the reply, "Why, Charlie, I showed you how to do that last month. Go back and do it." And back he went, and what is more important, _he did it_. Mr. Veysey often remarks that that was one of the best turns Mr. Lockyer ever did him.

_Handled Big Business During Yukon Rush_

Mr. Veysey has many pleasant reminiscences of the days of the Yukon rush and what it meant to Vancouver. H.B.C. business was so great at that time that it meant working every night until midnight for five months. Mr. Lockyer will also remember this strenuous time, as he bore his share with the rest. Midnight would often come and find him still on the job.

_Promoted to Assistant Managership_

Promotion again was the order of the day, and Mr. Veysey was made assistant general manager at Vancouver. In 1908, however, he was approached by Messrs. Kelly Douglas and Company to join their firm as credit office manager, which position he filled until 1913, when he was asked by the Hudson's Bay Company to go to Winnipeg in the capacity of general manager of the Depot and Wholesale Branch, which had been rendered vacant by the death of that valued servant of the Company, Mr. G. W. Cochrane.

_Became Wholesale General Manager_

Mr. Veysey arrived in Winnipeg in July, 1913, and immediately applied himself diligently to the task of building up a wholesale business which should be second to none in the West. It was by no means an easy task, but perseverance eventually prevailed and H.B.C. Winnipeg Wholesale has registered great gains. Since Mr. Veysey's appointment at Winnipeg, wholesale branches of the Company have been established at Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan, under his management. The H.B.C. candy factory, at Winnipeg, owes its inception to his efforts for expansion of the Company's business.

_Serves Fur Trade and Stores Efficiently_

One of his greatest ambitions has been to operate the depot so efficiently that the service given both to the fur trade posts and retail stores would be as near perfect as it was possible to make it. The Company's many district managers and store managers all over Canada acknowledge and appreciate the efforts which have been put forward in this direction by Mr. Veysey's organization.

Amongst the staff it may be said without fear of contradiction no man could be held in higher esteem than Mr. Veysey. Exacting, but human, he is and always ready to lend a helping hand. Having climbed up from the foot of the ladder himself he believes in employees' earning every step of their advancement, but he is always prepared to recognize and reward merit where demonstrated.

_Mr. Veysey Always Active in Sports_

In the world of sport, Mr. Veysey is an ardent devotee of the ancient and honourable game of golf, and many predict that some day the Burbidge cup will be seen reposing in his office. Mr. Veysey also takes a wholesome interest in curling. His enthusiasm and ability as a "skip" usually helps place his rink "on top of the league" at the wholesale.

Rupert's House Notes

_Staff Changes_

J. S. C. Watt, late in charge of Fort Chimi, succeeds Mr. A. Nicolson, retired.

R. J. Sherlaw, late in charge of Mistassinny Post, to charge of Rupert's House Post.

A. Brebner, of Aberdeen, Scotland, apprentice clerk.

_Mistassinny Post_

F. Mcleod, late clerk at Albany Post, succeeds R. J. Sherlaw in charge of Mistassinny Post.

_Woswanaby Post_

H. Hawkins, late clerk at Rupert's House, succeeds D. M. Stuart, in charge of Woswanaby Post.

Mr. Stuart left on board the S.S. "Nascopie," for a holiday in England.

Buffalo River Post News

We have had considerable sickness among the people of this district but are glad to say that only a few are now incapacitated. A considerable number died during last summer.

Mr. J. M. Cumines, manager of H.B.C. Buffalo River, recently made a very pleasant trip to Toronto, to visit his mother, who was ill.

Lamson Hubbard Canadian Fur Company have opened their new store at Buffalo River. (_But H.B.C. is still here doing business._)

B.C. District Office News

Mr. and Mrs. C. H. French= received congratulations on the birth of a fine daughter on December 1st.

Mr. F. B. Wombwell=, B.C. District accountant, returned from a visit to Mayo Brothers, Rochester, Minn.

During the past month the H.B.C. Victoria office has had the pleasure of visits from:

_Captain Evan J. Edwards, of Montreal, H.M. Senior Trade Commissioner in Canada and Newfoundland; Mr. L. B. Beale, of Winnipeg, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner, Department of Overseas Trade, London; Captain Louis Knaflich, of the Kuskokwim Fishing and Transportation Company, from whom the Hudson's Bay Company chartered the "Ruby" for Western Arctic District; Captain J. Bernard._

_Requires Long Trip to Inspect B.C. Posts_

To those of our readers who are "city folk" or whose travel is limited, the following might prove interesting:

To make an inspection trip to the Hudson's Bay Company's Posts in British Columbia District alone a distance of 3758 miles must be covered as follows:

_404 miles by trails._ _974 miles by rivers._ _56 miles by lake._ _80 miles by automobile._ _976 miles by railroad._ _1268 miles by steamboat._

A Seaplane Visits Moose Factory

August 27, 1920, will be well remembered by the natives of Moose Island, as it marks the arrival of the first air machine to any H.B.C. post in James Bay district.

A high-pitched, droning noise heralded the approach of the machine; and soon the 'plane came into view, flying at an altitude of about three thousand feet. A fine sight it was to see the great bird coming nearer, suddenly "bank," and, with a great flash of silver, as the sun's rays glinted on the tilted planes, it nose-dived and planed down to the "landing" stretch of water, which had been previously marked with a buoy and red flag. This channel of deep water runs between Moose Island and a smaller island, the river at this point being of delta formation.

Meanwhile the inhabitants and the Company's staff had gathered on the bank, the latter all armed with cameras. A canoe shot out from the river side and the airmen were soon exchanging greetings with us.