Chapter XXII: Appendix: C

_A FEW TESTIMONIES TO THE WORK FROM THOSE WHO KNOW LABRADOR_

_From the_ REV. F. S. HOLLETT, _Missionary of the
Canadian Methodist Church at Rigolette_:—

HAMILTON INLET,
LABRADOR.

DEAR DR. GRENFELL,—

... Any way that we can help you, we will be glad to do it. As you know I can sympathise with you in the difficulties you meet with. D.V., we hope to have a visit from you next year. May God bless you in your noble work, and you will always remember,

I am
Your sincere brother in Christ,
FRANK S. HOLLETT.

* * * * *

_From_ DR. ROBERT MURRAY, _Editor of the “Presbyterian Witness”_:—

HALIFAX,
_December, 1894_.

DEAR DR. GRENFELL,—

... From our Presbyterian teacher from Canadian Labrador we had most favourable reports of your work. I examined him personally on his return, as to what he had seen and heard.

While he had not seen the hospitals and the doctors, he had heard most appreciative reports from fishermen ...

Yours very truly,
ROBERT MURRAY.

* * * * *

_October 27, 1892._ A representative meeting of the colony of Newfoundland was held at Government House, St. Johns. There were present, amongst others, His Excellency the Governor, Sir Frederick Carter (Judge of Supreme Court), Sir William Whiteway (Premier), Major-General Dowell, R.A., Sir Robert Thorburn (late Premier), Hon. E. D. Shea, Hon. Robert Bond (Colonial Secretary), Hon. A. Goodridge (late Premier), Hon. A. W. Harvey, Hon. M. Munroe, and Messrs. W. Grieve, P. Tessier, E. Duder, W. Job, E. Outerbridge, representing the merchant firms, Captains the Hon. S. Blandford, W. Bartlett, N. Fitzgerald, J. Watson, representing the Labrador planters, and Messrs. Ch. Emerson, J. Withers,—Cohen, etc. After a discussion, in which several present took part, it was proposed by Hon. W. A. Harvey, seconded by Sir Wm. Whiteway, and when put by His Excellency the Governor unanimously resolved:—

_Resolved._—“That this meeting, representing the principal merchants and traders carrying on the fisheries, especially on the coast of Labrador, and others interested in the welfare of this colony, desires to tender its warmest thanks to the directors of the Deep Sea Mission for their philanthropic generosity in sending their hospital ship _Albert_ to visit the fishing settlements on the Labrador coast.

“Much of our fishing industry is carried on in regions beyond the ordinary reach of medical aid or of charity, and it is with the deepest sense of gratitude that this meeting learns of the amount of medical and surgical work done, besides all the other relief and help so liberally distributed. This meeting also desires to express the hope that the directors of the Mission may see their way to continue the work thus begun, and should they do so they may be assured of the earnest support and co-operation of all classes of this community.”

* * * * *

Subsequent to this great meeting the following resolution was passed and forwarded to the Mission:—

“That this representative committee will undertake to provide two suitable buildings, which may be used as hospitals by the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, should the Council of the Mission signify their intention to continue their operations on the coast of Labrador, and the Committee will heartily co-operate in any other way that the Council of the Society may suggest.

“That a copy of the foregoing resolution be forwarded for the information of the society.

(Signed) {T. O’BRIEN, Governor, _Chairman_.
{M. MUNROE, _Secretary_.”

MONTREAL, _December, 1893_.

A. BOBARDT, Esq., M.B., R.N., writing, says:—

* * * * *

Often in Labrador have I been urged on to further work by noting how much a Mission visit is appreciated, and how the people do enjoy a meeting; and it seems a thousand pities that they cannot be brought under regular spiritual influences.

* * * * *

The small portable organ I had was most useful, and wherever I went it was my _Fidus Achates_, tending to infuse more life into my meetings. I found the people joined heartily in the hymns. Most of this visiting was done by boat, and it was in this work that one recognised fully the benefits of being able to handle an oar, and pull oneself wherever one wished to go.

* * * * *

In the hospital I had thirty-three in-patients, and in the nursing of these I must pay tribute to Nurse Carwardine, who, by her unremitting zeal and attention, made many of these poor fishermen know for the first time what it was to be in a comfortable warm bed, and be skilfully attended to.

* * * * *

The comparison between them in hospital and in their own homes or smacks is too extreme to be drawn, and they were very grateful for what had been done for them.

One case for example:—A gunshot wound of the hand came to hospital, and, though his hand was severely lacerated, he was able to return to his home with a useful limb, after being five weeks in. If this case had been left to itself, the young man must have either lost his arm, or had a stiff and useless hand; and the latter is in the way of a fisherman, who necessarily uses his hands so much in handling nets, lines, ropes, oars, etc.

* * * * *

Many at Battle and the surrounding coves are now thanking God for His goodness in inspiring friends in England and elsewhere to send clothing for them this fall; the look of delight when they received their bundles was a treat to witness. On Tuesday, October 31st, we left Battle Harbour, amidst the salutes from many “Brown Sallys” (guns). We carried with us the pleasantest recollections, and the hope that the work would grow and increase, bringing health, happiness, and much comfort to these Labradorites.

Sincerely yours,
ALBERT BOBARDT.

* * * * *

_From_ Rev. JNO. SIDEY, _now three years Wesleyan Missionary at Red Bay_.

_November, 1892._

At the present time I believe there are but two ministers of the Gospel between Hopedale, the Moravian settlement, and Blanc Sablon, in the Straits of Belle Isle, a distance of over four hundred miles. Around the coast line numerous settlements are scattered along the route, and here in the best harbours are congregated during the summer season thousands of fishermen from Newfoundland, Canada, and the United States. They may, perhaps, the greater part of them, be attendants at the various churches when at home; but out here, removed from all religious influences, what wonder that they become dissipated and lost in the spiritual darkness that abounds on the coast. The Mission ship has visited these harbours, held services, and, if one may take as a criterion the work done here, and the interest aroused, a very favourable aspect is presented as to the spiritual portion of the work.

But another and equally important phase of the work of the Mission on these shores calls for the earnest sympathy and encouragement of all who have interest in this noble enterprise—THE MEDICAL WORK. A doctor is provided by the Government for this shore, during the summer months, but as he is stationed on board the mail-boat, which only calls just to land the mails and freight at comparatively a few of the above-mentioned ports, his services are practically _nil_ to the greater portion of the community. Yet the record of sick and disabled fishermen is very large. Many have, year by year, to be sent home in the mail-boats at the expense of the Government, losing also a summer’s fishery, which in many cases might be avoided by a few days’ careful attention on board such a ship as the _Albert_. In such cases it is not only the men themselves that suffer, but their families are often starving throughout the long cold winters that follow. It may be a bold suggestion, but perhaps worthy of a little consideration (in view of the many harbours and extent of the coast), that were the Society to substitute a small steam vessel for the _Albert_, much more effective work could be accomplished, as then during the course of the summer, at least, three trips instead of one might be made along the whole shore; disabled fishermen could be accommodated on board for a trip and carried back again without impeding the work of the Mission; a representation might also be made to the Newfoundland Government—who, according to repute, are at great expense to keep up the useless custom of sending a doctor in the mail-boat, and carrying home sick men—to do away with their arrangement, and grant a subsidy towards the maintenance of a steam vessel, which could do the same work far more effectually and, I doubt not, at less expense to them.

One word more in favour of the support of the Mission on this coast. The system of trade, which is largely a credit and barter system, deprives the men of the use of cash, even what they have really earned; and until settling-up day in the fall, few feel themselves at liberty to draw upon their little portion for the necessary comforts of their toil; hence the distribution of the woollens, cuffs, etc., comes as a great boon to many a poor fisherman whose hands are cut by the lines, or whose clothing, scant at all times, has become deplorable by the wear and tear of a seafaring life. The writer has seen much of this, and well knows how such gifts would be valued.

I trust that, as one who has lived and worked upon the coast, and who knows by actual experience something of the need of the Labrador shore, that I have said enough to evoke the sympathy of all who are willing to give one thought to the toilers of the deep, to bestow upon your noble Society the means for extending their work in this direction. We are far away, but it should be remembered that a large quantity of fish is exported to England from Newfoundland; besides, we claim kindred, we are, for the most part, of the old British stock, and, above all, we are children of the same Heavenly Father who cares for all alike.

May the Almighty bless the work already done, and touch the hearts of His children, so that the means may not be wanting when men are ready to sacrifice their all to undertake this noble task.

Yours faithfully,
JNO. C. SIDEY.

* * * * *

Far away in that ice-bound, snow-clad country, there are men and women struggling with poverty, hunger, and disease. Could our kind friends at home, while sitting around their warm firesides with their dear children, supplied with every want and comfort, take a peep into the many miserable hovels, where men, women, and children are ill-fed, poorly-clad (in some cases nearly naked), suffering from sickness; and with no prospect of roughing the winter out, as all traders are gone, their only resource is to apply to the nearest fishing station, perhaps many miles away, for charity, which, I am thankful to say, is very rarely refused to them—could our kind friends but get a peep at them, I feel sure that they would be only too glad to do a little to relieve their wants. There are many residents scattered far and wide, some in fairly good circumstances, and there is, without doubt, an immense field of labour, both spiritually and medically, and I trust that many friends may be found to assist in this branch....

Hoping that I have been successful in showing you that there is, indeed, a cry from Labrador: “Come over and help us.”

JOSEPH F. TREZISE (late Master of _Albert_).

_December 8, 1892._

* * * * *

DEAR DR. GRENFELL,—

The laudable work in which you are engaged has my warmest sympathy, and I trust that your endeavour in so good a cause will meet with the success it deserves.

I visited the Labrador coast many years ago, as far north as Cape Harrison, and I then saw the many hardships endured by the hardy fishermen and their families. Yours is a most deserving charity.

Trusting that you will have a large audience when you lecture in the city,

Believe me,
Yours very truly,
ROBERT PATON MCLEA,
Montreal, Canada.

* * * * *

MORAVIAN MISSIONS, SECRETARY’S OFFICE, 7, FURNIVAL’S INN, LONDON, E.C.

_Nov. 3rd._

_To_ F. H. WOOD, Esq., _Secretary Deep Sea Mission_.

DEAR SIR,—

I am commissioned by the Committee of our Society for the Furtherance of the Gospel to convey to your Mission our thanks, and those of our missionaries at Hopedale, for the visit of the _Albert_. They write very gratefully of the medical aid, and especially of the spiritual fellowship and impulse afforded them, and they expressed the hope that the visit may be repeated. They say there is no lack of work, and the Divine blessing will crown such faithful endeavours to minister to the scattered schoonermen and others along the coast.... We beg our Society for the Furtherance of the Gospel to express hearty thanks in our name, and that of the Eskimos....

Yours faithfully,
B. LA TROBE,
_Secretary_.

* * * * *

_From_ Rev. MOSES HARVEY, LL.D., F.R.S., _St. Johns_,

_July, 1893._

The great need of hospital work on Labrador is seen when it is considered how many cases occur of blindness, deformities, or loss of certain faculties, affecting the bread-winners of families, most of which might have been prevented if treated in time, and thus much personal suffering spared, and also a great loss to the community. During the season the medical men were able to render such aid that several who had been compelled to give up work found themselves capable of resuming their duties. When sick persons are thus saved from losing their season’s work, or saved the time and expense involved in returning to Newfoundland for advice, in cases of minor importance; or when, as happened in several instances during the season, the lives or limbs were saved, or, in some hopeless cases, life was prolonged so as to allow them to reach home and end their days in the bosom of their families, the value of this hospital work becomes more apparent.

To the sick of Labrador these hospitals will be an inestimable boon. Only those who have known what it is to toss on a bed of pain, perhaps unable even at night to find rest, their tongue parched with thirst, and fever raging in their system, can properly appreciate the meaning of the skilful help of the physician, the delicate attention of the trained nurse, the hushed house, the subdued voices and the gentle light of the half-darkened room. When this is contrasted with the sad sight so often witnessed on Labrador, of delicate women, and even children, undergoing sufferings, which are hard to bear even amid the comforts and gentle attentions of home, on the dreary coast of Labrador, far from every helping hand, or in the dark hold of some small fishing vessel, where the atmosphere is poisonous, and the noises to the sick distressing and almost maddening, it is then we realize the value of the noble humane work in the hospitals erected on storm-beaten Labrador for the relief of suffering humanity. Who would not aid in such a good work!

DISTRIBUTION OF CLOTHING.

The _Albert_ brought from England a very large stock of clothing, both new and cast-off, the gift of kind charitable friends. This was distributed with the greatest care and discrimination, every precaution being used to guard against imposition. The cases of utter or partial destitution of clothing among families who reside permanently on the Labrador coast, were numerous, and much timely aid was given, especially to women and children. Food was also given in cases of extreme destitution. Many families were thus helped to provide for the long, cold winter of this region. There is no doubt that every spring some families are driven to subsist on mussels and seaweed they can gather along the land-wash. With ice on the coast no help can reach them.

DISTRIBUTION OF BOOKS, PERIODICALS, AND TRACTS.

A very large supply of wholesome literature was carried on board the Mission ship, and, wherever she went, was freely distributed among the fishermen. Wherever it was found in any family that any one could read, a gift was made either of illustrated or plain literature, or both.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES.

Wherever the _Albert_ or _Princess May_ called, when opportunity offered, especially on Sundays, religious services were held, which all were invited to attend. Hymns were sung, prayers offered, and simple addresses given on Scriptural subjects. These services were much appreciated among these lonely sea-toilers; and thus something was done to make known that Gospel which has brought such blessings to mankind, but without any reference to creed or sect being made.

The steam launch, _Princess May_, proved to be of great service in the Mission work. Dr. Grenfell was enabled to go up uncharted bays in her, so as to visit a large number of the small settlements which would otherwise not have been within reach. He was thus able to make a thorough examination into the condition of the residents, and to collect accurate statistical information regarding them to an extent never before attempted. In all, he visited eighty-seven different settlements on the Labrador coast, as far north as Okkak. Dr. Curwen, in the _Albert_, visited thirty-five more settlements; and Dr. Bobardt visited all the places in the vicinity of Battle Harbour.