Nanaimo 1900: The Boer War captures our citizens' imagination
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Issue Date
1993-03-11
Authors
Royle, Anne
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Subject
Abstract
Audio recording and transcript of Anne Royle's presentation in 1993 to the Nanaimo Historical Society in which she reads excerpts from the city's newspaper, The Nanaimo Free Press, from the year 1900. The Boer War in South Africa is frequently mentioned throughout the year, with Nanaimoites' celebrations of the both the relief of Ladysmith and the relief of Mafikeng being described in detail in the newspaper. Other notable stories from 1900 include: James Dunsmuir developing Oyster Harbour (which later grew into the town of Ladysmith); Nanaimo receiving its new ambulance, the first vehicle of its type on the Pacific coast north of Oregon; the destructive fire at the Empire Brewery; and a visit to Nanaimo by Lord and Lady Minto, the serving governor general and his wife. Royle also details an event at Nanaimo's Hotel Wilson that celebrated the 46th anniversary of the landing of the Hudson's Bay Company barque, the Princess Royal, at Nanaimo.