Dateline
December 5, 1958
The oldest established motor firm in Nelson is now the occupant of Nelson’s newest garage. Mayor T.S. Shorthouse will open on Saturday the completely rebuilt Peebles Motors Limited, which burned to the ground June 23. The new building is much more efficient than the old allowing a reduction in floor space from 32,000 square feet to 27,000 square feet with no loss in efficiency. R.A. Peebles commenced business in nelson in 1919 under the name of Nelson Auto Company, in a building beside the present garage. The present building was started in 1920. In 1921, a franchise was obtained from the Ford Motor Company, and Mr. Peebles sold most of the model T’s in the area.
Dateline
December 6, 1958
The Canadian government is hopeful that it may soon be able to reach an agreement with the United States on sharing the huge power potential of the Columbia River. Acting Prime Minister Green said in a statement Friday that steps are to be taken at once to complete an agreement with the US which will make co-operative development of the river possible. His statement followed a federal committee report on the economic feasibilities of Columbia River development to increase the flow of low priced power to British Columbia industries and homes. It is understood that this will be economically advantageous for Canada even though it would involve large expenditures. Canadian authorities estimate total Canadian-American expenditures on the development could run $200,000,000.
Dateline
December 6, 1958
An unhappy dog-owner lost his pet to a poisoner early Wednesday morning after nursing the female seven-month-old German Shepherd since noon Tuesday. This loss was the latest in a series of poisonings in the Sixth and Cottonwood Streets area. The dog, which was valued at $200 and was “priceless” in the eyes of the owner, first showed signs of poisoning at noon Tuesday. “We have a suspect, but we have no proof as yet,” This was the statement of the City Police. “We believe in the laws of Canada, for dogs as well as people.” It is noted that dog poisoning is a criminal offence, and jail sentences and fines are provided for convicted poisoners. The poison is “moucide”, made with strychnine, a poison deadly to humans as well as animals. The poison, about a teaspoon is wrapped into a piece of raw hamburger, and rolled into a ball small enough to be eaten in one piece. More than seven animals in the area have been affected and “very vigorous” complaints have been laid with the police department.
Dateline
December 15, 1958
The long-awaited day has arrived - Nelson’s skyline hospital is officially open. . Hon. E.C. Martin, B.C.’s Minister of Health and Welfare, declared the new Kootenay Lake General Hospital officially open at an outdoor ceremony attended by hundreds of Nelson and district people. The brief ceremony – held in a sparkling winter setting of snow and brilliant sun – was the culmination of over five years of planning and construction. It was a proud day for Nelson and district. The $2,000,000 hospital, commanding a breathtaking view of the entire city and West Arm of Kootenay Lake, is a tribute to the people who made it possible. About 3000 people toured the building throughout the afternoon and evening.
Dateline
December 18, 1958
A number of children are going to be made a lot happier at Christmas – and all through the efforts of Nelson fireman. Their mothers and fathers will be happier too, because these parents won’t have to worry about how junior would feel when the child next door showed up on the morning of December 25 with an armload of newly acquired toys. The reason for the greater joy will be the arrival of toys, compliments of the Nelson Fire Department. The fireman have been working long and hard on the repair and painting of 600 old toys for distribution to poorer families in the city and district. Many of the toys have been “farmed out”, such as dolls for repairing and dressing. A local firm has been welding sleighs and tricycles, and many others have contributed time and work on the project.