Letters to the Editor A pleasant reminiscence

I worked at the Lake Shore in the early ’30s and your recent Odds ‘n’ Sods story brought to mind an event that happened there.

I was a machine runner working for Jone Southall in a stope on the upper levels. One morning he told me there was a young fellow going to work with me and that I was to teach him all I could about drilling and blasting. He said that he was a friend of Les Weldon (underground superintendent) and deserved special consideration. That man was the writer of the story — your publisher.

I don’t remember how long we were partners but no doubt we got along well as I do not have any unpleasant memories.

I later worked at several other mines in the Kirkland Lake camp including several years at the Upper Canada. Engineers were scarce then due to military service, so they gave me a short course in underground surveying. In 1944 I went to the Malartic Gold Fields as a surveyor, then to bonus engineer and efficiency. Then in a staff shuffle in 1954 I was appointed chief engineer until 1964 when I went to the Camflo mine from which I retired in 1968.

We miners do get around. I’m sure you have had some very interesting experiences. Bill Ball Port Hope, Ont. Publisher’s Note: After 53 years, this letter certainly comes as a complete and delightful surprise.