1925 - AG SCHOOL MAKING GOOD PROGRESS
In a front page story headlined "How to make farming pay", the Olds Gazette reported on the good work being done by Olds College and other ag schools in the province. "How are we to make farming pay? This and other vital questions are being answered in no uncertain fashion at the Provincial Schools of Agriculture in Alberta. It is true that only those men who thoroughly understand their business from the practical and executive. Today statistic shows conclusively that farmers who possess scientific knowledge in addition to practical experience are more successful than untrained men. It is the purpose of the Olds School of Agriculture to give farmers and their sons that special instruction which has been found, during the eleven years the school has been in operation, to be of the greatest value in coping successfully with the problems of agriculture today. And to give farm girls such training as will make them efficient homemakers."
1933 - WINDUP CAR?
In a front-page story the Olds Gazette reported on an interesting new invention making its appearance in 1933. "A clockwork automobile that runs 40 miles on a winding has been introduced by the Japanese. It sells for $140. The innovation secretly worried British dealers, who are already suffering from Japanese competition."
1935 - ëHOODLUMS ARE NOT YOUTHS'
The Gazette reported that several local politicians were victims of crime. "Dr. A.H. Mann, liberal candidate, H.J. Ash, social credit candidate, and Alfred Speakman MP for Red Deer constituency have all been victims of hoodlums during the election campaign. The hooligans spent their spite on the motor cars in which the above gentlemen were driving to attending meetings, the damage being done while meetings were in progress. Mr. Ash was the first victim when his care was put out of commission for travelling because of flat times. Dr. Mann's care was drained of crank case oil, the exterior plastered with paint and water in the gasoline tanks. Mr. Speakman must have had an uncomfortable feeling on discovering that all the air had been made to escape from all tires, including the space. There is suspicion that the hoodlums are not youths."
1945 - DUCK SHOOT OK'D
The Gazette reported on an extraordinary hunting opportunity for local shooters. "Farmers or persons designated by them may shoot ducks causing damage to crops before the season opens, and without first obtaining a license, Them Kjar, provincial inspector, announced recently. Reports indicate that severe damage is being done to standing crops by the birds. If the farmer is not able to kill the birds himself, he may appoint a hunter to do the shooting for him in the fields where the ducks are causing damage. The number of birds which may be shot is unlimited, and the conditions will hold until the duck season opens."
1951 - LICENCE PLATES MADE TO LAST
Under the headline "Made to last" the Gazette reported on new licence plates for the province. "When an Alberta motorist attaches his 1952 licence plate to his car it will be there to say, the minister of Municipal Affairs declares. The new plate will be of black background with pearl gray letters and will be permanent. Also in the changes will be the chemical treatment of letters, which will make numbers glow when struck by light. An Alberta slogan is to be carried on the plates and a combination of letters and numbers will be used. Working of the slogan was not known."
1955 - DUCKS GETTIGN NECKTIES
Under the headline, "Neckties for Ducks," the Gazette reported on a new program involving ducks. "Some western ducks will be wearing bright neck bands this fall. The new banding technique has been introduced by the Canadian Wildlife Service to identify ducks in flight. The neck bands are flexible coloured plastic, some bearing symbols of contrasting colours. The colours and symbols will enable biologists to relate groups of ducks to particular areas of the west and plot their day by day movements.
1962 - NEW COUNTY OFFICE ATTRACTS CROWD
The Gazette reported on the well-attended grand opening of the county's new office. "Some 1,000 residents of the County of Mountain view and the towns within the county attended the opening ceremonies. The ribbon was cut by Gordon Taylor, Alberta Minister of Highways, who complimented the county authorities on the fine new building. The Carstairs band and majorettes entertained with a band selection before the opening ceremonies started and then simultaneously with the cutting of the ribbon, the flag was unfurled and the band broke into ëGod Save the Queen', adding immeasurably to the solemnity of the occasion."
1992 - LOCK IT OR LOSE IT
The Gazette reported on police efforts to stem a steep rise in vehicle thefts in the district. "RCMP have expanded their ëlock it or lose it' program to reduce thefts of vehicles or their contents in the area. The ongoing program, which usually concentrates in high theft areas such as the Olds College and bar parking lots, has been expanded to residential areas. Police are leaving tags on windows to tell vehicle owners that they've been inspected and explaining any problems police have come across. If they come upon vehicles with the key in them, RCMP will remove the key, which can then be retrieved at the detachment office. So far, no keys have been taken."
