ELEVEN DAYS IN QUEUE

Southland Times, Issue 20662, 18 April 1929, Page 8

ELEVEN DAYS IN QUEUE

WAIT FOR HOMESTEAD BLOCK

FARMER’S REYVARDED.

Vancouver, February 20.

A Peace River farmer, George Turcott, waited for 11 days at the door of the Lands Office there to be first applicant to preempt a homestead block alongside the one he is farming.

The temperature ranged from 30 degrees below zero during the day to 55 below during the night. Turcott was not alone. Another applicant shared the vigil for eight days prior to the hour of opening the blocks. Turcott’s partner, Esthier, relieved him occasionally. During the last few days the cold was so severe that they were obliged to bring a piano case and plant it on the pavement, with a small oil stove inside, for warmth. A mounted policeman shared the vigil on the last morning to see fair play. The blocks were to be opened at noon. As the hour approached Turcott got. his hand on the door knot), but the policeman made him take it. off.

YY 7 hen the door eventually opened, the two applicants rushed, and, with their big bulk, jammed the doorway. Turcott reached the counter first and got his block.