Page 58 - "George Alfred Beckett": Story & Song

ISSUE : Issue 42

Published by Ronald Caplan on 1986/6/1

the song Phil Penney would soon make about Beckett. Beckett could hear the sounds of construc? tion of the gallows. The Sydney Post noted: "As a result of criticism heaped upon county authorities last year, the scaffold this ye,ar will be entirely boarded in, thus disappointing those who contemplate getting a silhouette view of the proceed? ings , such as occurred at the Anderson (Sloan) execution last May, when high-pow? ered lights at the entrance of the tarpau? lin-covered scaffold offered to spectators on the outside a complete view.... "During his last hours on earth Beckett ap? peared in the best of spirits and exhib? ited an affable demeanour, chatting with his guards, and relished heartily the meals served him during the day. "When summoned by the hangman about 12:30 o'clock, he was deep in prayer and medita- tion, kneeling by the side of his spiritu? al advisor. Rev, Fred Friggins.... He a- rose quickly, shook hands with one of his guards, Provincial Constable George Ding? wall, saying as he did, 'Goodbye, George.' (They were) his final words. (The hangman) shackled the prisoner, and with shoulders erect and head held high, Beckett made a rather striking figure, having been neatly dressed in a suit of dark navy blue, black oxfords, while the saft shirt he wore was wide open at the neck. "At the foot of the gallows... Beckett smiled slightly to Sergeant Freddie Lewis of the Glace Bay police force, who was standing near the landing, nodding recogni? tion, and then walked over to the gallows platform and stood directly beneath the dangling noose, and faced his audience. "The handcuffs were unlocked, and without any preliminaries executioner (Arthur) Rioux set about to strap Beckett's legs. FIlUi:! The number of forest fires in Cape Breton is increasing. Last year between April and October, 72 were reported. Fortunately, fast action by Lands and Forests crews and volunteer firefighters put them out before they did much damage. Because even a small brush fire can get out of control and ignite nearby trees in seconds, early detection is essential. WHERE TO REACH US If you see a fire in or near tlie woods, contact your local If there is no answer, VICTORIA COUNTY Lands & Forests Provincial Building *Baddecl< Lands & Forests Baddeck Depot *Shore Road Sub-Rangers George Cheverie Baddeck R. MacDonald Washabuckt Douglas W. Jackson Ingonish Jack MacDonald Tarbot Allister N. Maclnnis North Shore John A. Curtis Bay St. Lawrence *for Industrial Permits 295-2554 or 295-2771 295-2300 295-2177 622-2441 285-2502 929-2781 929-2347 383-2293 INVERNESS COUNTY Lands & Forests Office Whycocomagh Office Margaree Sub-Rangers Martin Burns Margaree Harbour Clovis Chaisson Grand Etang Andrew Timmons Pleasant Bay Kenny Maclnnis Orangedale Martin Cameron Margaree Forks Harold MacDonald Mabou Harbour 756-2339 or 756-2298 248-2029 235-2235 224-2695 224-2075 756-2370 248-2455 945-2683 Lands and Forests office or Sub-Ranger immediately, call Zenith 40000. RICHMOND COUNTY Lands & Forests Provincial Building *St. Peters Sub-Rangers Glen Diggdon West Arichat Thomas Matthews Grand Anse Roger MacLeod Grand River Dan Norman MacLeod Stirling Donald MacLeod Loch Lomond Charles Cavanagh Martinique *for Permits Prior to 5 p.m. 535-2032 226-2278 345-2944 587-2871 884-2794 587-2288 226-3143 CAPE BRETON COUNTY Lands & Forests Depot 564-6389 & Forest Station or Coxheath 564-8387 733-2664 Main-a-Dieu & area: Roy Pen7 Little Lon'aine *for Industrial Permits or Permits Prior to 5 p.m. If no answer at Lands & Forests or Sub-Rangers, all areas call: ZENITH 40000 Do Your Part... Prevent Forest Fires Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forests Honourable Ken Streatch Minister And Don't Forget ... that Burning Permits are required under the Lands & Forests Act. No person shall make, kindle or start a fire on land within a wood, forest or forest area, or within one thousand feet of same without such a permit between April 1st and October 15th in the counties of Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby, and Annapolis' and in all other counties between April 15th and October 15th. Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to $200. Burning Permits are available from all locations listed above. See * for Industrial Permits and for Permits Prior to 5 p.m.

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