THE LEAN YEARS

(Canada's Great Depression in the 30's)

Out of the thirties the voices echo,
Seeking those, who will understand!
How life was, in the Great Depression,
Across our Canadian land!
Just ordinary people, with stories to tell,
About their daily lives....that were sometimes HELL!
A legend about hopes and dreams, that were dashed,
When jobs were gone and "good" and "bad" clashed!
Out of sight now, but not out of mind,
The War brought work, that you could find,
Canada's "End-the-Depression" War,
Lives sacrificed, so we could have more!
Old dust bowl farmers, from the plains,
Most don't remember any of their names!
The $8.50 a month teacher, out in the wilds,
A house-to-house doctor and widow with child!
Some who laboured, from dusk 'till dawn,
Those who rode the rails......on .....and .....on,
Out-of-place nomads, travelling from coast to coast,
Looking for tea and a small piece of toast!
Long hours, as a waitress for $4.00 a week!
No chance of more! No need to seek!
The Lean Years came for all, side by side!
A Courageous Badge of Honour.....
TO REMEMBER WITH PRIDE!

Pauline Banning  W3-912-97-D8

Deficits, unemployment, welfare, hard times, bring back the past and make
us realize, that for many people Depression is a reality. When things go
well, and times are good, we think that it will go on forever. This was all
in the past and it could never happen again. However, when industries fold
and workers are laid off, it becomes something close to the home and heart,
causing much stress and feelings of hopelessness. More and more educated
people search for positions, suited to their qualifications and
aspirations.

They were encouraged to get an education and promised great opportunities.
Many become weary and depressed, thinking that the situation will never
improve. Up to now, each generation seemed a little better off than their
fathers and mothers. Now, we seem to be "sliding down the other side of the
mountain" and we can't help wondering, "Is it going to be a reverse trend,
with each generation a little worse off, than their parents?" "Have we
enjoyed many luxuries, at the expense of the next generation?"

I once heard it said, that if you cut down a tree, you should plant two for
the future. This holds true for all natural resources....but, in the name
of profit and materialism, we have failed to do this. Money is the god we
worship! Perhaps I am very naive, but I sometimes wonder why we search for
life out in space, when we have life, that is crying out for help, right on
our own doorstep. We are so quick, to come to the aid of others, which is
good...but..
thousands of our own children go to bed hungry each night. Are our
priorities in line with our rhetoric? Able bodied people need WORK, not
handouts,  in order to live happy, productive lives. I do not envy the
leaders, who must try to solve all of the problems. It is a difficult task,
requiring much co-operation.

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