Questions for Discussion

1. Describe the conditions in the penitentiary for the "Eighty-eight Unfortunates." Would things be different today?
   
   
2. What was the "prisoner's diet?"
   
   
3. Why did the 88 loggers decide to leave the lumber woods?
   
   
4. The captain of the Prospero would not take the 18 loggers on board his ship at Paquet. Why? Put yourself in his place. Was this the right decision? What would have happened if he did take the men on board?
   
   
5. Why did Newfoundland give up the right to rule herself? How did Commission of Government work? Would things have been better for the loggers under an elected government?
   
   
6. The Great Depression hit Newfoundland particularly badly. Why? How long did the Great Depression last? What finally brought it to an end?
   
   
7. Describe how Newfoundlanders regarded the "dole."
   
   
8. Why did the Newfoundland government want logging companies to set up in Newfoundland? Was this a good idea? Why do you think the companies were owned by foreigners instead of Newfoundlanders?
   
   
9. What is a "tax break?" Is this a good idea?
   
   
10. What were the two main kinds of trees cut in Newfoundland to make pulp for paper making?
    
    
11. Describe the job of a "contractor." Was this a difficult job? Why did the pulp and paper companies use contractors?
    
    
12. Describe the jobs of

• the cutter
• the loader
• the teamster
• the driver
• the cook
• the cookee