| You asked me to sing you a song; I'll
do the best I can,
For when a man goes on the dole his troubles are just begun.
It is the case of any man in every port around;
You first give in your statement, and then they'll write it down.
First they'll ask you what's your name, and then ask what you've got;
A few old raggedy lines of gear and a few old lobster pots.
To see what trouble a man has got and he has to tell them so;
Be careful boys, don't tell no lies when you goes on the dole.3
People hated the "soul-rotting" dole as The
Fisherman's Advocate called it. But many people had little choice.
There was just no work. It was either take the dole or go hungry. Even
with the dole many people could not get enough food and clothing. Old
people and children suffered greatly. Many people died from disease
and lack of good food. The situation looked bleak.
By 1934 the economy was so bad that Newfoundland did something few
countries have ever done. Since 1855 Newfoundland had ruled herself
through elected representatives. Now, facing bankruptcy, Newfoundland
gave up the right to an elected government. It turned to Britain for
help. Britain decided that Newfoundland should be run by "Commission
of Government." This meant that Newfoundland would now be ruled
by a governor and six commissioners—three from Newfoundland and
three from the United Kingdom. All the commissioners were appointed
by Britain. This system was to remain in place until Newfoundland's
financial situation improved. Commission of Government lasted until
Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949.
|