Residents were invited to meet Mr. Crosbie at 11:30 in the Community Centre, and he said that he was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. On that sunny, hot Wednesday, just before noon, over 50 locals showed up to meet the Lieutenant Governor.
Ms. Crosbie and his wife are on a coastal tour aboard the HMCS St. John’s. Other stops included Grey River, Francois, McCallum and Grand Bank.
Mr. Crosbie spoke about the seal fishery and about a $2.5 million monument that is to be erected in Ellistown in memory of all those who lost their lives when economic hardship forced them to go out on the ice in quest for seal pelts, the proceed of which would help them to provide for their families.
Mr. Crosbie spoke in an informal neighbourly sort of way that pleased everyone, and had quite a bit to say that made people laugh. He also took the trouble to shake the hand of everyone from the community and to chat a bit with such individuals, and he was always ready to pose for photos with children or with admiring adults.
Altogether, the event was one that was clearly enjoyed by everyone present, and one which did its part to maintain credence and respect for the office of the Lieutenant Governor even though the youngest will probably remember more all the good things to eat that were laid out on tables, than what the Lieutenant Governor said.
