A community newspaper
is one of the signs that a town has “arrived”, that it is looking
forward, that it has identity.
For many years Carberry was served by two newspapers - "The News"
established in 1889 and edited by R. E. Belfrey, and "The Express" in
1892.
These two papers merged in 1910 when J. L. Cowie took over the
editorship. When Mr. Cowie was appointed King's Printer for Manitoba in
1937, he sold the plant to W. H. Vopni. The plant was situated in the
block which was originally the Merchants' Bank.
James L. Cowie was born in Almonte, Ontario on January 28, 1875. As
editor of the News Express one of his employees was Stanley Knowles.
In addition to serving in the valuable role of newspaper editor, he was
active in a variety of community affairs.
By 1918 the war in Europe was taking its toll on local resources. The
Council appointed J. L. Cowie as fuel commissioner, whose
responsibility was to monitor coal supply and fuel needs of citizens.
In 1905 with the incorporation of the Town , a census had to be taken
and the job fell to J. L. Cowie who was paid $25.00 for enumerating.
By 1931 the full impact of the depression was being felt. On June 15
the mayor Jas. L. Cowie and Councillor Thomas Fox are appointed to
represent Carberry at a conference called by Premier John Bracken at
the parliament buildings, Winnipeg to discuss unemployment.
Mr. Cowie and was elected Mayor in 1937. He served on the School Board
and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. In 1943, he was elected an
Honorary Life Member of the Manitoba Branch of the Canadian Weekly
Newspapers Association.
He was an active member of the Curling club, pictured here (top right)
with the winners of the 1911 Carberry Bonspiel.
Mr. Cowie died on December 16, 1946.
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