‘Mnfluu. these have been erected for the comfort of the family, good barns and other buildings have been built for the protection of the stock and the care of implements. When we consider that all this has been accomplished by men still living, such progress appears marvellous indeed. It exemplifies the fact that there are nearer gold fields than the Klondyke and that Blanshard has rewards for thrift and industry at least equal to those of any country in the world. While it pleases us to speak of these great achievements we regret to say that the economic depression that the whole world has been passing through has led to disastrous consequences, but the people are not by any means discouraged. They believe that better times will come again, and in spite of all this, many have become well to do in the world. A high degree of agriculture has been attained, and our farmers are ever ready to adopt the most modern innovations in the line of their calling. Blanshard's people are loyal to the country of which they form a part, and have unbounded confidence in the future of the Dominion. Their love for their King, and the ties that bind them to Great Britain are more than sentiment, they are a passion, and, we hope, as time passes away they will become more and more indissoluble. We are proud to know that Canada is destined to be a great nation, over which still floats the grand old flag that has “braved for a thousand years the battle and the breeze." I Thank You John Davidson UPDATE ON BLANSHARD HISTORY Changes in the Municipal Act: In 1975 a change was made from yearly elections of 3 councillors for a 2-year term to elections for all council seats every 3 years. In 1977, qualifications for office on the council were changed from owning land in a Township to simply being a resident of the Township without any property stipulations. Decline in Population: In 1970 the approximate population of Blanshard including Oak River and Cardale was 1290. In 1983 it had decreased to 776, a little better than half. 39