LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Welland House in its heyday a place of beauty

Re: Re: Story of the Welland House: High drama, historic events — and The Human Fly, July 14

I was sorry to hear of the devastating fire at the Welland House Hotel. My mother immigrated from Ireland and was hired by the hotel as a maid in 1924.

When they learned she had trained as a waitress in Belfast, she was promoted to waitress. She worked during the roaring ’20s, the Depression and the Second World War.

When we were small, she regaled us with stories of what it was like then, and the posh guests that came up from the U.S. to “take the waters.” The healing properties of the mineral spring was well known and they came by train and car to enjoy its benefits.

The hotel was a beautiful building, and I was fortunate enough to have seen it in its heyday during the late 1930s and ’40s. To enter you walked up marble steps into the reception area, to be faced with a lovely curving staircase to the first floor.

Beside the reception desk was an elevator run by an operator; there was a sitting area surrounded by palm trees facing Ontario Street. The entrance to the beautiful dining room was beside the desk. It was called The Cypress Room as its walls were panelled with cypress wood.

There were long narrow windows looking out on a small courtyard. When I saw it, the maitre’d was a tall, distinguished Australian named Max who was the epitome of elegance. The tables were set with white table cloths, shining china and silverware and flower centerpieces. My mother recalls parents of Ridley students bringing their sons there for Sunday dinner.

The huge ballroom on the north side had long narrow windows and beautiful dance floor. Many wedding receptions were held here, and charity balls.

Irene Van Zandwyk

St. Catharines

Hirji not alone among experts to issue border warning

Re: Re: Niagara’s politicians were out of their

lane, not Hirji, July 13

Shame on regional politicians for again ganging up on acting medical officer of health Dr. Mustafa Hirji and attacking him because they do not agree with his professional opinion. They told him that commenting on federal border issues is not in his job description. It is also not in theirs.

Elected officials react to constituents and often cater to their anticipated needs so they can be re-elected. Dr. Hirji, on the other hand, is doing his job — plain and simple.

He has consistently responded in a calm, educated, professional manner using facts to support his statements. He was asked his opinion and replied honestly.

Why was Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati not bullied for going on national television last month declaring the border would be open by the end of June? It is not in his job description to be making such statements about federal matters. He was stating his opinion and although he was proven incorrect, you can respect he is trying to look out for his constituency.

Why can Dr. Hirji not be shown the same respect and professional courtesy?

Similarly, councillors from Welland, St. Catharines and Fort Erie do not have the authority to be making statements to the media about the border reopening. Why attack Dr. Hirji for his? They are trying to silence any voice which does not agree with theirs.

National media have interviewed other health professionals in the Toronto area who have given similar statements as Dr. Hirji’s in recent days. They are not being publicly harassed by their local politicians. Olga Grcevic Niagara Falls