Gordon MacDonald

Sir Gordon MacDonald (1885-1966) was Newfoundland's final British governor as well as the last chairman of the Commission of Government serving from 1946 until the colony joined confederation in 1949 and became a province of Canada.

Related Topics:
1885 - 1966 - Newfoundland - Governor - Commission of Government - Confederation - Province - Canada

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

MacDonald was a Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom from 1929 to 1942 and then served as a regional controller for the Ministry of Fuel and Power in Wales until his appointment to Newfoundland in 1946. As governor, MacDonald openly campaigned for confederation making him unpopular with those Newfoundlanders who opposed joining Canada. Anti-confederates cited MacDonald's interference in arguments to throw out the 1948 referendum results on joining Canada.

Related Topics:
Member of Parliament - United Kingdom - Referendum

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

MacDonald left the island upon its entry to Canada in 1949. Two days after his departure, a congratulatory poem was published in The Evening Telegram. The first letter of each line spelled out "THE BASTARD".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This is the acrostic as appeared in the Evening Telegram on March 8, 1949:

Related Topics:
Acrostic - Evening Telegram - March 8 - 1949

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

:The prayers of countless thousands sent Heavenwards to speed thy safe return, Ennobled as thou art with duty well performed, Bringing peace, security and joy Among the peoples of this New Found Land. So saddened and depressed until your presence Taught us discern and help decide what's best for All on whom fortune had not smiled. Remember if you will the kindness and the love Devotion and the respect that we the people have for Thee

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

::– Farewell!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After returning to Britain, MacDonald was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Gwaenysgor.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~