Circuses, then and now

Another of Meeker’s young journalist pen-pals digs up an interesting blast from the past:

Smallwood came well before my time, and so I don't pretend to know anymore than this - did he stay in Canada for surgery? What kind of surgery did he undergo? More relevant to today's circus is how, and what, he told his constituents prior to departing and upon his return.

For the benefit of anonymous journalist (thanks for the historical research lead!), from a CP wire dispatch that ran on November 30, 1967 (the “last fall” referenced by Ray Guy):

Toronto – (CP) – Newfoundland Premier Joseph Smallwood entered St. Michael’s hospital Wednesday suffering from a suspected detached retina of the eye.

The premier, who had planned to leave Wednesday night for Scotland to receive an honorary degree from the University of Edinburgh, announced his change of plans at the afternoon session of the Confederation of Tomorrow Conference.

He will be examined by eye specialist Dr. W.P. Callahan.

[…]

Mr. Smallwood, one of the most vocal premiers at the conference which began Monday, has been on the move almost constantly recently. He arrived here Sunday directly from a European trip that included a visit to Czechoslovakia.

It was learned that the 66-year-old premier – he will be 67 next month – spoke to Premier John Robarts of Ontario about his eye injury and that the Ontario government co-operated in arranging for the operation.

In his broadcast to Newfoundland, Mr. Smallwood said he “will not be completely out of touch” with his duties and that he will be permitted visitors and use of the telephone.

Education Minister F.W. Rowe will be acting premier while Mr. Smallwood is in hospital and Finance Minister Alex Hickman will head the Newfoundland delegation for today’s final conference session.

Mr. Smallwood remained at the conference after his announcement, saying he would “listen quietly a little while and then slip out to my destiny.”