This Week in Tosa History: March 17

1917

· The British transport the Mendt, carrying South African native laborers, was sunk after a collision. 625 persons lost their lives, including 10 European officers and 615 natives. The escort's searchlights could not penetrate the fog but survivors were rescued by passing vessels.

· The 75th anniversary of the First Congregational Church of this city will be held Saturday evening. There will be no district supper at the church on Friday as the ladies are giving the anniversary banquet on the following night.

1953

· Another example of "trickery," which is so much a part of Milwaukee's program to lull suburbanites into a sense of security until after the April referendum, was graphically portrayed by State Senator Bernard Gettleman's action in a recent committee hearing. A bill designed to study Milwaukee's problems and which is very unfair to the suburbs will be laid over until after the referendum.

· From the editor: For the next few weeks, we will be hearing a great many speeches which will have at their central theme many variations of the word "democracy." We have our own definition. "Democracy is that form of government where it is legal for the majority to shoot the minority."

1978

· Looks like the "Wauwatosa Seven" will have their day in court after all. The "Seven" are the seven people who have complained to the city about the charges for clearing snow from their sidewalks. The Finance Committee will hear their complaints Tuesday. Out of 12,000 homes in Wauwatosa, only 250 have been complained about as of last week.

· Cab drivers and their employers who have not purchased the City's taxi license are subject to ticketing. That means a cab driver can be given a $65 ticket for picking up fares in Wauwatosa. But taxis can drop off customers in the City without a license.

Anthony Aveni compiles this weekly column using Wauwatosa Historical Society archives. Contact him at aaveni@ameritech.net.