For the third year in a row, we have had zero goblins at our door on Halloween. This would be disturbing if it weren't for the fact that our neighbours had even fewer.

We can remember a day when we had to buy at least four tons of candy to get through the evening. Fortunately, with seven children of our own out collecting, we had enough sugar to last through until Christmas.

We miss the goblins. Halloween was always a fun time of the year even when the mischief got a bit out of hand. One year, those boys from up on East Street put a hay wagon on the roof of the old school.

But the costumes (always made at home) and the excitement of the groups of children who came along the street were an entertainment in themselves.

We are at a loss to explain the disappearance of a great Canadian tradition. Perhaps it is a plot by the politically correct to prevent children from imitating anybody else in this world. Perhaps we have fallen under the spell of Puritans who are always fearful that somebody, somewhere might be having fun.

With an election coming up next year, this could become a political football. We will vote for any candidate who can deliver a minimum of 20 (we used to get 40) goblins on Halloween. We hope others can join our campaign.

Frank and Nancy Prothero.