Western Star (Corner Brook, N.L.), 1950-03-03

              The Western Star 3*>TH YEAR—NUMBER 2658 The Western Star, Friday, March 3, 1950 Price Five Cents G. C. Crosbie Addresses Businessmen Railway Set-up To Be Improved George C. Crosbie of St. John's, newly-elected president of the Newfoundland Board of Trade, was a distinguished guest Tuesday night at the monthly meeting of the Bay of Islands Businessmen's Association, held at the Court House. The association gave M»\ Crosbie a warm welcome, and at the request of President Cecil Godden, gave a short address on the necessity of close co-operation between the Newfoundland Board of Trade and the Bay of Islands Businessmen's Association, so that -the best interests of the entire province may be furthered. He thought also that the public should be made aware of the valuable services performed by both associations for the welfare of Newfoundland. Stress was also put on the need for close co-operation between business and the government. Oppose Breaking Connection Discussion then ensued from the floor as to the feasibility of severing connections with the Board of Trade. All who spoke expressed the opinion that the associ• ation should not sever its connections, but co-operate, as suggested by Mr. Crosbie, in the fullest way, for the bene|»flt of business and the public |fin general. At the close of the meeting, which was attended by a large body of members, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Crosbie upon motion of ' H. J. Reader, seconded by R. B. TwuTe. Among other matters dealt with by the association at the meeting were: (1) The inadequacy of railway accommodation at Corner Brook. In this regard * the association was informed that many changes are contemplated by the Canadian- National Railways to improve facilities here. (2) A roads and transportation committee was set up consisting of 10 members to take care of questions arising during the year regarding roads and the railway and steamship system. The committee consists of the following: G, W. Snow, H. J. Readier, F. D. Barrett, R. B. Taaffe, *J. Marshall, A. W. Boyd, J. Lynch. J. A. Collins, C. E. Butt and E. Levitz. 62 NOW IDLE CHANNEL*— (Special)  Twenty men were laid off at * the C.N.R. terminal here bringing the total of lay-offs to 62. Film Should Stand On Own Merits, Not On Actors' Morals, is Verdict At the Citizen's Forum meeting in the White House last week, members of the discussion group decided that \ the film "Stromboli" in which Ingrid Bergman appears 1 should stand on its own merits, regardless of any scandal which might or might not surround the star and the director of the picture. "Film Censorship" was the atopic under discussion, and the listeners were asked whether the banning of a film should be based solely on its content or if the conduct or beliefs of those making the picture should be taken into consideration. Through Secretary Len Barron, the group reported that banning of an artistic production on the basis of the beliefs or conduct of an artist would affect the words of such notables as Lizt, Rembrant, Dickens, Burns and even Shakespeare. Would Censor Propaganda "The unfortunate part of the Stromboli incident is the fact that the film is being sold to the people of this continent with the suggestion of sexual license," the group reported. "This appeal to the baser emotions should be censored by direct action, against the main offenders, publishers of film magazines and publicity agents." In connection with provincial censorship of films as done in Canada, the group said that films shown here should be subjected to a mild form of censorship to prevent foreign political theories from disrupting national life with propaganda of hatreds, and fake promises of better living.K. J- Barry was discussion leader. Some Of The 75 Members Of Humber Squadron Air Cadets SHOWN ARE MEMBERS of "B" Flight of 511 Humber Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets Pictures of other flights will appear in future issues. Front row, left to right, are R. Scott, D. Miller, M. Osborne, T. Tipple, Dermot McSrath, D. Hiscock, R. Hutchings, D. Le- Drew, C. Chaulk, R. Thistle, W. Bragg. Back row, M. R, Davis, C, Hansen, S, Anderson, A, Bergeron, Hying Officer A. Grace, F. W. Oxford, D. Bursey, C. Locke, K. Osmond. The cadets shown here hold the rank of AC2. Sgt. A. G. Christie of the permanent Air Force. Halifax, is now in Corner Brook issuing rifles to the squadron and checking inventories. —Western Star Staff Photo. Onlookers Hamper C.B.W. Firemen; Chief Advised To Rope Off Area The would-be firemen and the avid onlookers, to say nothing of the heavy flow of vehicular traffic on Broadway, have created such an acute problem for Corner Brook West firemen that the town council has given permission for the chief of the brigade to take action to bar the public from the vicinity of fires. At Tuesday night's meeting of the council, permission was gi\jg**toe head of the brigade to rope off sufficient space to give firemen at least elbow room in doing their duty. The verbal blaze Tuesday was touched off by discussion of the Saturday fire at the Meaney home on Burke's Road. As soon as the last blast of the alarm had sounded, it appeared that even' available man, woman and child within running distance, if not otherwise engaged, converged on the scene- Furthermore, vehicular traffic got out of control on Broadway, so that for a time a complete tieup prevailed. Two lines of hose, connected with hydrants on the opposite side of the street, were subiected to a tremendous pounding by moving vehicles, including loaded trucks. At times it appeared doubtful if the two streams of water coifld be maintained at all. Once, when it was decided to move the fire truck from Burke's Road to a hydrant on Broadway, the efforts of the firemen proved futile, so tightly were children and adults packed around the^yehicle. Order Local Pipe A letter was received from a local concrete pipe manufacturer, C. G. Jennings, soliciting business. The council decided to patronize this local industry, provided price and quality measure up to that of competitive suppliers. The factory is located on the Highroad near the old headquarters and the quality being manufactured there has been described by Town Manager R. J- Finji as satisfactory. Tax Share Unlikely C. W. Powell, director of local government affairs, advised council by letter that it could expect little success in its attempt to pass legislation empowering it to share a portion of the tax revenue collected by the central government on fire insurance premiums paid on property in the Corner Brook West area. The latter was placed on the unfinished business file for future consideration. Mr. Powell also confirmed that council is empowered to proceed with various business tax licences. Approve Warehouse Approval was given the application of Arthur Cohen to erect a warehouse building in Callahan's Field, subject to the town manager's ruling on street alignment and provided he can tap in on the Caribou Road main for domestic water supply. Photographic Survey Corporation, Ltd., Toronto, advised that a topographic plan of the town is nearing completion and will be forwarded in due course. Freight Rate Boost Allowed OTTAWA—(CP) An increase of 7.4% in railway freight rates was authorized Wednesday by the Board of Transport Commissioners. The commissioners ruled that an interim %v/< increase granted the railways last September should be boosted to 16?; over the rates prevailing before that award. This amounts to 7.4r/r over current rates. The increase is applicable to most traffic within Canada except grain and grain products moving within Western Canada which are exempted and coal and coke for which the board authorized an increase of 7 c. a ton on top of Bc. awarded in September. The award is expected to give the railways $28,000,000 a year extra revenue. Atomic Spy Gets 14 Years LONDON--(CP) KJaus Fuchs, the Jekyll-Hyde mastermind of British atomic research, was sentenced Wednesday to 14 years in prison after pleading- guilty to betraying atomic secrets to Russia. At the close of a speedy trial in historic Old Bailey Court, the Lord Chief Justice, Baron Goodard, flayed the 38-year-old Germanborn scientist as an ungratfu1 refugee who had bitten the hand that fed him and had done irreparable harm, both to this land and the United States. Fuchs was given the maximum sentence for violation of the official Secrets' Act. At no time were any details of the secrets he betrayed made public. Fuchs told the court he had co-operated with British authorities in the hope of atoning for "some crime* other than the ones which I am charged'*. Unemployment Down A Little OTTAWA (CP)  Unemployment in Canada decreased by 2,700 during the two weeks which ended Feb. 16, the labour department reported Wednesday. At that date, there were 378,300 persons seeking work through the National Employment Service, the department said in a review of the employment situation. . This comnared with 375.600 jobless at Feb. 2: 323.000 at Jan. 12 and 261,000 at Dec. 22. A peak of 380,900 was reached Feb. 9 before the total tapered off* to the Feb. 16 figure- Girl Saved From Harbour By Boy, 12 CHANNEL—(Special)— Rowena, four - year - old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Evans, Codroy, who was visiting her grandparents here, was saved from drowning in the icy waters of the harbour by a 12-year-old boy. The hero was Wesley Hann, son of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Hann, who plunged into the water and rescued the little girl. Rowena was sleighriding when .she went through the ice and was struggling against the strong undertow. To add to her difficulties her arm became em tangled with the rope of the sleigh. Money Brings War Of Words MOSCOW—(CP)— Russia increased the value of the ruble yesterday and state stores were jammed with people taking advantage of resulting lower prices. Pravda, the Communist party newspaper, said the action showed that prices were going up in the western world but coming down in the Soviet Union. Washington sources called it a propaganda move. They said it would make no real internal difference since Russian commerce was rigidly controlled, but would give an opportunity for Communists to say that their currency is stronger and constantly increasing in value due to the planned production of the Soviet system. By contrast they can say that western currencies are unstable due to the ups and downs of the capitalist system. Daniel Hillier, J.P., Lamaline, Dies Suddenly After Operation GRAND BANK (Spec-[ ial) Death of Daniel HiHier, j J. P-, one of Lamaline's most j respected and well-known citizens, occurred at the Cottage Hospital here Tuesday after a very brief illness. Mr. HUlier; entered hospital Thursday of' last week when an operation for appendicitis was performed. Complications resulted in' death. Deceased was in his 70th year. He had been prominent-1 ly associated with the business and social life of the Burin Peninsula for many years, j He was a teacher* at Garnish , and elsewhere. Later he entered the customs department:! and served at Lamaline for some time until on pension from the post. He was also a j justice of the peace at LamalineWhen candidates for the National Convention were nominated, Mr. HiHier contested the Burin '/Test district and was elected with a substantial majority to represent the district. Just before his death he was working with the provincial government on special work. Mr. HiHier was a prominent member of the L. 0. A. and S. U. F, and was also active in church activities. He is survived by his wife at home, a son at St. John's, a daughter in the teaching profession, two daughters and a son at Toronto. Interment will be at Lamaline. Joint Action Will Be Required On Public Services -Goldenberg In a preliminary report to the three town councils of the Corner Brook area and to Bowater's, made just before he left for Montreal this week, H. Carl Gcldenberg, municipal finance expert, urged that immediate action be taken to amend the Local Government Act. This amendment, which would apply to all municipalities in Newfoundland, would allow councils to make agreements with each other for the provision of water systems and other municipal services. Joint management would be provided. Mr. Goldenberg reported: "To avoid undue delay, and having regard to the fact that the Newfoundland House of Assembly is now in session, I have already recommended to the Deputy Minister of Supply and Local Government Officer, as a first step, immediate enactments of an amendment to the local government Act, which amendment is to be applicable to all municipalities, whether incorporated under this act of by special act, and which will authorize all councils to make regulations"For entering into agreement with one or more municipalities to provide for the joint management and operation of water systems, sewerage systems, works for the disposal, interception or purification of sewerage, garbage collection and disposal systems, hydro-electric systems, transportations systems, road systems ,fire departments, police departments, or other' municipal utility, systems on services, and for the establishment of joint boards of management therefor." Some Difficulties In his preliminary report, Mr. Goldenberg said he had examined the physical characteristics of each of the towns, of the Townsite and of the areas just beyond, including Humbermouth. He had also examined the services presently provided and had seen the difficulties which may be encountered in the provision of further services "which are obviously required." Each council and Bowater's ha»* supplied him with data requested on population, area, taxation, services, etc., and all had joined in discussions- Other persons of the area had been interviewed about the possibilities of providing water and sewerage in particular. All had proven particularly helpful. Varying Views Concerning the proposition that the councils of the area should unite in order to better meet their problems, Mr. Goldenberg had thU to say: "The views presented to me vary as to the best type of administration for the area. There are those who favour amalgamation into one municipality and there are many others who do not think that the time for such a step has yet arrived. There is unanimous agreement, however, that the further development ' of the area and the best inter- Asks Province To Pass New Legislation At Once Allowing Municipalities To Unite On Needed Projects ests of the people now residing therein require water and sewerage services. "The best method to provide the necessary services remains to be worked out. I have a lot of data to examine, and various plans to consider and it will be some weekv perhaps longer, before I can complete my report and recommendations. One thing is obvious and that is that additional services, such as winter and sewerage, cannot be provided on an individual basis and will have to be provided by some form of joint, action. I hope in due course to recommend the type of joint action which in my opinion would be both feasible and satisfactory." Concerning his request for passing of enabling legislation at St. John's. Mr. Goldenberg stated that further necessary legislation will have to be enacted when more detailed plans are completed. "The matter of provision of additional services iffid the best type of administration for the municipalities, is, of course, closely related to the means which may be found to finance such services and administration. I shall therefore have to give consideration not only to the taxable capacity of the municipalities but to their ability to raise funds by wav of a bond issue for such capital works as will be required. This is obviously a serious matter to an area such as Corner Brook." TWO ST. JOHN'S CHILDREN DIE AS RESULT OF ROAD MISHAPS ST. JOHN'S—(Special)  Two youngsters died here on successive days as the result of motor accidents. Thomas Marnell, six, whose parents reside on Cudahy Street, was run over Tuesday by an Avalon Telephone Co. truck and died in Grace Hospital. Wednesday afternoon, William Doran, 10, while sliding on Goulds Road, was hit by a motor car and died 15 minutes after reaching St. Clairs Hospital. A boy companion received slight injuries. Experts Coming First of a series of meetingsmeetings of the St. John's Community Educational Board was held in the Longshoremen's Hall Wednesday night. Premier Smallwood had stated in his New Year's message that certain big interests were comling here. It was announced that next Wednesday, these financial men would arrive in St. John's. The names were not disclosed but it is assumed one or more will be from the Rockefeller interests. The meeting wll bring together well-known men of finance and those interested in timber, oil, etc. Wife Of President Of The C.N.R., St. John's-born Mrs. Gordon Dead MONTREAL (CP) Mrs. Maisie Barter Gordon, 48, wife of Donald Gordon, president of Canadian National Railways, died suddenly Wednesday from a heart attack. Born in St. John's, Nfld., Mrs. Gordon had been in poor health for some time- Doctors said her death was the result of over-exertion during the war when she won the Order of the British Empire for her work heading a canteen project in Ottawa for temporary war workers. She married Donald Gordon in 1926. She had two sons. Cost Probers In Grand Falls GRAND FALLS  (Special) The cost of living commission under the chairmanship of F. S. Grisdale opened its sitting here Tuesday morning in the court house building. Until the time it concluded its session Wednesday afternoon, the commission had examined officials of 18 business firms from Grand Falls, Bishop's Falls, Botwood and Windsor. In addition of these, Thos. W. Howell, town superintendent of the A. N. D. Co.. at Grand Falls was examined and two representatives from the L. S. P. U. at Botwood. Gerald Peckford and Chesley Woolridge. The commission left Grand Falls for Lewisporte Wednesday afternoon. Haul Framework To Armoury Site For the past few days large quantities of steel framework have been hauled by tractor and sled from the railway to the site for the new armoury. The steel is being piled up around the base of ttie armoury so that work on the construction of the building may commence in the spring. The work of construction is being done by the Newfoundland Engineering and Construction Co.. Ltd- The steel was shipped from Gander, where it was used in a hangar. ~— Rent Controls Ruled Valid OTTAWA (CP) The Supreme Court of Canada ruled Wednesday that federal rent controls are valid. In a unanimous decision, seven justices agreed that parliament has the right to enact legislation to deal with national emergencies arising from the war. They also agreed that it is up to parliament to decide the length of time the emergency lasts. The court gave the opinion at the request of the federal government which has promised to extend rent controls until March 31, 1950, if the court decided that parliament had the power. Only 4 Ships After Seals ST. JOHN'S (Special)  Seal fishery oft* the Newioundland coast this spring is not confirmed. So far only four vessels will sail from Newfoundland ports. They will take about 250 men. They are the M. S. Algerine and M. V. Terra Nova from How ring brothers, Ltd., the M. V. Newfoundlander, Capt. J. H. Blackmore, Port Union, and M. S. Arctic Sealer, Capt. Sid Hill, sailing under the colours of Shaw Steamships Ltd., Halifax. The Arctic Sealer is expected to arrive here in a few days to take on her Newfoundland crew and to make final preparations for the hunt. Labour Council Asks For Details Off The Broadway Diversion Case The Trades and Labour Council, 'representing six local unions, had a letter before Corner Brook West Town Council Tuesday night asking for information on the proposed Broadway Diversion and proposing a meeting with the councillors. Council immediately decided to open the Ales on the case to the union, and a meeting I will be held at any time mutually suitable. In the Trades and Labour i Council letter, sisrned by Secl retary Harold Hideout, it was reported that the union body i had adopted a resolution to assist when and where possible "in realization of the imuch-needed Broadway Diver! sion. 25th Anniversary Sale en Saturday, March 4th at 6 p.m. -Many last-minute reductions in all departments. UOOOYEAR * MOUSE LTD. FINAL TWO DAYS! Sale Ends Tomorrow. Realize extra savings now i SHOP and SAVE! IOODYEAR