PRINCE GEO
CITIZF
/OL.1O. No. 7
PRINCE GEORGE, B^C^fHURSDAY, JANUARY G, 1027
FIVE CENTS.
)ecision in Bellos Case Appealed by A ttorney-General
I In Eriect It Upteti the Settled Prac
tice of Police Officers in
Criminal Matter*.
[Supreme
Court of Canada Will be
A^ked to Rule Upon Conten. tion of Counsel.
UK par! thb
.ur p^ is due to figure in criminal court annals as -r of the poke which Richard rston received in Grace Ryan's (,ne night in June, 1925. For i nee Bellos was placed on trial .Mr. Justice Murphy in this the following January. The li^tacle the crown ran up . came in the development that n the date of the assault and � : time of the trial Grace Ryan had ;.... e the bride of the accused, and v i-eased to become a compel-witness. As it happened, this (ji .. t profit the accused very much :.- lespite the fact that Sam Nim-beratos, better known as "Sam the Greek," went into the box and tes-tified that it was he who soaked Brotherston over the head, and not Bellosi the court pointed out there ha i existed a conspiracy on the part
Mayor F. D. Taylor and Aid. Patterson in MayorgM^Race
Nine Candidates are Offering for Six Places at the Municipal
Council.
Nimberatos and Bellos i still leave the latter
Five Candidates Will Make a Contest for Three Place* on School Board.
On Thursday next the electors of the city will select tne men who will be entrusted with the administration of the city's affairs for the year 1927, and three of whom will carry over for the year 1928. The present year promises to be a very important one in the history of Prince George and it is very fortunate that sufficient interest in the municipal welfare is being evinced to bring out a good field of candidates for the several offices.
For the position of chief magistrate Mayor Fred D. Taylor is offering for re-election, but will be opposed by Alderman A. M. Patterson. Both candidates have had extended experience in municipal affairs, having served for several years on the council. There is no divergence in their policies and the result of the contest is likely to turn upon their respective popularity. There is a
Qtirporation is Up H. G. Perry will $20)000 on Record Become Speaker o,
the Legislature
for the Year
Water and Light Revenues Made
Notable Gain Over Those of
Previous Year.
Hon. J. A. Buchham has Been Slated for Chairmanship of Vancouver Harbor Board.
Re-Purchase of Reverted Properties
Responsible (or Some of
Improvement.
which i somewhat settled custom that the oc-
guilty though the blow was struck by
cupant of the mayor's chair having fought one election and rendered ac-
(I reek. This was the view taken j ceptable service is given the second the twelve good men and true, term by acclimation, but it is a cus-they returned a verdict of guilty ! torn which may or may not be ob-Mr. Justice Murphy sentenced i served, and this time it is not going
los to two and one half years im-j to be observed.
niiment in the penitentiary. For the six aldermanic chairs there
Within four months after receiv-
will be nine if not more candidates.
sentence Bellos entered an ap- Four members of the 1926 council are
in the held fo reelection in the per
A new trial was sought upon
viral grounds one of which was that Grace Ryan was so apprehensive of public feeling against her husband that she was fearful of appearing at his trial to give evidence. It was also alleged that the jurors who tried the case were prejudiced against Bellos, and that some of them had expressed a determination to convict before the evidence was heard.
When the application first came before the court of appeal it was decided to reject any testimony which Mrs. Bellos might offer on behalf of ht>r husband, but the court ordered that the sugestion that jurors had expressed a determination to convict before the evidence had been submitted should be substantiated by affidavit.
This was where the matter rested until a few weeks ago when the court of appeal set aside the Bellos conviction and directed a new trial upon prrounds which apparently were not published when the appeal was first taken. This was to the effect that a statement made by Bellos to the police officer prior to his arrest could not properly be regarded as evidence against him.
The decision of the court of ap-peal upon this issue was the more surprising in that it is reported as the unanimous finding of the several judges who heard the application. If it stands it will mean a complete reversal of police methods, and Attorney-General Manson has directed that an appeal be taken to the supreme court of Canada in an effort tf> sustain the existing police practice in questioning accused persons, and Hex vs. Bellos bids fair to become important in determining the issue.
When the decision of the court of appeal became known it appeared tht Sergeant Walker, of the provin li f d hi
tt t , p
cial police force had exceeded his fUrfy in the questioning of Bellos b i
that
qg r to his arrest, but in the light
lter developments it would seem in the opinion of the court of appeal the settled police practice in the matter is wrong. It has always 'x "ii the practice to question a per-
i ho fare arrest is desired, but after arrest it was recognized as necessary ! � 'iuly warn the prioner that any-tning he might say could be used as evidence against him. If it is main-lained, the decision of the court of appeal will strike at the whole de-';'l!;vo branch of^the police service,
that once a person is accused of a
' I'ine it will not be possible for the
o to interrogate without giving
* usual warning which is called for
(l">" the practice following actual � ' resti
SMI rHERS DISTRICT MADE GREAT PROGRESS IN GRAIN PRODUCTION DURING 1926
Interior News gives the thresh-in^ Production of what i? known
district at
Urns
in the held for re-election in the persons of Aldermen Moffat. Griffith, Opie and Fraser. The new men of-ferng are Paul Wieland, C. C. Reid, George Kennedy, Nicolas Mrdalj and Walter H. Crocker. It should be an easy matter to pick a very good council from the available material. It is not likely that ex-Alderman Fraser will be in the city during the election, as he is absent at present on sick-leave, but his interests will
doubtless be looked friends.
by his
be five candidates. J,
For the three vacant position>-pn the school, board there are �aid to Quinn, who has seen several years s rvice on the board is offering for re-ekction. The new aspirants are Helen MacLeod, who has t�ken a very active interest in public affairs for some time, J. B. Lambert who served for a year on the city council. Mrs. A. M. Rogers, and F. C. Saunders, who served on the board a few years ago
For the vacant position on the board of police commissioners, George Porter has expressed his intention of placing his name in nomination, and there are one or two others who aie considering the urge of friends to offer their services.
Of the several offices to be filled by election on Thursday next there is but one which carries any remuneration. This is the office of Mayor and the salary is but nominal. Those who have held municipal offices know beat the tax it becomes upon their time and those who jproffer their services are deserving of the thanks of the community. They cannot all win, hut in a contest of the kind, while non-success may mean Hisaopointment, there should be no bitterness.
The voting will take place at the city hall on Thursday, the polls opening at 8 o'clock in the morning and dosing at. 8 o'clock ir. the evening, and in the aldermanic contest the three candidates receiving the higher vote will continue as members nf the council during the year 1928. Nominations for all officer may be made with Georee E. Davis, returning officer, at the city hall up to two o'clock in lh<> afternoon of Monday January 10th.
The corporation of the city of Prince George made the best financial showing since incorporation during the year 1926. While the accounts will not be closed until January 15th it will be shown that the corporation not only paid its way during 1926, but its financial position has been improved to the extent of $20,000.
The total revenues of the city as at the close of the year are given at $134,053. 56. This total includes the last cheque of $2,171.35 being the city's participation in the government liquor profits, but there is still a school grant of some $1,560, and the �city's share in the motor vehicle tax I of S2000 to be brought into account. When the year is finished the tota' revenues will probably exceed '.he $140,000.00 mark.
Receipts und<:r the assessmert act were about level with those of the previous year, current taxes and arrears for 192(5 yielding $62,007.61, as against a collection under the a:>:e heads in 1925 of $63,118.52. There was a cut of ten per cent made n the assessment but this was virtually absorbed by the increase of five mill made in the tax rate.
There was a marked gain in the from light and water rates. The finance committee figured the peax had been reached with a collection of $23,684*33 made in 1925 and set its estimate at $24,000. The estimate was exceeded this year by over two thousand dollars, with a total of i>2(i,-015.28.
It was much the same with the water rates. Last year there was a collection of $10,306.42, and the estimate was set at 10,ri50, but the gain over the estimate was in excess of $2,600, the actual collections to the end of the year being $12,928.23.
The city enjoyed a comparatively new source of revenue in the Tftmiths of the'year fhrough th of lafMs^which had reverted/tfirough the non-payment of taxes^XAs at the end of the year^tkeiamount credited to this source was gTjten^at $3,351.27, of which sum $97Jk86 was>aid^to the credit of the sinking fund.
As at the/end of the year the niu>-nicipal batik account showed a surplus pr $3,700, but ths will be improved when the accounts are finally closed. This balance was achieved after the old loan at the bank of $9,-500 had been retired, and an over expenditure of the estimates of approximately $6,000 had been taken care of. so that in round figures the corporation will close the year $20,-000 to the good. This is just about twice as good as the showing made in 1925, when total receipts of $140,445, 85 were shown, with expenditures of $129,932.29. and a credit balance of $10,513.56.
The property owners in the city have a very bright outlook for the current year in that the total of assessed values should show a growth, instead of the annual shrinkage through forfeitures. There i reason to believe the repurchase of reverted lots has just started, and that during the current year the city will receive a very considerable revenue from this source, as even the deferred payments upon the purchases nl-aready made will amount to an appreciable sum.
D K BOOK OF VANCOUVER ' KILLED BY MOTOR FUMES.
SCHOOLHOUSE AT FORT
FRASER OPENED WITH
FITTING CEREMONIES
The new schoolhouse at Fort Fraser was officially opened on the evening of Wednesday. December 29th with a concert and social in which the children attending the school acted as hosts. There was a large attendance, as the building of the school is regarded as one of the most important developments in the district. There are some forty-five children in attendance at the school and first and second year high school work is taught. There are two rooms in the school building, the cost of
closi
sale
with, grain production '* tbe Interior News sho >J the moment he is in
AIMEE SEMPLE McPHERSON
PROSECUTION BLOWS UP.
far 192G. This is a marked j which was approximately $5000 1 the previous year, but is ("�niniencement at the drain of the district. When
Los Angeles. Jan. 3�The r>ro-cesution of the Aimee Semple Me-Pherson and her associates upon the conspiracy charges blew np today "hen Dietrct Attorney Keys an-
� o<
strikes th
of
day y y
nounced that he was through with the periured testimony which had been offered by the state witnesses.
Vancouver, Jan. 3�D K. Book, clothing merchant was found dead on the floor of his garage this morning. He left his store at 2:30 in the afternoon intending to call tit his residence and drive to the hospital in his motor. It is evident he was overcome by the fumes escaping from the motor in the closed garage.
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
There were a number of stray horsea running on the streets this morning and they managed to keep a few jumps ahead of the poun.l keeper.
Muster Teddy Pappas entertained a number of friends at his home on New Year's day and together they celebrated his si>th birthday in a very enjoyable way.
The dinner of the old-timers' association will be held at the Prince i George hotel on the evening of Wed-| nesday, January 19th. * Details of the � programme, will bo given in the next ! issue of--the_Crtizt'n.
M. E. Harper will hold an auction 1 sale in his rooms on Saturday after-; noon commencing at 2 o'clock. Included with.the articlea to;be offered | will be ^number of pieces of local linadc wicker work.
Prince George Member ha� Proven His Ability in Service as Deputy-Speaker.
Victoria, Jan. 6�Advices .Ottawa are to the effect that
from Hon.
J. A. Buckham, of Golden, who has occupied the position of speaker in the provincial legislature, is to be named as the chairman of the Vancouver harbor board. During the last week of December the federal government called for the resignations of the members of the Vancouver harbor board, the only explanation offered for the action being that a change in the personnel of the board was desired.
It is considered as likely that the
Farmers' Institute of Prince George Elects Officers
Recommendation is made That
Bounty on Female Coyotes Be
Raised to $5.00.
Canadian National Railway will be
Requested to Install Car Scale
at Prince George.
The annual �r.tu U.i;; of th� members of the Prince George fovniera1
institute, which
hold
community hall 1'ineview, on Wednesday, December 29th, was well attended, being presided over by L. M. I ower who for the past two years has held the office of president.
The election of officers was the chiel business of the session anJ reulted in the selection of the following: H. J. Blackburn, president; S. K. Van Buskirk. vice-president; nf. b, Blackburn, secretary-treas-
acceptance of the chairmanship of i iirer L. M. Bower, F. Abbs and the Vancouver harbor board by h. W. Rich were elected directors,
Mr. Buckham will create a vacancy in the speakershij in the legislature. While it is likely Mr. Buekham will continue to represent his constituency during the life of the present legislature it is improbable he Would undertake to continue the very ardorous duties of the speak-ership In the event of his resigning the position the elevation of H. G. Perry of Prince George, is regarded as a certainty. For the past two years Mr. Perry has presided over the destinies of the legislature in his position as deputy-speaker, and his election to the chair would be popular on both sides of. the house. Mr. Perry is now on way to the capital.
Selling of Lqti Chief Business of Final Meeting
and A. G. Mann and H. M. Blackburn auditors.
Delegates were chosen to attend, the sessions of the institutes in Dj<> trict "0" which is to meet in l>ince George, Messrs. R. J. Blackbtini' L. M Bower, S. E. Van Busldrk and R. Blackburn werp selected.
The institute was,-m receipt of a communication from the wool growers of KamloonK/and vicinity on the coyote menace in which the local institute \vas requested to make re commendations for action by the advisory board of the institutes
of Reverted Lots Take Care
\vken it meets in Victoria. Farmers "who are endeavoring to raise poultry arc the chief sufferers in this section from the coyotes, but the animals are held to responsibility for the scarcity of game. The institute decided to recommend that a bounty of five dollars be placed upon female coyotes.
A resolution was also passed expressing appreciation of the action of the city council of Prince George in deciding to retain the services of a pound-keeper during the winter
of Tax Arrears Amounting to $1,887.70.
months, it being recited that farmers visiting the city had suffered a great deal of annoyance and loss by reason of horses and cattle being Member, of Municipal^Council Round! permitted to run at large during the Out Most Successful Year winter.
on Record. Action was taken upon the matter
of the installation of a car scale in Prince George by the Canadian National railway officials. In the absence of a scale it was reported persons shipping less than car loads were
The last meeting of the 1926 council was one of the shortest on record, a-nd Alderman Patterson, Moffal. GriffTtto^and Opie. The members of the counciKuraceeded with the bu.5-iness they had^m^hund and adjourned without liandingHbQgueta to each other, as they might harv�idone at
prejudiced in the matter of weights. A resolution was passed asking tho railway company to make arrangements for installing a scale at an
early date.
It was decided to take up the
the closo of the best
year in the history of tl c city/^
Sales of reverted lands was the (matter of tne suppiy of seed at the only departure from routine matters, i next ~meeting of the( ^institute on
In all half a dozen parcels of reverted lots were disposed of. the amounted to $1,887.70, and in each case the properties were sold for the amount of the taxes, on payment of one-quarter cash and the balance in three equal payments extended over a period of eighteen months.
Lot 15, block 46, an improved property on Third avenue, was sold to the former owner F. P. Burden for $646.36. being the amount of tnxes and costs, following an invitation for tenders.
Lot 18, in block 20!'., and lots 4 and 5. in block 187, were sold to F. J. Shearer for $308.06, being the amount f taxes and csts.
Lots 38, 39 and 40, in block 177. were sold to F. J. Shearer for taxes and costs amounting to $164.17.
Lot 15. in black 150, was sold to M. C. Wiggins for taxes and costs amounting to $433.97.
Lot 10 in block 197. was sold to the Prince George Real Estate for taxes and coses amounting to $103.-59.
Wedrtesday^--January 27th. when all members are requested to be ready with their orders^fot, garden and field seeds.
John Henderson, p associated institutes comprised District "C", addressed h bers on the matters to come before the district association at its coming meeting in Prince George.
VICTORIANS WILL BE ASKED TO RAISE FUND TO SAVE GOODOWIN FROM SCAFFOLD
Victoria. D-c. 20.�A movement is on foot to raise a public subscription to save Philip Goodwin a native so of this city, from the hangman in the state of California. Goodwin in his time has been an actor, and a member of the Roman Catholic clergy in the United States, and some months ago was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. An appeal to the British ambassador at Washington for intervention was followed
by the suggestion that a fund be
The finance committee recom- , rajse,j to secure a new trial for mended the payment of accounts Qootjwin and this is being acted up-amounting to $3,178.27. | on npne meeting held to get the
! fund under way was presided over by
GOVERNMENT AGENT HOSKINS i Joseph Patrick, the father of the RECEIVES SEVERE INJURIES! hockey managers of last year, and
_____ i was addressed bv General Sir Percy
Stenhen H Hoskina government; Lake, Hon. T. G. Coventry and H. agent at Smithers, is in the Smithers i W. Hart. The eeneral opimor. ex-hospital suffering from n painful in- � pressed was that Goodwin waa being jury received shortly nfter noon on j "railroaded to his death.
Wale.! WORK WILL BK
from the" porch roof had formed ice! ON CARIBOO HIGHWAY on the cement steps and on this Mr. ; DURING THE WINTER
Hoskins slipped and fell with groat
force. Apart from several minor cuts . victoria Dec. 30.�Work has been and bruises one of his shoulders was j commenced on the last link in the very badly fractured, | Cariboo highway, between ' Lytton
-----------------� jand Spences Bridge, and will be con-
CRANBROOK EXHIBITION | tinued throughout the year 192,.
BUILDING WAS BURNED. � The right-of-way will be cleared dur-
D L-___ | ing the winter, nnd actual construc-
C nhrook. Jan. q__TV|0 mnin I tinn work, comenced in the early
Was VOUUiy. ue.auv.ycu �.y -�-- -�_
night As the building was located yome' distance outside the f-ity limits tb