vol.
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C.,   THURSDAY, APRIL 7,  1927.
FIVE CENTS.
City Tax Rate is left at 55 Mills For Year 1927
Cut   i"
Assessment   Operates   as   Reduction  of   10  Per   Cent   in Taxation   Imposed.
dent* Will Also  Secure  Substantial   Reduction   in   Electric Light   Charges.
The bylaw to fix the mill rate for .,-   Was   introduced   by   Alderman t   chairman of the finance com-,' at  the  meeting of the    city i'l on Monday evening.    On the ,(MK1 showing made by the city ear it was hoped that in addi-Tn to the cut of 10 per cent made �' ,'hr assessment-values it would be '         bring the  mill-rate  back
Jlhff
 ?r�r
,!vl. oi   L925, but the member:-----
finance   committee   decided     to fe   and the rate for 1927 will I at 55 mills, the same as last Even at this the taxe= will be, cent  less than  for  1926,  asj � suit of the  cut in  the
play s I,., fixi
of Securities
Profit   of   $3350.50   Secured   by   City
in   Sale  of  Guaranteed   Bonds
of   P. G. E.
AUGMENTED   CHOIR   WILL           |  n/r       .^^
PRESENT  CANTATA ON       llflayOr
GOOD FRIDAY  EVENING!        �/    ,         r* ~~J    Q^.1*
-----                 Makes Good bale
An augmented choir will present Maunders' sacred cantata, "Olivet to Calvary,"' at Knox United church on Good Friday evening. This is the first presentation'of this work in Prince George, but doubtless has been   heard  at  many  other centers.
The cantata is a very popular one with choirs for the anniversary of the Crucifixion, being very tuneful and the solos dramatically expressive of the sentiments they portray. Much work has been done in preparing this work, and the solos will be rendered by Mesdames R. A. Harrow and C. C Reid, and Messrs. J. Quayle and George Milburn.
Mrs. A. Hutchison, whose artistic merits need no enunciation, has kindly consented to sing two solos at the interval in the cantata. These numbers will be appreciated by all who have had the pleasure of hearing this talented  singer.
GEORGE COWAN SERIOUSLY HURT IN ACCIDENT NEAR
THE  CRANBROOK  MILL
the re
ment
resid
ir
of the  cux in  trie uaac^i         George Cowan, employed   as   a
����   and on top of this the j teamster by the Cranbrook mill, met nTowners will have the advan-1 with   a   serious   accident   yesterday "  th�.   sweeping  reduction   of   morning.     While   driving  from    the � � �   �        "-' mill to the company's planer with a
load of lumber the horses ran away. Cowan stuck with the team but was unable to check the animals. Eventually the horses, the load of lumber and Cowan went over the side of the road and took a roll of 40 feet. When found Cowan was partly under of the horses.    He was brought
than 25 per cent which is made this year in the charges for the elec-tric 'lighting  service.
There  is  nothing  striking  in   the hudcet which  Chairman  Moffat pre-.i,! to the council.    The cut made sessment values is the third
J76.256 which are covered by the tax agreement entered into with the railway company, or a total taxable land value of $1,140,182. The total cut in the assessed values by reason <:" the last i eduction of 10 per cent is figured out at $151,744. Incidentally it may be mentiened the tax agreement with the railway company has proved a very good thing for the city. When it was made the railway "fTii'ials were fearful the Prince George rate was due to sky-rocket, and they signed up for a fixed assessment for five years. Since the signing nf the agreement a total cut of has l>een made in   land
CABARET   ENTERTAINMENT PROVES  MONEY-MAKER FOR LOCAL   ATHLETIC   BODY
The cabaret entertainment which was put on Friday and Salurdr.y evenings under the auspices of the local athletic association was enjoyed by a larpe nui.iber :;ml proved a very profitable venture. While the accounts have not been closed it i; expected the performance will not the association aPftrox'matcly $500 which will be used to defray the ex
cent has t>een maue m    ���u i  penses of the hockey team   on   their
�alues,  but  the   agreement excludes   victorious trip through the province
!.(� railway company's holdings from j  The   officers   of  the   association   de
larticipation in the same.                   j  sire   to   extend   their   thanks   to   al
In   pddition   to   the   land     values   who gave their services to make the
assessed   improvement   affair a  success,  and  especially   the
'       residents of outside towns who favored the show with their patronage.
value of $1,297,926, which under the statute may be taxable to 50 per cent of the valuation. Three orj f.ur years ago there was a fear that! the city might be forced to place a lax upon improvements, and this served as a deterrent to a number who contemplated building. This prospect is now very much removed, and had it not been for the decision of the city council to finance fire department equipment out of current revenue this year it would have been p< ssible to have made a cut of five milk in the rate being levied upon land values.
One very  satisfactory feature   of the  municipal   financial   situation   is noted in  that despite  the  reduction in the   land   assessments   there   is   a marked   reduction   this   year   in    the rate levied for treneral purposes    In 1026  general   purposes   required     a levy of 11.6 mills, but this year the �'' ral rate is reduced to 3.8 mills. The requirements for interest and sinking  funds   for   the   current  year 5 the same as last year, but in view '!  the cut  in   land' values  the  rate has gone  up  from  2<>.l   in   1926  to 29 '� for the year  1927.    The same thing   is   noted   with   respect   to   the school   rate      It.  is   advanced     from !:�'�  for   1926  to  22.2   for the cur-' pent  year.    This is  not   wholly  due to  the   cut   in   assessment,    as there nave, been   slight   increases   in   the hool costs, and  the  council  is also making   provision   for   the   covering some capital expenditures out  of current revenue and there is a withdrawal  of liquor profits as a direct rtribution to educational purposes, total     requirements    of     all municipal   services     for    the     year, after deducting departmental charge jor light and water are set at $117.-1 �'�l-�2, and  the  estimated  revenues  at $54,000,     leaving    $63,- o be raised under the  mill-is worthy of note that the the   finance   committee
Purchased   by   H.   G.   Perry   in   First
Ins'.a^ce They  Were So\d
Back  to  Him.
The city made a good sale on Tuesday of �3000 in P. G. E. railway bonds which had been held for a number of years as a sinking fund investment. These bonds were purchased by H. G. Perry, during his incumbency as chief magistrate, at a price of 68.32. and yielded 4Mj per cent on their face value.
When they were sold on Tuesday by Mayor Patterson they brought 94. At the rate of exchange the bonds were worth $14,497.50, and the difference between the city's buying and selling price was $3350.-50. As interest at the rate of 4Vi per cent has been paid upon the bonds, the transaction has been a very profitable >o�ne for the city. H. Of. Perry & Company arranged the purchase within a couple of hours after the city's selling price was gicen to them.
Mayor Patterson announces the proceeds from the sale will be applied in the purchase of City of Prince George bonds maturing in 11)30 which carry the usual interest rate of 6 per cent.
Owners on Bailey Street Petition for Improvements
Ed.   Hall   Submits   Sole   Tender     for
Furnishing City  With Desired
Runabout.
1NA ALLEN AND MURIEL
ROGERS   IN  CLOSE   RACE FOR POPULARITY  HONORS
With the popularity and beauty contest entering its final stages, Ina Allen and Muriel Rogers are making a close race for first place, and the honor of being crowned queen at the ball to be given under the auspices of the local branch of the Canadian Legion on the evening of Wednesday, April 27th. The two runners-up in the contest will be presented with strings of oriental pearls, and will act as maids of honor to the winner of the contest.
The count on Saturday stood: Ina Allen 6873. Muriel Rogers 6776, Alma Grundall 6514, and Rose Wood 2026. In addition to the prizes awarded to the winners the purchaser of each ballot deposited in the boxes secures a chance in the prize drawing which will be held in connection  with the  ball.
Delightful Dinner Given by Ladies' Curling Club
Large   Company   Vote   It    the    Most
Enjoyable   Gathering   Ladies
Have  Had in the City.
SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS
FOR THEFT OF FUNDS
Bush, of   Po-
Red   Reer,   April   6.�Dan former   municipal   treasurer
INVESTIGATION OF MURDER OF   MARSHALL  DOUGLAS
OPENS  IN VANCOVER
Vancouver, April 6.�The official inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Marshall Douglas will be opened tomorrow. The battered body of Douglas was found  early on  Tuesday morning in
Plans   for  Zimmaro   Building  Turned
Over to  Committee  With
Power   to   Act.
The residents of Bailey street had two petitions before the members of the city council at their meeting on Monday evening. One of these called for the grading of Bailey street from the Crescent to Montreal street and the surfacing of tl*e roadway with gravel, and the second called for the placing of a hydrant on the street for fire protection.
On motion of Alderman .Moffat. seconded by Alderman Fraser, the petition for grading was referred to the public works committee for report, and the petition for the hydrant was referred to the fire and water committee.
Plans for the hotel building on Third avenue, which is projected by Louis Zimmaro, were before the council again, and on motion of Alderman   Fraser,  seconded   by   Alder-
noka, charged with the theft of $5000 of municipal funds, has been sentenced to two years' imprisonment. Bush was arrested ut Fort Worth. Texas, on March 21st.
SMITHERS BOARD OF TRADE TAKES ACTION ON REQUEST FOR DEFERRED MEETING
The Smithers board of trade took action on Monday evening on the request of the Prince George board to defer the date for the organiza-mceting of the northern boards until some time in June when the highways will be open for travel. If the other boards which have agreed to meet on May 19th will agree to a change in th-e date, the organization meeting will be deferred until Fri day, June  10th.
KING   FERDINAND'S   DEATH
MAY   BRING   ON   UPRISING
found  ear v  on    iuvmih.v   muiuw.^  ���    ui'im""   � �����   �-        -��     �,         ., one of the city hotels, the jaw, both1 man  Kennedy, were referred to the o                    V                        having   public works committee  with  power
cheek  bones and  the     nose been  broken.     Two  men  giving   the names of Moore and Nicholson, are held by the police upon a charge of
to act.
Ed. Hall was the dealer   to   submit
only automobile tender   for   the
murder. They tell the same that they have no recollection of what happened in the hotel room when Douglas was murdered. The police have received a telegram from a woman in Los Angeles, who claims to have  been  the  wife  of the  mur-
story,   supplying of a runabout fcr the use
his death. Information previously secured by the police was to the effeci that Douglas had been living in a city apartment with his wife.
G   A.  CLOTHIER MOVED
TO  VANCOUVER  ISLAND
Clo-
of the city electrician. He submitted six offers for used Ford cars ranging in price from $250 to $ti77. The ton.lor was referred to the light committee with power to act.
The council approved of thc> transfer of the J. M. Gibson housing lop.n to C, D. Orchard, who is s;cooc!ing Mr.   Gibson   in   this   city   as   district
forester.
The finance committee recommended tho payment of accounts totalling  $4SH7l84.
The bylaw vesting a lot. on Fifth avenue in the Prince George branch of tho  Canadian   Leeion was moved
099.02 !
rate      It
members of ar
the percentage of collection , .:1; B4, it Wing the first year in the / '">' of the city when the percon-*Ke wont above' 60. The purging "ie assessment rolls by the tax tlm r)UUl is th<* warrant for the es-niut.on of a 70 per cent collection
u.',ii y":ir> an transport. maintenance and treatment of all imperial service men invalided to Canada from the trouble zones in China. Premier King is asked to take this action in view of Canada's large trading interests in China, and also in view o." the protection being given to a largo number of Canadians in China by the British troops.
W   H   THOMPSON SCORED VICTORY   IN  MAYORALTY
RACE  IN  CHICAGO
DATE  FOR NORTH  OKANAGAN ELECTION   NOT   SETTLED
Victoria April 6�There is some uncertainty as to the date of the North Okanagan byelection. It was tentatively fixed for the micdle of June, but there is a feeling it may be brought on earlier Premier Oliver has given out a statement that the government has not yet fixed the date for the election.
VANCOUVER  HARBOR BOARD
GETS $4,000,000 LOAN
Ottawa. April 6.�The WU authorizing a loan of $4,000,000 to the Vancouver harbor board was put through fts final stage* today.
Chicago. April 6.�W. H. Thompson, former cowboy and former mayor of this city, sprung n surprise today by winning his election as mayor, and thus securing control of the destiny of Chicago for another term. The favorite in tho race was the Democratic incumbent, who had made an exceptionally good record in tho enforcement of tho prohibition law, and had drawn to his support the solid strength of tho prohibitionists without regard to their politics. Incidentally, however, he lost the wet soction of the Democratic party. Thompson, made the race as an avowed wet candidate, and entirely out of sympathy with prohibition or its enforcement. Although the Republican vote was split three ways Thompson secured a plurality of 10.000 over the Democrat, his closest opponent. His victory will mean there will be no cooperation between tho municipal ami federal authorities in prohibition on f 01 cement.
LADYSMITH WILL BE
POLICED BY PROVINCE
Victoria, April 6,�Under an or-der-in-council the city of Ladysmith will be policed by the provincial force. The city authorities approved the change.
Definite arrangements were made this morning for attaching a coach on the freight which leavos tomorrow evening for disco mo to accommodate those who will take in the dance in the sawmill town. The- train will leave shortly after 5' o'clock in the evening and will leave Gisoomc shortly after 3 o'clock on Saturday morning.
Programme   of   Music,   Dancing Cards  Kept   Interest Up Until an  Earl/  Hour.
The members o>f the ladies' curling club established their reputations as hostesses with the banquet which they gave in the Prince George hotel on Tuesday evening. They went to a lot of trouble in the dressing of the tables, and the effect was most pleasing to the 125 ladies who attended the function. Mrs. A. H. Booth, president of the club, sat at the head of the table, and made a very agreeable and efficient presiding officer.                                 �
While the dinner was in progress the evening was enlivened by community singing, and following . the dinner the prizes were presented to the Bustin rink, which managed to annex both of the cups offered in the club competitions. With the Alward cup went four china cups and saucers which were donated by the Wright jewelry store, and accompanying the Johnson cup were four china cups and saucers donated by Dr. E. J. Lyon, Prince George Drug Co . Arthur Leith and George Mc-Cullagh. The Bustin rink was composed of Mrs. F. T Bustin, Jane Wilson, Mrs. A. B. Taft and Mrs. Levi   Graham.
Prizes were also presented to the members of the two rinks making the best showing in the club schedule games. The first of these went u> Mrs. Percy Landon's rink, consisting of four pairs of silk stockings donated by Messrs. Hughes & Drake and Mary B. Cunningham, and the second to Mrs. F. T. Bustin's rink and consisted of silk stockings donated by Messrs. I. B. Baird and Peck & Primrose, chocolates donated by John Assman, and stationery by Karl  Anderson.
Prizes in the form of cholates hr.d been donated by I. B. Guest, Wood's 'Pharmacy and Willliam Bexon for the winners in the consolation series, but as the competition was not finished the ladies made a "potlach" of the confections for the benefit of the company.
Mrs. A. H. Booth also made tha announcement that George McCul-lagh had agreed to donate the shields to adorn the cups won in last year's competitions.
During the early part of the evening instrumental and vocal numbers wore rendered by Mrs. H. J. Jewell, of Burns Lak�, and Miss Andruc, and a number of dances were put on in which the little Misses Deir.as, Jonas and Smith appeared.
The latter part of the evening was devoted to bridge and whist, and the show was kept going until about one o'clock in the morning. It was art Adamless Eden, with not a man in sight. A few of the husbands vere saved in the rotunda of the hotel, but for the most part they staged a number of stag parties just to show the ladies they did not mind bein< left out.
Mrs. A. M. Patterson moved a vote of thanks to the ladies in charge of the affair when the break-up came, and the same was received with every manifestation of approval.
PRINCE GEORGE MEN MAY PROSPECT   IN   TOPLEY
DISTRICT THIS SPRING
The comments of Douglas Lay, district mining engineer, on the minim: possibilities in the Topley district, have created a lot of interest in tho new district on the part of Prince George men, and arrangements are under way for the organizing of one or two prospecting syndicates to take the field as soon as the snow goes off. O. C. Thompson of tho Porcupine Gold Fields, says ho will have a diamond drill on the Topley mine this summer and s-ecure a comprehensive test of the ore bodies.
COMMANDER   DE   PINEDO
LOST SEAPLANE BY  FIRE
Roosevelt Dam. Arizona, April 6. �Commander de Pinedo's seaplane Santa Maria, which arrived here this morning, caught tiro when the aviators wore preparing to make a start for San Dio^o. The airmen are said to have escaped injury but t>io piano is a total loss and the Hight will probably bo abandoned.
SMITHERS CONSERVATIVES
ELECT THEIR OFFICERS
Conservatives of Smithors have elected their officers for the ensuing year as follows: J W. Turner, president; R. L. Gale and J. G. Ste-pher\s, vice-presidents; and an executive composed of C. H. Hankin-son. W J O'Neill Charles Morris, I. S McGill. Dr. Bamford. H D. Thompson. C E Doolittlc, A. Me-L an. It. Reid and W  J. Ktrton