An Independent Weekly Newspaper Devoid to the Interest, of Central and North
No. 53
 er,
Front South of \ingrad in ige f of Collapse Today
IT IS II UNITED PRESS � THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
(Special td The Citizen)
)SCOW�Germany's entire front south and southwest grad is in imminent danger of collapse today before an !e Red Army which in 48 hours of unbroken advances ing speed has freed thousands of miles of territory and fat the point of capturing Elista, capital of Kalmyk Re-Radio Moscow broadcast a bulletin from the official newspaper Izevistia reporting Russians in the middle /er sector have liberated many inhabited places in the stern part of the rich industrial and mining district of lovograd in tne Ukraine, 50 miles west of the Rostov-' railroad and MSO/miles southeast of Kharkov.
INDON�tA long missing desert force, advancing on [from the Lake Chad area of 'frrench interior Africa, is (southern Libya at a point about 450 miles south of Tripes revealed today.
[iRO�Allied fighter planes shot down eight Messer-109 fighters without loss yesterday in intensified aerial
rover the Libyan battle area, while British Eighth Army
[continued to slash at the*.retreating Axis Afrika Korps,
lc Eastern Command communique said today: Scene of Lund activity is still reported as somewhere west of Wadi
[Chebir, 185 "tniles from Tripoli, firstjof three' dried river.
lich cross the British line of advance.
)NDON�The German official news agency admitted to-
it armored patrols from the British Eighth Army are how
lg south of Tripoli, indicating Lieut-General Bernard L.
Dinery may be planning to.outflank the shredded Afrika
and annihilate tt in Tripolitania.
XIED HEADQUARTERS IN NORTH AFRICA�A
ique isued from the office of General Giraud said no
|ts to divide the French people in North Africa would be
d. The communique followed an announcement that 12
itit Frenchmen were arrested as a preventive measure.
NDON�Radio Morocco reported the first Axis air raid [war on Casablanca occurred last night. There were a of casualties and some damage.      �
NDON�Authoritative quarters said the British Eighth
ad driven to within 175 miles of the big German-Italian
Tripoli,
LIED HEADQUARTERS, AUSTRALIA�Paced by inks, the right arm of an Allied pincer movement against panese beachhead near Buna in New Guinea was rolling \vay back toward Gairopa Point today. On the left Gen. thur's American units expanded a wedge so much that
id control of several hundred yards of beach between Point and Buna Mission.
LNCOUVER�Two prisoners who escaped from Oakalla farm are still at large today. The two men, Weldon Lloyd is and John Forsella, leaped over the prison fence while the carpenter shop.
rsday, December 31, 1942
\nce George Fighter Pilot fs Admired by Squadron
Prnce George; B.C.,
RiHes Set Pace In Hockey Race
Rifles defeated Rangers 14-5 and Headquarters and Prince George played to a two-all draw in the City Hockey League last night.
Rifles' win moved tihem into top place in the league with six points, followed by Prince. George and Head-quarters with five points each. The Rangere have four points.
It was a runaway for. the Klflca against a weakened Ranger line-up. Marao, Huarri and Kolodzy were the outstanding performers.
Tbe Prince George-Headquarters game was the fastest of the season.. McMaster was the best for the City, end Manaiian add Barbackewski were outstanding for tihe army boys.
Agricultural Study To Be Encouraged In High Schools
British Columbia high school students will be urged to take up the study of -agjiculture, Hon. H. G. T. Perry, minister of education, has announced. In this way the education department hopes to popularize rural life and add to the production of the land in the interests of the war effort.
"Realizing the importance of agriculture at tihe present time as well ns m the future, I would strongly urge school boards and school principals to provide for courses in agriculture if at all possible," Mr. Perry has written to all school boards.
"I am anxious that much more be done than at present to encourage the study of this basic industry in the schools, as well as in late afternoon and evening classes, for which grants are available from this department"
The department will pay 50 per cent of the cost of necessary equipment, but not in ex<*ais rtf $500. "The department also will give tile same grant toward the salary of an agriculture specialist as that peiy&ble to any other high school teacher.
Tivo BabiesBorn Here pec. 25
Two babies wretie born Christmas ,Day in PrmceXJeorge Hospital-*! boy and a girl.
The boy was bom to Mr. and J�rs. Andrew Tasa of Prince George and Chief Lake district.
The girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. M. Brandner, Aleza Lake.
E. Deeder Heads Livestock Men In Central B.C.
Central B.C. Livestock Association delegates in annual, convention at Burns Lake recently elected Barl Deeder, well-known Francois Lake stockman, as president for 1943.
T. E. Gerhardl, Port Fraser, was chosen vice-president, and R. Black, bum, Prinoe George, was named secretary-treasurer, pro tern.
Directors are T. Brandon, Telkwai; H. A. Durban, Grassy Plains; J. ft; White, Vanderhoof; C. Foote, Fraser Lake; E. Mohr, Wistaria; W. C. Shovar, McBride, and R. Blackburn, Prinze George.     -
Mr. Deeder succeeds C. J. Killer of
Prince Oe Enjoy Jolly
Two Injured as Car, Truck Crash
Miss Jessie Allen and Gordon Stoles are nursing facial cute and bruises received Christmas Eve when their automobile came in collision with, an army truck at Winchester and Calgary streets.
Corporal C. B. Robertson suffered no injury, nor did other soldiers riding in the taruck, although both machines were damaged considerably.
Styles and the truck driver were apparently blinded by car lights and their vision was momentarily obstructed by another car that drove between them. ^Styles was driving east on Winchester street while the truck was proceeding west. �
Soldiers in Camp Appreciate Gift Apples From City
Soldiers and officers in the dis-Telkwa, president for the past two} tric* camp wore remembered during
Mrs. Georce Rebman of whose son, Pilot tXfl-
L. Rebman, was killed ast month in Africa, to-
a letter from their son's Pilot Officer L. D. Sher-
etter/ttras, written after Pilot [Robinan was reported miss-" before his death was an-It tells glowingly of the popularity anil ex-as a fighter pilot. Jgh tribute from one fight-to another, follows:
* had. the pleasure of m but i have, known Art, for nearly two we started flying editions in 810 Squadron we promised one an.-in case of on� of us 1th an accident the d write to the family. kly, I am the first to promise.
1 **nt Art is'posted as t I firmly believe & Prisoner of war
*HING EVERYONE*
A',  f      J NEW YEAR.
-HON. H. G. PERRY
of their �Locke.
or with our forward troops and unable to contact the squadron. Our forces arc moving forward so quickly and the Germans are retreating so swiftly It's almost impossible la find out anything definite. Please remember it may take a few weeks before we receive anything' definite on him, so don't worry. If anything new Is brought to light regarding Art I'll cable or write to you if he Is unable to do so. , You will be probably proud to know that Art was the most popular pilot in the squadron. His friends aren't limited to flying personnel only but to all ranks and trades we have in the squadron.
As a fighter pilot we all have reason to envy him because, he is much better than tihe average oh :p in tihe air. I know of two German pilots who, after fighting with Art, had reason to envy him also because of his skill� imfortunatel/ one still does because he managed to lirrtp home after Art finished his'ammunition. Needless to say, the other is a late member of tihe Luftwaffe.
I started my flying with Art at Edmonton and since then we (have always been sent' to the same units, so I know him quite well�no one oould wish for a better friend.
I wouldn't have written this letter but for the fact that the Air Ministry probably notified you that your son Is missing. The chances that he Is quite safe and well are so great that I didn't want you to do any un-
necessary worrying. The only thing we can do now is to wait, until the excitement of this battle dies down and more definite information is available.
My sincere wishes U> both of, you and also to Art's brother^ Jack, for Christmas and the New Year. I'll make Art send his by cable when he shows up.
years. In his opening address the new president eaid thai from his own knowledge most of the shippers were satisfied with tihe results of tihe past two sales. More co-operation must be given by the shippers themselves, not only at the time of the sales, but throughout tbe (year. Prices, of livestock were much better throughout the district.as a result of a sale shipment being made each year.
Harry Bowman of Prince George offered constructive criticism during the course of an interesting talk.
A temporary^ financial statement wae approved by'ttie meeting. It was decided in future to-bold the annual meeting a$ a later da^e^t� allow the secretary" time to comT>leteCIus statement of finances.
Another sale will be' heid in\1943. the date to be. set by directors a)ts,a meeting in the spring.
City Entertains Two at Dinner
The City of Prince George entertained two men at a Christmas dinner�in the jail.
In the warm' dining-hall the guests partook of turkey and festive good things.
Christmas by Mayor A. M. Patterson and the City Council, who made a gift of 50 boxes of apples.
In thanking the mayor and council, the officer commanding wrote:
"The gift is most acceptable and is being distributed among all ranks In camp . . . and comes as a pleasant reminder of the happy relations existing between the citizens of Prince George and, the soldiers quartered | in your hospitable area.
"Best wishes to fine members of the council and citizens of Prince George for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from us all."
Mrs. rl. Bjorklund Dies at Newiands
Mabel Teresa Bjorklund, 27 years, wife of Hugo Bjorklund of New-lands, died at the*family home on Sunday. She had been in ill health for some time. Besides her husband she leaves^ five small children.
The remains will arrive here this p.fternoon for^burial. The funeral will be held from Assman's Funeral Chapel on Saturdays.at 1:30 p.m. .
Rev. F. E. Runnails, will conduct the ceremony.
Home< and Wom< Adds to Festiv!
Prince Georce and the entire dls-trjotenjoyed Christmas. The spirit of. St. Nicholas prevailed iverywhere. It was evident in the largest homes, in the smallest dwellings, on the streets and in the army camp.
Fathers, sons, sisters, husbands, cousins, uncles in tne King's uniform came home for Christinas, and dozens of soldiers stationed in this district found Yuletide hospitality with families here.
Soldiers and civilians wished e^oh otiher a merry Christmas as they wended their way Christmas Bve, and Christmas morning and evening to church, to .the Eagles' dance, to theatres and house parties. WEDDINGS AND BIRTHS
Christmas Eve and Chrlstmrs Day had more tfhan usual significance for several families as young couples were united hi marriage 2nd two babies were born in the City Hospital.
Police reported all festivities were orderly and little or no trouble was caused by those Who over indulged.
An accident Christmas Eve that sent Gordon Styles and Miss Jessie Allen to hospital with facial cuts did mar the festive season somewhat. Their automobile collided  with an
Editorial
Look Ahead to 1943
As we step from momentous 1942 into 1943 let us not let our thoughts linger long on the defeats, sacrifices, heartaches, the mean and the trivial of the last 12 months. Rather let us fortify ourselves for the coming year by gaining inspiration from the brighter/side of the old year and greeting 1943 with a smiie, with confidence and optimism.,
With the New YeaT, comes new responsibilities, new hopes and new ambitions. But these will be tempered by momentary defeats, for you and all others. Knowing this then, let us resolve to make 1943 a year for extending a helping hand to others, for only by such compassion and unity can this nation, and the Democracies carry on to Victory.
Everything these days is tinged with the war. And so they should be. In the New Year we must continue to put first thing> first, and the war, and its supporting programs at .home are paramount.
Each one makes a wish or two as he endeavors to peer into the next 12 months.
Among those things we in Prince George wish for in..the New Year are:
Successful conclusion to the war.
Construction   of   a   railway   from   Prince   George   to Alaska, and one south to connect with the P.G.E.
Construction of a north road to connect with the A lean Highway.       :�
Completion of the Rupert-to-Jasper Highway.. t         Construction of a new junior-senior high school.
'-,,     Adequate" housing   Accommodation   for   our  growing population.                                                ?
More.,cement sidewalks.
These wishes and others which we make may not all t>e realized in the New Year. Then let us take a lesson fronv the Yuletide story of the pessimist and the optimist who were view-
IN POLICE COURT
Ah Indian woman paid $10 and costs in City Police Court December 24 when she appeared on a drunk charge.
The same day a second offender paid $50 and costs.
On Monday aa|other drunk paid $25 and'Costs, and Wednesday a second . offender failed to pay his fine and was sentenced to serve 20 days in jail.
Patients and staff at the Prince George Hospital were not forgotten on Christmas Day as friends sent many gifts.
The day before Christmas the Women's Auxiliary to the Canadian Legion visited the army hospital and took the boys cigarettes and other welcome presents. AT MILITARY CAMP
In the militeay camp Christmas was well observed, and the generous dinner, served to the men by the officers, was a real success.
Even the two prisoners in the city jail were not forgotten, and they, too, enjoyed turkey dinners.
ing their bottle of year-end cheer.
"It's half empty," moaned the pessimist.
"Yeah," beamed the optimist, "but it's still half fuM."
So to all we wish a bright, prosperous and hap!py New
Year   May your gopd deeds unto others repay you a hundred
fold.'
Mists Frances Sims is spending the Christmas holidays witri her parents in. Vernon.
Gunner William Perry left by train Saturday for Vancouver after spending Christmas here.
The fire siren wailed Christmas Eve, but it wa5 only a false alarm. A few eparks from a restaurant sent the Fire Department racing to Third avenue.
Mrs. Alex McB. Young suffered & broken bone hi her foot Boxing Day when her foot slipped from an icy path into deep] snow, turning her ankle.
Annual meeting of the Women's Volunteer Workers group to elect officers will be held in the Knights of Columbus Hut on Friday, January 8,at2:30 p.m. All women Interested in'lKls~work: "are~uivited to- attend Nominations must be presented in writing to the nominating committee of Mrs. H..H. Douglas; Mrs. G. A. Lund and Mrs. C.^Ewert before the meeting.
McBride Reverts To Oil Lamps as Light Plant Fails
McBRTDE�McBride Electric Ltd. power plant went off early Monday morning and the community faced something in tiie nature of, a black-"out. A rush took place to replenish long-discarded oil lamps, while residents expressed regret that the !ong record as one of the best-lighted small towns in the province should be tarnished.
The C.N.R., which furnishes the company witih electric power, sent on electriciain, Harry Gray of Prince George, to make repairs.
Lieut. Mark ham Killed in Crash
Lieut. D. A. W. Markham of tihe Royal Canadian Engineers, only son of E. A. Markham, general superintendent here for Carter-Halls-Aldinger Co.' Ltd., and Mrs. Markham of Vancouver, was killed Sunday when two trains collided H Xl-i monte Station, Ontario, Sunday, taking 33 lives and injuring 118.
Lieut. Markham joined the army in February, 19^2. Besides his parents he leaves two sisters.
WISHING YOU
ALL A NEW YEAR
OP
PROSPERITY-AND JOY.
->F.  G. TURGEON,  MJ\