. WiNC.IAL-.j . LIBRARY An Independent Weekly Newspaper Devoted to the Interests of Central and Northern British Columbia Vol o. Prince George, B.C., fhursday, February \ 1944 �2.00 Yeat B,C- Legislature is Considering Immediate Start on Road to Give Peace River Block Outlet to Coast Speech From Throne at Victoria Does Not Name Specific/Route for Road into North; Co-ordinating Bureau for Post-war Plans. VICTORIA�Immediate construction of a Peace River outlet to the Pacific coast to connect British Columbia's road system .with the Alaska Highway was foreshadowed. Tuesday in the traditional speech from the throne. It was a highlight of potentially far-reaching measures described at the opening of the third session of the Twentieth Parliament of British Columbia. Tbe throne speech calls for pro-�f vision to establish a "Bureau of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction under a committee of the cabinet in order to co-ordinate the work of the various departments of the provincial services and to fit those measures rwhich come within the scope of provincial jurisdiction into the large program devised by xthe Dominion authorities." . The .speech includes: "In conformity with the announcement made at the last session of the Legislature, the government caused a number of highway routes to be surveyed to determine the most suitable outlet to the Pacific coast from the Peace River dlstrict.^^ "As a result of thOfl^purveys my government has decided to proceed with the location of the route recommended. You will be asked to make provision for the necessary funds to enable its immediate construction. 'This undertaking will retain for oar people the benefits arising from the development of the great resources of that territory. "This outlet also will serve to connect British Colombia's road system with the Alaska Highway. Further highlights contained In the speech are summarized as follows: 1. Calling of a Dominion-Provincial conference at Ottawa to discuss postwar problems. 2. Establishment of a bureau of postwar rehabilitation and reconstruction under a committee or the cabinet to co-ordinate the various departmental programs. . 3- Establislunent of a forest products laboratory at the University of B.C. in.conjunction with Federal authorities and private in* dustry. , . . - * Provision to be asked for an industrial research council to develop secondary industries and wider use of by-products. 5 Legislation to implement the gift of 1,000,000 acreas of land for B.C. war veterans desirous of farming. 6 Special aid to develop mineral resources. 7 Funds be.provided for extensive 'See THRONE SPEECH, Page 4) Pinchi Lake Puck Stars Are Coming Will Meet Picked City Team Saturday, Sunday; Ex-Trail Players on Miners' Roster. A feverish rush of activity tiroke out Wednesday among local hockey players at word that a Prince George all-star team will meet the famed Trail Smoke Eaters. Hockey enthusiasts at Pinchi Lake, where four teams have been active this season, are sending an all-star aggregation built around former members of the one-time world champion team of Smoke Eaters. Dr. J. G. MacArthur, ,who has been negotiating with the mercury miners on behalf of Prince George Hockey Club, states that games are scheduled to be held in the Civic Hlhg, commencing at 8 p.m. Saturday and again at 3 p.m. Sunday. In the meantime, crash pads are being checked, blades whetted and sticks taped for the games, which, if the Ice permits, should provide the best hockey of the .season. Rotarians Hear About Telegraph Had telegraph followed radio instead of preceding it, telegraph yould have been hailed far and wide s a saver of power, as it requires vn infinitesimal fraction of that vhich must go into radio broadcast-ng, and little is dissipated, accord-ng to G. M. Edgar, Vancoxnver, C.N. Telegraphs regional supervisor for British Columbia, wno addressed the Notary Club last Friday. With arr easy laugh, much good humor and a pleasing voice,- Mr. ^dgar put across to Rotarians a talk of a technical nature in a way that everyone could easily grasp.�� Telegraph has the advantage over radio of being cheaper to operate, ind being unaffected by static and .fading, he explained. RADIO TELEVISION The 6nly way to assure perfect radio reception throughout the cbunr-try is to carry broadcast programs by wire td various local booster stations, y High cost of financing television is now the major ot>stacle to it, the speaker said. He suggested that changes in people's habits will result when television sets are general. Mr. Edgar foresaw television cutting inf-o theatre attendance considerably. Speaking of advances in the telegraph field, the speaker said that today two high-grade wires could be made to carry at one time, 144 telegraph channels, one telephone cir-tiuit on a level below, and, two extra telegraph circuits below that again. Generosity of Board of Trade Reciprocated Prince George Board of Trade cast bread upon the waters and. it returned to them Friday night. - A letter from G, E. Malcolm, \ president of Quesnel Board of Trade, was received, ^it read: ~~ "You may recall that seme time ago your board was kind enough tcToffer your old airport to the town of Quesnel. The members of our Quesnel board are now of the opinion that this is a suitable time for us to reciprocate and they have much pleasure in offering the City of Prince George our Quesnel River which is without pollution." On motion of John Mclnnis, seconded by. Bill Ranby, the local I board accepted the offer and ask-\ ed for Immediate delivery. Girl Drowned InClucuIz Lake Ethel Marie Cecile Haynes, 2-year-old infant, was drowned Tuesday in Cluculz Lake. The body was recovered later in the afternoon by B.C. police. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. Claire Haynes who operate a mink ranch on the creek feeding into the lake. Voo! Hoo! Louis! We Have Snow Prince George citizens awoke this morning to find a dazzling blanket of snow had settled overnight. They need not contact Lieut. Louis LeBourdais, Cariboo M.L.A., who arrived last week to find dustswirl->ng about In place of snow. For the location scout accompany-ing the popular M.L.A., apart from wing disappointed in the lack of snow, considered scrub pines in the vicinity of Prince George insuff 1-, cjently Impressive for such a Rus- I �siim epic as his film company plans. Better Phone Service South Landlord Fined *25 For Violation A rental violator who failed to observe an order to refund $350 excess of rent monies levied on a tenant was fined $25 by Magistrate P. J. Moran in City Police Court Tuesday. The monies total the amount collected in excess of the rent set by the rental division of the Wartime Prices and Trade Board, which instituted the action. 1! Opening\Qfa new metallic circuit betweenPrtoce George and Quesnel has improved telephone communications by removing an annoying hum caused when a ^^?ed circult was � use as it Picked up much interference. The new installations have been "^Pected by officials of the Do-"union telegraph lines. They re-TM>rt conversation la now as dis-��a?d Surong ^ �n a local line. ble * the P�* ~ due frequency "A.C." hum at times to radio ownem Time is Short For L Sale of Tickets on Navy League Chest Possible closing date of February 15 for the Navy League membership drive In B.C. prompted Prince George commltteemen today to remind citizens that less than two weeks remain in which they may secure their combined membership and raffle tickets. The "Treasure Chest," around which the drive centres, contains negotiables valued at $15,000 which will be distributed In the forthcoming draw: The purchase of extra tickets will favor the chances of those entering the draw, the committee emphasized. ENGAGEMENT Captain and Mrs. R. O. Barring-ton-Foote, of Prince George, announce the engagement of their daughter,. Brenda, to Lieut. J. C. Stinson, R.C.A.S.C., only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Stinson, 2478 Crown Crescent, Vancouver. Falling Logs Kill Logger At Mile 104 >-M. W. Skinner, coroner, opened an Inquest this afternoon to Investigate the death of George Swan, who sustained fatal internal injuries on Tuesday when a deck of logs slipped at the Mile 104 camp of Upper Fras-er Spruce Mills., The investigation started at 2:30 p.m. The body was brought to Prince George Wednesday by Constable W. L. Cowan, B.C. Police. The man was pinned between several logs when the "deck" gave way, according to reports to B.C. Police. Apathy Jeopardizes Fall Fair This Year Handful of Members at Annual Meeting Delay Elections�-Secretary Resigns 2 Soldiers Get Prison Sentences Judge Compliments Army Provosts on Clear Presentation of Evidence. On charges of breaking and entering and theft, Judge Eric D. Woodburh in County Court Monday sentenced: Pte. David L. DcKelver, 20, of Victoria, to thret years in the B.C. Penitentiary. Pte. Frederick C. Stoddart, 21, of Vancouver, to two years less a day in Oakalla Trison Farm. Two distinct types of foot tracks In the snow withstood efforts of De-Kelver to shoulder the entire blame for escaping from army, detention barracks on January 17 and breaking and entering the nearby residence of V. M. Morgan and theft of personal effects, including two men's suits of clothes. DeKelver charge at a morning session before I of revised' plans Judge Woodburn. Prior to sentence, a civilian record of crimes by ac- The apathy and disinterest of dla-trict farmers and the Prince George public In work of the Prince George Agricultural and Industrial i*$socia-tion toward the annual Fall Fair prompted a discouraged group of 10 members Wednesday to consider "dropping" the fair for good. Final decision rests upon the turn-out at a meeting adjourned until Tuesday, February 15. when officers again will be considered for election. * / "I quit tonight; that's definite," T. B. Toblasen, secretary, to I'd the group of five representatives of the Dominion Experimental Farm, three farmers and one lone citizen, facing him. Transport Dept. Has *10,600 for Road to Airport Federal Department of Transport is prepared to spend $10,000 on Improving Six Mile Hill road, J. Gray Turgeon, MJP. for Cariboo, has advised Prince George Junior Chamber of Commerce. The Junior Chamber made represenation to Ottawa urging the Department-of National Defence take over, reconstruct and maintain this road as It is heavily >His flare up came after a business j used by the armed forces. Session, which revealed 1943 hadj Mr. Turgeon said the Department established the association in the I of Transport had been informed strongest financial position in its'that Hon. Herbert Anscomb, B.C. history, well prepared to carry on \ minister of public works, had advis-from a monetary standpointwith j *d his department would undertake to clean and deepen drainage ditches and instal certain additional drainage facilities. The Department of Transport is prepared to proceed with the work another fair in 1944. FINANCIAL REPORT The financial report showed that, starting off 1943 with a bank balance of $241, the association had raised $2006, spent $1640, including $826 for prizes, and ended- the. year with a bank balance of $607, the net surplus balance from 1943 being $366. Assets totalled $762, and there are no liabilities. ^. Prizes paid included cash awards totalling $463, and a $363 total of merchandise goods paid, after the judging of some 850 exhibits. J. L. Aitchison, president, com-(See FALL FAIR, Page 4) at the first opportunity. H. D. STAFFORD IS ON ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR RURAL BUILDINGS Harold D. Stafford of this city. Sponsor Soldier Back Home Hour Service men stationed at the local army barracks are sponsoring a series of Sunday* lectures in the Salvation Army, Pentecostal Tabernacle and Calvary Church to create a greater understanding between denominations among their ranks. Services alternate in each of the churches at 9:10 pjn. each Sunday. The special meetings for the troops consist of a "Back Home Hour," and inspector of schools, has been ap- j have been well patronized and are-pointed by Hon. Harry G. Perry, | arranged by a committee compris-minister of education, to a consultant committee with the department Ing Company Sergt.-Major M. W. Martin, president; Staff-Sergt. M E. pleaded guilty to the j of public works on the preparation shurtliff .secretary-treasurer; and for rural school icased was introduced by.P: E. Wilson K.C., crown prosecutor. Pte. A. Berg, member. buildings. ' ^ | Sergt. Shurtliff will be- cne Speaker The advisory committee win corn- f ^is Sunday jn Pentecostal Taber-prise Dr. H. B. King, chief inspector, pnd school inspectors Mr. Stafford, DeKelver, appearing- as sole de-|c. J. Frederickson, B. Thorsteisson Fined *15 For Reckless Driving Pleading guilty to a charge- of driving in a manner dangerous to the public, Stewart Mitchell was fined $15 and costs by Stipendiary Magistrate George Milburn in District Police Court Monday. The reckless driving charge was laid by B.C. Police as an outcome of an accident near Red Rock on January 23 when three persons sustained injuries necessitating their admittance to Prince George Hospital. Most seriously injured' was Mrs. John Hoagland. Howard Hunter and Mitchell also were hurt. fence witness for S^dart in the i and W. Penderleith. afternoon, asserted the^atcosed had no 'knowledge of how the civilian clothes, money and jewelry were obtained. . He swore that Stoddart was never closer than the sunhouse of an adjoining residence. . Provosts testified to following two distinct sets of tracks from the detention barracks up -to and away from ia Jjedroom window of the Morgan residence. They corroborated the prints were those of a pair of boots and of fatique' issuer establishing the presence of both accused at the residence. Two suits of clothes, 12 pieces of jewelry and a small sum of money were stolen from the house, and were found in possession of the accused when takfin into custody at the Fraser River bridge. f An army spokesman, before ,4he sentences were passed informed his honor that the Canadian army has "utterly no use" for the accused whose army records showed them as a "discredit to the service." j In passing the lesser sentence on Next session will be held February 13 in Calvary Church, followed by a further meeting February 20 in. Salvation Army Hall. Elect F. J. Shearer Board of Trade Head Martin S. Caine Urges Immediate Steps To Develop Natural Resources Here. Fred J. Shearer, secretary of Prince .George Board of Trade in 1913, became the organization's president Friday night on the retirement of Martin S. Caine. He was the unanimous choice for office. (William Bexon was chosen first vice-president and G. S. Wood, second vice-president. W. S. Russell was returned as secretary. Those na"med to the directorate were: Harold AssmaH, J. G-. "Byi" Ranby, A. T. Cross. B. C. Moore, Norman Radley, Jack Ratledge. I. B. Guest and Alfred Miller. Harold A. Moffat, president-of the j Junior Chamber of Commerce, was elected honorary president. , Stoddart. Judge Woodburn explain- j NEW MEMBERS ed he was prompted by "sympathy toward a wife and child for such *.^vere welcomed as new members, worthless husband," and to the clean civilian record of Stoddart. Army records introduced in court showed that while DeKelver was a general servipe man he,* had spent Juveniles Took Liquor at Penny Suspended sentences against two juveniles from Penny on charges of theft of parcel post resulted Saturday when they appeared before Ju- I most of his time in deteritionVand venile Court Judge George MilburnJ that Stoddart. during 18 months as It was the outcome- of investigations by Constable W. L. Cowan, district B.C. police, of the theft of a bottle of liquor from the post office of H. Mellos, Penny, a week previous. With consent of the parents, a whipping was administered the two boys, 17 and 15 years of age. Similar punishment was meted a 13-year-old youth from South Fort George, who, with a 10-year-old companion, received suspended sentence on charge of breaking and entering and of theft from the store of Walter Flynn, Friday night. The younger boy was turned over to his parents by police fpr punisrunent. "non-active;*1 had 10 minor offenses to his discredit. Evidence of provost officers was very clear regarding the two types of tracks in the snow to the residence. Judge Woodburn declared. In complimenting witnesses on their presentation of evidence. IN3P0UCE COURT Stipendiary Magistrate George Mil-burnfineda Penny logger $50 or an alternative of 45 days In jail on a charge of consuming liquor in a public place. The logger elected to, serve the term. W. L. Grant and F. W. Dobson H. "Joe" Hewlett, for the rnemher-ship committee, reported 80 active members and. four honorary rnetn-bers. The Board of Trade had its incorporation meeting on September 30, 1911, when 31 were present and D. F. p-rktns was elected president, Mr. J irer told members on taking of- l � \e first annual meeting- Was held V anuary 2, 1912, wherf T. M. Lewis NtlS chosen president. F. N. pewar made vice-president and T. eh was named secretary. ^ January 7, 1913, Mr. Shearer's (:ip-, J.-A. Shearer, was elected president, with Mr. Stretch as vice-president and W. R. Gordon as sec-, retary. Later in that year Fred J. Shearer was appointed secretary to replace Mr. Gordon. Hon. Harry G." Perry became President on Jnniuiry 6. 1914. jtreV, Active steps from now on should be taken by Prince George. "Board of Trade to investigate and promote development of natural resources in this district. Martin S. Caine, retiring president, told the board at the annual meeting'Friday. "There are minerals here; there is a coal deposit on the Bear River; there are lime and clay deposits; there is also ah unlimited supply of birch and cottonwqod suitable for plywood veneer, making, and � vast supplies of suitable pulp wood timber," Mr. Caine pointed out. Mr. Caine termed as "an urgent necessity in Prince George" the construction of vthe hydroelectric power plant to furnish cheap power for municipal and industrial uses. The speaker considered the Board of Trade should continue to press for a road link between the Peace River and the existing B.C. central Interior highway ,.system. The "past year has been one of interested business activity, progress and prosperity for the district, the retiring president said in his report. POPULATION DOUBLED "Due largely to national defence Undertakings in the district we have seen our population more than doubled. The merchants committee, of the board, related Mr: Caine, had im-pfessed upon authorities the urgent necessity for increasing quotas of food, clothing, building materials" and other supplies allotted to this district. Reasonably good results were achieved. Mr. Caine complimented the radio (See BOARD OF TRADE, Page 4)