Prince Ged^cj Citizen An Independent Weekly Newspaper Devoted to the Interetts of Central and Northern British Columbi la Prince George, B.C., Thursday, February 21, 1946 $2.00 a Year of Mortgage 'ens "New Era For Elks Of the mortgage on their BPO.E. Lodge 122 on ballroom of the Prince Cafe before 142 ban-pped a new era for ^ce George after two of progress. iiman, deputy grand foSrict 7, ignited the do- h the absence of Harry leading knight, and the received by George B. oldest lodge member to embership, and Richard bald, one of the youngest McB. Young, ruler, spoke to the burning, how the lodge charter was _� jn November 29, 1926, with [jflEUgural meeting held In the ^.Keifer Hall, in the very room [occupied by CKPG through the jlUes of which the varied pro-was broadcast. Tftung voiced heartiest radio ogs to Bill Harris of Kam-the officer chosen by the lodge to inaugurate the local recounted how offices were back in 1925 with Mr. Wil-� as leading knight, H. A. Ro-, loyal knight; present Mr. Jus- 0. Wilson, lecturing knight; e, inner guard; A. Holmwood, i late brother McCullough, iln; Bruce G. Parker, trustee; t, secretary; O. E. Geddes, lairer, A. Watt, trustee; J. F. ipbell, trustee and R. T. John- Lr a number of years the lodge 1 in Mr. Williams' building on Avenue and did a great deal d. especially in the "lean years tie thirties." ads toward their own home started by a series of amateur staged by Mr. Lewis with lo- Italent in which, Mr. Young re-, I mi a Andersen, now a star London stage, commenced her er. (See ELKS Page Nine) robe Death If Wo man )ERHOOF�Coroner George adjourned on Thursday an into the death of Burna-Bird, 30, of the Stoney Creek band, who died Tuesday until pathological analysis is leted by the criminal investi-on bureau of the B.C. Police. Bird was found dead in the prop camp of her husband, James a member of the Fort St. 's Indian band. r husband testified that the ous day they took in a hockey ne in Vanderhoof during which parted. said that he later found her g at the rear of the theatre that she was getting off the after having been robbed of [and that she had been beaten. � witness testified that she de-to report the robbery to police " wished to get her home so * three miles to the camp lived at. testified that he got up about am. next day and found that was dead. er testimony was given that clearing away of a swathe of about a mile from the cabin "tended to assist the police in �ng around. The party of police [^gating found the path off the road Impassable into the pit-1 camp. services for Mrs. Bird ���w on Saturday at Stoney *c todian Reserve h survived by' hw husband B �ve-year-old child. Idt imer Passes Alb erni NJoseph Lopg Bf ^ Sunday m Alberni. Vancouver �^according to advice received Pauline Godfrey visited her ' Phillip Godfrey at Tete and attended the dance held 2E? J58 retumed *> Vancou- being the guest of the Pioneer Chinese Regains Eyesight Almost incoherent in his gratitude over being able to see again after two months of blindness, Sam Wo, 83, known to old timers since the days when he operated a bakery on George Street, has taken a new lease on life. He left for Vancouver last September to have a delicate operation performed for the removal of cataracts after arrangements had been made on his behalf by Dr. John Mac Arthur, W. G. Praser, city clerk; Alfred Kitchen and Miss Kathleen Davles of the Social Assistance Branch, for which he voiced his gratitude. The operation which restored his sight was performed in the Vancouver General Hospital. HARRY PBELE Funeral Services For Sergt. Beckley Last rites for Staff Sergt. Richard Beckley. 21, of No. 6 Depot, R. G. A. S. C, who died suddenly at 11 p.m. Saturday in Prince George Hospital, were conducted today in Victoria from McColl Funeral Parlors. Death was due to natural causes it was adduced from an enquiry attributing the cause to pulmonary embolism, a blood clot forming in the heart. He was admitted to hospital for a tonsillectomy and died half an hour after the heart seizure at 10:30 pan. Reopening Of Negotiations Speedy resumption of negotiations for a collective agreement between Local 1-424, LWA,, and the Northern Interior LumberVnen's Association was Indicated at a conference in Vancouver between Ernie Dnlskog. International board member, I.W.A.; J. H. Ruddock, representing the lumbermen, and James Thompson, chief conciliation officer. It was agreed that negotiations be resumed as soon as possible after Mr. Dalskog returns from an executive meeting of his organization in Portland, Ore. The latter meeting finished on Friday. At the conference it Is understood that Mr. Thomson was furnished with fullest details of the local situation, including reactions of both sides to the deadlock which resulted in applications for conciliation proceedings being instituted. Former Matron Feted at Shower A shower was held recently for Mrs. Sam Nutter at the home of Mrs. Syd Luck. Mrs. Sam Nutter is the former Dorothy Saunders, who was married at Oliver January 25. She and Mr. Nutter are now on an extended wedding trip in California. The guests brought their presents unwrapped to the shower and after everyone had viewed them they were then wrapped and packed away to be sent to Mrs. Nutter on her return from her honeymoon. Present were Mrs. P. Saunders, Mrs. Lawredbe McLean, Mrs. Arthur Ford, Mrs. Syd Luck, Mrs. Betty Halfnlght, Mrs. c. O'Connor, Mm. Jorgenson, Mrs. Sheila Dogherty, Mrs. J. Bond, Mrs. Marie Goodwin, and the Misses Jessie Robertson, Isabel Ogg, Peggy Oliver, Jessie Bond and Eva Jenkins. J. A. Paton, M.L.A. Dies in Vancouver VANCOUVER~-James Alexander Paton, M.L.A. for Vancouver-Point Grey, died Tuesday in hospital here, only three days after the death of his 85-year oldmother, Mrs. Anne Paton, of Powell River. He had been in indifferent health for some years and had returned only a week ago from a one-month rest at Powell River. Mr. Paton was Coalition Conservative member since 1937. He was a member of the Post-war Rehabilitation Council. Board Secretary Is Transferred McBRIDE�McBride and District Board of Trade has lost the services of a secretary, William "Bill" Pru-dun, roadmaster's clerk, having been transferred from here after two years to take a similar position with the C.NJt. in Prince George. He was recently elected by the Board of Trade. His position here has been taken by Verne Leake who recently received his discharge from the armed forces. Expediting Service To Driving Public With current licences expiring next Thursday, George Milburn, government agent, today requested the co-operation of applicants to assist in expediting service to the public in issuance of the new licences. He asks that applicants prepare the forms in advance, it being required to sign motor licences, chauffeurs' licences and drivers' licences three times, so that if the forms are filled out ahead of time it should speed up service, DISTRICT RESIDENT DIES David McFarlane, 57, of Sinclair Mills, died in Prince George Hospital on Saturday the day after he was admitted. Vets Allege Rebuffs By Employers Abnormal snow conditions have brought to a head an issue which Indicates a stormy session ahead at the annual meeting of Post 43, Prince George branch of the Canadian Legion, on Monday, March 4. C. D. MacKinnon, senior vocational counsellor, of Vancouver, was literally bombarded upon his arrival here Saturday by complaints of returned veterans regarding difficulties in getting employment with local firms. Closure of seven mills and camps due to heavy snow in the woods, coupled with reduction of train crews through the C.N.K. going on a three-a-week passenger schedule and other factors have led to actual unemployment In the district. During January some $2033 was paid out in Unemployment Insurance Commission savings of unemployed workers with $1908 paid out in the 12 days of February. Approximately $200 a day is being paid out through the local National Employment Service office to civilian unemployed, apart from any out-of-work benefits due servicemen. REINSTATEMENTS There have been 56 servicemen reinstated in former employment and the number of unemployed veterans of both World War I and World War II total 35, with 18 recently discharged from service drawing out-of-work benefits. It is estimated that there are roughly 125 persons out of work at present, including servicemen, and it is the latter who have alleged rebuffs suffered in seeking employment In Prince George. Their protests at the reception accorded them are being taken to Smithers Jrs. To Play Here At Weekend Play-offs for the championship in the City Hockey League reach a climax tonight with meeting the R.C.AJF. the Legion right mood for the two-game Junior series over the weekend when Smithers players will attempt to gain possession of the Mutual Life Challenge Cup, which the locals successfully defended last weekend against the Williams Lake invasion. The cup is emblematic of the Northern Interior Junior title. In the City League Tuesday Lumbermen and Merchants ended third period play 4-all. An extra 10 minutes enabled Lumbermen to score two more goals thus ensuring themselves a place in the finals. SHOOTING STARTS Competitive shooting is being Inaugurated Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on the Junior-Senior High School indoor range by Harry Giese, instructor, under Dominion Marksmen's Association rules for the newly formed Rifle Club. James Retains Kelly Trophy; Peckham Wins Consolation After having striven 17 years to win the trophy last year, W. H. "Jimmy" James defended the Kelly Cup against Roy White's grand aggregate winners in the twenty-sixth annual bonspiel of Prince George Curling Club to emerge victor Monday when conceded the grand challenge cup as he pre- pared to start home six up. It was the first defeat for White's rink of Fred Walls, Ford Wray and Melvin Walls, which won nine bonspiel games to qualify for finals of two major trophies, winning the Robertson Cup and annexing grand aggregate honors by a wide margin. Skipping Harold Assman's rink in the Kelly competition, Jimmy James gave warm praise for support accorded by Harold Assman as a vociferous third; Lieut. Harold Bray, as an eager second, and Harry Giese, as a novice lead sweeping his first ice. It became evident early in the final play that the keen edge which had carried White's rink over five days of competition between 26 rinks, including those from Williams Lake, Quesnel and Smithers, was missing Monday. (See CURLING Page Eight) Candling Plant Starts As Co-op Elects Slate Inaugural meeting of Prince�qualities of eggs, the many suffer- George Co-operative Association was held Saturday with directors being elected by the 45 shareholders and in turn choosing J. L. Aitchi-son as chairman, with D. L. Hamilton ' vice-chairman, and Wallie Kienzle, secretary-treasurer. "Scepticism gave way to enthusiasm after numerous problems pertaining to establishment of a local egg pool had been threshed out during the lengthy session at which it was commonly acknowledged that orderly marketing based on quality is the principal objective. Members endorsed a plan to canvass farmers toward a closed area being created in Prince George district under provisions of the B. C. Marketing Board toward stabilizing the market. It was recognized that in the past one of the chief handicaps under which farmers have marketed produce was due the uncertain quality �paused through inadequate grading. It was further felt that the egg grading station opening operation on Monday under the management of Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Rose, who operated a similar station at Vanderhoof for three years, will prove the first step toward a better relationship between producer and consumer. Both the merchant and farmer have suffered from the inconsistent the Canadian Legion which in recent months has increased its strength to 145 members. The old guard ruled that as a courtesy to the new veterans that they be extended free membership in the local branch for the first year. At the instigation of the new veterans themselves, when they voiced a desire to stand on their own feet, the concession was revoked. By meeting and comparing notes as to what progress each individual was making toward getting re-established, the returned veterans have come to a decision to take their complaints to the Legion as soon as possible. CONCERTED ACTION This statement was given to The Citizen along with instances of the "brush-offs" accorded some of the men, authenticated from other sources. While in one or two instances the �complaints were proven unfounded, there was considered sufficient justification in others to review the present labor situation. "Why don't you take your troubles to the Legion?" was a question countered by a common reply that the veteran des'red to "go it on my own," although admitting that talks with other veterans had crystallized an Intent to carry their burdens to the local branch, which meets the first Monday of each month. HON. HOWARD FERGUSON DIES Hon. Howard Ferguson, former premier of Ontario and later high commissioner for Canada at London, died Wednesday. ing for the few, it was stated during the meeting. With candling operations being instituted in temporary quarters in the basement of the Electric Radio Service building, it will be unlawful to sell or buy ungraded eggs in the district. Enforcement of this regulation will be made by the Federal Department of Agriculture, which it was stated, has looked askance at slipshod methods previously in vogue regarding the sale of eggs. The Co-operative is entering the feed business in a small way with Steve Zingle as manager of the local store on Fourth Avenue, east of George Street, it was explained to visitors present. The nine directors elected were:' D. L. Hamilton, Beaverley; J. L. Aitchison, Pineview; Wallie Kienzle. Beaverley; Charlie Semerad, Hixon; M. W. Roberts, Chief Lake; WO. Munroie, Strathnaver; Hugh Blackburn, Pineview; Fred Beauregard and Steiner Johnson, Salmon Valley: City Pioneer Laid to Rest Ex-Alderman Allan MacMUlan, 80, resident 31 years in Prince George, passed away peacefully in the family residence at 2157 Laurier Crescent on Saturday after a brief illness. Born in Antigonish, N.S., he came to Prince George in 1914 and worked for the C.N.K. until his retirement in 1935. He served as alderman on the City Council for two terms from 1920-21 and was a member of the School Board one term In 1926, taking a keen interest In public affairs during his residence here, including activity on the Liberal executive. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mary A. MacMUlan, one son, Donald, in Seattle, Wash.; and three daughters, Jean, at home; Mrs. Keith Alexander, Fort Nelson, and Mrs. Daniel P. Welch, Hamilton, Ont. Funeral services were conducted in Sacred Heart Church on Tuesday by the Rev. Father J. J. Gilhooley. Pallbearers were J. C. McKenzie. W. Flynn, A. M. Patterson, H. G. Perry, E. MacEachern and A. F. Burrill. Assman Funeral Chapel had charge of arrangements. Banquet Date Set by Curlers At an executive meeting of the Prince George Curling Club held in the curling rink last night, Friday, March 22 was chosen as the date on which will be held the annual curlers' banquet and dance and presentation of trophies won during the winter. Harry Kennedy, president, will be in general charge of arrangements with Harold Assman in charge of the banquet and ticket sales; Clarence Arnett, immediate past president, in charge of the dance; Fred Lockyer in charge of refreshments, nnd "Jimmy" James in charge of the program. Hold Funeral For Vanderhoof Pioneer: Funeral services for William John Hunt, 75, who passed away in Kam-loops Hospital on February 8, were held here in Assman's Funeral Chapel on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Rev. F. E.Runnalls conducted the rites. Pallbearers were: J. Price, Ed. Engstrom, Ernest Knecht, Alex Cle-land, E. Pinker and D. Coulter. Mr. Hunt, born in England, came to Canada in 1903 and farmed in Alberta for a time. In 1913 he moved to Vanderhoof and operated a farm for some years, later working for the Provincial Department of Public Works there. Because of poor �health, Mr. Hunt went to Kamloops two and a half years ago. He is survived by his widow in Vanderhoof; five sons, Harry, Carbon, Alta.; William and George in Calgary; Amos at Telkwa; Albert in Prince George, and two daughters, Mrs. L. I. Woods at Priestley and Mrs. Charles Castle, in the Lakes district, near Vanderhoof. ed Crisis Faced At Hospita With the city of Prince Georgr described as unable to finance it* share toward a new hospital for three long years and disposition of the military hospital beclouded by red tape, Prince George Hospital Society directors were troubled Tuesday by reports of C. H. Wisen-den, secretary-treasurer. Patients' days in January were the second highest in the history of Prince George Hospital, totalling 1176 days, contributed to by 165 patients who have created an acute bed shortage in the hospital with coincident shortages of other supplies. Directors voiced their gratitude for speedy aid of Prince George branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society in securing from the provincial executive approval to turn over to the hospital local emergency equipment including 75 sheets of bed linen and 50 pillow cases. Further requests, it was feared, will have to be made from the same source. Directors instructed Mr. Wlsenden to contact Mrs. W. G. Fraser with a view to the local Red Cross delegate conveying to the provincial convention she Is attending In Vancouver this week their needs, and their thanks to Lieut.-Col. C. A. Scott, commissioner. Directors were advised that it should soon be known if the military hospital is to be disposed of through the real estate division of the army of whether by War Assets Corporation. In the latter event, It was stated, they may expect to pay from eight to 10 per cent of the original cost which, it was felt, would be prohibitive In view of the necessary renovations. Approval was given action of Mr. Wisenden In forwarding a $75 honorarium to the former Dorothy Saunders in token of her services the last three years as hospital matron prior to her recent marriage to Sam Nutter. Directors sanctioned purchase of an auto washer and extractor for approximately $1600 to meet laundry needs of the hospital. They set Tuesday, March 12, as the date for the annual meeting of the society. ROD A GUN CLUB TO MEET Prince. George Rod & Gun Club will hold a general meeting in the-City Hall tomorrow at 8 pjn.