VICTORIA; B.C,
Prince George Citizen
An Independent Weekly Newipaper Devoted to the Interests of Central and Northern British Columbia
No.
Prince George, B.C., Thursday, February 20, 1947
m    Seeks /Combined Ops7 $32 Million P.GE. Extension
*2.00 a Year
Policy Speech Provides Many Facets As Legislature Enters Upon Second Session
Outlining a program of action which took within its range atters as agreements on taxation with the Dominion ment, bonuses for pensioners, extension of the P.G.E., ,on of power development, freight rates, U.B.C. exten-provincial-municipal relations, public works and a multi-of other subjects, Premier John Hart on Monday out-the Legislature the policy of the Coalition Government i his longest speeches on record. reputation   for
ous of   his
the Premier was Impelled to I['himself due to the exceed-I heavy program that the gov-tent has undertaken this year. hts of his speech were, as
tearly $700,000 is provided the tific Great Eastern Railway jperchase new equipment, In-
 locomotives. rrvation to be made of ex-passen^er,  freight   and  rights over the new River Highway  for   the
ad is reserved for terminal, il or junction   facilities routes of proposed extcn-the  following:   points: etta Lake, Hudson's Hope Centurion Creek. ! rich agricultural areas north eace River can be served toy direct and less  expensive Centurion Creek than that nplated by the Canadian Pa-IRailways. [distance to Dawson Creek for iiflc Great Eastern Railway is 1,000 miles less by the ; than by the Peace Pass. ated cost of equipping the for freight service only Is it $22,000,000 on a basis of revenue tons annually. ! proposed extension of the Railway by way of Pine would cost approximately fl.OOO less  than  by Peace
of extending the P.G.E. Biray to Dawson Creek in the River district by way of Hope is estimated   at '.000  exclusive of   equip-
(Premier intends to seek part-J" with the Dominion governed the two national railways ^purpose of extending the "e to Dawson Creek. '<* River resources survey 10 promising coal expos-
'surface in the vicinity Creek.    .
 of the   coal discovered samples of very high grade
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fired carbori 77.8 SPEECH, Page 10)
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A-O.T.S. MEET
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 chich  Special plans  Od fll^
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�AY RALLY
WILF BLAIR, native son of Prince George, formerly on the reportor-ial staff of the Vancouver News-Herald and at present with the Guelph Daily Mercury, will shortly arrive in Prince George to join the Citizen staff as reporter and assistant news editor. Mr. Blair served with the Royal Canadian Air Force from which he transferred to go overseas as a pilot for the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. He is a son of the late Louis Blair and Mrs. Florence Blair. His mother recently flew to New Zealand on a visit to her twin sister.
HOCKEY
Smithers Takes Three-Goal Lead For Puck Title
Undefeated this season, Smithers senior hockey team took a stranglehold on the Interior championship .'by speeding to a 5-2 win over Ques-nel, southern division tltleholders at the Civic Arena last night.
Second of the two-game, total-goal series will be played tonight. \
Five hundred fans watched the best game played here this season,, reminiscent of the servicemen's puck battles staged at the local ice palace during war years.
In dropping the opener to the smooth-working Smithers squad, Quesnel provided plenty of hefty opposition, and with a few smiles from Lady Luck would have come a goal or two closer to the Bulkley Valley boys.
Paced by Billy Keen, flashy Chinese centreman, -and with veterans Jack Ritson and BUI Campbell setting up many scoring . plays, the Cariboo crew forced the winners to extend themselves to the final whistle. Keen scored both Quesnel tallies in perfectly timed passing plays with Ritson.
In extending their unbeaten record and going three goals up In the play-off series, Smithers turned in a dogged checking game with an ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Mel Mclntyre turned in his usual good game, while Billy Leach and Ken Warner were always effective. Gordon Hetherington scored two goals for the winners and played a smart game going both ways.
Keen put Quesnel in front at 1:40 in the first period on a pretty play with Ritson. Less than a minute later Hetherington boat Pierce, Quesnel    netminder,    on    Warner's
Matron Tenders Resignation To Hospital Board
Recognizing that her obligations _asa daughter outweigh her duties as.. matronr~Prince George Hospital Society directors accepted with regret Tuesday the resignation of Miss Jessie Robertson as superintendent of nurses.
Miss Robertson is leaving in mid-March for Swift Current to care for her mother who is expected home by then from the cancer clinic in Regina.                   <
She will endeavor to extend her stay until month's end if a successor is not secured but cannot delay further in returning home, she told directors.
"It will be a grave loss," I. B. Guest, chairman, emphasized, H. "Joe" Hewlett concurring that "we're awfully sorry you arc leaving."
In appreciation of her services, directors approved $175 bonus going to Miss Robertson.
Miss Robertson reported that Mrs. WinnLfred Warner has joined the nursing staff to instruct and supervise nurses' aides and to assist the matron between 3 and.ll p.m.
Miss Dorothy Haggard, she said, is leaving March 1 to be married. Her place has been taken by Miss Mary Cavanaugh, who started Monday.
Miss Robertson advised that at the last meeting of Fort George Chapter, B.C. Registered Nurses' Association, $100 was voted toward new furnishings for the Nurses' residence.
Dr. John G. MacArthur, joining the board of management as a representative of the medical staff which is now holding organized meetings once a month, advised fellow directors that:
"Doctors are unanimously agreed that appendectomy and maternity cases stay no longer than seven days in hospital and that all other patients be discharged as soon as possible after treatment."
He stressed that it was further agreed, in the interests of patients, that no more than two visitors be allowed by bedsides. 4 Recommendations were submitted by Miss Robertson from Miss Mabel
Honor Conferred On Local Surgeon
Dr. E. J. Lyon, president-elect of the B.C. Medical Association and vice-president of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C., has been honored by the bestowal of a "Specialist Certification" as a surgeon by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Advice_as to the signal honor conferred upon- one of Prince George's local surgeons was received today from Dr. Roy Hug-gard of Vancouver, chief consulting surgeon at Shaughnessy Military Hospital.
Dr. Lyon's name is being enrolled on the College register of certified specialists.
Popular Manager Is Leaving Royal Bank Branch Here
William Dobson, one of the mast popular banking figures in Central B.C.. is leaving the Prince George branch of the Royal Bank of Canada on Mnrch 1 to join a local lumbering concern.
He has been manager of the local branch since November, 1943, when he came here from Smithers after extensive banking experience in this province.
A. N. "Jack" Dando, attached to the Robson Street branch of the Royal � Bank in Vancouver, has arrived to succeed Mr. Dobson.
Mr. Dobson took over from Mr. Dando on the latter's transfer from the Smithers branch where they served their first appointment as bank managers.
Mr. Dando left Smithers for the Hastings Street and Nanaimo Road branch in Vancouver, then rejoined the Royal Bank a year ago after military service. While attached to the Robson Street branch, he was on relief duties at Burns Lake, Smi thers, Nelson and Vernon.
Mr. Dobson has been active in business and sports circles of Prince George since his arrival here. It is a source of gratification to his friends that he is not leaving the community but is following his firm belief    in    the    future    of    Prince
(See HOCKEY, Page 12)
Proffer Property Owners 'Hobson's Choice/ Bylaw
Hobson's choice will confront district ratepayers within a few weeks in the form of a school bylaw for some #75,000.
pass   Mclntyre put  the  westerners! Broli     nursing staff representative.! Gcorge-ahead for the evening    on  a  solo   regarding  -call-back- remuneration
being received by all nurses, a provision already agreed to, and regarding greater help being extended for those on night duty. The latter suggestion Ls being met through nurses' aides being supplied, the matron advised.
Mrs. a
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Like the Cambridge-London carrier who refused to allow any animal to leave the stable out of its turn, District 57 School Board is preparing a "this or nothing" bylaw to surmount difficulties presented by the dual voting.
In order to secure six extra classrooms for the Prince George school system, local ratepayers will be obliged to side with rural property owners desirous of their children being housed in dormitories while at the local centre of education.
The bylaw,, as outlined Thursday in discussion between trustees, would provide a standardized school building at Willow River, a school for Reid Lake, an addition to the Sinclair Mills school, a new heating plant at Central Port George and renovation of Baron Byng School In Prince George.
Aibout the biggest outlay would be for extra rooms for the local school system and two dormitories, the actual cost to be determined when tenders close Saturday for moving the army buildings.
Tenders are being called to move three buildings from Area "B" in the former Brigade Camp.
A quartermaster stores building is to be moved to the corner of Edmonton and Seventh, a large canteen building, with two wings, is to be moved behind the Junior-Senior High School, and an officer's mess building Is to be located beside n similar type of building already in location.
Once bids are received the bylaw "Will be reviewed and the draft forwarded as speedily as possible to Victoria for approval by the inspector of municipalities.
Trustees were told by Roy Stibbs. school inspector, of the further routine required, Involving a time lag of 60 days from receipt of the bylaw from Victoria to it being implemented, provided it is approved at the polls.
Dormitory rules and regulations are still in process of being set, under the chairmanship of Trustee Helen McLean of Shelley, based on
information obtained by Mr. Stibbs. Ray Williston, supervising principal, advised that current enrolment in the city school system aggregates 876 students.
DOUBLE WOLF BOUNTY
Attributed to pressure from northern trappers and Rod & Gun Clubs, an order-in-council has been passed, effective as from Feb. 8. raising the bounty on wolves from S10 to $20.
Snag Kills FallerAt Reid Lake
Theodore Joseph Lambert, 38. formerly of Regina, was instantly killed about 9 a.m. Monday when struck by a snag while falling trees at No. 3 camp at Proppe's Sawmill, Reid Lake.
His body is being forwarded on onight's train by Assman's Funeral Chapel to Speers Funeral Home la ftegina where his father, J. H. Lambert, operates the Crescent Furnl-ure Store.
A verdict of accidental death wa* returned by a coroner's jury convened by Coroner M. W. Skinner to nvestigate the tragedy.
Mr. Lambert went to work at 8 a.m. with Paul Dutcher, the latter told the Jury, adding that they felled and bucked three trees by about t a.m.
The last tree they sawed "turned on the stump and hit a dead wind-all," he said.
"We both saw it. He took one step back�directly under it," the witness said.
He described how Alcide Crousett, jush foreman, was called to the scene from where he was workinc 200 feet away across a coulee, and iow they tried to revive him, only to determine Mr. Lambert had beem almost instantly killed.
Dr. E. J. Lyon testified the de-eased had sustained severe frac-Lures to his. skull.
Clarence Pugsley was foreman o< the jury, which comprised Thomas Walsh, Harry Giese, Fred Kazakoff. William Acres and George Mclnnes.
North Vindicated By Astute Pupil
Trustees of District 57 Municipal School Board chuckled appreciatively on Thursday and felt their labors worthwhile to--ward establishing Prince George as a centre of learning.
David Forsythe, they were told, entered Victoria High School just as students there were taking science tests.
Rather dubious of the northerner's abilities, the teacher is said to have endeavored to dissuade the new pupil.
"I guess I'll take the test," countered Master Forsythe;
And emerged top man.
Logger Victim Of Leaning Windfall
FRANCQIS LAKE�Francis 'Slim' Connor was fatally injured Friday when he sustained fractures to his skull upon being hit by a "leaner" snag resting against the tree he was felling.
Bill Anderson rode on horseback to the auto camp near Tohesinkut Lake and the doctor and Const. Lee came out, travelling the last 12 miles by team and sleigh.
Mr. Connor was taken to Burns Lake Hospital. He died at 3:15 a.m. Saturday.
He is survived by one son, Joe, 12. His wife died when Joe was born.
Jaycees Back V.D.' Drive
Public showings of films dealing with venereal disease will feature ar anti-V.D. campaign being sponsored by Prince George Junior Chamber of Commerce in co-operation with the Health League of Canada.
Harry Rollason, health committee chairman, .has secured from the National Film Board films which will be utilized by Dr. John G. Mac-Arthur and Dr. Allan Chambers in illustrating lectures on venereal disease.
The lectures, according to Mr Rollason, will be delivered to the public at meetings in the Flics' Hall the auditorium of the Junior-Senior High School and in South Fort George on dates being arranged by the committee.
School trustees on Thursday approved separate showings for students whose parents approve the boys and girls attending educational lectures on the subject conducted by the public health nurse and school doctor.
Three 15-minute broadcasts are planned for over CKPG.
"Held down to an all-time low during wartime, venereal disease has been spreading dangerously in the past 12 months," Mr. Rollason advised in stating that the Jaycee campaign has been timed to coincide with "Social Hygiene Day." The latter is sponsored nationally by the Health League of Canada in cooperation with civic health departments to alert citizens to the threat to public health.
BURNS LAKE FIRE
BURNS LAKE^-Loss estimated at $25,000 resulted when flames razed the Omineca Hotel this morning in a blaze which threatened the Royal Bank of Canada across the road and the liquor vendor's store 50 feet east of the hotel.
The hotel was built 25 years ago and the building contained a large cafe, former billiard hall and beer parlor.
FIRST PRACTICE
First practice of the newly organ-zed Legion band will be held tonight at 8 o'clock in the City Hall, according to Harry Estlin, delegated chairman of a committee to make overtures to bandsmen desirous of being sponsored by Branch 43, Canadian Legion.
ENGAGEMENT
Lome Lyle of Aleza Lake announced today the engagement of his second youngest daughter, Nelda Marguerite, to William Earl Hein of this city. The wedding will take place early in March.
"There He Be, There He Was11
FRANCOIS LAKE�An emergency form of "pit lamping" was resorted to by Bill Titcomb in saving his poultry from destruction.                 ;
A great horned owl with a wing-spread of five feet had been preying on poultry at the J.-P. Ranch. It decapitated five geese and two ducks, tearing them apart.
Mr. Titcomb sighted the owl on the implement shed roof. He turned the spotlight of the station wagon on, then blasted it from its perch with a shotgun.
Gundy Gunderson Breaks Record In Practice Warm-up
Ralph "Gundy11 Gunderson crashed out 10 strikes toward a perfect score, only to lose out in the last frame, in a warm-up game prior to City 5-Pin League play. He set an unofficial record single .�score for the season of 418. aggregating 915 for the three ganies played.
W. Gardner took, high .singles in "A" section with 32<> and Tom Harvey high-three games with (594. Mary Hart man roiling 252 for single high and Mary Miller. 621, for hi-jh-three.
Harold Hatch led "B" section with hicrh singles of 270 and Bill Dobson, with *74O, had high-three honors; May Gillingwater scoring 212 for high singles, and Emma Russman, 592, for high-three.
Arnold Assman rolled 261 for high singles in "C" section toward high-three honors, with 625; Pat Gundy taking high singles with 221 and Wanda Houghtaling, high-three, with 599. on the distaff side.
Bill Webster headed "D" section with high singles of 286. Jim Cadden taking high-three with 621; and Jessie Jorgensen both high singles, with 208, and high-three, with 495.
ROYAL PURPLE MEET
Ladies of the Royal Purple wiH meet Monday at 8 p.m. in the Elk�' Hall.
John A. Fraser
Quesnel Oldtimer Recalls Pioneer Days to Rotarians
Jin reminiscent mood John A. Fraser, Quesnel, entertained the Rotary Club at Friday's luncheon in one of the most interesting addresses of the season.
Mr. Fraser came to Quesnel in 1891 as a school teacher. He told his audience of his surprise on arriving at Ashcrof t to learn he had to travel by stage coach 220 miles to get to his school at Quesnel. Of how the payment of his fare left him with no money for food on the way and of how he almost turned back, but stuck to his plan and eventually arrived at Quesnel where he has resided ever since. FORMER M.L.A.
Mr. Fraser admitted that his inclinations had always tended towards political affairs. Only the old timers knew that John A. Fraser was a member of the Legislature for Cariboo from 1909 to 1916 and member of the House of Commons from 1&25 to 1935. He recalled that In 1891 there were four M.L.A.'s for Cariboo .""There were no polls north of Quesnel until 1909 wh-n one was established at South Fort George," he said.
"In    a by-election    in 1891  there were only 19 votes cast at Quesnel,
Babies Big News In Earlier Days
Alex B. Moffat arrived 34 hours ahead of John A. Fraser into the Cariboo, the two old-timers determined Friday at a Rotary luncheon.
Mr. Fraser recounted how the stage he was journeying north on was halted at Alexandria when the passengers received the exciting news: "There's been a baby born here."
"You were that baby," Mr. Fraser told Mr. Moffat, in recalling the momentous occasion, which prompted the passengers to troop in to see Master Moffat.
but over 600 at Barkerville. and of course none at Fort George," he added.
He recalled  that    not until  190t was there any road to Fort George, though  there    was the pack  trail from Quesnel to Hazelton. FORT GEORGE BOOM
"However, in 1911, tfce district divided   and   the  rush   Into
(See PIONEER DAYS, Pace �>