PAGE A3, THE HERALD, Wednesday, December 8, 1976 - Report from Victoria by Cyril M. Shelford I was very pleased to see the Cabinet turn down the appeal by Chilliwack to take out of the Agricultural Reserve 1700 acres of prime agricultural land. Even though this does slow down or stop the growth of the town, I still think it was the right decision as I’m con- vinced we must protect our farm land. [proposed this as far back as 1965 even though | didn’t have many supporters at that time. Even though I couldn't get the support of the majority, I went ahead with the cooperation of the federal government under the Canada Land Inventory program which came under A.R.D.A. to map out most of the land of B.C. as to its best use. This was one of the finest joint projects ever undertaken by the two levels of government. It was by this experience and others that convinced me the only method of development was through cooperation bet- ween governments, Anyone that thinks the present economi¢ problems affecting this area can be resolved any other way is simply not aware of the simply facts of life and the nature of the serious problems we face. On the other side of the farm land problem, we must all face up to the realities of life, that if we are to have farmers and food production on this land, we must find different approaches to farm marketing which I dealt with in my report over a month ago. It is strange that the same peonie that carry signs and protest to preserve agricultural land are often the same people that go over the border to the United States and buy their food. They seem to think that even though their wages are up to $2 an hour more than in the United States, that food prices should be the same or less, a completely unrealistic approach. The same argument was used against Marketing Boards, with all their faults they -are still the only method available so far to, keep our present producers going in B.C. If it wasn’t for Marketing Boards we would have had a complete food monopoly several years ago. The Canadian policy of encouraging cheap imports | while leaving our industry to die, must end. If this policy is /maintained then the production of many pfoducts, not only agricultural, will gravitate to those countries that have low wage rates and few labour management disputes, in other words, countries without a democracy. It is surprising how a few people like Beryl] Plumtree can convince the consumer that Marketing Boards are their only problem and if it wasn't for them, food prices would be less while wages increase. These people are not interested in the true facts or they would take a look at other products not under Marketing Boards, such as sugar which went up 1200 percent in two years, coffee doubled in two years, while eggs have gone up only 10 percent in eight ears. Chickens and turkeys have gone up less than nearly any other item, selling for approximately the same as in 1968 wit! most wages doubling since that time, even most automobiles are up 100 percent during that period. Inote ons professor urged a reduction of 15 pereent in prices to the farmer. Why should a farmer take less when nearly all other groups get an increase. Many even object to the 9.8 percent increase set up by the Anti- Inflation Board. Our whole attitude to local production has to change or we will all suffer. The Hon. Jack Davis is right when he suggests self-sufficiency in energy, why not food? By our short sighted policy of all governments we are | relying more and more on cheap imports from. low wage, low cost countries, such as Mexico and sooner or later they will be cut off due to revolution or some other disaster. At that time we will pay deariy for our short-sighted policy of low returns to our farmers while allowing costs to go up and up, which will simply mean we have our farm land but few farmers. Hf all--our farmers over 50 years of age quit, our product would - iown 90 percent. We must find ways to help our far- mers and encourage young people to stay in the in- dustry. Business failures Levelling off, Canadian failures held almost even at 235 in July after a drop to 233 in June, reports n & Bradstreet. Compared with the like month of 1975, casualties were below their year-ago level of 243 by 3.3 percent. Dollar liabilities involved in duly failures however swelled 57.5 percent to $48.4 million from $31.0 million in - June but did not match the comparable 1975 volume af $51.5 million. Casualties in the $1,000,000 and over size ’ groups accounted for all the Increase from a month earlier as well as the drop from a year earlier. Trends were mixed ‘by type of business operation. Manufacturing, con- struction and service failures edged up during . Greases July while wholesaling failures held even. Retailing casualties in contrast dipped from June to July and were the lowest since January, On a yearly basis, all functions except manufacturin and wholesaling, had fewer casualties than in July 1975. Four provinces, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia had more businesses failing in July than in June, with the strongest upturns in Ontario and Alberta. But these in- _ were = coun- terbalanced by a big decline in Ontario and: Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Ontario also ° accointed for most of the slackening in casualties from a year-ago July. 635-6981 FANTASTIC SELECTION VINYL FLOORIKE ARMSTRONG — FLINTKOTE , AND MORE To CHOOSL =ROM SEE OUR WIDE SELECTION OF CARPETS Estimates for complete installation | Omineca Building ly) ~— Supplies Lt. ~ : 4618 W. Hwy, 16 lesser dips in | Pearse Report | The Council of Forest Industries has reacted to the Pearse al Commission Report with a mixture of ‘approval and deep concern, accerding to Don Lanskail, COFI President. “The report is far too all- embracing to either accept or reject without serious reservations,'* Lanskail said. ‘‘Many of the recommendations in the report will have a varied impact on different. forest companies and _ these companies will be making comment as they see fit onee they have completed their analysis,”’ “The industry is gratified that Dr. Pearse has recommended that the provincial government make a more deliberate recognition of the economic importance . of _ forest roducts to the province. He 5 also emphasized the iundamental economic truth that the future of this in- dustry depends on its ability to compete in world markets and that its competitive capability is being eroded by high costs of labour and capital, and by poor profit performance.” “The Commissioner has . ‘ report, Lanskail said, that quite rightly recommended at the government guard against-adding unnecessary costs on the forest industry and further, that such things .aS utilization standards and cost recovery systems be examined to find ways of reducing the cost burdens of the industry. Unfortunately, some. of the recom- mendations for increased government involvement not only contradict the objective, but at first glance indicate an increase in the very cost the Commissioner is concerned with.” “Another element of the report which creates a risk of misunderstanding is the material relatin, called ‘big and small’ companies. It is clear that an efficient industry needs a mix of both — large com- panies with the major capital required for in- tegrated operations and the independent logging and sawmill operators: who are ‘The Terrace Rotary Club would like to express its: appreciation to the many merchants and businessmen who. contributed items for the 16th Annual Terrace Rotary Club _ Radio-TV Auction and to the citizens whose generous | bidding made the Auction a tremendous success. ‘This marvellous collaboration will allow the Terrace Rotary to so-- 80 essential to provide en- terprise and balance.” Lanskall said that while Dr. Pearse’s report contains hundreds 4 recom- mendations which will have to be studied in detail, the industry feels that it is able to concur at this time with the following broad areas . contained in the report: - Administration should be site-specific rather than being subject to blanket regulation. - Legislation and. con- tracts should be in clear, unambiguous language. - Rights of appeal should be specified. - Forestry and forest management costs should be fully recoverable as soon as possible. - The Forest Service should be the government resource agency which makes final decisions on resource management. The COFI-President said the recommendations for revision to tenure arrangements are causitig cancern within the industry but will have to be studied in greater detail béfore an industry position can be taken. There are areas of the the objects to. are: + Recommendations which lead to legislative can- cellation of certain con- tracts. - Increased government involvement, - Establishment of the Forests Products Board. “Our position to the government on the sanctity of contracts has been industry definitely Among these ‘consistent over the years” Lanskail: said, ‘‘and unilateral change can only - harm investor confidence.” Lanskail also said that the industry position on ‘overnment intervention in ie market place has been consistent and has not changed. “The report produces no further argument which would be convincing on the need for a Forest Products Board,” he_ said. ~ 4 oa While - the’ ‘industry commends Dr. Pearse for a well-written document, the report has several hundred recommendations and its total implementation would be impossible while stil conducting day-to-day business oO s 7 Course for , _ heavy equipment operators - The provincial govern- ment and the Operating Engineer's Jeint Training Plan have signed a three- year agreement which will News from the Library by Elaine Perry | At last the snow has arrived and all the dormant skiiers perk up in an- ticipation of downhill exhilaration or cross country tranquility. The library has a good deal to interest the sklier. For the down-hillers there are several “how-to'’ books such as “Ski GLM: the fastest and safest sway to learn”, and ‘Free Style Skiing’. Champion skilers turned authors include Nancy Greene who last year wrote her manual of how to alpine ski called simply “Alpine Skiing’, and. another Canadian cham- plon, Judy Crawford who ut her ideas into “‘Skiing asics’. Jean Claude hag one too — “Skiing...the Killy way’’ which offers practical tips on haw to ski cetter. Cross country skiing has gained a lot of popularity recently. Books on joys of that sport include ‘The Pleasures of cross country Break-in suspect followed Delele Ray of 4916 Lazelle Avenue reported to police December 4 someone had spotted a break-in at the illicum Theatre and was watching the building. When police arrived the suspect d been followed to Al & Mac where police used @ , Bolice dog to help them track the suspect. The trail was lost in the lumber yard. oe if skiing’’, “‘Wilderness skiing” by the Sierra Club, and “Cross country. skiing and snowshoeing”. And a new book, ‘British Columbia Cross Country Ski Routes” is useful for skiiers who are looking for new terrain to explore. =~ Up-to-date coverage of the sport can be found also in the monthly magazine, “Skiing”, New Display. This month's feature in the display case is “The Look of Books"’, highlightin the elements of des gn _ paper, ography, colour plates ard iMustredon, ‘New and Notable Baoks. As [t happened (070.19) by Barbara Frum is an en- ticing glimpse of what didn't get aired between 6:30 and 8. A must for fans of “As It Ha ” . Spatsizi (639.90924) by. Tommy Walker of Smithers - about B.C.'s newest wilderness reserve here in the northwest. Car theft Ken Morgan .of 216 Par- menter reported his car was stolen December 5 while his wife was at church. She discovered the 1973 Datsun missing at 11:20 a.m. and police later recovered it at the west end of Ferry Island. The engine was running, the rear low had been smashed out and there was minor damage to the rear of the vehicle. Club to further its work in the community. AS TTA a “ — “ee ry The Club would also like to take this opportunity to wish all citizens a very Merry Christmas and a Happy ‘and Prosperous New Year. ‘Richard Olson’ Auction Committee : hairman yo F * _ te Bernie Selder oo ‘President’ Dr. McGeer com- Plimented the operating engineer's union and the employers for their effarts in tralning heavy equipment operators for the provincial work force. He said the ministry would also like to see training for heavy-duty © mechanics offered at the Haney campus in con- junction with the equipment operator’s course. The Operating Engineer’s Joint Training Plan, will train between 350 to 500 ‘students per year on the Haney campus. Students will attend for three to ten weeks and will use up to 30 pieces of heavy-duty equipment which. the cooperative venture has placed on the Haney campus. “This is one ot maey rograms that the Minis! ff Education will be bringing forward in the next several months to increase job opportunities in British Columbia through expanded technical and vocational see the Haney Education Centre become a training centre for heavy equipment Fhe Operating Engineer’ e Opera ngineer’s Joint Training Plan trains heavy equipment opérators for employment in heavy construction, pipeline construction, road building ‘and related fields. The training plan, funded by the construction industry, also provides other ‘forms of training and assistance for ‘ the employees. ’ Under the agreement, which is renewable, the union-management . program will use 30 acres of the Haney campus for the nominal sum of one dollar. “This is the first time the Ministry of Education, labour and management have completed this type of reement,” said Education inister Dr. Pat McGeer. “For a minimal in- vestment by the govern- ment, the people of British Columbia will receive up to $750,000 worth of initial and al upgrading training each programs.’ Dr, McGeer year.” stated. RESTA PAIR ee SANTRS & 80° SANT Christmas Ideas from NORTHWEST | MUSICAL | SERVICES LTD. Rentals - Sales Repaigs Accessories Private Tuition Seimer Combo ... Guitars 39° Yack + Saradivarlos Treepet $850.00 “= - GORDE DICKIE at . WAREHOUSE STUDIO. ’ sop : 4 635-4665 4602 Lazelle ; SSL Sn et PUBL ON RCE OM EMER