Page Iwo

BekG WOR KE RS]

NEWS

Wovember 22, 1935 |

YOUTH

COLUMN |

CONDUCTED BY MAX ROWE
WOODWARD’'S WAGE ROBBERY

(Lhe following news item was
written by a girl, who for obyious
reasons does not wish to have her
mame mentioned. It is only one
ease of the unfairness and ex-
ploitation that the employees of
the departmental steres in B.C.,
have to put up with because they
have failed to build a union to pro-
tect their interests.)

A compensation tax amounting to
25¢ per month is deducted from the
wages of girls working in the gro-
cery department in Woodward's de-

partment store.
Recently a sirl who had paid $18

in compensation during her period of
Under the

employment, became ill.
local ruling it is necessary to be ab-
sent from work for four days, due
to either accident or sickness before
eompensation is granted.

ROBBED OF COMPENSATION

The girl in question remained 11]
in bed for three and a half days. It
Was necessary to get the doctor. On
the fifth day she returnedvto work.
One of the days that this girl re-
mained at home was a store holiday.

On this ground she was refused
compensation. Her wages average
$30 per month, and out of this

amount she naw has the doctor to
pay and also the twenty-five cents
insurance against “accident and
sickness.”’
BUILD UNION

The above is one of many grieyv-
anees that exist amongst the store
elerks, and it is time that some
form of organizational work was
carried on amongst them so that
they may come together in a union
to win. better conditions ‘for them-
selves, and end the employers’ rack-
eteering on their wages, and other
abuses.

TWO YOUNG VICTIMS OF CANA-
DIAN CAPITALISM

COCHRANE, Ont., Nov. 18.—Two
young men were found dead in a
box-car. It is believed both died of

asphyxiation due to fumes emanat-
ing from the charcoal heaters used in
the car.

Qne of the youne men was identi-
fied as Peter Panagypka, 20-year-old
Ikapuskasine hockey player.

A pair of ice skates were found in
his pack-sack. He was apparently
looking for work and if successful,
he undoubtedly planned to carry on
with the sport he loved.

YOUTH IN FASCIST AUSTRIA

VIENNA.—The 17-year-old trade
school pupil, Sima, who was arrest-
ed with a-few copies of an illegal
Socialist leaflet, was sentenced to
Six months in prison.

After haying served this sentence,
he will be turned over to the judicial
authorities where he is expected to
be conyicted again for the same of-
fense and sentenced to a heavier
penalty.

The fate of another young worker
apprentice, Ludwig Nimis, who had
f@iven three copies of an illegal
paper to some of his school friends,
was first sentenced by the police to
eight months in prison, and then by
the court to one year at hard labor.

to a member of the Socialist
oreanization. Houberger, in
possession 20 dues stamps of his or-
eanization were found. The money
raised by the sale of these stamps is
used for the support of political
prisoners and their families.

youth
whose

YOUNG LOGGER SERIOUSLY
INJUCRED

As a result of the terrific speed-up
at Youbou logging camp, near Dun-
can, George Chilton, 26, had his lee
amputated in Dunean Hospital
Saturday. The lege was badly crush-
ed by machinery. His condition is

very serious.
The last few months has witness-
ed many casualities in the logging

camps in B.C., becuuse of the bosses
efforts to squeeze more profits from
the workers, by way of the inhuman
speed-up, resulting in unsafe work-
ing conditions an d numerous in-
juries. Those who suffer most are
the inexperienced young loggers who
cannot stand the terrific pace.

“Mother, why is it so cold in my
bed?”

“Because you have no warm
blanets, dear.”

“And why haven't I, mother?”

“Because your father is not

working.’
“Why isn’t he working?”
“Because he has made too many
blankets, dear.’

A delegation organized
Jewish <Anti-Nazi Conference in
Toronto will interview the King
Zovernment in a few weeks, demand-
ing amongst other things, non parti-
cipation of Canada in the Olympic
Games in Germany in 1936.

The Trades and Labor Congress,
Co-operative Commonwealth Federa-
tion, League Against War and
Fascism, and the Jewish Anti-
Iascist Conference have all agreed
to be represented on the delegation.

by the

YOUTH MUTUAL BENEFIT CLUB
There is in existence in Canada a
labor organization known as the In-
dependent Mutual Benefit Pedera-
tion.
Steps have now been taken by a
sroup of youth in Toronto, Ontario,
as a result of letters being received
from various parts of the country,
to build a Youth Movement to the
Independent Mutual Benefit Pedera-
tion.
A special convention is to take
place in Hamiulton, Ontario, on Nov.
24th. This convention will discuss
the further development of the moyve-
ment.
The value of such a youth organi-
zation that will give youth the op-
portunity of insuring themselves,
and controlling their own insurance
fund, while at the same time being
supplied with facilities whereby
they will be able to develop their
physical, cultural and sport activi-
fies, cannot be under estimated.
Workers® organizations should
seriously discuss the movement and
consider participation in the Hamil-
ton convention. Organizations or
persons desirous of further informa-
tion should write to the Provisional
Secretary: Oscar Morgan, Room 32,

Similar penalties were meted out

274 College Street, Toronto, Ontario:

Defence News|

CUMBER FREED

VANCOUVER, Noy. 20—Informa-
dion has been received by the Dis-
trict Office of the C.L.D.L. to the
effect that the case against Ernest
Gumber, scheduled to come up at
the Wew Westminster fall assizes,
hhas been dropped by the crown.
Cumber was arrested over a year
azo, when he was defending some
of his fellow relief camp workers,
in police court here, and was charg-
ed with “‘defraudine the Department
of National Defense.” Appearing at

the spring assizes in New West-
moinster last March, three juries
failed to reach a verdict and the

ease was traversed till the present
sitting.

RIOTING CHARGES

VANCOUVER, Nov. 20. — Five
workers, churged with “rioting” are
at present in Qakalla, having been
committed by Magistrate Matheson
to higher court. They are Arthur
Snooks, Robert Daiels, T. Olsen, B-
Smith ad HM. Moffatt. The last three
were at first charged with vasrancy
but later their charges were chang-
ed to rioting, All men when visited
by the representative of the C.L.D.
i. were in good spirits and wished to

have their cases tried in County
Gourt by speedy trial.
VANCOUVER, Noy. 15.—Alfred

Heath, relief camp worker, was to-
day charged with “obtaining relief
under false pretences” and was sen-
fenced by Magistrate Matheson to
ten days.

ASSAULT CHARGES
VANCOUVER, Nov. 16.—Stewart
Stone and James McQueen, were to-
day arrested on charges of assault.
Bail has been set at $500.00 and the

CiL.D.L. is defending.

Victims Dependents Need Your
Assistance

The enormous number of cases
handled by the Canadian Labor De-
fense League over a period of eight
months has been an intense financial
strain on our supporters and sym-
pathizers. Thousands of dollars have
been expended on court costs. Pub-
licity in thousands of copies have
been distributed and we have re-
ceived splendid support from a great
many organizations and individuals.

Today, we have reached a erisis.
Our treasury is empty and arrests
on the waterfront ad elsewhere still
continue to inerease. If we are to
keep on defending workers, pro-
secuted for their labor activity, it
is essential that we receive further
financial support. Not only this, but
with increased arrests the number of
prisoners’ dependents also increases,
and we face the future struggles
with greater concern for their wel-
fare. Many of the dependents are
destitute, many face evictions for
non-payment of rent, many haven't
a erust in their cupboards, and many
of the victims of class justice have
left children on the outside. Christ-
mas is approaching and instead of
cheer, stark misery is in store of
these women and children.

You can assist in alleviating these

conditions by remitting a small
donation to the CL.D.L. Mark the
funds, relief fund or defense fund,

and the money will be used accord-
ingly.

THIRTY DAYS

VANCOUVER, Nov. 15—Charged
with malicious damage to property,
Louis Davies, was today sentenced
to 30 Gays in the cells at the police
station. His arrest arose out of acti-
vity on the longshoremen picket
line. Davies is seaman and was
defended by Gordon Grant, retained
by the C,L.D.L.

a

COMMUNISTS AND
SOCIALISTS OF
BELGIUM UNITE

BRUSSELS, Noy. 12.—Unity of
¢<he working class in Belguim march-
ed forward last week when the Brus-
sels Federation of the Belgian Social-
ist party (Partie Ouvrier) decided by
resolution of establishing immediate-
iy a United Front with the Com-
munist Party against war and

ANNOUNCEMENT

Winners in the draw at the Work-
ers’ Unity League whist drive held
Nov. 16, at 130 Hastines West, were:
1, Harry Fons, ticket No. $892 A;
2, N. Fraser, W.L.L., ticket No. 444.

Fascism.
abstained.

6

The vote was

The Liege Federation of the Bel-
Sian Socialist party has already de-
ided in favor of supporting the
if

By BOB LEALESS

Unemployment has now become a
serious problem to the working peo-
ple. This has become very clear now,
when the press is playing up the fact
that production inereasing and
prosperity has turned the corner.

For the masses of people prosper-
ity has not turned the corner, in-
stead of enjoying an increased share
in the growth of production the con-
dition of the people grows worse.

In Vancouver during October, 1935,
there was officially recorded a reduc-
tion of only seven persons receiving
relief in comparison with the corre-
sponding months of 1933 and 1934. If
we bear in mind that about 1200 men
bave volunteered to work out their
relief plus 25 per cent;-this is Statis-
tically made to show that there has
been an increase in employment and
a decrease in the number receiving
relief, This goes to show the unreli-
ability of the figures published by
the government on employment.

It is now generally admitted that
n condition of permanent unemploy-
ment has now become the daily ex-
istence for hundreds of thousands of
workers.

The majority of them .receiving
relief in B.C. are working it out on
road work. Whenever any attempt
has been made by these workers to
have the number of days work per
month increased they have been
ruthlessly suppressed by the proyin-
cial police.

Aside from the fact that those who
are working out their relief are not
receiving enougsh to live on, the goyv-

is

Concrete Policy, Tactics And
Organization Are Required To
Relieve Suffering Unemployed

proves that there are no obstacles
that cannot be overcome.

Petty Grievances of Workers are

important

In order to develop and build up a
wide movement against unemploy-
ment greater attention must be giv-
en to the small needs of the unem-
ployed and employed workers and
these needs should be knitted into
the main struggle for work at decent
wages and for real unemployment
insurance.

The speeches and agitation amons
unemployed workers must be great-
ly improved and must take into ac-
count the sentiments and desires of
the workers, at every Siven moment.

The right of everybody to work
must become the centre of agitation.
The fact that the right to work is
being denied to tens of thousands
of people must not go unchallenged.
This right must be directed by the
people themselves into an improve-
ment of their own surroundings.

One does not have to lool very far
to find that in every community
urgent and necessary work is wait-
ing to be done. This work is of the
nature of building hospitals, play-
grounds, youth recreation centres,
sidewalks and sewers. Condemned
dwellings and shacks should be torn
down and replaced with sanitary
dwellings and rented at nominal
rates to the poorer paid and unem-
ployed workers. The right of every
person to work must be fought for
more energetically than ever before
and established.

ernment, by Carrying through this The usual excuse for not doing
Send a Revolutionary Greeting Card
to Your Friends!
Prices for Greeting Cards
Single Cards with Envelones to Match ....-.....-. 8c, or 2 for 15¢c
Orders of Ten or Over, each ..-..-.-------+-----+----++--++---:- 5¢
Order from “B.C. Workers’ News” Office

poliey gives every assistance and en-
couragement to the bosses to use the
unemployed and the threat of unem-=-
ployment to reduce wages.

Unemployment is therefore more
seriously effecting the lives of the
employed workers and their families
and in a more intense form than
formerly.

To Build City Hall at Relief Wages

It is the intention to build the new
Vancouver City Hall on earnings
about equal to relief allowances and
below the present allowances ef relief
workers on the South Hill and Still
Creek sewer projects.

Such a policy of ‘“work and wages”
has created a very favorable basis
among the employed workers for
raising the issue of unemployment
anda for winning their support.

The Pattullo government has just
finished another registration of all
relief recipients in the province. The
aim of the registration is to accomp-
lish the same end as Premier Hep-
burn, of Ontario, accomplished last
spring when he cut all Single per-
sons off relief with the declaration
that “plenty of farm jobs are ayail-
alble.”’

The registration was based on as-
certaining who are employable and
who unemployable. Pattulo evident-
ly wants to establish a period simi-
lar to that prior to 1930, when un-
employment was not recognized by
the goverment to exist and when
ihe unemployed were compelled to
bee or exist on private charity.

The basis for developing a wide
movement against unemployment
and of getting the much needed
support of the employed workers
was never more fayorable than to-
day. To develop such a movement
the preyious methods of work among
the unemployed must be rapidly ex-
tended but what is most important,
new methods must be immediately
and rapidly put into effect in order
to attract the widest sections of the
people in struggles for work at de-
cent wages and for the establishment
of real system of unemployment
insurance in Canada.

The greatest weakness of the
strugele against unemployment has
always been the lack of unity and
support by the employed workers
ef the struggles developed by the
unemployed.
The establishment of unity be-
iween the employed and unemploy-
ed is the greatest need today. With
the trade unions Jeading and giving
full support to the struggles develop-
ed by the unemployed themselves
the whole movement against un-
employment would be stimulated tre-
mendously.
Small Percentage of Unemployed are
Organized
Amone the unemployed two or-
sanizations have been developed: the
Provincial Workers Council on Un-
employment (P.W.C.) and the C.C.F.
Unemployment Section. Both of
these organizations have wery little
influence oyer the unemployed and
¢ogether they have not organized
3,000 people out of about $0,000, who
are receivine relief.
Both organizations have the same
platform: Work at union wages and
non-contributory unemployment in-
Suranece. The difference that exist
between them is in the forms of or-
fSanization. The CCF. organization
confines its activities to C.C_.IF’. mem-
bers only. The P.W.C. has no politi-
cal affiliations but generally re-
cosnized by the unemployed as being
a Communist led organization.
There is not the least doubt but
that the factors which keep the two
organizations apart and consequent-

a

is

ly the unemployed divided can be
easily overcome by friendly and
mutual discussions between the

members of both organizations. The
experiences of the unemployed in the
joint campaisn of the ©.C Fr. and

e
United Front.

ine IWeG “in, December, 1934;

such work is: ‘““Where is the money
to come from?’ The movement
against unemployment must give an
answer to this question in a more
definite and understandable form
than previously. Only the rich have
the money. They must be taxed
progressively on their incomes. They
must be compelled to Jlend their

money to such work without inte-
rest.
In our agitation we have the

greatest chance to specifically show
to the people the real nature of
wealth and preveni the sidetracking
of the peoples fight into social cred-
it and other monetary illusions.

Too long have speakers of all
kinds paid lip service to the destruc-
tion of food, milk and other wealth
that is going on all around us. We
should raise in a positive way the
question of using this wealth to re-
lieve the hunger and distress of the
people. We must be able to carry
on our agitation in such a clear and
convincing manner that everyone
will feel and understand the desire
and need for united action.

School Children Moist Have Plenty

Of Milk

The milk that is dumped in the
Fraser Valley must be saved and
distributed to the hungry children
in the schools. Instead of using the
labor of coal miners to build roads
or cut wood we must raise the issue
of having the labor of the people
utilized for producing Goal and other
necessities for the shivering and

fr others led by the mob instinct; more,

hungry unemploved. There are
many ways for arousing the people
to action and assistine them to build
up 2 powerful movement that will
create work and defeat the attempts
of the capitalist class to use unem-—
ployment to enrich themselves and
drive down the poor.

Let us all get busy in our unions,
clubs and unemployed organizations
by raising the question of the right
to work, the right to real unemploy-
ment insuranee, the right of our
women, youth and children to a de-
eent life and a brighter future. The
materials are all around us for the
accomplishment of this end.

Premier Kine promised action if
elected. Let us all get together and
compel action on the basis of our
own common needs, which is the
ereatest need of the movement
asainst unemployment.

Celebrating
Armistice

“Onward Christian
Marching as to War.”

The tune attracted my attention as
I moved into the crowd that lined
Victory Square, some of which had
wandered through to “‘see the show,”

Soldiers,

out of pure boredom. A little tot be-
side me looked up at her daddy and
asked, “What are they doing, dad-
dy?” Her Yather answered, faltering-
ly, “they're .. . celebrating.” ““Bra-
tin what daddy?” the little one ask-
ed. ‘We—ll—yvou climb up here and
see.”” Whereupon he hoisted her on-
to his shoulder, much to the delight
of the youngster.

It was Remembrance Day, Nine-
teen Thirty-Five. A gun roared in
the distance and a death-like silence
ensued, I was reminded of that
early morning attack on the Somme;
a silence like this, and then a bed-
Jam of roaring, shrieking, and whin-
ing. And then when I thought of
what the little tot’s dad had said
about this show, I laughed right out;
it appeared so goddamned funny-

When I returned to the environ-
ment of my surroundings I felt a
thousand pairs of eyes upon me, and
IT felt that once more I was on the
Somme. I felt a twitch in the vicinity
of my right arm, TI had lost it all

over again. In a little while my
shoulder commenced to ache and
dark blotches mounted before my

eyes. Some one grabbed my arm, my
left arm; why hadn't they caught my
right arm. It was there alright, I
knew it was there; it was ‘celebrat-
ins.’

I regained my poise to see the
bands leaving the square, well-fed
bands with husky drummers that
bid fair to break their drums with
powerful blows; followed by small
groups of men dressed in civilian
clothes, each led by a flag-bearer.

As the last of these small groups
advanced toward me, a gust of wind
unfurled an enormous flag. The
group was almost hidden from my
view for a few seconds. When the
breeze subsided and I saw them
once more, their bedragglied appear-—
anee was so pronounced as to make
me shift my gaze to the flas and
then turn away. They may get a
banquet tonight, I thought, and they
sure need it. —V, CG.

Majority Report Only

Recognized

By Miners In Struggle

By A BRIDGE RIVER MINER

During the sirike of the miners of
the Bridge River district last spring,
the miners held a strong position for
seventeen days, and forced the com-
panies to pay wage increases of from
40 cents to one dollar a day and
compelled the employers to adhere to
the 48-hour week.

These two basic issues were done
and settled with, in so far as the
miners were concerned, when the
strike was called off, and this was
understood by all concerned. The
only interest the miners could have
had was further increases up to
the original demand for one dollar a
day increase without exception; the
question of discrimination and the
livine and working conditions of the
miners and their families, and these
should have been the issues dealt

with by the Conciliation Board.

A Meaningless Report
The minority report, written by
Bingay on the Gridge River dispute,
was an attempt to divert the hear-
ings into a re-opening of the issues
that had been already settled. He

agreed with his colleagues of the
board on all the other issues dis-
cussed.

A glance at the majority report

signed by W. A. Pritchard and the
chairman, Judge McIntosh, favored
these things already gained by the
workers. A few minor recommenda-
tions were added.

But many important things were
treated far too lightly. Discrimina-
tion was not even mentioned.

These results show the great neces-
sity for the workers to weld their
forces together; consciously realiz-
ing that only the best efforts of the
workers themselyes in the building
of their unions ean bring the best
results. :

What has become fully apparent
to the workers in a study of the
findings of such investigations is
that they are just investigations.

Gains Won

But with a union stron= enough,
much prestige can be added, when
the legal methods of approach to-
wards a settlement of a dispute is
adopted.

Strong Union Needed

A powerful militant union, with an
intelligent well discussgd policy, is
the most important factor. While at-
temps at conciliation may be a cor-
rect policy in some cases, the results
are too often inadequate. Therefore
it is imperative, that the workers
have the experience, and ability to
manoeuyre. To endorse what find-
ings are suitable, while retaining
their right of collective bargaining,
and to struggle for further conces-
sions.

To build strong and influential
organizations, every unionist should
take the sincerest interest in the
buildings of his union and in the
formulating of its policy. If this is
done, mistakes can be avoided and
the march towards the united front

CLOTHING FOR SINGLE MEN
Clothing is now being issued to
the sinele men and as the result of
a delegation from The Workers’
Ex-Servicemen’s League, the single
ex-servicemen may place their name
on the list at 150 Hastings St. W.
This concession will eliminate a lone
wait In a line up.

MARRIED MEN MUST ORGANIZE
We understand married men on
city relief cannot get clothes at pre-
sent unless they are working for
their script. This injustice must be
rectified and the only way to do it,
is for those affected to orfanize and
fight for a square deal.

BRITTANIA MINES

Tf you want to work at Brittania
Mines you must have your photo
taken. Soon they will want your
finger prints. Armed with the above
information a good blacklist is no
doubt kept. These are Fascist tac-
tics and must be exposed.

PREPARING TO GAIN INCREAS-

BED RELIBEE >
_ Under Good and Welfare at the
jast business meeting of the W-E-S.
L., the-great increase in the cost of
living came up for discussion. It was
pointed out by single men eating in
restaurants that with the increase
in prices on the menu, it is impos]
sible to make a $2.00 meal ticket
jast out a week, forcing our mem-—
bers to go hunsry or bes. The ecut-
ting out of the Chinese restaurants
was also pointed out as another fac
tor for the increased cost, as the
above have always kept meals at a
ower rate. It was decided to call an
open meeting next Monday, Nov. 21,
at 8 p.m., at 150 Hastings St. W. All
ex-servicemen are asked to attend
so that a full discussion can be had
as to what steps we should take to
force an increase in our miserable
relief. Come armed with data of the
increases in prices of meals and
food stuffs. United we can win a
better standard of living.

CALGARY VETERANS
Galgary ex-Servicemen have won
the right to eat and sleep where they
chose, but there is a catch in it.
They must find a restaurant that
will give them two meals for twenty
five cents. Our comrades will have
to fight for this measly amount to
be increased; no man Gan Keep body
and soul together on twenty- five

cents worth of restuurant eats.

WHAT KIND OF A PAPER IS
“THE VETERAN?”

“THE VETERAN’ in B.C. Octo-
ber issue has an article’ entitled,
“Shall Mob Rule Succeed in Demo-
eratic Canada.’’ Most ex-service-
men will recosnize that the govern-
ment is already taking away our
few privelegzes, such as the right to
strike and picket, free speech and
asembly, etc. Look at the “Special
Powers Act,” “‘Arcand Act” and the
“David Bill,’ all aimed at the
democratie rights of the workers.
Opposition to the loss of these rights
is classed by the Fascist editors of
this rag as Mob Rule. The Veteran
in B.C. is published at 509 Richards
St.. the home of the Citizens’
League and all reaction. Rank and
File veterans should expose this
vile propaganda issued from that
nest of Fascists on Richards St,

LIBRARY ESTABLISHED
Gentre Branch W.E.S.L. has a li-
brary of working class literature
under the charze of Comrade Fras-
er. All members and friends are
cordially invited to make use of
these books. Donations of books
connected with the working class
struggle will be appreciated. Work-
ers, read the history of your class.

PLENTY OF ACTIVITY
Amusements are not overlooked;
Jast Sunday night a very excellent
concert was staged under the aus-
pices of the C.L.D.L. and W.E:S.L.
at 150 Hastings St. W. Another
will be held next Sunday. All’ wel-
come. For those who like whist and
dancing, we recommend Tuesdays
and Saturdays at the same address,
also at 3366 Kangsway.

Ex-servicemen are invited to dis-
cuss their problems with the W.E.S.
L., our members are always at your
service. Pensioners, and relief reci-
pients, in cases of discrimination
see the W.E.S.L. Help us to help
you, join a progressive organization.

BERLIN.—An order to all Nazi
civil servants and employees in the
Saar Province to observe Wednes-
days and Fridays as fast days on
which they must not eat meat or
buter, has been issued by the Saar
leader of the National-Socialist

of labor strengthened.

Party.

It’s A Shame To Be Poor
At Grandview High School

Pupils Who Cannot Pay
Entrance Fee Are Dis-
criminated Against

By MAX ROWE

About six hundred students attend
the Grandview High School, and all
of them are expected to pay a 50c fee
at the beginning of the term. Those
pupils who are unable to pay have
their names written on the black-
board in an effort to shame them in-
to hurriedly paying it.

Many pupils, whose parents are on
relief, simply have not the money.
Pupils who cannot pay their fee are

om allowed to participate in the
sports activities, are denied the use
of the library and barred from all
the other school clubs. Before join-
ing any Club or sport the receipt for
the 50c must be shown on request.
Many Assessments

Although pupils who cannot afford
to purchase books are supplied same,
nevertheless there are many other
assessments. for instance, pupils
have to secure a certain kind of
history book from Victoria, costing
25c;

Typing books are rented for an-
other 25c but pupils are forbidden to
take them home for further use,

UNITY PAYS:

Municipality

Farmers in the district of the ©
of Dangley, organized ~
in the Farmers’ Unity League to the ~
number of 34, are realizing the bene-
fit of organization even though the
number organized is smali. Those
on relief now get their checks on
time, whereas, before they were or-
ganized they always came late.

Not only that, but workers were
formerly short in their pay checks.
This has now been remedied.
Another gain is the prevention of
discrimination. This was not pos-
sible without organization. 5
Clothing is another item that was
needed and it is now permissable to —
work an extra day for clothing and ~
other necessaries. a
Let us widen out our orzanization
and make our lives more tolerable.

FISH PACKERS
AMASS PROFITS,
EXPLOIT CHINESE

Wretched Conditions of ©
Cannery Workers in
the B.C. Fishing
Industry.

GIBSONS LANDING, Nov. 16
Chinese labor, which is provided by
the Chinese contractors, constitutes
exploitation of human beings such)
as the average Canadian citizen
would hardly credit. Nearly every
salmon cannery in B.C. has its China”
house—sueh as it is—poorly lighted, ©
poorly ventilated and ramshackle. >
These “black holes” are so situated”
that the casual visitor to the Gan-}
nery would fail to see them. The”
furniture is hand made, double-deck—
er bunks, board tables and long”
crude benches are the rule. The int
mates sleep, eat and i
spare time in the same building.
The contractor supplies the food ~
and the cook. The food is rice and
sometimes vegetables cooked in big
pots, in many cases over open fires. |
The average cost per meal per work- 4
er never goes over five cents. Weak —
tea without milk or sugar is the
drink supplied with meals. On this
diet a Chinaman is expected to work ©
long hours, very often missing the ©
mid-day meal. |
There is no such thine as a mini}
mum wage law to protect the Chin- —
ese cannery worker.

Terrific Exploitation
When the cannery whistle blows’
the signal for Chinamen to turn out, -
they file into the cannery, never”
knowing how long the work day is |
going to be. I haye seen. Chinamen
ready to drop from exhaustion,
working in a semi-sleeping condition
in dense clouds of steam and around )
fast moving machinery. I have aiso-
witnessed these helpless workers on
the verge of striking against such |
intolerable conditions, only to be’
brow-beaten back to the job.
When the last case of salmon is.
added to the season's pack, the Chin- |
ese contractor puts on a party with
the finest of Ghinese delicacies on™
the table. There is plenty to drink
and to eat. The cannery officials and”
white erew are present to enjoy the
occasion but never does the poor
Chinese laborer have an opportunity
to take part in this final fling which
the profits of his labor have made”
possible. —H. E. M.

Telford And

Technocracy

Editor, B.C. Workers’ News:

When Howard Scott, leading Tech-
nocracy advocate, was in the city
last week, he was the radio guest of
Dr. Lyle Telford.

In his address Scott said that
those at the top of American society
would pretty soon have to do some-
thine to repair their broken down
industrial system, or they would
meet trouble from the morons in thé
middle and from the neurotic fana-
tic at the bottom.

After Scott finished, the doctor,
before launching into his customary
plenty-for-all sales talk, said that
when the C.C.F. took control they
would turn the running of things
over to the technocrats which would
allow the C.C.F.ers to go away and
play golf. “That is my idea of the
whole thing,”’ said the doctor.

I wonder, I cannot help but
wonder, if the doctor’s Socialism &
anything more than camouflage.

—Radio Listener.

supplies loaned by the school board
This costs the pupil $5c.

Typing paper must also be bough
and this costs on an average of 301
per month. Besides this there is ap
proximately $1.00 spent toward
seribblers, notebooks, etc.

Players on the school hockey tean
must supply their own carfare ft
the games.

Poor Heating System

The heating system in the schoc
is very poor, with the result tha
many of the pupils catch cold. Th
only facility in the five shacks suz
rounding the main building is
small heater which at times make
the room extremeiy hot and at othe
times so cold that many of the si
dents have to wear their coats dui
ing the classes.

Wever was there greater need &k
organization among the students ¢
this school. Some of the more pr
gressive students are considerin
what steps to take to build effectiy
organizations to remedy these sre
ances. They should have the fu
support of all students in doing §&
because it will be to the enefit ¢

bookkeeping paper is not included in

the whole school.

ES

spend their