shay % sslepaoneen SEA ob ce in nw rat do ha fh Ped LaF Fo, ood 7 See bee dir os he Sree A LAI cs Bae a 1S Fee ge dies tf OE te Bik ohne ci ta PE PFE, PIE TP in FERS OTRO » With prominent city | mass meetings devoted to the cause Fergus McKean Writes on CP Convention PAGE SIX | The People's .dvocate | DRIVE TOTAL | $1400 FULL No. 145. S_ Western Canada’s Leading Progressive Newspaper | — VANCOUVER, B.C., FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1937 Single Copies: 5 Cents VOL. Ill. No. 41 Published Weekly CCF, LABOR, CHURCH BL TP Colin Cameron, MLA, Loses Assault Case Big Business Makes Efforts to Defeat Labor Bill CAMPBELG RIVER, Oct. 21.— Tenoring evidence submitted by Carol Berg that Pete Harambourne, jogging foremam of the Blk River Timber company, “grabbed Cameron and showed him back,” Magistrate R. J. Walker, Quathiaski Cove, dis- missed the charge of assault laid by Colin Cameron, MLA (CCE, Comox). The charge was laid October 13, when Cameron attempted to contact loggers at HRT camp to gain support for the propoSed trade union Dill and was forcibly stopped by Haram- bourne. Answering Magistrate Walker's contention that he was tréspassins, Cameron declared that “large orzan- izations, many of them foreign, seek to set up virtual kingdoms and keep their employees incommmunicado as in OQakalla prison.” Cameron, who conducted his own case, told the court that he had dis- regarded a sign reading: ‘Private road, no thoroughfare,’ because it was the only road leading to the post office, a Dominion government property. An attack on CIG unions as being “foreign” was made by Senator Farris, counsel for Harambourne. Officials of the Iaimber and Saw- mill Workers’ union see in the out- come of this case, €vidence of a con- centration of forces that are opposed to the enactment of the trade union bill which will be drawn up by the Vietoria conference of trade unions which meets October 30, and 31, the PA learned today. “This case is a timely warning to organized labor and should serve toa tighten up -its ranks against an /® apparently unfriendly administra- tion,” declared Jack Brown, presi- City Major Lord, H. Costigan Will Speak Many Delegates Will Attend Sessions Here ISSUES VITAL Next week-end, October 29- 31, delegates from every pro- gressive organization in Van- couver will convene in the Hotel Vancouver to decide what policies they will follow On Questions of vital importance to the Canadian people. At this peace conference, initiated by the Canadian League for Peace and Democracy here, will be repre- sented trade unions, women's and youth groups, veterans and various mass organizations, churches and peace societies, with memberships running into thousands — a true cross-section of the progressive peo- ple of this province. Questions to be dealt with by the conference include the menace of Fascist aggression, particularly in regard to Spain and China, a boy- eott ef Japanese goods and an em- bargo on shipments of war mate- rials to Japan, and Canada’s foreign policy and attitude toward the Teague of Wations. in conjunction with the confer- ence 100,000 peace ballots have been distributed by the League for Peace and Democracy. d Friday, Oct. 29, at the Auditorium, thousands are expected to hear Major Frederick Lord, world-fam- ous soldier of fortune who in the early days of the Spanish war served as a pilot with the Loyalists, fought the Fascists on the Basque front in an obsolete plane, relate his ex- periences. Accompanying Major Lord will be his wife who will also give her impressions of Spain. On a tour of the US and Canada under auspices of the North Ameri- can Committee to Aid Spanish De- mocracy, Major Lord declared in a recent interview: “As I see it, the people of Spain are fighting the battle Americans fought in 1776, a battle for inde- pendence and for a republican form of government.” : Major Lord is a veteran of six wars and is conceded the outstand- See PEACE (Continued on page 2) Peace dent, LSWU. —n— C7) Bridge, Tunnel Destroyed to Halt Invaders ky bite mite set off by ground was also destroyed. Here is a railroad tunnel, on the Santander-Gijon line, Asturian miners to halt the Fascist advance on Welfare Is Rejected By City Unions Endorsation Of Campaign Refused By Trades Council Voting 54 to 33, Trades and Labor Council delegates this week rejected the recommendation of their execu- tive that the present campaign of the Welfare Federation be en- dorsed, with a reservation that the fSovernment should take responsi- bility in needy cases. Delegate Shearer of the Railway Carmen, was first to speak against endorsation, declaring the govern- ment must be made to recognize its obligations to citizens and not leave it to charity. Pete Munro, Street Railwaymen, Said one of the main objections was the amount of coercion used by many employers in the case of un- organized workers and the reason that he was unafraid of canvassers was the backing of his union. Sedgewick To Address Youth Youth Council Plans ‘Arts Of Peace’ Display — Announcement of a Youth Peace Alex Fordyce, Granite Workers, declared opposition on srounds that the workers had nothing to spare for such campaigns and that there were plenty of wealthy men in the province who could casily raise the money. Bengough reiterated that he en- dorsed the campaign with the res- aiter being blown up by a trainload of dyna- et ‘farmers representing Gijon. The bridge in the fore- |Charge Welfare Publicity Misleading by the Vancouver Welfare the total cost of administration of the Welfare Federation itself, the committee declares that a greater administration costs are incurred by Various agencies receiving donations from the Wederation and that this body does not publish financial state- ments of these agencies. Examples of this alleged mial- administration are furnished by the committee's report. In the special case of Returned Soldiers’ Club, Shelly Building, of the total Fed- eration grant of $4,200 from WVan- couver Welfare Federation for the year 1986, very little was actually received by needy war veterans, Relief of 2,653 needy cases from Poppy Funds was $4,383.21, Van- couver Welfare Grant for adminis- tration, $4,200:00. Im this year’s Economic Conference Is Given Report Of Probe Cliarges that misleading propaganda is being; circulated 5366.899.59 are made this week by, mittee of the Vancouver Industrial and Economic Conference. Granting that only 6 per cent is? its drive for an investigation com- Federation in Big Delegation For Conference A contingent of between 60 and 70 trade union delegates from Wancou- ver and New Westminster will take the Victoria boat Wriday, October 29, to participate in the conference ecall- ed by Victoria Trades and Labor Council for the purpose of drafting a trade union bill for presentation to the new Jegislature this year, Unions announced at the Trades and Labor Council meeting this weelx as sending delegates were: Meat Cut- ters, Machinists, Tailors, Projection- ists, Taxidrivers, Painters, Truck- drivers, Railway Carmen, Musicians, Buildin= Laborers, Millcdrivers. Royal City Toll Protest To Proceed Charles Stewart Will Speak at Royal City UNIONS MEET (PA Correspondence) NEW WESTMINSTER, BC, Oct. 21.—“‘We intend to carry on this campaign until our ob- jective has been reached; in other words, until the toll sta- tions are actually removed trom the bridge.” ThTis statement, made by a dele- gate, summed up the attitude of a committee of trade unionists and New West- minster and the Fraser Valley which met here this week to decide what steps it should take in view of an anpouncement by Tom Reid, MP, that the federal government would shortly contribute toward the cost of the new Pattullo bridge to enable removal of present toll charges. The announcement was subsequently denied by Premier Mackenzie King, who said that no decision had been reached. The committee, on which are pre- sented Amalgamated Carpenters, Canadian Brotherhood of Railway as men.” This statement by Harold leaders in the city have receéi Single jobless arrested this we “All believers in real free mediately demand the abolitio demand that intelligent steps this problem,” Harold Winch shaking cans in order for these men is neither the j “The government, in my op stated. City Shelves ‘Phone Letter BC Telephone Company Pays Light Taxes Notification that 22,000 names are already on the petition lists against the telephone Schedules was given z e City Co 71 on Monday in Employees, Brotherhood of Rail-| '2 the “ae eoune g : way Carmen, Papermakers Associ-] 2 letter from G. H. Longs. These ation, Lumber and Sawmill Work-| petitions will be laid before the ers, Cereal Workers, Meat Cutters and Packing House Employees, Surrey Workers Association, Lang- Board of Railway Commissioners and the City Council was requested not ley Ratepayers and Workers Associ- | tO Pass any resolution confirming ation, and New Westminster Econ-| the two-party residence flat rate of omic, Industrial and Agricultural $2.50 per month. Conference, was instrumental in “We have already dealt with this,” aE eA Ene presen UeprOtest cai said Mayor George Miller. “We can't eee placing of tolls on SURES one Goce! Fred anes representing Surrey It was, however, pointed out by Workers, told the committee that | Ald. J. W. Cornett that the council did not approve the $2.50 or other 3,500 signatures to a petition had already been obtained. After considerable discussion, in which the need for broadening the campaign to include other organiza- rates, but merely went on record it would not oppose them before the Board of Railway Commissioners: Questioned as to telephone rates tions was stressed, the committee | by a PA reporter, Geo. Buscombe, decided to proceed with arrange-| president, Ward 1 Ratepayers, de- ments for a mass protest meeting to} clared that in his opinion it was be held in the Edisor theatre here, | unfair for the BC Telephone com- Sunday, Oct. 24. Speakers at this] pany to compare its current rates meeting will be G. M. Stewart, ex-| with those charged in other cities ecutive member, VYancouver and] where telephone companies are re- (Continued on page 2) See TELEPHONE (Continued on page 2) See TOLLS drive the Returned Soldiers Trustee Board asks $9,989.66. Vancouver Central Clothing Gom- mittee handles all city relief cloth- ing issues and when questioned as swer thta they will be supplied to the donors to the Welfare Hedera- ervation of government responsi- bility because it was better than a lot of scattered tag days. Rally on International Youth Peace Day, November 10, is made by Van- couyver Youth Council to be held in} the Auditorium, Georgia West. Throughout the 36 different na- tions in which the Youth Congress | moveemnt is established, there will be celebrations and there will be of Peace and Canada will be no ex- ception, states the committee. Declaring there will be no dull Speeches on platitudes on peace, the committee is arranging for a per- form by Kitsilano Boys’ Band and a2 mass gymnastic display by the Provincial Recreation .Centres, Dr. G G. Sedgewick to give an address. A display of ‘“‘The Arts of Peace”’ artists parti- cipating, to expose the destructive Mature of war, is part of the pro- gram. Held under auspices of the Cana- dian Youth Gongress Movement, tickets for the rally can be obtained at the YMCA and M. A. Kelly’s music store. Truck Drivers Aid Taximen Appeal Brings Help In Winnings Union Pact Am appeal by Local 151, Taxi- drivers’ Union officials, to the Truck Drivers, while the latter were hold- ing a business meeting at the TOOF Hall, resulted in a demonstration of about 500 people around the offices of Star Taxi Company recently and a Satisfactory agreement was obtain- ed for taxidrivers, stated the dele- gate to the Trades and Labor Coun- cil this week. Truckdrivers’ delesate declared that his union would be only too glad to assist other unions in the same manner if application was made at the business meeting. tion. The investigating committee, in its report, wants to know if due account for money spent for provid- } to its balance sheets officials an- | | } ing clothing to city relief cases will | [uc government’s tragic lack of policy and lous disregard for the welfare of its youth. The last example used by the com-| this decision will be tolerated by anvone be found in civic accounts? mittee is that of Abbott House, | which claims in the “Good Citizen” | that homeless men are not turned | away. The fact that hundreds of | Single men are in jail shows such claims to be misleading. The committee in its statement urges that citizens intending to do- nate to the Welfare Federation shall demand of canyassers the publica- tion and mailing of balance sheets by each agency to all subscribers. New Relief Scale LANGLEY, BC, Oct. 21—New re- lief scales adopted by the municipal council after representations with Langley Workers’ and Ratepayers’ Association will increase single re- lief 40 per cent, married 30 per cent. Although far helow provincial scales, new rates were accepted as a step in the right direction. See eee a eo ee B.C. Wil Camps fo | Not Tol erate Prison r Province’s Youth ip THE provincial government’s decision to place British Columibia’s unemployed young | Men in prison camps is the natural conclusion of might have had public improvements to show for their money. Spontaneous protest from thousands who see the danger of such a step im a democratic coun- . try has already been voiced. But this protest be felt at Victoria. CCF parliamentary 2a |- That having must the shghiest respect for rights of citizenship we representatives and aldermen must sive a lead do not for a moment suppose. Clearly the open- to the people who elected them. Every trade | ing of concentration camps is a flagrant violation union and progressive organization must partici- | of our Givil liberties. VWWre would expect such an pate shel buildings a mighty protest that will con | action under a Fascist resime, but never from vince the government that people will not toler | the government of a democratic country which ate such conditions. A public works program | boasts its British heritage of freedom. is the only solution at this time and, until it is | } The government has failed in i “agitators.” faced with starvation have noe alternative but to Not the * by reason of its failure to place the blame on solicit on the sireets. the @overnment itself heed widespread demands for a scheme at decent wages is responsible for the use they haye commit- ted the crime of embarrassing the present situation. And bee > politicians at Victoria the unfortunate youth of this province must first be herded into jails with hardened criminals and now confined in prison camps. The taxpayers, of course, will foot the bill when, but for the government’s lack of policy, they inaugurated, these unfortunate young men must | be released from jails and concentration camps and given adequate relief. We appeal to the CCF, to progressive church leaders, to the trade unions, and particularly to women’s organizations to join with the Commu- nist party in a united protest against this ont- rage of the very principles of Canadian democ- racy. The Patullo eoyernment must be forced to recognize that the problem of the single un- employed will not be solved hy confining ‘con | ts attempts to ay Onno Men agitators’ but public worlss to the demoralizing influence of jails and con- centration camps. | Comunist Parry or Canapa, B.C. District. | Fergus McKean, Prov. Organizer. | Meets Scathing Condemnation ‘Imperative That Citizens Awaken to Danger Of Situation,’ Progressive Leaders Here Declare PUBLIC WORKS SCHEME SOLUTION “It is imperative that Ganadian citizens awaken to a com= plete understanding’ of political and economic developments in Canada. Jail camps, slave camps, concentration camps, for our youth. Young men, whose only demand is for tunity to do productive work, because such opportunity is denied and governments refuse to accept their proper ye- spensibilities, are to be interned in the oppor= prison camps for acting Winch, MLA (CCF, Vancouver Bast) is typical of the indignation with which progressive ved the Pattullo government’s cold announcement that, because the jails are full, it is opening: prison camps at Deroche and Harrison Lake for scores of ek for soliciting on the streets. dom and democracy must im- n of all jail camps. They must be taken to find a solution to declared. “What is the offense of these single unemployed? Simply to eat, and nothing else. But the place ai] nor Oakalla, nor the prison camp, for these men are not criminals.”’ was the view of Rev. W. Cooper, of St. James’ Ghurch. inion, has no moral right what- ever to send these so-called tincanners to a prison camp,” he “The overnment would save the taxpayers’ money as well as the boys if it would inaugurate and systematically- @sustain a constructive works pro- Sram wherein the men would be properly paid. They could pay for their own food and be responsible for their own saving.’’ Labor Urges Worls Scheme Perey Gengough, secretary, Van- eouyver Trades and Labor Council, when approached by the PA stated- “The policy of the trade unions has always been clear. We believe in useful work at trade union rates, We believe that there is sufficient need for public works in Canada to take care of all unemployment. This would be better and cheaper for tax- payers and all concerned, and after the money is expended there will be something ‘useful by way (of public works. Otherwise, it is a total loss as far as man-power and money are concerned.’ 5 Thundering his denunciation of the government's action, Dr. Lyle Telford, MLA (CCF, Vancouver Hast) scathinely observed: “There is absolutely no need to sesresate men and herd them into camps just because our govern- ment’s policies have been Stupid. There is an abundance of work which needs to be done and decent Wages could be paid. Concentration camps don’t solye the problem. They make it worse. ‘ “Human needs should be the first consideration of any intelligent so0v- ernment.” CGP Alderman Alfred Hurry termed the decision “‘an open admis- sion of the sovernment’s inability to meet the situation.” He declared: “There are ample returns from the primary industries of the proyinece—loggins, minine and fihing—on which a small super tax would provide sufficient treyenue for an adequate public works pro- gram.” “The policy of the government cannot go unchallenged,” Maurice Rush, YC, provincial secretary de- clared. /It is a threat to the well- being of our youth.” A business man’s viewpoint was provided by George Buscombe. “I don’t believe in camps of any description,” he said, “I believe that the reyenue from gasoline tax, for instance, which was collected speci- fically for a road buildine program, should be used for that purpose and the men put to work. We are spend- ing $250,000 per year asking tour- isis to come to our province and when they get here we have no roads for them to drive on. We should be prepared to pay these men $4 a day to build roads and by this means develop assets for our province.” fefutes Slander i. McKean, provincial organiz of the Communist party, interviewed the Daily Province’s protest a “news” story in editor to | Which slander and half-truths were obviously an ill-dissuised attempt to back the government’s assertion that single jobless are forced to solicit on the streets, not because of the sovernment’s refusal ot provide relief or work, but be- cause they have been stirred up by ‘agitators.’ “The story crudely attempted to leave the impression that the whole hing was a deéep-laid plot of the Communist party, devised at the recent national convention, to em- barrass society,” McKean old the PA. featured, (Continued on page 2) See CAMPS Snir weawecnae