ine ——— = ~ [A?S zh FOR PEACE, PROGRESS AND DEMOCRACY FULL No. 203 VANCOUVER, B.C., FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1938 REVIEW OF THE WEEK AT THE HOUSE by | Nigel Morgan HOSEN by the government as its ablest debater, if not the ablest in the House, Dr. Weir broke the humdrum of the budget debate Ss it died until next session with a spirited defense of his progressive policies. Making a sharp contrast to the parochial complaints, quack remedies and the “alfalfa’’ theories advanced by most of his colleagues, the Minister made a strone defence of education as the greatest bul- wark of democracy. He stressed the necessity for extendin=e the social services, pointing out with all his professorial abilities that “it is the only sure guarantee of our mental and physics] héalth.”’ Weir 2iso expresséd his belief that ade- quate welfare services are econo- mical in the end. e RISENG out of the first item Sranted in supply to His Ma- jesty, some $8,687,941 to pay the interest for this year on the pub- lic dept, a question was put by Harold Winch. The young CCE whip asked Finance Minister Hart what progress had been made with His election promise of refunding the debt at enormous savings in interest, and recelved the reply that while “the matter was still under consideration, little pro- Sress had been mede.”’ The Pre- mier objected to the answer of his Minister, obviously somewhat em- barassed with the frank admission that a cardinal plank in his 1933 platform had not been and was mot being fulfilled. Se Rm. WINCH (the elder) broad- ened his appeal for improve- ment of conditions in our institu- tions this week by including bear cages. Demanding proper and humane living quarters in all zoos Ihe ably strengthened his case with the use of pictures, and it appears likely that as a result of his amaz- ing industry, and his heartfelt de- Sire to “live and let live,” the in- habitants of BC’s zoological gar- dens will be provided with bigger adequate bathing facilities Cages, L and more natural surroundings. Compulsory medical examinations prior to marriage, 2 measure twice before introduced by the Member for Burnaby, has this year been introduced by the Government. The new bill will not forbid marriages where tests reveal an existence of venereal disease, but pated will discourage weddings in such cases. Results of the tests will be made known to both parties before the license is to be issued. Ss AKING issue with Minister of Labor Pearson, Sam Guthrie, veteran member of organized labor. made a strong appeal for action to reduce accident tolls in logging camps. Pearson said: “We can see no evidence that speeding up ef operations has any connection with accidents; the trouble is there is a lack of fear on the part of many of these men.’ Guthrie point- ed out “that men, particularly in a2 bad piece of timber, are com- pelled to work at breakneck speed | because they must earn their bread and butter.’ Also under fire this week was the government's forest policy, which came in for severe eriticism from both CCE and Con- servative members who made an energetic appeal for replanting of logged off areas. Colin Cameron demanded the government accept the report of its Chief Forester, which showed there was a2 heavy overcut on the coast and that the end of the supply of fir timber was already in sight. R. L. Maitland demanded more rigid control be exercised over the cutting of small wood for Christmas trees, the gov- ernment trying to calm opposition members by saying “that the situa- tion is well in hand.’’ <<) PpEOvIpING a strange contrast in the estimate debate is the expenditures voted for the upkeep ef Government House, high-up fovernment officials and depart— mental wastages in comparison With the consideration given insti- tutions and socal welfare work. The sum of $37,088.00 was calmly voted for the annual upkeep of (Continued on page 6) See HOUSE it is antici— The wife of China’s generalissimo t visits a girls’ Camp of the Chinese Youth Corps and aids in the work of the camp committee. Press Campaign Hits New All-Time Record Final results of British Columbia’s press drive, closed by tre- mendously successful dances at the Trianon and Embassy ball- rooms last week, have shown the splendid total of $3,963.75, in- cluding 794 subscriptions, drive manager W. Ravenor reported Thursday. Of the 46 main committees, 35°. exceeded their objectives. Nineteen attained over i130 percent, seven passed the 170 percent mark and four obtained 200 percent. Only four main committees failed to reach 70 percent. Trade unionists committees have achieved great things, indicated by the Hotel and Restaurant Work- ers, who, with an objective of $50, turned in four times this amount, a total of $209.75, over 419 percent, ineluding 35 subscriptions. The committee leader, John Magnus, turned in i4 subscriptions and raised $45.25. Nearly equalling these results was the seamen’s sub-committee. With a $75 quota the committee of twelve raised $170 including 33 subscriptions. OQne member alone raised close to $50, J. Brown $20, J. Thompson $17.50, J. Watson $15.50, and five other members over $10 each. Securing the support of the Vic- toria Trades and Labor Council, Fred Fox, leader of the Victoria committee, sold the council five subscriptions. Another sub-committee of trade unionists, headed by Pete Munro, introduced the progressive press to forty trade unions and was suc- eessful in obtaining subscriptions for the papers in all nineteen fire halls in the city. Excellent work was also done by other trade union sub-commit— tees including the waitresses, 242 percent, needletrades 240 percent, electricians 216, bakers and drivers 178, mechanics 148, transport work- €rs 150 percent. Despite keen competition from Vencouver Center, the Grand- view committee, led by Alex Sholdra, achieved 197 percent, raising $445.30 on its quota of $225. Led by Sidney Dove, Vancouver Center passed its $400 objective to reach 172 percent, $689.57. Burrard with its stiff objective of $220 was successful under the leadership of H. Asson to reach $274.55, 124 percent. Wew Vest- (Continued On page 5) See ALL-TIME RECORD Victoria Pians To Picket Scrap VICTORIA, BC, Dec. 1.—Prepara-— tions for picketing shipments of serap iron destined for Japan have been made here and will likely go into effect early next week. Endorsation of Nanaimo citi- zens’ picket line has been given by the Canadian Friends of the Ghinese People, Mothers’ Council, Lumber and Sawmill Workers’ Union and the Chinese Youth Council. A demand for picketing of junk businesses in Victoria, aroused by WNanaimo’s example, has resulted in definite plans for picketing. Book-A-Month Plan Offered The People’s Adovocate this week announces a plan under which circulation builders of British Columbia’s progressive home newspaper may obtain a book each month. Any group of persons or Single individual, who secures subscriptions, yearly and halt yearly, to the value of $15 each month, commencing Dec. 1, will receive any one of the following books: Red Star Over China, by EHd- gar Snow; United Front, Dimi- troff; Leontiev’s Political Econ- omy; Peril of Fascism, A. B. Mapil and Henry Stevens; Hand- book of Marxism, edited by Emile Burns. Only half-yearly and yearly subscriptions will be included in the total. No three-month subs are eligible. [Union Gets Contract 348, Motion Picture Pro- jectionists Union, has obtained three-year agreements with both the new Paradise Theatre and the Bay Theatre. Business agent EF. G Graham told the Advocate that these agree— ments cover a payroll of over $51,000 for both houses during the three-year period. Local Wide Opposition To Wear Shipments Sweeps Vancouver on the Evans Coleman dock. Faced with a temporary strike, Myer Franks, owner of the metal, succeeded in hiring student welders from a prominent welding school in the city.. In addition Franks, who is also connected with the Scrap iron tied up at Nanaimo, is understood to have hired one or two other youths, one allegedly under age, to act as checkers. AS news of this action on the waterfront became known, an- nouncements from other quarters indicated opposition to war aid for Japan was taking on an organized character in the City. Yesterday the Canadian Leasue for Peace and Democracy an- nounced plans for a public mass protest meeting within a few days, which will be attended by women delegates from Nanaimo’s picket line. Date of the meeting was to be decided by the week- end, League officials stated. Thursday night also saw a broad meeting of church representatives, women's groups and peace organi- zations at First Baptist Ghurch, sponsored by the Women’s Chris- tian Temperance Union. The meet- ing is wnderstood to have laid plams to picket shipments of scrap metal to Japan and endorsed resolutions protesting Canadian aid to aggressor mations, to be for-— warded to Premier Mackenzie King. Earlier members of these same organizations, including the WCTU, League of Nations, Society and the Ministerial Association, met and Jaid plans for Thursdays meeting and applauded Mrs. A. B. Jame son’s speech advocating picketing of the waterfront in which she de— clared “it’s cricket to picket.” [Meantime at Nanaimo one truck- | driver with four helpers had begun to move metal from the Five Acres junkyards after D. E. Wallace, owner of the truck, had produced legal proof that he was the owner of the 2000 tons of scrap. - By succeeding in producing a bill of sale, Wallace won his de- mand for a license which was is- sued by the department of public works and immediately began haul- ing under strong police escort while pickets watched. The citizens’ committee formed two weeks ago to picket the scrap hasS announced its intention of maintaining picket lines and has ealled a mass public meeting for Friday evening. To Admit Jews CANBERRA, Australia. — The Australian government will admit 25,000 Jewish refugees within the next three years to alleviate the sufferings of Hitler’s victims. ‘CP Convention Opens Saturday Morning at 9:30 a.m. Kean, provincial secretary, will entation of the main report. His speech, which discussion in later sessions, will be based on the theme, “Jobs, Democracy and Peace.’’ covery, Sessions will continue through Saturday, Sunday and a2 morning session on Monday. Sunday's sessions will close early to make way for the convention rally in the Empress Theatre. Featured speakers will include Mc- Kean and a delegate from the Communist Party of United States. Among recent affiliations to the hood of Papermatkers, Victoria. open the first session with a Dres- | is expected to set} the keynote for other reports and > ieee BC Federation on Unemployment, . is Local 367, International Brother-~* Registration of delegates from outside points now in Van- couver to attend the annual BC convention of the Communist party which opens Saturday morning, was almost complete today as party officials announced at least 150 would attend. The gathering will get under ways in the Labor Temple, | 805 Hast Pender, when Fergus Mc- | FERGUS McHEAN = Se vA > Opposition to shipments of scrap iron to Japan from BC, al- ready a wide, popular movement on Vancouver Island, spread into Mainland ports this weekend. First indication of a possible tie-up in shipments from Van- couver came Thursday, when it is understood union welders quit their job of cutting up several hundred tons of serap stored Four More Pickets Convicted Jack Hole, Jacobs Found ‘Guilty’ Gn Two Counts Word was received by union officials Thursday that Assize Court jury had convicted all four Biubber say pickets on the Charge of “unlawful assembly.” Jack Hole and Jce Jacob’s were also found guilty of ricting, but a recommendation for leni- ency was given in Hole’s case. Jury members retired late Thursday at Assize Court to con- sider their verdicts in the trials of Jack Hole, secretary of the Blubber Bay local, IwiaA, Roy Abercrombie, Joe Jacobs and Bob Gardiner, all charged with “unlawful assembly” and rioting. Throughout the trials, evidence for the defence has proved that the fracas at Blubber Bay on September 17 was deliberately Started by police in a ‘“‘demon- stration of force which provoked - a disturbance of the peace,’ de— clared E. A. Lucas, union coun- sel, addressing the jury. Jack Etole, in cross-examination, stated that evidence given by Serst. Sutherland was a “tissue of lies.’ Summing up, Judge Denis Murphy declared that “the courts were open and if the police were guilty, they could have been brought to trial.’ Murphy told the jury “an ac- quittal of Bob Gardiner would be a violation of your oaths. You will then be upholding the rule Gf force against law.’ “This is not a dispute between the company and the accused,” the Judge continued, “but an enquiry as to; whether the law has been broken. Strikes are in Canada, every man has to strike providing h legal a right keeps within the law. “If police orders were im- proper, citizens Should obey, then bring them to court.” Ronald McDonald, first Blub- ber Bay picket to be tried, was eonvicted last Friday at the As- size Court on both charges of rioting and “unlawful assembly.” Sentence will be withheld until the end of the Assizes. At the district police court this week, Cliff Melville, Blubber Bay picket, was convicted by Magis-— trate Filmore on a charge of as- saulting Constable Ellis, despite testimony from another picket bhat it was he, and not Melville, who kicked Ellis. Sentence will be passed at a later date. Trial of Tod McLennan, union secretary, was remanded to Sat- urday, December 38, owing to absence of Colin Cameron, CCE MIA, an important witness in this case. Gov’t Survey For Hollyburn VICTORTA, BCG, Dec. 1—Ex- tensive plans for a whole survey of the North Shore mountain areas have been made by the government with a view to establishing a large park reserve on both Hollyburn Ridge and Grouse Mountain. A government representative will probably start at the begin-— ning of the year to ascertain own- ership of the different areas and will spend about two months mak- ing a whole survey of the proposed park area, Hon. Wells Gray, min- ister of lands told the Legislature recently. ‘ T is anticipated that the park will extend from Howe Sound to the Worth Arm. Big business candidates for the Vancouver mayoralty were displaying extreme reluctance this week in accepting the chal- lenge issued Tuesday by Dr. A. F. Barton for a public de- bate with “any and all” of them on the important issues facing the city electorate. Dr. Barton, standard bearer for the labor-progressive civic cam- paign committee in the mayoralty contest, hurled his challenge at an election meeting in Hastings Audi- torium while outlining his platform which, he declared, was the first and only program yet advanced by the five candidates Seeking the mayor’s seat. Up to Thursday he had received no reply from either Mayor G. CG. Miller, Non-Partisan ILeague can- didate, or Col. Welson Spencer, spokesman for the most reaction- ary big business circles in the city. Earlier in the week Dr. Lyle Tel- ford had declined WBarton’s pre- vious offer to debate their respec- tive policies. i= labor-progressive candidate had written the CCE leg- islative member a letter by regis- tered mail later made Public, in which he stated he considered him- self the only progressive candidate running for the mayor’s office, Since he had been nominated by a broadly representative conference ef trade union, ratepayers and vet- e€rans organizations. On receiving Dr. Telford's re- fusal to debate, Dr. Barton fol- lowed up his earlier challenge with 2 press statement offering to meet the CCE member for a public dis- cussion “at any time after the elections on December 15.” Labor-Progressive candidates will speak at a second meeting this Friday, in the Horticultural Hall, 42nd and Fraser, 8 p.m. Over 100,000 pictorial folders will be distributed from house to house, containing the complete | platform for the candidates, their biographies, a full list of onganiza— “tions present at the Labor-Proges- Sive nomination conference in Moose Hall and several views of the new Lions Gate bridge in con- struction. Public interest in the labor—pro- gressive campaign was sharply in evidence Thursday night at Odd- fellows Hall, Sixth and Main. Speaking to a large and inter- (Continued on page 6) See DEBATE ANTI-NAZIS ON TRIAL TUESDAY Bight anti-fascists, including Phil Gibbens, city secretary of the Communist Party, arrested by police last Saturday afternoon when they picketed the German consulate on Seymour street to protest Nazi persecution of racial and religious minorities, will ap-— pear in police court next Tuesday to answer charges of obstruction. A big crowd booed police as they arrested the pickets and seized their placards. Three bystanders, ene of whom picked up placards dropped by a picket, were also ar rested. They will come before the ccurt with the pickets on Tuesday. Pickets arrested were: Phil Gib- bens, Jack Gilbanks, Sid Zlotnick, &. Cumber, J. Nickle, J. Carlson, S. Dove and H. Olson. Wames of bystanders arrested were given as: R. Stewart, E. Ellis and R. Daniels. While police were arresting pickets on the street below, a dele gation headed by Pat Driscoll, of- ficial of the Inland Boatmen's Union, interviewed German Consul H. W. Mahler, asking that he for- ward a protest to his government. “I arm not interesteq in political Parties,” Mahler stated coldly. “Tf you want to lodge a protest, you can do so through the Canadian government, which will then take it up through diplomatic channels-’’ He refused to accept the protest. Driscoll asked him if he con- doned terror launched by his goy- (Continued on page 5) See ANTIENAZIS WEE