Page Four THE PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE How Are Your Nerves? Another science lecture by the eminent Britisher J. B. S. Haldane "IN a recent murder case a phy- siologsist gave evidence about the electrical changes going on in the murderer’s brain. A good deal of nonsense was written about it. The truth is interesting, but not simple. if you kill a frog and cut its less off, you can make the muscles move by pinching 2 nerve, or better by giving it an electric shock. So something travels along the nerve to the muscle. Two hundred years ago people thought a nerve was a bundle ef tubes Gown which the brain squirted “vital spirits.’ Then it was found that if a galvanometer were arranged with one end con- mected to a point on the nerve and the other to another part of the body, a small current fiowed through it when a message passed down the nerve. At first some physiologists thought the nerves conducted electricity like wires. But this is wrong, too. What is propagated down the nerve is a complicated chemical ehange called a nervous impuise which incidentally gives rise to a smail electric current. it tra- vels at from 6 to 200 feet a sec- ond in different human nerves. The clectrical effect enables us to detect it on its way along the nerve. Things stayed at this point for a lene time. Then amplifiers were invented in connection with radio, and physiologists began to use them. The current can be maenified and converted into sound, or made to move a beam of light, cr even write with a pen on 2 moving paper strip. e T WAS then found, as had long been believed, that a nerve does not behave as a whole. It is a bundle which consists of anmy thousands of fibres, and each fibre conducts separately, like the different wires running between two telegraph poles. “Usually a single fibre only takes messages going one way. Some are outgoing fibres taking messases from the brain to muscles and glands. Others take messages inwards. Some of these five rise to sensations such as touch and sight. Others do not affect consciousness. For example, there is a pres- sure suage on each of your neck «which sends impulses up to the brain. if the blood pressure rises there are more of them, and the Drain sends impulses down an- other nerve to the heart to slow it down. If the blood pressuhe falis, fewer impulses go up to the brain and the heart is speed- ed up. But you know nothing about this unless your heart beats very fast indeed. Among the chief decoders of these messages have been Pro- fessors Adrian of Cambridge, Gasser and Erianger in the U.S.A, and Zutterman in Swe- den. With great care one can man- age to stimulate a single sense ergan in the skin, and register the messages going up 2 single fibre. The apparatus is 50 deli- cate that it has to be placed in- side a wire cage to keep out waves from other electrical ap- paratus, while the nerve must be kept damp and warm Are the messages going alone a fibre of a complicated kind, like telephone messages, OF are they built up of single elements like a telegraph message? The an- swer is that they are even simp- ler than a telegraph message. They do not consist of long and short periods, but of single impulses. In any one fibre these are always of just the same speed, unless so many are sent per second that the fibre is over- worked. But thick fibres con- duct much faster than thin ones jn the Same nerve. (of O if you put a wet pad on your chest and a needle into your arm so as to be close to the nerve which connects your brain to the muscles of your hand, and after amplifying the currents between them, connect up with a loud speaker, you can listen-in to your nerves. At rest there are occasional crackles like atmos- pherics, but sf you move your hang they become so Many as to make a roaring noise. A muscle consists of a great many fibres which work inde- pendently. Each is eontrolled by one nerve fibre, and its activity can be switched on and off To keep it pulling steadily and at full strength it needs about 50 impulses a second through its nerve fibre. But the most deli- eate motions of a skilled work- er depend entirely on the num- ber of Wwapulses sent down his different nerve fibres. It is a ery strange experience to have ithe blood supply to one’s arm blocked by a tight bandage till it is numbed and paralyzed, and then let someone else put in the correct electric shocks neces- sary to move one’s hand. Of course, these movements are crude, but if he had the neces- sary apparatus and skill he could doubtless make my hand carry out orderly movements. (>) ES JUST the same way all mes- Sages inward from the sense ergans to the brain are simply sets of nervous impulses of dif- ferent frequencies running along the various fibres. If you press one of the end organs of touch in the skin very gently, it sends up only two or three impulses per second. If you squeeze it hara they rattle like a machine gun. So in the sense organs the qualities of external nature, heat, light, sound, pressure, and so on, are transformed into quantities, mere numbers of impulses tra- velling along nerve fibres. And in the brain these quantities are fransformed back again into quantities, namely, our different sensations. Of course, idealists say this proves that we can’t know any- thing about the outside world, but only about our sensations, though if they were right we shouldn’t know that we have nerves, or impulses in them. However, the best proof of the reality of the outside world comes from the agreement of our senses and our actions. We say that a chair has four legs because we can sec four, and feel four, and because the carpenter has to make four. it cur senses disagree, and we see something that we can’t feel, as in 2 mirror, or feel something we can’t see, as “pins and needles” in our feet, we rightly say it is an illusion. Im the next article I shall describe some of the things that happen in the brain. LET BERRIES ROT, IS THREAT VICTORIA, May 25 With strawberries ripening fast on the Island and manufacturers already hinting they can pay no more than. four cents a pound, the growers ere considering whether it is worth while to pick the fruit at that price or let it rot on the ground. To meet expenses of picking and packing the fruit growers must receive at least four and a half cents a pound. Farmers are threatening to leave the berries on the vine rather than pick them for 42 four-cent market. “This would simply mean we are working for the manufacturer,” they state. Growers in British Columbia had hoped to capture the United King- dom market through the Preferen- tial Trade Agreement but to date the sale of only 10 tons has been confirmed. Last year between Jan- uary and October, Great Britain imported 8000 tons of straws from Holland, 2500 tons from Bulgaria and 500 tons. Imported strawberries from the United States are retailing at six and a half cents a box and far- mers fear that this influx of fruit will knock the bottom out of the market here. Warehouses are already filled with the American perries and this offers a serious threat to any improvement in prices for local growers. 7 NEW YORK, Wy.— The famous German writer Ernst Toller was found dead Monday in a New York hoael room. Police said he had com- mitted suicide by hanging himself. Toller’s secretary said he had been in poor health. airies Push Fi Independents Want To Oust Small Producers; Corral Milk Industry marketing milk. attempts to guard the interests conference of the big independent producer-vendors. At the same time W. E. Williams, iC, chairman of the Milk Board, stated that since the scheme had bten declared valid, palns are being laid to have the Clearing House start operations on June 1 ‘umless they stop us again through the courts.” The agency was ori- ginally scheduled to begin its work May 1. Meantime, though there is tain dissatisfaction with the gle Agency scheme among both small producers and consumers, general opinion favors giving the project a trial and progressive groups generally began rallying their forces in opposition to the independents’ attempt to scuttle the whole setup. The fight is so far confined to two main groups—the big majority of milk producers organized in the Fraser Valley Milk Producers As- sociation and the wealthy producer- vendors. The small producer, though feel- ing that certain aspects of the | cer- Sin- Single Agency are detrimental, mevertheless wants to see it g0 through since he realizes that without some protection from the Marketing Board he is sure to be forced into bankruptcy by the big independents. In the past few years the small man has seen the big producer gain control of some Defeated in their first attempt to block operation of the Single Agency milk scheme, independent dairymen this weelz announced they would appeal against the ruling of Mr. Justice Robertson upholding the validity of the proposed scheme for The decision to continue their fight against a scheme which nounced through their counsel, John Farris, after an emergency of the small producer was an- 70 percent of the total fluid mill market in Greater YVancouver, with this percentage steadily increasing. On the other hand, the independ- ents are extremely apprehensive over provisions of the Single Agency scheme. They want a re- turm to the “good old days” of 25 years ago when a few big dairies corralled almost the entire milk distribution business, and see in the Clearing House a threat to free and unlimited competition and an opportunity for the small producer to maintain a place in the fluid) milk market Consumer interests have so far mot entered the picture, though even here a hint has already been thrown out that within a few months “some adjustment” in re- tail milk prices may be necessary. If a price adjustment is made, it will undoubtedly be upward since it is unlikely the distributors will agree to shoulder the difference in the spread made necessary through Clearing House charges. Whether the appeal of the in- dependents will be successful can- not be estimated, though it is cer- tain that another favorable deci- sion for the Single Agency could be greatly influenced by a broad campaign on the part of the small producer aided by the backing of the organized labor movement. School By-Law Temporarily Shelved By Surrey Council request shelved temporarily by sented Council with a petition with 926 mames of taxpayers af- fixed aking that the by-law be re submitted. Wumerous organiza- tions also petitioned the council with a similar demand. There seems to be no doubt that the by-law will be put to a vote but thew hole matter is hung up waiting for Victoria to okeh the loan before it is sent to Ottawa. There seems to be no barriers at Victoria, however, according to Reeve John Hunter, who presented Surrey’s case to the eabinet in company with Municipal Clerk CLOVERDALE, BC, May 25—Petitioners seeking re-sub- mission of the High School By-law at an early date found their until such time as a two percent loan is available. H. W. Barker, Peterson Hill, pre- 5 the Surrey Municipal Council The council decided to leave the mill rate at the 1938 level after a full discussion on the works pro gram in each ward for the year. The mill rate is 27 mills, 10% for school purposes and 16142 for gen- eral. Councillor Thomas Binnie’s re- quest some weeks ago for liftine the toll on the Pattullo Bridge during the royal visit had the sup- port of the Canadian Legion, White Rock, Canadian Legion, Fraser Valley Zone Council and the municipalities of Matsqui, Chil- John G. Farmer. liwack and Delta. Kelowna Ma Choice For Yale Riding yor Is CCF the party. The Kelowna mayor was chosen by a large majority on the first vote over Gordon Herbert of Kelowna. L. J. Prior and EF. Mos- sop, who were also nominees, with- drew from the slate. Mayor Jones has served the city of Kelowna as chief magistrate for the past four years and was candidate in the 1933 provincial elections. He is one of the foremost pro- gressives in the Okanagan Valley, is vice-president of the Union of BC Municipalities and president of the Imperial Veterans in Canada. Survey Proceeding For Alaska Road PRINCE GEORGE, BC, May 25 PENTICTON, BC, May 25—Delegates from CCF clubs in the Yale federal constituency gathered here this week and sel- ected Mayor O. L. Jones of Kelowna to contest the riding for {with the arrival here this week of Highway advanced another step F.C. Green, surveyor general for the province, and H. E. Whyte, as- sistant provincial topographical surveyor, to arrange construction of two boats for ues in a recon- naisance of the route. The boats will be used to trans- port a party of surveyors down the Crooked and Parsnip rivers 10 Finlay Forks. From this point the group will run a2 survey for the highway through Sifton Pass to meet with another party workin south from Lower Post on the Liard River. A third party will be arranged for by Green and Whyte at Hazel- ton to work north from there to —Survey of the proposed Alaska Telegraph Creek. has endorsed the Unengployed and Part-time Workers’ Associa- tion campaign for a public works program. More than 800 citizens have signed the petitions circulated by the organization for a works program and for an increase in relief scales. Mayor Bowman, ex-mayor Prowse and Ald. Wilde are listed among the petitioners who want a works program inaugurated to give the unemployed a job while at the same time taking a load off the city. “The city of Vernon and dis- trict is badly in need ofcivic and social improvements, such as bet- ter roads, housing and recrea- tional facilities,” the petition reads. The other petition aims at proving the status of unem- ployed citizens immediately through a 15 percent increase in relief allowances and to provide facilities whereby those in need of medical, dental and optical treatment can be assured of these services. A large number of lists have not yet been received but officials of the organization believe more than 1000 citizens will endorse the program. im- Extends Thanks Jahn Lesire extends thanks to his many friends who rendered services to his wife during her last jliness and to those who attended = May 26, : a : . Ta ( ght Against Agency. ZS : = | a 3 el | i rik Vernon CUMBERLAND || Backs Plea ASKS NEW DEAL yl ON SCHOOLS 6 F Of J obless Want Taxation Esl $00 People Sign Distributed on More | Petition Asking Equitable Basis | ae Higher Relief CUMBERLAND, BC, Mm | |° Snr Seis Queen 25—Re-assessment by a city | |; WERNON, EC, May 25—Nearly |20Vernment valuator of all pr | one-third of this city’s population | perty outside the city limits, | = the government to assume q- full costs of school educatig were among two proposals ; out in a letter by Mayor Al Maxwell to the Hon. G. |. Weir, Minister of Education, a solution to the city’s comp! school problems. 2 In his letter the mayor poir | out that over two-thirds, or 68 percent of the school populatic comes from outside the limi” where residents enjoy all the p vileges of the city resident at{ {| percent less taxation for schs © purposes. 3 With this heavy drag on the cit || it is felt that property outside # | city limits but within the sche | area, should be re-assessed ap brought up to a more equiteb basis. ° Part of the debt incurred, $2000, should be assumed by with the two-thirds attendance: ~ the schools, the mayor sugges — and asks the minister for @ early reply on the matter. The other proposal is for government to take over the F tire school system here and 5 © a schedule of teachers’ salami -) and assess the city pro-rata ¢ costs. : Last month a delegation head by the mayor called on the Mr ib ister of Education and a promi = made that the city would rece? | consideration because of |) peculiar situation which was @ | 2 4 | “ ferent to any other place in 8 province, but as yet nothing = | the funeral and sent floral tributes. parently has been done about | Ss - CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ADVERTISING RATES MONUMENTAL CGlassifiea, 3 lines 35c. Weekly contract rates on application. BICYCLES AND REPAIRS BICYCLES, NEW AND USED— Baby Carriages, Sulkies, Doll Car- riages, Joycycles. Repairing of all kinds. Saws filed, keys cut, etc. W. M. Ritchie, 1569 Commercial Drive. Hi ghiand 4123. BOATS ROWBOATS OF ALI KINDS, 330 and up. National Boat Wrorks, 110 Dunlevy Ave., Vancouver. CAFES THE ONLY FISH — ALL KINDS of Fresh Sea Food. Union House. 20 Fast Hastings St. MAIN MONUMENTS—Sar | money here. Estimates for cen — tery lettering. 1920 Main Stre NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN — SEE DR. DOWNIE FOR REE | matism, Sciatica, Lumbago. Ror ~ 7 — 163 West Hastings St es % DR. Ho. CG. ANDERSON—ALL NA ural methods of treatment, F as diet, massage manipujJatiz | esteopathy and electrotheray / Free consultation and examin © tion. 768 Granville St., SEy. 53 7 PERSONAL Fug DENTAL PLATES REPAIRE [| $5 and up. Rebuilt $1 and ¥u ~ Wew Method Dental Lab., 1637 7 Hastings St SEymour 6612. = REX CAFE — JUICY STEAKS, Oysters, Chops, etc. One friend tells another. 6 East Hastings st CHIMNEY SWEEPING $150 CLEANS MAIN FLUE Pipes, Furnace, Stove. Licensed. FRaser 1370. CHIROPRACTORS WM. BRAIDWOOD, D-C., NERVE Specialist. 510 West Hastings St. SEymour 2677. Evenings, High- land 2240. DANCES BIRTH CONTROL BUREAU ¢ B.Cc., Dept. PA, 441 Seyme f Street, Vancouver, B.C. Infor” tion FREE. Write for Literatu PROPERTY FOR SALE _ io ACRES OF TIMBER, HOUS John Phillips, Otter Road Na Langley District. : FOR RENT—HALLS —__ FOR RENT — For socials, pat meetings, upper floor Oral Hall, 341 Gore Ave., Sey. 653" at Burrard. dors Orch. prizes. whist, 25c. EMBASSY BALLROOM, DAVIE Old Time Dancing Tues., Thurs., and Sat.. Ambassa- Whist. $25.00 cash Admission to dance and ROOMS FOR RENT RICE BLOCK, 800 East Hastisl HI gh. 0029. Furnished Suites@ - Rooms. Moderate rates. | SAWDUST BURNESES _ 1: DENTISTS DR. A. J. SIPES, DENTIST Plate Specialist. Lowest 680 Robson St. TRinity 5716. FOR SALE Granville St. phone 0683. Res., LAngara 0365-M. Prices. USED CARS — LATE MODELS— Priced around $150. Easy terms. White Spot Service Station, 8091 LAngara GENULNE “LEADER” BURNES | 323 Alexander St, at Ra} TRinity 0390. ; ss DO YOU KNOW—YOU CAN Bl” a sawdust burner with enamel © hopper for $9.00. Lakes and JN = nis Sheet. Metal Works, 952 Ct mercial Drive. f t bi ——— —— SHOE REPAIRS ei JOHNSON’S SHOE REPAIRS — EUEL All work guaranteed. Reasona@ HONEST VALUE FUELS—FATR. 0469. Edgings No. 1, $3.25 per cord. Slabs, Heavy Fir, $3.75 per cord. prices. 1056%4 W. Pender Stre STATIONERY SEMI-DISPLAY CLASSIFIED BARRISTER DENTISTS GARFIELD A. KING BARRISTER, ETC. 553 Granville Street SBHymour 1324Vancouver, B.C. Dr. W. J. Curry DENTIST 608 BIRKS BLDG. Phone: SEymour 3001 BELLIARDS MT. PLEASANT BILLIARD HALL and BARBER SHOP Everything in Smokers’ Supplies Cigars — Cigarettes — Pipes Lighters — Etc. 2341 MAIN STREET DENTIST LLEWELLYN OUGLA 5577 - D?R-D 2 e @ 5EY- OR. RICHARDS & HASTINGS PUBLICATIONS. eUVuseVeSD Se ses=sese=ev=s== SWEDISH PEOPLE in British § Columbia should read and sup- port their own newspaper .. PRranasaneaasy Sues eVVeEseVBeseSsesSsVSssv=ses WMillworkers — Shingleweavers— Loggers ... Tune in — Green Gold Program, CJOR, every Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. “The B.C. Lumber Worker” Organ of the 1-W.A. 16 EB. Bastings St. Vancouver STEAM BATHS —— Hastings Steam Baths Always Open Expert Masseurs in Attendance Hi ghiand 0240 764 E. Hastings ——_ STUDIOS Pome SEY. 17653 -R WAND STUDIO. - We Photograph Angel fio.& E. HASTINGS VANCOUVER, B.C. FUNERAL DIRECTORS Directors. 9141. ARMSTRONG & CO. FUNERAL 304 Dunlevy. High. at moderate prices. Bast Hastings Street. GARDENS GERANITUMS FOR wholesale prices. 7283 ©. 7th Ave. FAir. 1631 Y. SALE, J. K. Ferraby, GEO. DONOVAN — Typewrit Adding Machines, Cash Regist LAWNMOWERS SEymour 9393, 508 W. Pender ards St. SEy. 4088. LAWN MOWERS, GROUND AND repaired. L. Gallazin, 804 Rich- TATLORS M. DONG, TAILORS, form!) Fiorseshoe Tailors now at 8 WW) PUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Cordova St. TRinity 6024 [ instruments, accordions, tinas. ings St. REPAIR STRING, BRASS, REED concer— Bows repaired. W. Nez- dropa, High. 3657, 543 BE. Hast UNIFORMS e OVERALLS, UNIFORMS kinds, made to measure. : designed. “Yukon Uniform ~ 1 East Pender St BS. Accordion Shop. 347 Bast Hastings. SEy. 1854. ACCORDIONS MADE TO ORDER and general repairs. Vancouver J. Bordignon, Mention the — People’s Advocate!