Page Six B.C. LUMBER WORKER Es THRIVING ROYAL CITY PROUD EXECUTIVE MEMBERS OF LOCAL 1-357, IWA New Westminster, now actively engaged in promoting a well-blaanced program of trade union organization, education-and recreation in the premises now cleared of debt, and re-modeHed. CO-OP VIEW: Two-Way Struggle By G. D. Ferg, Local 1-357, IWA , In the previous installment of this article, attention was directed to progress already made in promoting credit unions within the IWA, and the benefits derived therefrom. Now we may turn to the importance of this work in its bear- ing on the economic struggle of the workers. Since the end of World War II, (Jan. 1945-Feb. 1948) through the efforts of organized labor, hourly earnings in certain indus- tries increased 26,6 percent and weekly earnings increased 17.7 percent. The average hours ‘worked were reduced from 46.1 to 42.8.per week. At the same time the cost of living rose 26.5 percent, wiping out the entire weekly wage gain and exceeding it by 8.8 percent. Battling Rising Prices This makes it evident that it is necessary to find a way to re- duce and control prices if we are to maintain standards already achieved. You may say prices are begin- ning to level off and may soon be on the downward trend. Let me remind you what happens in times of recession, or depression. During the depression period of 1929-1933, production in certain motor cars, iron and steel, auto tires, and tubes dropped 62 per- cent. Employment in these indus- tries declined 47.8 percent, yet prices were lowered only 4.6 per- cent. Further, let us see what hap- pened to the price of bread and other staple foods follow ing World War I. From 1917-18 the price of wheat was $1.18 a bushel and bread was still 7.7¢. 1930-31 wheat was 76 cents per bushel and bread had declined only to 7.8¢ per loaf. It is clear that if we are look- ing for a recession of business to solye our problems of high living costs, we will be sadly disillusioned. It will result in mass unemployment, but little reduction in prices. So there remains only one solution. In- crease and hold thé line on wages through the IWA, and organize your purchasing power through Consumer Co- operatives that you may buy 1-217 CREDIT UNION THRIVING Satisfactory progress was reported this week by the su- pervisory committee of Local 1-217, IWA, Credit Union, re- vealing that assets of the or- ganization haye increased to $13,055 and membership to 231. A comparison of the position of the Credit Union as at Sept. 30, 1949, with that in Sept. 1948, disclosed the: following gains: Membership — Sept. 1948, 106; Sept. 1949, 231. ‘Assets — Sept. 1948, $2,044; Sept. 1949, $13,055. Loans Outstanding — Sept. 1948, $1,820; Sept. 1949, $9,328. Profits — Sept. 1948, $17.69; Sept. 1949, $171.60. . more or better quality goods with these wages. It’s a two-way battle, why not start now? LOCAL PROUD OF DEBT FREE HOME \ 5. INTERN C1.0: LOCAL No.I- . A TIONAL WOODWORKERS AMERKAP © HOME OF THE IWA IN NEW WESTMINSTER, purchased by Local 1-357, with the adjoining lot , for the sum of $18,000, in 1948. Mortgage was recently paid and ceremony of burning the mortgage 9 will be a gala occasion early in the New Year. Interior has been re-decorated and new heating sys- tem installed. Accommodation for members includes a spacious auditorium, lounge and recreational % quarters, with well-equipped offiecs for the Union and Credit Union activities. COURNEYEUR SKEPTICAL: Can Mott, M.P., Make Good On Promises? The Editor: As a member of Local 1-357, IWA, would you kindly grant me space for comment in the recent Federal by-election held in the Westminster riding? On the basis of the final re- turns, Mr. Mott’s plurality over his nearest opponent was 2,157. He polled only 8,719 out of a total of 24,695, or roughly 35 percent of total vote cast. Leaving personalities aside, as the four leading contestants are all outstanding citizens and worthy of all respect, neverthe- less, the verdict given at the polls in the final analysis cannot be counted as other than an empha- tic repudiation of the Liberal Policy. Mr. Mott in his victory speech, broadcast over CKNW, pledged that, as member-elect, he would look’ after the interests of all the people, irrespective of who they had voted for. Without attempting to cast re- flection on Mr. Mott's sincerity, I cannot visualize Mr. Mott go- ing to Mr. St. Laurent and say- ing in effect, “I, through the vag- aries of the Federal Electoral System, was elected to this high office by a minority of the people of my riding, In all fairness to the vast majority of my fellow citizens who voted, not so much against. me, but against YOUR POLICY, Mr. St. Laurent, I feel that if I am to represent and fight for the aspirations of the major- ity, I have no alternative but to advance the policies of my op- ponents, namely, Mr. Philpott, Mr. Irvine and Mr. Christmas.” Should this occur (and we have Mr. Mott’s word that he intends to represent ALL the people, at Ottawa), we shall be presented with an epic and amazing pheno- menon in the annals of Canadian Political History. Still interested, though very skeptical, F. Courneyeur, No. 4744, Local 1-357, IWA. rin ing in for a visit. I wish to announce the opening of my NEW DENTAL OFFICE at 9 East Hastings Street, corner Carrall, hav- resumed practice after an extended holiday. A cordial invitation is extended to all old friends to come Dr. R. Llewellyn Douglas Ho 45 East Hastings me of UNION MADE CLOTHING AND FRIENDLY SERVICE FOR OVER 50 YEARS ENGLISH GABARDINE and COVERT TOPCOATS fen $35.00 Handsomely tailored and smartly styled English Gabardines and Coverts—warmth without weight—showerproofed for extra comfort and wear. Vancouver, B. C.