j ATI ternity. Maybe it is because I have be- come accustomed to a harsher masculine atmosphere in many of the Vancouver trade unions, but I was agreeably surprised to see the wives well to the front of this annual rally. They followed the proceedings with an interest and pride that was good to see, and, I am sure, is good for the Union, “The Ladies, God Bless Em” My admiration for the activi- ties ‘of the feminine contingent present was greatly increased, when in mid-afternoon we ad- journed downstairs to partake of ” appetizing refreshments which the same ladies had so thought- fully provided, and graciously served, God bless ’em. Now I know why some of the Union’s officials, who are required to at- tend these affairs, have cause to worry about girth control. Perhaps it was the feminine influence, or more likely it was just natural good will, but the en- tire proceedings were interesting _ and sociable. There were no em- battled factions, and no evidence that anyone was conspiring for personal advantage, The keynote throughout the proceedings was the good of the Union. Prexy Lowery set a good ex- ample. As soon as we sang the words of “O Canada”, convenient- ly displayed on the agenda, for weak memories like mine, he thanked the lady at the piano, whom he introduced as his sister, Miss Lowery. Then he introduced his Mother, who was sitting with his wife in the front row, but the Lowery family was not by any means the only family so well represented. It was soon evident also that some of the brothers then began to get real cautious with their language. The Union’s Headquarters On the way to Mission, I did some scouting around the Local Union's headquarters in Haney. Just a step or two off the main street they display the IWA crest in front of a fine bit of property which they now own. Eventually, they plan to build @ more commodious hall, but al- ready they have ample office space in a neat building for all their Local activities. The land and building is valued at approx- imately $6000. The Union’s Boat As evidence of another impor- tant activity, they had their new boat on display for the first time in front of the Union's offices. It is chaheataaaed eae cralt . le of sleepi oS ping is mounted on a ean be attached to 8! to he in first class condition, but WE GET FED -367 IWA IWA ROVING REPORTER yy a Sunday jaunt up the Fraser Valley as far as Mission, I discovered that the woodworkers in “The Valley” believe that they should run their affairs in a neighborly fashion. Everybody, even I, was made welcome at the Annual Meeting of Local 1-367 IWA, and especially the wives and friends of the members, and everybody was is made to fee] the friendliness of the woodworking fra- B.C. LUMBER WORKER 2nd Issue, August cial Secretary, Local 1-367 CHAS. MARSHALL inside to look at a large map, drawn in color, by Artist Lowery. This revealed the immense terri- tory ruled by Local 1-367 IWA, and showing how a large poten- tial membership is pocketed hith- er and yon from Pitt River to Boston Bar, in large and small operations, but all requiring ex- tensive travel operations. The Local’s membership is about fifty-fifty, loggers and mill workers, This reminded me of the interesting fact that Presi- dent Lowery can claim experience in both sections of the industry. The members of this Local Union live in communities, many of which are predominantly agri- cultural, This makes them con- scious of the desirability of good relations with the farmers. Farm-Labor Unity It is for this reason that the Local proudly reports that last year it pioneered successful “Farm-Labor Panel Discussions”. No less than twenty such meet- ings were held, with startling re- sults in terms of improved rela- tions between farm and industrial workers, because of the realiza- tion that they had common prob- lems, made much worse by the same exploiting interests. A further series of such dis- cussions is planned to commence during the autumn. I suspect that much of the success which has attended these discussions is due to the conciliatory attitude taken by the officers of this Local Union. They have made a sincere effort to understand the problems of the agricultural community, and have been rewarded by a warm co-operative response. I do know that the members of this Local Union did not hesitate to turn out and support the milk producers, when they were cam- paigning for a better deal on prices and marketing, I might have mentioned that the financial affairs of this Local Union were audited and shown that is not at all unusual about an IWA Local Union. I was look- ing for those features which give a Local Union its own special character, _The precious and most tender bits of my anatomy might be ruthlessly treated i bial wringer, any Local Union, one hunch I would 40-Hr. Law Likely STOCKHOLM (CPA) — A government committee is now studying the possibility of in- troducing the 40-hour week for all Swedish workers, Social Welfare Minister Gunnar Strang announced here. The 48- hour maximum work week be- came law in 1919. In a directive to the committee, Mr. Strang stated that a working period of 40 hours should be re- garded as a goal, but this could only be reached in gradual stages. Any reform that might lower the living standards or weaken .the national economy must however be seriously considered. ‘The present 48-hour work week is combined with an annual three week vacation with pay. In some industries, the extra third week above the previous two week vac- ation, may be exchanged for free Saturdays during the summer months under union-management agreements. Shorter working hours are also given workers in certain heavy industries, such as mining, etc. Two-year Contracts In another labor field develop- ment, a proposal to consider two- year agreements, instead of the present annual ones, was made recently by Einar Norrman, vice- president of the Swedish Federa- tion of Labor. The idea has been well received by both union and business leaders. Under the present system, Mr. Norrman pointed out, hardly more than three months elapses between the time a collective agreement is signed and negotia- tions start on the next one. Union officials are ready to start dis- cussions on the two-year con- tracts provided such agreements may be cancelled or adjusted if changes in the economic picture occur while they are in force. Birth Rate Rises OTTAWA (CPA)—A stepped- up birth rate during the first six months of this year, helped boost Canada’s population by a further 212,269. At the other end of the scale, registered’ deaths fell by 2.6% compared with 1953 to 63,649 for first half-year. Birth registrations jumped nearly 16,000, or nearly 8%, over the previous high 1953 January- June total. All provinces except Nova Scotia and New Brunswick showed increases for the period. The net natural increase for the period (births less deaths) was nearly 18,000 greater this year than last. During the first six months of 1954 the increase was 148,620—212,269 births and 63,649 deaths — compared with 196,304 births and 65,339 deaths recorded in the 1953 January- June period for a natural increase of 130,965. June was again the traditional month for weddings with 11,815 couples “taking the plunge” this year against 11,873 in June 1953. Although the total for the month was slightly down, the half-year total for marriages was up to 47,490 this year compared with 46,781 in 1953. “There was a terrible murder in the hotel today.” “Was there, now.” “Yes, a paper-hanger hung a by . Q.C.I. to meet camera man. COMMITTEE IWA COMMITTEE at Moresby Camp, Q.C.1. adjourn for a few minutes place? cents a day. play safe. 10.2 MILLION CARADIANS. TOP YOUR WORRIES! Do you own a valuable watch? A ring you just couldn’t re- Important papers? Bonds? Any small personal possession Savings you would hate to lose? Then why risk loss? Why even worry about it when complete protection—against fire, theft and loss—costs so little? You can rent a Safety Deposit Box at the B of M for less than two Bring your valuables to your nearest B of M branch as soon as you can. It always pays to “WY BANK «=«Banxx or Monrrean Canadas Fit Bak WORKING WITH CANADIANS IN EVERY WALK OF LIFE SINCE 1817 CRUISER Champion of All Lightweight Caulked Boots © Featuring High Carbon Steel Oil Tempered Boot Caulks FOR SURE GRIP Another Favorite ... HEAD’S famous “SAFETY TOE BOOTS” for Mill Workers 21 East Hestings Se. re “Sounds like a put-up job to me.” * W. J. HEAD BOOT FACTORY LIMITED “HEADS YOU WIN” (PA, 4844) Vancenver, B.C.