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2sa@rouR..__._.,...- THE GUARDIAN

Morning Daily (Founded in i581!

Authorised u: Hevuusi (‘tun hluil. Pull 0"!“ Dr-pisrtuwut, Ottawa. The Inland tiuurrliun Publiuhlal Co. Idlfur unit Managing lllrei-tur. J li- Blfllln‘

Alumina Eslilnr, Frunlr Walker.

"The Strongest Memory is Weaker Than

the Weakest lnk."

CHARLOTTETOWN, wunuusnxv, APRIL s. 194s

Railway Equipment _

.._J__..

Speaking in Moncton on Monday, Mr. W. E. Robinson, regional vice president and general manager of the Canadian National Railways, dealt with criticism of the railway, particular- iy in the matter of equipment. He explained that wartime scarcity of material h-as continued and there has been failure to secure delivery of equipment although some of it has been on or- der in some cases for two years. There is now on order, delivery of which is expected this year, 20 diesel-electric locomotives, 3,499 freight_cars, 25 first-class coaches, 20 sleeping cars, 50 bag- gage cars and 50 express refrigerator cors, which will complete the ord-e-rs for equipment ordered for i948, and l8 diesel-electric locomotives and 68 refrigerator cars which were for delivery in 1947. Last yea-r, he said, 34 diesel-electric loco- motives, 6,606 freight cors, 28 first-Class coaches, l0 baggage cars, 10' mail and express cars and 50 express refrigerator curs were add- e'l to the ra-ilway's rolling stock along with 56 sleeping cars. In the Maritimes, 750 gondola cars on order, 250 of which have been delivered and 500 are on for delivery during April and May of this year.

This in interesting news, but it is to be hoped Mr. Robinson has not included among the diesel-locomotives the engines manufactured by the Kingston company which were to have com- pletely "diesel-ized" the Prince Edward lsland, division a yea-r a-go, but which were so unsatis- factory that thev had to be returned to the manufacturers. This information was given to the House of Commons railway committee re- cently by the C.N.R. President, Mr. Vaughan. We are still awaiting word as to when the dieselization of the Island division will be com- pleted. The equipment enumerated above by Mr. Robinson does not throw any light 0n this ques- tion. All that we know is that over a million and a quarter dollars appears to have been spent with an Ontario firm which was incapable of doing the work satisfactorily.

George Drew Analysed

That characteristically critical publication, The Printed Word has this to say about the new Leader of the Opposition, and the effect of his leadership on the Party and its prospects:

“The House of Commons has taken on a new lease of life, solely because the Opposition is showing ginger, agility and energy. lt hasn't been like that since Mr. King as minority lead- or railed at Mr. Bennett's sins.

"lt is a healthy sign, that His Majesty's loyal opposition as a team with a leader is busy about its business of opposing, of criticising for the good of the country and of the Govern- ment's soul—even if also for the advancement of the opposition.

"On the Government front bench there seemingly is bewilderment, or was in the early part of the session, that an indifferent official opposition, after having been cowed for more than a dozen years, suddenly begins to hurl fire and brimstone across the floor instead of m-ck- ing gestures of protest prior to acquiescence. George Drew infuriates most members of the cabinet, perhaps scares them a bit. ln previous sessions John Diofen-baker could anger them, but the belief that his then chief did not approve of attack made his valiant efforts less effective.

"One scout reports that among the newer and higher civil servants, George Drew is the most hated men in Ottawa sinced the assassin of the beloved Thomas D'Arcy McGee was hanged. The new leader of the Opposition has murdered the complacency of the ambitious and pushing bureaucrats (and their wives). Their opinion is that ha-ngir-g would be too good for him.

"Not that anyone will admit that the Pro- Cons have cny chance of winning a clear ma- jority in the election. Even some Pro-Cons pri- vstely are not predicting victory, remember- ing Dewey und all. But the economic and politi- cal situations have changed just enough to cause many to put the blame where they think it belongs.

"Just to make the picture more amusing, 5cm: of the Pro-Cons are beginning lo wonder whether tli;y'd want to win at about the time the farmers get really sore and the promises of jobs for all at good pay cannot be kept. And some of the younger Liberals, if they can save their own seats. are saying they'd better sit in Opposition for five years and watch George Drew handle the g-rief.

"The immense respect in which Mr. St. Lou- rent is held by Canadians in general does not obscure the fact that Mr. Drew has the better of arguments on controls and on the totalitar- ian tendencies of the top bureaucrats. The Montreal speech of the leader of the opposition woirld have been just another speech, like the sermon of the preacher who, is known to be against sin, if the prime minister had not risen in parliament at the earliest possible moment to defend the top bureaucrats with a prepared statement which is’ generally assumed to have been prepared by one of them. Or maybe the Big Six collaborated. _ _

“George Drew's personal popularity IS less

than perhaps his intimates think he deserves, but that also could truthfully be said, for different reasons, of the man who was prime minister longer their anyone else. Yet it would seem highly obablo that George Drew can influence voters continuance of his ardent, forthright 0nd fearless campaign to rid this COiItIlTY of its grygmlfl; wit-lilo, needless controls, arbitrary con- holler: and plnltlvlffhatlon.

"If condo has‘ not-tho desire for freedom,

it would be well Jo elect it number of the lead- i,‘ “muggy! 1o ti! House of Commons, when

they would make their explanations in their own voices. Moreover, there still are in the House of Commons, in all except maybe the National Socialist party, believers in the traditions and principles of personal liberty, freedom and jus- tice. Some old-timers must recall frequently that they are conniving in acts that their political parents taught were sinful.

"Those who have read the Drew letter to Mr. King hardly can be other than puzzled about the basis of the claim that it should be kept secret. Certainly if all the failings of govern- ment are to be kept secret, government by the people will perish. In neither Britain nor the United States are matte-rs of such public im- portance covered u-p on the excuse that the reve- lotion would not be in the public interest. lf it weren't for George Drew, Canadians could learn less about what led to Hong Kong than about the Siege of Troy.

"Not refuted in any particular, so far, the Drew letter stands as an indictment of ‘the per- manent force organization in Ottawa as it was in i94l, though doubtless by the time the late Col. Ralston walked out of the cabinet its el- ficiency was improved. And until sac-h time as the Drew letter is refuted it will be a serious reflection on the fine reputation of the royal commissioner, the former Mr. Chief Justice D'.|ff, whose record as a jurist has not been ex- celled in Can-ado. One is tempted to wonder if it was found difficult to condemn formally and publicly persons who had been known socially. The Hong Kong dead were dead; an unfavorable report would not restore the survivors any soon- cr to their families. An investigator not‘of Ot- tawa might h-ave slapped wrists more resound- ingly o-nd mayhap the unrelenting Drew would not be able to make such a fuss on the subject in his mcre important position six years later.

"Most people seem rather to wish that George Drew would forget the Hong Kong busi- ncss. Canadians are a bit like small boys with bod school reports, o subject they wish not to discuss.

"At least one phase of the Hong Kong episode is bound to rankle in the mind of George Drew, and not for partisan reasons. He was ar- rested undcr the Defence of Canada Regulations. His trial was never proceeded with; the charge was not withdrawn. An unjust arrest is possibly the worst indignity a citizen of a free country can suffer. The charge of that kind against a ma-n of his prominence and undoubted patriotism in time of war was bad enough. lt could have arisen only out of panic of some kind. A prompt withdrawal would at least have been a tacit apology for error. To leave it hanging is not consistent with Mr. St. Lauren*t's integrity.

"Even without the confirmation of the Gal- lup poll, there seems ground for the belief that there _are no votes in this situation either way. But Mr. Drew won,'t'forget that he is in the po- sition of many who were ‘detained’ under the same regulations who were not accused when jailed and therefore not acquitted when releas- ed. ln the case of inmates of detention camps at least someone in authority was suspicious of their attitude on the war._George Drew's sever- est critic must concede his patriotism.

./ EDITORIAL NOT ES/

The Potato Growers this after-noon and eve- ning.

D I i

The storms of winter are scarcely behind us and snow and ice are still to be seen but that typically summer sight, the street sprinkler is already in season.

Q I

Maritime poets are vying with one another in a contest sponsored by the Nova Scotia Cen-' tro of the Poetry Society of Eng-land. The society has certainly timed its project to suit the tradi- tionol urging: of the muse.

w w w

Welcome to the potato growers attending lhe annual meeting of their Association. Lrke most modern groups they plan to combine the transaction of business with the exchange of more general ideas.

Q i fi

Britain's budget, which is being presented today by Si-r Stafford Cripps, Chancellor of the Exchequer, is unlikely to, make such pleasant reading as did Mr. Abbott's effort, but then the Labour Government has no such pressing en- gagement at the polls as has our Liberal ad- ministration.

i’ VI i’

Lt. Col. C. C. Merritt, V.C., M.P. has called Monday's signing of the North Atlantic Security Pact, "the greatest event of the year." History may, of course, remember something quite dif- ferent as being memora-ble but it is h-ard to imagine what would overshadow that exprossion of the unity of the democratic powers.

~lr ~k 4r

Petrarch's Laura died this date l348--sixth czntenary being observed in Italy and Britain this year. PBTTGTCll, Italian poet‘ and humanist, one of the greatest lyric poets of all time. His fameirests on the Canzoniere, sonnets to a mysterious Laura (whom he met in Avignon, and whose death he laments in his In Morte di Ma- donna Laura, the lyrical story of one of the great loves of the world's literature.

i ‘Ir i‘

The First Canadian Army, which fought so courageously and efficiently in Northwest Eur- ope, was forme-d in England on April 6, i942, ex- actly seven years ago . . . Four years ago, on April 8, I945, oirbome troops of the Canadian Army dropped eas-t of the Zuider Zoe and on April 9 the First Canadian Army crossed the Ems at Meppen.

r I I

Britain has cut her domestic meat ration still more drastically rather than submit to Ar- gentine demands for higher prices. The meat ration has been cut Qvice in two months because of Argentina’: failure to supply the full quan- tity under the meat contract in the i948 agree- ment. Britain's meet ration now is at the all-

timo low figure of eight pdlloll! worth of fresh moot and twoponco worth conned corned

i

PUBLIC FORUM

This column l: open to the discussion by correspondents of questions of Interest. The Guardian does not necessar- ily endorse the opinion at oorresponderitl. '

{MOM CEMENT ROADS

Slr,-—ln regard to my speech of March 25th in the Provincial Legis- lature regarding cement. roads at Summerside and Borden, apparent- ly the reporter did not get. the ex- act meaning. I did not glve anyone credit for building either road; I had merely commented on the good condition of the cement roads after twenty years of heavy traffic at no cost of upkeep. At this time Mr. Reg. Bell, 2nd. Queen's, reminded me that. the Conservatives built the road at Borden. So I gave them credit for doing so. As I was not sure who bull! these roads at the time of my speech I now wish to give full credit. to Dr. John F. Mac- Nelll and Mr. LQR. Allen and also the Lea Government on their fore- sight.

Now we know without doubt that cement roads are here to lbay if we desire permanent roads, other- wise money expended ls merely thrown away as our asphalt roads are not standing up.

Cement roads are more suitable for our Island on account of heavy frosts tn the ground, which break up our asphalt roads. as we are now experiencing between Kenning-

ways. Also cement.’ roads but for a critical week 1n Spring could be left open to heavy traffic all year.

According to an American engin- eering journal "asphalt roads have a maximum duration of twenty years." That ls the best. we hope to get out of asphalt, whereas our asphalt roads on the Island have to be repaired two to three years after construction and they are fur from permanent. One has only to ride on roads between Montreal and Quebec and see beautiful cem- ent highways built because of en- during qualltles and low upkeep. Dr. John F. MacNelll saw the feasibility of cement roads even twenty years ago. They have prov- en through time (20 year period) that they accommodate themselves to our type of climate and I for one would back the policy of per- manent. roads with material best suited for that purpose, namely cement properly constructed. By using local materials such as sand, which we have in lnflnate quan- tities along all our shares. this would give more work to local peo- ple and insure more badly needed employment to our unemployed laboring classes,

I am, Sir, etc. CARROL W. DELANEY, M.L.A. 5th. Prince.

Summerslde, P. E. I.

Qv=>Q>O 5 Notes From s?) Another Island l)

01%‘.

LONDON, England:

There are unmistakable signs of Spring in the air. The countryside begins to look just a little bit greener, the early flowers begin to show, there ls blossom on the trees, and some of the newspapers have already. shown the annual springtime picture of a pretty girl balding a lamb in tier arms, against an appropriately rural background. Everyone begins to hope that they have seen the last of winter, knowing well enough that they haven't, for few people who know the English climate will bet that. it won't be snowing tomorrow, how- ever warm and sunny_lt might be today. It is habitual to assume that there will always be a change for the wrorse so early in the year.

However. we can agree that we have got away with a fairly easv passage this winter; it ls still easy to remember that dreadful time two yours ago when the whole country almost came to a frozen standstill. It may snow tomes-pow. but it is reasonable to hope that we needn't worry about a repetition of that lot this year. But don't. bet

on it! I I I I

So. come flowers and lambs, little boys in the parks practising at cricket, lengthening days and short- ening shadows as the sun climbs higher, there ls another sign of Spring to be reckoned with. If is hardly a cause of light-hearted gamboillng but it seems to have come to stay an a feature bf this time of year-the Chancellor of the Exchequefs Economic Survey. This gruesome title covers the Govern- ment's report on the nation's fin- nnczs. and seems to take a delight in telllnir us that we are doing very well, BUT. . . we've got to do better.

The figures are all there, Mll- llons spent, millions coming in, millions more required, millions up and millions down; very interest- ing, but it is u lot easier to take the Chancellor's word for lt when he says we have still got to keep on working tins-d and not expect things to get much easier for e few years, without. reading all the figures to see if he ll kidding us.

They say that human beings can adept themselves to almost any- thing. Well, we adapted ourselves to an austerity mode of life and made the best of it, and we have got along ell rliht so for that the prospect of another year or twtfor more doesn't really perturb us. Especially ss things do seem to be improving e little. We hesitate to admit it, and maybe, because changes for the better come so gradually, we hardly notice any improvement.

It is s long reed to complete re- covery. and although we are lot- tln: along there doesn't loom to be many _(If any) roadside seats whore we om stop and take o rest. And the milestones that we pus on the way often seem to be iieif lila- don by-somo drawback or other that prevents us from seeing bow much farther we still have to go. Still, prop-m is bola; mode end

ton, Summerslde and Borden hlgh- ‘

4-

MEANWHILE T0 fIARRY ON AS

n. - %ez3'6mwr

FROM THE PRELUDE

Ac one who hangs down-bending from the side Of a slow-moving boat, upon (he breast

Of a. still water, solaclng himself With such discoveries as his eye can make

Beneath him in the bottom of the deep.

Sees many beauteous sights — weeds. fishes, flowers,

Grots, pebbles. roots of trees, end fancies more.

Yet often is perplexed and cannot part

The shadow from the substance, rocks and sky. r Mountains and clouds, reflected in the depth

Of the clear flood. from things which there abide In their true dwelling; crossed by gleam Of his own image, by c sunbeam now.

And wavering motions sent he knows not whence. llznpedlmenis that make ‘his task more sweet . . ,

--Wll1ism Wordsworth.

now is

Lenten Meditations

The Times. Landon

MAN'S TRUE END

Many men in times of confusion and despair ask the question: What ls man for? It ls a natural ques- tion to which the Christian faith has a decisive answer. Dom Ber- nard Clements once answered it by saying that "the human race was made for the purpose of being a vast body in which God would dwell, and through which He would work in the world which He- had created." Each human being ls thought of as a part of that. body with a place and a destiny for him- self within the fatherly lave of God. This teaohlmz is not easy to grasp in rcold theory because there are so rnnny painful challenges to the be- lief, such as the sudden death of the best rind finest ln life; the tra- gic physical suffering of many: the puhllc denial of the good, the true, and the beautiful, Can a man really flnrl inward peace in "all the changes and chances of this mor- tal ‘llfe"? To discover-that peace personally ls a step towards ans- wering the question about man ln general. ,

Christ Himself rarely talked about a doctrine of man, but dealt with individual men and their own per- sonal problems. When the young man came to Him asking about eternal life (St. Malt. xix. 16) Christ saw that he had a twisted view of God and his own place In God's plan. But He did not. lecture him about. it. He challenged him to begin sharlnz his possessions with the poor. That, for him, was the first step.

Man's chief end ln human life ls to give glory to God, not only in

and that purpose must be founded on a true idea of God. The young man with great possession needed to replace his old ideas of God with Christ's ideas: and many modern men have the some need.

God ls still often thought of as a deity whose character ls not known and whose actions are un- predictable. Man's place in a world over which such a deity presides must appear to be "dark. dark. un- utterably dark," without much hope or purpose,

It tnny be is fundamental mistake of modern Christian apologetics that it does not more vigorously preach the truth that to under- stand man'| plura and purpose God Him 1f must first be seen and loved. That is a step which mod- ern men rnust endeavour to take before lie can closr his vision about himself.

. one day, no doubt, we'll‘ turn an xpeoterl corner end find we are than without knowing it. ' I I

A little while no I wrote about ‘the rumors as lhpddheurd that fir;

an we: to , I te on the use o electricity for outdoor‘ advertising. It turned out to be well founded. for before‘ these words appear in print we shall have had our greet “rllyrlltxti-ofllanduths, flags: ‘wild! b]: s n gonna over e on. will be .e brave show. And many e flno- building will look Ito but offer dork w en electric clans light