JANUARY? 27. 1-9'53.
"-vri-is WESTERN GUARDIAN .
PRINCE COUNTY OFFICE
8 Summer street.
Summerside. Phone 3081.
News. Subscriptions. Advertising Representatives GEORGE chow and GEORGE WOTTON
House Phones:
8082 and I033.
.Tl:e Guardian may be bought at any of the
following stores
Bell Bookstore. SIIIIIIIIBI MINI: Gourlles Drugstore.
Kally'l News-stand. Water Street; A1,;-o Doucette's Groce ... Second water Street; Vince's Grocery.
1
in Sunnnersld . , 21 contni stmt: Mark Gsudet. 81 Granville Street:
Street; Island Motor Transport.
120 Russell Street; EnnIan's Self. Service Drug Store. K.L Waite in ifenalngton.
WEST PRINCE OFFICE Numll "Ink -Weeks. Representative. Phone: an Office and am House.
-VARIETY CONCERT. Damley Wednesday. January 28th. Guest. and local talent. I
-BEDEQUE Ji-.1-Iockey League tonight, Tuesday, starting at 7.30, Travellers Rest versus Kinkora, at 9.00 o'clock Freetown versus Bedeque. Admission 26 cents.
-THE EMERALD variety con- cart with the two comedians. Messrs. Ralph Emery and Roland Sheen will be in King George llall. Kenslngton, Friday, January 30th.
..SAD NEWS RECEIVED. - Mr. Oville Martin, Tlgnish, has receiv- ed the sad news of the death on Monday. January 19th. of his sis- ter. Mrs. Laurette Gauvin of Balt- imore. Md., daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Martin of Tignish. The people of this com- munity are extending their sym- pathy to all the bereaved family and relatives.-CL.
S'side Fire Dept. Annual ligating
Mr. Heath Warren was elect- ed Chief of the Summcrside Fire Department last evening at the adjourned annual meeting.
Mr. Ensor Bowness was elected nssislnnt chief. They replace the retiring Chief Abrlon Arscnault, and assistant chief Fred MacLeod.
Mr. George Hogg was re-elects pd secretary-treasurer of the de- partment, a position to which he has then re-elected for 42 con-” secutive years.
The opinion was expressed that in this respect he maybhold a re- rnrd uriequnlled hy.a member of any Eire Department in the Muri- times. Considerable discussion took place regarding the dismis- mi of eight men recently, and a motion was unanimously support- ed that a letter be forwarded to the incoming Town Council re- questing them to reconsider the dismissal of the eight men in question, as it was felt that they were needed in the department.
Following is the ilist of other officers eiected:-
Salvage - Cpptaln, Malcolm Steele, 1st Lieutenant, Harry Hor- ton. 2nd Lieutenant, Leo Wood.
Hook and Ladder Company- Captain, Jerry Douct-tie, 1st Lieut-
enant, Arthur Carney. 2nd Lieut- enant, Cyril Kenny. ” No. 2 Company-Captain, John
Watson. 1st Lieutenant. ' Albert Woodside. 2nd Lieutenant, Char- les Cahlll. - '
No. I Company--Captain, Earl Furlsbury, 1st Lieutenant nnd 2nd Lieutenant to be appointed at a later meeting.--S. -
No Plebiscilef in Civic Election
No plebiscite in relation to the Water and sewerage Commission will be held at the forthcoming civic election in summerside.
A special meeting of the sum- merslda Town Council last evening held to consider the advice of the Town Recorder. decided that there was not sufficient time for notice of such plebiscite which was to have been held on February 3. 1953. the date of the civic election in Sum- mcrside,
They also decided that the mat- ter of setting a date for such a. hlebtsciie be left to the discretion of the incoming council.
The decision of 'the council last evening, resclnds a motion passed at the meeting of the Town coun- cil on Pr V..1anuary 23rd. where- , ould have been held on civie. . tion day to determine Whether" ceitlsens of the town of Summe ,deslred the Water and Sewerage Commission to continue on as a separate body or be dis- banded with its powers transferred to the Town Council.
Mayor Wedge presided at this special mectng. and all council members were present.
The motion to rescind the ore- Vlous resolution regarding the pleb- iscitc was moved by councillor .l.L. Driscoll. and seconded by Councillor W. E. Jenkins. - 5.
: m
l(EiiSIiliiT0ii iililli
TUESDAY. JAN. 27th North Shore League
Summorslde versus. Spring Valley Game 8:30 sharp '
WEDNESDAY. JAN. 28,
Jr. North Shore League
Spring Valley versus Reserve Army
-HOCKEII. Bedeuue Rink, Wed- n day, January 28th, South Shore I-ensue game. Summerside High School versus Albany St.,Pats. Ad- mission 35 cents.
-LADIES SOCIAL CLUB - At the regular meeting of the Ladies Social Club of Summeride Trinity Church on Thursday evening at the Parsonage, the president, Mrs. R. L. Mollison occupied the chair. After the singing of a, hymn and conducting of routine business it was decided 'to have a valentine supper. Delicious refreshments were served by Mrs. R. L. Mollison. Mrs. D. J. MacLeod. Mrs. l-larold Crockett. Mrs. Frank Ddley. and Mrs. Metherall. A vote of thanks was moved to the hostess. Mrs. C. D. Matheson. by Mrs. Clara Bell.
t ' -s.
-FUNERAL AT TIGNISH. - The funeral of Timothy A'l-learn took place on Wednesday morning January 21st. from his late resi- dence in St. Roche to St. Simon's and St. Jude's Church, Tignish. where Requiem High Mass was elebrated by his pastor. Rev. J. A. MacDonald. The pallbearers were Herman Gillis. Ignatius Gavin, Gerald'Proilt, Oville Chalsson, Ber- nard Keefe and Oville Buote. in- terment was in the Roman Catholic Cemetery where services were con- dugtred by Rev. Dennis Gallant
-PASSES AWAY SUDDENI.Y- Mrs. James Stewart of West Point passed away suddenly Sunday morning at her home.'She was sixty-nine years of age. Mrs. Btew. art was apparently in her. usual good health and had been caring for her invalid husband for the past number of years. Besides her husband a brother. Mr. Herbert Avery, resides at Alberton south The funeral service will be held Tuesday moi-ningfrom the Brae Roman Catholic Church. Inter- ment. will be in the church ceme- tery.
Toronto Stocks
Continued from page 9 311 Lk shEe '
33000 Lk Wasa 35 300 La Luz .. 235 19900 Landover 33 25 Lang 9 3.4 i500 Lapa Cad 9 1-2 10000 Lapaska 6 3200 Lavalle .. 9 ' 3500 Leduccon 52 1500 Leltch 105 1300 Lencourt 16 600 L1 Laci 72 7000 Lomega 6 2600 L1 Pete 25 3500 Lynx 14 2710 Macesn 173 11000 MacDonald 103 194500 Macho 12 1-2 7800 Mackeno '17 8333 MacLeod . 262 100 Madsen 158 4000 Magnet. 9 1-2 400 Malartic . 180 4000 Man J: East 3 1-2 2000 Maralgo . 6 78000 Marbenor 15 1-2 2100 Marigold '70 18000 Marwsyne R3 11000 Matarrow 10 100 Maxwell 5 3-4 36800 Mayo 15 3-4 100 Mccabe A 12 I200 McDoug Seg 27 l-' 12 Mcfntyrc 67 1-2 1900 McKenzie 34 14500 McLellan . 5
Alan llolnan Elected
Continued fr-o-m page 1
Holman.
Mr. R. s. Hinton gave a notice of motion which would be introd- uced at the next regular meeting of the Board in February, that the regular monthly meetings be changed back to thc'firsi: Thurs- day of the month. instead of the second Thursday, as at present.
President's Report
"we today are indebted to those public-minded citizens who. more than half a century ago. had the initiative and foresight to form this Board ,of Trade in order to promote the welfare of our community, prov- ince and nation. They and many others of like calibre who followed in their footsteps have, over the in- terveriing years. given generously of their time and effort in? carry- ing out the purposes for which the organization was formed and their cp-operative endeavours have brought about much of the pro- gress accomplished to date.
"During the past year two.of our members have passed away. The late Maynard F. Bchurman was for many years an outstanding figure
l in the industrial. development of
this provincrand took an active part in business affairs up to the time of his death. Ernest 8. Wri ht. although suffering: severe dies 1- lties with great fortitude for a lone
ll00l(EY '
aonnnn mm; , mmancc n 0'Leary Sisters - vs. . Borden Sisters
Admission 20 and as cents Gsme'starts at 8:15 V
Game 8:45 sharp
1. -
Skate, After game
Board Wires
Mr. A. 8. Hopkins president of the summerside Board of Trade said last -evening that so far no reply had been received from the Hon. Lionel ohevrler, minister of transport. to the telegram for- warded to him on Saturday asking for a guarantee that the car ferry service to and from this province would be maintained in the event of a railway strike. ,
The telegram sent to the Hon. Mr. chevrier read as follows: "In view of the impending strike of railway employees may we have your guarantee the car ferry will continue to operate between Port Borden. P. E. I., and Cape Tor- mentlne. N.B.. in event strike takes place. Please refer to reso- lution this subject sent you last July endorsed I by all boards of trade as well as by Maritime board of trade." The decision, to ask for this guarantee came as a result of a special meeting of the council of the Summerside board of trade held on Saturday after- noon. . A copy of the telegram was also sent to Mr. J. Watson MacNaught the member for Prince County. V
period, was a man of initiative and a staunch promoter of private er.- terprlse. At this time let us stand and honor their memory by observ- ing a minute of silence, '
"Nine general meetings of the Board were held during the past year, Mattersbrought. to the atten- tion of the meetings were well dis- cussed by those pi-esent'but there is room and need for improvement in attendance.
"The following recommendations made by the Board of Trade dur- ing the year were carried out:
"That. the Town purchase the old Post Office; that the appearance and condition of the dump at the west end of Water street be im- nroved: and that the Provincial Government conduct a Highway Safety campaign. Also, in connec- tion with the new Post Office, we requested and were granted a coun- ter in the lobby for the convenience of boxholders. a sidewalk direct from Central street to the Church Street entrance and removal of a telephone pole whic-h interfered with traffic near the Church Street entrance,
other Objectives
"Discussions andfor recommend- ations which have not yet been successfully concluded were as fol- lows: .
1. Suggested changes in the Towns fire alarm system to indic- ate the location offlres.
2. Paving the railway crossing at the West end of Water streat.
3. Removal of fire hazards with- in the town,
4. Erection of "No Parking" signs on the South side of Water Street from the railway crossing to I-Iar-I vard Street. The Town Council have agreed to carry out this suggestion.
5. Recommendation that the summerside-Borden highway foi- iow the most direct route via Cem- ral Bedeque Corner to summerslde.
ll. Erection of a suitable summer- slde sign where the Summerside- Borden. highway joins the Trans-
" Canada highway.
- 7. Arranging. a direct frelghtlnz service between summer-side and Newfoundland.
. 8. In July last a resolution was submitted to.-the Federal Govern- ment requesting that action be taken sufficiently in advance bf any imminent railway strike to en- sure-that the car ferry service be- tween Port Borden and cape Tor- mentinc would not be interrupted by such a strike, This resolution was supported by the Maritime Provinces Board of Trade and aa- surance was received from the Minister of Transport that it would receive every consideration.
"Last April John Morris and Walter LePagc of Charlottetown addressed the Board meeting on the subject of the formation of a Jun- ior Chamber of Commerce here.
Marine Wharf Improvements
"It has been noted with satisfac- tion that improvements to the Mar- ine Wharf which were urged by the Board in ,s previous year are now underway. '
"The Tourist Bureau at Reed's corner was again operated through- out the season under our auspices and with financial support from the Town of Summerside and the Provincial Government.
"1 now wish to extend my grate- ful thanks to our Secretary. H8-l'01d Rodd. for efficiently handing the correspondence and oth paper work of the Board. Also. I greatly appreciate the co-operation I have received from all our members. as well as the good work done by var- ious committees who devoted much time and effort to their respective projects. To the press and radio station CJRW for reporting our proceedings and to the Mayor and Town Council and the Provincial and Federal Government del3Rl":- ments for giving consideration to ourhrequests I express my slnacre appreciation.
I am certain that our new Presi- dent will receive equally helbflll support in guiding the deliberations of the Board through the coming year. Under his oanlbh 19ld9T3hlD and with your active interest may the Summerslde Board of Trade to forward to new and greater accom- plishments. .
Publicity Report A recommendation that the Board make every possible effort to have the road leading from the Trans-Canada Highway to Sum-
marsids be put. on a pan-with the Highway was contained in the com- prehensive tourist and publicity report presented by Mr. Dan R. Chan, chairman of the committee.
Thelreport. also suggested that the Town place Neon and Scotch Light signs. with mlleagea. alontz the Trans Canada Highway near the two a preaches to the roads loading of it to summerside. It also seriously recom?-lends investi- gation of the poselbi ity of turning
'01!
old Post Office into 0 Pro-
Ottawa F "or.
Ferry Service Guarantee
Nomination Day At S'side
12 ....s.
-Tods is i.......nation day in Summerside for the' civic election which will be held on nexttTues- dsy for a councillor in each of the wards and for one three-year term on the Water and sewerage Commission and also for a. two- year term on the commission caus- ed by the resignation of Mr. An. drew Perry. who will be a candi- date in the West Ward. i
Last night .it was announced that Mi-.'Norn1sn Prichard, own- er and operator of the War As- sets store in summersldc. has de- cided to contest the Centre Ward. Dr. Hillard Clark had previously announced his intention of run- nlng in this ward. Up to last eve- ning it looked as though there would be acclamatlons in both the West and East Wards as Mr. An- drew Perry was the only candi- date to announce his intention of nominating in the-West and Mr. Donald Lldstone the only name in the East Ward.
Three candidates will be in the running for the two vacant seats in the Water and Sewerage Com- mission. Mr. Roland Sheen. Mr. Cyrus Poirier and-, Mr. Robert Dewar. Mr. Dewar is at present a member of the commission and states that he will nominate for another term today.-S
vlncial attraction as a museum for all the historic relics in the Prov- ince.
Note was made of the great tour- ist publicity value in having this Province known as a "Ragweed free" area, and it was stated that there are approximately seven mil- lion people on the Atlantic sea- board alone who suffer from hay fever.
The report said that last year over 8.000 people registered at the Board's Tourist Bureau at Reads Corner and said the Bureau was now paid for and in future should be able toatand on its own feet.
Agriculture Report
An increase in returns for farm crops of more than five million dollars for last year over the 1951 figure was noted in the Agricult- ure Committee rcpo t presented -by Mr. T. J. lmnan. c airman. This happy result came about despite slightly lower prices last. year but with greater production.
The report said efforts are being made to have Summerside made a port of call for some of the boats plying between this Province and Newfoundland. The trade, it was noted has increased greatly and Canadafs newest Province is recognized as one of our best mar- kets. '
The chairman was glad to note that work of rebuilding the Marine Wharf and warehouse is proceed- ing during the mild winter and is well underway. He said the action of the Board in supporting the move to have the highway from Summer- side to Borden follow the estab- lished route through Central Bcdeque had been appreciated by residents of the surrounding, area.
In a short report Mr. E. M. Can- non. chairman of the Membership and Attendance Committee, llid that for the coming year , there were as new menfber nine lil- divlduals and five firms. Last year the membership was 127 individuals and 36 firms. He called for greater attendance at the regular meetings and thought that at least 50 per- cent of the membership should be present at these times.
The necessity of increasing mem- bership fees was pointed up by the need for greater revenue to cover operating costs, advertising and other expenses. Mr. Cannon said. in marking the slight increase in fees. These now stand at 38 for in- dividuals. SB for small firms, and 520 for large firms and banks.
stresses liood
Continued from page 1
once my own affection for this Province and my faith in her many possibilities and in her people.
Need For Research
"With all these good works and advantages, however. the Island (like any other community) can- not afford to be satisfied. com- placent. or stationery. In no area can economic activity flourish for long unless careful enquiry is fre- quently made into the fundamental characteristics of the region. and adequate research and planning carried on to take advantage of new developments and future pos- sibilities. Moreover, there is more to the structure of any society than what appears on the surface. and continuous study of to lives of people must. be made 1 their hap- pines: and welfare is to be main- tained or improved; These are basic principles which are vital anywhere; nowhere are they more important than in the smallest province of Canada.
"In this Province we -have ad- vantages and opportunities in fields which we are exploiting profitably and w ii. In countless ways the island an be compared most fav- ourably with any other region. It would appear. however. that there is something lacking in our ap- preciation of fundamental char- acteristics and that in the field of reseu-ch,and planning the Island, as a whole. is far behind the other provinces of Oanada.. We might be impatient of self-criticism, but we cannot escape the perilous times in which we are living. and. like all men, we must face some unpleasant realities. ask some vital questions. roll up our sleeves and get down to work.
Peru lob Ingenti
"We should. at the beginning, have'a look at this Province's geo- graphic position.
"Prince Edward Island's official motto is 'Parva sub Ingentr, the small under the great. These words
have traditionally described the position of Prince Idwsrd Island
I
one GIJLARDIAN. ;cnaRLo1re1-own.
PAGEELQLEB
in a great federal nation. Like Rhode Island in the United States and Tasmania in Australia. Prince Edward Island has had to play the part of a very small partner in a very large federation. This role has never been easy. In these days of national development and world crisis it becomes even more significant, for each part of a na- tion must make its maximum ef- fective contribution, and no part should. because of the ma nitude of affairs. be lost in the s uffle.
"Size and location are the basic features of Prince Edward Island's relations with the rest of Canada. Because of size. the Island's in- dustries and resources are on a comparatively small scale. The Province is located off one end of the country and outside the main stream of commercial activity. If she is to play a part in the na- tion's affairs. she must be con-
stantly overcoming these basic features. . "The Dornlnion's outlook on
Prince Edward Island is affected likewise by these features. Because the Province is small the Dominion cannot give it too much without appearing to discriminate against other small areas in Canada. But the Dominion faces the fact that Confederation gave rights, priv- ilcges and obligations to all prov- lnces regardless of size. Conse- quently. because Prince Edward Icland is a province she must re- ceive the consideration due to her status.
Basic (Difficulties
"Naturally. one of the basic economic difficulties of the Island is the problem of communication with the mainland. Under the Con- federation agreement lt was ar- ranged that the Dominion should provide efficient steam service for the conveyance of mails and pas- sengers to be established and maintained between the Is and and the mainland of the Dominion, winter and summer. thus placing the Island in continuous com- munication with the Intercolonlal Railway and the railway system of the Dominion! It is as obvious today as it was at Confederation that Prince Edward Island can- not be an effective part of the Dominion unless efficient trans- portation is constantly maintained.
"The effect of transportation difficulties on Island commerce is obvious. Every truck and auto- mobile. very bag I potatoes. every box of fish, mus bear the cost. of transportation across the nine miles between Borden and Tor- mentine. Consequently, it costs more to ship Island produce from producer to consumer with the result that produce is handicapped in the competition of the market. In case of emergency. such as a shortage of refrigerator cars or a railway strike, the entire economy of the Province can be seriously disrupted.
"In any federal nation the cen- tral government must provide'com- pensations for certain geographic weaknesses of the union. In Can- ada we have many such com- pensations. i.e.. preferential tariffs. special freight rates, subsidies. and communication systems such as the Prince Edward Island car- ferries. They may be difficult to manage at times. but they are a price to pay for national unity and. as such, they must be re- spected. '
"Financial problems are always present in any form of federal union, but they are most serious to the smallest partners. The basic sources of public revenue,in Prince Edward Island are agrlclilture and fishing. There are no large in- dustries and resources of property and capital and no public lands. u sequentlypthe field for per- sonal and corporation taxation is limited. As a result, governments do not have the resources for economic and social development and it's not easy to keep up with the other Provinces in this re- spect. The Confederation arrange- ment madc provisions for this difficulty of public finance and these have had to be renewed or adjusted through the years to meet the ever increasing costs of government enterprise. Since 1873, the Island has had to rely on fed- ersl grants for a great proportion of its public revenue.
Production Problem
"Commercially speaking Prince Edward Island is in a position of producing and consuming in very small quantities. In most activities we deal in commodities which are pr uced and consumed elsewhere in large quantities by vast indus- try and enormous markets. The effect of this situation on working conditions. production, price struc- ture. market possibilities and con- sumer gdemand is obvious, Be- cause we cannot possibly consume all we produce we are very de- pendent on fluctuations in demand elsewhere where competition is stiff. Consequently. successful in- dustry in Prince Edward Island must maintain the closest con- tact with industry elsewhere so that it can maintain easy entrance to the markets of the continent. Moreover it must keep up to date on such vital aspects of merchan- dising as maintaining top quality, careful grading, attractive pack- aging, and adequa is advertising. If we are careless others can easily nntder-sell us in a competitive mar-
: .
"There are a number of Island i.1unifl0S5lIlel'l and livestock produc- ers who are fully aware of this need for constant study of methods and markets. These people have brought far more prosperity to the Province than the general public realises and some of them are among the top men in their fields in -Canada. Yet there are still many possibilities for Island rc- souroes and industry which can be'developed by more research and by more understanding of what goes on in other provinces. There are many mistakes which can be avoided by watching the experi- ence of othere:- there are many improvements which can be made by examining development else- whre. One need only look at the enormous strides being made in the exploitation of industry and resources in-Nova scotla. and New- foundland since the war to ap-
Edward Island keeping up with the trend? In this respect 'Parva sub Ingentl' presents a challenge. "Ingens sub Peru” "The Island's motto can be re- versed to read the great under the
littie' so as to illustrate another
(
pieciate the possibilities. Is Prince.
basic characteristic of Prince Ed- ward Island which is as obvious today as it was when the Island's first government was established in 1769. This characteristic is the existence of s. large system of government in a very small area. The same type of administration used in large countries with pop- ulation in the millions functions in Prince Edward Island among only 95.000 people. The Lieuten- ant-Governor. Cabinet. Legisla- ture, Judiciary, Civil service, and municipal administration h a. v e the same functions as their coun- terparts in much larger members of the Commonwealth only on a smaller scale. This point is vital for an understanding of Prince Edward Island because it results in many unique constitutionlal and political practices which,.although unusual elsewhere, are part of the Island's administration.
"The Islands government is a fascinating example of the work- ing of local democracy. for both the advantages and disadvantages of democracy are obvious. On the one hand the government is close to the people and public opinion easily influences every part of the administration an important
cultural and social life. This Prov- time has some wonderful examples of what can be done in this field. for instance the work of the Wo- men's Institutes and. the .Muslcal Festival Association which have done so much to enrich our com- munlty life But does the Island do well enough in the field of music, art. education, literature. motion pictures, the theatre, and so on? Does it encourage suffici- ently the development of creative ideas and work? Canada and most of the provinces have made enorm- cus strides in this dlrvtion: where does the Island stand? There.ir a danger that s. geographically isolated area will be by-passed in this respect. that it will have to be content with second rate ideas and performances, that it will ac- cept without sufficient thought theories and policies which have proved unworkable elsewhere. The Island must be careful to avoid any such tendencies.
Declining Population
"These problems and questions in the economic and cultural field are dramatically illustrated by what seems to be by far the big- goat and most. fundamentally seri- ous weakness in Prince Edward
feature of government of the peo- ple by the people. On the other hand there are disadvantages in this close association, for the in- fluence of pressure groups and sel- flsh interests can frustrate good government more easily here than in a larger area. The greatest statesmen in the history of the Island have been those who realize fully both these processes and who have had the understanding to use them to the best advantage and the courage to prevent their misuse.
"Because of its small size, the Island is a most. interesting field for administration. Most of the problems of public works. public health, law enforcements. etc. which are encountered elsewhere. can be seen and studied within a small compass. with respect to personnel, politicians and civil ser- vants, farmers and teachers. doc- tors and -clergymen can (if they are honest, industrious, and public- opiritedi exercise a wonderful in- fluence for public good because the area is limited: and (if they are inefficient, selfish, beaureau- cratic, or over-enthusiastic! they can as easily be nuisances because their weaknessep can do more dam- age than in a larger area. The history of the Island has clearly illustrated how both forces can readily be accentuated in a small community.
External Relations
"Even I. casual glance at the Island's geographic position re- veals that eoonomic and political isolation of any kind is dangerous. We are living in an era of Dom- anion-Provincial relations and. be- cause it ls' so dependent; on them, the Island must maintain a con- tinuous understanding of what goes on in other provinces, and, Just as important, it must con- tribute to national affairs to the fullest extent which its resources will allow it it is to receive re- cognition and co-operation else- where. To appeal for new car- ferrles. more subsidies -and grants. special freight. rates. cabinet re- presentation, public buildings, and other rights and privileges is vit- ally important. but. it will be neither sufficient nor successful unless the Island's voice and in- fluence is brought to bear in the national field on major national issues such as defence, industry, education. business. and external relations. Participation in national business often brings quick results in local affairs.
"Individually many of the Is- land's most. successful agricul- tural and business men carry on their commerce on just such prin- ciples. Can any.wholesaler or re- tailer last long if he doesn't. fol- low carefully the latest business trends and merchandising meth- ods? Can any potato dealer thrive without an extensive knowledge of supply and demand and of the latest methods of. cultivation? Is there any successful livestock breeder who doesn't follow the intricate developments of animal husbandry?
"The sarhe experience can be followed in the development of Island resources and industry as a whole, for there are many pos- sibilities in the Province which can be exploited with appropriate xefsearch and planning. Needless In takes can be prevented by studying the experience of other provinces. Because it is so small the Island cannot afford to initi- ate too much basic experimenta- tion: but it can keep abreast of developments by watching and participating in what goes on outside. The developments in Nova. scotia and Newfoundland in recent years clearly indicates the wisdom of such a policy. Their external associations have develop- ed greatly since the war with most satisfactory results. -
Farm Cultivation
"A few fundamental questions will illustrate the need. Why has Prince Edward Island by far the lowest per capita production in Canada, and is there anything which can be done about it? Why in this Province. which depends so much onsgriculture. has the number of farms dropped by two thousand in the last ten years and why are so many other terms oc- cupied but not cultivated? What are the methods of farm rehabil- itation? Elsewhere young men who leave the farms go to the titles, the factories. the oil fields: on Prince Edward Island they simply leave the Province What will be the long-run effect; is there any remedy?
"What. industrial development methods in the other Provinces are unknown here? What are the attractions for capital investment in the basic industries: are steps being taken to attract such in- vestment? Kas the economic his- tory of the basic industries of the Island been thoroughly studied: why are there valuable economic histories for every Province ex- cept Prince Edward Island? The Dominion as a whole (through the Raowell-Sirois and Massey Com- missions) has made careful study of its resources and problems: practically all the provinces have done the camel (Nova Scotla's Re- port of the Royal Commission on Rehabilitation. f or e x s. m p 1 cl: what work of this kind has been
Island today. This weakness is a steady and continuous drain of young people to other provinces. It is a significant fact that the population of Canada has risen steadily since Confederation. The Island's population has declined, sharply since the last century; it is 14.000 less today than it was in 1891. Prime Minister St. Lau-It rent commented only recently, that the end of this century would see upwards of forty million peo- ple in Canada; we should pause: and ask what the population ofi Prince Edward Island will be.i This is the only Province in Can-,i ads with such a situation. Whyil; "It is a disturbing fact that: young people from every walk of , life are leaving this Province and are not being replaced by others coming in. Boys and girls off the farms, sons and daughters of fish- ermen. school and college grad- uates. technical and clerical em- ployees, both city and rural are looking to the mainland for op- portunities. Indecd other provinces are making every effort to secure them.
"To take just one example. we hear many complaints of a shark age of nurses in Prince Edward Island. There is no shortage of prospective nurses; each year they are going away in large numbers to hospitals in Central Canada for training and many of those train- ed here leave on graduation. Can anything be done to attract. young Island ladies into our own nurs- ing groups? Can they be encour- aged to come back after training elsewhere? Can anything be done to attract nurses from outside the province to come here?
"Again why is the migration of rural youth taking place while the number of vacant farms in Prince Edward Island is increas- ing rapidly? For an agricultural province this question is basic. What is the significance of sal- aries. and working and living con- ditions? Moreover. this trend is not confined to young people alone. Within the past year Charlotte- town has lost. a. prominent law- yer and a respected docto who had practised here for many ,years, as well as twoldeputy ministers. There is cause for alarm when senior people are tempted to leave.
Inn-nlgra ti on
"It should also be noted that Prince Edward Island is the only Province in Canada which tends to discourage young people from entering it. Every Province puts itself out to encourage people to come in: there are few Jobs offer- ed to outsiders here! Other things being equal job pcrference should favour local people. but such pro- cedure can't be carried too far and the other things must be equal. And yet, with all our preference. our own young people are not staying. Moreover. few Islanders who are trained elsewhere are be- ing encouraged to come back. some would like to come back; what would bring them?
This is a serious matter, which is getting worse year by year. It is a first rate tragedy to note how youth casts its eyes to broad- er horlzons and seeks encourage- ment elsewhere. Some careful study of this problem is obviously necessary.
This question has a geographic and psychological basis which can be compensated for. Human beings are naturally gregarious; they like to know what is going on: they like to see and meet other people and their works. Again, men are restless creatures who want to be doing something and to seep re- sults from their work. It is very easy for people to get into the ha- bit of thinking that other areas have more opportunities, that other people get more encourage- ment and experience. that other places have more of life's activities and attractions. Consequently. no matter how much loyalty a young person may have for a small area. it is quite natural for him to look to greener pastures for oppor- tunities. Close questioning of any representative group of our young people who move away will con- firm the truth of these points.
Variety important
"Again, it is an historical prin-, ciplc of world history that areas, which are too standarlzed and" sterotyped are much weaker than! other areas which comprise a variety of peoples and outlooks. Individuals and groups need the opportunity to mix and do busi- ness with people other than them- selves; if they don't get it they'll move away. Just as the mixing of
an army camp and thq, associa- tion of atuden from various areas in a college residence are refreshing experiences, so is the constant association of cltiuns with different backgrounds a very desirable feature of daily life. For this reason it is recognised in most places that the influx of new people and ideas is healthy and should be welcomed and encour- aged in every way. The Island followed this. principle in the last century: the speeches of J. 0. Pope. Edward Whelan and John H. Gray are full of references to it and to its importance to the Island. Does the Province follow
done on the Island?
"The same situation applies in
it today?
soldiers from different places in o
"It is sometimes thought that education for local life. concenyr tratlon on local affairs, and cul-. tural and social self-sufficiency will encourage local loyalty and? develop local industry. They will,'i- but only to a very limited extent if a thorough knowledge of thet. outside world is not cultivated as: well. It is significant to note that the golden era of Prince Edward Island trade. industry. popula- tion. cultural life and political influence coincided with a period of intense interest in national af- fairs and constant economicaland cultural association with Great Britaln' and the New England States. ' I
"It is very easy to blame. pov- ernments, both local and federal, for regional difficulties. We often look to them for too much. Un- doubtedly, governments have made mistakes as well as succmes, but they can't be exrkctecl to l-do everything without a substantial backing of public opinion. This point. is obvious with rwpect to provincial government, but what of the federal government? Where does Prince Edward Island stand with respect to federal public opinion, not just on local issues, but on- national matters? More- over, it is easy to blame the Cen- tral Governrnent for neglect of local problems, and it. is easy to become too dependent'on Oti- tawa for the solution of those problems. But must there be an Ottawa solution for all of them? Will relations with Ottawa become easier if the population continues to decrease proportionately? The answer may be 'yas'; vperhaps it's 1io'; it will be worth a bit of study to find out. ' .
"Again, it is easy to become en- amoured with outside people and ideas without considering the questions; what people? what ideas? It is easy for an isolated area to find itself importing peo- ple who have been unsuccessful elsewhere and ideas that have proved unworkable and obsolete elsewheie. Again, the remedy is an understanding of practise and personnel. in both the local area and other places. Do we encour- age sufflclently that understand- ing? i
No Easy Answer
"No one should suggest that these questions have easy answers. but at least some careful-study
should be given to any possibilities
which might exist to make this
Province: more attractive to its
youth. The unpleasant fact is that the exit has reached unreasonable
proportions and that the future
of the Island in a growing Can- ads. will not be bright if it con- tinues.
"somehow young pe pie lnust see that things happen in Prince
Edward Island; that there is every
opportunity for and recognition of their talents and ambitions; "that a large contribution is being made to the national effort, not Just by Islanders abroad but by Islanders at home; that Islanders"wlll not have to go elsewhere to know the rest of Canada; that people in other provinces will lookanPrince Edward Island as offering oppor- tunities, not Just during the two tourist months) but all year; that the best Islanders elsewhere will want to return; that the Province participates fully in the, cultural activities of the natio,i1:i'-ltliat-pro-' grass and experience and the cod life are not necessarily the pr 0- gatives of big places. "In other words. the physical conditions of living are excellent on the Island: are the economic, social. and cultural conditions to be compared? Is there anything. basically wrong? If there is, then. there is an obvious need for re? search into the basic problems and for appropriate action, not by" governments alone, but by grouper and individuals as well. Those who love Prince Edward Island and want to see it thrive should be
satisfied with nothing less."
L NOTICE '- .
The Regals Hockey Club, Ai- berton, will not be respon- sible for any bills unless authorized by an order sign- ed by the secretary.
Perley Hardy, President J. R. Rochford, Secretary
NOTICE ,
All accounts not paid by, Feb. 1st, 1953 will be hand- ed to a lawyer for collection.-
"
i
0LIVER'S SERVICE STATION Alberton r,
NOTICE
This store vvillgbo closed Wednesday: morning and all day.
otlons. Will be open ,for business on Fri- day morning.
MAURICE MILL Mews wean Summer-side
k
1
Jhursduy for alter-2. I"