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PAGE FOUR ' i E GUARDIAN

-~ Morning Dolly (Founded In Ill!) Authorised on Second Clans loll, Peon onus

j_ Department. Ctsowo. ~ j‘ - The lolnnrl (luo-rdlol Pllrllohllg Oe- t j Idtsor one elonoglng Dlreosoe, J. l. Benoit; i Aonoolnse Edison, Frank Walk-

’ ' "The Strongest Memory is Weaker Than the Weakest Ink."

OIARLUTTBTOWN. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST I, l“!

A Vital Farln Problem

“T”?

"l The excellent article on soil erosion by

Dr. H. H. Bennett, chief of the U. S. Soil Con-

servation Service, which has been running serial-

ly on this page, should be carefully studied by

I all interested in the future of this Province and country. This subject loomed large in the dis-

l t‘ l, cussions last February between our senior Dom-

inion and Provincial’ agricultural officials. The decline in our soil productivity was attributed

to several causes, including the decrease in livestock, failure to return adequate plant food to the soil, lock of adequate atten-

tion in fertilizing and managing pasture and grass lands, but chiefly to the loss of fertile topsoil through soil erosion. lt was recommended that special ethn- tion be directed toward the preservation of grass lands, particularly where areas are sus- ceptible to erosion. Long tenn rotations, strip farming measures on inclines, the establish- ment of heavy sods through the use of manure and fertilizers on steep slopes, together with terracing and the use of diversion of ditches were suggested. lt was also recommended that the Provincial Department of Public Works " undertake the grossing of roadsides for the pur- pose of preventing wash and for the beautifica- tion of the countryside in general. ' Strong recommendations were also made In connection with reforestation, especially in development of managed woodlots and use of abandoned farms at several points through- I out the Province for demonstration purposes. As Dr. Bennett points out, soil erosion lsi a problem continent-wide in its scope, and the best means of dealing with it effective- ly ls by co-crd-inating our efforts with those of other Provinces and with the conservation pro- ~ gramme of our neighbors to tho south. ln this Province sheet erosion presents the most serious problem. Th silting of millponds, and ,1 , tho deep deposits of mud in our rivers is evi- ‘ l ' denco of the continuous loss of clay and silt r ' from our soil. lt is common knowledge that marry of the abandoned farms in the Province were, within a period of a century, cleared and _ cultivated without thought of conservation, with -~ i tho result that they have been deprived of ~ " their original fertility. The rebuilding of these soils is a slow and expensive undertaking, but we should at least be able to take measures to prevent further losses by energetic action and wise planning.

Newfoundland’: Problem

1 With the referendum showing the country f to be divided biy a margin of about 5 per cent l‘ on the question whether Newfoundland should

I become a Canadian Province or revert to self- government, and the Dominion Government in- dicating that it is willing to receive Newfound- land into tlfe fold, the question as to what the subsequent procedure should bo is presenting an interesting problem.

Unfortunately, says the St. John's, Nfld. Evening Telegram, there is no precedent in con- stitutional affairs to which the authorities may turn to assist them, as-it may also be said- there was no precedenhfor the administrative experiment of government by commission. It may be that the closeness of the voting had not been anticipated and that in consequence no provision was made to meet this contingency. Because of the situation which has resulted from

try indicated by such a narrow margin, it would f appear to be necessary to take'measures that would cause the least amount of dissatisfac- J tion.

But for the inclusion of Commission Gov- ernment in the first referendum and the de- cisive manner in which the electorate rejected its retention, it would have been possible fol the time being to continue that form of ad- ministration while the situation which "has arisen could be considered. That is out of the

ll-ykfi‘ question now. Conclusively, the people of "- _Newfoundland have demonstrated that they f v i, want to return to the democratic system either ‘ ‘ ‘ii as a self-governing dominion or as e province

‘i - r of Canada. The question is whether any mid- ‘ lIle course for the time being is possible.

The TeIegram's suggestion is, that an in- terregnum administration between tho termina- tion of Commission and the institution of a future form of government might be set ll_p. lts personnel would be elected in much the same way as was that of the National Convention.

r ~ ' ‘ “ A The members returned would form a National

. ‘ * Assembly, entrusted with the administration of _ ‘ affairs, would choose from among themselves E ~ 1; i the leader and the heads of the various de-

l .7 partments with the exception, perhaps, of the .., 1 ' Minister of Finance who might be appointed by

‘ 7 the Govornmentlof the United Kingdom. lt would act or o non-party administration-that ls, its members would be froo to divide on any 7 - question which arose. The tenure of office of ' such an administration would bo strictlydimltod. lts main purpose would be to examine the position of Newfoundland from orory aspect in ~ order to dotormlno what the futon form of .1 government should be. in that work it would I horothopowortosookifnocossoryonportos- l .slotooco,oodtooolloponwllopvorltohosoto

, giro information on tho f t. h tho Monsroof points out, every Proviso hos of stooo

the referendum, with the sentiment of the coun-'

land should be admitted to Confederation, a nice clean spot awaits the coat of arms of the new tenth Province. There appeared to be little doubt cthat the tenth Province was almost a reality, ofter Prime Minister King issued an otherwise meaningless communique last week to say that he considered that the 6,000-odd majority accorded Confederation in -the New- foundland referendum did, indeed, constitute the "substantial majority" which he had indi- cated months ago would be required. No one knows just how it happens that Newfoundland's coat of arms spot should have been left pre- pared. lt is not certain that it was the result of foresight, rather than error. ‘Provision was mode for I0 provincial shields to hang over the central arch when the Peace Tower was de- signed 29 years ago. The two architects, John Pearson and J. '0. Marchiind, are since deceas- ed and the secret of the l0 provincial places died with them. Until Mr. King issued his state- ment last week assuring the nation that a 6,000 majority did appear to be substantial, the Fed- eral Government was not quite certain about what to do with Newfoundland. To reject the blushing bride at the church wouldi have been ungracious and perhaps injurious to future rela- tions. But to have proceeded posthaste with the wedding ceremony with 48 per cent of the bride's family arrayed against the prospective groom, seemed equally unwise. ~ Ottawa postponed its decision until if had ascertained that the anti-Confederate party was itself split down the middle on the Confedera- tion issue, now that a "substantial" majority of the Newfoundland citizenry had voted for entry to the union. lt was then that Mr. King's re- assuring message-directed even more to Newfoundland than to Canada-was issued.

—‘ EDITORIAL NOTES -

The "Y" drive now on.

wont

The Governor-General ln

o I in

.sldenc hero. Fair at Holy Redeemer Tennis Courts to- night. . I I I With a heavy but late hay crop at'least one farmer ls worried about whether he will ltd" it flll in before Old Home Week. I I I I

_ Open hearings of the Royal Commission on Prices commenced today. Whatever they may learn about price increases in the course of their enquirylthere is no doubt that they will not be able to do anything about them.

I I I I

Today the Scots have their Innings. Highland games and contests are not frequently seen to- day but have not lost their appeal to the brow lads and winsome lossies.

I I I

Considering that not even the armed serv- ices could deprive milady of her handbag it is not surprising that the Olympic authorities had no better success. Canadian women sported them in the opening parade and the American

contingent followed suit. I I I I

Canada's "austerity" excise taxes are sup- posed to be based on economic necessity. It is somewhat disconcerting to find that a party con- vention can have the’effect of removing some of them. The question, immediately arises whether others would not also be lifted were an election in immediate prospect.

I n v. a

Queen Elizabeth's birthdav. Her Maiestv

more and Kingborne; Colonel-in-Chief of the Black Watch and of the Toronto Scottish Regi- ment. A salute of 20 guns will be given here, and in I2 other cities in Canada, including Ottawa and Vancouver. I I I I

One plank which Mr. Gardiner has for- gotten to put in his platform as prospective Liberal leader, notes an exchange, is so glar- ing that no one west of the Great Lakes or east of Quebec can fail to notice it. He has said nothing about freight rates.

w a w w

lt is not to be assumed because Sir John A. Macdonald once asserted in reply to an old lady, according to Prof. Frank MacKinnon, Ph.D., that a country like Canada needs an old scoundrel as its Prime Minister, all other can- didates are barred. Nor nezd we necessarily classify men like Laurier, Borden, BennettTand King in that category, though none of thorn

has been angelic. I I I I

The. Bank of England has long re- quired its employees to sign a register upon their arrival in the morning, says

The Wall Street Journal, and if they are late they must likewise record the reason thereof. London weather being what it is, the first tardy gentleman gen allysets down "fog" opposite his name, and those who follow write, "ditto." But fate dealt a new hand one morning, and tho first latocomer wrote in the book, "wife and twins." Under the twice-blessed gentle- man's name mechanically followed twenty oth- ers, each followed by the one word "ditto!"

I I I I r

Moro and more women are turning to homo sowing in on effort to hold down the over-rising cost of their clothing. According to the Am- oricon Wool Council, tho number of homo sow- ors has increased I30 por cont during the past five yours and fdric solos have rlson I69 per cont form I941 to I947. In addition to npping tontllo solos, the onpension of homo sowing hes brought now demands for sewing machines, sowing lessons, end dross patterns. More homo sowing ls dons in rorol oroos than In cltloo ool mostly by women and girls oror l6 yosro ofogo. Littiosovinglsdonolormoooodhoys. t

- e

is the daughter of the 14th Earl of Strath--

rm: GUARDIAN. cunmiorirrerrdwn ' "

Soil Erosion Knows No Boundaries

i‘,

(By Dr. B. H. ‘Bennett. chief of U.S. 501.1 Conserve- tlou Service, la on address at. o recent joint meeting of the Maritime Branches of the Agricultural Inetttube of _ conedn."

._..._ gvu

Among the counts-fee which have soil conservation programs active- ly under woy or started-besides our three North American coun- tries of Canada, the United States and Mexloo-‘I romembe New Zeelimd. Australia, Cyprus, India and Pakistan. Kenya, North and South Rhodesia. Tanganyika, the

and the Anslo-Esyptlaa Sudan. when we add several more Inst.- in American end other countries which I could name, I think you will agree 1t. 1s n hens-toning 11st. It. shows beyond my doubt. that this practical, scientific wsy of farming -t.o conserve our irre- placeable sojl resource for the dual ends of domestic welfare and international peace csn be adept- ed to world-wide conditions.

Witset we need, first. of all. 1e understanding. 5011 Conservation education 1s the Indispensable forerunner and constant. teem- mate of n. successful conservation program 1n my country. As I tell every group before whom I appear in my own country, "we must get. the soil conservation concept into our very blood- stream." We must teach 1t. from kindergarten to post-graduate ecl- lege levels. We must. talk 1t st our busfnesemenb luncheons and preach it. from the pulpit. And that 1s exactly whet; wp are doing dawn there. until I believe I em not oxeggerotlng 1n reporting that. soil conservation 1e becoming o. deiflnfte pert.‘ of our notional thinking.

You can do it, foo. In Canada- here 1n the Maritime Provinces. Of course, there ere several high- ly important. steps that. ow couri- hry, state. or province must take 1n iaylng the groundwork for such a. program es I have outifned here today. Here are seven steps I recommend that each and every country take es on essential be- ginning to Aitrserfcen —- or world- wide-aonservetloa of our remain- fng areas of productive lend:

1. Make o. quick reconnaissance survey, on the ground, of the ex- tent sad severity of soil erosion within its boundaries and the ex- tent. of the prfnclpel ereee of fair and good lend.

2. Establish 1n the prlncllpel type areas one or more soil eros- ion research stations to determ- fn-e: (1) the rates of e011 erosion and the amount of water loss under different kinda of lend use. (2) the causes of soft erosion. and (3) the best methods for control of soil erosion.

39 Establish erosion control demonstration projects of sub- statztlel ores (perhslpe 10,000 to 40,000 ncres in size) 1n the prln- cipal areas having e. distinctive regional type of agrfaulture, to best and demonstrate soil and. water conservation measures under practical forming conditions.

f. Develop n notional program of soil and woter conservation. including both Immediate and long-range objectives, with o. chronology of the notions neces- sary to reach these objectives. 1a- herent. 1n such s program 1o n. survey and analysts of the load to determine the capabilities of each important segment. for vari- ous uses (as for cultivation, graz- ing, forestry, or wildlife) and the conservation treatment required to maintain the lend perunnnen y tn its highest state of promo vlty under its most desirable use.

5. Participate 1n ternistlorial- activities, such as the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, and otherwise encourage such actions as will facilitate the international ex- change of scientific information on conservation of soil and water resources. But. do not conclude that there 1s any substitute for much hard and persistent work on the part. of the people on the land, scientifically guided ns point.- ed out. above.

e. Carry on educational work in soil and water conservation with both the rural and urban populo- zions. especially through the school and university systoml. emphasizing the vltel fmportoleo of lend end water resources. _

‘i. Exchange students sad train- cos with other countries, particu- larly those where sotl conserve- tfon has made good headway and where colleges have included the subject 1n their curricula. as o regular course 1n conservation.

A11 of which odds up to the following conclusion es stated 1n the nforementdon eoll consor- vetlon leaflet of The Royal Bonk of Canada In one terse sentence which f could not. hope to lmtave

an.

"Dust bowls 1n ‘the went. sad washed-oat nreos 1n tho out, cannot. be roefnlissod by neasby- psmby hot! measures. not con the topsoil of Csnodo be nsllod down with shes-p tools end elbow grease.” 1

Union of South Africa, Uganda. i

_ ,___.

lnjlie buck oh‘.

TIIE BLUEBERRY SEASON-

- more‘ ‘the l\ Joe-to jfgep‘

v ’~y

_ PUBLIC FORUM

column In open to the sousslon by correspondents r of questions of interest. The g‘ Guardian does not necessar- lly endorse she opinion of correspondent!- 1

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f fWw-Yv" ';~.;;.;~;:~-¢w~¢ i

NO ACTION NECESSARY s‘

Sir, - ‘funded-s have presumably

cfl for melklng the necessary otter- staloals to the Market; Building for converting it; into a Bus Station. The matter will therefore again be ooneld ‘ at.’ the regular Council meeting next. Monday evenfng. In n Biro Station urgent- ly needed 1n this City, end 1e the urgency of such Importance that the City should expend thousands of dollars 1n providing some?

The agitation to drive the principal Bus Company operating here from its present. location on Queen Street. was originally start.- ed by one man on the ground that pedestrian traffic was interfered with and his business injured. He kept. up quite e campaign to have some notion taken by the Couri- cl1 to provide s remedy. I was ap- proached to write some letters to the Press in support, but I refused‘ to do so. The business I refer to hoe since been removed and e11 active opposition to the present Bus terminal ceased except from e few members of the council who still think it ls e problem. -- It is not.

It they be true that. at the time the buses were allowed to park ‘M! Queen Street. there was occas- ionally some congestion of pos- sengers and pedestrians, but. at no time was traffic suspended. However, the Bus Company was denied my P81141118 privileges. They were required to have their buses on the street. llne near the curb, and lnformtd that. they must not remain there longer than necessary to let off and take on passengers and that the company must provide pea-king space“ for their buses at some other piece. This has worked like n. chorm..A policemen was fibflilCthCd in front of the Bus Station to prevent any crgwdlng or Interference with regular traffic, but this duty was not continued for more their: a month. for as n matter of fact. there has been no obstruction oa- lmpcdlng of traffic. Everything 1s now moving slang normally and In good order. There-ls no news. slty now for any policeman and one is rarely ever. 1f at all, seen there. I have watched proceedings frequently and know whet. I nm writing about.

Now why should the City inter- fere whilst. the present set-up 1s working so satisfactorily? Has the Council the legal authority to be- came o Bus Station owner? If so, under whet. statute and section thereof? W-hy should the Market Building be ruined to provide n Bun Station? Our public buildings 1nd squares are now on attraction. Let. the bus companies provide their own terminals. There are lots of sizttabie places in- the city. Tho all cccnpenles did mot en- counter nny problem when they set out. to establish service sta- tlone. Let the bur companies do the some 1f present conditions are not. satisfactory to them. ‘Ihey ore satisfactory to the citizens.

I om, Sir, et.c., _ J.I‘.W.

NIGITMAIISH LIVE! 11-h

Bin-Ales, our English classic pools - from Milton to Matthew Arnold 01d not eooope "from the nightmarish reactions" ~ of my "unfortunate friends." ‘the only Ifoot poets who led serene per- soaol lives woro Browning sad Tennyson, neither of whom rise enough formal schooling to count. (By “oloosto poets" of the period from lllltoa to. Matthew Arnold. presume you moors "classic" in thelonoothottheyoroofoaex- eolloaoo eo gross ns to be stead- ocb-not fa the narrower soaso of form and asst-tor so‘ op- PM".

III

E

'we.rped 1n rnlnd u well ss body.

been submitted to the City Ooun- iroflon.

- miles of rand to be paved. How

o divorce) {and 1t ls thought that he did not. get. slang boo well with the other two. Hts daughters did not. lave him. It seems, too. thnt his inter blindness was caused by injury lo his eyes from over-study while at school. ‘ Pope, the greabertfiof the neo- clanlctslo. was certainly the most miserable humus being. He was

He was treacherous, vindictive end vein. . Dryden 1e believed to have

changed h1s religion with n change in kings. ms life ended 1n frust-

Thomss Grey lo sold to hove been is snob and s recluse.

Matthew Arnold, the lost. of the List, was n noble spirit, but. through the yeerebefore forty st least when his poetry wu writ.- leri. he was nfled with rdelsnch ' end doubts. He seemed unable to and ‘answers to the riddle of life sad death.

And the splendid poets la be- tween-en! them clessto poets, or poets that hove become cissslco though romsntle in form 1nd mattér- -

Collins had o. short life clouded by insanity. .

wlluel_n_ cow-per hod qrerlodlo attacks of insanity.

William Blake wee considered n madman 1n his time. bpcouse of his opinions. ‘

Coleridge was n d-ru! addict. who wasted the lest. twenty years of his life.

Shelleye short life was filled with wild and misguided nations.

Keats died of consumption st 26 (brought. on by exams?)

Wordsworth. n. noble human be- trig, still had o. not: ulioseihrr blameless Youth. ~

Bums, of course. woo reckless and wasteful of himself sad nest talents.

And Byron led o llfe unsavory to a degree. _

Well not ta worry about the poetic genius of our young M0919 -but. to give them n. youth happy and uafrustretedl