APRIL’ 4. 1950‘

v

THE GUARDIAN.

Mayor’ Macllonalcil Gives Review of Civic -Problems

Complaining that most of the criticism received by the City Council was “for Ielfiah reasons rather than lbr the good of the city" and that constructive criti- cism would be welcomed at all times. Mayor B. Earle MacDonald yesiaefday addressed the Charlotte- town Rotary Club. giving a lengthy review of current civic oroblems and activities.

Rotarlans Dr. Frank Mackin-

aon and Dr. Gil Houston were vhalrmen. The following guests were pruem: Premier J. Walter

Jones. Messrs. Dougald MacKin- non. M.L.A., Milton Barlrhouse. W. A. Gaudet, James Fullerton. City Clerk. and City Councillors J.,D. Stewart and W. H. Benton.

Fir-at Occasion

"I have often been privileged to attend your interesting lunch- eons." His Worship said. “but this is the first time I have come as your guest speaker. I have noted. at times. the few who like my- self would sooner sleep ‘than lis- ten. and today it is my task to keep you awake.

"It is not my intention to try. an the Premier does, to give you something controversial. Rather it is my desire to tell you something which will of necessity or de- mand come within the next three or four years or not come at all. public opinion being the influen- cing factor.

"It is pleasing to see present today, what one might term a quorum of past Mayors and Coun- cillors. who know the City's problems as well as if not better than I. You know. I some times believe it is much easier to get in- to the Council than to get out of it.

“I make bold to state to this meeting. which is composed of Charlottetown's leading citizens. that it is the duty of any intermi- cd ccltizen. if he feels he has the necessary ability. to offer himself as a candidate for election to the council Board.

Lack of Attendance

"I feel that, if some of those who are so ready to criticize. and whose criticism! are not constructive. were to serve‘ at the Board. then they could see and learn for them- selves actual conditions. and not be influenced by listening to some biased opinions which are today being expressed. They must obtain their second-hand iniorma-lion in this manner. for l: is deplorable the lack of attendance at our reg- ular monthly meetings. and this must be the cri-ierion of public in- teresi.

“Just by way of information. I assume you all know your City was incorporated in 1855. Do you know the Mayor's salary at that time was $324? Ninety-five years later. the salary of the Mayor is 3260. So. definitely. one does con- sider it an honour and one can consider himself doing the im- possible. An exception to the old Biblical prophecy: ‘A Mayor 0!‘ Prophet is not without honor.savc in his own City.’ A Mayor must be able to prohpecy his election, or he would be foolish to nominate —hcnce a prophet.

“Do you know‘that in the his- tory of our City. a Mayor be- came a Governor and utter hav- ing served his term as the rep- resentative of His Majesty. came back again to be Mayor? Just keep your eye on ex-Mayor Prowse

"More Than Mceta The Eye"

"You can't be Mayor of Char- lottetown and a memlber of the fighting squad in the Provincial Building at the same time. There might be more reasons for this than those which meet the eyfi Evidently it's quite all right to be a member of Municipal Govern- ment and Provincial Legislature in any other Municipality except our own.

"Your City services have ex- tended very considerably over the past twenty years.

"When T. W. L. Prowse was Mayor the required revenue was

“When Percy Turner was Mayor the required revenue was 5370.000.

"The City's revenue today is $500,000. and will not be suffi- cient if we are to acquiesce in all the demands which are hells made upon us.

nigh School

"Your Council is confronted to- day with the problem of a Hllh School. to be erected outside our City limits to the north of the City. approximately an a projec- tion of the centre line of our Cit. the cost of theiand to be 310. ‘with an estimated building coat of flll.000. To payrdebentdlre interest pt 3 1-3 per cent and_aIn- ortiaa over a tw with sinking nd investments" ea lag the game rate fiwfiIfl_ won _nquirqu’anAa|tiount -lonu

annua .

‘ this, add $10,000 for nlarlea (C Illa teaehi staff and an aanottnt of eat. for mainten-

afilo. luau . lighting. insurance. aq pun; . '1naEa'n annual oharlii

of Q noon. ‘operate. and means I hull of a valuation of It aatate and per-

llll an increased tax 0 . ,avary ai.000. or your

of 3.8 goes to

yproblennor in t

ty year period"

taflphyoca of the cit"

c "The matter of tradfic light: was considered in the summer of H347 and the Northern Electric and General Electric were written to.

‘The two major objectives of any intersection control are (1) aafety to vehicles and pedestrians. and (2) the expediting of traffic movement without confusion and unnecenary delay.

“There are two types of traffic lights. actuated and fixed time.

“A survey of our City. as to the vehicular t: a f f i c movement through the various intersections. showed only one intersection hav- ing enollgh traiific passing through it to warrant the installation of traffic lights.

“The price for complete install- ation of actuated lights at the corner of Queen and Grafton _..eeLs is 34.910.

"The Price for complete in- stallation of fixed time is $2,050.

“These are the figures from the Northern Electric Co. Ltd. The Canadian General Electric tender- ed on equipment only.

“Gentlemen, I am a grocer. and at different times we have oranges for sale—good ones and cheap ones. If Charlottetown wanta traf- fic lights, than the best one are what: we want. The best are the cheapest in the long run.

“The price for traffic lights for the City. quoted by Northern Electric in January of 1948 was—- glcatuated $26,880; Fixed time 311,.

"The price again submitted in February 1950 was: Actuated $20.- aeo; Fixed time 311,810.

“Do the citizens of Charlotte- town feel the expenditure lg wu. ranted?

Traffic Expert Quoted

*f‘May I here quote Assistant‘ Director T. O. Leggatt of Mont. real. Mr. Legatt. who by the way is police head of all Montreal traf- fic. _is regarded by competent auth- orities as an outstanding expert on all traffic conditions and prob- lem. and spent two weeks in this City as a consultant on traffic adfa-irs and is familiar with our local conditions.

"In the course of an interview with him. be checked over the City map. and made many val- uable suggestions. He was most denim-ite.in stating. however, that the traiific in Charlottetown does not justify Stop lights. There should be. at least. a continuous auto passage of twenty-five cars a minute. anything less would slow tra-Hie rather than speed it

-5

“His suggestion was that all busy street intersections should be properly pain-ted early in the Spring. showing proper pedes- trian lanes. centre lines for cars. etc. During the rush.-hours.. train- ed officers should be on duty at busy intersections.

“He emphasi " the fact that all required painting. be done as early as possible. and that car owners be compelled to strictly adhere to regulations at all times. In short our present system is adequate. providing the above regulations are noted with pro- perly qualified officers to enforce them.

Parking Metere

“The traffic expert from the City of Montreal. who addressed the Federation of Mayors and Municipalities on traffic problems in Quebec at the recent conference. in speaking of parking meters stated: ‘Parking meters do not solve the parking problem. They are fine in parking lots’.

‘'1 agree with the expert. He also _stated that the solution to traffic problems is to speed up traffic. You know as well as I do that. when you drive behind someone who _is poking along at 10. 12. or I5 miles per hour. he does more to hinder tratfic than those who drive at our speed limit of 20 miles. Having a speed of 22 miles would perhaps be better. However. our blocks are short and this is deserving of thought. I believe pokoy drivers are violating the traffic law as much as those who exceed the speed limit.

“If parking meters are to be in- stalled. they will not be installed

1 without charge. The price of ‘these meters varies, however.

5 “50 meters cost 3 8.300

-‘ 50 meters cost «MN

50 meters cost 8,475

150 meters cost .. 11,170

Inetalation $5 per meter 750

- 31.025

"Don't misunderuand me.

There parking‘ meters coat money. $11000 in round figures. and the farmers and the citizens are go- ing to pay for them. And to get aizooo for the meter companies cocta you and I Mr. Cltinn $5.- 000 becauae they will be put in on a so-so baaia. Are they neces- aaryi Are they a convenience to you and me? Or an inconven- “lance?

"On a one-street business acc- tlon such as the Western County Metropolis baa; perhapa they are O.K.. but in our City. where we have our bualneaa houaoa on the sides of several blocks. andwhere the available parking dlaienoe la not more than the sin of a City block away (and that la approxi- mately 802 ft.) are they neoaearyf Gentlemen. I am hesitant about

-putting than in. and while some ‘are in favor. men: If! Ilaiut. and aim‘ all, I believe it ahould be

the moat people. ’ _ ' laaallalant Inner "I did inaction that our revenue at the prelent in a half‘ million

our aim to do the moat good for

dollara. This is not sufficient to meet the current demand: without lncreadng our present program.

“We are endeavouring to keep

our City aa pracntable a any’ other City comparable with it. There are many thing which should be done. and we try hard to stretch the It or 8 cents at our dinoaal to ‘do than things. _ “We have a program whichgalla for the abolialunent of, wooden sidewalks, replacing them with concrete walks. Then there is the development of new tree: for homes. which is moot euential. This consists of new atreeu which must be veiled. eic.. street lights installed. ewallu laid. water mains an aewer mains must he run.

“Our asphalt streets must be kept in a state of good repair. and it is our policy to re-surface cer- tain blocks each year along with patching others. Then too. the ever increasing motor triulc has made it necessary to use certain areas between sidewalks and curb. and these areas. too. must be paved.

“With the pressing demands to give adequate fire protection, thus reducing premiums on your in- surance policies. adequate Police protection to all citizens. addi- tional and brighter street lights. well kept parks. bathing beachu and squares. better accommodation in your Library. Market. City Building. Schools, and with the increased costs of material and salaries. ways of getting more rev- enue have been sought.

“We receive at the present time some 340.000 from the Prov- incial Government. The last two years. we have been able to nego- tiate with the Canadian National Railways and we receive the turn of $3.467 tax on the railway owned property. on which heretofore we were unable to collect one cent.

Business Tax survey

“During my last term of office, a survey of all properties was made in the City. with a view to inaugurating a Business Tax, and while we have not decided on the feasibility ‘of putting on such a tax. the ground work has been done. and can, I know. be utilized. and should accelerate the work of adjustrnent which your Council is about to start. To acquaint you with the lead up. may I say——

“My Council and my two prev- ious Councils are fully aware that there’ exists a grave inequality in valuations in our City. To this end, and with a view to righting that part of our City's atructure. enabling legislation was obtained for the purpose of setting up a Board of Valuators. Many suit- able individuals were approached to act on this Board. but their an- swers were all the same. and I quote their answers: ‘Do you want me to lose all the friends I have?‘ To act on such a Board would be suicide for all my friendships’

“I believe this is the wrong at- titude for them to take. I think we all feel that those who act on such a Board would be doing a Civic duty. which would be ap-

However, we are still trying. and through the Federation of Mayors and Municipalities, we are in hopes of obtaining an expert, either to work along with our present Aaeeuor. or to act in an advisory capacity to a Board which we still hope to be able to set up.

Reduction Poealbie

"We feel, too. with the valua- tions more equitable. there might. be a reduction in our tax rate. It cost your City a considerable sum for the external ‘audit of 1099 but I am sure that the present set-up is very aatiafaciory in this end of Civic adn 'nlatratlon.

"1 would like to ny. we re- ceive some critldun. None how- ever, is constructive. but to the contrary. moshcrlticiam we ra- ceive is for aclfiah reasons rather than for the good of our City. In democratic cities (even if you have a dictator for Mayor) it is necessary that the elected not only try to please the majority. but it is lm-pera-hive that this is done. Knowing that the minority will be displeased for a time. and in order to keep our country as it is. we must not antagonize the minority—iherefore through the years if a Council is talented that long, all will be satisfied.

“Now gentlemen. it is a privil- ege to have been asked to be your speaker at today's luncheon.

“I welcome any constructive criticism you can give in the running of our City. Only by the co-opera-tlon of the elected and electors. an we hope to make our City the way we want it to be.’

KINGSTON Y. P. U.

The regular meeting of the Kingston Y. P. U. met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lorne Smith on Tuesday evening March 14. The devotional period led by Aletha Mncareaor waned the meeting by ringing "What A Friend." Scripture lesson taken from Roman. Chap. 4. verua ‘I-la. Readings were giv- en by Aletha Maoaregor. This was followed by the Lord's Prayer. lilildred Paul then gave a Medit- ation. The devotional cloned by

“Sun 0f_lly Soul." The minute: of last meeting were read

1'! amounted to

be held at the home of Ir.

am. William oolvtll; Next

cell to be answered with ring.

as or pay. The following commit»

“-~ were appointed for next meal.-

/ouonai-ouva narrow. study-—ldnd Oolwlll and Iran 6. ticn —- Alatha llaooreeor

proved by all"f'air minded citizens.‘

—woven and

of collar styles,

cuffs. syth and Tooke. $3.00 to $5.00

Here's a note in Men's llose. --You will find a wonderful assortment of men’a hose in the latest spring colours and pat- terns—Ankle or half- length by Penmnn’s-— Morcuryand Holeproof.

$1.00 to $2.25

Yes, we have heaps‘ of shirts print stripes, broadcloths, a wide variety gleaming white, solid toned or pat terned. Some with French Choose from Arrow, Van Henson, 1!. V. D., For-

CH.i8._LOTTETOWl\l

Shirts and Short:-—lrnlt.tad Jockey or Bloadcloth Boxer ahorb— smartly styled and

patterned. with an easy flare for comfort.

Jockey Short: 81.00 and 1-50 Broadcloth Shorts .. 81.50 Shirts .........._.._. IMO to 81-50

liere’s a. quality Sport Shirt with extra long collar-—with either but-

ton or zipper front. Sport Shirts by “Blue- sione", “Westex” and “Sun Valley”.

$4.00 to $7.00

Strn s-— 31.50 and $2.00

Buckles-— $1.00, $1.50 and $2.00

These braces, by nation. nllyullzlovga makergdhlnve gen e p grain ec- ther fastening: heavy, tarnish p r o o 1 hard -6

0th types- u$1.00 to $2.00’

PAGE ELEVEN -

reshen-up

YOUR WARDROBE

with these smart

S p n g Furnishings

Come in and Browse

around or it ,you

are in a hurry ask one of our courteous

sales people to show you iusf what you

want of the price you want +0 pays

Either way. you'll be

satisfied. Wha+'s

more, you'll be ready for spring!

Set off your trousers with a. smart top belt. We have a host of leather designs and buo kle styles.

tlilllity

and

o e

Distinctive new patterns in nockwenr and we mean they’re brand new for spring.

$1.00 to $2.00

MGDRE 2. M9LEOD L__.imired

!on are cure of: night‘: not in a pair of flaee—. “Free for all" pyJnnna—nn Exclusive patented B» V. 1). Feature. You twlat—taarn— relax and sleep In unheat- Ihle comfort. The fine and only pyjamna with body and sleeve all In one plece—6.00

Others from- $4.75 to $7.00

which the sum of $4.26 was real- ized. A dainty lunch was served by hostess and committee in charge. A hearty vote of thanks was ex- tended to Mr. and Mrs. smith for the use of their home and kind hospitality. The meeting was then adjoumed.

SOUTH WINSIJOE Y. 1’.

South Wlnaloe Y. P. U. held their regular meeting at the Manae on Friday evening. March 10th. The devotional period open- ed with hymn. "Take Time To Be Holy". followed by scripture pass- age read by Florence Gillespie and prayer by Rev. Mr. Skinner. An interesting meditation followed en- titled “The Seller Poet”. read by’ Helen Rodd. A duet was most ef- fectively rendered by Janet Skin- ner and Eleanor Rodd. Hymn. "Son Of My Soul" closed this part of the meeting. A moat instructive study period followed. led by Rev. Mr. Skinner. on the life of Paul-

The business period opened with the proalden‘, Helen Rodd, presid- ing. lt was moved and seconded that Doria I-lughea he paid all bills

U.

in connection with Valentine party. Three very succeslfui crokinole parties were reported held, and Florence Gillespie kindly offered her home for another whlch'was held on St. Patrick's Day. Helen Rodd invited the members to meet at her home for next meet- ing on March 24th. Kathleen Tur- ner. citizenship convener. will be in charge of next meeting and Melvin I-Iambly in recreational leader. Lunch committee Florence Gillespie and Doris Hughes.

The member. were pleased to welcome Mrs. Alex Skinner as pianist for the evening. Refresh- menia were served and a social hour enjoyed. A vote of thanka waa extended to Mr. and Mrs. Skinner for the use of their home, followed by singing "Auld Lang Syne." '

sovrnwrnserown r. r. a.

The regular monthly _ of the south Freetown P. '1‘. A was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Smith on Tuesday evening March ldth, 1950 with 1 members present.

Secretary's report was given. then the school committee gave their report.

The tancher gave a report that there was nothing needed in the school for the next month.

Miss Graham then read a speech of Mr. Large regarding school

roveanent and help given to on for teacher training.

It was decided to leave the next meeting until the 8rd Tuesday in April to await teacher’: .1-aport from teachers convention.

The corresponding secretary to wife for u play.

The next meeting to be held at Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Gauthier's. Programme committee. Mrs. Elmer maven; Lunch Committee. Mrs. Prod Stetson, Mrs. Fred Drurnmond and tars. Ilrner smith.

The meeting than adjourned for playing of gonna for which Mn. and Stetson was in charge.

. A delightful lunch was carved

hoateaa Illiltdd by ccmmlltae gcbana and enioyed by all.

in

CBAPAUD W. M. S.

March meeting of the Crapaud Auxiliary of the W. M. S. was held at the home of Mrs. John Simmons. with Mrs J. D. MacFarlane as hos- tess. Meeting opened with the worship program. led by the presi- dent, Mrs. Frank MacDonald.

The worship theme was "What can I Give to My Church." Scrip- ture readings were given by Mrs

Robert Dawson. Mrs. Ralph Myers. Mrs. Wm. Waddell and Mrs. John Nicholson. The hymns “Hark The Voice of Jesus Crying" and "Take My Life" were sung with Mrs. Bacon as pianist

Prayer was offered by Mrs. Macrlarlane. Roll call was answer- ed by ten members and four visit- ors. Collection amounted to 82.10.

A letter from the presbyterinl president was read concerning sum- mer ralllea, and a decision made

not to ask for one this year. Four- teen sick calls and four cards were reported to the community Friend- ship secretary, Mrs. John Leard. Mrs. Wilmot MacDonald invit- ed the members for the April meet- ing. In place of the usual study per- iod, a most instructive address,_ on china was given by Mrs. Bacon. who with her husband Rev. E. L Bacon returned a short time ago. after spending several years on a mission field there. Mrs. Bacon's address was made doubly interest- ing by a display of Chinese souv- enirs. linens tapestries, ornamenta. etc. which were passed around and viewed with much admiration. The thanks of the meeting were conveyed to Mrs. Bacon by the president. after which a delicious lunch was served by Mrs. Mac-