' sociation advocates a nursery school such as

H federal, provincial and local, with the pro-

' .TIn 1952 the provinces spent in the vicinity

rogrthe put, have only certain specific sour-

.PAGE roux THE GUARDIAN

Authorised no Second Class Mail Post Office ' Dopdhsnent. Ottawa. The Island Guudisn Publishing co.

T S-means mar - ' Editor, Inn A. human. Associate Editor. Frank Wnlker.

. . CIRCULATION "Covers Prince Edward Island like the dew”

"The strongest memory is weaker than the weakest ink". -

CIIABLOTTETOWN. TUESDAY. FEB. 3, 1953

liarhllcallperi children 7

The first step towards dealing with a problem is to recognize its existence and that is particularly true with children suf- fering from some form of paralysis. All too often the parents, even, think that their chiidis handicaps are unique and that noth- ing can be done to overcome defects of speech, thought or muscul'ar co-ordination. In fact it is estimated that some seventy- five children in this Province suffer from cerebral palsy and it is lack of public in- formation about the situation that leaves them very largely on their own.

A short time ago the Cerebral Palsy Parents' Association was formed to draw public attention to the situation and to make parents realize that the handicaps of these children are not unique, nor are they hopeless. The Department of Health and VVelfare employs a speech therapeutist whose work helps individual cases and gives parents an idea of what they can do them- selves. The problem, however, is beyond the capacity of the ordinary home and the As-

has been successfully carried on in Nova Scotia. '

The immediate aim, however, is to in- tcrcst parents in the possibility of con- structive action so that they will better understand their own problems. Only when the families of the handicapped children realize that something can be done will there be a real stimulus for public action.

Record car Insurance claims

Insured cars in the Maritimes ran up a record-breaking total of automobile ac- cidents, property damage, injuries, deaths, and of course insurance claims last year. Figures compiled by the All Canada Insur- ance Federation indicate that in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island one out of every eight insured cars was involved in an accident resulting in a. claim. New Brunswick was slightly worse with one car in seven involved. For the class A-1 group, including youthful drivers, this Province had the same rate of claims as New Bruns- wick-11.7 per cent. In Class A, however, we had only a 12 per cent claim frequency compared with New Brunswick's 14.4 per cent.

Except for the relatively light claims by the preferred group this shows a serious situation, although far from' as bad as in the Province of Quebec where claims oc- cur about twice as frequently. The increas- ing number of accidents and the growing cost of repairs and compensation are in- evitably reflected in the cost of insurance coverage.

The Highway Problem

Noticeable as has been the progrem in road building in Canada in recent years, it will need to be accelerated considerably if greater traffic congestion is to be averted in the next quarter century. This is the view expressed by Mr. C. W. Gilchrist, managing director of the Canadian Good Roads Association, who points out that at the rate of increase for the past twenty- five years we may expect a population of 20.8 million by 1978, compared with 14.8 million today. Automotive vehicle regis- tration will increase from 3.1 million to 5.7 million; surfaced highway mileage to- talling 175,000 miles now will have grown to 260,000 miles. If that projection proves accurate, road building will have failed to keep pace with the increase in motor vehicles, which rose from 16.68 per mile of surfaced highway in 1928 to 18.5 vehicles per mile at present, and will have jumped to 22.12 per mile by 1878. v

Roads have always been a burden on the public purse. Responsibility has been divid- edt among governments at three levels,

Vincial bearing by far the greatest burden.

of 3350 millions, the biggest amount in his- tory. The federal government's contribution is thetrelatlvely smell mileage of national pu-kfronds ltfmaintsins, the heavy outlay it makes on the Northwest Highway Sys- tem which the Army maintains, and its fin- mcm participation in the Trans-Canada

The provincesyhag-ridden by deficiencies

of 1,-eyenuo -with which to finance their ' the tax on gasoline, regis-

various types of operating licenses and fines forinfractions of highway regulations. In 1951 provincial revenues from all these sources totalled R252 millions. Expenditures on highways in the same year are estimat- ed at S300 millions. . I

No Canadian figures are available, but in the United States it is estimated that 90 to 95 cents of every dollar spent by the auto- mobile owner goes to expenses involving the vehicle itself. From 5 to 10 cents are spent for the roads and streets on which it travels. The generally poorer roads in this country probably weights the balance here toward the automobile. It is a moot ques- tion whether this ratio represents tlfei opti- mum economic balance between the charges. The contention that too 'little.is. being spent on the road in relation to the vehicle will be fairly widely accepted, but whether the user should be expected to re- dress the disequilibrium, through payment of higher gasoline taxes and registration fees, is another matter.

ernment. Ottawa collects vast sums in ex-

and military roads, and therefore should for general roads. The limiting factor in this respect is not the financial assistance the federal government is willing to extend but the conditions which the provinces are willing to accept regulating the financial assistance. The whole force of history in federal-provincial relations, however, sup- ports the premise that the Trans-Canada Highway will be a joint responsibility in perpetuity and some form of continuing co- operation will probably emerge as an ex- tension of the agreement.

An important factor underlining the need of highway expansion is noted by Mr. Gil- christ. It seems quite certain that urban population has reached its optimum concen- tration in..many places and that Canadian communities will henceforth develop as smaller integrated units, interconnected with other similar units in the industrial areas. Properly planned, this development offers great opportunities in terms of hu- man values. The question thus becomes not whether we can afford rnodern highways in every section of Canada, but whether we can afford not to have them.

EDITORIAL NOTNES Georgetown is rich in history but the people of the Kings County capital are far from satisfied to bask In past glories. The emphasis today is on the towns potential for shipping, commerce and industry. 9 I 0 British Honduras has taken another step towards full self government with universal adult suffrage. The Central American pos- session still has a majority of its assembly and council appointed by the Governor but in ordinary course the balance canl be ex- pected to shift in favour of elected members. ,lO O 0 Usually acts of vandalism are blamed on children who presumably have never been taught any better. The time, between 2 and 3 a.m., of the damage to cars in Charlottetown, indicates that some Char- lottetown citizens have managed to grow older without growing up. 0 O O Concern and sympathy will be felt all over the world because of the violent storms which struck western Europe with winds of hurricane force and caused great loss of life and damage to property. The Nether- lands, in particular, which had reclaimed much land sacrificed to the sea in the Sec- ond World War, has again found itself largely inundated. 0 Hugh Montague Trcnchard, first Vis- count; British soldier, airman and admin- istrator, was born this date 1873. ' He serv- ed in the army in the South African War and entered the First World War as com- mandant of the military wing of the Royal Flying Corps. He became chief of air staff in 1915 and in 1918 commanded the inde- pendent Air- Force in France. In peace be again became chief of air staff. From 1931 to 1935 he was commissioner of the Metro- politan Pdlice Force, in which post he was instrumental in founding the Hendon police college and instituting other reforms. O I I The Pdst Office Department is joining effectively in the 'game conservation cam- paign by issuing a series of postage stamps which will emphasize the importance of securing and restoring the wildlife re- sources of Canada, not only for their con- siderable economic value but also because they are'a constant source of pleasure to thousands in every walk of life. The new issue, scheduled for the 1st of April to co- lnclde as nearly as possible with National Wildlife Week, will take the form of three commemorative designs- A 2 cent postage" stamp will display a polar bear, a 3 cent stamp is moosepsnd e. 5 cent stamp a big- horn sheep. Stamps designed to display other wild animals of Canada will be is-

sutomotive vehicles, and

sued in subsequent years.

two .

The alternative source is the federal 'gov- i

cise and sales taxes on automotive vehicles: and parts; it contributes only to park roads,

distribute some of this substantial revenu-vi

1

THE IGUARDIAEmCHARL0TTET0WN i

There Can

Be.

1

rt

m....m:.g.g: PUBLIC FORUM

This column Is open to the discussion by correspondents of questions of interest. The Guardian does not necessar- ily endorso the opinion of corresponden 5.

FIIEER INTOXICANTS

Sir.-Drew Pearson reports that members of Republican party lead- ers had chipped in to establish a club with a cocktail bar for thirsty members of Congress, right; across the street from the House of Rep- resentatlves office-building in Washington. This was the former Methodist Board of Temperance building. Contrast the influence which such a rendezvous will have! Alfred P. Shickey, pastor of the Methodist Board of Temperance denounces the club as "a sin and a shame and n Blight on the country."

If ever I have been disheartened. he said, it. was when I learned that within a. stone's throw of the cap- ital there is going to be opened up, by the new leaders of government. a liquor lounge, where they may go for cocktails and then go into separate rooms for conferences. '1'o have the leadership of this country work out their plans in a liquor lounge is going to be a. terrible thing for the country."

The club opened on Jan. 12. P. E. Islanders may well join the wail of woe, when they sight the evidence in Charlottetown of great and still greater sale of iutoxicants. More blood and tears.

I am, Sir, etc. I M. M. BROWN Hunter River:

FARMERS PROBLEM

Sir,-I think your newspapers editorial survey of "The Farmers' Problem" (Jan, 23) a constructive and characterful contribution to one of the top piobioms of the day. It seems to me to take on added meaning from the fact that the conditions outlined, in large mea- sure apply to most countries on either side of the notorious Iron Curtain.

So for M I can make out from my reading on this agricultural theme, while technological progress 'down on the farm' has been steadily working productive mirac- les in this basic industry.,espcc- iaily in the major industrial countries, this fact A involving the tre d to mechanical farming and rur electrification and the epochai achievements of the agricultural research laboratories -- hes.mereiy cushioned what you neatly term "the growing disparity between prices paid to the remaining farm population and the prices they must pay industrial firms and their workers for the materials used in productlon,.and especially in com- petition for farm workers." ,

The fact, as brought forward by

.one of the nation's bank presidents in your advertising columns, that the "farmers have undergone in n year a. price decrease of nboutja per cent": and that, according to the official figures, total payrolls have moved forward by just 20 per cent. in the past 24 months, speaks volumes. It certainly accents your onciusion that "No farmer csn compete with those manufacturing- wsges which are chiefly iesponsibie for the drift from the farm til the cities."

I do not believe that the situation should be permitted to drift. Off the farm Canadians generally, but especially the massed workers In the nnks of ur-ben,m-gsnised labor; will be well-advised to lode around them. in the (tiny race for more dollars unrelated to more product- ion. It's up to them to keep the primary producers in fsir sligh- ment; because. it they fell to do so .- either deliberately or merely through spothy and forgetfulnese - there are icon and dangerous es- periences country to them.

- .1 Im Ellr. Ito. - "oonbirn nuns" Toronto, Ont. ,

FAMOUS CATHEDRAL The spin! of Selisburrcstiiednl,

Old Charlottetown (And 2. I. r. l

I PALTRY GRANTS

From a report submitted by Peter MacGowan, Esq., secretary- treasurer, at the annual general meeting of the Central Agricul- tural Socibty, Jan. 13, 1841:

"Your committee would wish to continue the practise of holding Fairs, but they regret to state that unless the Society meets with greater public e couragement than it has done for he last few years, these useful institutions must necessarily be discontinued. When it is considered that the expense of carrying on foreign correspond- ence, that of Fairs, Cattle and Grain Shows, as well as that of Ploughing Matches, is borne ex- clusively by the Central Society, which is virtually the mainspring of all the Societies in the Island, it does certainly appear most ex- traordinary that the Legislature, in their wisdom, last Session should have granted no more than i150, to be divided among the different a-gricuitural Societies thorughout the Island, of which the very trifling portion of 5316 135. 4d. was allotted to this So- ciety.

I I 0

"If our Legislature would take n lesson from the history of our sis- ter Provlnee of Nova Scotia, they will find that the agriculture of that Province was in a flourish- ing condition, and made rapid pro- gress for many years, as long as it enjoyed the fostering care and at- tention of an enlightened and pa- ternal Legislature; but ever since the Legislature withdrew its patronage from the agricultural associations, now more than fifteen years ago, the agriculture of that Province has been on the decline, and many and loud have been the complaints from all quarters of the supineness of the Legislative body on this ail-lmport- ant subject. ,-

"It is worthy of remark, that when the Central Agricultural Board at Halifax declined, all the country Societies went down im- mediately after. In the Session of 1840, the Assembly of Nova Scotia were pleased to pass an unmerlted compliment upon this Society, by recommending the last annual report of your committee to the particular attention of the members of that House. That body. however, appear to be at length awakening from their slum- bers. and it was only owing to the late period of the Session that a vote of 512000 for. agricul- tural purpose: was not carried.

- e a

"It is true that this Society has received at different times very considerable grants of money since its commencement, amounting in the whole to the sum of H000- but when reference is made to the annual general statement of their affairs, it will be apparent, to

SONNET

Westward I chanced to look, ere yet the night

Fell on a day of clouds, to note what sign

If any, on the horizon might out- shine

Of 3 fair marrow, and there met my sight

Astonlshed a long line of silver light.

Off in whose soundicss aery depths "vine

Pecped the faint stars, and drew these eyes of mine

Far hence, as native to some orb more, bright.

So sometimes come by- the tired spirit of man

Glimpses of rest and home, and for

a space

He feels the breath of heaven upon his face.

Glad earnest. of the glory yet to b

B.

When Light. and Love shall com- pass earth's round space Even as the waters fill the hollow

' sea.

-Thos. L. Lepage

. The Age-Old Storyii

.1. s,.t-(-y.qspA:n-is-czar-.&eo-amt.

And Jesus went into the ' ' of God, and out out all them that sold and bought in the tom. pie, and overthrew the tables of tho money-changers, and the goals of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prey- er; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

....L.............y..L:1 funds thus liberally placed under their control have not been in- judiciously applied, especially when it is considered what a large cap- ital is necessarily employed in keeping on hand a stock of seeds and agricultural implements to meet the constantly increasing de- mands of the farmer. A loss of i100 was sustained on the import- ation of the Clydesdale horse and Ayr hire cattle; in addition to wh ch greet losses are annually taking place on the different seeds and other articles imported by the Society, it being their practice to dispose of the best and rarest descriptions of seeds in most in- stances below cost and charges. Additional loss is frequently sus- tained on the importation of agri- cultural implements for patterns, which seldom, if ever, realize the amount of cost."

RELATIVE SIZE , Canada's total area of 3,845,000 miles is 848,000 square miles larger

every unprejudiced mind, that the

omen:

in England. built in the l!th,oen-

fury, is 40.0 feet high.

FREEDOM FROM FEAR

Bemovsl of four ii the privilege and the duty of insurance. It was the fearful consequences of the Great Fire of London in 1000 that gsve birth to insurance fire, sooldent, and other unprodlo bio snd costly evnnts. thst is the mom spring of the Insurance business, initiated and nurtur- ed by prints entoflnlso. and which for more lien 250 years has conferred untold benefits on the human race.

All lines of Ynsurnnoo effected.

uvunirnu sfco.

Established II”

Representing British, Canadian, nnd American Underwriters, i also Lloyd's Oorporotlon of Imulon, England.

CHABLOTTETOWN - BUMMEISIDI - MONTAGUI

Agents throughout the Provlnee.

than continental United States.

X

It is fear of financial loss by

b

no.

' there may be many playful con-

' conditions will say, for instance,

The Passing Scene-i " I

By Observes

I-IEBR UABY

Each month of the year has its own peculiar history and interest. People who base their judgement on other things besides weather

that December is the happiest month since it contains Christmas Day. Of all the months I would say that February is in a sense the most intriguing. The name itself has pleasant and clean connotations, be- ing derived from an old Latin word meaning "to purify".

Perhaps R" little less dignified, historically, than either of its im- mediate neighbours, January and March, both of whom have histori- cal association with pagan deities. but at least it is not saddled with either the two-faced characteristics of the one or the warlike propensi- ties of the other. In an etymological sense, at any rate, there is nothing about February that is not ab- solutely clean and honourable.

C O 0

In our part of the world Febru- ary is usually clean and white in a. physical sense, too. The snow sees to that. This year. should the current weather trend continue. there will be 3. different story to tell, Even .90. February must not be expected to take all the blame, The hesitating way of the show this winter did not just happen. If the truth were known, it may be that the weather of a year ago and even of last summer had is good deal to do with it, just as the kind of weather we are having now will have some effect on conditions next June and July. For all we know-

splrecies hidden in the "bosom of the year". . . .

To those who are confident that the present winter is going to pur- sue its gentle and kindly mannex to the end it nmy be helpful to point out that February can be most unpredictable in its habits. There is no telling what it will do next. Before its brief tenure has been folded up we may yet witness the shows falling fast and boister- ously, or it may decide to pass the responsibility on to its successor. just for the fun of it, We should not be too complacent. weather- wlse. until the Ides of March have come and gone.

I O

In referring to February's "brief tenure" I am reminded that this. too, has an interesting background. In the days when the proud Romans held sway over the earth their em- perors were accorded glory second only to that of the gods. In fact. some of them, we are told, assumed divine status with oil the adoration that went with it.

In such circumstances it was naturally unthinkable that, the months named in honour of Julius and Augustus should lmrc the same number of days as February which merely marked the purification of the common people. The obvious way out of the serious difficulty was to plifer a. couple of days from February and give them to the emperors' nnmesakes, July and August. And that is what the calendar builders did. Not without a slight twinge of conscience. how- ever. os is-evidenced by their giving back 'to the injured month one extra day every four years, Not that February would care verv much one way or the other about the little concession. but even Roman em- perors and their minions could not