' complished fact.

. their patron saint. Saint George.

' when. the Council of Oxford ordered it to

mos roux 1

;

THE GUARDIAN.

CH ARLOT'l'ETU WN

THE G

Morning Dull: (Founded In ltltt'l) lullmrlud no not-nnd Clan Mall I've: Office Duuurunrnt. Ottawa The Island tiuurcllnn Publishing Co. Editor and illunnglng lllrorlur. J. ll. Burnett Auoc-lute Editor, I-'rnnls Wnllner.

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

CHARLOTTETOWN SATURDAY. APRIL 22. 1950

New Newfoundland Market

Island producers, who have already been supplying U. S. air bases in Newfoundland to some extent. should benefit by the larger demand under the new agreement made be- tween the Dominion and United States gov- ernments. Apparently the new purchasing arrangement follows the recent discussions m the future disposition of the bases. Ot- tawa sought to obtain a modification of the original clauses of the 99-year lease given my the British Government to the United States in 1940, which involved duty-free concessions enjoyed by the U. S. military personnel stationed in Newfoundland. Not oeing able to circumvent the entire agree- ment by purchasing the bases outright be- cause of the cost, the Dominion authorities have obtained in lieu of any further de- mands on Washington the offer of purchas- ing all supplies in the Canadian market.

This will mean additional millions of dol- lars from the United States. Already the Newfoundland Base Command has an- nounced the opening of a procurement and purchasing office in Montreal to increase its purchase of merchandise in Canada. These goods, for the most part. were formerly bought in New York and shipped by boats to the various bases at Perperrcll, East Har- mon and McAndrew.

The military bases will need tons of goods each month, and food will bulk large in the orders. Prince Edward Island ship- pers and producers should be on the alert to seize this marketing opportunity.

-Tyres Anniversary

Today is the anniversary of the 2nd Bat- tle of Ypres. On this day 35 years ago the "Canadians saved the day." Troops from the Dominion valiantly held the salient when the rest of the line broke and left them ”in the air” with all supports gone.

It was declared to be one of the most glorious feats of World War One and the Canadians were publicly thanked for it by the Commander-in-Chief and by His Ma- jesty King George V. The battle was not won without sacrifice. Many -Canadian lives and many darkened Canadian homes was the price paid for victory at Ypres April 22, 1915.

In memory of those who fell the Ladies Auxiliary of the Prince Edward Island Artil- lery erected in the Provincial Building a tablet which was publicly unveiled on the eighth anniversary of thegbattle in 1923. This tablet is to many a sacred shrine which will long stand as a tribute to a glorious vic- tory and a memorial of proud sadness to not a few Prince Edward Islanders.

Standardization-

Canada's position on the important ques- tion of standardization of items of military equipment has been made clear in a speech recently by Defence Minister Claxton. This country, of course, makes comparatively few of the countless articles required to wage modern warfare, but of the equipment we do produce our capacity far exceeds the modest requirements of our own armed forces. The bulk of our military require- ments must be purchased abroad, which in this case means England or the United States.

To make our full weight count in the de- fences of the North Atlantic Treaty it is necessary that our own products should be usable by other members of the Pact and also that this country should be able to sell to those other members the war material which we do produce.

Mr. Claxton has prepared schedules of the war materials which Canada approves of treating in this way. The suggestions may or may not be accepted but a basis has been laid for negotiation of the entire problem and a direct result of Canada's ac- tion should bc a rapid widening of the cate- gories in which standardization is an ac-

st. George's Ilay Tomorrow the loyal sons and daughters of England will observe, the anniversary of

Many legends regarding the Saint have been woven into history, the most commonly known being his feat in killing a dragon. Saint George's Day was adopted in 1222

zabeerved as a public holiday in England.

it met with some success. the Great", numerous other works rapidly followed. His intimate knowledge of the world of which he wrote, his masterly drawing of char- acters and a bracing and vigorous style place Fielding in the ranks of the greatest of English novelists. "

ed the admiration, gratitude and respect of the world at large. Her present efforts to recoupand regain her former world position are being watched with interest and sym- pathy.

No doubt, here as elsewhere, Saint Georges Day will be appropriately ob- served and English sons draw new inspira- tion from recorded deeds of the past, the struggle of the present and hope of the fu- ture.

EDIIURIAI. NUIFS

The two-ferry service at Borden from June 15 to Sept. 15 must prove a paying proposition if it is to be repeated next year, according to Transport Minister Chevrier.

O O 0

Island war veterans should now be able to have decisions on their affairs made on the spot instead of being referred to Ottawa. In addition to the saving in time, it will be much more satisfactory to know that one has been able to speak directly to the man who makes the decision.

0 0 I

The war has been over for almost five years so it is, perhaps, not surprising to find that already in Manitoba the pacifists, who were glad enough that we were more or less ready to oppose Hitler, are now harp- ing back to the old refrain about not want- ing to see their sons receive cadet training.

0 0 0

Statistics are tricky things and one may

equally use them as base for argument or

show that they are altogether unreliable as

a guide for conduct. In any case it is most satisfactory to find the latest C. N. R. ship- ping report confirming the most optimistic predictions. 0 O I

There has been much confusion in the matter of references to jet engines for cars. locomotives, ships and, of course, aircraft. It seems that since jet propulsion was found practical the older term, gas turbine, has been abandoned with no small loss of clar- ity. It would be helpful if jet propulsion were restricted to mean the thrust of ex- panding gasses directly propelling the vehicle.

0 0 Q

Colonial Airlines having been lnuch in the news recently and being treated none too gently by Canadian newspapermen over its exclusive franchise battle, it is satis- factory to be able to follow up with the story of Colonial's record of twenty years without a fatal accident. With so many re- ports of air crashes, the public is apt to lose sight of the fact that a great many regular airlines, including those serving the Maritimes, have a safety record of which they have every right to be proud.

! O 0

Five years ago, on April 22, 1945, the Canadian public thrilled to the announce- ment that the 1st Canadian Corps had mov- ed from Italy and was then fighting in Hol- land. The move, shrouded in secrecy and known officially as ”Operation Goldflake”, had taken weeks to complete. Commencing late in February, the Corps, complete with vehicles, equipment and personnel, landed at Marseilles in Southern France and trekked north almost completely under its own pow- er. For the first time in the Second World War the Canadian Army was fighting as a whole on one front.

0 O O

Pensions are fine things and it would be splendid if every citizen could be presented with a substantial one at 65 or even earlier. But like that world cruise we would all like to take, or the country estate we would all like to have. there comes the inevitable question: ”Can we afford it?" Suppose we forget all about whether a citizen has a nest egg of his own and drop the means tests entirely. If we did that, if every man and woman reaching 70 got the present pension the total bill would be two or three times the current cost. If we paid a flat rate of 5,450 a month at 70 the cost would be just over 55400 millions. Before we are through, says the Financial Post, we might as well take a peek at the grand prize, S100 a month for everyone from 60. The price tag reads 5lS1,958,272,000, just four fifths of all the revenue Ottawa expects to be able to lay its hands on this year.

9 O I

Henry Fielding was born this date, 1707, at Glastonbury and educated at Eton, where he was a contemporary of Fox and Pit, and at Leydon. He produced a num- ber of plays on the London stage, now long forgotten, and subsequently studied law and was called to the bar, becoming a magis- trate. After the publication of Richard- son's "Pamela", Fielding commenced to write "Joseph Andrews" as an avowed parody. , As it grew, the original idea was lost sight of and, when published in 1742, "Jonathan Wild,

"Tom Jones", "Amelia" and

undaunted in two world wars, and has earn-

-i.n.-.1.-5-.1.-wt.-A.-.-.-.-A-u-.-.-.-.rs PUBLIC FUR UN

This column ll open to the discussion by correspondent.- . .01 tltwlltionn at mtercnt. The Guardian does no: neccuu - lly endorse the opinion of correspondents.

' - A.I'PB EC IATION

Sir,-For some time past I have felt the urge to write to your Forum. to express appreciation of the excellent continued articles in your valuable paper. The letters on different topics are also most interesting. as well as the good and timely editorials. news. poetry, etc. etc.

During the Easter season this year I was much pleased to see The Easter Story-by great, 3,-1,- 1515. as well as the pictorial Bible stories. and I should mention the daily verse from "The Ago-old Story." To those of us who have had the privilege of seeing some of these g.eat paintings, it revives our admiration of such wonderful art, and also calls f-ort.'h our ap- preciation of the su.p1-cme sac- riflce provided for the salvation Of mankind. finding a iespcnse in our hearts, encouraging us to bet- ter living. At this Spring-cleanmg

season let. us clear our minds of the baser things, and endeavour once again to live on a cleaner, higher plane. in our practical everyday life. with our families and communities.

Any comuncnts or discussion along this line?

I am. Sir. etc.

A RURAL MUTHER. Vallcyfield West, P. E. I.

Q-ous-roe-oo&-or-ages-Q

Old Charlottetown :- gi (And P E. I.)

INDIGENOUS TUBERS

From a letter to Charles Stewart, Esq., secretary of the Royal Agri. cultural Society of Prince Edward Island. from Dr. Abraham Gesncr. F.R.G.S.L.. dated Malpeque, 12th August, 1846:

"Since the blight in the potato began to appear in t.hi.s country. my attention has been directed to the discovery of some indigenous plants that by being cultivated might supply a substitute for that valuable article of food: and (fur. mg the examination of the remote parts of this Island, by geological reconnaissance in which I am now engaged, no opportunity has been lost to seek for those cscuient. roots upon which the ancient. Indian savages partly subsisted.

"In this inquiry I have been aided by several intelligent Mic- mac Indians. by whose assistance I have obtained two kinds of iarinaceous roots which. by being employed in experimental culture, may perhaps supply finally the substitute so much desired.

"The first root of the above character was found at Hog Is- land, in Richmond Bay. It is called by the Indians 'mus-qua- sale". At the time it was discov- cred (on the 13th August. inst.), the top of the plant had withered. and no correct opinion could be formed respecting its appearance above ground. Bulbs. now per- fcctly ripe. were found in the hard-wood forest. an inch deep in the soil. which is covered by a thin layer of decayed leaves. To some bulbs the dry tops and liga- ments were attached. The sur- face where these roots were found was completely shaded; but the soil is good and the aspect. warm. They may be obtained in other parts of Prince Edward Island, but they are rare, and it was with difficulty that a pint. of them could be procured by a whole In- dlan family.

"The average size of the bulbs is that of cherries; but a few are found of much larger dimensions. In their appearance they resem- ble thc common potato. having ap- parently the peculiar indentations called eyes. The skin of the bulb is of a rusty brown colour. and the ligament by which each was nourished was found perfect. al- though it was dry from ripeness. The interior of the bulb is very white. and the root has the taste and odour of Lhe potato now in use. The Indians state that this vegetable, if kept either in a dry or moist state. will not suffer any decay for a long period.

"They are very farinaceous, and contain a large percentage of starch. which resembles that made from wheat. By being dried the bulb shrinks a- little; but it immediately expands on being thrown into warm water. As an article of food it is excellent. and as such is highly esteemed by the Indians. who generally remove every root. as soon as the habita- tion of the plant is discovered. This plant is very diflferent from the wild artichoke found in the neighboring Provinces; with it. grows a long white root called by the aborigines "can-chook', which is employed by them for medicinal purposes.

"Another kind of wild farinace- ous roof, which is more plentiful than the one already noticed. is called by the Indians 'saa-gas-ban.' It was found on several of the islands in Ric-'mond Bay. but most plentiful at the bases of the sand mounds of Fish island. its fav- ourite sitc seems to be along the skirts of the sandhills that form the lagoons along the coast. where it is nourished by decomposed sea- weed and shells. It occurs in the midst of melted gran nndf wild fares. and frequently occupies patches of several square rods.

"The leaf of the '::a-gas-ban" resembles the leaf of the cultivat- ed potato. The stalk is like a small vine: the roots are situated two inches below the surface 'of the soil. and the bulbl. of oval figure. are strung together like beads. bring attached to each