THE GUARDIAN

"Coven Prince Edward laland Like the Dew‘ Published every week-day morning I: 136 Prince

Street. Charlottetown. P. E. L. by The Thomson Company Limited. Editor and Manager. Ian A. Burnett. Auociato Editor. Frank Walker. Branch offices at Summerside. Montague and Alberton. Authorized as Second Class Mail by

:he Post Office Department. Ottawa. By Carrier: Charlottetown. Suninierslde 8l5.00 per annum. Elsewhere in P. E. I. 59.00. Other Prov- inces and U. S. A. 5l2.00 per annum.

“The atrongest ll’lBll’l0f‘y‘|l weaker than the weakest ink.”

Highway Safety

Ar‘: me number and power of vehicles

using the highways increases there is al- most certain to be a jump in the frequency and seriousness of accidents. Assuming the average driving ability to remain the same we would expect slaughter on the roads to reach frightening proportions. Fortu- I. natcly the average driver today is far more capable. than even a fe\v years ago. He has to be to remain alive. At the same time cars and other vehicles have been im- proved mcchanit-all_v with much the same result. i" Law enforcement too must keep pace i with the times, as it is doing. There is no ‘‘ place on the modern highway for the care- less driver or the road hog. Once he was a nuisance. ‘Now he is a threat to his own life and everyone else’s.

The Attorney-Gcneral's Department and the ‘Motor \'ehiclc Branch of the Provincial Set-i'cizii‘_\"s Department are concerned to . achieve more than bare law observance. ii‘ They are striving to achieve a general a“ standard of skill and courtesy that will

' make a real difference to highway safety. (ilieyiiig the law is only the beginning of safe driving, although without such law observance safety is impossible.

The newly-formed R. C. M. P. mobile traffic squad will, of course, enforce traffic laws. It has a further reason for being. however, in generally making the highways of the Province safe for those- who’ use them. The distinctive vehicles used by the Force will be frequently in view, not only providing for law enforcement but remind- ing drivers and others that operating :1 vehicle is a heavy responsibility; that it re- quires full attention, and a constant feeling of respect for the convenience and safety of others. '

llouble Depreciation

The outstanding need for Britain, said

.‘ , Chancellor of the Exchequer R. A. Butler in his recent budget speech, is greater in- vestmcnt in private industry. A year ago he tried to encourage industry by restor-

,, ing to 20 per cent the “initial allowance" for depreciation on new investment. This year he took a step further and replaced the initial allowance by what is termed “in- .vestmcnt allowance."

is that whereas the old provision merely

anticipated part of the annual depreciation

allowance. the 10 per cent on new build-

ings and 20 percent on new plant and

machinery is allowed as a deduction from , taxable income without' affecting the value p of the property for normal depreciation. it .,. , is a real benefit rather than merely the ' acceleration of a benefit to which the tax- payer is already entitled.

There is nothing new, of course, about offering taxation inducements to encourage the establishment of new enterprises. Na- tions, provinccs and municipalities have been tempting the investor with such offers from an early date. They have unquestion- ably paid off. When a business is establish- ed and commences paying its full share of taxes if vcr_v soon makes up for any tem- porary reduction received on its inception. The community benefits from the wealth created in its midst. and the taxpayer finds that he has broad shoulders with which to share the burden.

Job For lliiral Magistrates

An unusual piece of legislation was brought down in a recent amendment to the Ontario Telephone Act. it provides a fine of $50 for anyone who refuses to surrender a party line in_an emergency.

This law, comments the Edmonton Jour- rial. is sound enough in theory. It was doubtless inspired by reported cases where individuals refused to cut short their con- versations and hang up even though frantic neighbors were trying to call the fire brl-' gade or the doctor. But enforcing it is go-

-ing to be quite a problem. Our. Edmonton contemporary concludes: V _ "Most of the offenders in -these cases are women. and it is a well-known fact- _well-known to men anyway—that the fair sex regards interminable telephone con- versations as one of its constitutional rights. They will certainly resist‘ vigorously any effort to rule them off the wire. Then there is the question of juot what consti- udeo on emergency. Ffire. police and am- II.__nInoe calla obviously qualify. mt what

an urgent all to a heedleos husband ..'qg?IH'hfiwMk0m¢t0&8IOUtMme

ltailu

The unique feature of the new allowance

oven before it is [00 late! is this serious enough to justify breaking up :1 conversa- tion about Mrs. Binks' new hat? Ontario rural magistrates, we suspect, are going to need an extra supply of the wisdom of Solomon."

An Encouraging‘ View

Members of the diplomatic corps of Britain, West Germany, Yugoslavia, Italy, and Austria recently accepted invitations to take part in a United Nations Seminar con-

.ducted at a boys‘ school in New Jersey.

Each speaker addressed a group of twenty boys; following each address an hour-long discussion was held during which the boys were encouraged to ask questions.

' One important point brought out by the various speakers, according to the head- master of the school, who acted as mod- erator, was that the rift between East and West is most keenly felt in West Germany and Austria; perhaps'this is because Com- munist influence in these two States is less pronounced than in other countries of Con- tinental Europe.

The most encouraging view shared by all speakers was that in due time “the Sov- iet totalitarian Communism will fall be- cause of the unrest and cultural pride of the"satellite nations”. Allowing for a cer- tain amount of wishful thinking, to which diplomats like other people are subject from time to time, it does seem reasonable to expect that people who have known free- dom and lost it will some day take great risks to regain it. The only thing that has kept them thus far in a state of subservi- ence is, of course, fear of Russian military might: but many times in the past the will to be free has triumphed over seemingly insurmountable odds. It could happen again.

EDITORIAL NOTES

The Music Festival is again drawing to a close, or rather to a climax. Like good conductors, the Festival executive leave no doubt in the minds of the public that the finale is also the high point of the produc- lion.

I I 0

There is an almost comforting reliabil- ity about the instability of French gov- ernments. Once more. as a world crisis presents itself, the question presents itself of who will be head of the Republic in I vveek’s time.

O O O

Paradoxically enough the unusually large icebergs reported in the Atlantic probably result from the milder climate ex- perienced lately. The breaking up of what were considered permanent ice floes in the Arctic regions is expected to open numer- ous northern ports to navigation.

0 O 0

Those interested in health and soil con- servation will be cheered by the increas- ing rate of butter production in this Prov- ince. reflecting as it does the greater milk supply. The resulting improved health and soil fertility are substantial counter-bal- ances to the cost of the support price.

I O I

Mars is coming closer to the earth than at any time since 1941. By June 2 the planet will have made its nearest approach

and astronomers are ready to.learn all that can be discovered about its size and struc-

turc. What astrologers make of the phen- omenon is probably something else again.

Not having any real forests, this Prov-

or fires along highways or elsewhere.

Q 0 I

A remarkable drop in infant mortality during the past fifty years is revealed in a recent report by the World Health Organ- ization. Thiriy countries show that where 200 out of every 1,000 children could be expected to die before reaching one year

rate has been lowered to 20 or 30 in some countries, 38 in Canada. A-notable feature of the report is that it shows the countries with the lowest infant mortality rates at the beginning of the century are. also the ones which showed the greatest improve- ment. 0 O 0

Henry Peter Brougham, Baron Broug- ham and Vaux, Lord Chancellor of Eng- land, died this date 1868. Born and edu- cated in Edinburgh, he studied Greek un- der Prof. Dalzell and the natural sciences under Prof. Playfair. By the age of six- teen he was familiar with Newton’: "Prin- cipia" and has mastered the fluxionai cal- culus. He was called to the English at well as the Scottish bar. His fame as a politic- ian, however, came before strictly legal recognition. The high point ofhis career, which indeed then went into a decline, was his part in getting the Reform Bill adopt-

ed by Parliament. ‘

real, however, and a high degree of cau- tion is needed by anyone lighting matches ad,

of age at the turn of the century, now the‘

may consider

i°.o>ssibieU liriforelseennii Dieveiopmenis

PUBLIC FORUM

this column la open to the diacuuion by correspondent: of ifuoatlona of lnteroat. The Guardian doeo not necessar- ily ’ the opinion of uuloapondenta.

MR. PIl.ATT'S LETTER

5lr,—’1‘he opening paragraph of Mr. Pratt’: letter discloses consid- erable haziness on the origin of the statement upon which he baaea his remarks, also I befud- dled interpretation of the state» ment. all of which tended to pro- duce opinions which would appear to be founded on emotion rather than upon reason.

The atatcment. to which Mr. Pratt refers was contained in the "Oi-ecnleo.t", a Newsletter which goes out to the secretary of the Farm Forum groups of the prov- ince and is prepared by the provincial Secretary of Farm Radio Forum, not the Fed- eration of Agriculture as is stated. The Newsletter in question is not in my sense a circular going out to farmers and should Mr. Pratt not be aware of the fact. that Farm Radio Forum and the Fed- eration of Agrlciilture are separate and distinct organizations we would be pleased to explain the difference to him

The otatemerlt referred to was headed. “How Much Freedom?" "Many writers and people in other walks of life profess to be worried over the possibility of the farmer losing his freedom through Marketing Boards. Without goinz into the matter too deeply, the writer is of the opinion that. if the farmer can get. enough dollars he does not need to worry too much about the loss of freedom: if he hasn't got. the dollars, is he going to be free?" i

The thought which we attempt- ed to express and which Mr. Pratt either failed or did not wish to comprehend was that if farmers are in a sound economic position then they are less likely to lose their freedom. I realize, however. that if Mr. Pratt had accepted the logical interpretation he would have had far more difficulty in setting up the straw men which he kicks around with’ such right- eous indignation.

Mr. att. does not. make it clear whether he is writing no oxfarmer hia remarks on-

ince will not, of course, follow Nova ::a:‘m‘,n'g,“c‘:fi:‘mc mun ‘ elm Scotia's lead in banning woodland travel which is prone to express grave because of the growing menace of forest °°“°°”‘ W ‘M. ‘“"“” “'°‘““'° fire. The danger of fire is none the less :5idne‘]11)f:e“i.|i"I1:i.Li1:l‘rl;E:8pp::r: :03;

Attempting to develop im- in marketing meth-

are piovements

Mr. Pratt. objects to paying tribute to half I dozen control boards and admits that he ll neither I grower nor I dealer in potatoes, but. goes on to state that. for his money he prefers ex- perience. ets. To what money to he referring?

with respect to potato market ing the farmer has contributed not. to six Boards but to one and the contribution has during this marketing season been in many cases returned to him one hund- red fold. The Potato Marketing Board has been responalble for bringing close to $2,000,000 into the province this Ieoaon. an Ich- ievemcnt which should merit something better than inept. inex- perienced job seeking and indif- ferent u ducrlptivo adjectives. AI I. worshipper of the sacred cow of free enterprise Mr. Pratt. holds up Ruula as I horrible exImplo. I- country which dooo not permit. any free expreoalon of opinion on tho -part. of its people and pre- vents tho farmer developing or- ganiuitlona of any form. On the latter point Russia and Mr. Pratt appear to be in agreement.

The theory of democracy in band on the right of the major- ity to decide. Marketing Boordo are usually brought. into being after I. majority of thou concom- ed have voted in favor and mIy be tennlnatad upon tho majority role. We see nothing autocratic in this unless it. can be argued that. the individual should have the right. to conduct. hlmoolf in I manner detrimental to the gonor- Al ‘welfare and in opposltftn to what the ms 1*? “--~2:r!i desirable

~...i-,.

The Age Old Story I

Even Io It is not the will of your Father which is in heaven.

that one of these little one: should periah. marketing standpoint.

If our freedom is imperilled by marketing legislation then it fa indeed strange that when the Dominion Marketing Act. was

passed in 1949. every political party in the House of Commo

supported it. should such judg- ment on questions of freedom be considered inferidr to that of I trader who prairea the farmer for his rugged individuality realizing the farmer's wenkneso II In in- dividual in coping with the strong force: operating in the background and controlling for their own particular benefit the farmers‘ buying and selling. The Canadian Federation of Agricul- ture fa committed to I. policy of encouraging the development of Marketing Boards. surely this or- gimlzation is as competent I judge of where the farmei-’a free- dom lies as an individual trader.

Mr. Pratt professes scorn for job seekers. All worthy citizens if they do not. wish to become I charge upon the auto seek employment. Mr. Pratt should realize and likely does that there are very few easy jobs in the world and that many men who work behind I desk wear out for faster than their brothers in manual employ- ment. To our knowledge there is not I single member of the Pota- to Board nor official of it, who has sought his position and when Mr. Pratt refers to those men as indifferent. farmers. he discloses either ignorance on their qualific- ations or inability to judge what, a good farmer is. The character- ization of Board members as job- seekfng indifferent. farmers in an unworthy ilnc. but nevertheless quit» in keeping with other thoughts expressed in the letter.

In closing, Mr. Pratt exhorts the farmer to sustain the precious in- ilmziblea of freedom. Freedom means different. things to dlflgy- ent. people and the conditions which are referred to in Russia had their foundation laid in pov- crty and hunger.

Will Mr. Pratt. grant to the farmers of this country the righs to protect their economic freedom, or is he committed to a policy which holds little hope other than exploitation of the farmer‘: work and land? Our modern complex society of necessity impose; re. tn-ictlona upon its members. The farmer may choose between ult- impoaed restrictlonl over which he can exercise aome control, or the restrictions imposed by individuals and groups whose operations are

beyond hi] control What in Mr. Pratt‘: choice? I am, sir, etc. .1. L. DEWAR.

Secretary Farm Radio Forum.

MARKETING BOARD PLEBISCITE

Sir,---We are going to have 1 plebiscite in respect to the Potato Marketing Board. Now a few years ago, the farmers voted to establish one. but they did not know that the Government had passed an Act several years be- fore that gave to the Board ouch wide powers and authority as it has used.

In_the season of 1952-1953 after the farmerI had all the expense and work of growing their po- tatoes. the Board took full con- trol and would not allow potatoes to be bold, when prices were fal- ling. Now this union by their methods. they depressed the mar- ket: all over America. and lost our need market in the United Slam which hu meant so much to this Province. AI I reoult we will likely lose much more in the remit‘! year: than the ouboldy'we got this year. ‘

Now ln,all falrnen to the farm- ers. who have not yet Iold their farms, and to the few young men. who had intended to settle on farms here. and to the boy: who thought they were fighting for freedom. when they were lying in the mud In Italy. we feel it to be the duty of the Attorney-Gem oral to enlighten in on that Act. Al. mu would he Inower than

question: in tho pron: 1. What other dictatorial power

/ 1

%e_a€*’

SCENTS

I could follow my nose to any land

in the scent of cargoes that line a lock,

And sample the Blrdem 01 mm‘

, ukand. V

Downwind of the moorings where great ahlapa rock.

Aroma of camphor. flower! clove.

and jumine sweet from the Orient,

Vanilla been from a troplcil cave-

of calamus. copra. almond “"5

The curry of India, and the scent.

of

mace,

or uffron and ginger from old sh.uishu1-

1 could follow my none to BMW- thi'a.c¢.

A: the redolent dockside air goes

b .

The diiowsy blllowo of attar and musk

That. funnel from holds and from lading room.

As ripe as the meat from I. coco- nut husk.

Hail, olla-podridn of fumel

—- Elizabeth Landeweel‘ in The Christian Science Monitor.

wharf per-

er than it has used‘!

2. They charged us 87 license last year. Can they charge us 550 or $100 for license next year, or the year after. if they wish’!

3. How is it they are given pow- or to interfere with lnterprovin- ciai and foreign trade?

4. Why cannot there be it Mar- keting Board for those who wish it. and free enterprise for others who think it is the best? We al- ways thought this was I free country.

5. Does this Act allow a Board to do anything with or without reason, without punishment? This potato season they ordered that all had to have a license before a certain date last fall. That was the deadline. If you did not. get. a license for the year before, you had to pay that too. or you would not get a cent. for your potatoes. After that no more licenses were to he issued. Now it is advertis- ed that you can just go in and buy I license. What for? Any man who grew potatoes would want a license before this.

The Attorney General ll the god-father over the lawn of this country. and we look to him to see that justice, and honesty are properly carried out.

I am, Sir. etc. Lil-‘E HOWATT. New Wiltshlre.

Till MARKETING BOAID

Sir.—Wo reed Mr. Pratt’: latter in your valuable paper Thursday morning and wondered why, whilo admitting that "we do not deal in or gro“ potatoes." he ohould be so concerned over I question which he admit: in entirely out.- side his sphere. His knowledge of growing and marketing potatou must be based on "book-learning" Believe us, it. takoa experience- practical experl¢nco—to enable I man to pass an opinion on any sphere of farm work. Mr exam- ple. the city man who t.rieI to tell the farmer how to run hlo farm is the butt. of many I joko among those who have learned now in the hard school of prac- tical experience.

He calla the Potato Marketing Board and selling Agency "I sob- up of inexperienced job-Iaoken." one wondu-I who he means by that. we tried to find out. An example of our flrot anoworo Im- ounted to thin:

Mr. Donald A. hlacdonald we found out on his 200 acre form It Glenflnnnn where potatooa has been one of the leading eropo through luooeodlng gonerationafor the poet one hundred and any years. He had driven in iniloo during hla dinner hour to Idvlal hla Dutch immigrant halpor on some plane of bi: work and was too buy to not to no II he had to be back It hla link on time. But be found out that ho .uIIII to chip his own potalooa Itralcht to the American Inarkota.

Next we wont to tho Idling Agency to an In. I. D. Reid and Mr. boo Itaoloooo but tbq wan too bill!

mm 0 doea um Act give the Board, oth-,