Northern Ripples
PRINCE RUPERT, 797 7 The caption on this photo supplied by Harold Cox states simply: "Atlin Construction Company, Prince Rupert, BC, September 11, 1911." Any further information will be appreciated.
FISH AND SHIPS
THE man we consider to be Canada's top author, Farley Mowat (People of the Deer, Ordeal by Ice, Never Cry Wolf, to cite a few of his works) has issued a statement on Canada's role in Vietnam which is well worth quoting, so we're doing just that. "I say this to Canadians: If we are a nation; if we we place any value on ethics or morality, then we must take an unequivocal stand against the actions of the United States in Vietnam. Our government will not act for us, since it is demonstrably subject to the will of the United States. We must therefore act individually and declare, publicly and privately, in any and all company, as frequently as possible despite re-, prisals and the danger of reprisals, that the United States is guilty of a great crime against mankind, that she is perpetrating a fearful wrong. And that we, individually and collectively, will have no part in her military adventure in Vietnam. And that we condemn her for that adventure before the eyes of the world."
★ * ★
Our long time acquaintance Jacob (Jake) Jacobson of North Surrey suffered a heart attack when the vessel on which he was cook, the Caamano Sound, was awaiting her turn to ice up and take on bait at Pacific Coast Terminals in New Westminster. The vessel was due to sail next day for the halibut grounds and Jake, always concerned over the welfare of his shipmates, told us he was pleased the vessel was able to find another cook on short notice. Jake is now resting at home but his doctors have told him he must take it easy for the next while. We certainly wish him well.
★ ★ *
Albert Bergum suffered a ruptured ulcer while fishing aboard the BC Clipper in the Bering Sea last month. He is in Room 107, Royal Columbian Hospital where he will undergo an operation.
★ ★ ★
This year may well see something new in the way of trawlers, according to a report in the Fishing News of London. A Soviet shipyard in Kaliningrad is building an experimental vessel consisting of the hulls of two trawlers linked by a common deck. Soviet experts believe this catamaran, scheduled for testing in the Atlantic this year, will make possible the use of very long sweep nets which will be fished from the stern. The vessel is expected to make twice the catch of an ordinary trawler.
★ ★ ★
Dan Gillis tells us we incorrectly spelled the name of the old sealer on which he operated more than 50 years ago. She was the Erick, and not Erik, as we stated, our error arising from the spelling contained in a large book about Newfoundland which he passed along.
★ ★ ★ Sointula Local of the Union
believes in making its minutes concise, particularly as they apply to elections. Mel Whitcomb agreed to carry on until June 1 as secretary treasurer and the
following were all reelected: president Bernard Crowell, recording secretary T. Tanner, first vice president Eino Ahola, second vice president Malcolm Maitland.
TOM ROTHERY
A fisheries officer with the federal fisheries department for the past 18 years, Tom Rothery retains a similar title with the Indian affairs branch to which he was appointed last month. He is fisheries development officer for BC and the Yukon, his new responsibilities including all aspects of the commercial and domestic fishing industry as they apply to Natives. In the words of J. V. Boys, BC Indian commissioner, he will be the "fisheries specialist concerned with programs related to Indian fishing vessels, equipment, training, marketing arrangements and placement." Prior to assuming his new post, Rothery was district protection officer in Campbell River District 5. He is well known in the industry.
The federal fisheries department vessel Laurier returned to Vancouver April 24 following a month in the Bering Sea during which she was involved in a couple of rescues. The Vancouver vessel BC Clipper suffered a breakdown in her lube filter box and the vessel was rendered helpless. She was towed 250 miles to Kodiak for repairs and ended up with a fair trip. The Laurier also helped a US crab scow which went ashore and partly filled when her sea cock broke. She pumped it out after a 60 mile journey to the scene.
★ * ★
Union business agent Jack Nichol suffered a freak accident April 27 in Winnipeg while attending the CLC convention as an observer with Fisherman editor George North. He slipped and fell in his room and although the accident appeared harmless, it turned out to be a case of badly torn ligaments above the right knee. Jack was treated in Winnipeg, his leg placed in a cast, and he returned to Vancouver — and hospital — on the first available flight. A successful operation
was performed immediately and Jack expects to be released shortly. But it will be a wheelchair and crutches for some time yet. In the meantime, he has been carrying on his Union duties from the hospital under rather difficult circumstances which will improve considerably once he is back home and handy to a telephone. The last issue of The Fisherman containing the Union message of greeting to the convention in French and English, was distributed to convention delegates first thing opening day and was well received.
★ * ★
Veteran BC fisherman Kurt Larson, owner of the Western Girl, was released from Vancouver General Hospital last weekend after unexpected complications kept him confined longer than he expected. Kurt suffered severe muscle injuries to his right shoulder when he fell aboard the boat recently and there is no question that he'll be out of action for some time yet. For the brief period he and Jack Nichol were in hospital at the same time, they were in adjoining beds.
★ ★ ★
Pat Meabry of Nanaimo phoned over this week to tell us she had sold the Patricia M, gillnetter owned by her late husband Frank who passed away last year. Buyer was John Gillespie of Parksville who plans to convert the vessel to trolling. Mrs. Meabry is president of the Nanaimo Women's Auxiliary. Frank was a very active member of the UFAWU, serving as secretary of the Nanaimo Local for many years and as trustee and general executive board member in addition to being a member of the board of trustees of the Salmon Welfare Fund.
★ ★ *
We have received word from Mrs. Ora Sinclair, wife of Bertrand W. (Bill) Sinclair, that he has sold his troller Hoo Hoo to George R. Gorman. It is a heartbreaker for Bill, 85, who has owned the vessel for nearly 50 years, but who is no longer able to fish. We have once again postponed our story on Bill, one of the best known members of the Pender Harbor community.
THE 'SQUID' AGAIN
That picture of the Squid has aroused more interest than anything we've carried for some time. We reported last issue on the several people who had phoned or written and since then, we have three more letters on the subject. John Main writes from Calgary that the Squid belonged to the Nanaimo Bait Company and used to take
Anew contest, which it is hoped will become an annual event is the "Battle of the Bands".
The first battle meeting was held at Terrace on April 15 and 16 and featured bands from Prince Rupert, Port Edward, Terrace, and Kitimat, a total of eight in all.
The first place was awarded to The Fugitives from Prince Rupert with the second being won by. The Jurymen from Terrace.
Third place was won by the Blue Shadows from Port Edward and fourth went to The Saints from Kitimat.
We have not been able to ascertain the names of the members of the other winning bands, but of special interest to us are The Blue Shadows. The players are Vincent Stevens, Mike Adams, Max McNiel and Earl Nelson, all from Port Edward and all members of the Union. Having had the pleasure' of listening to the Blue Shadows we are sure the contest must have been truly outstanding.
Connie Adams went to Masset on April 29 to prepare the way to start a Women's Auxiliary of the Union. She had laid the groundwork earlier and reports that a new Auxiliary has been formed in Masset with eight members at present, and high hopes of many more members.
Officers of the new Auxiliary were elected: President, Ethel Jones; vice president, Vesta Helmer; secretary, Phyllis Be-dard>- treasurer, Muriel Jones. May we extend our congratulations and best wishes to our newest Auxiliary.
Several of our members are or have recently been sojourning in hospital—Mary Williams, Olive Brown, Connie Adams, Florence Walsh, Luigi Dileta, Tony Dileta, Tony Pio, Bruno
FROM THE NORTH
Sabaducci, Jack Culos, Dorothea Samolada, Lucy Williams, Joe Wilson, Wilbur Spencer, and Doug Browne. (If any members have been overlooked, please consider it the fault of a holely mind).
CONNIE ADAMS
Northern Organiser for the Women's Auxiliary Council suffers broken arm.
The young Russian stewardess from the Soviet fishing vessel Viktor Vasnetsov who was rushed to Prince Rupert Hospital after being stricken by appendicitis has been released. She is Tamor Imakova, whose husband is a crew member on the vessel. Good wishes have come from many places and the UFAWU delegation which visited the USSR last year requested that flowers be sent to her in their name.
★ ★ ★
Northern representative Ted Foort left early in the week to attend the BC Wildlife Federation convention in Prince George. Also attending from the Union are northern vice president Allan Hall of Kita-maat and general executive board member John Person of Coquitlam, a member of the New Westminster Local.
Bits and Pieces
By MOLLYE COLLINS
TI7E won, we won, we won! In-credible, as it may seem, we did win! Yes, our Union team, the Chums, came through with a smashing victory in the bowling playoffs (we were five points ahead of the next team). Don't think it wasn't a thrill beyond all thrills, for all of us; we are the "Champs of B League."
Ted Foort came up with three spectacular games well over the 225 mark; likewise George Hewi-son and Bob Jones. Janet, Ella and myself were very proud of them. After the victory was announced and our shaking subsided, we all went out and had a coke to celebrate. Can you blame us?
Unfortunately, our Union Maids didn't do as well, but we all had a great time. At present one of our team, Vivian Knickle, is in Vancouver. She had to take her little girl to Vancouver General Hospital and we all sincerely hope the youngster will make a complete recovery. I would like to say how much I've enjoyed this season's bowling, and what good sports you all are. Thank you, Carol, T h e 1 m a, Pearl, Vivian and Milly, and I'm looking forward to next season's bowling.
★ ★ ★ THIS PAST WEEKEND
brought the Annual Fishermen's Bonspiel, and all fish plants were well represented. This was chaired by Ruby Merrison of Nelson Bros, who did an excellent job and is indeed a gracious hostess. This was my first time at curling, and after the first game I felt so exhilarated I thought I might just quit bowling and concentrate on curling. However, we were knocked out after four games (the minimum) and it was just as well. I don't think they let you curl from a wheel chair! It's the kind of a game where you can see in a true light just what shape you're in. Yes, I'm sticking to bowling! I would like to thank my
skip, Bob Sklapsy, for having so much patience with me.
I didn't know all the participants from the various plants, but some I saw around were Bob Jones, Bill Steel, Mrs. In-termelia and Jean Johnson from the Co-op; Olga Newton (and whole family). Dot Letourneau, Carol Smith, Fran Elliott and Kenny Warren from Atlin. Darryl Gomez and Harvey Stewart from BC Packers. Billy Schwab, Derek Mullins, Pat and Betty Lewis, Yvonne Smith from Royal.
Fran Elliott holds the distinction of being skip of the first rink knocked out. This I quote from the Daily News: "Chappie Smith won fourth in B event with the help of Yvonne of course. Bill Schwab placed fourth in C event and Darryl Gomez first in D event."
It was a very successful bon-speil from all reports. The women of the UFAWU did themselves proud and are to be congratulated on the way the canteen was managed. I hear Ann Mintenko's clam chowder is far better than Mrs. Murphy's — you can quote Steve Peachy on that.
★ ★ ★ A COUPLE OF LUCKY FIL-
leters from Atlin recently arrived back from a wonderful (and I haven't heard it all—yet) holiday from Las Vegas. They are June Sickens and Olga Newton, wh > look like million-iares with their gorgeous tans.
Another luckv Atlinite is Mae Anton, who although she wasn't playing slot machines with June and Olga, won herself a hair dryer on a raffle ticket.
Last but by no means least, I'd like to say hello to all my southern filleter friends. Hello Doris (Centro) and Verna (Parkin) and hi Ted (remember me?) Moire — for whom they're working. Amazing how many friends I have, eh?
I've got to sign off for now as the halibut boats are a-com-ing!
See FISH AND SHIPS-Page 8 THE FISHERMAN — MAY 6, 1966