March 22, 1963
THE FISHERMAN
Page 3
NEWEST GILLNETTER This is Reino Niemi's new gill-netter, built by Remmem Boat Works of Annieville Slough and launched last Monday. The vessel, still unnamed, was christened by Mrr. K. Hoyrup, Niemi's sister in law. The vessel is 36 by 10 and is power by a 105 hp Perkins diesel. Her drum if. by Cholberg, drum drive from Delta Welding, and propeller by Sumner Brass. Owner Niemi has installed an Ekolite Sounder. He is equipping the vessel with Davidson batteries.
MPs^Attack UIC Action Against Packer Crews
By amending unemployment insurance regulations to deny the purpose of a successful UFAWU appeal, the Unemployment Insurance Commission and its director James McGregor, have "made a farce out of the system of appeal," in the opinion of Arnold Webster, NDP candidate and member of the last parliament for Vancouver-Kingsway.
McGregor originally ruled that unemployment insurance contributions could not be made for ten-dermen on call toward the end of the season but still being paid under the accumulated leave provision of the Union agreement.
Basis for McGregor's ruling was that tendermen's return to work was not "predetermined."
The UFAWU appealed the ruling and was upheld by the Commission. The Commission then amended the regulations to conform with McGregor's original interpretation, publishing the change in the Canada Gazette on February 13.
The Union promptly fired protests to federal labor minister Michael Starr, sending copies to Prime Minister Diefenbaker, external affairs minister Howard Green and public works minister
Bering Sea Halibut
Proposed Rul Confirm Stand
E. D. Fulton, and all British Columbia MPs.
HOUSE NOT INFORMED
Webster, in his reply, stated:
"As you have indicated, MPs were not aware of any amendment having been made or ever contemplated to unemployment insurance legislation that would justify the action of Mr. McGregor and the Commission in dealing with the treatment of tendermen on shore leave or on call.
"I agree that the Commission has made a farce out of the system of appeal by changing the regulations to suit the opinions of the director, which obviously meet with the approval of employers."
Harold Winch, seeking reelection as NDP member for Vancou- j ver East, commented that "no minutes were introduced to the Unemployment Insurance Act at the recent session and to the best of my knowledge no action can be taken by regulations to make any im- ! portant changes."
External affairs minister Howard ■ Green, acknowledging the Union's | protest, promised "fullest consid- | eration."
The Union is  calling  for res-1 cinding of the amendment to the regulations and a full investigation of the Commission's action.
Bowling Notes
Low Teams Gain Points In March 20 Bowling
The powerful Springs this week took four points from the Chums, Mel Davies being top man with a high of 733 and games of 219, 206 and a high 308. Team mate Helen Huntingdon bowled 233, 204, 226 for ladies' high three of 663. Bob Moore bowled 198, 245, 176 for 619. Dick Arter bowled 244, 173, 195 for 612 total. Better luck next time, Myrtle.
L e n Anderson (Chums) had a nice total of 657 and scores of 249, 213, 195.
Cohos took three points from the Seals. Lil Hrycenko
bowled 191, 181, 247 for 619 and George Smith, 206, 205, 202 for 613. Ed Peterson bowled 213, 188, 213 for 607.
For the Seals, Paul Harder bowled 185, 159 and 288 for 632. Erik Eriksen bowled 283, 186. 156 for 626, and Mary Harder, 165, 154, 282 for 601.
The Sharks lost two bowlers, Marion Neufeld and Doris Gentro, but still took three points from the Sockeyes. Harold Cox was the only one near the 600 mark with 208, 251, 138 for 597. Bob West, with 247 was the only one to reach 200 for the Sockeyes.
The Bullheads took three points from the  Kingfish.   Pete Wence reached 604 with 205, 215, 184. MARCH 20 HIGH SCORES
Ladies' high single, Mary Harder 282; ladies' high three, Helen Huntingdon 663; men's high single, Mel Davids 308: men's high three, Mel Davies 733. SEASON'S HIGH SCORES
Ladies' high average, Dot Eck-man  203 and   Mary  Harder  193; I men's high  average,  Bob Moore 222 and Wilf Baker 208.
Selling Out
BOAT SUPPLIES
All going at bargain prices Open daily including Saturday 8930 Oak Street        AM. 6-6811
TEAM STANDINGS			
Chums	21 y2	14'/2	30'/2
Kingfish	22	14	29
Seals	18'/2	^7V2	241/2
Springs	19	17	27
Sharks .........	19	17	22
Sockeyes	16	20	21
Bullheads	16	20	20
Cohos ...........	12	24	18
Regulations drawn up by the International North Pacific Fisheries Commission in anticipation of Japan's entry into the eastern Bering Sea halibut fishery only confirm Canadian fishermen's opposition to the Commission's proposal.
This is what a delegation from the United Fisherman and Allied Workers Union and its Women's Auxiliaries told the legislature's special committee on fisheries in Victoria last week.
In its submission to the committee, presented by UFAWU secretary Homer Stevens, the delegation pointed out that "since the economy of the province of British Columbia is directly affected by conservation regulations decided by national and international agencies, we believe the legislative assembly has the right, and the duty, to present a strong and positive case for maximum protection of fishery resources" to the federal government.
The delegation urged the committee to support organised Canadian fishermen in their demand that Canada refuse to ratify Commission recommendations which would allow Japan to fish halibut in the eastern Bering Sea and herring off the west coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands.
It also asked the committee to endorse Union proposals for a new all-inclusive North Pacific fisheries treaty, cessation of Japanese high seas salmon fishing and unilateral declaration of a 12 mile limit on a headland to headland basis.
FALSE IMPRESSION
Regulations governing Japanese participation in the eastern Bering Sea halibut fishery, drafted by the Commission at its meeting in Tokyo February 5 to await Canadian and US decision on treaty changes, might create the false impression that the problem had been resolved, the submission presented by the delegation observed.
But, it continued, UFAWU halibut fishermen and the Union's general executive board had unanimously decided to continue opposing the treaty changes.
Stating that the "most logical and most effective way of safeguarding Canadian and American halibut resources is to stop ratification of the proposed amendments," it pointed to these grave defects in the Commission's proposed regulations:
1. Japanese mothership fleets could take daily and weekly delivery on the fishing banks, giving Japan "the lion's share of the catch in the quota area."
2. Once Japanese mothership fleets and their fishing vessels at* allowed to exploit eastern Bering Sea halibut, enforcement of quota limits, size of the fish taken, prohibited use of trawls and sub area rules would prove difficult, if not impossible.
3. The Soviet fleet, which is not covered by the treaty, would be under no moral or other obligation to refrain from exploiting halibut if Japan is allowed to enter the eastern Bering Sea fishery.
4. Large areas of the eastern Bering Sea would not be under any quota system, and in other large areas Japanese fleets would not be restricted in use of trawls.
5. Ratification of the Commission's amendment would allow Japan to exploit halibut resources which have been subject to conservation controls by Canada and the US, including closed seasons of about five months each year, prohibition of the use of trawl gear and size limits on fish caught.
HARMFUL TRACTICS
A second section of the Union submission called the committee's attention to the harm being caused to salmon spawning streams by bad logging practices and gravel removal for road construction and other industrial uses.
"Many examples could be given of logging firms using salmon spawning streams  as a right of
New Westminster WA Names Three Convention Delegates
1
The New Westminster Women's Auxiliary met March 14 at the home of Molly Amundsen and elected three delegates, two to the
* CONVENTION GREETINGS TO J ALL DELEGATES £
from . . .
WEST COAST RADIO TELEPHONE MFG.
MUtual 4-3659
1366 West Pender St.
Vancouver, B.C.
WA convention and one to the UFAWU convention. Mary Wilson and Olive McEachren will attend the auxiliary convention as delegates and Joey Patterson will attend the Union convention.
Whether the Union would sponsor a float this year was discussed and a letter to headquarters inquiring about the matter, with a suggested theme, was left to the secretary to write.
Elva Perkes, though unable to attend the last Local Council of Women meeting, had a report on the meeting and also reported that the Canadian Consumers' Association had set up a branch in New Westminster.
Next meeting of the WA will be held at Jan Amundsen's, Thursday, April 11.
A bake sale sponsored by the New Westminster Women's Auxiliary will be held at Simpsons-, Sears, Wednesday, April 24.
way for 'cats' and other logging equipment," the submission said.
"Many important salmon streams have been stripped of forest cover to the extent that flash floods occur, sweeping the spawn away.
"Gravel is still being removed from important streams for road construction and other industrial uses.
"Despite the fact that Pacfic salmon management and conservation is primarily a federal responsibility, we feel that there is a strong moral responsibility provincially in view of the tremendous value this resource has to the economy of BC."
RIVERS INLET PROBLEM
The submission expressed alarm over proposals for extending present limited logging operations at Rivers Inlet, a major salmon fishing area.
Fishermen, the submission continued, were concerned over "proposals to dredge the short river at the head of the inlet between Owi-keno Lake "and tidewater and establish a booming ground in the inlet."
While the Union favored development of timber resources and recognised the value of the lumber industry to this particular area, the submission pointed out that:
"Dredging the river from Owi-keno Lake would seriously affect this important salmon rearing area. The lake level, water temperatures and the actual spawning grounds would be altered to a considerable extent.
"Moreover, booming grounds at the head of Rivers Inlet would further congest an area crowded with fishing gear. Towing booms out of the inlet would present a problem both to towboat operators and fishermen.
"An access road from the lake to the inlet would be preferable to dredging and use of the river, but the problem of booming grounds would still exist.
"There are two routes open for access roads from Owikeno Lake. One would lead to Rivers Inlet, the other to South Bentinck Arm, a branch of Burke Channel. SOUTH  BENTINCK ROUTE
"We favor the latter route since there would be a minimum of conflict between the fishing and log-1 ging   interests.   South Bentinck Arm is relatively unimportant as j a   fishing   area   and booming! grounds would present no major problem."
Regulations suggested by the submission asked that:
• All tree farm licences and timber sales provide for a protective strip of forest cover to be left along all stream beds to guard against floods and ensure no debris is left in the stream.
• Removal of gravel from salmon streams for road construction or other industrial uses be prohibited through legislation.
• Dredging or other alteration of salmon streams be prohibited unless approved by a fisheries biologist following a full survey of the area.
• Access roads be built rather than using rivers as a right of way because of damage to spawning areas and, where possible, booming grounds be located a distance from the inlet or outlet of salmon rivers.
Other requests made by the submission were for implementation of the Angus Commission's findings on the Puntledge River, and establishment of a Pollution Control Board with all necessary powers, as already requested by the Union.
DEPARTMENT NEEDED
Concluding presentation of the submission, Stevens told the committee that the issues brought before it by the Union pointed to the need for establishing a provincial department of fisheries.
"Many of these problems could be resolved with better coordination between the departments concerned and between the federal and provincial governments," he said.
"From about 1907 to 1954 such a department existed.
"This is a rich resource which returns a great deal to the economy of the province. Quebec and other maritime provinces have departments of fisheries with budgets and personnel to look after the myriad problems which cannot be viewed as incidental.
"We believe the Pacific coast fisheries require the same degree of care and attention and we are convinced that this can only be properly ensured with a ministry and a department set up for this express purpose."
AT THE HEARING BC Federation of Labor secretary treasurer E. P. (Pat' O'Neal studies UFAWU statement of policy during sessjon of the special committee on fisheries ret up by the legislature. O'Neal said the Federation was in accord with the Union's efforts to protect the BC fishery resource.
On North Pacific
Municipal Councils Back Union Stand
Three lower mainland municipal councils have gone on record in support of the United Fishermen and Allied Workers' demand that the federal government refuse to ratify North Pacific halibut and herring concessions to Japan.
Delta Municipal Council, on a motion by Councillor Carl Liden, voted February 25 to ask the federal government to defer action on ratification "until the entire question of the future of the North Pacific fisheries can be placed .before the standing committee on marine and fisheries of the House of Commons with a view to holding hearings in British Columbia so that all parties concerned may be allowed to present their opinions."
A similar resolution has been sent to the federal government by Langley Municipal Council, which ^eard representations from UFAWU spokesmen Eric Burnell and Arvid Back at a meeting last month, and appointed Reeve D. W. Poppy and Councillors Eric Flow-erdew and William Blair as a committee to study the question.
Maple Ridge Municipal Council j has sent a letter to fisheries minister J. Angus MacLean advising him it supports the UFAWU sub- 1 mission  against ratification of treaty changes.
"Council realises this is a controversial problem, but it sincerely hopes that the interest of the Canadian fishing industry will be considered," the letter stated.
Support for the Union's demand has also been voiced by Delta Chamber of Commerce.
A resolution, proposed by Nick Stevens  and   seconded  by   Mike j Vidulich, both veteran fishermen, was adopted by the Chamber's an- I
nual meeting in Ladner February
28 calling for reference of the recommended treaty changes to the parliamentary standing committee on marine and fisheries before any action on ratification is taken.
Meet April 5 In North Van
An all candidate meeting in Coast-Capilano, where five parties, Liberal, NDP, Conservative, Social Credit and Communist, are contesting the seat, is being sponsored by the recently established political action committee of Vancouver Fishermen's Local.
The meeting will be held Friday, April 5, 8 p.m., in Ridgeway School auditorium, North Vancouver.
Urging Local members to participate in its work, the committee said:
"It is important that our views on the North Pacific fisheries treaty and the 12 mile limit, nuclear arms and the Gill Report on unemployment insurance be placed before candidates so that we.may know their stand.
"To do this, we intend to distribute the Union's leaflet on the North Pacific fisheries treaty at election meetings and question candidates on various issues, giving publicity to their answers."
Office: 988-4622 Res.: WA. 9-2766
INCOME TAX and ACCOUNTING SERVICE
ERNEST PENN
Office: 13B Lonsdale Ave. North Vancouver
Local Boosts Fund by $300
The Vancouver Fishermen's Local has donated $300 to the fund for the families of the northern Ontario woodworkers who were killed when ambushed by strikebreakers.
The fund is actually for the families of two of the slain members of the Lumber and Sawmill Workers Union, Irene Fortier and Fernand Drouin. The third man, Joseph Fortier, was not married.
BUILD A NEW CANADA
ON APRIL 8 VOTE NEW DEMOCRAT
Elect NEW DEMOCRATS
because they will
• Support the UFAWU stand on the Pacific treaty provisions.
• Oppose nuclear arms for Canada.
• Implement a planned economy to end unemployment.
• Institute Medicare for all.
VOTE FOR
T.    C. DOUGLAS in
Burnaby-Coquitlam ROBERT PRITTIE in
Burnaby-Richmond WILLIAM CLOSE in
Cariboo PETER   FAM I NOW in
Coast-Capilano T. S. BARNETT in
Comox-Alberni JOHN WINDSOR in
Esquimalt-Saanich ERHART REGIER in
Fraser Valley VERNON  W. JONES in
Kamloops WILLIAM MUNDY in
Kootenay East H.  W.   HERRI DGE in
Kootenay West COLIN CAMERON in
Nanaimo - Cowichan - The Islands
BARRY MATHER in
New Westminster
JOHN YOUNG in
Okanagan-Boundary ISOBEL POTHECAtRY in
Oka nagan-Re velstoke FRANK HOWARD in
Skeena TOM BERGER in
Vancouver-Burrard
MARGARET ERICKSON in
Vancouver Centre HAROLD WINCH in
Vancouver East ARNOLD WEBSTER in
Vancouver-Kinsgway MRS.   D.   G. STEEVES in
Vancouver-Quadra CLIFF GREER in
Vancouver South HARRY FANTHORPE
in
Victoria
Published by  Provincial Campaign Comittee,  New Democratic Party of B.C.
Re-elect FRANK HOWARD
MP FOR SKEENA
NEW   DEMOCRATIC PARTY