Poge Four
THE FISHERMAN
February 17, 1961
THE FISHERMAN
Published every Friday except the last Friday of each month by The Fisherman Publishing Society, 1}8 East Cordova Street, GEORGE NORTH, Editor Vancouver 4, B.C. Phone: MU. 3-9655 Authorised as Second-Class Mail by Post Office Department, Ottawa
A Great Achievement
THE Soviet rocket to Venus strikes us as an extraordinary achievement, clearly establishing Russian superiority in the field of space exploration and rocketry in general.
That at any rate was our first reaction when the launching was announced. Then we read that UBC's Dr. Gordon Shrum thought it was a "great technical achievement" but not so important from a scientific point of view.
"We must not draw the conclusion that they (the Russians) are ahead of the Americans as far as missiles are concerned" he said, adding that "actually, the Americans have put more vehicles into space than the Russians." Finally, he claimed the whole thing was really just a propaganda stunt "to impress the neutral nations and the uncommitted nations . . ."
Dr. Shrum is prepared to speak with authority on a great many matters but his qualifications to do so are often highly debatable. Certainly in this case his conclusions smack of grossly unscientific wishful thinking. We have read only first reports of other reactions. Prof. A. C. Bernard Lovell, director of Britain's Jodrell Bank radio telescope, described the shot as "fantastic."
Prof. Jan Oort, director of the Leyden Obeservatory in Holland said "This venture demands 400 times as much precision as their previous shot at the moon." He spoke of a "highly reliable system of guiding a rocket through space" which the Russians "must have developed."
Aline Mosery of UPI wrote, "Western and Soviet scientists said the system (of launching the rocket) indicated remarkably advanced guidance systems and powerful rockets."
The Vancouver Sun added parenthetically that "If successful, the space probe might be likened to standing in Toronto with a rifle and hitting an apple in Vancouver."
But Dr. Shrum said that the Americans were ahead in missiles because for missiles, you need accuracy, not extra thrust!
Dr. Shrum's argument that American quantity in outer space is superior to Russian quality is palpably ridiculous.
Congratulations have gone to the Soviet Union and her scientists for their achievement from around the world. US President Kennedy has added his praise to the voices which have lauded the achievement.
We leave Dr. Shrum to his narrow prejudices and join the majority who see this achievement as a new and bold step into the vast regions of outer space and into new worlds.
We look forward eagerly to the day when the scientists of the world with the people and their leaders will turn away from monstrous creations for destruction and look up with hope to the heavens.
The Criminals Must Pay
BELGIAN atrocities in the Congo during their period of imperialist rule rank with the -woist the Nazis had to offer. A third of the inhabitants were wiped out by the viciousness of the Belgian overlords in what was described by Conan Doyle as "The greatest crime in all history."
The black man, his wife and children were expendable in the Belgian greed for rubber, ivory, and the rich minerals of the Congo.
The murder of Patrice Lumumba is another chapter in the story of blood letting in the Congo but this is not merely another slaying of another black man in the contemptuous tradition of the past.
Much has changed in the world and in Africa. The colonialists, whatever their nationality, can no longer carry out their barbaric oppression' with impunity.
This time the world knows that the elected Prime Minister of the Congo and two of his ministers have been brutally murdered. While there may be some among the "white" nations of the west who would allow the crime to go unpunished, they are outnumbered.
Justice will prevail in the Congo. It must prevail. And it must not be the "white man's justice" of Howard Green or John Diefen-baker. It must be human justice. We who believe in this concept must tnake our voices heard above the pious prating of our petty, imperialist-minded politicians.
Report From Ottawa
- Militarism Moves in ; With Lt. Col. Harkness
Win jo Writes
By FRANK HOWARD, M.P.
LT. Colonel Douglas Scott Harkness, CM, ED. BA, PC, is minister of national defence in the Tory cabinet. He has had a long history of activity in the military field.
The experience gained thereby, coupled with his experience as minister of agriculture, is being reflected in his approach to the defence department.
The major issue confronting the world today is that of disarmament. For years there have been groups, organisations, and individuals who have been campaigning for a cessation o f nuclear bomb testing and for disarmament.
In the forefront are the highly respected Dr. Albert Schweitzer and the brilliant Dr. Linus Pauling. Lately the Prime Minister' of Canada has been making oral noises as if he and his government were also in favor of disarmament.
ON MANY, MANY OCCA-sions he has said that we must cease testing nuclear weapons— that no nuclear weapons should be in the hands of Canadian troops — that nuclear weapons will not be allowed on Canadian soil — that disarmament must
come — etc., etc., etc. The House of Commons, the United Nations, and other places have been the forums which he has used to advocate this line.
Some of us believed this was officially the government policy. But, now we are in doubt. The department of defence is now controlled by a militarist and rocket rattling, sabre shaking views are taking over.
First, Mr. Harkness stated that he wanted to see nuclear weapons in the hands of Canadian forces and that NATO should become a nuclear power. When confronted with this report he denied it and I imagine that some people believed him.
*    ★ 4 NEXT MR. HARKNESS TOLD
a group of naval people at the HMCS Carleton in Ottawa that the armed forces should take steps to defeat what were classified as "ban the bomb" movements. This invitation to the armed forces is unprecedented in this country.
Now that Mr. Harkness has injected the militarist view into the government's activities, one is entitled to ask whether he is speaking on behalf of the government.
When this matter was raised in the House of Commons there was a rather spirited debate. The Prime Minister sat through the whole debate in stony silence. I have heard that silence means consent.
If Mr. Harkness' views are to be the line, then all tho good work of those who conscientiously believe in disarmament is being undermined.
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Snag Those Snags; Save Our Gilinets
"WE M*€ SoUCY To HEAR Your ceilinq is coming down"
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BY this time all you fishermen out at Steveston read what I had to say about the seal situation and what could be done about it. Now it is up to you. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
Now there is this matter of snags. As you all k n o w, the spring freshets bring down quite a number of snags.
Some are picked up by nets and dragged down a mile or so and if the fisherman is lucky, he may cut loose without too much damage to his net. The snag is then picked up by another net and passed on down the line.
At times the snag   gets so loaded down with lead lines it won't move any more. That is the time to do
FISH and SHIPS
WE want to warn our Scandinavian friends who might be planning to bet on Sweden's Ingemar Johansson in his title fight with American Floyd Patterson. Robert Light in the US National Guardian says the Walter - McCarran immigration act has been used to bar Johann-son's sparring partner. Light claims the US consulate in Helsinki refused to give Pekka Kek-konen a visa to enter the US "because Kekkonen allegedly ran on a Communist Party ticket in local elections five years ago." That's a strange way for President Kennedy's officials to carry out his plea for more tourists.
Gilbert Krook, long time troll-er of Heriot Bay, has cut a vital link with the fishing industry. He sold his troller, the well known Ube, to Reg Welch of Campbell River last month. His new job is on the ferry Quadra Queen which runs between Campbell River and Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island. Gilbert has a long association with the Union as an officer of the Quathiaski Local, a delegate to conventions, and a participant in its general affairs. His loss will be felt. He is maintaining close contact with the industry by continuing his subscription to The Fisherman.
And who should pay us a welcome visit but our old friend "Pop" Foster, who has returned to Vancouver after a decade or so "down on the farm" in Alberta which could hardly be classified among the best years of his life. Certainly they ended on a tragic note when "Pop" was caught in the power takeoff on his tractor while digging post holes and seriously injured. A bone in his neck was broken and both arms were severely injured. "Pop," engineer, on seiners and packers in the BC fishing industry for many years, and a convinced and active trade unionist, lost the use of both arms but treatment in Edmonton and now in Vancouver hospitals is gradually restoring movement. He says, however, that it's a case of learning all over again. The . Fosters gave up their farm to return to Vancouver when it became clear they could not continue. But "Pop," as always, is bubbling over with good spirits. Deeply fond of children (he earned his nickname from working with youngsters in sports activities! "Pop" has seen and played with crippled children in hospital and says "I'm actually fortunate compared to some of those poor little kiddies with their twisted bodies." We're happy to welcome "Pop" and Mrs. Foster back to BC.
Among sick and injured shore-workers arc Mrs. Y. Hirata, cannery worker at BC Packers' Imperial plant, Royal Campeau, fresh fish worker at the same plant, and Angeline Skog, filleter at Atlin Fish in Prince Rupert, who has had two spells in hospital. We wish them all an early recovery.
We have a note that Emil Nippa, who has been ill since 1959, has undergone two lung operations during that time. A member of the UFAWU and a gillnetter, he has been in the fishing industry for some 36 of
FISHERMEN:
Buy Your Supplies at Your CO-OP
We have the stock and the prices are right. We know that, as union people, you will appreciate being serviced by union clerks.
SOINTULA CO-OPERATIVE STORE ASSOCIATION
his 67 years. We are sure visitors would be welcomed by Emil Nippa who is confined to bed at his home at 138 Harvey Street, New Westminster.
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Boys will be boys. Several reports of firing practice by the Royal Canadian Navy. We paid for the stuff, so they might as well shoot it off. If Winjo had his way, they'd use some of that ammo on the enemy army of sea lions. Why not?
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Fisherman   Archie McDonald
has given us quite a story on the New Zealand fishing industry which we hope to write for an early issue of The Fisherman.
Ole Pallesen, member of the Vancouver Fishermen's Local, and his wife Margaret, Union employee, are flying to Norway Sunday, February 19 for a holiday. They will visit Ole's two brothers and his aunt, who will celebrate her eightieth birthday in April. Ole left his home in Bergen 32 years ago to come to Canada and this is his first trip back. He is a highline halibut fisherman but occasionally works in other sections of the industry.
Which reminds us that Lief Mordahl, veteran packer skipper and UFAWU member, is still in Norway. He has promised to pass alcng news of the fishing industry in that country on his return.
California has a rich labor history, a strong trade union movement and some enviable institutions. We ran across one recently at Long Beach, California, in the form of a public debating area with seats, platforms, and PA system where, we were assured, free speech is the rule. We were told, though we didn't see it in practice, that no group is denied the right to use the facilities. In Pershing Square in Los Angeles, the same situation exists and is carried to ridiculous extremes by religious fanatics, some of whom seem to be bordering on insanity. An old timer sunning himself in the park last month told us proudly that "Even the communists are allowed to speak here," which in its own way is a commentary on the situation south of Canada.
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We wish to correct a slip of the pen our waterfront reporter made in this column last week in mentioning that Don Baker, dragger Jo .Marc, was recently in with a trip of 90,000 pounds of ling cod. The catch, which is considered to be a record this time of year, should have been 90,000 pounds of grey cod.
One of the smaller shipyards which is humming with activity these days is Rem mem Boat Works, Gunderson Road, RR I, New Westminster, which is employing 10 men. Harold Remmem, the proprietor, tells us they have orders on hand for six gillnetters from 34 to 37 feet with three under construction at present. Along with repairs, the yard is exceptionally busy.
See Bill Disney, former shipwright foreman for Kanala Marine Ways, busy mending gear on life dragger, the Tordo at Campbell Avenue. It looks like fishing is really agreeing with Bill, as he has put on considerable weight and is looking the picture of health.
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The fish line has it that the well known couple, Mr. and Mrs. John Chambers of Westview, owners of the vessel Miss Dodie, are holidaying in San Diego. They are visiting their friends Mr. and Mrs. Jack Fish. We are told Mr. Fish, who was former skipper on one of the Canadian Fish boats here, is now fishing tuna on his own 50 foot vessel out of San Diego.
Met one of our Union members who payed old time halibut fisherman Axel Olsen a visit at Grandvicw Hospital, 1090 Victoria Drive. It will be remembered that Axel, who is now 73 years old, suffered a stroke five years ago while fishing on the Mother 3. Axel, who did most of his fishing out of Prince Rupert, says he would like any of the old timers to come and see him.
We hear that Vic Wilkman, owner of the troller Frontier I has been holidaying in Mexico.
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Fishermen do read The Fisherman, despite J. Sinclair's words of wisdom to the contrary. We learned it the hard way last week when a type louse loused up a corrected correction and came up with "execurive" instead of "executive" in one of our headings. We could explain how it happened and absolve ourselves but nobody would believe us, anyway. The point is not the error but the number of calls drawing it to our attention, each one biting deeply. It may be scant satisfaction but The Fisherman can definitely state it is most definitely read.
McKay-Cormack Ltd. of Victoria, shipyard and engineering firm, has added a marine service station to its facilities. The Company handles a full range of Imperial Oil products, including a large quantity of diesel and gasoline stock, together with lubricants, stove oil. kerosene, greases and other pioducts in this line. The station operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the only one in Victoria harbor offering such service to fishermen and other mariners. Managing director is G. A. Veres.
something about it. You have two ways of getting rid of a snag —one is to hook it with a cable and get three or four boats to tow it away. The other is to n"t a cable on it and ask the department of public works to send the Sampson down to pull it out of the way.
THERE  ARE   SOME DANDY
snags in the river from Steves-ton down to the mouth of the river. Some have been there for years, and some only for a short time. Those snags will remain there as long as the majority of fishermen sit back and wait for someone else to get them out.
This job requires the energies of all the river fishermen at Steveston. Any snag that is yarded out will save a lot of net work and extra expense for a lot of you, so why not get together and divide the work that has to be done?
There are enough boats in Steveston to clean out every snag from the Finn drift to the dropoff, and all that is required is about two hours of effort from every boat.
The river could be divided into areas of about a half mile and all those who fish that area, and know where the snags are, could buoy the snags. If this were done to all the snags in the Steveston area, then that would be the time to call in the snag boat.
It sure would be something to be able to make a set and not have to worry about any snags, and this could be done, if all the fishermen got together and worked on it. *    * *
SOME OF YOU FISHERMEN
received a form from a fishery officer having to do with the sea lions. There are spaces where you write about the amount of fish lost, damage to nets, etc. This information should be sent in and not put away in a corner with the thought that the fisheries department is not going to do anything about the sea lions anyway.
Fill out the form and send it in. By doing this you are not only helping the department of fisheries, but you are also helping yourselves. There is a reason why the department is after all the information it can get. A start in the right direction, even though it might appear very small at the beginning, may some day be very beneficial to a lot of fishermen.
WINJO
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