Page Eight
THE FISHERMAN
December 20, 1938
Kyuquot Co-op Had Good Year
Increased Income On All Operations
PORT ALBERNI.—Kyuquot Trailers' Co-operative Association has had a splendid year of progress, it was revealed at their annual meeting held here last week. In practically every operation an increase in the net surplus obtained while operating expenses were reduced.
The Board of Directors' report showed a healthy growth with the season's production of fish at 720,978 pounds of spring salmon and 802,831 pounds of cohoe, the total being valued at $179,458.75.
The total in 1937 was valued at $141,-280.65.
The net surplus increased from $3,726.25 in 1937 to $5,183.36 in 1938.
Total operating expense was 2.95 cents per pound this year as against 3.54 per pound in 1937.
Boat operations showed an increased net surplus as did operation of general stores.
The meeting discussed at length the new regulations under the Shipping Act, and it was reported at the meeting that alterations to the association's two carriers would cost between four and five thousand dollars to bring them up to passing inspection under the act. The association will support the committee, which is attempting to have the regulations amended.
It was decided to have the general stores at Bamfield and Kyuquot remain open throughout the year and the Bamfield fish buying station to open about January 1, 1939.
A series of meetings are being held at Norwegian Hall, Pt. Alberni, for discussion of fisheries problems. On Wed., Dec. 7, Dr. Young of Pacific Fisheries Experimental Station at Pr. Rupert spoke and Dr. A. L. Pritchard of Biological Station, Nanaimo, will speak at further sessions.
"Doc" Worthington, popular troller of Nanaimo who was chairman of the recent Convention of the PCPU, has the honor of being the first member to pay his dues for the year 1939. Happy New Year and many of them to Doc. Worthington. I
THERE'S one big idea in this store for fall — and we're going to hammer it into men's minds. Here it is . . .
LOWER PRICES BIGGER VALUES
THE HUB'S FALL CLOTHES!
YOU WANT more for your money — everybody does — and because we have done such a good job here of making a dollar buy more clothes value, we're going to hammer away on that subject until we make a good deep dent in people's minds.
THE HUB has created a new overcoat, valued at $25, taking advantage of every market condition to put more fabric value, more fine tailoring into every garment made. You'll see it all— when you see the clothes.
MAIL ORDERS PREPAID
45 East Hastings St. - Sey. 8664
Continued
BCFU CONVENTION
into a closely knit unit through the medium of "The Fishermen" and through other means. CHARGES WERE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED
Several new agreements were signed with the operators. Outstanding was one signed as a result of the successful herring gillnetter's strike.
At the convention, a definite step was taken this year to enquire officially into charges made directly and indirectly against members of the executive committee. A committee of delegates investigated all the obtainable evidence (written and verbal) and finally rendered an opinion that "while here have been misunderstandings and some errors of judgment, in the main, these might have been made by any human."
The great advance made by our paper, "The Fisherman," to the leading position in journalism of the industry was pointed out at the convention, and the need for further support for this educational medium was endorsed.
In keeping with amalgamation with the BC Trollers, a definite decision was arrived at regarding the possibility of Japanese fishermen joining the PCFU. It was agreed that, "in view of the fact the Amalgamated Fishermen's Association has complete jurisdiction over Japanese fishermen, we urge them to join that union."
PREPARATIONS MADE TO AFFILIATE WITH T.&L.C.ofC.
The proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act were handled by a committee on the basis of the local's recommendations, conservation being the keynote in all its findings. The convention also resolved to oppose the new absentee voting regulations which will practically disenfranchise the whole fishing fleet.
Preparatory to apply for affiliation with the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada the executive were instructed to "officially disaffiliate with the defunct ISU."
Due to the great amount of business to be done and the lack of ttaie to do it in, a tremendous amount of work was left over for the incoming executive committee to handle. Fortunately, this committee contains several trustees from last year. One instruction, already carried out, was the setting up of a Fraser River Council consisting of GOC men from the, Fraser River locals. This council will handle affairs which concern the Fraser, only. Similar councils will no doubt be set up in other areas. By such a procedure it is felt that local problems will be settled by fisherman with local knowledge, and better co-ordination between locals in all organisational questions will result.
FINANCIAL STANDING MUST BE STRENGTHENED
The financial standing of the union is not so good as it might be. For instance, while well over 200 members have been s:gned up last season, the dues are still uncollected from a large number of old members. The union cannot function1 properly without funds. Those members who owe dues would greatly assist the work of the union by forwarding them in without delay.
Taken altogether, it was the feeling of the convention that the PCFU backed; by the SBSU is in a favourable position to lead the fishermen of BC to take a
Continued
FRISCO CONVENTION
inkling of what can be done when effective organisation prevails in the fishing industry. As an instance, one of the fish reduction workers' delegates reported their wages are $150 a month for workers hired by the month, and 80 cents per hour for those hired by the hour. This is a distinct comparison to our reduction workers in BC who are entirely unorganised and work long hours with miserable conditions for as low as $60 a month and some far even less.
One delegate should be given special mention; the only woman fisherman, Betty Loman. Born the daughter of a cannery operator, she is now fishing for a living. Betty will be remembered by BC fishermen as the girl who in 1936 made a trip in a canoe from the U.S.A. to Alaska and got a tow for 30 miles in Johnstone Straits. Betty told the Canadian delegates that she never met finer men than the fishermen of British Columbia.
With such a tremendous amount of work to be done by this history making convention there is every indication that it will run well into the week before Xmas. Prospects for the building of a strong united organisation that will weld unity of the 20,000 fishermen and allied worker.'! on this coast looks favorable as every effort is being made to iron out all problems leading to such an objective.
Discussion is going on as I write this (so that it may reach "the Fisherman" in time for going to press) regarding the formation of a Fishermen's International Union affiliated to the CIO. It is reported that sentiment is strong for such a move even though the PCFU and the Copper River and Prince William Sound Unions have not taken a referendum on the question. The two big unions, Alaska Fishermen's Union-and the United Fishermen's Union are favourable to the proposed plan.
Big Time For Kids To-nite
Continued
HORSESHOE BAY
or four thousand commercial fishermen living in Vancouver and Fraser River area and many of them fish in the proposed closed area during the winter to keep off the relief rolls and that the business which citizens bring to merchants is of more value to the community as a whole than the tourists who ' fish in Horseshoe Bay."
Eventually a motion was carried to recommend that "an area bounded by a line drawn from Whitecliff Point to the south end of Bowyer Island and due east to the mainland, thence back along the shore to Whitecliff Point, including Horseshoe Bay, be set aside for sport fishing only."
The motion carried with Mr. Sabin dissenting and Mr. Grant McNeil refraining from voting.
man's part in the industry, instead of remaining in the "take it or leave it" position which they have occupied fcitherto. Everything points to our union infolding another page next season in the history of the fishing industry that will bring credit to our ranks.
A CHRISTMAS GIFT TO YOUR FRIENDS!
Give them a yearly subscripion to the CLARION WEEKLY—a gift for a whole year. With every yearly ($2.00) new or renewal subscription one of these books is given FREE to the subscriber: "Red Comet," by Geoffrey Trease; "I Love," by A. Avdeyenko; "When Japan Goes To War," by E. Johan and O. Tanin; "Man of Siberia," by Hugo Huppert. Include a subscription on your Christmas shopping list and send your friends the message of Peace on Earth for a whole year. CLARION WEEKLY, 406 Chambers of Commerce Bldg., Winnipeg, Man.
300 Children To Be At Orange Hall
By the time this paper is on the streets or in the mail, everything will be all set for the big time at the Orange Hall tonight—the Kiddies' Xmas Tree. Mrs. Sabin and Gavin report that over 200 names have been listed and they expect at least 300 kiddies of fishermen to attend.
Toys and gifts have been mailed to outside points totalling 50 children scattered along the coast.
This splendid work could not have been carried out had there been no Women's Auxiliary in existence. This is only one phase of the activity of the women but it will be appreciated by all members of the PCFU and the SPSU.
Everything possible has been done to give the children a good time. Information just comes to hand that 50 additional children from New Westminster will be taken care of and will get gifts.
Seiner Founders
SANTA BARBARA, Cal.—The $40,000 purse seiner Dante Alighiere n of San Pedro crashed on the rocks of Santa Cruz Island on Wednesday, Nov. 30, and was destroyed. Of the fifteen fishermen aboard, six were rescued by the purse seiner Esperia, and the others reached a rocky ledge.
Congratulations to Sylvia Hilton on her marriage to Tom Townley last month, With best wishes from the boys of both unions.
Elmer Bale, 12, and youngest salesman of "The Fisherman," who lives with his parents at 219 West 63rd Ave., Vancouver, had the misfortune to cut his thumb last week while chopping kindling. Fifteen stitches were required to fix it up.
EIGHTEEN MAROONED OFF ALASKA COAST
JUNEAU, Alaska, Dec. 19—Bad weather still halts attempts by sea and auto rescue eighteen marooned survivors of the wrecked motorship Patterson. They are huddled around camp fires on the storm-lashed beach at Cape Fair-weather.
Two members of the crew were reported drowned when the ship went aground a week ago.
B.C. PUBLIC MARKET
333 Main St.
FRESH MEATS — Best Quality
Special Rates to Fishermen
FOR SALE
29-foot Gillnet Boat
A-l Condition Apply: 4327 Eton St., Vancouver Phone Glenburn 652-L-l
Bud Taggart's laxi
Phone HIGH.
1300
Cab Stand:
HASTINGS and DUNLEVY