Page Four THE PEHOPLE’S ADVOCATE January 13. 1939 Gov’t May Tak COAST GROWERS DEMAND PROBE OF MARKETING Say Present Setup ‘Strongly Resembles’ Shipping Combine Special to the Advocate MISSION, BC, Jan. 12. —En- dorsation of a resolution re- questing the federal and pro- vincial governments to make a thorough investigation of the commercial setup which mar- keted their products featured sessions of the annual BC Coast Growers’ Association which met here last weekend. An investigation of wholesale jobbers’ interests in the fruit in- dustry, including their charters, licenses and sales activity was asked in the resolution, which charged that the existing set-up “strongly resembled a combine.” Members of the association also went on record as seeking reduced freight rates on all fruits shipped from the lower mainland to prairie points and an arbitrary rate on fruits from Vancouver Island points to Vancouver. Delegates eriticized railway charges for salting and icing. Removal of the sales tax and the one cent per pound tax on sugar was asked of the federal fovernment in another resolution. Ottawa Learns Of Chaotic Market Conditions; Probe Under Combines Act To Resume At Vernon Soon e Drastic Action On Okanagan > Combine | —% FORECASTS GOOD YEAR OTTAWA, Ont.—A brief be given to reorganizing crop of the coming season. McGregor has ben staying istence of a jobber-shipper co about January 26 to continue p What Ottawa has learned of his? investigations to date serves to confirm the original charges made last Summer of a powerful combine in operation linked with the West- ern Grocers Limited and actually a part of the old Wash-Symington group allegedly driven out of busi- ness several years ago when heavy fines were imposed. One of the chief evils at present afflicting the industry are the se- cret rebates in the form of car-lot discounts. Okanagan selling agencies de- fend this by the explanation—‘ ‘the wholesalers demand it and we must move the crop.” While the majority of growers bitterly oppose this method, it has now become the accepted precedure and at least 75 per- cent of the crop is disposed of in this manner. Rebates on prairie shipments run from $20 Gharles A. WMayden, Vernon, editor of “Country Life,” im ad- dressing the early sessions stated that federal legislation was ne Gessary to unaplement what BC has done for assuring producers fair treatment in the markets. Hayden, who is secretary trea- surer of the BC Fruit Growers’ As- sociation, jpaid tribute to Great Britain and the Scandinavian countries which he said had far outdistanced Canada in agriculture administration. Agrisulture in Canada represent- ed an investment of five billion dol- lars with a billion new wealth an- nually, but the industry had re- leivead a setback in recent years. The country was only now begin- ning to realize the necessity of restoring it to a More secure foot— ing. mH Cc. Oldfield, Royal Oak, Van- couver Island, was unanimously re— elected president of the association. J. B Shimek was again ‘chosen vice-president and E. J. Taylor, Mission, was named secretary. COMPENSATION PLEARECOGNIZED VICTORIA, BC, Jan. 12—Hon. K. G. MacDonald, Minister of Agri- culture, recognizes the strength of ‘fruit growers demands for compen- sation for losses which will be erne by them as a result of the signing of the Anglo-American trade treaty, but he will not com- mit himself to any definite policy. The minister stated it was not unreasonable for the fruit grow ers to make such a demand since the federal government had pegged the price of wheat at 80 cents, but at this time it is not expected the growers will receive anything more than sympathy from the provincial government. Resolutions of the growers will be listened to by the minister as he attends the growers conventions and thus gains a concensus of opin- jon on the matter. He has already attended the BC Coast Growers’ Association convention at Mission jJast week, and will attend the BC Fruit Growers’ Association conven-— tion later this month at Vernon. The demand for compensation was made upon the federal gov- ernment by the growers, and the provincial government notified of the action. CLOVERDALE, BC, Jan. 12— Inaugural meeting and gymnastic display was held here Monday night in Athletic Mall at which Ian Eisenhardt, provincial director of the Recreational Centers out lined the work and activity of the to $50 per car. The rebates, first known as quan- tity discounts, were secret and ap- plied to one or two jobbers; then everybody knew it was going on; finally nobody selling from the Okanagan could transact business unless he fell in line and paid the bonus. The whole setup is understood to be in the hands of two or three leading wholesalers in Winnipeg, who are in a position to demand discounts, fix prices and play off one section of British Columbia’s fruit growing industry against an- other in shaking down prices. The producer is in a position where he must accept the price offered or leave his fruit rot in the orchard. Leading force behind this com- bine is known to be the Nash- glimpse of chaotic marke agan Valley furnished by F. A. tion Act, is said here to have convinced probe into the jobber-shipper combine an the selling end of the Valle in the Okanagan probing charges laid by Godfrey McGregor, special inves government officials in the capital for the holidays robe hearings. Symington concern, now operat— ing as the Dominion Fruit Com- pany. Back in 1924-25, this same - group was prosecuted by the federal government, fined a heavy sum and allegedly broken up. Wow reestablished and part of the powerful Western Grocers Limited, which recently took over Malkin’s Limited, the Nash group appears to be more powerfully en- trenched than ever, having its con- nections not only in the Okanagan but throughout the province. As a result of the combine’s ac- tivity, growers received on an Aver— age of 30 to 40 cents a box for apples which were sold on the prairie market for $1.65 to $1.85 a box. The same situation prevailed with sales of peaches, pears and berries. One effect of the combine was to render the provincial enarketing eontrol abortive. Im the words of Godfrey Isaacs, Oyama grower, “market board. control over the fruit industry, was rendered a mere shadow without substance by the exist- ence of this combine, which in its ramifications and ruthless- ness rivals the former Nash or- ganization at the peak of its un- scrupulous career.” Tt is not known what the govern- ment intends to recommend as a means of clearing the matter up, and nothing definite is expected until McGregor completes his re- port. Growers, however, have made it plain that they want no continua- tion of the present private control of selling agencies, and 4 wide movement is already developing To Meet Easter Week Greater Vancouver Youth Council Sets Parley Date Plans were laid Saturday ni weekend, April 7 to 10. The Youth Council represent more than sixty youth erganiza-— tions of the province and it is expected that some 50,000 youth will be represented by delegates when the convention convenes. Citizenship, which is interpreted as a broad subject, will be the key- note of the gathering. Six sub- committees will study technical education, recreational training, national resources, social services, and New Westminster Youth Council for its first annual pro- wincial convention which will be held in the city during Easter ght by the Greater Vancouver Canada’s foreign policy, civil lib- erties and press freedom. Victoria Youth Council in its an— nual meeting in December outlined plans for such a2 eonferepce and later a national congress in Winni- peg. The task of making an unD- employment survey in conjunction ting conditions existing in the Okan- tigator under the Combines Investiga- of the need for a more complete d brought unofficial assurance that vigorous aid will ys fruit industry in Isaacs, Oyama grower, concerning the ex- mbine operated by the Nash interests. He will return to Vernon throughout the Valley, time for selling the after spending several months headed by Tsaz2es and what is knowa as the “singer group’ for selling “over ene desk’ and controlled by the srowers themselves. This movement has become so widespread that a number of lead- ins reactionaries in the Okanagan, including the Penticton and Kelow— na papers, are issuing words , of “caution’’ against ‘wildcat’ schemes. Refuse RunAround In 1939 Tomato Growers Want Contract With Canners Special te the Advocate KELOWNA, BC, Jan. 1. Kelowna tomato growers, refus- ing to be “blackmailed” for a second year, have definitely re— fused to plant their 1939 crop upless regularly drawn con- tracts are signed by April 1. The move came as growers faced the prospect of another year of low prices and high freight rates. Eastern manufac-— turers, under present conditions, can ship tomatoes by way of Panama Canal to Vancouver at a lower cost than Okanagan growers are charged to ship their produce by rail to the Pacific CGoast terminus. In addition, many growers have not been paid for all to- matoes shipped to the canners in 1937, while few shipments, if any, were made by jndependent canners for the 1938 crop. The demand for a signed con- tract by April 1 is seen as the growers’ “ace im the hole’ to guard against repetition of last year’s “blackmail’”’ by cannery operators, who refused to take any of the crop until the last moment, forcing prices down to rock bottom and at the same time making it necessary for the government to step in and re- duce cannery workers wages. Until this was done, cannery— ecen refused to operate, contend- ing that it would be more profit- able to let the tomatoes rot on the ground, a thing that hap- pened in hundreds of cases. with the Social Service agency was set, and i tis expected Victoria del- egates will come prepared for a thorough discussion at the Master convention. Vernon Raises $178 For Chinese Aid Fund Relief Committee, with over 500 ing a versatile program. Chinese children presented song numbers and staged plays wihich created much amusement. A well known local singer, Dagmar Harry, gave vocal selections, Ukrainian folk dances were performed by children of the local ULETA and an interesting selection of Chinese music was presented by 2 Chinese harpist. Mrs. Campbell-Brown, Wwe il known missionary and relief work Pro-Recs. er in China, gave a4 farewell ad- VERNON, BC, Jan. 12.—A successful concert was held here last week in aid of the work being carried on by the Chinese War people attending and applaud- dress and was presented with a bouquet of flowers. Alderman Hurt congratulated the present Chinese committee on its work, expressing his interest in the struggle in China and Spain and his opposition to the policy of Premier Chamberlain. A collection of $178 was taken. Mrs. Campbell-Brown left for China on January 5 with a large delegation at the station to see her off. Fifi Tornblad. Meantime growers are expected to put up a strong fight for aboli- tion of road tolls on the Fraser Canyon Highway on trucks carrying fresh vegetables. A com- mittee is being formed for this purpose as well as to fight for other measures for the relief of the industry. Unless such relief measures are taken, Mmany discouraged growers are threatening to g0 eut of the business entirely. BCFGA PARLEY WILL ‘CONSIDER" SALES PROBLEM HON. HK. C. MACDONALD, Wiin- ister of Agriculture for BG, who believes 1939 will see 2 further definite development im milk marketing and in increase milk sales in urban areas, coupled with equal progress 11 other branches of the agricultural industry. “Tt will be our departmental duty to assist farmers in every way to reach their objective in the coming year,’ the minister states. SINGLE MILK AGENCY PLANNED Logging Takes First Toll Of New Year PORT ALUBERNI, BC, Jan. 12. Moves are under way to bring about establishment of 2 Single Marketing Agency following the recent election of the Mainland Milk Board which assumed office on January i. Directors for the agency will be elected by the producers. One dixector will be chosen from the Fraser Valley Milk Producers’ As- sociation, one other from the in- dependents, and a third will be chosen to act as chairman. W. IL. Macken, acting on behalf of the co-operatives, and Basil Gordon, representing the independ-— ents, have already placed a draft of the proposed eonstitution in the hands of the Milk Board. The draft is now being studied and it is expected that within a few days arrangements will be made to take a ballot of all pro- ducers. Boycott German Goods President A. K. Loyd Issues Convention Statement to Press KELOWNA, BC, Jan. 12.— With the fiftieth convention of the British Columbia Fruit Growers’ Association scheduled here for January 24, 25, 26, President A. K. Loyd told growers recently in a statement fhat the coming convention will consider marketing setups and will probably appoint a special committee to deal with these matters. The BCEGA president's sState- ment, couched in strongly moder ate terms which some observers interpreted as almost noncommit— tal, apparently was issued in an attempt to throw cold water on the strong movement in the Okan- agan for a drastic new marketing setup to take the place of the pre— sent private jobber-shipper control. One strong and influential group favors a grower-controlled market- ing board, with all produce sold “over one wesk.’’ Tt was to this group that Presi- Gent Loyd’s statement was appar— ently when he informed growers they need not be confused con- cerning the various schemes and plans of marketing and aid which Gave been propounded, but they will be given plenty of time to con-— sider them. Members of the executive feel the fullest discussion of all matters should be permitted but that asso- ciation officials should refrain from takins sides, Loyd has declared. “However, when the proper time comes, the executive of the BCE GA is quite prepared to take an active stand to protect the interest of the erowers,” Loyd States. ‘““The pro- posals under discussion are merely attempts to improve on present me— thods and most certainly do not involve abandonment of the work done during the past five years,” he states. Win Wage Increase NAMAO, Alta, Jan. 12——-Wage increases were granted striking miners at the Boomerang Coal company mine here by D. J. Gwil- Jam, owner, after nearly a week's stay-in strike. When the eighteen miners refused to leave the prep- erty until granted the wage boost, two RCMP officers were detailed to the strike scene but were un- able to provoke trouble. | = A Lae \ CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ~ =f, 1X = f ADVERTISING RATES MONUMENTAL Classified, 3 lines 35c. Weekly| warty MONUMENTS — SAVE contract rates on application. BICYCLES SND REPAIRS _ BICYCLES, NEw AND USED— Baby Carriages, Sulkies, Doll Caz money here. Estimates for ceme tery lettering. 1920 Main Street. OrLs riages, Joycycles. Repairing of ai OILERY—2 . QTS. CALIFORNIA, kinds. Saws filed, xeys cut, et« 25c; Russian Oil, per qt. 25¢; W. M. Ritchie, 1569 Commercia Penn Oils, per qt., 30c. 865 Kings- Drive. High. 4123. way. BARBERS POOLROOMS RANVILL WHITE SPOT, GRAN = AT|Tar PLACE TO MEET YOUR 66th, for a style haircut. Reg- friends — Europe Poolroom, 265 istered masseur. Eiast Hastings St BOOKS RADIOS: A CLEAR AND SDMVPLE PRAC tical manual that deals with a WESSEES RADIOS, FRIGI- vital problem, “Practical Birth- S — Hasy terms. Geo. Le Control Methods,” by Dr. N. E. Hiimes. Send or call, New Age Book Shop, 50a Bast Hastings St Death from injuries elaimed the life of Arvid Rokkola and chalked up the first logging fatality of 1939. Logging accidents in the BC woods during 1938 took a toll of fifty-five lives and injured bhun- dreds of others. The 45-year-old faller succumbed to his injuries Sunday almost eight hours after he had been admitted. He a falling snag at the Franklin River camp of Bloedel, Stewart and Welch company. SEMI-DISPLAY CLASSIFIED BILLIARDS MT. PLEASANT BILLIARD HALL and BARBER SHOP Everything in Smokers’ Supplies Cigars — Cigarettes — Pipes Lighters — Etc. 2341 MAIN STREET DENTISTS Dr. W. J. Curry DENTIST 698 BIRES BLDG. Phone Sey. 3001 DENTIST LLEWEELYN OUGLA S577 . BD: A-D @ SEY- oR. RICHARDS & HASTINGS BARRISTER GARFIELD A. KING BARRISTER, ETC. 353 Granville St. Sey. 1324 Vancouver, B.C. 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