THE aDVOCaTE Page Three + eal aN »mall Wool | Prod ucers Face Ruin : Australian Farmers i Hit By Monopoly ' ett . War Board Control tH, By G. GOWLAND .| SYDNEY, Australia. — Un- - jer the National Security leg- . jlation the federal parliament as acquired the exportable Surplus of many Australian rimary products for sale to iritain. Purchase schemes al- eady entered involve a sum of pproximately $5,000,000 com- red with Britain’s purchases f $3,000,000,000 the year before. his is hailed by the federal goy- ‘ronment, the Country party and he wealthy combines as heralding ' new era for Australian agricul- “\are with prosperous times for the irmers. Through such purchases these Saterests aim to enrich themselves Ynd win the farmers’ support for ie War. But, even while the var- ius schemes are being operated, great movement of the farmers ; directed against the government nh examining the position one is ompelled to believe that British nd Australian big business is waging a war not in the interests \£ Australian producers and the eople generally, but against them. The increase in British pur- chases from $300,000,000 te $500,- 900,000 signifies mo increase in ¥total exports, but a diversion of ‘gceods frem other markets to that of Britain only. RICE LOWEE. The entire wool clip has been ecured by Britain at the rice of 27 cents a lb. compared vith $i cents during the iast war. > At the higher figure, Britain aade a profit of $300,000,000 in the last war and ayidly looks forward 5 even greater returns in the pre ent war. * This is bitterly resented by big | usiralian pastoralists, who, while leased with the prospect of an as- ured market and the possibilities he scheme offers to further trengthen their stanglehold on the Jadustry, feel that they are being obbed of some of their spoils. They claim that the price was Set without reference to Australian pinion and that no adequate guar- ntees are forthcoming that prices 711 be adjusted in accordance ith exchange variation; a very nportant issue between capitalists . a war situation. Britain also is 3 share with Australian interests rotits accruing from the sale of uw wool, but, of course, all profits ade trom manufacture of wool- nm goods will bear®a distinctly ritish brand and will remain un- suched by Australian fingers. “So,” says the ‘Squatocracy,’ what guarantee have we that you ill make raw wool available to ur other customers and thus con- erve our markets?’ And because he policy of British Imperialism ims at mainteining the largest ossible export trade of finished oods and will use as much raw Tool aS possible to that end, such uarantees are not forthcoming. IG BUSINESS CONTROL. Australian wool-broking firms, nteriocked with huge pastoral ompanies, are utilising the war- ime powers of the federal gov- rnment under which the wool was iequired, to rob the small wool Tower and create a stronger mon- ‘poly in the control and handling £ wool, Character of the Wool Com- mittee established under the Na- tional Security Act is a union of big brokerage firms and large pastoral companies. Three repre- sentatives of both constitute the committee. These huge firms are usurping ‘omplete control of the wool in- lustry. Handling of wool is being ested in the big firms, while the mall merchants are being jqueezed out. Small merchants in Victoria, employing 600 workers ast year, are now only employing 00. Shares of the big brokerage firms haye jumped on the mar- ket from 8 percent to 17 percent, while the volume of their busi- ness will jump by 750,000 bales, with the connivance of the fed- eral government, Workers thrown out of employ- pent by the crushing of the smail nerchants, will not find employ- dent with the big firms, as wool is mly offered once under the cheme and does not require as auch handling as previously. It can be said that while not ing satisfied with the way Bri- ish imperialism has treated it, he Australian ‘squatocracy ‘will njoy many millions more in the irst year of the war than the pre- eding year, while the small grow- r will remain on a level, taking ising costs into account, very little etter than ‘depression’ levels. * Pass This Paper On! nited Garment Workers Announces Pay Province Youth Congress Opens En City Friday Some 250 delegates repre- senting 45,000 young people throughout British Colum- bia All convene in Vancou- ver this weekend for a four- day discussion on the war and the problems facing Ca- nadian youth in wartime. Delegates will come from religious, political, social and cultural organizations. This second Provincial Youth Congress will be opened in Provincial Normal school this Friday, March 22, by President John Prior, Oliver school teacher. Frame-Up Planned By BURRUS THORNLEY ABERDEEN, Wash. — Blocked in early efforts to in- volve Dick Law, IWA leader, directly in the murder of his young wife, last January, Grays Harbor officials and the Better Business Builders are how trying to twist the case into a Communist conspiracy,’ it was learned here last weels. This strategy calls for placing the blame for the murder on the Communist party and then to in- volve many leading political fig- ures, including Executive Secre- tary Howard Costigan, of the Washington Commonwealth Feder- ation, in the allered conspiracy. This new ‘theory of the crime on the part of anti-labor forces has been reyealed during the past few days by statements made to a representative of a national mas- azine by Joseph Schneider, super- intendent of the Grays Harbor Hospital Association, and by a ra- dio talk by Lester M. Hunt, former Republican party press agent SEEK ‘EVIDENCE,’ Both revealed that authorities are now making an effort to get ‘evidence’ to support the conten- tion that Mrs. Law was murdered On orders of the Communist party because she had supposedly “threatened to spill the beans about the Communist party,” to quote Schneider. Hunt's broadcast over a mutual network was in the form of a bit- ter attack on the Grays Harbor Civil Rights committee and Dick Law and he strongly inferred that the Communist party plotted the iilling. The broadcast was assertedly Sponsored by the ‘Washington In- dustrial Progress League,” a non- existent organization. Schneider, who serves as espion- age agent for the Better Business Builders, boasted recently that he “has enough evidence to hang Howard Costigan and that we can prove Senator Schwellenbach is a member of the Communist party.” In his broadcast, Hunt dramatic- ally announced the finding of ‘sis- nificant evidence.’ He then ex- plained that this evidence is the “original record book of the East Aberdeen local of the Gommunist Party, and contains the names of three men who were under suspi- cion for this murder.” The Hunt broadeast cost a total of $265 for radio time alone and was announced by paid advertise- ments in daily papers in five wes- tern Washington cities. It is be lieved here that the Better Busi- ness Builders put up the funds. Students Defend Democratic Rights SYDNEY, Australia—Represent- ing 14,000 university students throughout the dominion, the coun- ci] of the National Union of Aus- tralia Students at its recent sec- ond annual conference at Hobart, declared in a preface to resolutions calling for freedom of press assem- bly and conscience, that “in the present war situation, it is neces- sary to act in all matters accord- ing to the principles of democracy.” War Preparations Hit Living Standards Of Turkish SOFIA, Bulgaria — The Huropean war has greatly affected the working people of Turkey. Curtailment of exports from Turkey, and other difficulties arising from the war at sea, are having ruionous repercussions on Turkish economy. As a re- sult thousands of Turkish workers and farmers find their living standard lowered. Eiver-increasing pressure being brought to bear by Britain and France on Turkey is leading to further deterioration of conditions, The Turkish government passed a number of decisions weakening la- bor legislation on the working day and other rights of the workers. The law lengthening the work- ing day and the provisions of the National Defense Act give the gov- ernment and the general staff com- plete control over the workers. This pact provides for the estab- lishment of forced labor and exten- sion of the working day, and on this basis, compulsory work by farm laborers and landless farmers for landlords at wages-set by the Sovernment. Strikes are punish- able by court-martial According to published statistics, 195,000 working women are em- ployed in factories and plants in Turkey. Conditions of employed women and children are even worse than those of the men, and they receive less for equal work. The newspaper Haber uses a Single word to describe the con- ditions of the Zunguldak miners — ‘beggarly. Eighteen thousand miners work in these pits. They live in mud huts, feed on bread and onions, and earn a miserable wage. cS People A majority of workers earn nine to ten Turkish pounds (about $7.20 to $8:00) a month. Out of this sum 15 pounds (about $12) annually is paid on the road construction tax. Besides this tax, there is an income tax as well as a number of other indirect taxes. Thus, 25 to 30 per- cent of the workers’ wages are paid out in various taxes. Recently police violently broke a strike for better living condi- tions in the Fethje chromium mines. The mine is owned by French capital, as are the lead ore mines in the Balikesir dis- trict, where a strike was also broken recently. The newspaper Turk Sesu de- seribes the conditions of the agri- cultural laborers in the district of Montreal To Be Youth Congress Convention City TORONTO, Ont. — Con- vention dates of the fifth an- nual Canadian Youth Con- ‘gress waS announced as July 5-7 in cireular letters to all affiliated groups and delegates who attended the congress at Winnipeg last year sent out by the national committee here this week. Montreal has been chosen as the convention city for youth’s parliament. Agenda for the congress has not been decided, but will be formul- ated later by youth leaders from all organizations. Adana in the following words: “Malaria among the laborers is rampant. At present (1939), more than 12,000 laborers are suffering from this disease. Al] they eat is bread and kefir mixed with water. They sleep under the open sky in all kinds of weather. And how much do they earn? Four to five pounds (about $8.20 to $4.00) a week.” There are 50,000 seasonal work- ers in this district. American Big Business Has Vast Interests In Near East WASHINGTON, DC.—American big business is reported to be watching closely developments in the Near East where Britain and France have concentrated 500,000 troops in readiness for the possible creation of another battlefront. United States interests have scores of millions of dollars invested in the Near East particularly in oil enterprises. estine and Transjordan are estimated at $39,733,000, in Syria at $6,895,- 000, in Turkey at $14,219,461, in Iran at $110,000, in Irak at $10,845,299. Other investments in Sandi Arabia, Bahrein and Egypt run into teus of-millions of dollars. Investments in Pal- First to feel repercussions of the war were the tobacco workers. Their wages were cut immediately and the number of jobless workers in Istanbul, Samsun and Iismir rose. In a number of other districts, to- bacco factories closed down. Wages dropped to 20-30 piastres a day. As a result of the war, prices of articles of mass consumption and other products have risen 50, 60, and even 130 percent. Wages, on the other hand, have not in- ereased at all. A demand of Istan- bul mill hands for wage increases was turned down by their empoyer with sanction of the city’s govern- ment, Rapacious speculation is malkz- ing the life of the workers in- ereasingly difficult. The ranks of the unemployed are swelling daily as a result of the war and the consequences of last year’s drought, earthquakes and floods, in which 80,000 persons lost their lives Or were injured. The newspaper Tan, under the heading, “An Army of Paupers in the Streets of istanbul,” reported that farmers are flocking to the city. The newspaper Cumburiyet complained that dozens of jobless men besiege its offices every day in quest of work. A majority of them, says the paper, are “intel- lectuals who have graduated from colleges. They are willing to do any kind of work for even 10 to 15 piastres a day.” The same paper reports that Istanbul unemployed sleep under bridges and that there is not enough room for them even there. Mills Lay Off 500 Men In New Westminster NEW WESTMINSTER, BC— (Special)—The “spring offensive’ has been opened here with the lay- ing off of some 500 men at F'raser Mills. Throwing of so many men out of employment is causing great concern in this city, for estimat- ing the average monthly wage of each man at $90, this means a loss of $45,000 monthly payroll. Most of the men will have to seek | relief. There is much dissatisfaction along the waterfront here, too, with work scarte since the out- break of war. With expectations that the mills will lay off still more men shortly and predictions that there will be less shipping available, the out- look for working in the Royal City are far from bright. QUEENSBOROUGH, BC— On initiative of the Worker’s Alliance a petition is being circulated among residents here protesting the threatened victims of some fifty persons residing on the south arm of Fraser river. Most of them are War veterans, old age pensioners and relief recipients. The petition is to be presented to the city council. eS ES JOHN STANTON Barrister, Solicitor, Notary 503 Holden Building 16 E. Hastings St. Trin. 4464 | __——— DENTIST DR. W. J. CURRY Ste. 301, Dominion Bank Bldg. Cambie & Hastings SEy. 300) Victory Square = SS Wedding aed All Smportant PHOTOGRAPHS ON CRED! GL HASTINGS? Ward Studio It’s convenient. as you wear... - order by union tailors. REGENT Dress Up for Easter! . by using our convenient TEN-PAY PLAN. You can now wear the best custom tailored clothes. . - Wo interest. No carrying charges. Let the REGENT TATLORS outfit you in a suit or coat this. Easter. Popular prices — 21.50 up. C #7 e) 324 West Hastings Street . It’s easy. Pay . Ladies’ Suits made to TAILORS Pay Award Sabotaged SYDNEY, Australia—In a recent statement issued here, the central executive of the Miners Federation charged that mine owners were de- liberately provoking work stop- pages in order to evade compliance with recent arbitration court awards giving miners a 20 percent wage increase and a 40-hour week. “Information gleaned in ~- the various districts shows that the coal owners, by their attempts to evade recent awards, are respon- Sible for such extreme provocation as to cause so many stoppages that men say they might as well not go to work at all,” the statement charged, adding that if there was a@ general cessation of production it would be the mine owners’ own fault Unions Sponsor Hilection Meet Representatives of Conservative, Liberal, CCF and Communist can- didates seeking election on March 26 will be given an opportunity to State their parties’ position on the War, Civil liberties and social leg- islation;-at a meeting in Hastings, auditorium, Thursday, March 21, at 8 pm. The meeting is sponsored by five unions: International Wood- workers of America, Inland Boat- men, Pacific Coast Fishermen, Salmon Purse Seiners and United Fishermen’s unions. Pass This Paper On! Gai > avs ee e SEY: IBSEN SAID: “Freedom of Speech Is a Civic Right I Really Value.”’ Everyone Should Join the CANADIAN LABOR DEFENSE LEAGUE Write or Gall t 130 WEST HASTINGS ST. WHIST DRIVE —and — DANCE EVERY SATURDAY at 8 p.m. 130 W. HASTINGS ST. -Dance, 9:30 p.m. to the Music of_ “SWINGETTE”’’ 15e—Admission—15c Refreshments Free! Auspices Canadian Labor Defense League .Vancouver Centre Branch) soost Won Campbell's Concedes increase Referendum Result At Next Meeting, Trades Council Teld Wage increases for workers in two Vancouver plants were announced at Tuesday’s Trades and Labor council meeting. In one case, it was reported, the wage boost was granted uncon- ditionally while in the other it Was given as an inducement to join a company union. A letter from United Garment Workers’ Union stated that Gor- don Campbell clothing manu- faccturers voluntary raised the wages of employees 10 per cent. Bert Showler told delegates girls at Mallin’s, wholesale grocers, had been given 30 cents a weelr so they could pay a $1 a month dues‘ to the company union. Piccadilly Coffee Shop at Smythe and Granville, is now a union house, W. Stewart, Hotel and Restaurant Employee’s Union in- formed the council. Stewart was delerated by council to attend the Provincial Youth Congress which opens this Friday at Provincial Normal School. Delegates will hear results of the referendum to expel known Communists and sympathizers from the trades council at the next meeting of that body, Presi- dent Jamieson announced. Delegates observed one minute’s Silent tribute to Tim Hannafin, former vice-president of Local 676, Beverage Dispenser’s Union, and- delegate to the council for a num-_ ber of years, who was buried Tues- day morning. Secretary P. R. Bengough was instructed to send letters of con- dolence to the bereaved family and to the local union. LEN SE Temes ee | NOTICE Winner of raffle held by Centre Branch of €L.D.L. for Spring Hat, Ticket No. 78-C, Mr. Grant, 6718 Lancaster St, Vancouver. : Patronize A Union Restaurant Chris’ Grill 72 Granville St. Belmont Grill 1012 Granville St. Piccadilly Coffee Shop Smythe and Granville Operated by a member of Local 28 Good Eats Cafe 619 West Pender St. Empire Cafe 160 West Hastings St. Melrose Cafe 716 W. Hastings St Province Cafe 786 Main St Douglas Cafe 844 Main St. Paris Cafe 438 West Pender St. Palace Cafe 49 West Cordova St. Ye Olde English Fish and Chips 44 West Hastings St. Ford’s Cafe 616 West Pender St. Rex Cafe 6 East Hastings St. Only Fish 20 East Hastings St. Kings Cafe 212 Carrall Street SEAL OF RENT! SPECIAL! * WHILE YGU WAIT Men’s Half Soles and Rubber Heels & 2 .0@ 65¢é Ladies’ Half Soles - - Empire Shoe Repairs ub 205! HES EOES BETEEE