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BRITISH COLUPMBIA’S PROGRESSIVE HOME NEWSPAPER

FOR PEACE, PROGRESS AND DEMOCRACY

FULL No. 232.

VANCOUVER, B.C.,

FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 1939

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CITY COUNCIL URGED TO START HOME BUILDING

Aldermen Still Hedgimg On Plan, States Unionist

Low rental housing precipi- tated a lengthy debate in the Trades and Labor Council on Tuesday night, and upshot of the whole discussion was that the City Council be again urged to embark on a program of home building as provided un- der the terms of the Dominion Housing Act whereby the city ean borrow $1,328,000 of fed- eral money at two percent for the purpose.

Im addition civic authorities will

be asked to set up a housing author- ity to make a thorough study of the whole question in conjunction with the civic housing and building committee. ' This action followed the report of Delegate Pritchard of the Build- ing Trades Council, who attended a special meeting of the City Council last Friday when the plan was Biven a further hoist until July i7. Delegate Wilson of the same or-— Sanizetion related how 3,000,000 homes had been built in Britain under a similar scheme since the end of the war, and the benefits derived from the reduction in erime and disease had more than repaid» the initial investment.

“We know they are hedging,” de clared W. Page in reference to the aidermen’s actions in giving the scheme another hoist “The offer of low interest money was to end On June’ i, 1939, but through the efforts of the Building Trades “Council it had been extended for another year.”

Aidermen Corey and Bennett are definitely opposed to the plan, while Ald. Gutteridge, Wilson and Mayor Telford favor it and the others are sitting on the fence,” he stated.

Steam and Operating FPngineers Business Arent Jack Flynn supple— mented these remarks by stating “there is one alderman who is most vicious and he is Ald. Miller. He not only coached the real estate Sharks once but several times to Graw out their opposition to the program. It would be a good idea if we would test these people on their stand regarding housing when they seek re-election~”’

Wigel Morgan, International Woodworkers delegate, related how

(Continued on Page 5) See HOUSING

BAKERY HEAD STILL ADAMANT

Proposais made by the Bakery .and Confectionery Workers’ Union, Ticeal 468, to the Woman’s Bakery management last week for an ami-

cable settlement of the eight- months old strike remained un- answered to date, union officials announce.

The terms, asked for by Mr. Jus- tice Manson, were that all former employees not now employed be ¥re-engaged in 14 days and both Parties in the dispute meet within 2 month to negotiate a settlement based on existing agreements now in operation in other bakeries.

But J. CG. Brault, manager of the bakery, has seen fit to ignore the proposals and up to the pre sent time T. PP. Elder, bakery counsel, has made no move for or rejection of the

Proposals been made.

@n Tuesday the hearing for an

injunction and damage elaini Which was to be resumed failin= the get-together of the two par- ties was postponed indefinitely. _. fhe union withdrew all pickets from the stores and plant of the bakery in accordance with terms of negotiation, but unless some move is made shortly, it is under- stcod the pickets will be placed back on duty.

4bolition ef night work in bake- ries as advecated by the union met With further success this week when the Camobell’s Bakery

known as “Polly Ann,’ decided to eliminate niezht work.

co)

TORONTO LABOR HEARS HERRIDGE

Vancouver unionists were urged this week by the Toronto District Trades and Labor Council to listen in on an important speech on pol- icy to be delivered before the re— fular meeting of the Trades Coun- cil by Hon. W. D. Herridge, leader

of the New Democracy movement, which will be broadcast’ over a na- tional ©BC hookup June 28 from 4-45 p.m. CVancouver time).

Herridge’s address -will deal with Gabor and the Wation and is being delivered at the express invitation of the largest central labor coun- cil in the Dominion. Council Sec- retary J. W. Buckley emphasized that the invitation did not indicate organized Jabor’s sponsorship of the movement, but said that Mr. Herridge’s contribution “can be- ocme the property of all those who are convinced that something shall and must be done to make Canada a land fit for Canadians to live in.”

The New Democracy founder is a staunch supporter of labor as the bulwark of democracy; a powerful opponent of reaction who declares his purpose is to make de mocracy. work. He contends that the people must choose between the old parties and democracy. He believes if the old parties are left in control of parliament they will unite to form 2 national govern- ment, a government which will work for reaction.

Announcement has also been made from Ottawa that the New Democracy movement will hold its first national convention in Re- gina beginning on July 3 and 4.

Mr. Herridge is expected to give ;his first definite pronouncement on New Democracy policy in the

1 by

coming federal election at this important gathering.

Purchase Protested Canned Salmon

Wires and cables protesting the proposed purchase of $8,000,000 worth of Japanese canned salmon by Britain were sent Tuesday night the Greater Vancouver Joint Boycott Council and the Embargo Council to Hon. W. D. Euler, min- ister of trade of commerce, and to Ganadian Trade Commissioner Erederick Hudd in London.

“We feel that if the -deal

goes

fects on the salmon industry in this province,” the council spokesman said.

The CGanned Salmon section of the Canadian Manufacturers’ As- sociation and Vancouver Board of Trade approved the protests, it was learned. :

The deal, apparently approved by the GChamberlain government, came at a time when British civilians in Tientsin were suffering from a food blockade imposed by Japanese.

CANTON, NY. Ganada was urged to become a party to the Pan-American alliance of demo-

conference, Thomas said that Can- ada accepts the security implied in the Pan-American Union but re- fuses to become a responsible mem-— ber. He also pledged US aid to

Canada in event of war.

through it will have disastrous ef-:

> THREE BRITISH COLUMBIA youth leaders who will head the big contingent of BC delegates leaving for the National Youth Congress at Winnipeg next week. Left to right: John Prior, president of the BC Youth Congress: John Stanton, national vice-chairman of the Canadian Youth Congress; and Jerry Hundal, executive secretary of the Greater Vancouver

Youth Council.

LEAD YOUTH CONGRESS DELEGATION

Big Delegation Heads For Youth Congress Next Week

Some 40 young people from

VITAL PROBLEMS

FACE CCF MEET

Some 200 delegates from ‘every part of the province are expected to be present when the three-day

annual convention of the GCF opens Friday night in the Elks Hall.

Convention committees have been meeting throughout the week on last-minute details, and ae full agenda covering all phases of party activity has been mapped out. Resolutions are expected to em- brace such topics as municipal and provineial affairs and constitu- tional questions on inner party life.

Proposals for a Change in the ruling prohibiting members from holding two public offices is con- tained in several resolutions, while numerous other recommendations from clubs will cover the whole field of the fight for social security for worker and farmer.

Choice of a leader for the GGRr group in the Provincial Legislature is expected to be decided at the meeting.

In addition to club delegations, practically every party leader of note is expected to attend, includ-

ing Grant MacNeil and Angus Macinnis.

Delegates will be welcomed to the gathering at a reception on

Friday afternoon in the Palomar Ballroom, and formal sessions will fet under way at 7 pm in Wilks Hall with an address by W. W. Le- feaux, provincial president.

the principle centers in British

Columbia will comprise the contingent from the Pacific coast province to the Fourth Canadian Youth Congress to be held in ‘Winnipeg on June 30 to July 3. Vancouver delegates will en- : = -= .@train at the CPR station Wednes- | day evening, June 28.

Wouth Council officials state there is still time for organiza- tions to select representatives. Each group is entitled to send two.

Included in the delegation from Vancouver are John Prior, BC Wouth Congress president, and Wil- liam McConnell, provincial execu- tives; J. S. Hundal and Donald Me- Bean, Greater Vancouver Youth Council delegates; John Stanton, National vice-chairman; Florence Leck, Women’s International League; Ena Bruce, Pro-Rec Centers; W. Stewart, Trades and Labor Council; Lloyd Green, log- fers and fishermen’s unions’ dele— fate; David McDonald and Mar- igaret Hothergill, Secondary School Teachers of the Lower Mainland and numerous other delegates from

izations.

This is the first Congress to be held in Western Canada and is con- Sidered an important move in view of the prairie farmers’ fight for 80-cent wheat.

“The Congress is being called at a time when the country is facing frave internal problems, panrticu- larly in respect to the farmers of Western Canadas and also on the question of national unity,” Vice- chairman John Stanton told the Advocate this week.

will give a lead to the whole coun- try showing how a solution can be worked out for these two main problems.”

Meeting under the slogan, “For (Continued on Page 5)

See CONGRESS

Plan For O|

NES

Council Hears Advocate ad CPR Hotel

Proposals advanced by the

old building. The issue was raised when Ald. Harford D. Wilson recited a plan

|he had heard to convert the build-

1 |

eratic states there Thursday by Senator Elbert D. "Thomas. <Ad- dressing the Canadian- American

ing to house library, museum and recreational facilities.

Ald. J. W. Cornett, while agree ing that the building could be Fut to some use as outlined; ob- jected that the city was now re- ceiving. some $97,000 yearly in tax- ation from the property, an in- come which could not be readily sacrificed.

Upshot of the discussion was a decision to appoint a special com- mittee of council which will meet with officials of the Canadian

' Pacific Railway to find out the

transportation companys plans for the old hostelry. Information from this source will be used as a basis

Advocate for transforming the

old Hotel Vancouver into a Civic Center were aired in City Council this week as aldermen sat down to discuss plans for the

@for future discussion in council and

most likely a definite decision.

Tt is understood that some mem- bers of council favor using the building for commercial purposes, believing that certain interests are already prepared to take it over for commercial use.

Suggestion for housipg civic ac- tivities in the old hotel was ori- ginally put forward by the Advo- cate in its issue of June 2, and the scheme has since been endorsed by several public figures in the city including Mrs. Laura E. Jamieson, MiA-elect for Vancouver Center, Jerry Houndal, executive secretary of the Vancouver Youth Council, and Charles Stewart, organizing committee chairman of the Trades jand Labor Council.

i

church, fraternal and other organ- |

/entire

“Tt is to be hoped the delegates |

| poly

New Gov’

t Ruling

May Drop Penalty For Seeking Jobs

Important changes in the provincial government summer project camp administration are now understood to be under consideration and will be announced shortly, according to in- formation received by the Advocate this week.

Under the new plan, single

homeless men now working on

government projects will be allowed to leave the camps during the summer months in search of employment if they so desire:

if the search for a job is unsuc apply for re-employment on the< projects and will be provided transportaton back to camp.

im addition, those seeking work will be allowed to draw their voucher pay during their period of absence from camp.

The new setup is said to have been under discussion for some time as a means of getting over the present system which makes it im- possible for project workers to seek possible employment openings. As it stands now, those individuals who may be fortunate enough to get a line on one of the few jobs being offered is forced to run the risk of getting the project camp for the rest of the season. Once he applies for leave of absence, he is no longer eligible for re-admittance to camp.

Labor department officials are also reported to have decided that all men holding provincial relief will now be eligible for camp, and this is expected to affect a nium-— ber of the 250 men now being dis- eriminated against in the city.

Representatives of the single jobless men in Vancouver would not comment on the news pending 23. definite announcement. It was

(Continued on page 86) See WORES PLAN

cessful, they will be allowed to

LABOR ENDORSES ANTI-NAZI FILM

‘Is Not Exaggerated,’ Says P. R. Bengough

ETrade unionists at the regu- lar meeting of the Vancouver and New Westminster Trades and Labor Council Tuesday night were urged to attend the showing in the Beacon Theater of “Professor Mamloeck” in a recommendation of the execu- tive board brought in by Secre— tary P. R. Bengough.

The Council secretary ex- plained that executive officers had attended a preview and “it is in no way an exaggeration of the terrorism practiced in ermany by the Nazis. I myself have heard first hand of far

worse cases.”

_ “The picture is not detri- mental to any union or union- ist,” said the secretary in reply to a delegate’s question. “Lt shows how the Nazis are treat ing the German people and one must remember that trade unionists have been executed and their unions destroyed.”

Announce Plan For Regional Weekly Progressive Papers

Returning to Vancouver after a six months’ absence in

Eastern Canada, Hal Griffin, lea

ding member of the Communist

party in BC, this week announced plans for establishment of a string of regional labor-progressive weekly papers across Can-=

ada, following decision to discon- tinue publication of the Daily Clarion in Toronto.

“While for geographical reasons its circulation was confined mainly to Ontario, suspension of the Daily Clarion will be keenly felt by the labor-progressive move ment,” Griffin stated. “The first truly independent labor daily in Canada, its uninterrupted publica- tion for three years has been a magnificent achievement of which the working-class every right to be proud.

“Since it first appeared on May

Day, 1936, it has consistently de- |

fended labor’s interests and fought for unity in the trade union move-— ment. It first brought forward the demands that are now being voiced by democratic Canadians throughout the country awaken- ing to struggle against monopoly capital and the menace of fas- eism.”

Asked the reasons for suspension of publication, Griffin explained that the Daily Clarion had been launched to challenge the capitalist monopoly of the daily press.

“But,” be said, “experience has shown that the labor-progressive movement is not yet strong enough to create a daily newspaper of the kind necessary to break through this monopoly. The Daily Clarion lacked the resources of the com- mercialized press and did not suc- ceed in smashing its monopoly, but the fact remains that the greatest tribute to its worth was the tre mendous sacrifice made by the working-class movement to main- tain it.

“Today, when. democracy in Can- ada is on the march, when new de- mocratie movements are arising to challenge the power of mono- capital, when hundreds of thousands are breaking away from the old-line parties, it is essential that the labor-progressive press reach far more readers than was possible through the Daily Clar-

(Continued on page 6) See PAPERS

movement has |

‘FORMER EDITOR BACK IN CITY |

Hal Griffin, former editor of the : People’s Advocate, is back in Van- | ecouver this week after an ex _tended absence in Mastern Canada,

where he has been attending a labor college.

He was re leased from his work on the paper early last December to al- low him to take advantage of a special course of study on the labor move- ment provided by the Domin- ion Training School and is & expected to re— ; SUme his duties ¢ as editor some time next month.

Before resum- ing his work on the staff Grif fin will visit Vancouver Island for a few weeks vacation.

Griffin was editor of the Adyo- cate for some two years prior to his departure for Eastern Canada, and was an important factor in building the paper to its present position as the leading orfzan of the progressive movement in the West.

The Advocate management board has also announced that Al Parkin, who has been acting as editor during Griffin’s absence, will shortly be leaving the paper to take up other work in the labor movement.

—

WASHINGTON, DC—The Alasiza Highway jeint commission will shortly bezin an aerial survey of suggested routes through BC.