The following article of 8. G. Blaylock first appeared a few years ago in the Nelson News. Mr. Blaylock has made an ever Inating contribution to the area’s history and for this reason, the article is being Sreprinted by the Castlegar News because of continue Spublic interest in this notable $ figure: ‘ Standing on rubber legs, * his cap a twisted rag in nervous ands, the laborer waited for the big boss to finish writing. ‘Suddenly the pencil stopped in t imid-sentence and pointed ac- {eusingly. “Jack,” said the heavy-set «man behind the desk, “It's got : “No more cheating on your iwife Jack. I won't tolerate itt” : The laborer dropped his cap, His mouth opened but no {sound came out, + “Yes, I know what you're ‘doing, damn youl” The big ‘boss's eyes hardened. “You're "That's all. Oh, one more thing! See the paymaster right away. ‘He has a little something for ‘you that ii help with your wife's ‘hospital “Yes..yes air! Thank you, ‘sirl" The laborer stumbled out ‘of the office, half blinded by tis ‘own sweat. {Tt couldn't happen ‘today. } But it could and did in ‘another ra. The laborer never so much spoke to the other women | agaln, and two shaky marriages were saved. The offspring of both familles—some of them at any rate—still live in the City of ‘Trail, perhaps unaware of their parents’ infidelities. -The big boss, Selwyn Gwillym Blaylock, remembered 28 years after his death with” something approaching rever- ence by a dwindling number of aging Kootenaians. Neweomers hear the singular name sooner or later, but many of the stories now told. about | him lack eae ticity. Tf any one man made CASTLEGAR NEWS, Thureday, May 22, 1976 Cominco Ltd., and Cominco certainly made the Kootenays, + Itwas 8. G, “Blay” Blaylock. He and the 20th century came to ‘Trail almost simultaneously. A confident young en- gineer just out of McGill, "Blay” took an immediate and innova- tive interest in the struggling company's metallurgical prob- - lems. How he solved many of them, went on to bulld one of the world’s important mining and smelting enterprises is another story. This story is merely a thumbnail sketch of a . complex man, a genlus whose accomplishments, although they affect everyone in the Kootenays are fast. being for- gotten for lack of a biographer. Trontcally, “Blay's" known memorial isa bon i stands, freshly. painted and neatly lettered, by the highway between Nelson and Balfour. The lettering reads: S. G. Blaylock—Lakew: For all most passing motor- ists know, the man might still live in the big house behind the stone wall. Its extensive ‘grounds, as well-kept as any in the-area, give the place a palace-like air. It was here that 'Blay” held court on weekends for his favorites among Cominco’s up- and-coming young executives. ‘Many would have pre- ferred’a day's golf or fishing. But an invitation from the big boss to visit Lakewood carried the authority of.a-royal sum- mons, ‘They drove out from ‘Trall eir cars—none as big or - in powerful'as thelr host's chauf- fered limousine—cursing the dusty roads and the long delays at the Castlegar and Nelson rries. ‘They drank tea and strol- | led politely through the grounds while “Blay" talked tirelessly about his flowers, birds and: fruit trees. ‘When the sun touched the tops of the western hills, they were dismissed, their vehicles. heaped with blossoms and fruit “He always ‘gave us Thumbnail Sketch of a Complex Man 8.6. Blaylock. apples,” one of his courtiers, now retired, remembers. “Boxes of the damned things! ‘They’ were often wormy and tasted terrible, “We usually dumped qurs in the diteh ‘before we got home. We .weren’t the only ‘ones. You could spot little piles of apples scattered all along the route. Blay’s bounty, we called them.” “Blay” was not loved in Nelson. Oldtimers still snort at mention of the man who cheated their elty out of a smelter. The facts aro these: ” By 1905 Walter Hull Aldridge, Cominco's managing director at Trail, was pondering new assignments for his ener- getic young metallurgist, chief chemist and purchasing agent, a three-hatted- job that bothered “Blay” not at all. ‘Then the Bank of Montreal appealed for someone with experience to wind up the affairs of Nelson's moribund Hall Mines smelter. Aldridge ‘sent “Blay”. ‘The smelter, its site almost eradicated by new highway “construction ‘on the western ° * that, too. His sojourn at Montreal and at McGill had made a Traces of this: are still discernible in the rivalry that continues between the cities of Nelson and Trail, although aports, particularly hockey, fos- tered the’ feeling—sometimes boyond reasonable bounds, nd “Blay" had a hand in torle St. Eugene Mine. Labor probloms damaged his atton- tlon. Naturally direct and sincerely concerned about the welfare of his men, “Blay” soon ran a contented camp. By 1908, however, the St. Evgene was running out of ore. Lacking another major source, ‘Cominco faced a bleak future. © hockey fan of him. One of his Pat, Stewart, then ita mino first acts after taking up residence in the ataff house at manager; asked “Blay" to accompany him on a short Trail was to order 18 hockey scouting trip. sticks and six pucl ‘Thoy arrived on a damp November day before there was any ice on the ground. Furthermore, his now friends - had no idea what to do with them. . “Blay". scrounged up a tennis ball. Teams were chosen, and the firat “game” in the Kootenays began out behind the shanty they called the assay office. It was so successful that play resumed after dark inside the staff house. Lightbulbs, plaster and limbs, suffered notable damage. The group might well have been fired en bloe—including “Blay”—had it not represented the total ‘technical strength of Cominco in those days. Instead, they repatred the damage and scheduled future games on an outdoor rink. Hockey had come to the Kootenays to stay. ‘As time'passed, “Blay” encouraged young men with hockey talent to° join the smelter staff and crews..Many are remembered today as the pioneers of the Western Inter- national ‘Hockey League. After the Nelson assign- ment, “Blay" was sent to Moyle as superintendent of the, his- School Board Accepts Three Nel- ton had flourished briefly, processing lead-silver ore from well over 100 mines in the region. But most. were short- ved. Declining custom foreed the amelter operators to place Resignations Three resignations of teachers were accepted with regret Tuesday at the regular meeting of the board of trus- "hey examined a property that had already frustrated two. companies, It was called the Sullivan, Nearby, Marysville and Kimberley were fast becoming ghost towns., The ameltermen of the former had found no economical way to treat the complex lead-zinc-iron ore of * the latter, But the two scouts decided that a lot of difficult ore was better than no ore at all. S.6. Blaylock — His Best-Known Memorial is a Mailbox “would haVe an equal voice. ‘The idea had merit, peelally in the light of “Blay’ character. A contemporary writer who know him said, “although rough and ready. in his manner and language around the plant, his personally centred around ‘a hard core of appreciation for the good sense of everyday ‘conventions and a slern ad- herence to strict moral values. “Mentally he was a giant... ‘natural appreciation of human paychology ‘combined with ai allenveloping sense of respon’ sibility to, those under his care fitted him for the business of dealing with men.” This, then, was the spark that fired the famous—or infamous, depending on one's point of view—Workmen’s Co- operative i Dt ae enene CARTER‘S SEWING CENTRE 703 - 71h Ave. S. saan Cestleger, BC Have Your Shoes (and Leather Goods) repaired with reliable friendly service at The Cobbler Shoppe | , Located batow Nutri-Health Food Store Good Prices on |” ; Boulet Cowboy Boots! PHONE 365.5616 Tt was dubbed a company unton by labs even though its aes received many benefits un- attained elsewht hey Pe chase of the Sullivan, risky though it was, and Cominco went along with them. ‘Technical expertise even- tually unlocked the ‘secret of/ treating the ore, and Cominco’s impressive growth was as- mat 92, “Blay”. became as- sistant general manager. This isnot the place to detail how he built that company into an, industrial. reflection of him- ‘self—big, robust, conservative, paternalistic and tireless when it came to worthwhile tasks. But it is impossible to ignore his activities in the labor relations field. Bley: thought unfonism ** Not any unionism, though. He had confronted “enough Eventually, it was logis- lated out’ of existence. But its record remains impressive: it operated for 25 ‘yeats without a single lost shift through strike or lockout. “Blay" never failed to tackle technical as well as human problems head-on, and sulphur pollution, the Great Depression and the Second World War brought their share. The management of a big strategic industry in wartime proved particularly taxing. * Dale’ Hunter — New Proprietor NURSERY SAM '$ AND FLORIST 1001 - 9th Ave., South — Castlegar, B.C. * FRUIT TREES * SHRUBS * EVERGREENS: * BEDDING PLANTS * HOUSE PLANTS Order Yours Now, While in good supply FOR ALL YOUR WEDDING, HOSPITAL FUNERAL AND EXPERT - DESIGNING, CALL “Bea” at SAM'S NURSERY & FLORIST 365-7312 - Open 7 Days a Week Named Cominco in 1943, at the height of hostilities, “Blay” was too old by then to take’ the strain without ill-effect. i He sulfered repeated heart attacks, ane, extreme pain was radicals brash, brawling miners’ fib of the day to realize that their motives’ posed a threat to his domain. Notable among these was Albert Goodwin, organizer of the illegal and fruitless strike of 1917 at When international sup- port‘ failed’ to materialize, Goodwin fled the smelter city his big matogany Josk over which § light burned far into. most evenings. He ced at Trail on Novem- ber 19, Throughout his life, “Blay” often expressed disapproval of the press. On being inter- viewed by one reporter, be observed that "newspaper men usually work on the basis of JUNCTION [EJ SERVICE Your Vacation *TUNEUP CENTRE * Expert Tune-ups Electronic Wheel Balancing Complete Brake Job Ann LANDERS Dear Aun Tanders: Sometimes people write to tid nak, mould anyone commit sulcide?” Well, I know the anawer races am thinking of doing it myself, Thave always been a rather quiet, gentle persot Ae tried to do for others, be a friend, ftp ou I Ain he bine ide for, living—"Do unto others..." If anyone needed a re ig hand it'was me they came to, I considered it both a privilege and a moral responsibility to do whatever I could, Now, after many years I need a helping hand, but there is none. I must face the bitter fact that not a single person in this « world gives a damn about me, It's a sobering thought to realize that nobody would shed a tear if they read my ebltoary In the newspaper tomorrow, You say you believe in God, Ann, I did, but no more, There's something in the Bible that promises if you ask for bread you won't be given atones. Well, I've been given a ton of them. If even God has deserted me who can I sre to? —A Broken Woman Dear Friend: You say you have made the Bible your gulde for living. Have you read The Bock of Job? God hasn't deserted you. You've lost faith in Him—and in yourself, T hope by tho time you read this letter your depression will have lifted and life looks better. If not, . please ‘see 8 doctor. A friend: ihe Aon Landers: | think you got the business ‘again from yo Dear Yalle friends. I’m referring to the letter. from “clawed | te Tennessee,” the newlywed who complained that het husband's toenails were cutting her legs to pleces. She said pantyhose to bed but he rulned so many paira by hues them that 1 quit quirk of you sasisraers? Dear Gig: The poor doll wore pantyhose to bed in the hope that . they'd protect her from King Kong's tonals, When people are ws. desperate they clutch at stra ind no more crai be a Kansas hick, but I don’t know of anyone who wears peatghens to bed, least of all newlyweds. Or is that a common ~ —Giggling In Garden City please, about the Yalles. ‘They've heen very good this year. (The: work: mast, be getting tougher!) Dear Ann Landers: You recea weddings.” You make it anind as Ifthe parents ofthe groom get off scottree. Oh, yeah? Our son became engaged just before graduating from college: Although he had some summer jobs he hadn't saved much money. His fiancee insisted on the traditional formal wedding, so—we had to pay for fancy outfits for the big event, plus rental of white tie and tails for the groom, luggage for his honfyaigen, a diamond. engagement ring and platinum wedding band, gifts for the bride,” groomsmen and ushers, corsage and boutonnleres for the wedding party, all expenses for the rehearaal dinner, the miuister's - gratuity and the honeymoon, Yesterday the album of wedding pictures arrived—price $125! Til admit everything about the wedding was the finest but please don't give your readers the impredsion that the grooms parents gota ree Fide, Obviously, Ann, you've never married off a tly told a women, “One alee thing about having alx sond is that somebody else will be paying for the Still In. Hock never’ travelled that. to wear. meone who has been there can ‘always tell it better ¢ than one who has ap pea ye pent apy Crafts for Everyone Decoralive By Connie McKay Doni Jeans have found a Blue Jeans Crochet cotton string into various designa,cut ‘out pat or fabric the fashlon ae will'take you just’ about anywhere, However, plain old jeans) won't da, Decorative blue sent that express some creative part of your personality are the ones, that are going places. Some; methods. ‘of jean) decor Include bead work, em, broidery, crochet, patches of fabric or leather, crewel work, or applying atuda, which is the] most popul bile witha pair of clean, reased ‘jeans, Next detide on what. kind of took, and how © much decor is’ required to achlevo it. Beads are available in a‘ wide range of colors and sizes. \ : Made ‘out of wood or. plastic, a ‘hundred of these ‘and sew these onto the jeans with invisible thread. ‘The more elaborate you get; the more careful you will have to be when frasbing, ee should be’ checked ly to make sure they. are a eit Ughtly:in place. If you find that you are being sctatch- ed by the studs, you may want tollne eithera section of, or the’: : whole pair of jeans.’ It may seem like a lot of work for blue ‘jeans, but if yor like’ keeping up with fads it’ worth it. beads can,be purchased for 4 approximately forty cents. Mata) studs"come Ina) var.ety of shapes and are ‘usually gold or silver."A package of 60 atuds costs $1.28; However, expensive rhinestone ‘studs can be mad and as they. é are very ‘tiny, | the ree easily be inene $10 and! 16, ‘Taking into consideration the ae of bead or alud, sketch in your design with tailor's they! will be placed. This is usually a half inch of less, Then, count how many you are going. to need. Don't be surprised if the total is in the hundreds for only a simple design. Buy what you need in one purchase to avoid the possibility of running out in the‘ midst of your creation. ‘Use'a needle and’ strong thread to attach the beads to ‘the fabric: To secure the studs, push them through the right side of the fabric until all the p: ‘are in as’ far as they will go. Turn the fabric over and turn the prongs into the centre. Some studs have prongs. which are easily pushed in with: . just. the pressure’ of "your fingers, however, particularly with the tiny rhinestone studs, Rentalsman Barrie Clark is meeting with landlords and tenants across tho province to casi the Landlord and Ten- Some 14 such public meet- {nga will be held during May in various parts of the province. “The purpose of these | meetings Is to acquaint th public better with thelr rights and obligations under the act,” sal Established Oct, 1, 1976, to PORK (GOV. INSP.) - Rentalsman fo Meet With Landlords and Tenants the first seven months, to April "Some 5,000 of these dis- putes are already resolved, “The’ proportion of inquir-’ {es compared to disputes dem- ‘onstrates that a alert Sanetion Of this office is to disse information.” Prince Rupert, % fy and Dawson’ ( BARBECUE SVE > STEAK ARN EU et Pane STK 4.19 "Public reaponse to the first week of meetings on Vancouver bait and in Powell River has i ‘meetings will be held in ‘Kamloops, ‘the Okana- gan Valley,’ the Kootenay: Prince’ George ee BEEF CHUCK IE 265-3294 Sia One Mile Sout of W of ‘igh Scales at Oalscheta CASTLEGAR NEWS, Thursday, May 22, 197 —e D-BAR-D LICENSED DINING LOUNGE Open Monday to Friday ‘ at'4:00 Rem, Saturday and Sunday —.12 Noon. ‘D-BAR-D_ CABARETS FRIDAY & SATURDAY Al Markin WESTERN TACK FRESH (No. ‘airr) ty ‘BULK = No, 1 QLTY. SAUSAGE BREAKFAST. GOV. INSP. lees for, School District, No. 9, 5 a Resignations “accepted fants leas guna ‘year later, was were J. M, Paine from Stanley: leath by federal officals Humphtles ‘Secondary School,’ “ortefsingcomerptcn duty V. Govender from Kinnaird, ‘he [ist Word War. Sintir Secondary School sand ood accused, in facta ‘and to hell with the Mea. No Richorless trees Bote eat Leyes, ofmurdering’ story” under the management of such son Elementary. the'm: This attitude, not uncom- aman, the smelter might have “"" Five sappointmonts for Hoadded his aceusers toa mon among members of the enjoyed a long and profitable, sept 1 were-also confirmed. In st of liars and seroundrels engincering profession, reflect existence. tho sccondary schools DLE, Whom he held In withering ed one of "Blay’s” few weak. The receivers, however, Matthews, C. 7, Loftus and nesses—misunderstanding of wereobligedtouct. The Nelson A. Yaworski; Miss L. A. the power and usefulness of “their failure on’ the bank's ‘get the story and to hell with the'facts. ings ost “Well, the men who work for me find it is best to get the. Exhaust System — screwdriver. can be used: to, ieee Conscience and Comment. {push them down. Tan @ Ere me i =. After you've put in the Seap and Water for (BC © fia hundred sade our ge "idea part of thelr voabilary held firmly against ‘the: right Thal they. do’ not realize how” #ide of the stud while you pash pitiful thelr speech really the prongs in with your other” Cy : : @ 7 Laces peri hand will give. you a bit of Buy Your Shell - Bea iz ‘Taking the name of the Summer X-100 Belted Tires Now! - Ta ibited ike teat i