Castlegar

Kinnaird

ASTLE NEW

Published Every Thursday at “The Crossroads of the Kootenays”

Robson

Brilliant

CASTLEGAR, BRITISH COLUMBIA,THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1952

5 Cents Per Copy

Edttorcals
A Problem on Our Hands

We have, in Castlegar, a problem of long standing; and
one that has now become greatly aggravated by the march

of events.

We refer to lack of accomodation adequate enough to
provide for any large scale community gathering. Provision
of such is now a must as we contemplate influx of a larger

population.

Just what are we going to do about this?
to rehabilitate the old Coronation hall?

Is it possible
We have been told

that an expenditure of a few thousand dollars on this building

is all that is necessary to renovate it.

This would be required,

for bringing the heating system in line with fire regulations,
building certain additions, providing a new floor, and so on.
A great many people feel the old building is not worth re-
building, and that in any case it is now in the wrong location.

The new High School, so far does not appear to be the
boon to the adult community that the architects so glowingly

spoke of.

ers and basketball spectators are the only community 1
to whom it has been of any benefit.

To our knowledge a handful of badminton play-

dents
We can recall one non-

school concert, which however embraced mostly school child-

ren.

of this building, to any school activities.

We certainly do not advocate interference, in allotment

The building is first

and foremost for use of the students and-must be kept that

way. We do not,

however, understand why it should be

denied the public for such activities as dancing because, for

instance, the floor is too expensive a one to risk.

If we have

put into this building a floor whose condition must take pre-
cedence over human well-being some one has made an error.

We think such an idea a bit ridiculous.

We never have heard

or seen an official board interpretation of just what use can
be made of this auditorium by the public, but we have talked
to people who tried to arrange for a dance in it, and they were

not happy about it.

So, if we assume that we were badly misled by the archi-
tects in the matter of this auditorium, and if it found that
rebuilding the old hall is impracticable, it looks like we are

faced with the erection of a big new hall.

The Kinnaird hall,

the only one in the dictrict that has provided for our larger
crowds, is certainly not going to take care of our larger popu-

dation.

So if we are going to keep our youngsters at home,

and our older people too, and away from larger centres and
night spots we have a job on our hands.

E.
"Greenwood suggested that

TRANS-CANADA HIGHWAY ASSOCIATION

Urges Cascade-Columbia Survey

The Trans-Canada ‘Highway
Association met in Nelson on
Monday with delegates attend-
ing from the East and West
Kootenays.

E. R. McFarland of Lethbridge
was re-elected president of the
association and Dr. C. H. Wright
of Trai] is the new vice-president.

Vv. Jenks represented the Cas-
tlegar Village Commissioners
and R. J. Morice, Kinnaird.

The two main resolutions pas-
sed by the delegation were:

1. Whereas the present high-
way between Cascade and the Co-
lumbia River is wholly unsatis-
factory and unsafe for use by
the public, and whereas the pro-
posed Victory highway plan has
been abandoned, and considering
the present industrial deve'rp-
ment now taking place in tne
Kootenays and Boundary dist-
rict, causing increased traffic
problems, be it therefore resolv-
ed that the Department of Pub-
lic Works be asked to give first
priority to a survey of possible
routes from Cascade to the Co-
lumbia River so that a perman-
ent modern highway can be
built in the proper place, at as
early a date as possible so that
construction can be Started in
1952.

2. Whereas approximately 90
per cent of the B. C. Souther:
provincial highway has already
been completed, and whereas a
through highway is essential for
Strategic business and_ tourist
Purposes, therefore be it resolv-
ed that the Trans-Canada High-
way Association (Crows Nest

Route) strongly urges the pro-

vincial government to complete
without delay the remainder uf
the highway. Be it further re-
solved that a survey be made
this year of the direct highway
between Salmo and Creston in
order to provide a 24-hour serv-
ice and all year route through
B.C.

Mayor McArthur of
the
Paulson, Sheep Lake and Blue-
berry Creek route from Cascade
to the Columbia River should be
investigated by the provincial
government.

Ww.

CIVIL DEFENCE IS
EXPLAINED AT MEETING

The first public meeting of the
‘Civil Defence Control Board for
Castlegar was held in the Le
‘gion hall last Thursday evening.
The board consists of Chairman
J. R. Elliott and N. Oglow, A. T.
‘Horswill and J. A. Thomas.

Mr. Elliott opened the meeting
and named the following to the
warious divisions: Warden,  C.
King; Headquarters, J. R. Elliott
and Ross Whittaker; Engineer-
ing, M. Dalton and ‘C: Woodford
‘of S, Slocan; Health, Ambulance,
JRescue and Welfare, Dr. Dimock;
Fire, R. A. D. West; Police, Con-
Stable Howarth.

“Civil defence,” said Mr. El-
Riott, “can only function if citiz-
@ns will take this course and
flearn how to best help them-
selves and others.” He then in-
traduced J. Buchanan who ex-
pressed regrets from Mr. Mar-
eon, scheduled to talk to the
meeting. Mr. Marcolin’s duties
at €. M. and S. made it impos-
sible for him to attend.

“To rearm is the best means
of aggression,” said Mr. Buchan-
an, and added in effect, civil de-
fence is not new, it has been
started for some time. In Brit-
ish Columbia certain funda-
mental areas have been designat-
ed as “target areas.” Trail-Tad-
anac is one of these. Castlegar
would be in what is known as
the “cushion” or surrounding
area. It would be the problem
of this area to rescue casual-
ties and supply reinforcements.
Through experience in London
air raids, it has been found bet-
ter to have everyone “stay put”
when a place is alerted. At
first they evacuated a place and
people would return to their
homes before danger was past.

There are two kinds of at-
tacks — external or air attacks,
which includes all sorts of bombs,
and internal, which is sabotage.
No one knows what to expect.
After an attack there is of course,

chaos — casualties must be tak-
en care of — organizations aa
up for any emergency — ot
only war but fire, flood disaster
of any kind. Mr. Buchanan then
went on to explain the setup in
Trail.

1. Fire— headed of course by
the fire chief, its responsibilities
would be-to train auxiliary fire
fighters in first aid and rescue
work. They would also be re-
sponsible for water supply —
broken mains would have to be
reported to the engineering divi-
sion.

2. Police headed by the
R.CQ\M.P., their main problem
would be to maintain law and
order and prevent looting. They
also need auxiliary policemen
who will have to be trained. The
federal government is sending a
program of training to each
section.

3. Headquarters — this sec
tion is in charge of administra-
tion and operational control. Mr.
Marcolin works through here.
Skeleton supplies are already in
Trail to cover training of per-
sonnel. Transportation is also
under this head. Information
must be gathered about every
vehicle in the district, where to
find, it and whether it can be
used for an ambulance, means
of evacuation, trucks, ete.

°4, Intelligence, consists of
reconnisance of actual target area
and decision ‘as to where the
engineering section should go
first.

5. Communications, both local
and outside — telegraph, phone,
radjo and so on are included in
this. A wireless frequency will
be laid out by the government.

6. Wardens, needs intensive
training. Each will look after a
set district. There will be a pro-
vincial course offered for rescue
work. Trail has been suggested
as a possible site for such a
course but wherever it takes

CELGAR MAN
TO SPEAK
HERE

Gordon Root, public relations
director of Celgar Corp. will be
the guest speaker at the annual
general meeting of the Castlegar
and District Chamber of Com-
merce. The date has been chang:
ed from January 18th to January
25. Mr. Root will speak on
work-and development of his
company in the Castlegar area
as planned for this year.

There is a possibility that H.
W. Herridge, M.P., will also at-
tend this meeting. Admission
is by dinner ticket only which
must be purchased in advance.

DISTINGHISHED OTT AW & _VISITOR

Central Press Cunadian

Prime Minister Churchill's itinerary includes four days in Ottawa in

to

fe appeared in the best of spirits at

visi Hi
the conclusion of his first talks with President Truman.

APPOINTMENTS
MADE To BRIDGE COMMITTEE

Further appointments have
been made to the Castlegar
Bridge committee it was an-
nounced Tuesday by Ross Mac-
Dermid, chairman of the newly
formed organization which has
been charged with the respon-
sibility for pushing the bridge
project and keeping it before
the proper authorities.

The chairman and Carl Loeb-
lich, delegate to the committee
from the Castlegar’ Co-operative
Transportation Society, were ap-
pointed by the organizational
meeting on January 4th and
given the power to add to their
number as required. The a
naird representative is Mr. S.
Muirhead, clerk of the wineee
of Kinnaird. Robson is repre-
sented by Mr. W. T. Waldie,
past president of the Castlegar
and district Chamber of Com-
merce. Mr. Loeblich represents
Castlegar. Mrs. A. Saunders
has been delegated to form a
committee to collect funds and
Mrs. George Anderson responsi-
ble for publicity for the com-
mittee. Secretary is Mrs. S. C.
Muirhead,

Nelson has not yet appoint-
ed a representative on the execu-

is understood that
interested

tive but it
Nelson is extremely
in being represented.

A canvass for funds is being
launched immediately. The first
step will be to contact the vari-
ous business houses in the area
by mail. Those who do not re-
spond will be personally con-
tacted by the committee under
Mrs. Saunders. An objective of
$3,500 has been set and it is
expected that this will meet the
requirements of the Bridge com-
mitte for a considerable time to
come,

CUBS HOLD SOCIAL

The ist Castlegar Cubs held a
social evening at the home of
Mr. Groutage for the Cub moth-
ers.

Mr. Groutage gave a short talk
on the aims of cubbing, suggest-
ing ways in which the mothers
ing ways in which the mothers
could assist the boys.

Jack Hand, District Cubmast-
er, gave the mothers an outline
on Cub Camping, after which re-
freshments were served.

LO.D.E. Donates
$10.00 To Cubs

The’ Lillian Killough Chapter
1.0.D.E. met in the Twin Rivers
Hall on Monday night ith the
Regent, Mrs. J. Dears in the
chair and nineteen members pres-
ent. Several Christmas cards and
Breetings were received from for-
mer members and from: the Pro-
vincial Chapter. Mrs. J. Gem-
mill, ex-service personnel con-
venor, reported that books had
been given to two girls at Christ-
mas time. on the Essay contest.
The Empire Study convenor,
Mrs. W. O. Devitt, referred
briefly to the courageous stand
of Capt. Carlsen on his ship the
Flying Enterprise, and te the vis
it of Prime Minister Winston
Churchill to Washington an« to
Ottawa, Mrs. Devitt also read a
Jetter from Mrs. V. C. Best, Pro-
vincial Empire Work convenor,
regarding I.0.D.E. he ip
schools and hospitals in Indja

Mrs. V. Goresky offered to act
on the Bridge Committee and to
attend their meetings. Mrs. J.
Pederson reported sour
cards had been sent to sick mem-
bers and flowers iu one member
who had been in the hospital.
Mrs. C. Fraser, weltare conven-
or, reported on the Christmas
hampers that were distsibiuted
and other assistance tu needy
families. The Regent, Mus. Deans
read a letter from the Prowit
jal President re Civil Def
and Mrs. W. O. Devitt -vas ap
pointed as delegate ta future
meetings of the Civil! Defence
Committee.

Nominations vf officers
took place. Scrutineers were ?

R. E. Sommers and 3s

Thomas. Nominations Commuit-
tee was chosen ind consists of
Mrs. H. Heskett, Mrs
and Mrs. W. O. Devitt.

Hostegses far the
meting will be Mrs. WwW. ©
Mrs. R. West and Mrs. C. Gab-
ana. A motion was passed inat
the sum of ten doliars be donat-
ed to the Castlegar Cub Pack ft»
assist in purchasing supplies ‘or
their handicraft work.

* The booster prize was won
Mrs. W. Howarth and the
solation by Mrs. A. T. Horswill,
The meeting closed with refre:
ments served by the

Mrs. C. Wanless
ky and Mrs. W.

February

Howarth.
OFFICERS INSTALLED

The International Union
Mine, Mill and Smelter Wo
Ladies Auxiliary installed
new executive at a meeting tn
the home of Mrs. B. Knoblauck
on Monday night.

Mrs. B. Knoblauck was eiect-
ed president, Mrs. H. York, vice-
president, Mrs. H. Kellogg, se-
cretary and Mrs. M. Bystrem,
treasurer.

Refreshments were seirvew al
ter the meeting.

place a representative will be
sent. The success of this especi-
ally depends on the public and
the number who turn out for
the training course.

7. Welfare, Ambulance and
Health. This section has been
in working order in Trail ever
Since the flood of '48. The Red
Cross more or less took over the
Welfare branch of looking after
homeless — collection posts —
feeding and billeting. They will
continue to work in this re-
spect. Under the ambulance
and Health, first aid is essential.
Surveys will have to be made as
to buildings throughout the dis-
trict suitable for hospitals. The
Okanagan will likely be the cen-
tre to receive casualties either
from the Coast or Trail.

8. Engineering — will be re-
sponsible for the restoration of
public utilities. This includes
power, telephone and water. If
a building has been hit and is in
danger of crumbling it will have
to be taken down. It is also the
job of this section to make a com-
plete survey of all available
equipment and find the quickest
way of getting “cats,” tractors
and trucks,

“The Army,”

Mr. Buchanan

explained, “is not under Civil
Defence and can be called on
for help only if the province
asks the defence minister for
their services.” The — Clinic
through Dr. Huckvale will also
work with the Civil Defence
Board; as will the School Board
representative by protective drills
with the students. With the use
of a map, Mr. Buchanan showed
the “target area” and suggested
if roads were open casualty clear-
ing stations could -be Castlegar
with an estimated 430 beds, Ross-
land with 600 beds and North-
port would then take the over-
flow from Rossland. He point-
ed out that with the industrial
buildings going up at Castlegar
it could be possible for an air-
man to mistake Castlegar for
making this the “target

“As the industrial cen-

tre grows, so grows the civil
defence problems,” he said. “We
are actually very well off,” he
added, “in having so many well
trained individuals who are ready
to help train civilians.” “Civil
defence,” he concluded, “won't
wh as war, but coulg prevent

ne.”
wee Elliott then called on Ross
Whittaker who along with six

men from Trail, one from Fruit-
vale and Mr. Jankola of Kinnaird
took a ten-week course in Trail
last November. Both Mr. Jan-
kola and Mr. Whittaker came
through this course with “fly-
ing colors” and are really well
equipped to begin the defence
training. Mr. Whittaker said he
is not an army man but “I do
See the sense in providing some
method of minimizing damage
and casualties not only in case of
war but in any emergency.” “It
is only common logic,” he added
“to train before an emergency
arises.” He thought it was rath-
er grim that our children have
to be trained to run to shelter
at a given signal. “On the other
hand,” he said, “they have al-
ways been trained in the schools
as to fire drills,” so this could
come as a matter of course.
The basic training he is au-
thorized to teach is clearly laid
down in the “Defence Training
Plan” issued by the government.
It covers fire fighting as a home
owner — not a trained fireman
and high explosive bombs and
missels. “A.B.C. Warware” —
atomic, biological and chemical
warfare and protective measures

to be taken. “With proper
tection,” Mr. Whittaker Statcd,
“even atomic wartare ig sot
necessarily final.”

The meeting was then opt:
for general discussion,
Thomas asked about w

pro-

extra equipment
factory solution
yet been found.

C. G. Shand and 3s.
both spoke briefly about t:
Defence Group alreac
in Kinnaird. About
attended. Mr. Shand sa
very close liasion will be ne
sary between Kinnaird and
tlegar.”

Three reels of Civil
film for U. B. C. were
C. King after which N.
thanked those that were
for their interest and asked that
they “spread the word” so what
as many as possible wil] ati
the training meetings. The
es of these meetings will be an-
nounced in the Castle News aud
it is anticipated and hoped that
there will be a sizeadie er. ot
ment.

Defe mic e