A November 27, 1968 Castlégar News ‘MARAARER OF THE BC PRESS COUNCH, ESTABLISHED AUGUST 7, 1947, TWICE WEEKLY MAY 4. 1980 INCORPORATING THE MID WEEK MIRROR PUBLISHED SETPEMBER 12, 1978 AUGUST 27, 1900 LV. CAMPBELL — PUBLISR, AUGUST 7, 1947 «FEBRUARY 15, 1973 PUBLISHER — Burt Campbell ~ EDITOR — Ron Norman PLANT FOREMAN — Peter Harvey ADVERTISING MANAGER — Gory Fleming OFFICE MANAGER — Lindo Kositsin CIRCULATION MANAGER — Heather Hodiey NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT: Full, complete and sole copyright in any printed matter produced by Castle News News Utd. pr ‘Newever, thet topyright in tet port end thet Ja, engrovings, etc” provided by the odverh Merger may end excuses Monday's federal election was a decidedly one issue Free trade was a serious concern of the Canadian people throughout the campaign and it only required the leaders’ debate with Liberal leader John Turner's passionate enunciation of his deep feelings for Canada to bring the deep-rooted concerns out more fully into the public arena. That said, once again the New Democratic Party found an ex- cuse for not having done better than it had expected to when the election was announced. The Liberals, they say, stole their issue and with it nearly doubled their seats in the House of Commons. The NDP did very well, however, and now has the largest con- tingent it has ever had in Ottawa. But whither does it go trom here? Is there always going to be an excuse for not doing better? (Four years ago “people wanted to turf the Liberals out and went with the only viable alternative, the PCs”; this time those opposed to free trade in Ontario and the Maritimes “went with the party they believed had a better chance against the Conservatives — the Liberals.”) If the NDP caucus in the House of Commons — 43 members — is content 4o continue its self-proclaimed role as “the conscience of Canada .. . the hk le for the Cc dian”, then its members can happily continue collecting their paycheques and ex- pressing their concerns in speeches in the Commons. But if they truly want to form a government, if they really want the power to implement their election platform, then they must con- sider alternatives. A wag has commented that the NDP are flower children who have gone to seed. This isn't flattering, but contains enough of an element of truth to bear consideration. NDP leader Ed Broadbent won't fight another election; he's older — The drama! Oh the soon! he terrible alienation of anti~free trade defeat! Y’ but is a Canada Cc But ie keep Sonoda $ a bs: owataye? om and plotlines a lifetime! \ Letters to the editor Spike opponents appeal for funds Re: Spike appeal for aid. The Citizens Against Spike organ- izing committee would sincerely like to thank everyone who has helped our organization and the Regional District of Central Kootenay halt CP Rail’s spray program. CAS had only one objective: We were prepared to and he's smarter, and will soon be ighing the ad ges of a more sane family life to the life of a political leader constantly travelling across Canada. He has seen too many significant oppor- tunities to become opposition leader appear within his grasp, and then slip away. Liberal leader John Turner, too, is finished. He will stay for a while, and try to forestall the comeback of John Chretien, but he knows an issue like free trade and the political opportunity it provided comes along only once in a political lifetime. Four more years of internal dissent and looking over his shoulder for the knives in his back isn't worth the hassle. (Even before this recent election he had given up the pretence of a Vancouver address, realizing a hotel room in that city was more practical than keeping an apartment he seldom used.) A merger of the NDP and Liberals has been suggested many times before. But perhaps the time has finally arrived for it to become a reality. No obvious successor to Mr. Broadbent stands out (although there are many capable possibilities), and the same holds true for the Liberals. Let the NDP’s Waffle Group break away in anger on the left as the conservative Reform Party has formed on the right. After all, we here in Rossland-Trail have seen for 19 years how a small “I” liberal hasbeen able to build and maintain a consensus of electoral support. If the NDP wants always to be the bridesmaid and never the bride, and if the Liberals wish to remain just at the edge of the gates of power for a decade or more, then let the status quo remain. But if these parties, which are quite close ideologically, really wish to govern Canada and fulfill the dreams they hold for our coun- try, then the pragmatic possibility of union should be seriously ex- plored. Kristiansen able Kootenay West-Revelstoke MP-elect Lyle Kristiansen deserves hearty congratulations for his decisive win in the federal election held earlier this week. Mr. Kristiansen, and his wife Vera, have been indefatigable campaigners ever since the former member of Parliament won his party's nomination here some months jago. The issue of free trade aside, if hard work alone is deserving of electoral success then the Nelson resident was fully deserving. It is unfortunate, we believe, that this riding is once again on the opposition benches and that we have lost the services of one of the Progressive Conservative Party's more conscientious and capable , Mr. Kristi is himself very able. He was very impressive in the televised debate with the other candidates. He spoke well (apparently without any notes whatsoever), looked directly into the camera, appeared knowledgeable and certain of his facts, and his props (he had a Canadian Maple Leat flag concealed inside a copy of the Free Trade Agreement) were just sufficient to be memorable without being theatrical. If we must be in opposition, then we are fortunate we have an experienced MP-elect, Mr. Kristiansen is no stranger to Ottawa, and hopefully many of his contacts in the federal bureaucracy can be quickly renewed after his short four-year sabbatical. Loss of rails By MIKE SMYTH Canadian Press When Katherine Kennedy took a teaching job and moved to Yar. mouth, N.S., she promised her mother she would come home often to visit. That promise may be derailed by a CP Rail plan to cancel the train that runs from Yarmouth to Kentville — about 200 kilometres away. “We've been seeing each other regularly,” said Kennedy, 29. “Now they say the train may stop. Neither of us has a car, so I don't think the its will be as regular if the train goes.” Kennedy is one of thousands of Canadians who face losing access to public transit because companiés are abandoning rail, bus and air routes. Roy Jamieson says Kennedy is not only losing her regular trips home, she’s being stripped of a right. “All Canadians should have a right to public transport,” said Jamieson, president of Transport 2000 Canada, an Ottawa lobby group. “At the moment, that right is very much in jeopardy.” Government deregulation of the transport industry and falling rider- ship have prompted railways to abandon branch lines and bus com- panies to cut unprofitable routes. Some regional airlines are having trouble keeping up with larger com- petitors. Toronto-based City Ex- press, for le, has lled put ourselves on the rail line to stop the spray program and to go to jail if necessary. We stopped the program and did not go to jail. We surpassed even our own expectations. We are even more determined to prevent any further spray programs. A report is now being prepared in order to make presentations before the federal government and the RDCK. Recommendations are being prepared to address the many con. cerns that we have identified. These will address the federal licensing procedures, provincial regulatory procedures and appeal process, as well as support for the RDCK at the local level. CAS intends to encourage local governments and citizens groups throughout B.C. and across Canada to force a halt to the use of pesticides. The residents of Sault Ste. Marie have filed a multi-million dollar suit against the CPR for damages re- sulting from the use of Spike. This national attention is not what large corporations are accustomed to. It is precisely these kinds of actions that are necessary if we are to protect our personal rights. Though people donated a great deal of time and energy to win this vietory, we have incurred some debts for legal fees and related costs. We are presently fund-raising to help clear the accumulated debt and prepare for next year. CAS is appealing to businesses and private citizens who can appreciate the benefits of our victory and the necessity for our vigilance. We are asking you to help us with donations. Our bank account is at the South Slocan branch of the Kootenay Savings Credit Union. The account is No. 5810-7. CAS is also planning an auction. We have rented the Taghum Com- munity Hall for Dec. 3. We are asking people and businesses to consign ar- ticles for the auction. We are looking for quality objects or services. There are far too many people to thank in a letter. All of you know in your hearts what you have done and can be proud of your contributions. We all will benefit from your gener. osity. A very special thank you goes to all of the people who were able to come out and be a part of a very special event. It is a rare occurance when people of all ages and from all walks of life are able to show such unity. Wayne Peppard for Ci ns Against Spike Comparisons interesting Minister of Municipal Affairs Rita Johnston's recent announcement of a commuter rail service for Port Moody and Coquitlam was most interesting. Notwithstanding that the an nouncement was most opportune for Mr. St. Germaine, I find the figures associated with the project of par ticular interest. For a capital investment of some $32 million, the service will provide transportation for some one million people annually. Presumably, opera ting costs are over and above the $32 million figure, and will be borne in part by tolls and in part by province wide taxation. The Robson-Castlegar ferry, which Cabinet on July 14, 1988 refused to restore to service, also transports some one million people annually. The ferry has no outstanding debt, and has an operating cost of some $250,000 annually. The parallel I drew is this. If the government can justify $32 million to transport one million people in Port Moody, then it must acknowledge the merit of operating a service in Castlegar which also transports one illion people, but which, for $32 million would operate for 100 years. Perhaps there is some truth to the adage is heard in the B.C. interior, “There is no hope beyond Hope.” George Stein Robson Sand and salt expected Everyone complains about the Pass Creek Road but in the 12 years that I have lived in Pass Creek the one aspect we knew we could count on in the winter was having the Department of Highways sand and/ or plow the main Pass Creek road before 7 a.m. In particular we knew Doubinin’s Hill and Suicide Hill would be sanded well and the passage of our children on the 72 and 68 passenger school buses would be safe. Now that the Department of ighways is no longer r for maintaining and plowing the roads, someone somewhere has de cided that Pass Creek Road needs neither sand or a plow for the school buses to make their early morning run. Insane! Thursday morning, the Bel Main tenance snowtruck, with no chains or sand in the back, was stuck in the middle of Suicide Hill. This caused a truck coming in the other direction to end up in the ditch. One of the cars trying to avoid the site took the bypass and also ended up getting stuck. By 9 a.m. there was still no sand on Pass Creek Road and three hurts travel federal election campaign. CN and CP Rail have been aban doning lines at a combined rate of 840 kilometres a year since 1975 when the Canadian Transport Commission lifted an eight-year moratorium on line closures. The railways have applied to abandon another 4,174 kil ometres, says the National Transpor- tation Agency. The problem is becoming chronic in Atlantic Canada, Saskatchewan and rural Quebec, where several small communities are faced with the cutoff of bus and rail service, i said. flights to London, Ont. Transport 2000 is pushing for a federal-provincial inquiry into pass. enger transit service, but govern- ments aren't responding, Jamieson said. He said he is disappointed the issue didn't get much attention in the Prince Edward Island and New foundland have no passenger rail service and bus routes extend to only a few larger communities. In New Brunswick, the collapse of Air Bras d'Or last year leaves only Saint John, Fredericton and Mone- ton with regular air service. And in Nova Scotia, only parts of the province get regular rail passenger service. In Western Canada, the survival of many small communities is threat ened by the closing of railway branch lines; said Paul Earl of the University of Manitoba's Transport Institute. Rail and bus officials point to mounting debt as the reason for the cutbacks, CN Rail, operator of the Via Rail passenger lines, is carrying a $2.9-billion debt, said company spokesman Doug Campbell. In the U.S., which also has a rural transportation problem, some state governments are offering subsidies to ailing transit lines. Saskatchewan is the only Canadian province to follow suit, setting up an assistance program to keep rural bus and train routes going. vehicles were stranded at Suicide Hill. Friday morning at about 7 a.m. the school bus literally plowed its way up Pass Creek Road. Again, there was no sand on any of the steep hills or sharp curves. Both mornings I phoned to complain about the condition of the Pass Creek Road and got no answer. In the last {wo mornings, Bel Maintenance has proved to the resi. dents of Pass Creek that private contractors cannot do a better job of road maintenance. We are not concerned about our side roads being plowed out bright and early in the morning but we do expect to have sand and salt on the major hills and curves on the Pass Creek Road. We expect those hills and curves to be safe for the school bus’s 7 a.m. routes. If Bel Maintenance can't do this, then bring back the Department of Highways. Marilyn Strong Pass Creek Please address all Letters to the Editor to: The Castlegar News, P.O. Box 3007, Castlegar, B.C. VIN 3H4, or deliver them to our office at 197 Columbia Ave. nue, Castlegar. Letters must be signed ond include the writer's full name and address. Only in very exceptional cases will letters be published without the writer's nome Neverths the name and address of the writer must be disclosed to the editor The Castlegor News reserves the right to edit letters for brevity, clarity legality and grammar Remember when 40 YEARS AGO From the Dee. 2, 1948 Castlegar News The Castlegar Water Works by law was approved by Victoria and will now be submitted to the electors on Dec. 16. In spite of the snow and weather, ioners are still open to ions for a cemetery ber of very interesting letters both for and against the present location, block 61 butting onto the Highway have been rec- eived. The establishment of a cem. etery is comparatively easy but to discontinue the use of that ground once it is started is most difficult. o 8 © Unfortunately, no further word has been received from the West Kootenay in regard to the street lighting but the Commissioners are not sparing any effort to have the installation completed as soon as possible. * * The Alpha Bridge Club met at the home of Mrs. S.C. Muirhead on Tuesday evening, those playing were Mrs. W. McKay, Mrs. A. Ackerman, Mrs, T. Fourt, Mrs. A. Creighton, Mrs. F. Mitchell, Mrs. J. Wisted and Mrs. P. Goodenough. High score went to Mrs. F. Mitchell. 25 YEARS AGO From the Nov. 28, 1963 Castlegar News About 50 people attended the meeting sponsored by the Kinnaird Ratepayers’ Association and the Woodland Park Property Owners Association last Thursday in the KIS Hall. . * « There will be an election in Kin- naird for the two-year school board term. Returning officer Bert Morice an. nounced yesterday that he had been advised by the school board office that a further check of the school act has disclosed that the sum of money which a person may earn from the school district and still be eligible to run for office has been raised from $100 to $500. * * The junior secondary school refer- endum for $451,500 being presented next Thursday to owner-electors in School District No. 9 will be 50 per cent paid for by the provincial gov- ernment, school board officials said yesterday. 15 YEARS AGQ. From the Nov. 29, 1973 Castlegar News The Castlegar and District Hos. pital board last Thursday approved a motion directing and, empowering the British Columbia Hospitals’ Asso- ciation to apply to the provincial Department of Labor, under Section 9A (i) of the Labor Relations Act, to be accredited as the bargaining agent for the local hospital. * . + A pink questionnaire, provided by the department of education to assist the Bremer Commission on Educa- tion, proved to be more of a stumbling block than a tool to better understanding when approximately 50 persons braved a stormy, unin viting night Tuesday to express their individual opinions at a public meeting held at SHSS. . * © Official opening of the new Pass Creek school is tentatively set for mid-December but pupils will not utilize the school before Jan. 1. This was the last progress report given by secretary-treasurer John Dascher, who stated water installa. tion is almost complete though the floor covering has not yet arrived. . «8 «@ Local realtor Jack Hipwell, who has already appeared before Castle- gar council to state his objections to the land freeze under the provincial government's Land Commission Act, made a similar presentation at the last regular meeting of Kinnaird Council. 5 YEARS AGO From the Nov. 27, 1983 Castlegar News They are the most unlikely looking Santa's helpers. They don't wear elf clothing and they stand way over three feet tall. But like Santa’s helpers, their hearts are in the right place. They are volunteers with the Castlegar Fire Department and they are collecting and fixing toys for gifts to needy children in the area. * . Pulp union negotiato: sitting tight in anticipation of a “final offer” from the Pulp and Paper Industrial Bureau expected Tuesday. Meanwhile, four pulp mills, includ ing the Celgar mill in Castlegar, are in a legal position to strike as 72-hour strike notice ended Thursday. 7 « Local marathon runner Ben Thor Larsen, running the Seattle Mara thon Saturday to raise money for Hobbit Hill Children's Centre, com: pleted the run in three hours and 13 minutes. Rn LETTERS Free trade protection questioned Mr. Mulroney has been sweating his head off telling us that social and medicare services are not threatened by the free-trade deal and never will Now I read in the Nov. 21 edition of Macleans magazine the following statement: “Meanwhile, Tory strategists were preparing to ask Washington for written assurances that social pro- grams would not be affected by the agreement.” It makes one wonder how much protection Canadians have under other sections of tg free-trade deal. Bvers Castlegar Brisco thanked for help As this seems the best way to notify all of our friends and con cerned aquaintances of our happy news, I am writing this open letter to the editor. It is with our deep appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Bob Brisco for his unending tenacity and faith in persuing our Landed Immigrant Status that we have received the government's permission to call Canada our home. I have no doubt in my mind that you, Mr. Brisco, have performed a miracle for us. We have tried for six years, with two denials, more than $1,000 in lawyer's fees (with no end in sight) and paper work that would reach from here to the moon. Some: how, you were able to cut through all the red tape and rhetoric to bring about this happy result. For the kind, caring and sincere people that you and your wife Sheila are, we can only wish you the very best and thank you for your unending hard work and efforts. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hall Castlegar GOOD CITIZENS . . . Eleven girl guides trom the First Kinnaird Guide Company received their citizenship badges this week from Mayor Audrey Moore. One of the requirements for earning the badge is that the girls attend a government meeting. Recipients included November 27,1988 Castlegar News _as- Cindy Jollimore, Lana Sommerville, Amanda Watt, Jennifer Idle, Karen Akselson, Kim Quiding, Danna Lang, Sara Healing, Nikki Hackett, Erin Lewis and Rachel Phillips CasNews Photo Tree to light By CasNews Staff Castlegar council has agreed in principle to take part in a special Christmas program that could liter. ally light up the lives of some needy local families. The city will join with Kootenay Broadcasting System to erect a large Christmas tree inl a prominent spot. Christmas lights will be strung on the tree and as gifts and donations come in, the lights will be turned on. “We believe the trees would be. come a rallying point for your com munity,” Karl Johnston, KBS opera tions supervisor, says in a letter to council, “and you would see dona tions flow in to ensure the com munity has a fully lit tree by Christ mas Eve.” Johnston said the radio station will provide the advertising, ‘if the city will find a suitable tree and lights, and be responsible for turning on the lights each day for seven to 10 days prior to Christmas. While couneil agreed in principle to the proposal, it also plans to seek more information from the radio station. “To me this is awfully vague,” said Ald. Patti Richards, quickly adding: “I certainly think Castlegar should be involved in something like this.” Ald. Len Embree expressed con cern about the cost to the city. “I think the idea is good and the intent is commendable,” Embree Post office troubles Now that election fever has come and gone, it is time for Robson residents to be aware of our post office situation. Unfortunately, the owner of the building in Robson has not complied with the changes in the structure that were requested by the post office. The lease runs out on the end of November. The post office might let us go through the winter months and use the existing’ building. However, we could all be collecting our Christmas mail elsewhere and if we are satisfied with that, then we keep quiet. Otherwise, we had better get with it once again and see what can be done. Alice Sanford Robson ) Starts Nov. 28 Ae” Great Ideas, Savings & Selection All Dresses (Holiday Included, Jumpsuits, Blouses, Skirts, Jeans, Sweaters, Loungewear, Housecoats. COATS, JACKETS And Samsonite Caribbea Luggage Selected SPORTSWEAR ALL JEWELLERY AND SELECTED HANDBAGS All Lingerie, Isotoner Slippers & Gloves, Scarves, Panty Hose, Brixton Handbags, Belts, Chil- drens & Ladies Umbrellas. BUTERICK Patterns All Fall and Winter Fabrics 1217-3rd St., Castlegar Department Store 365-7782 Shop Our Home Hardware Christmas Gift & Toy Catalogue Special Prices Until Dec. 10 iJ co Geant 1 See Our Home for Christmas Value Flyer in the Mail! up for needy said, but he proposed council place some limit on what it will spend. ““Are you going to spend $2,000 to raise. $500 or. $5,000 to raise $300? That's the question. If that’s the case then I think the community would be better served for council to make a Munday ‘new man’ Friends and readers of the acti vities of John Munday, excerpts of whose letters appear in the column, Reflections and Recollections, will be pleased to hear that John had a very successful quadruple by-pass heart surgery at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Vietoria on Thursday, Nov. 24. According to his surgeon, “he will be a new man” — at least within the limits of his sight and hearing. After a period of rest and recuper- ation it is hoped that he will be able to come for a visit to the Kootenay area. Thank you on behalf of his many friends. John Charters astleg: In appreciation for your business during this holiday season we, the following merchants listed below, would like to give YOU the SHOPPER a chance to WIN ..........- donation to those particular needy families.” City administrator Dave Gairns said the city's involvement should not be costly. Gairns said the city will only be responsible for a tree, buying lights, putting up the lights and turning them on. Council agreed to Embree's sug: gestion that the city take part in the project “barring prohibitive costs.” CENTRAL FOODS SPECIALS BAVARIAN eccas@) O.Bruce Newton Robert E. Kadlec President and Chief Executive Officer of BC Gas Inc., is pleased to announce appoint ment of O. Bruce Newton as Vice-President Interior Operations. Reporting to Executive Vice-President Operations W. Randall Powell, Mr. Newton is responsible for natural gas operations serving the needs of some 145,000 interior residential, commercial and industrial customers. As Inland Natural Gas, Columbia Gas and other associated subsidiaries, the company has served the interior for more than 30 years. Through a merger with B.C. Hydro mainland gas operations, the company has now expanded service to most of the province — Taricaanansin ssensmiaiieill SMOKED NALLEYS CHIP DIPS ASSORTED FLAVORS. We reserve the right to limit quantities Prices limited to stock on hand. PRICES EFFECTIVE SUN., MON., TUES., WED. OPEN SUNDAYS 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Swor-Easy Foovs CENTRAL FOODS Community Owned & Operated 2717 Columbia, Castlegar $ 28 n Prizes & Gift Certificates) ENTER AT THE FOLLOWING MERCHANTS LA MAISON FASHIONS 1114-3rd St. Castlegar * 365-6265 Gift: $75 Value MADISON MAGIQUE PICTURE YOURSELF HERE WITH $285 WORTH OF PRESENTS JUST FOR YOURSELF! TRIOS SHOE SALON 465 Columbia Castlegar * 365-3411 Gift: $50 Value ROSE'S BOUTIQUE HAIR STUDIO 617 Columbia Castlegor * 365-5841 Gift: $50 Value 331 Columbio stlegar * 365-5610 Gift: $60 Value Nome Address A TASTE OF ART 1129-3rd Street Castlegar * 365-2727 Gift: $50 Value RULES AND REGULATIONS Minimum of $10 (Retail) and up must be purchased in order to receive one entry form to enter the contest. Must be 16-years-of-age or older. Prizes awarded are not redeemable for cash. A chance to enter closes 5:00 p.m. December 21, 1988. Draw will be held 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, ‘at Lo Maisons Fashions 1114-3rd Street, Castlegar. Immediate not eligible. Official entry torms given by merchants can only be used. Individual merchants may or may not exchange prizes.