Western Star (Corner Brook, N.L.), 1941-01-15

              The Western Star DEVOTED TO THE DEVELOPMFNT AND PROSPERITY OF NEWFOUNDLAND REPRESENTING THE I LOCAL INTERESTS OF  THE WEST COAST OF  THE ISLAND It \. ESTABLISHED 1900 Vol. 41 CURLING, BAY OF ISLANDS, NEWFOUNDLAND, Wednesday JANUARY IS, 1941 NO. 43 A DIGEST OF THE K-H NEWS. LETTER Copyrighted by < K-H News-Letter Service J Headley, Hants, England The Western world has not vet grasped the magnitude of Japan's failure to achieve her aims in the Far East. She has failed to overthrow Chiang Kaishek and subdue Chinese resistance; she has failed to frightesi Britain into giving way before her latest acts of blackmail; stye has failed to induce the U.S.A. to turn its back on Far Eastern affairs and thus leave Japan a free hand to organise her "New Order" in the Western half of the Pacific; and, finally, her Nazi ally failed to induce M. Molotov, during the recent meeting at Berlin, to step sending aid to Chungking and to remain indifferent to Japanese aims in Asia. Trotsky, that shrewd observer of international dealings, once remarked that "the Japanese dynasty will find its grave in Manchuria." Japan has begun to feel acutely the enormous drain up*on her man power and financial resources. To maintain her puppet governments at Nanking and Hsinking (the present capital of Manchukuo) Japan will be forced to keep large forces on the Chinese mainland for an indefinite period, whilst the unceasing attacks of the Chinese guerrilla armies will create a running sore for which the only practical remedy is the abandonment of ambitions in China. What chances of success would attend a new Japanese move in the southwest, and how would it affect us in our fight against Japan's Allies in Europe? The answer is to be found in a brief review of America's attitude. The U. S. Government has made it abundantly clear that, so far as its relations with the Japanese are concerned, appeasement and isolation died when Japan signed the Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy, and that every new move by the Japanese will be countered by Arrierican action. Japan's recognition of the puppet Chinese Government brought a reply, the same day, from Washington in the form of a credit of £25,000,000 for the Government of Chiang Kai-shek. The U.S.A. are determined not to provoke the Japanese into any rash action, but they are taking steps to meet any eventuality. Naval and air bases are being constructed with the utmost haste throughout American possessions in the Pacific; tankers, fast transport and munition ships, hospital ships, minesweepers and other auxiliary craft, are being gathered together in case they are needed in the Pacific. American forces in the Philippines have been strengthened, and aeroplanes and supplies are on the way. The U.S. Government still hopes to avoid a show-down with Tokioo, but if this is impossible it has a number of trump cards up its sleeve. These include the recall of Mr. Grew, the U.S. Ambassador; the extension of the embargo to prohibit the export to japan of all grades cf oil as well as copper and other materials needed by the Japanese war machine; and, finally, the freezing L unncr Pitcher; Pilot Baldwin, third unknown Front row: Gunner Dyke, Gunner Nichols. CHIEF SCOUT PASSES ON Lord Baden-Powell, Defender Mafeking, Dies In Africa Lord Baden-Powell, a veteran soldier who spent the last 30 years of his life working for peace as the founder of the Boy Sc6ut movement, died at his home in Nyeri, Kenya Colony, Africa, last Wednesday, at the age of 83 years. Baden-PoweTl came into world prominence as the gallant and successful defender of Mafeking during the Beer War. Following his retirement from the British Army Lord Baden- Powell founded the Boy Scouts in 1908, to "promote good citizenship In the rising generation," and to further peace through the advancement of international understanding.Lord and Lady Baden-Powell during a British Empire tour in 1935 spent seme two weeks in various parts of Newfoundland including two days at Comer Brook, where a Scout and Guide rally was held on 13th June that year. - • Had Leg Amputated Is Doing Well (By Our Corner Brook Correspondent) Mr: and Mrs. H. Gullage, East Valley Road,. received a cable from their son George who was on leave from Naval duties in England. He had visited his brother Fred, who is a patient in the Royal Infirmary in Glasgow, and for whom much anxiety has been felt by his family and friends. George reported his brother was in a more satisfactory condition and shewed every sign of recovery since January 4th when his leg had been amputated. "Mystery Of The Missing Maid" (By Our Corner Brook Correspondent) A Townsite resident reported to the police on Saturday, 4th January, that a domestic servant had left his home the previous evening and did not return. An investigation soon solved the "mystery of the missing maid, who evidently had taken Trench leave to visit her home at Stephenville.FOUR PEOPLE RESCUED FROM PRECARIOUS POSITION CAUGHT IN SLOB ICE BOAT BROKE DOWN An Appreciation On Tuesday, December 17 a party of four people, (two men and two women), left Irishtown in an open motor boat to go tOj Corner Brook. Engine trouble | developed causing the boat to drift about uncertainly for some time. Thick snow began to fall p id the day being frosty slob ice began to form all over the calm surface of the Humber. The boat drifted on in the direction of j Humbermcuth. until at last the slob ice became so thick that it was impossible to move further. The occupants of the boat were by this time in a bad way; it was bitterly cold in spite of fire having been made in a bucket with the washboards torn from the boat and pieces of the engine room, gasoline was used to ignite the wood. Darkness was fast approaching and hope of rescue i seemed very vague. Imagine j with what a glad thankfulness the unfortunate people saw, the Portia steaming toward them and realized that their plight had been i discovered and help was at hand. As soon as the Portia drew alongside, the women were quickly taken en board and revived with cups of steaming hot tea. The men were then cared for, the whole party landed on Clarke's wharf at Corner Brook. , Mrs. Gertrude Penney, who was one of the rescued party wishes to take this opportunity of expressing deepest thanks to Captain Kean of the Portia for his timely rescue and kindly hospitality which were, without , doubt, the means of saving their ►lliv*. East And West Meet In Scotland Writing to the Western Star from somewhere in England Gunner W. R. B. Nichols says: Quite recently I was on short leave in Scotland and had the good fortune to meet up with Newfoundland boys in other branches of the . iervioe—Artillery, Air Force and Navy. The boys were all glad to moel so many of their countrymen, so we decided to have couple photos taken to let the people of Newfoundland sec that we are so well united even in this far off country.The Sulphite Mills (By Our Corner Brook Correspondent) I am sure everyone around the Mill and offices, have watched with interest the erection of this new plant. When we consider how much this extension of our mill will mean to us, and to those who must have the manufactured output promptly, it should make us feel a fortunate people indeed. Nearing Completion The big machines will soon be turning over and to those who took notice as the work progressed it must be evident how well planned, and carried out was this vast undertaking—to be done in a year. Remembering what a year it was to get these great machines finished on time with machine shops and rolling mills called upon to supply implements of protection, so the agents of destruction, could not destroy all we had to live for here, and beyond our homes where our own race was taking the cruel blows that could be ours if distance did not intervene. A New Wharf For Shipping Several shipments of cresoted piles have recently arrived here, and were assembled in the mill area near the waterfront where a new shipping pier will be constructed this spring. Men in Front row: Martin White, seaman; Gerald O'Shea, seaman, both from East Coast. Man in back row also the ladies are tfoottish. Woods Dept. Machine Shop A machine shop has recently been completed for the Woods Department. It is centrally situated, opposite the Railway Station, near the Company's and Clarke Steamship Company's wharves. All necessary motor and tractor repair work will be attended to with more convenience and despatch than in the previous shop, where there was lack of space for the installation of machinery necessary in the present modern garage and repair works. A Busy Season Ending Probably the busiest shipping season in the history of our port is coming to a close. Unusually hard weather prevailed throughout December which greatly inconvenienced port operations and necessitated the use of an ice bfeaker three weeks earlier than usual. Even so the port will have been open more than nine months of the year. Rejection Badges (By Our Corner Brook Correspondent) According to a notice exhibited at the Corner Brook post office, Rejection Badges for the various fighting forces have arrived and can be obtained at the Magistrate's office. Lark Hr. Woman Missing Since Thursday Tragedy Feared As Search Parties Fail Locate Any Trace Fears are entertained that a tragedy has occurred at Lark Harbour. On Friday the Postmistress at Curling was advised from Lark Hr. that Mrs. Erne Sheppard, wife of Mrr*Linton Sheppard of that place, was missing. That she left her home at 5 o'clock Thursday morning and had not returned. Search parties secured the neighbourhood all Friday without result, and the search was continued on Saturday. The police were notified, by the Curling Postmistress, ans on Sa.urday Sergt. Pitcher and Constable Martin left for Lark Hr. to make an investigation and to assist in the search. Ladies Give Farewell Party To Mrs. McLaurin On Saturday afternoon, Jan. 11th fi lends of Mrs. J. P. Mc- Laurin gathered at Corner Brook House to tender her a farewell party. Mrs. McLaurin has always taken an active interest in all community work during her thirteen years stay in Corner Brook and will be keenly missed. When she entered the drawing room she was greeted with the lusty singing of "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow.' Tea was served, and then the following programme was given: Solo—Mrs! F. A. Janes. Mrs. J. Thistle and Mrs. C. Cross spoke on behalf of the United Church Ladies Aid of which Mrs. McLaurin was President for years. Solo—Mrs. Gerald Penney. Mrs. Ledingham gave, a resume of the invaluable work Mrs. Mc- Laurin has done for "Nonia" Solo—Mrs. P. Daniels. Solo-r-Mrs. Jas. Read. Mrs. J. C. Fitzgerald spoke for the Ladies Association of the Girl Guides, of which Mrs. McLaurin was an enthusiastic worker. / Mrs. T. S. Howard, District Commissioner of the Girl Guides, Winter Express Schedule The winter schedule for the express train service came into effect this week. It provides for two express trains each way a we°k. , These will be due at Curling, fn>m the West at 1.40 am. on Mondays and Fridays: and from the East at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. NEW U.S. LEGISLATION FOR AID TO BRITAIN GIVES PRESIDENT WIDE POWERS Empower President To Turn Over War Materials To Foreign Nations When It Would Contribute To Defence Of US. WASHINGTON, Jan. 10—Legislation granting President tcosevelt sweeping powers t6 ions battling the warring Axis Jniled States Congress today and would permit repair of British yards. Aside from the provision affect-' ing navy yards, the measure followed closely the advance dc criptions given by administration quarters. It would authorize the President to turn over war materials, on hand or manufactured in the future, to foreign nations when he thought this would contribute to defence of the United States. He could make any terms, so far as payment was concerned, which he thought satisfactory. ONE CHECK Congress Would, however, retain one check which Mr. Roosevelt carefully called attention to at a press conference. The President would have to ask Congress for appropriations for the articles to be sent, abrcad. As for the measure's broad delegation of power, which rabidly became the. princ'pal point A contention at the capital, Mr. Roosevelt said he did not necessarily want such authority as is contemplated. He added that if the job is to be done—and it must be done—power to get it done must be lodged in some one. SOME OBJECTIONS And even in some quarters which favor unstinted assistance to Britain, there was murmured or outspoken objections to the sweeping authority. This was particularly true among Houre Republicans, many of whom were highly favorable to the meisure's purposes but opposed to its methods. TERMS OF BILL By its terms, the bill would give the Presiden' authority to: (1) Manufacture in arsenals, factories and shipyards any defence article for "any country whose defence the President deems vital to the defence of the United States. (2) "Sell, transfer, exchange, lease, lend or o herwise dispose of, to any such government, any defence article." (3) Test, inspect, outfit or repair any defence article for any such government. (4) Communicate to such nation any information pertaining to defence articles transferred to it. (5) Release any defence article I for export to such a country. furnish the sinews of war to napowers was introduced in ifce contained a provision which warships in United States navy Schr. Dawson City Has Eventful Trip Encounters Storm After Storm Towed Up Humber With Sails Gone, Engine Damaged (By Our Corner Brook Correspondent) Coated with ice, part of her sails gone and her engine damaged, the schconer Dawson City was towed up Humber Arm to the- Clarke Company's pier at Corner Brook, on Wednesday, by the s. s. Portia after a very eventful trip. The Dawson Ci y left a Canadian port en 16th December with a of tile rnd a deck load of oil, for Corner Brook. After encountering very stormy wea'her she became ic?-bou"d eff St. George's, where she w-s oVifjed to remain for more than a week. Eventually getting free the schooner battled her way through rapidly-thickening ice and freezing weather to reach Lark Harbcur on Tuesday. There the s. s. Portia wen: to her assistance and arrived up the Humber on Wednesday. On the trip the Dawson City lost pract'cilly he whole of her deck-load cf oil. The schconer, so it fa understood, will remain at Corner Brook until spring. Made Manager Local Branch After an association of some thirty-five years with the Esta~ brcoks company, Mr. Harry J. Howlett, well and fav cur ably known personally to such a large number of bu~ine"s men throughout Newfound'and, has recently been appointed manager of the company's branch in Newfoundland. Previous to entering the Estabrook employ Mr. Howlett for some years carried on a general business at Twillingate and his experience so gained has enabled him to understand the problems of the trade, and a visit from him means first-hand information on the markets in which they are interested. ACTIVITIES AND PROMOTIONS AT THE PAPER MILL (By Our Corner Brook Correspondent) Mr. H. M. S. Lewin, Managing Director of the Bowater's Nfld. Pulp & Paper Mills Ltd., who returned to Corner Bro;k from a business visit to New York, and Montreal, by last Sunday's express proceeded to St. John's by the Overland Limited Wednesday afternorn, and is not expected to return here until Tuesday, January 14th. Captain R. Geary, who had been at Port aux Basques, arranging for the winter operations of the Company, at that terminal, -eturned to town Tuesday morning.Mr. Loyal L. Reid. of the Reid Newfoundland Company ■\t St. John's, has been anpoin'ed f--ffjo Manager for B"water's Nfld. Pulp & Paper Mill* Ltd., w;th headquarter.-; in the General 'Office building of the Company. i here. Mr. Reid, as we notice in the "Brok of Newfoundland" was with the First Newfoundland Regiment in the Great War. Mr. George Smith, assistant to Mr. W. D. Warren, Superintendent of the Mechanical Department, will join the Engineer Department staff, where he will take up important duties. Mr. James A. Read'will become assistant to Mr. Warren. Mr. Ambrose Buckingham will replace Mr. Mas'er Mechanic; Mr. H. Uw Rowsell becomes Assistant Master Mechanic, which position was formerly held by Mr. Buckingham. Mr. Samuel Batstone will be Machine Shop Foreman. Congratulations to all who have heen mentioned and to the Mill Management for the recognition given these tradesmen whose abil'ty their fellow workers know quite well, will keep the machines of this great «industry at a high standard for 1 the success and welfare of us all. (Continued on Page 7) (Continued on page 7)