Page 2 October 1982 Cassiar Courier 0 VLA. REPORT Al Passarell Saturday, Sept. 11 — Last evening | arrived in Cassiar, after leaving my home in Atlin early Friday morning. Last week | had planned on spending a month travelling through the Atlin riding prior to the snow coming but these plans have been set aside with the sudden announce- ment of the B.C. Legislature being recalled on Monday, September 13. There is much speculation as to why the B.C. Legis- lature is being recalled on a few days notice. One of the strongest rumors is the possibility of a fall election. An- other piece of legislation that we hope will be debated for the first time is the 6 — 5 legislation and its dramatic ef- fect on school teachers, government employees and our provincial economy. When the spring session ended in July, the proposed 6 — 5 legislation was an 8 — 14 piece of legislation, and the present formula was only a twinkle in Bennett’s eye until he met with Trudeau, who con- vinced him to accept 6 — 5. Over the summer, the Bill Bennett Government had a cabinet shuffle. Peter Hyndman, who caused such em- barrassment with his free spending of our tax dollars, was kicked out of cabinet. The cabinet also saw the welcomed appointments of two new backbenchers into cabinet — Tony Brummett of North Peace as Minister of Lands, Parks and Housing, and Claude Richmond, who replaced Pat Jordan, who was also taken out of cabinet. Hopefully, the upcoming session will produce effec- tive legislation that will benefit our troubled economy — legislation such as the proposed N.D.P. Savings and Trust Legislation, proposed six years ago to help homeowners in subsidized mortgage rates by Government. Other pieces of proposed legislation by the N.D.P. will be for job develop- ment training for young people in skills, as well as the N.D.P. 2G point white paper on proposed legislation to “benefit the economy. We need cutbacks in mega projects, such as the billion dollar football stadium, Pier B.C. and Expo 86 now, until our economy can pay for such grandoise schemes, not cut- backs in thousands of school teachers and the closure of hospital beds to save money. dN In conclusion, the systematic cutbacks in Health and Education, which is largely funded by the Federal Govern- ment, will not benefit our troubled economy. The laying off of thousands of teachers, or the closure of hospital beds will not turn the price of metals or lumber higher. What is needed now is for all levels of government to sit down and view all political parties policies for the benefit of our economy. The N.D.P. 26 Point Economic Recovery Policy proposed in early 1982 can be of benefit to our economy. Dear Sir, | would like to answer Mr. Burton’s letter in the last Courier. He refers to Mr. Passarell digging up ‘old’ inform- ation — what he fails to mention is that a lot of such in- formation is not available to the opposition or the public for two years because there is no freedom of information act. To me this smacks of suppression of information by Big Government. It is a good thing there are people willing to question the small “‘little things’. Without this: where would the limit be on misuse of public funds? The NDP proposed reductions of 82 million dollars in the last bud- get for such things as the 152% increase in office furniture expenditures’ instead of in health and education. These proposals were pushed aside — where are the government's priorities? While the premier sits on new furniture, people are being denied beds for needed surgery. Obviously restraint is only to be practiced by the common people. Dave Brocklebank, President, Atlin NDP Constituency Association. 0000000000008 CCe Dear Sir, | would like to make two comments on the Cabinet Committee’s reply to the Cassiar brief. They state that they are opposed to the taxation of Northern Benefits - but why did this government rule against a motion made by Mr. Passarell in the spring of 1980 for an emergency debate on the unfair procedure placed on northern residents - and force its defeat? This motion and the results are a matter of public record in Hansard. On the subject of communications in our constituen- cy - the residents of Bob Quinn highways camp wrote to their M.L:A. and Alex Fraser Minister of Highways asking why they could not receive the same benefits provided a B.C. Hydro camp one mile north of them. (The Hydro Camp is for the Stikine/Iskut dam project - you know - the‘one that is not going ahead at taxpayer's expense). ; The camp at Bob Quinn receives’3 TV channels, Bill Bennett’s government provides 13 channels to the Hydro camp. Mr. Fraser’s answer -(which is on record for anyone wishing a copy) - ‘I cannot go against the Federal Law. Funny how one department does and another does- nt. | seem to remember Mr. McGeer setting up a sat- elite dish on the legislature lawn. Dave Brocklebank PRESIDENT ATLIN NDP CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATION Who threw the garbage out??? Since when can people living cial Park, use the park as a garbage dump??? on the very bound. ary of Boya Lake Provin- Editor's Note: This article and picture appeared in our May issue and we forwarded a copy of it to the Ministry of Lands, Parks & Housing. Their reply is printed below. Cassiar Courier, Cassiar, B.C. | wish to acknowledge receipt of a copy of your memo to the Honorable Stephen Rogers dated May 25, 1982, concerning the disposal of refuse in Boya Lake Provincial Park. Although my Ministry is aware of the situation which you note we have been unable, without identifying evidence, to take any meaningful cor- rective action. If you have knowledge which might lead to the apprehension of the offenders | would greatly appreciate your informing the park superintendent. Thank you for your interest and concern in this matter. Yours sincerely, Anthony J. Brummet, Minister of Lands, Parks and Housing COURIER STAFF - Lee Coran, Kerry Jones, Pat Riddle. Deadline for articles for the November issue of the Cassiar Courier is October 4, 1982. Please try to get your articles in early. Women and the Law Whitehorse, August 25, 1982 — Want to know more about your legal rights in a.common-law re- lationship, how recent matrimonial property and support laws affect you, or what’s involved in a marriage contract? A series of free booklets on these and other family law matters has been produced by the women’s bureau of the Department of Justice to better inform Yukoners of their legal rights and obligations in certain relationships. The publication of the series was announced today by Justice Minister Clarke Ashley. Five booklets have been produced so far: Common-law Relationships, Marriage Contract, Changing Your Name, Illegitimate Children, and the Matrimonial Property and Family Support Act. Two more booklets, on separation and peace bonds, will be published in September, says Shelagh Rea, co-ordinator of the women’s bur- eau. “The aim of the booklets is to give individuals a better general understanding of some of the laws that affect their relationships, their children, or their property,” she explained. Written in a question and answer format, the booklets were prepared by Jeanne Harvey, a law student hired by the women’s bureau for the summer. Topics chosen’ for the booklets were identi- fied by the RCMP, court workers and lawyers as those which the public has the most questions or misconceptions about, said Harvey... _ Copies of the booklets are being distributed to public libraries throughout Yukon, and to pub- lic inquiry centres, territorial court offices, ter- ritorial agents, and women’s centres. Some White- horse law firms have also requested copies of the booklets for their clients. To obtain copies, or for further information, contact the women’s bureau, Dept. of Justice, Telephone 667-5124. Town Council Elections Elections will be held on Monday October 18th to . elett-five new members to the Cassiar Town Council. The elections will take place by secret ballot. The ballot boxes to be located in the Retail Store. Members of the Town Council are responsible for the the Town Council budget and also serve in an advisory cap- acity to Cassiar Resources on matters. concerning the Townsite. Nominations must be in by October 3rd. Nominees have to have resided in Cassiar for at least 90 days prior to the date of posting which is October 10th. In order to be eligible to vote a person must be a resident of Cassiar on or before the date of posting and be at least 18 years of age. If you are interested in being nominated and require more information contact any of the Town Council mem- bers listed below: Bob Bliss 778-7370 Mary Ryan 778-7250 Carol Bowen 778-7272 Clare Redmond 778-7667 Pat Watson 778-7723 Cec Pulsifer 778-7774 John Shepherd 778-7448 Frank Buckley 778-7605 IN THIS ISSUE Page 3 Bits and Pieces Page 4 Social Page 5 Churches, Library News Page 7 Swimming Page 8&9 School News Page 11 Community Club Page 12 Star Gazing Page 13-15. Concerts ST Pod 2 ee CASSIAR Bits & Pieces Has anyone lately received a 5:00 a.m. phone call saying “I’m home, I'm home’’? Best Wishes to Lorraine Menzul for a speedy re- covery. We understand she was in a motorcycling accident in California in August and will be un- able to teach Figure Skating here this season. For “Dining by Candlelight’’ followers, Terry has been very. busy with his and Gwen’s new restau- rant lately but it is hoped his article will be in the November issue. Happy Birthday greetings to Eve Thirlwell, who now lives in 100 Mile House, from all of Cassiar. All the Scouts in Cassiar are happy. Two Scout Masters have been found. Don Brown and Hans Bierman have volunteered their time. With all the murders in the Province recently, maybe the local resident who was scared to go to the dump after dark was justified in her fear. Quite a few local residents have been harvesting several varieties of wild mushrooms in the area. The rest of us just have to get out there and pick them. However we've decided it helps if you know what you're looking for. _There are lots of happy faces around town since school started back — those moms are sure glad Our Indian Summer is certainly a welcome sur- prise — long may it last! While we’re on the sub- ject of weather did you know that:- —June 1982 had the lowest recorded rainfall for that month here in Cassiar with 2.5mm — last year there were 24.0mm of rain here in June. The maximum. temperature in Cassiar for June was 27°C, for July 27°C and for August 25°C. Those resort spots down South had better watch out for the Northern competition. Remember to watch out for the Town Council and School Trustee elections. Notices of dates are elsewhere in this publication. Remember, if you are too apathetic to vote then you forfeit the right to complain when you don’t like the way things are run. Judging by the beautiful tans sported by many of the teachers, we've decided that the place to go on vacation is the Mediterranean. Most of the rumors regarding the mine operations are apparently unfounded — according to inside information. Christine and John Shepherd, a son, Ryan, 6 Ibs. 13 oz. on August 24, Marie Tashoots and Henry Blackburn, a son Markie, 7 lbs. 11 oz., on August 29. Debbie Anscombe and Vincent Dick, a son Tanner, 7lbs. 142 0z. on September 7. THANKS Mighty Moe and his staff would like to thank the firefighters and all the people who helped this past summer during the time the two forest fires threatened my place. : yP Maurice Beaudoin, Mighty Moe’s Stan Kuchcinski _ Retires cy enemas ¥ he Stan Kuchcinski came to Canada in 1946 after serving in the British Army. He worked as a farm helper in Russel, Manitoba, for four and a half years before heading north. He hired on with Cassiar Asbestos Corporation Ltd. on May 30th, 1953. His total employment time with the company adds up to twenty nine and. a half years. After fourteen years in Cassiar Stan transferred to Clinton Creek Mine on April 1, 1967. He was employed there as Mill Foreman and later as Mill Superintendent. When the Clinton Mine closed he returned to Cassiar, on September 1 1978, as General Mill Foreman. In his term of employ- ment in Cassiar, Stan filled postings as Labour- er, Mill Operator, Mill Foreman and Mill Fore- man in charge of Training. Stan plans to retire to Smithers B.C. and pursue his favourite hobbies — fishing and gardening. We wish him the best of luck in his retirement. GUIDING New. to Guiding in Cassiar is the PATHFINDERS group for girls 12 to 15 years, Miss Denyse Tavener will be the leader of this group. Girls who are interested should get in touch with Miss Tavener. Margaret Voss and Gayleen Connolly will again be the Brownie leaders and Mrs. Liz Maguire will be the Guide leader, Their registration will be taking place shortly. Public Meeting Our “Buddy M.L.A.”, Tom Waterland was in town recently for a public meeting. With him were Jim Parlick and Gail Thomson — both Social Credit Party workers. Although very few people turned out for the meeting, several res- idents had questions to ask Mr Waterland. He explained briefly the reasons for some of the economic decisions made by the Government recently. However he left us all guessing whether or not there will be an election this Fall. RCC oC Co CCC COCO OOOO OOOO OOOO OOS LIONS CLUB LOTO PROVINCIAL WESTERN EXPRESS THE CASSIAR LIONS CLUB IS NOW SELLING THESE TICKETS AND THEY CAN BE PURCHASED FROM ANY LIONS CLUB MEMBER. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL DEREK WALKER AT 778-7693, 777 re rere ere eo eee roo oo oer oe ee ee to ee ee ee Cassiar Courier October 1982 Page 3 e . —_ Erickson Creek =e HE Col umn by Pat Lewis Beaton ~ @® Mining is serious work — but | had some fun last month when our foreman, Jim Bondesen, took me under- ground at Erickson’s 21 and 28 levels. Now, I’ve been underground before, but | never fail to be amazed by the uniqueness of the miner’s world. It’s dark; it’s wet; and it takes a certain skill just to wear the mining gear! For example, take the miner’s lamp. It’s a small light clipped onto the hard hat and attached to a heavy battery carried on the belt. (1 now know what the six shooters must have felt like in the days of the wild west!) Looking back on my tour | realize | had the lamp on wrong. There’s a short cord that runs from the battery to the lamp on your hat. This cord has to be in the right place or you are constantly pulling at your hat.... or to be more exact, your hat is constantly pulling at you! Anyway, to get on with my story...Jim and | started the tour walking down the 21 main drift. He pointed out the different veins to me — the Dease, the Shelley, the Goldie, the Maura. Walking down the drift was easy. Shift- boss Cary Moffat joined us so we had three lamps to light the way. Then we started to climb up to the various work- ing places, With my heart thumping and my glasses sliding down my nose, my hardhat slipping over my eyes and water running down my neck, | gingerly reached for each rung of the ladders leading up to the raises and subs on 21 Level. Up in the raises we saw Randy Heikkila, Bob Rolfe and Percy Bay. They each let me use their machines! Randy was working a jack-leg, drilling on the vein. His drill was heavy and noisy and he had to help me hold the machine. [t was fun — we were standing on a pile of brok- en ore right at the face. | tried to spot some free gold but we don’t often see that at Erickson. Our gold has to be ex- tracted through the milling process. Percy’s spot was different. He was working on a plat- ‘form and | had to hoist myself up and around the ladder to get to the drill. Percy was using a stoper - a machine that drills up holes. He too, had to help me hold the mach= ine which weights over a hundred pounds. | kept wonder- ing how he got it up there...pure muscle power! Percy’s drill wasn’t quite as much. fun; | was too worried about falling off the platform! The cold reality was too evident there, that mining is hard, dangerous work; that one care- less step can send you 50, 100, 200 feet down a raise. % Bob Rolfe was fixing his slusher when we got to his working spot. Miners have to be mechanics too! His slush- er was like a big Tonka toy. One /ever sends the /ittle scoop into the broken ore. Another lever brings it back along a cable, scraping the ore out as it goes along, Earl- jer on the main drift, Louie Sisak had shown me his mucking machine. It’s something like a slusher, but it runs on rails. It has a little bucket that scoops the broken ore into an ore car which is taken out to the portal and dumped into the ore pile. After this lesson in the various machines under- ground, we climbed back down the ladders to-the main drift. We had a coffee in the doghouse and then drove around to 28 Portal. There we climbed down 120 feet of ladders to where Frank Zupanic and Albert Sergiev were drilling on -the Maura vein. I’ve mentioned before in this column that the Maura is named after my 18 month old daughter, who is a tiny little sprout. Well, she’s got a lot of catching up if she wants to match that vein! Frankie’s spot was beautiful — white,-shiny, mineralized quartz. We took a sample as a souvenir of my tour. After climbing up the 120 feet of ladders my legs were shaky from the exertion and the excitement. /t’s quite a world down there! My thanks to Jim Bondesen, Cary Moffat, all the miners I’ve mentioned, and to the rest of the day shift crew (Tom Williams, Dick Mueller and Jim Glover) for showing this tourist around the mine! I'd like to end this month’s column with a poem written by Freda Devine, the 72 year old mother of our plumber Charlie Devine. Mrs, Devine toured Erickson this year and here are her impressions of the miner’s under- ground world: Into the dark, damp mine we went With gear and equipment we were sent Tramping along thro’ rocks and slush To the end of the tunnel where the waters rush So the men who work in this dark hole Are surely the best of the brave and bold To me it was an adventure ‘li never forget As | came out cold, bedraggled and wet So hats off to miners who work day by day They earn every penny when they pick up their pay.