by Ralph Nader WASHINGTON—With Con- gress in its stretch drive before adjournment, it looks as if only three consumer protection bills will be passed over the relent- less opposyiion of corporate lobbyists, Sten in subtle con- cert with White House aides. The most important of these bills would establish a con- sumer protection agency to represent consumer interests Long-time Congressional seen a more ferocious lobbying effort to block or undermine a bill. Leading forces against the facturers of America, Proctor and Gamble, and the National Chamber of Commerce. They are in opposition because a con- sumer agency would be effec- tive as well as non-bureaucratic and inexpensive. The federal agency’s proposed budget in before other federal regulatory agencies: This agency would not regulate: anything; rather its lawyers, accountants, econ- omists, engineers and scientists would simply advocate con- sumer rights for lower utility _ rates, safer food, drugs, auto- mobiles. and engage in many other activities before federal agencies Fie neglect their two years, for example, will be equivalent to five hours’ gross revenue of General Motors or less than two hours’ expen- ditures of the Pentagon. Yet this consumer watchdog could easily save thousands of lives and billions of dollars for Amer- icans by making more certain that the laws are administered and enforced justly. Such an innovation in government could ' consumer ties in favor of ‘ be a precedent for similar con- special int rest groups. Ambulance Log HARVEYS LAKE Wagner, Chet Davis. Sept. 13 chard Rogers, Terrace Drive, Idetown to Nesbitt Hospital. Crew: Chet Davis, Jim Faerber Sept. 15 - Ben Engleman, General Hospital to Morgus Convalescent Home. Crew: Art Wagner, Chet Davis j Sept. 18 - Leo Youngblood, Parks Row to Nesbitt Hospital. Crew: Arden Kocher, Chet Davis. Sept. 19 - Fred Bandish, Ruggles to General Hospital Crew: Rich Williams, Chet Davis. ; Sept. 19 - Michael Milonick, Lakeview Terrace to Nesbitt Hospital. Crew: Art Wagner, Chet Davis. . Sept. 20 - Harriet Tattersall - Lakeside Hotel to General Hospital. Crew: Chet Davis, Art Wagner. : Sept. 20 - Peter Wallich, General Hospital to Wahoo Inn. Crew Chet Davis, Art Wagner. Sept. 21 - Francis. Kreidler, Ridge Ave. to Nesbitt Hospital. Crew: John Stenger, Chet Davis, Jim Faerber. J Sept. 21 - Olin Watkins, Sunset to Nesbitt Hospital Crew: John Stenger, Chet Davis, Jim Faerber. : Sept. 22 - Michael Chevonick, General Hospital to Morgus Con- valescent Home. Crew: Chet Davis, Art Wagner. Sept. 22 - Audrey Stogolski, Idetown to General Hospital, Crew: Jim Faerber, Chet Davis. Sept. 22 - Called to Sunset Intersection, Not Needed. Crew: Chet Davis, Jim ore NOXEN Ralph MeCormick; John Lyons, Howard Keller. ie | For The Record Congress Votes is issued every week that Congress is in session. It covers all votes of record and reports the position taken on each measure by the elected official whose name appears below. Daniel J. Flood 11th Congressional District, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 21, 1972 H.R. 16654 appropriates $29.6 billion for the LABOR and HEALTH, EDUCATION, and WELFARE DEPARTMENTS. It replaces a $30.5 billion bill vetoed by the President last month. Before being passed, there were two record teller votes on pro- posed amendments: The Fischer amendment prohibits salary payments to in- spectors of business firms employing fewer than 16 employees for compliance with the OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY and LTT Ayes 191. Noes 182. Agreed to. MR. FLOOD VOTED NO. The Badillo amendment increases by $15 million (to $60 millior) the amount appropriated for BILINGUAL ED- UCATION PROGRAMS funded by the Office of Education. Ayes. 162 Noes 207. Rejected, Sept. 19. w MR. FLOOD VOTED NO. Whether to pass H.R. 16654. Yeas 324. Nays 51. Passed, Sept. 19. 5 MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. S. 3419 establishes the CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION, a new independent regulatory agency which will set uniform safety standards for consumer items. The agency also will analyze and report on the causes and prevention of accidents and illnesses related to consumer products. Yeas 319. Nays 50. Passed, Sept. 20. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. H. Res. 1122 makes in order a motion for the House to con- sider the FOREIGN ASSISTANCE APPROPRIATION for fiscal 1973 y 16705). Yeas 239. Nays 98. Rule agreed to, Sept. 20. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. H.R. 16705 provides $4.2 billion for foreign programs in- cluding $1.9 billion for military-related grants and loans and $1.2 billion for economic aid. There was one record teller vote on a proposed amnedment: The Gibbons amendment ends future government backing of business investments insured by the OVERSEAS PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION. Ayes 141. Noes 167. Rejected, Sept. 21. MR. FLOOD VOTED AYE. Whether to pass H.R. 16705. Yeas 169. Nays 141. Passed, Sept. 21. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. sumer advocacy agencies created at state and metropoli- tan levels. The second bill which Con- gress is about to pass would create an independent con- sumer safety agency. Such an agency, at least in the Senate- passed version, would consoli- date various consumer product safety activities now spread around the government, cluding the present food, drug, and cosmetic safety activities of the Food and Drug Administra- tion. The proposed agency would focus on many household hazards, from floor heaters to appliances to toys. Procedures for safety standards, recall of defective products, and other safeguards are outlined in what is probably the most carefully drafted consumer safety bill of the decade. The pharmaceutical industry is concentrating on the House of Representatives version of the bill to make sure that the Food and Drug Administration stays within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, which is more amenable to drug company interests. The third bill, which is certain to become law, sets standards for reducing property loss in motor vehicle collisions. This is colloquially called the ‘‘bumper bill’ and could save motorists over a billion-and-a-half dollars a year. The idea for this legis- lation was given impetus when tests by Consumers Union and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showed con- clusively the immense damage to cars in crashes under 5 miles per hour because of their egg shell, ornamental bumpers. One such test reported that the aver- age property damage for 1971 domestic automobiles, during 5 mile per hour collisions into a fixed barrier, totalled $320 per vehicle. The old Model A Ford did much better. A unique provision of the legislation is designed to pro- vide consumers with meaning- ful information about the oper- ating costs and safety char- acteristics of vehicles by brand name, thereby (in the words of the Senate report), ‘‘en- couraging automobile manu- facturers to compete to produce cars with operating costs and safety characteristics (better than) required standards.” However, many other con- sumer bills will not pass this year because of successful opposition by trade asso- ciations. These include pro- posals to reform the warranty and guarantee deception, to give the Federal Trade Com- mission simple powers it should have had 50 years ago to root out consumer injustice, and to permit consumers to file class actions against corporate defrauders in federal court. Consumers should learn more about them by asking their congressman or senator for information. Girl Scouts ‘Challenge to Service’ could well be the motto for the Program: Year in Girl Scouting now getting underway through- out the six-county jurisdiction of Penn’s Woods Council. New troops, are being formed, on- going are welcoming girl addi- tions, opportunities are being extended in temporary housing areas...and all are’ looking forward to setting plans for troop activity, both in and out- of-doors. For areas of the Council, hard hit by Hurricane Agnes, the challenge takes on even greater magnitude. Though the trans- ition will vary, the challenge to rebuild will remain the same. In the current issue of the Council’s publication, SPLINTERS, the President, Mrs. Scott Miller of Blooms- burg, asked all troop leaders to consider how they may guide their girls in service pro- jects...and to consider the needs of not only Girl Scouts, but the many other children in these communities who will need healthful, fun-type recreation and activity during the 1972-73 program year. : Mrs. Miller urged the troop leaders to call upon the Neigh- borhood Service Teams and the Neighborhood Directors and to use this team of volunteers to help accomplish the goals the new program has undertaken. Six-county jurisdiction served by Penn’s Woods Girl Scout Council includes Luzerne, Columbia and Schuylkill, plus parts of Carbon, Wyoming and Northumberland. 28, 1972 On Sept. 21, 1908, 23-year old B.B. Lewis was admitted to the bar after passing his pre- liminary and final exams before the Law Examiners of the State Board. A week ago, Atty. Lewis celebrated the 64th anniversary of that event by doing what he has done for all of those years-- practicing law. Now in his 87th year, Atty. Lewis is the oldest practicing lawyer in Luzerne County--and probably the State as well. His long tenure of service to the United Penn Bank was high- lighted in June at a ceremony held at the bank’s Dallas office. Atty. Lewis, who resides at 39 Woodlawn Ave., Dallas, often refers to himself as ‘just a country lawyer” and insists that ‘if I have been privileged to attain any distinction, it is simply that I have been per- mitted for so long to remain upon ‘this mortal coil.” Retire- ment is not for him, he main- tains, and persons who know him well believe him when he says that “I will never retire to what Grover Cleveland referred to as ‘innocuous deseutude.’”’ Lansdale North Penn Reporter THE PRESS is in bad with Pennsylvania's legislators. Like policemen, truant of- ficers, metermaids, tax assessors and a few others, journalists can often take pride in who is out of patience with them, and when. It is no indictment of the state’s press that the men in the legislature are displeased with the newspapers for making no secret of the fact that there was a big salary boost on the way. This is straightforward report- ing of the news that is of undeni- able interest to the electorate— the people who are paying the newspapers to furnish them Neither is it reprehensible on the part of editorial-writers and those whose names appear. at the top of political columns to express opinions in articles carrying their bylines. The allegation that the raise- seeking lawmakers ‘‘couldn’t get through” with their side of the story is simply an admission of the weakness of that side. If there is anything like unanimity on the part of political writers— in view of the many who are writing about the governmental scene—it means that the rights and wrongs of the situation ‘must be pretty clear-cut. It is unlikely that everybody is Ooops! Sorry We are happy to report to his friends and neighbors that Charles Gosart Sr: father of Wally Gosart, Shavertown, is very much alive and well. In a recent article about his son, Wally, Mr. Gosart was re- ferred to incorrectly as the “late Charles Gosart’ for which we are most apologetic. Accept our apologies, Mr. Gosart; may you have many happy years ahead! H.L. Taxpayers To Meet Oct. 3 The taxpayers of Harveys Lake are invited to meet at the Daniel C. Roberts Fire Hall, Harveys Lake, with members of the community’s taxpayers’ association Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. Albert Gulitus will preside over the question and answer session. has wrong about the raise except the individuals who wanted it. So far as legislators being unable to reach the constituents through the media is concerned, the newspaper that would refuse its columns to the ex- planations of a legislator wish- ing to make a statement probably does not exist, in this relatively enlightened era. The underground press may handle things as it pleases; the profes- sional press has rules that must be followed, and the rules have been developed to see that every man has a fair chance to say his piece. Very unlike the attitude of the professional reporter is that of the legislators themselves, in their tirades against the press on the floor of the House. Said one gentleman from Delaware County: ‘If the Russians dropped an atom bomb on New York city, right now, all we’d see on tomorrow’s front pages would be about legislative compensation.” No comment from this quarter necessary. Said another, from Indiana County: “I resent having this august body serve as a teething ring for cub reporters.” The august legislator has never been close to the trade, or he would know that ‘‘cub” reporters—yes, that was the adjective back in the days of the Richard Harding Davis short stories two or three generations ago—aren’t even allowed to teethe on the office thermostat, far less the editorial views of their newspapers’ boards of directors. Said another, from Blair County: “It is dangerous when the government controls the press. But it is just as danger- ous when the press starts to control the government.” Control of either by the other would obviously be wrong. What any American wants to see is a government controlled by the people, and the people count on the press to keep them informed as to what is going on, to the best of the press’ ability to find out. And that last is getting more and more difficult, both at Harrisburg and Washington. There is one thing of which the people may be sure: The more bitter the criticism of the press becomes in both of those places, be doing for the public. Exciting A Short Residents of Wyoming Valley and the Back Mountain Area who had to postpone or cancel vacations this summer because of the flood, can still take short trips, even though they may now have youngsters in school. There are many special events taking place: in Pennsylvania during October . . . and most of them can be attended by making a return trip in one day, and others on a weekend trip. According to the Pennsyl- vania Travel Development Bureau, there are flea markets every Sunday at Colonial Valley at Menges Mills, off Rt. 116 be- tween York and Hanover. One can tour a Pennsylvania Dutch village started in 1734. On sale will be antiques, usables, curiosities and everyday needs. Also over 100 booths of quality antiques, arts and crafts, foods. and entertainment is provided at the Flea Market and Happen- ing on Independence Mall, Philadelphia. Oct. 1 is Pioneer Days— Auction, antique show, pony pull, colonial rifle shoot, chicken bar-b-que, arts and crafts exhibits, horse drawn wagon tours, colonial costume contest. Perryopolis. Noon to 7 p.m. Covered Bridge Tour— Throughout the southwestern corner of the Commonwealth, there will be something differ- ent at each bridge, like a flea market, arts and crafts dis- plays, ethnic food sales, and a scarecrow contest. Tours start at Downtown Washington, Pa. Noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 1-8 are the dates of the Antique Fair—A kaleidoscope of memorabilia of by-gone days with more than 17 antique dealers from throughout the State, exhibiting glassware, copper, buttons, dolls, jewelry. Women dressed in calico and bonnets in the Dutch Kitchen will dispense ol’ fashioned home cooking, cider, schnitz und knepp, and Pennsylvania Maple Syrup. Armory, North Center Avenue, Somerset. Oct. 1-15: N. C. Wyeth Exhibit—140 paintings, half being shown for the first time including illustrations from Robin Hood, Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe, along with Chadd’s Ford scenes, Civil War and easel paintings. Brandy- Ford. Oct. 7: Chester County Day— Spend a Saturday, or a long weekend in unsurpassable Chester County. Tour historic houses and landmarks plus flaming foliage trees, rural vistas, fine country food, family antiques and art. West Chester. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 7-15: Autumn Leaf Festival—Tours of Clarion County, souvenirs on sale, camper facilities, State Lottery Drawing, Pat Boone & Family entertainers. West Clarion. Oct. 8 is Super Sunday—One of the Nation’s biggest ‘‘block parties’. Carnival-like midway, numerous booths, games, unusual exhibits and demon- strations, antique autos, Mummers string bands, guest personalities and live entertain- ment. Sponsored by institutions and organizations along Ben Franklin Parkway, Logan Circle, Philadelphia. Noon—7 p.m. Oct. 13-15, 20-22 are days of the Fall Foliage Festival—Miss Pennsylvania is special guest. Grand parade of antique autos, colonial muzzle shoot, Harvest Ball,” walking tours, beauty pageant, Civil War battle reenactment, ceramics dis- plays, arts & crafts, bazaar. Bedford. Fort Ligonier Days— Sidewalk sales, art show, flea market, bazaar, parade, reenactment of the French and Indian War battle. Ligonier. Oct. 14: Cornhusking Festival—Crafts made of corn cobs and corn husks on display; corn husking bee. Meadowcroft Village, Avella. DALLAS TOWNSHIP Patrolman James L. Gruver investigated a two-car collision which occurred Sept. 17. Stephen Kester, 795 Woodland Drive, Kingston, was traveling south on Route 309 when a Wilkes-Barre Transit Co. bus, driven by Patrick J. Gillespie of Scranton, pulled out in front of him. Mr. Kester reported that he swerved to the left but was unable to avoid hitting the side of the bus. Both men were taken to Nesbitt Hospital for minor injuries.” © Damages for both vehicles were estimated at $1500. An accident involving three vehicles took place Sunday on Main Road in Fernbrook, when a car driven by Dorothy Brown, RD 3, Dallas hit the rear end of a parked car belonging to Michael A. Slipitz, 428 Slocum St. in Swoyersville. According to the report the Slipitz vehicle was then pushed into a third car also parked along the west There were no serious in- juries. Patrolmen Elliot Ide and Charles Coombs investigated the accident. Wet, foggy conditions were the cause of an accident at the Rellem Trailer Court, RDI, Dallas, Sept. 13. A New Jersey man, Francis Thornton, ran into a car driven by Harry Heinmen, RD1, Dallas, as he was leaving Pellem Trailer Court. Neither men were hurt. Investigating officer was Carl Meirs!! A ‘motorcyclist was injured Sept. 9 when struck by a car driven by Stella M. Moat, 256 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. Joseph T. Giza, 187 Reynolds St., Plymouth, who was driving a 1972 Yamaha MC, reported that he was traveling north on Route 309 toward Kunkle when the Moat vehicle made a left turn directly in front of him. The woman stated that she did not see the motorcycle. Sept. 27-28 Refreshments. Sept. 29 30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Nurses’ Home at 1 p.m. Oct. 2 Oct. 3 Oct. 11 Tickets are available from any member of the club or at the Bring cards. Oct. 11 Oct. 14 Oct. 14 Oct. 14 Oct. 18 ber. Damages were $1000 for the two vehicles. Patrolman Douglas H. Lamoreux was present at the scene of the accident. KINGSTON TOWNSHIP An early morning mishap occurred Sept. 23 when Robert Asby of 21S. Lehigh St., Trucks- ville, fell asleep at the wheel of his 1972 Dodge truck, lost control of the vehicle and ran partly through the yard of Richard Reinhard on Orchard Street in Trucksville. Mr. Asby was taken to Nesbitt Hospital for injuries. The accident was . investigated by Patrolman John J. Appel and Merle Bigelow. A collision reported by Patrolman William Pugh, and involving a motorcyclist, took place at the intersection at Carverton Road Sept. 17. A car driven by Larry Pesa- creta, RD 1, Sweet Valley, collided with Carol Ann Had- disky, who was operating a 1972 Honda MC. Apparently the drivers collided when the signal light turned amber. Miss Haddisky was treated for in- juries. Dorothy Nemetz, Bennet Street, Luzerne, sustained injuries when she lost control of her car and crashed into a guard rail near Harris Hill Road on ‘Rt. 309 Sept. 16. Damages to her car were esti- mated at $450. Officer William Pugh investigated the accident. PSU Schedules Nurses’ Workshop Area nurses will have an opportunity to attend a one-day workshop Oct. 3 at Penn State’s Wilkes-Barre Campus offered through the local continuing education office under the direction of Rob Hare, assistant director of continuing education at the local campus. ; The workshop will open with registration at followed by an hour and one half session on “The Public Em- ploye Relations Act and the Processes of Collective Bargaining.” Following a short break, the workshop will resume with a session on the “Dual Role of Nurses as Professionals and as Employes.” Afternoon sessions will deal with sessions on Relations’’ and ‘‘Communi- cations” under the direction of Edward S. Barber, personnel director, Commonwealth Tele- phone Company. Morning sessions will be conducted by John T. Schmidman, assistant professor, labor studies, Penn State University. ing the workshop may obtain additional information by contacting the Continuing Education Office, Wilkes-Barre University. ~~
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers