WASHINGTON--For many it was a scene to behold; for others it was a scene to bewail. But on that day, April 11th, amidst a tumultuous meeting of national meat boycott leaders in a large House of Represen- tatives ring room, the National re Congress was born. Outside of the meeting room, ranchers were telling housewives that rising meat prices were not their fault, while inside the room representatives of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen were circulating a pamphlet titled “Lady, Please Don’t Blame Your Butcher.” But the women who led this meat price uprising were more interested in listening to each other’s exhortations to organize than to the pleadings of other interest groups. There was no doubt about the constituency of these representatives. Rose West, who | led the housewife’s supermarket boycott in 1966, carried a stack of petitions with 300,000 names from the Denver area over to Betty Furness who chaired the meeting. They took all of two weeks to compile, she said. Anne Ackerman of Florida presented a two block long petition of 25,000 names demanding a rollback of meat prices. She declared that many ‘years ago a woman sparked a revolution by saying ‘‘Let them eat cake; (Virginie @¥nauer, consumer advisor to the President) is provoking a consumer revolution by saying, ‘‘Let them eat kidneys and brains!” Infuriated by statements of government officials such as Under Secretary of Agriculture, J. Phil «Campbell, who said in February that retail food prices were not too high because if they were the ‘‘housewife would back out of the marketplace and the cost would go down,” the participants demanded in- vestigations. They wanted the agribusiness corporations, the commodities markets, food export deals and the Depart- ment of Agriculture probed. They also wanted local con- sumer protection agencies and continuing @gtys of protest. But above all, fxiey wanted a per- manent organization. Jan Altag of Logan, Utah, was elected provisional chairperson of the National Consumer Congress. The NCC is now faced with the challenge organize consumers locally around an immediate issue (meat prices) into a national force for consumer justice. It was clear that the participants at the boycott meeting were in- terested in a wide range of con- sumer issues--prices, quality and safety--and their corporate- governmental context. As doers, not just talkers. thev in Washington to give a focused voice for their consumer in- terests in the councils of government. Well they might. Congress, besieged by big farm, food processing, oil, bank and other lobbies, is moving toward ap- proval of the same old authority for inflation control which the President has now. The lobbies have beaten back an attempt at more consumer-sensitive policies (including a price rollback) by the House Banking and Currency Committee. The Congress listens far more to immediate political muscle than to distant popular clamor. The = choice facing the fledgling NCC is whether to continue as a surging tide which never quite makes the beachhead or to pioneer at local and national levels new and permanent roles for consumer advocates. Taking greater control over the consumer culture--in all its economic, political, health and environ- mental consequences-- is a major arena in which women interact with and are bilked by the marketplace with a greater frequency and intensity than men. A strong consumer force at the marketplace re- verberates through the retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer or producer as well as into govern- mental forums. That process used to be called ‘‘consumer sovereignty,” but a more modern description would be “consumer democracy.” Jan Alfaro and her dynamic colleagues all over the country are working for deep roots. As one boycott organizer from New York told Congressman Ben Rosenthal, who helped co- ordinate the meeting, ‘This is one movement that ain’t gonna blow over.” chilled apricots, milk. corn, fruit cocktail, milk. FRIDAY] 9 school. beets, pudding and milk. and milk. cookies, milk. Mike McFadden. Mmi Wilson. Schmidle Sr. N down to widen the highway. Dallas Township Dallas Township Police reported three accidents last week, two of which happened Sunday. At 11:25 a.m., officer Douglas Lamoreaux investi- gated an accident on Route 309 near the Shavertown Sporting Goods Store. Mike Feszchak, 57, 80 Chapman St., Pittston was travelling north on the highway and attempted to make a right hand turn into the sporting goods store when his car was hit in the rear by Denise Haduance 16, 177 Hazle Ave., Wilkes- Barre. There were no injuries. Police estimate damage to the Feszchak car at $200 and $500 to the Haduance car. The second accident occurred at 4:20 p.m. when Nancy Skov- rosky 20, RD 2, Tunkhannock was travelling north on Route 40053, Upper Demunds Road. According to the police report, April 28-29; May 5-6 times at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. May 4 May 5 May 5 and 6 Sunday. May 6 “Operation Drug Alert”. May 7 May 8 May 8 May 9 May 9-10 May 10-11 Church. May 11 May 12 are available at the door. Linford Werkheiser. May 16 May 23 Parsons. June 30 . \ Miss Skovrosky stated that she saw two boys on bicycles coming out of a driveway on the right side of the road. She slammed on her brakes and slid into the southbound lane and into a brick wall. The first boy made it across the road, the report states, but the second, Chris Mason 9, Astor Road, Applewood Manor, ran into the side of the car. The boy was removed to the Nesbitt Hospital in the Dallas Community Ambulance. Officers James Kelly assisted by Dallas Borough = investi- gated. . A head on collision was reported April 26 at 12:25 p.m. on Sedler Road which is located off Demunds Road. Theodore Kerpovich 17, RD 5, Shavertown and Michael Stoss 20, 1073 Exeter Ave., West Pittston were travelling in opposite directions on Sedler Road. According to the police report, they stated that they slid on the dirt road and into each other, head on. The police estimate’ damage to both cars at $500 each” Officer Russell Banta investigated. Kingston Township There was only one accident in Kingston Township reported last week. At 10:45 p.m., April 27, Alexander Wazeter Jr., 18, RD 5, Shavertown was travelling north on Route 309 when his car skidded on the slippery highway and went out of control, striking a guard rail and spinning around on the road. Police estimated damages at $900. Officers John D. Lohman and Joseph Berube investigated. The car was towed. | Fire Log | Sweet Valley The Sweet Valley Fire Company was summoned to a fire which broke out in the home of Clarence Hann-Edna Gray, Sweet Valley, at 6 a.m. April 26. The fire company received the alarm through the COM Center at the Luzerne County Court House and was also called by Peter Skopic. The fire broke out in the stairway and started up- stairs to the bedrooms, a fire company spokesman said. Due firemen, damage was contained to the stairway. Members of the family were still asleep and had There were no injuries. Robert Walsh, Sweet Valley Fire Chief, reported that probable cause of the fire was a cigarette dropped in clothing. Mr. Walsh also reported that 50 gallons of water were used to sustain the damage to a minimum. Fifty firemen responded with three trucks. Traffic was directed by the fire police. Chief Walsh wishes to thank all who aided in any way. At12:15a.m., April 27, a blaze started in the exhaust fan in the kitchen of the home of Ronald Evans, Sweet Valley. The blaze was reported to the fire com- pany by a passing motorist who saw the flames shooting out of the roof. There were no injuries and damages were contained to a minimum. Robert Walsh, chief, expresses his thanks to all who responded. He also reported the probable cause was in the wiring to the fan. Ten Years Ago 1963 Dallas Kiwanis Club was preparing for their annual pancake festival. Demolition and clearing for new construction on Roufe 309 begins. George Jackson is appointed general sales manager for Linear, Fernbrook. Joseph Ulinoski 15, Dallas Senior High School student, is chosen to participate in the National Science Foundation Seminar at Lehigh University. Ben Jones III passed his bar examination. He graduated from Wyoming Seminary, Princeton University, and Temple University Law School. Tyler Memorial Hospital launches a new building campaign. Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce takes guided tour of Natona Mills. Dallas Key Club Marching Units picked up first prize in the i Harrisburg and the Loyalty Day {parade at Nanticoke. i A2C Joseph Walton, Trucks- ville arrives in Formosa for his assignment with the Air Force. Looters were taking pipes out of homes condemned for the new highway. Births: A daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Krispin, East Dallas at the Nesbitt Hospital; Robert Lee, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Scruitsky, Shavertown at the Nesbitt; Kevin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick MeGough, ‘Dallas at the General; Karen, daughter of Mr. and = Mrs. Thomas Puchalsky, Shaver- town at the Nesbitt. Deaths: Doris Straley 60, Noxen; Millie Woolbert 84, Kingston Township; Alfred Cease, Ceasetown and Joseph McHale Says Statnick 66, Centermoreland. Area stores ran ads for rib steak at 73 cents a pound; rib roast, 59 cents a pound; had- dock fillet, 45 cents a pound; halibut steak, 69 cents a pound; hot dogs, 59 cents a pound; pork sausage, 59 cents a pound, and Forty Fort was selling a half gallon of ice cream for 88 cents. Twenty Years Ago 1953 Ground was broken for the new $210,000 Ross Elementary School. Dallas Township operated speed trap for the first time. The advantages of jointure and what it had meant to Kingston Township and Dallas Borough was discussed at a dinner meeting of directors and school officials at the West- moreland School cafeteria. Three generations of Ecks were presented at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Father and Son dinner. John Eck; his son, Fred; Fred’s son, Jack. Two - Icelanders, Joe Mag- nusson and Geir Gudnason, visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. T.M.B. Hicks, observed that the Dallas area was colder than their native land. Parents were ordered to pay vandalism damages inflicted by their children on Church St. Dallas-Franklin and Lake- Noxen School directors meet to discuss problems of their respective school districts. Anniversaries; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ehret, Lehman celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. George Pollock, Carverton celebrated his 86th birthday. Died: Euphamia Lutes 81, Beaumont. Thirty Years Ago 1943 William Conyngham 74, owner of Hillside and Orchard Farms died after a short illness. Grant Thomas was reported a prisoner, in Japan. Thelma Gregory enlisted in the Marine Corps. Servicemen heard from: Joseph Hudak, Lloyd Garinger, Glenn Kitchen, James Murphy, Alfred Roman, W.E.Ray, Ray Schultz, Walter Pilger, Bill McIntyre, Harold Casterline, George London, John Kulp Jr., Howard Johns, Louis Kelly, Edward Hartman, Tom Cad- walader, Wilford Montross. Died: Luther Dymond 72, Dymond Hallow; Edward Swartwood, Huntsville. Anniversaries: Fred Boots," Trucksville celebrated his 87th birthday. Forty Years Ago 1933 Dallas Township School Board approved an eight mill increase and Kingston Town- ship a two mill decrease in school taxes. First National Bank of Dallas reported a large amount of gold certificates and coins turned in for redemption following President Roosevelt's order. Fire destroyed a stable and storeroom at the Monastary of the Congregation of Jesus at Harveys Lake. Sunday’s traffic was reported heaviest of the year in this area. Members of Dallas and Kingston Township and Dallas Borough met at the Old Orchard Packing Company to discuss matters of common interest. Anniversaries: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Lord, Sweet Valley celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Died: Winifred Griffith 46, Dallas. Special to Greenstreet News by Jim McHale There are several bills moving through the Pennsyl- vania legislature which, if passed, will prove a great boon to agriculture in the Common- ‘wealth. Bills have been introduced to provide direct grants to far- mers devastated by Tropical Storm Agnes, to raise in- demnity payments to farmers whose livestock is condemned, and to set up a collective bargaining system for producers. Almost more amazing than this precedent-setting package of farm bills is the across-the- board support for their passage. They are backed by Democrats and Republicans, rural and city bloc legislators and the Ad- ministration. Farming is the second largest industry in the state. So legis- lation aimed at helping farm income will have long range economic benefits for all. But while farming is a big industry, the actual number of farmers is small--barely 70,000. Men Needed In Coast Guard In today’s world, it is im- portant for a man to have a goal in life, to do what he feels will benefit humanity most. It might be through prevention of pollution or helping a mariner whose boat is in distress in bad weather several miles from shore. One of the best ways to fulfill these goals is in the U.S. Coast Guard. — Coast Guardmen are experts in emergency rescues at sea, weather and oceanographic research, port security, mari- time law enforcement and many other humanitarian services. Last year the Coast Guard saved 3,000 lives and over $3 billion in property. There are immediate openings available for young men between the ages of 17 and 26. One might become an expert in computers, electronics, aviation mechanics or who knows what! Further information is avail- -able by visiting your local Coast Guard representative or call toll free, 800-424-8883. lost 35,000 farmers in just ten years because farm receipts have lagged far behind costs-- the farmer stands in danger of having his voice muted in the legislature. The opposite has happened. For a change the farmer didn’t have to go hat in hand to the General Assembly to ask for legislation. In fact, I think this is the first time that one political party--Democrats-- offered a ‘farmers’ package’ on the floor of the House and that members of the other party--Republicans---added their names in support. Besides bi-partisan support from rural legislators, Demo- cratic House Leader Herbert Fineman of Philadelphia joined in sponsoring the package. Gaining city understanding is truly a breakthrough, espe- cially in these days of meat boycotts. Mr. Fineman, former Spea- ker of the House, said when the bills were introduced that ‘‘over the last 20 years farmers have received only an 11.4 percent increase in the price: they receive. for food products. Yet trial workers and food mar- keting employees received 130 and 148 percent increases respectively in their hourly earnings.’ Of course, one of the most prominent spokesmen for farm issues in the House is Rep. Kent Shelhamer (D-Columbia). He is the prime architect of the farm package. This rural legislator, through statements made on the House floor and to the media, has consistently pointed out the need to boost farm income and breathe economic life back into Pennsylvania’s declining rural communities. In the recent furor over food prices, Mr. Shelhamer hit the nail on the head by saying, “The plight of the farmer this past year has been reflected in rising consumer prices. Only when our farmers enjoy stable .agri- culture markets are good supplies and prices favorable to the consumer. That is one of the major reasons we must move to protect this important segment of Pennsylvania commerce.” With this in mind, Shelhamer joined with Rep. Reno Thomas (R-Snyder), vice chairman of the House Agriculture Com- mittee, Rep. Paul J. Yahner (D- Cambria), Rep. R-W. Wilt (R- Mercer), Rep. Harry A. Engle- hart (D-Cambria) and Fineman to introduce House Bill 507, a measure that would provide for an Agriculture Bargaining Board. This would be a volun- tary device that would help farmers organize into associa- tions to bargain with handlers and processors for the price of their product. I think this is a step in the right direction. My only reser- vations are that a collective bargaining procedure should be introduced at the federal level and provide for supply manage- ment. With only a state bargaining" unit, food handlers could go around Pennsylvania farmers and buy in other states. And control of supply is needed in any effective negotiations over price. House Bill 347, which provides for a $12 million relief program for Pennsylvania farmers hit by Hurricane Agnes, has passed Senate for - approval. The bill, written by Mr. Shelhamer and Mr. Yahner, was also cospon- sored by H. Francis Kennedy (R-Butler), chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. The proposed flood relief program would give direct state aid to- farmers with at least $7,500 in flood damages. The maximum amount of assistance would be 15 percent of damages beyond $7,500, subject to a limit of $5,000 per individual. The Shapp Administration has been firmly committed to this program which has enjoyed steady bipartisan support. A third part of the ‘farm package’, House Bill 312, intro- Mr. Yahner, provides flexible indemnity payments of up to 67 percent of the appraised value of a condemned animal if these and other payments do not amount to a total of more than 90 percent of the value of the animal. This flexible approach means that the vast difference in value between a beef steer and a breeder will be taken into ac- count when indemnity payments are made. ” Thus the legislature plows ahead with a good grasp of what must be done for rural Pennsyl- vania. It Pays To Advertise
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