Seward daily gateway., 1923-12-22

WARD, ALASKA, SATUR rails, the natives and their curious customs, together with the magnificent scenery combine to make this verl- table northern gem of the Antilles, with diadem of smaller islands of rare beauty
 kanatak the New Oil Town
 kanatak, Alaska's newest oil camp, is situated about 80 miles from Kodiak across ShelikOf Straits, and has a pop ulatiOn ordinarily of about 150. At the present time cessation of drilling by one of the large development compa- nies, has caused the population to di- minish somewhat, but the town is still very optimistic, and by spring will have another influx of prOspectors. At the present time the Standard Oil company is sinking an experimental well, being down about 900 feet. The Associated company is down probably 6O0 feet, and will re-enter the field in the spring with a larger rig. Indica- tions of huge oil deposits are seen on every hand at Kanatak, according to 5eologists who have surveyed the field. A good road was built this year from Kanatak to the oil fields, and over this all supplies for the oil rigs are hauled by means of caterpillars. The road skirts magnificent Lake Be- charof, large body of fresh water, which will be the center of great fish ing activities some day.
 A number of business houses are IO- cated at hanatak, with lumber yard, and postoffice. Among the pioneers i'll the business field are Gabe Santos, who runs first class restaurdnt; Robert Mcintosh who conducts a sOtt drink establishment and pool hall; Chas. Madsen, who runs a mercantile business; Al Barnes and others
 kanatak is a new camp and while it cannot be expected to be as large as some of the older camps, nevertheless ii has made substantial growth
 In case oil is struck the influx of boomers will make city over night.
 Unga Prosperous Fishing Station
 The town ot Unga, west of Kanatak on one of the Shumagin Islands, is ali old settlement, and at the present time is the center of the codfshing in- dustry. A number of stores, U. s. commissioner, deputy marshal, and a radio station are among the innova- tions. It is an important outftting center for big game hunters and for fishermen. The harbor is we'll shell tered and during the fishing season al large number of men are engaged.
 At Sand Point, north of Unga, Andy GroSvold runs large trading post and outfits hunting parties with boats and guides. Considerable fur is bought and sold here. The islands compris- ing the Shumagin group have many fine fox farms. The steamship Starr gives mail service once month
 UnaIaska a Thriving Village
 During the summer monthts Unalas- ka is probably one of the largest viii lages in southwestern Alaska, some 800 to 700 naval men having their headuuarters here, the nucleus of theI coast guard cutter service. The Jes- sic Lee Home is stationed here, and isl going good work among the Aleuts. A large coaling station and oil tanks are found at Dutch Harbor, near Una laska, and this is the center of trad ing activities for the westward islands. A deputy marshal commissioner, andI other federal officials are stationed att this point Many vessels en route toI and from Nome, Japan and the Orient touch here
 BeIkofsky Not to Be Overlooked
 The fishing camp of Belkofsky isl on the mainland, between Unga and Unalaska, and has normally about 50 to 75 population. At this point is stationed Rev Fr. Hotovitsky, a Rus sian American priest, who is doing wonderful work in Americanizing the natives in his diocese Rev. Hotovit- sky insists that his charges learn to read and write English, and reverenceI the United States flag. Considerable business is transacted at Belkofskyl in the fishing season.
 Tourist Attractions
 The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokesl is probably the greatest natural curi- osity from tourist standpoint, in the whole world. Here thousands of gey- sers and fumeroles, caused by the big explosion of Mt. Katmai in 1912. are condensed in one valley probably 25 miles long by mile or two broad. Mt. 'GGGGGG GGGGGGGM