The Wrangell sentinel., 1928-08-16
Secretary of Agriculture
 In Wrangell

among the prominent guests who were present at a special luncheon given by the Commercial Club at the Wrangell Hotel Tuesday.
 Robert Joseph Owen, D. D., presid- ed as chairman. The principal speak CT was the Secretary of Agriculture After expressing his appreciation of the ideal weather and the beautiful scenery the Secretary reiterated the statement that he made before leav- ing Washington that the purpose of his visit to Alaska was to acquaint himself with conditions as found here with relation to his own Department. He said the government from the President down is interested in AL aska and he thought the Department of Commerce was particularly deserv- ing of eommendation for it's wisdom and courage in adopting and enforc- ing the conservation measures de signed to perpetuate the greatest of all Alaskan industries.
 Referring to his own Department he said it was also important that the forests of Alaska be perpetuated and that under plan that is being work ed out they will be perpetuated and at the same time produce annually vast quantities of wood pulp. He said pulp mills would increase the population and that the business of farming and dairying would be ex- banded in proportion to local needs. He thought there was a big future for Alaska in the pulp industry.
 The Secretary said he understood the criticism was often made that AL aska is hampered by government at long range. He wished to emphasize that Alaska suffers very little from long range government in so far as the Department of Agriculture is con cerned. He said that more than 90 per cent of the decisions affecting his Department were made by men here
  retary of Agriculture it was his aim to administer the affairs of his De- partment wisely and to the advantage of the people who live here.
 The second speaker was Henry O'Malley, Commissioner of Fisheries. MT. O'Malley outlined the status of the salmon industry in Alaska at the present time. As on previous oeca- sions he again stated that he believes there is too much gear in the waters of Alaska and that still further re- duetion may be deemed necessary.
 MT. O'Malley made particular ref erence to the Central District in which Wrangell is located. He said the conditions in this district were not any too good, and that before any one urged an extension of the season he would state the present conditions did not seem to warrant an extension although he earnestly hoped the time would come when conditions would warrant longer season for this dis trict He said that if an extension were granted there would be rush into this district from other parts and in the end the district would be harmed instead of benefited.
 MT. 0'Malley gave some figures re- garding the salmon packs for 1928 in the different fishing sections of Alaska. In localities where the sea- son has not already closed the figures are up to August 4.
 Bristol Bay-1.374 cases of which 1,323,640 are red.
 Port Moller-40,O0O cases reds Approximately
 Ikitan to Squaw Harbor- 1000 cases reds1 1898 kings; 5,412 CO., hoes; S7,50S pinks; 1S6,509 chums. Total, 3O2,327 cases.
 Chignik-Oyer a million escape ment; about 5000 cases through the cannery.
 Kodiak-71,5O4 cases reds; 61,- 79S pinks; 9.581 echoes; 52,05O chums; 564 kings. Total 195. .497 cases.
 Cook Inlet 92,472 cases reds; 48,S53 echoes: 17,5S6 kings, 30,7S0 pinks; 9,555 chums. Total to close of season, .246 cases.
 Prince William Sound 969,263 cases pinks; 33.257 chums; 16,9S7 echoes; 13,019 reds; 1.050 kings. To- tai to July 31, 433,526 cases.
 Copper ,510 cases kings; 44.655 reds. Total, 59,165 cases.
 On being called upon Charles H. Flory District Forester. made brief talk outlining the Forest Service ac- 4;ui4inn In Alaska He thought the