The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1929-02-02
Ketchkan Commercial Club and the Halibut
Fisheries.
CKetchikan Cnron:c.e. J

(Ketchikan Cnron-c-e.)
There has been much discussion the streets
of Ketchikan with reference to the action taken
by The Commercial Club Of Ketchikan as to the
| tariff on fresh and frozen fish imported from
foreign country. This discussion, or it might
more properly be termed criticism is based en-
ItireJy upon misapprehension of the aims, objects
and efforts put forth by the Club And this is
not the first time that such MISUNDERSTANDING
! have appeared, and likewise without justice
For over 20 years the Commercial Club of
Ketchikan has been laborng, always for bigger
and better ketchikan, for prosperity for its cit-
zens for more accommodations for it's fishing
fleet for the general welfare Of the people. In
Vulnerable projects have been put through not
only for the benefit OF the city but rs well for
the outlying district and the Territory as a
I whole
II was due to the active membership of the
Club that second cold storage plant was built
in Ketchikan 1t was due 10 the Club That it
became possible for regular mail service to be
established about Prince of Wales Island and to
Other points. 1t was due to the efforts of the
Club that American fishermen halbut fisher
! men, were able TO sell their product in Canadian
ports for more money than received by the Can
adam fsheg 1t largely due to the efforts
of The Club that Ketchikan made the head
quarters in the Territory for the military cable.
And there are other almost innumerable accom-
plishmens which may be scored to the credit
of the Commercial Club.
/ He who goes forth and suggests that the
/ CONNIE gcial Club of Ketchikan is working against
the interest of any fisherman fishermen speaks
falsely deliberately knows not whereof he
speaks
! The Commercial Club Of Ketchikan is made
up OF business men principally, with few pro-
fessonal men and Others engaged in industry.
! There is no enc Of that Club who does not real
ize that ketchikan primarily is Il fishing town
at present that when the fishermen do well the
business men do well They have only the desire
TO aid the fishermen, to help American industry,
and thereby help themselves. That is the strong
est proof that could be offered, that they must
and are working Tor the fshermens interest,
and therefore helping themselves
As to the matter of tariff Oh fresh and
frozen fish prepared and enhanced in value in a
foreign port there is every reason why every
Fenoft should be made to bring the industry to
American ports in Alaska including Ketchikan,
lWranSeii, Juneau. Petersburg. Sitka Seward Ko-
diak and elsewhere. And every reason points to
better conditions not only for the communities
OF the North but also for the fishermen.
When it appeared some years ago that the
fish market of the North Pacific would be forced
into Alaska b legislation preparations were
under way by many of the buyers who then
and now operate in Canadian ports to locate in
Alaska Some OF them sought sites in
Alaska for the construction of cold storages to
bring the competition here instead of to a
foreign port At least large company en-
gagged in the business has refused year after wear
10 build plant in Canada, believing that Con-
gress would finally fit to make the haibut
ou't0'iVh Vi the northern waters thoroughly
American.
Il during one year recently upwards of $3.50, goo
/ was spent in Prince Rupert for ice boxes and
4 iepof 10 snip the fresh American fish to Eastern
aiheiicah MARKERS That money spent among
Alaskan laboreis sawmills merchants and the
lke would nave helped materially The CONNER
lciai CluD mas never attempted ito put anything
over on hshermen Of any class On the con-
uafy the Club has invited to become members
lhe 'essei owners and today prizes among its
members some of these men, all of whom are
the industry ~ u
40 member of the Commercial Club of Ket-
chiKan need blush for his membership or for The
,ai lor wnich u has stood and for which
1t stands Today. It's aims and objects arc hattnr
. @nN "lssef hetehikan, prosperity for all in
Alaska cooperation between men Of ali callines
,'i' svou seaools greater opportunities, hap
piAess eohtentment and UNDERSTANDING as ogainst
gi'ers.ahdihs' suspicion and destructiyeness
!, scratf MINUTES and actions open to the