The Daily Alaska empire., 1935-08-06
INTERIOR TOWNS.
 ENJOYING GOOD. SEASON, REPORT.
M. s. Whittier Finds Much Activity, Mining Better,
 Many Improvements


 Conditions in Interior Alaska are much better than in former years and spirit of enthusiasm is evil dent among the people. it is re- ported by M. s. Whittier, Assistant Collector of Customs, who returned lyesterday on the Yukon after a five weeks inspection trip to var ious customs points in the Ter ritory sNMining is showing greater re- .tdrns and everywhere there is marked activity he said. All the towns have an ample supply of labor with some experiencing sur plus as was evident in Nome where authorities were asking the Coast Guard to take some extra men, who wished to go, outside.
 Via Skagway
 MT. Whittier travelled by way of Skagway and Whitehorse, travel ing down the Yukon to Eagle, thence to Fairbanks. From that city he flew to Nome and return and then took the railroad to Sew ard, stopping at Cordova on the re- turn trip home.
 Skagway was busy with install ing new water mains. The hotels and business houses generally were enjoying a good tourist season while the White Pass and Yukon Railroad was handling more freight than it had in several years past Up to July when was there there was marked increase in the tourist business both to Atlin and the Circle tour" MT. Whittier said. f"The river boats were full to capac-i ity. In passing through Whitehorse noted the renovation of the cleo tric light plant. They are chang ing from steam to diesel officials and townspeople both appreciate the airplane service be- tween Whitehorse and Juneau as well as Fairbanks" Dawson Good
 Mining conditions at Dawson are good, he reported, with property working to capacity with excellent water supply Representatives of the Yukon Territory Government said they expected an increase in placer production over last year. Hotels and business houses were feeling and enjoying an increased tourist business.
 There was an increase in min ing activity in the American Forty Mile district" he said. Two new drcdges have been installed this year. Business conditions at Fort Yukon were reported very good on account of increase in mining ac- tivities in the Porcupine district. Improvement was being made in the Episcopal Hospital there under the direction of Dr. Burke. There was an epidemic of measles in mild form while was there and the hospital was filled with native chil- dren." Fairbanks Bright
 There is wonderful change in business conditions and the gen. eral appearance of Fairbanks, the customs official asserted A large amount of construction is under way, including two-story concrete bank building, two-story con- crete City Hall building and large addition to the hospital. Several new homes are under construction as well as numerous other homes being enlarged, improved and paint ed. Along the main business street, he said, concrete sidewalks are being built and extensions are con- templated in other sections of the city. Mr.. Whittier said the customs business in Fairbanks far exceeded expectations. The customs office there was primarily established to handle the tri-weekly service be- tween Juneau, Whitehorse and Fairbanks but foreign flights" he said, "of planes based at Fairbanks to other sections in Yukon Terri tory has increased until there is practically daily flights between Fairbanks and some sections of Yukon Territory. Since April 2l when the office was established until my inspection July 22 the office handled 240 passengers to and from Yukon points, and this is only part of the increase shown this year in commercial flying in and out of Fairbanks with local points ill Alaska. The people of Fairbanks are enthusiastic over the plane service from Juneau and there is every indication that fall |