The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-04-15

Others, like IVA, the Bitumin- ous Coal and Federal Communica- tions Commissions, have been bedlams of dissension or incom- petence.
 The "baby" among these agen- cies is the Civil Aeronautics Auth ority, which during its brief eight months already has chalked up a record on the credit side of the ledger.
 The five-man board and admin istrator have worked together har- moniously and have won the re- spect of both the industry and congress - no small feat in these days of super-alertness to New Deal shortcomings. The CAA's record is outstanding because it not only had to undo five years of bungling under the old Bu- reau of Air Commerce, but had to pioneer in a new field which un- expectedly opened before 1t.
 Chief purpose behind the en- actment of the Civil Aeronautics Act last June was to end the turmoil of the Air Commerce Bu- reau under Dan Roper. Congress had no thought of launching vast air defense and training pro- grams.
 But hardly was the CAA born when Munich, Hitler and Mus solini changed the entire avia- ti0n picture. Overnight the CAA was given the job of pre- pairing a plan to train 10000 new pilots a year. More recent ly 1t has been given the job of meeting air penetration in South America and of developing an adequate supply of aviation me- chanics.
 That the CAA has been able to meet these responsibilities, while at the same time bringing stability to commercial air trans portation, is due to the high cali- Der of its members. There have been minor kinks to unsnarl, but they have been worked out promptly and the board has op- erated on a high level of efficiency. BUSINESSMAN CHAIRMAN
 Much of this is due to Edward J. Noble, rosy checked Republican chairman, wno during his '56 years was chiefly famous tor developing a nationwide candy mint business ("Life Savers") from a plant that consisted of a kitchen stove plus pots and pans.
 Noble is one highly successful businessman who believes that government regulation is good for business. He has had almost no experience in aviation, except in private flying, but he has vision, drive and practical ideahsm.
 Noble is idohzed by CAA em- plOyes. Kindly and accessible
 he takes 8 personal interest in the staff, loves to distribute packages of his hints. Few callers leave without handful One visitor remarked that his Swear old daughter was one of NOble's best customers. Noble delightedly brought out 8 whole carton of the candy. When she finishes these," he said. "iet me know and HI send her some m0re."
 Nople's outstanding work on the CAA IS deeply appreciated by the White House, and if certain plans under consideration work out he is slated for new honors.
 VICE CHAIRMAN
 Vice Chairman Harllee Branch, one-Clme WaSnlngUon newspaper correspondent ana assistant post master general, is the airmail Speciaiisg of the board. Born in North Carolina 59 years ago, he got his start in newspapering as a journeyman printer and his ex- tensive know.edge of alrmall as one of Jim Farley's lieutenants.
 Branch is a hard and conscien- tious worker and his common sence judgment and experience iS relied upon by his colleagues. BOARD MEMBERS
 Robert H. HinckIey is another successful businessman who en- tered the government service be- cause of admiration for Roosevelt. A prominent Utah. auto dealer, Hinckley was persuaded to assist in getting the first relief program under way on the understanding that he would stay in Washington only three months. He remained