The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1939-02-23
New Hall For
Community Is
BeingDebdted
Commercial Club Discusses
Need for Larger General
Purpose Building.
OUTLINES PLANS
FOR MANY ACTIVITIES

The dinner and meeting of the
Libby Commercial Club in the Pres
byterian church parlors last Thurs
day night was characterized by live
ly discussions and the transaction
of much important business. Many
were present to partake of the ex-
cellent dinner served by the ladies
of the church.
The business session was opened
by the president, K A. Klehm, who
kept matters moving in an inter-
esting way.
]. A. Krall called attention to the
news that had recently come from
Missoula of the promotion of G. S.
Webb to the position of assistant
regional forester. Mr.. Krall sug-
gested that letter of congratulation
on his promotion be sent to Mr..
Webb inasmuch as he was former
valued resident of the city and a
good worker in the club. A motion
to that effect was unanimously
carried.
Elk in Poor Condition.
E. NJ. Boyes reported on fish and
game matters He said he was glad
to report that bill introduced in
the legislature for closed season
on elk in Lincoln county--the Good
win bill-had been killed Boyes
said the game commission had pow
er to control that matter and thought
the question of an open or closed
season should be left with them.
Boyes said survey showed the elk
here to be in bad shape, less than SO
per cent of the usual number north
of the river, somewhat larger
number in the Fisher river and
Smoke creek districts, but not what
the number should be.
George Neils spoke briefly ON for
-estry matters and suggested that
the campaign to preserve roadside
scenery and beauty should be car
ried on -..Fs
James Blackford, Jr., reported
that the bill to create state park
commission would probably be
passed by the legislature He said
the club ought to select some Libby
man for membership ON that com
mission and start working for his
appointment After discussion it
was moved and seconded by Elmer
Switzer and M. D. Rowland that
the chair appoint a committee to
select candidate and work for his
appointment on the state park COM
mission
Walter Neils paened discussion of
the bill in the national congress that
would empower the President to
include additional lands in forest
reserves. This bill has passed the
senate and Mr.. Blackford reported
he had letter from Congressman
Thorkelson to the effect that Thor
kelson would exert every effort to
secure its passage.
Chas d. Rowe told what the pub
licity committee is planning with the
objective of bringing tourist bust
ness into the district.
Speaks on Library Matters.
President Klehm then introduced
Miss Inez Ratekin, county librarian,
and said Miss Ratekin had consented
to talk to the club on library mat
tiers that would interest the bust
ness man. Miss Ratekin gave
most interesting and illuminating
talk on what the county library is
doing for the citizens of the county.
Her discourse cannot be reported in
detail but few outstanding points
are worth enumerating. Miss Rate
kin said that there are four branch
libraries outside of Libby-at Eu-
reka, Fortine, Rexford and Troy
In addition there are 20 stations
where books are kept to serve out
lying districts, some of those in
school houses.
During the past year, said Miss
Ratekin, library circulation had to-
tailed 10000. In the three towns of
Libby, Troy and Eureka there were
1851 borrowers. The per capita
cost during the past year was 70
cents. The 1888 inventory count
showed 11,004 books in the library.
Miss Ratekin urged support of
three measures pending in the leg
islature. One providing for certifi-
cation of librarians so as to raise the
professional standing; one providing
for establishment of regional librar-
les where none are now available,
and a third measure that would ere
ate state library commission. Miss
Ratekln also named number of
new books in which she thought men
would be especially interested.
Elmer SWitzer reported on agri-
cultural matters. He reported that
c. v. Manion was arranging for the
showing Of a moving picture put out
by the International Machinery
company and was planning to make
big day of its showing on
March II. Mr.. Switzer urged sup
port of the affair
Would Have Spelling Bee.
He also reported that a spelling
bee was contemplated to be spon-
sored by the Farm Woman's clubs
of Libby, Fisher river and Eureka
at the same time. In compliance
with the request of the women, MIR.
Switzer said he would like consent
Continued OH page 81