The Wrangell sentinel., 1949-03-04
THROUGH THE SENTINEL PERISCOPE

been enacted by the Legislature which. when they become opera tive. should replenish the Terri torial traesury. Meanwhile, as of the end of February, the Terri tory's general fund was short $161,74772 of being able to meet it's obligations Actually, there was S9S,724.33 in the general fund when Treasurer Oscar c. Olson closed his books at the end of the month, but there was also in the Auditors office unpaid vouchers totalling $260,472.05, leaving k red" balance. First real effect of the new tax measures will be felt at the end of March when the first quarter payments under the new income tax, retroactive as of the first of the year, are due un- der the wage withholding provi- sion. Employers have 30 days toI make their returns, thus money from this source will be coming into the Treasury during April. By midsummer the Treasurer may bel able to throw away his red ink bottle.
 School boards who have had to borrow money during the last bi- ennium to pay their bills due to delay in paying school refunds to municipalities as result of the depleted condition of the Territor ial Treasury, appear to have a good chance of getting a refund of their interest payments. A bill ap- propriating $10,O0O for this pur- pose, introduced by Senator Barr of Fairbanks, has passed the Sen ate unanimously and probably will roll through the House. Many school boards. particularly in some of the smaller towns, had to bor row money from banks to keep op- erating when they failed to get their school refunds from the Ter ritory.
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 Note to Clifton Kilkenny and other seal hunters: The bill rais ing the seal bounty from three to six dollars is now the law of the land and was signed by the Gov ernor March As it carries no emergency clause, it will become effective in go days, or June 1.
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 Although effort was made to kill it via indefinite postponement, the Doris Barnes bill to enable municipalities to levy sales tax up to two per cent, if approved by 55 per cent of the voters at muni- cipal election, passed the House this week and has a good chance of getting through the Senate. On the final action the measure mus tered Is affirmative votes. Oppos- ition, led by Rep. Clarence Keat- ing of Seward, centered in general objection to sales tax. However, it was brought out by Rep Barnes that her bill did not levy a tax, but simply set up an enabling act whereby a tax could be levied if the voters of a municipality want ed it for some specific or general purpose. Several towns have indi- cated a desire for such an act. Sitka has been levying a sales tax for a year and better. but actually it was nothing nor, han a volun- tary contribution for city purposes as there is no law authorizing cities to take such action.
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 In sharp contrast to previous legislative sessions when the Sen ko ha iuu foraf fpn group, it's the House of the 18th Legislature which had been delv- ing into this and that in locked door sessions. It was the House that started the inquiry into the Territorial Veterans Administra- tion and it is now reported to be looking behind the doors in other Territorial departments. Last week 1t took a look at the University of Alaska and came up with a House memorial asking the Board of Re gents to get busy and select a new President for the University, succeeding President Charles Bun nell, who is retiring to become President emeritus. Senator An drew Nerland of Fairbanks is chairman of the Board of Regents. A bit irked, the Senator explained to the House the difficulties en- countered in getting the right man and that the Board was putting forth every effort, but the House wanted action immediately, ac cording to its memorial which is addressed to Chairman Nerland and other members of the Board
 fCoDtinued on Paga sir,