The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1949-05-19
s. ALASKA FERRY
PLAN PRACTICAL,
SAYS DANAHER

Feasibility of the operation OF
car ferries capable of carrying 900
passengers and 100 passenger cars
on a daily schedule between Prince
Rupert and Haines on year-round
basis, was discussed by a West
Coast steamship man tefore the
Chamber of Commerce this noon al
the Baranof.
John T. Danaher, assistant vice
president of American President
Lines, here from San Francisco to
make survey on the proposed plan
or the Alaska Road Commission,
told the Chamber that the plan i.
not only feasible but practical.
There appears to be every posi-
bility that there is sufficient traf-
fic. to operate such a ferry system
in the black for the entire year.
with the heavy tourist season Off
setting the simmer winter load
Danaher said.
TOURIST PROMOTION
Possibilities for tourist promotion
under such a plan are tremendous
he said, adding that railroad and
GUS transportation companies could
extend their tour routings to in
clude the inland waterway to in
terrier Alaska by car or by bus.
The ferry study calls for two 3d.
foot ships similar to those used in
Hawaiian Island ferry service,
Danaher explained. Vessels would
oe capable of making 1914 knots,
and would not be fitted with state
rooms, but would have reclining
chairs, similar to the type used in
commercial aircraft.
Operation of car ferries would be
under the Alaska Road Commits
SIGN as an extension of Territorial
highways. Col. John Moves, ARC
chief, was guest at the Cham
ber's speakers table along with
Danaher.
Robert Shea, deputy manager sot
the American Red Cross from San
Francisco, one of two Red Gross
men on tour of the Territory,
spoke briefly on their mission to
the north.
I'VE have come to get to know
Alaska better, and to learn to know
the people of Alaska better so that
we may serve more adequately"
Shea said.
With him is Earl S. Dombross,
ARC regional director, also from
San Francisco.
DYER REPORTS ON AIRPORT
The airport terminal building is
finished, was the good news Tom
Dyer, aviation committee chairman
for the C. of c., told members in
a report this noon.
OPENING IN JUNE
Plans for official opening of the
airport building are in
the making for early in June, Dyer
said, adding that the city will make
a real occasion Of the affair. Air
line companies will move in within
several days, and operations will
be in full swing before the dedica-
ton ceremonies.
DR.. Clayton Policy, chairman OF
the Chambers housing committee
that the committee had
met to draw up plans to get facts
on the rental unit situation in Ju-
neau, and to prepare file OF all
available units.
WEST COAST VISITORS
Several members of the Seattle
Chamber of Commerce will arrive
in Juneau next Tuesday afternoon,
Chamber President Eastaugh an
Seattle men will be hosts at a
cocktail party at the Baranof from
$50 to $50, followed by a no-host
dinner in the Gold Room beginning
at $50.
A delegation of Portland tourists
will arrive aboard the Prince
George the same evening on spe-
cial cruise promoted by the Port
land Journal. The Chamber plans
to go aboard later in the evening
to greet the Oregon visitors.
A total of sixteen guests from
Alaskan and stateside points joined
in the Chamber meeting today.
They were: L. O. Luken, theater
manager of Seattle, W. H. Baum,
La Sale Extension University OF
Seattle, Ray Holland of Seattle,
Ivan Wick of Ketchikan. Marshall
Crutcher Of Kodiak. Walter B.
King of Ketchikan, Clayton Ess-
linger, President of Palmer Cham
Der of Commerce and Mrs. Esslin-