THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW January 6, 1956

79-/- 336- (d- 3) Gift ofthe Panama Canal Museum JS3L

Vol. 6, No. 6 BALBOA HEIGHTS, CANAL ZONE, JANUARY 6, 1956 5 cents

FIRST USE OF 60-CYCLE CURRENT SCHEDULED

IN ATLANTIC SIDE HOMES WITHIN FEW MONTHS

The Panama Canal Com- Senatorial Interview pany's power conversion project has moved into high gear and 1956 will see rapid strides toward the day, about four years from now, when 25-cycle electrical equipment will be but a matter of Canal Zone history.

Within another few weeks the first 60- cycle electrical current generated and used by converted equipment will be an actuality. This will occur on the Atlantic side where conversion of frequency-sensitive equipment for homes and shops will begin soon under a contract for which bids were opened late last month.

This major step toward completion of the $25,000,000 project, including the locks conversion and purchase of new towing locomotives, will be but one of many to be taken during the next few months. Contracts for most of the major phases of the project, with the exception of the conversion of the Pacific area south of Pedro Miguel, will be advertised for SENATOR Spessard L. Holland, Dem., Fla., was member of the Appropriations Committee, told the bids or awarded during this fiscal year. among the members of Congress who visited the newsmen that Congress will move "very speedily" Bids for the Atlantic area conversion, Canal Zone last month. He is shown here at the next session on appropriations to replace in the Canal Tivoli Guesthouse talking to representatives of the Zone those facilities now on properties which are one of the key contracts of the program, local pres3 and the wire services. Governor Seybold going to be transferred to Panama as a result of were opened last month with the Sachse is seated second from the right. Senator Holland, a provisions of the new treaty. Electrical Company of Lake Charles, La., entering the low of four bids received with an offer of $1,243,397.96. The bids Unification Of Canal Payroll System for this project were being analysed at the end of December and it was expected that the notice of the award of the con- Will Be Fully Effective January 29 tract would be given early this month. Following this, notice to proceed will be issued to the contractor after compliance Unification of the payroll system of the lished, January 22 to 2S. Checks for this with certain formalities by the contractor Company-Government, recently announ- period will be delivered on the regular and approval of the contract by Gover- ced by Governor Seybold, will be made paydays of February 7 and 8. Deduc- nor Seybold. fully effective with the biweekly pay per- tions for this period will be made for one Before beginning work on the new con- iod beginning January 29. The first payweek only. tract, the contracting firm will be re- checks under the new system will be de- The following schedule of paydays for quired to submit a conversion schedule livered in the week beginning Monday, the various units has been announced by subject to approval of Col. Hugh M. February 20. the Office of the Comptroller: Arnold, the Canal's contracting officer. will mean new for The change paydays This schedule is of major importance in MONDAY : Office of the Gover- the majority of employees with checks the successful prosecution of the program nor-President ; Personnel Bureau; being delivered over a four-day period. all units of the Office of the Comp- because of the complicated time schedule However, paychecks for all employees of troller; Offices of the Supply and required for the variety of work involved. any given division will be delivered on Civil Affairs Directors; Schools. This work schedule will also be of inter- the same day. Customs, Storehouses, Motor est to Atlantic side residents of the Zone The present pay period of U. S.-rate Transportation, and Dredging Div- communities since the townsite of Mar- employees will be used as the basic pay isions; General Counsel; Safety garita will be one of the first areas avail- period for all employees. This will require Branch; Administrative Branch; able to the contractor for conversion.

a change for local-rate employees with the Printing Plant and Duplicating Unit Initial conversion will make use of 60- exception of dock workers, who were re- Internal Security Branch; Magis- cycle energy generated by the frequency cently changed to a biweekly pay period trate Courts; and the Contraband changer at Agua Clara Diesel Station. conforming to that of U. S.-rate em- Control, Library, and License Sec- This machine will be placed in regular ployees. tions. operation on January 3 and used until power from the generators at Gatun is To avoid undue hardship in making the TUESDAY : Engineering and change for local-rate employees, a one- Construction Bureau units; and available. week intervening pay period will be estab- the Industrial, (Set page 15) The contract covering (See page is) THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW January 6, 1956

Crowds Of Skating Enthusiasts Motor Transportation Patronize Balboa Rollerdrome Garages Begin Check

Of Private Vehicles

Between 5,000 and 6,000 motor vehicles owned by employees of the Company- Government and licensed in the Canal Zone for 1956, are slated for inspection at the Motor Transportation Division before the end of February this year. The inspection, required by the new traffic regulations which became effective last July 1, is the first of the sort for private vehicles in the Canal Zone. The private vehicle inspection began last Tuesday at the Motor Transporta- tion Division's garages at Ancon and Cristobal. Inspectors are working there daily between noon and 8 p. m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a. m. to 4

p. m. on Saturday. A fee of 50 cents is PART of the crowd of young people who turned out last month for the official opening of the new Bal- charged for the inspection, payable at the shown here. Later an older group of boys and girls took over the shining floor. boa skating rink are inspection point.

No vehicles which qualify for base Skaters of all sizes, ages, and shapes Marti, Bill Black, Bill Hatchett, and passes at military reservations are being jammed the new Balboa Rollerdrome on Donald Lee. examined or inspected by the Motor opening night, December 10, and they Following the floor show, the officers Transportation Division nor are cars li- have been cramming into it ever since. and members of the board of the Skating censed in the Republic of Panama. The At the end of the month, Mr. and Mrs. Club rolled onto the floor and were intro- Army, Air Force, and Navy are inspect- Ted Marti, who are guiding lights in local duced to the gallery full of guests by Mr. ing cars owned by their personnel. skating circles, say several hundred boys Marti. Speaking in their behalf, he ex- When cars satisfactorily pass the in- and girls from 4 to 64 had tried their pressed his thanks to Governor Seybold, spection, circular stickers are affixed on ankles in a whirl around the Rollerdrome's Wilson Crook, Community Services Di- a lower corner of the windshield and the plastic-coated hardwood floor. rector, and others who had made the new vehicle registration card is stamped "In- The rink, largest and newest of those rink possible. spected." If the vehicle does not pass inspection, in the Canal Zone, is located in a remod- The Skating Club has about 100 mem- the owner may have the de- eled warehouse in the so-called "300" bers, although an increase in membership fect fixed at a garage of his choice and area between Gaillard Highway and Di- is expected because of the new rink. Its then return the vehicle for a second in- ablo Road. It is owned by the Panama officers are: Mr. Marti, president; George spection; as a general thing, no charge will Canal Company but is licensed to the Lochner, vice president; Temple Plow- be made for the repeat inspection. Canal Zone Roller Skating Club just as man, secretary; and Mrs. Marti, treasurer. Vehicles which fail to pass inspection will the Little Theater in Ancon and the not be permitted on Zone highways after Hours Of Operation American Legion Club at Fort Amador February 29. respective groups. Rollerdrome is open four nights a are licensed to their The What Is Inspected Until last spring, the Canal Zone Skat- week—Monday, Wednesday, Fridays, and Vehicles are being inspected as to the ing Club members did their jumps and Saturday— from 6 to 10 p. m. There is also adequacy and condition of the. following swirls and pirouettes and fancy figures a matinee on Saturdays, from 2 to 4 in the equipment: Lights; lamp or turn-indica- at the gymnasium at Pedro Miguel. afternoon. Children up to 13 can skate tors (these are required only on vehicles When the townsite was abandoned the during the matinees and from 6 to 7 p. m. manufactured after January 1, 1956, or gymnasium was closed and they found After 7:30 the rink is restricted to the on vehicles where hand signals are not themselves homeless. older crowd. easily visible); brakes; steering mechan- Mr. and Mrs. Marti, who were leaders Only rink skates with wooden or plastic ism; wheel alignment; horns and warning in the club at Pedro Miguel, went to work wheels are allowed on the floor. Close to devices; rear-view mirrors; windshield to find a replacement rink. Eventually, 100 pairs are owned by the Club and are wipers; safety glass for windshields and through Governor Seybold's cooperation, rented at a nominal fee to skaters who doors; and mufflers. About 10 minutes the former warehouse was offered to do not have their own equipment. Another is the average inspection time for a ve- the Club through the Service Center 100 pairs of skates will be available about hicle. Division. the end of this month. Although inspection of vehicles licensed Building Renovated Mrs. Marti, who insists on good be- for commercial use has been required in haviour in any group with which she is The southerly portion of the building the Canal Zone for a number of years, associated, has specified that girls must had to be refloored so that it would pro- the inspection of private vehicles is new. wear skirts, dresses or skating costumes. vide a proper skating surface and the The provision was included in the traffic There will be no blue jeans or slacks posts which support the roof had to be regulations as a safety measure for the allowed in the Rollerdrome. The boys padded to prevent the skaters from hurt- motoring public and the Canal Zone pop- also come under the proper clothing ban. ing themselves—just in case a fast spin ulation in general. They must wear dress trousers, and shirts went out of control. Then a painting and with collars. The object of this specified final refurbishing was in order but finally garb is to eliminate rough-housing of on December 10, the new Rollerdrome any kind. was ready. 10 cents as an admission charge and an is provided by a additional 10 cents if The first skaters on the floor were the Music for skating they rent skates; for younger youngsters who had an hour to record player, housed in a booth at the this group the admission fee at the mati- relayed is cents plus whirl and twirl or, in same cases, simply side of the skating floor, and nee 20 a 15-cent skate rental. try the hazardous process of putting one through loud speakers. Children between 13 and 15 skate with foot in front of the other and making it Members of the Skating Club pay an the adult group and pay the 25-cent ad- stay there. initiation fee, monthly dues, and 25 cents mission charge, plus 15 cents for rental An hour floor show, given by skating to skate. Dance skating and figure skat- of skates. Those 15 years of age and up club members, followed. The performers ing lessons are free for members. For pay a 50-cent admission charge and rent included Becky Abell and Chuck Marx, others the fees are: Children under 13 years skates for 25 cents, for each afternoon Marie Powell, Lynne Jones, Jo Ann of age, who skate between 6 and 7 p. m., pay and evening session. January 6, 1956 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW

Solutions Of Problems

Here Are Urgent, Says Committee Chairman

A hopeful attitude toward the solution of the many problems which the Panama Canal administration and its employees now face or will face in the immediate future has been expressed by U. S. Rep- resentative Edward A. Garmatz, Chair- man of the House Subcommittee which held hearings here last month. In a special message to Canal employees through The Panama Canal Review, THE CONGRESSIONAL Subcommittee: Reps. T. James Tumulty, James A. Byrne, Chairman Edward ward A. Garmatz, John J. Allen, Jr., Francis E. Dorn, William S. Maillard, and William K. Van Pelt. Chairman Garmatz said that the very importance of the Panama Canal dictates the necessity of a solution to the problems. "There is no easy answer to a reconcil- iation of the aims of the Canal users, employees, and the Company-Government," he declared, "but the vital necessity of maintaining the Canal as both a defense weapon and a commercial asset dictates that a solution can and should be reached." "Most Favorably Impressed" The Chairman who presided at the three-day hearings and spent 10 days here early last month in collecting first- hand information on Canal operations said all members of the Committee were "most favorably impressed" with the op- THE AUDIENCE: Zonians crowded the Board Room during the hearings. Center foreground, profile to camera and wearing a light suit, is rtenotypist Leo Harrington whose work won Congressional praise. eration and pride in the Canal evidenced by employees in all categories. "The Subcommittee left the Zone with a feeling of having achieved progress toward a solution of some of the problems that beset the Company-Govern- ment and residents of the Canal Zone," Mr. Garmatz said. "For what was probably the first time, each of the organizations representing different segments and interests presented its ideas at a single set of hearings and thus gave the Subcommittee the opportunity of seeing the various viewpoints in relation to each other. "As for the problem of the Panama Railroad, the Subcommittee now has a better understanding of the situation and is hopeful that a proper answer can be found. "Every member was most favorably impressed with the efficiency of operation in the evidenced and pride Canal by LATER, COMMITTEE members inspacted the Commissaries. Above, at Balboa are: J. F. Evans, everyone from the clerks in the Commis- Manager, with Representatives Maillard, Garmatz, and Allen, Supply Director F. R. Johnson, and saries to the Governor. In turn, the Sub- Bernard Zincke, Committee Counsel. committee hopes that the residents be- lieve that they have the best interests of the Zone at heart and will do their utmost to protect and preserve the Panama Canal as a national heritage." First Such Hearings In light of other public statements issued by other members of the Subcom- mittee, Governor Seybold, representatives of employee organizations who testified at the hearings, and the rank and file of Canal employees, the statement by Con- gressman Garmatz to The Canal Re- view well expresses the feelings of all concerning the public hearings and the results which may be expected as a result of them. The hearings were the first of such a general nature ever held by the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Commit- tee which handles Panama Canal legislation. All sessions were attended by ca- AT TIYOLI Commissary, the Congressmen looked over the fresh vegetables. Left to right: Mr. Johnson, pacity audiences in the {See page IS) Representatives Byrne and Garmatz, with W. D. Marquard, Commissary Manager. THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW Januaiy 6, 1956 Jury Commissioners Chose 800 Zonians As Potential Jurors For Coming Year

Executive Order providing that in all capital cases the accused had the right of jury trial. This was not mandatory, but before the trial the defendant was required to indicate, in writing, whether he preferred trial by judge or jury. This meant, of course, that there would have to be a jury panel and a commission

to select it. The first local commission was made up of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the District Judge (whose func- tions were not comparable to those of the District Judge of today), and the Collec- tor of Internal Revenue in the district in which the crime had occurred. Their duty was to select 60 men, between the ages of 21 and 65, "in good standing and in full possession of their ordinary faculties." The prospective juror must have lived in the Canal Zone for at least three months and be literate in English. Just as they are today, attorneys, physicians, ministers, and members of the military, naval, and police forces were exempted from jury duty. Also ex- officers DRAWING the jury panel for the Canal Zone is serious business but the three Commissioners could empt were of the Isthmian Canal not resist laughing at a photographer's quip. They are, in the usual order, H. L. Anderson, G. C. Lock- Commission who ranked as resident engi- ridge, and G. N. Engelke. neers or higher. There was no specifica- tion as to citizenship in the original order. day last month three men sat in and sealed keys to him. They would not One First Jury In 1908 the airy, panelled courtroom of the Uni- again be touched until a jury was needed. ted States District Court at Ancon. All of this means that a Zonian's chance The first jury trial in the Canal Zone held in Cristobal There they chose the 800 sober, intelli- of being drawn for jury duty is not too was on March 19 and gent, discreet, impartial, literate, English- great. There is only one chance in 12 that 20, 1908. The defendant, charged with speaking adult United States citizens liv- his name will be among the 800 and once the death of the second officer of the SS Colon ing in the Canal Zone from among whom in the boxes there is no great possibility during an altercation on the Cris- Canal Zone juries will be selected for the that it will ever be drawn for the jury tobal docks, was acquitted. next year. panel from which the actual juries are This jury system remained in effect The three men, who constitute the drawn. On the other hand, like lightning, until the enactment of the Panama Canal Canal Zone Jury Commission, were H. L. jury service does sometimes strike twice Act on August 24, 1912. The act, among Anderson, Chief of the General Services and a Zonian may be called for more than other things, reorganized the judicial sys- Section of the Administrative Branch; one jury panel during the year his name tem and left it entirely up to the District George N. Engelke, Assistant General remains in the box. Court to provide for the selection of jur- Manager of the Commissary Division; No Early Juries ors, the sole restriction being that they must be United States citizens. Ten years and G. C. Lockridge, who heads the phys- A jury system for the Canal Zone is later Congressional action specified that a ical education and athletics program of several years younger than the Zone it- juror might serve only in the district from the Canal Zone schools. It was Mr. En- s?lf. Originally, a capital case (that is which he was drawn. gelke's last meeting with the group. He one in which a death sentence may be From time to time there were attempts will retire from the Canal service and imposed) was tried before a judge and to change the jury system. During con- leave the Isthmus within a few months. two "triers in fact" who were not neces- struction days, there was some feeling The commissioners were appointed by sarily members of the judiciary. Old that jurors were being delayed too long District Judge Guthrie F. Crowe, and the Canal files do not show what disposition by court hearings which kept them away rules which they followed in selecting the was made of non-capital cases. from their work and as Commissioner potential jurors were prescribed by him. This was the system in effect in Jan- Joseph Blackburn wrote in 1908, "the He also specified who was to be exempted uary 1907, when Adolphus Coulson, a purpose of the United States upon this from jury service. By his directive the West Indian laborer, was convicted of the Isthmus is for the purpose of building names of no practicing attorneys, physi- murder of his wife. Coulson appealed to the canal." In 1914, Judge William H. cians, dentists, undertakers, ministers of the Canal Zone Supreme Court on the Jackson suggested that juries be reduced established religions, members of the mil- grounds that he was not tried by a jury, to six members, except for capital offenses. itary, naval, or air forces, policemen and but his appeal was denied. Others held that juries were not likely to firemen, teachers in the Canal Zone As it happened, two United States be impartial and questioned the advisa- schools or officials and employees of the Congressmen were visiting the Isthmus bility of having Panama Railroad employ- court are included in the selected 800. at that time. They became interested in ees, for instance, sit on juries in cases Chosen From 10,000 the case and engaged a Boston lawyer to involving the railroad. The names of the prospective and po- apply to the United States Supreme Women On Juries tential jurors were selected from the more Court for a writ of error. In effect, the than 111,000 adult United States citizens appeal was a test to see whether the right One long drawn-out problem was that living in the Canal Zone. Those who sat of trial by jury, as guaranteed under the of women on juries. Twenty years ago on juries last year were exempted. United States Constitution, extended to Frank EL Wang, then Counsel for The Four hundred of the 800 names the the Canal Zone. On November 9, 1908, Panama Canal, advocated women as jur- the commissioners chose were those of Atlan- Supreme Court dismissed Coulson's ors. He pointed out that the State of tic siders, and the remaining 400 live on appeal. He was hanged March 12, 1909, California, whose codes formed the basis the Pacific side of the Canal Zone. Each at Culebra, the second of the six men for the Canal Zone Code, had had women set of names was put in a mahogany box who have been executed by Canal Zone jurors since 1917. A few years later the and the boxes locked. The keys were civil authorities. Balboa Civic Council sponsored a ballot ssaled into envelopes and across each flap Presidential Ortler in which residents voted overwhelmingly the commissioners signed their names. But in the meantime, the case had in favor of the women. But it was not When all of this was done, the commis- attracted considerable attention in the until PWO that the names of women living sioners called C. T. McCormick, Clerk of United States. On February 6, 1908, in the Canal Zone were included in the the Court, and handed the locked boxes President Theodore Roosevelt issued an jury panels. The first (See page 16) .

January 6, 1956 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW Upwelling Brings Cold Water Annually In Natural Phenomenon Of Panama Bay

One of the major natural phenomena of this area -the decided drop in sea temperatures of Panama Bay — is scheduled for its annual appearance within the next few weeks. While the appearance of cold water in the bay is of casual interest to most residents of the Isthmus, it is of special interest to at least three well-defined groups- swimmers, fishermen, and scientists. And naturally it is of far greater interest to the fish and other inhabitants of the bay below and above the surface. For the swimmers it means an invig- orating swim or a chilly dip into the water, depending upon the temperature. For fishermen it means a zestful sport for amateurs or money in the bank for those who fish for a livelihood. For scientists it is a many-faceted puz- zle of nature to be solved. And, for the fish and the birds who patrol the bay for food, it is a life-and- death proposition. Dry Season Phenomenon The appearance of cold water, 72° or below, in the bay is confined to the dry season. Its earliest appearance over a 40-year PELICANS AND OTHEB feathered fishermen swarm over Balboa Harbor during one of the "runs" record kept by the Meteorological and Hy- of sardines. Many think the sardine (or anchovy) runs are only made during seasons of cold water in the bay but this is not true. The above picture was taken near the Sailfish in drographic Branch at Balboa Heights was Club July. January 7 in 1917, but the average date for the sea temperature to drop is Jan- records over the part of the Pacific adja- graphic Branch over the past 46 years uary 28. The duration of the cold water cent to Panama indicate a maximum up- which show that the mean sea level at also has a wide range from year to year, welling near the edge of the continental Balboa is much lower during the cold- from nine to as many as 110 days, with shelf just south of the entrance of the water period. According to a report made the average being 64 days or slightly Gulf of Panama. The coldest water sur- by L. T. Chapel, formerly Assistant Chief over two months. face is found in this area with water tem- Hydrographer, on sea temperatures of Pan- 5° Just as the dates of its appearance and peratures averaging below those in ama Bay, the mean sea level is sometimes disappearance vary widely, the sea tem- Balboa Harbor. one foot or more lower during the season of peratures themselves have a wide varia- Tradewinds Cause Upwelling cold water than at other times of the year. This condition, he concluded, as have tion. The lowest daily mean recorded was While the upwelling of water causes the 63° highest others who have studied the subject, in 1910 and 1916, while the sea temperatures to drop during the dry 75° recorded in 1928 and indicates a close connection with both mean of was season, the cause for the upwelling is be- winds and oceanic circulation. again in 1941. lieved to be the trade winds. In the While there are many causes and effects Pacific coast the prevailing winds blow A continuous record of sea tempera- still to determined tures in of the cold water be off shore which tend to carry the warm Balboa Harbor has been kept cause by scientific study, the immediate and light surface water away from the since 1909. The temperatures are re- is known to be an upswelling in Panama coast to be replaced by the cold water corded by a water thermograph submerged Bay. The popular theory that the Hum- drawn from moderate depths. three feet to show the temperature of the boldt, or Peruvian, Current sweeps into These facts are supported by observa- surface layer. Values are recorded every the bay on seasonal extensions northward tions of the Meteorological and Hydro- two hours with both daily and monthly has long since been disproved. Oceano- means being tabulated. graphers now know that this major Pacific The monthly average sea and air tem- current turns westward near the Equator, peratures at Balboa over the 40-year per- more than 800 miles south of Panama, iod wr hich Mr. Chapel's report covered, and only those completely ignorant of the showed the following variation by months facts now advance the theory that the during the first half year when sea tem- Humboldt influences the sea tempera- peratures vary the greatest: tures this far north or has any direct Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June effects on Panama Bay. Sea 79 75 74 77 82 83 Humboldt Not Cause Air 80 80 82 82 81 80 In this connection it is an odd fact that the Humboldt Current turns westward During the last six months of the year much farther south during the winter the sea temperature averaged 81 to 83 months (January through March) when degrees, and air temperatures averaged Panama Bay waters are coldest, than in 79 or 80 degrees. An odd fact is that in the other months of the year. On its journey the 40 years of record average sea and are the north it meets that warm Equatorial air temperatures same over a one- countercurrent, known as El Nino, and year period, both being 80 degrees despite their merging results in various meteor- variations in the sea temperatures. ological and oceanic phenomena along the The advent of cold water in Panama coast of great scientific interest. Among Bay brings shivers to the average swim- these are the wholesale killing of fish by mer who haunts the beaches on a year- the infusion of hydrogen sulphide, and around basis. Generally, most swimmers abnormal weather conditions resulting in continue their sport throughout most of great floods or periods of extreme aridity. the dry season since the water tempera- The upwelling of deep, cold water in ture rarely drops below 70 degrees. When Panama Bay is not a phenomenon peculiar the temperature is below 70 degrees, how- A LIVE CARPET of sardines was caught in this to this area, but occurs along of the ever, only the hardiest brave the chill much remarkable photograph. The dark section at the Pacific coast. Available sea temperature upper right is water comparatively free of the fish jam water even on the clear, (See page 12) THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW January 6, 1 956

FOR YOUR INTEREST AND GUIDANCE IN ACCIDENT PREVENTION THINKING IN THE FUTURE

The New Year always brings out its ing to us at the existing present moment. skill will depend upon how well you can crop of seers with their predictions and Thus, we often tell two or more versions look ahead and plan your work safely. claims for looking into our future. How- of the same event, and no two eye wit- Don't be like the drill press operator who ever, some professors and writers say we nesses ever agree on the same details. was so intent on getting his machine live mostly in the past. Possibly that may This future thinking becomes very started that he forgot to remove the be true but there is one thing sure: Our important to our immediate safety. As chuck wrench which he was holding be- minds are not always conscious of the an example, suppose you are driving a fore he pressed the starter button, and would not have present, otherwise nature car. If you are paying attention to the lost a finger. Or the lathe operator who equipped us to react involuntarily in road and traffic ahead of you and are not was so busy securing the piece of steel times of danger. We live mostly in the daydreaming, you see the approaching safely in the lathe he forgot to remove future and our minds are occupied with car keep checking to see that he and the gloves from his hands. The lathe did what we are going to do next. It may be stays on his side of the road. You see the it for him. narrowed down to the next minute at car ahead going your way and judge the about Another accident victim was so intent times, but usually we are thinking speed with which you are overtaking it, we on holding a wire sling in place that he a more distant future such as what so you can decide whether to pass it be- failed to remove his hand from between are going to eat for dinner, or what we fore you reach the next curve, or pass it are going to do after work. after the approaching car has passed, or the wire cable and the box when the Isn't a daydream just a pleasant pic- slow down to await a safer opportunity winch operator started to lift the box. ture of yourself as a hero of the future? for passing. Now his hand is crippled. Don't think

Isn't that why we are so taken by sur- If it is in open country (like Texas) like the grass cutter who failed to put a prise when sudden events bring us back your future thinking is away out front. handle on that file for sharpening his ma- to the existing moment? Our minds don't If it is in a crowded city your future chete, then had it stick him in the back seem to be able to grasp events happen- thinking is nearer, maybe by seconds, to when he slipped down a slope. The worst

the existing moment and necessity for thinking of all is the person who says "I immediate evasive action. A skilled HONOR ROLL have been doing it that way for twenty driver does not have to think about the Bureau Award For years and I haven't had an accident yet." mechanics of driving because he has BEST RECORD He is the person the writers are talking trained his muscles to operate with a about when they say "we live in the past" NOVEMBER small part of his brain, leaving the most for it is apparent that his future is very important part to look ahead and keep SUPPLY BUREAU uncertain. him out of danger. HEALTH BUREAU It is evident that our continued exist- An unskilled driver, or learner, has to ence depends just as much upon our abil- CIVIL AFFAIRS BUREAU give all his attention to the mechanics of ity to think about what we are preparing THIS CALENDAR YEAR driving. Thus he doesn't see others clear- AWARDS as to are or, if he does, his car stalls, gets on the to do what we doing at the mo- Community Services 6 ly Prepare Engineering and Construction 4 wrong side of the road, or runs into some- ment. your work ahead to pre- Health 4 thing before he realizes his danger. vent accidents. Then make sure that Supply 4 Our ability to extend our thinking well while you are doing it you are also pay- Civil Affairs 3 ing strict attention to your safety as the Transportation and Terminals 1 ahead of the existing present moment and Marine back again determines our skill in keep- work is being done. In this way you will ing us out of trouble and sudden death. always stand a better chance of being Division Award For enjoy NO DISABLING INJURIES This future thinking should also take able to the future predicted by the place in mind while at work. Your crystal-ball gazers. NOVEMBER your DIVISION COMMISSARY Disabling Injuries per 1,000,000 Man-Hours Worked

LOCKS DIVISION NOVEMBER 1955 ( Frequency Rale) HOSPITALIZATION AND CLINICS INDUSTRIAL DIVISION ELECTRICAL DIVISION Supply Bureau

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE DIVISION Health Bureau MOTOR TRANSPORTATION DIVISION RAILROAD DIVISION Civil Affairs Bureau

STOREHOUSES DIVISION Marine Bureau HOUSING DIVISION Z. Govt. -Panama Canal Co. (This Month) AIDS TO NAVIGATION C.

SANITATION DIVISION Community Services Bureau

AWARDS THIS CALENDAR YEAR Transportation and Terminals Bureau Aids to Navigation. 10

Housing 10 Engineering and Construction Bureau Sanitation 10 Electrical 8 C. Z. Govl.-Panama Canal Co. I Last 3-Year Av.) Grounds Maintenance 8

Industrial , 8 Maintenance 8 Motor Transportation 8

Service Center 7 Number of Disabling Injuries 9 Man-Hours Worked 2,125,359 Storehouses 7 Railroad 6 LEGEND Dredging 5 Amount Better Than Canal Zone Government—Panama Canal Company Last 3-Year Average Commissary 4 Hospitalization and Clinics 4 Locks 2 J Amount Worse Than Canal Zone Government— Panama Canal Company Last 3-Year Average Terminals 1 Navigation -- 1 Accumulative Frequency Rate This Year —

January 6, 1956 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW OF CURRENT INTEREST

Official Panama Canal Company Publication Candidates For Training Published Monthly at BALBOA HEIGHTS, CANAL ZONE

Printed by the Printing Plant

Mount Hope, Canal Zone

John S. Seybold, Governor-President

H. W. Schull, Jr. Lieutenant Governor

William G. Arey, Jr. Public Information Officer

J. Rufus Hardy, Editor Eleanor H. McIlhenny Assistant Editor

ONE OF THESE six will be nominated SUBSCRIPTION—$1.00 a year by Governor Seybold as the Canal's representative at the Civil Service Intern Training Program which begins in Washington at the end of this month.

Six of the SINGLE COPIES— 5 cents each 17 employees from the Company-Government named by their Bureau Directors as candidates qualified in the national test. The six, shown above, left to right, are: Carl M. Pajak, Systems Accountant On sale at all Panama Canal Service Cen- in the Office of the Comptroller; Bennett G. Tipton, Supervisory Administrative Assistant in the Cristobal Port ters, Commissaries, and Hotels for 10 days Captain's Office; Mr. H. W. Osborn; John R. Hammond, Jr., Mechanical Engineer in the Engineering Division; Donald R. Brayton, Panama after publication date. Railroad Yardmaster; and William A. Wich- mann, Auditor wath the Internal Audit Staff.

The six candidates were SINGLE COPIES BYMAIL-10 cents each interviewed by the Administrative Intern Selection Committee late last month. BACK COPIES— 10 cents each

On sale, when available, from the Vault Thirty-five years of active service with are invited to attend. In addition, members Clerk, Third Floor, Administration Building, the United States Army have ended for are being encouraged to bring prospective Governor S. Seybold; Balboa Heights. J. he is now Major members as their guests to this general General Seybold, USA, Ret. meeting so that they may receive first-hand The first local public announcement of information as to the activities of the Amer- the Governor's new status ican Automobile Association Postal money orders should be made pay- was made dur- prior to joining ing the Congressional hearings last month the local Club. able to the Treasurer, Panama Canal Com- when the Governor, appearing before the A buffet supper will be served and officers pany, and mailed to Editor, The Panama committee, identified himself as a retired will be elected for the coming year. Canal Review, Balboa Heights, C. Z. major general. His retirement was announced elsewhere in the semi-official Army, Navy, and Air Force Journal of December io. MEDAL HOLDER RETIRES The late President Woodrow Wilson, Several Governors have held the rank of who as President was closely connected with Major General during their tour of duty the latter part of the construction period here, but Governor Seybold is the only one for the Panama Canal, will be honored here to be given a major general's two stars this year, the hundredth anniversary of his upon his retirement from the Army by birth. A proclamation issued by Governor special Congressional action. Seybold last month designated the entire year as "Woodrow Wilson Centennial Year." In the proclamation, Governor Seybold called on "all residents of the Canal Zone In November, representatives of the Suez to join in this observance with the full reali- Canal Company visited the Canal Zone. zation of the great contribution to our January will bring representatives of another nation and our ideals made by Woodrow waterway the St. Lawrence Seaway. Ac- — Wilson." cording to a report published in Washington, last month United States and Canadian He also called on public and private or- members of the tolls committee of the sea- ganizations in the Canal Zone to sponsor way, which is scheduled to open in 1959, programs in commemoration of the twenty- will visit the Canal Zone to study the hand- eighth president of the United States. ling of cargo ships and the collection of tolls.

The St. Lawrence Seaway group is due in the Canal Zone about January 17. As Meyer S. Slotkin, new Chief of the newly- of late last month, Canal authorities had crsated Specifications and Estimates Branch not been notified as to how many members of the Engineering Division, arrived on the would be in the two-nation party. Isthmus during December from Hunting- ton, W. Va., where he held a similar job with the Huntington District Corps of En- gineers. The annual meeting of the Panama THE LAST woman in the Canal service to hold a and Canal Zone Automobile Club will be held The new Engineering Branch, of which medal for construction day service retired last at p. m., January in the ballroom Mr. Slotkin is the head, is month when Mrs. Lea K. Dugan, above, did her 7 16, of composed of six the Tivoli Guesthouse. members of the Engineering Division. last bit of clerical work in the Dietary Department They are E. M. McGinnis, Otis C. of Gorgas Hospital. Born in Norway and brought up For the first time in its history the Club Myers, Daniel M. Eggleston, Ocus S. Kleinfelder, in North Dakota, she came to the Canal Zone in 190S. will show a moving picture at a meeting. John E. Davis, and L. M. Warren. From 1911 until her marriage in 1916, she worked in This is to be a sound film on the history of the various commissaries. She returned to the Canal development and use of the automo- In addition to the preparation of specifi- service in 1942 and since that time has been with the bile. The Club plans to acquire several cations and estimates, the new Branch Health Bureau. Last August she was decorated by safety films in the near future. These will takes care of the preparation of contract Norway for her volunteer work with Gorgas Hospi- be shown to various groups in an effort to modifications and supporting papers; the tal patients who speak only the Scandinavian lang- continue the "S. D." —or Safety Day processing of the technical aspects of uages. She will remain here until spring and after campaign during the entire year. claims; and the programming of funds and several months of travel will live near Springfield, 111. All members of the Club and their wives work. —

THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW January 6, 1956 Tireless Chinese Gardeners Provide Fresh Vegetables For People Of Zone

Few local color slide or black-and-white money to send for a wife, Mr. Chan says. photograph collections are without one of They now have several children. Like the Canal Zone's most typical pictures most of the gardeners, he speaks very a Chinese gardener plodding between rows little— English and not much more Span- of beans or carrots or heading cabbage, ish "just enough to sell," Mr. Chan his sprinkling cans hung from a shoulder explains. yoke. Only a few of the truck gardeners are It is not difficult to get such a picture. married. Most of them, like Tom Kong Except during a heavy rain, there is Yu who holds the license for the truck almost no hour between sunrise and sun- garden near the Limits in Balboa, live in set when a photographer cannot find at a sort of bachelor establishment with least one coolie-hatted Chinese watering their employees, taking turns gardening his bright green vegetables in one of the and housekeeping. 14 truck gardens in the Canal Zone. And At the Limits garden, Tom Kong Yu during the dry season, the sprinkling is and his four workers, three of whom were repeated five or six times a day. born in Panama, live on the larger of the Growing of garden truck by the inde- two plots he holds. This one-and-a-half fatigible Chinese gardeners in what is hectare plot is licensed as an agricultural now the Canal Zone dates back much and dwelling area. The smaller plot further than any living Isthmian can gives him space for his sales store. probably remember. For information as Incidentally, Tom Kong Yu is one of to who these present day gardeners are the few Chinese gardeners who may and how they work, The Panama Canal properly be called "Tom," although that Review turned to Harry Chan, a retired has been the name by which Canal Zone Canal employee now operating the housewives have addressed the purveyors restaurant at the Balboa YMCA-USO. WATERING POTS on a shoulder yoke are standard of their green goods for many years. equipment for the Chinese truck gardeners. From South China Commissary Priority Tung Province in south China. Mr. Chan, who ran a general store in Kwang Like the other truck gardeners, Sang Tung, whose capital is Canton, is one of Culebra during construction days and Lee and Tom Kong Yu agreed, when the most fertile and highly cultivated later worked for the Canal organization their licenses were issued, to abide by provinces of China, or was before the for many years, is one of the unofficial sanitary and other regulations of the off from the sponsors, interpreters and trouble shoot- Bamboo curtain shut China Canal Zone. They may not use manure rest of the world. ers for the Chinese gardeners. Hawaiian- to fertilize their gardens; they must wash Chinese In addition to their heritage of farming born, he speaks five or six of the all vegetables in running water before skill, the people from Tung languages and can understand —and make Kwang they can be sold, and they must keep have inherited wanderlust; them understand him—most of the local province a their premises in accordance with sanitary they used to travel abroad much more truck farmers. regulations. The basic rules have even than any other single group of Chinese. Scarcely a month goes by that some of been translated into Chinese for their the gardeners do not come to him with Few Are Married benefit. their problems, personal or professional. Sang Lee, who runs one of the gardens All of the truck gardeners also agree, Frequently he makes the rounds of the near Corozal, is a typical Cantonese. He when their plots are licensed, to give the gardens with one of the sanitary inspec- has been in the Canal Zone at least a Commissary Division first call on their tors, who see to it that all health regula- quarter of a century; he set up his first produce. Arthur S. Miller, buyer for the tions are being complied with. Mr. Chan garden near Diablo Heights. When commissaries, makes regular rounds of then translates into Chinese any instruc- Diablo Heights began to expand, his the gardens, ordering vegetables for tions or criticisms the inspector may license there was canceled and he was delivery the following day. make. assigned to a new plot of ground just off The surplus from the gardens may then Most of the Canal Zone truck garden- Gaillard Highway. be offered to individual purchasers, ers, Mr. Chan says, come from Kwang Some years ago he saved enough although the gardeners must give priority on sales to residents of the Canal Zone or to Zone employees and members of the armed forces who may live in Panama.

None of the gardeners raise all the produce they sell from their little stands. Some of the fruit for which they do not have space or proper land, like pineapples and oranges, is bought from the market in wholesale lots and resold at retail. Even here, they are restricted. The sanitary inspectors ask them to buy any such items from shipments coming 'nto Pan- ama City from El Valle, the Volcan or Boquete, all highland regions. Pre-Dates Canal Truck gardening by Chinese gardeners in the Canal Zone area is much older than the Canal Zone. Early Canal files men- tion the $6 a year rate charged by the French Canal Company for a hectare of land used for agricultural purposes. Early Canal Zone officials considered this rate much too high and reduced it to $3 a year.

In 1906, the Isthmian Canal Commis- sion received a letter from the Wah Me Hing Company of Baltimore, Washing- IN RAISED BEDS, carefully fertilized and watered sometimes half a dozen times a day, grow the parsley and lettuce and radishes of the Chinese gardens. ton and Hong Kong, asking permission January 6, 1956 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW

to establish 10 or 15 truck gardens in the Canal Zone. Another Familiar Face Disappears "The primary purpose of these gar- As "Texas" Ends Tivoli Service dens," the company wrote, "would be the maintenance and health of the coolie laborers, but the sale of vegetables and Maybe the Canal builder from Texas produce would add to the health and was homesick and maybe his waiter at comfort of any workers." the Empire "hotel" reminded him of someone from home. However it hap- The first of this chain of garden-stores pened, he nicknamed Edward Robinson located at Empire, the second was to be "Texas." The nickname has accompan- between Mindi and Cristobal, and the ied the slight, 120-pounder ever since. third near Panama. The Government In fact, some of his bosses at the Tiv- of Panama gave its official blessing to the oli Guest House did not know his proper project, provided the Chinese did not name until just before Edward Robinson reside in the Republic but the old files give wound up his Canal service recently. no indication as to whether the plan was He was only a "lad of 15 years and 2 ever carried out. weeks" when he came to the Canal Zone However the gardens were established, in 1909 from Manchester Parish, Jamaica, there was truck farming by Chinese in at the suggestion of a cousin who was a the Canal Zone during the very early part helper in one of the Canal's machine shops. of the construction period. Oldtimers Within a few days he had a job as recall that the gardeners not only messenger at the Tavernilla Hotel and it planted the seeds, fertilized and watered was only a few months later that he had the plants, weeded the rows and har- learned enough of the trade from some vested the crops, but also peddled their of the older men to become a waiter. vegetables from door to door in baskets Breakfast For Goethals

hung from the same kind of shoulder is what everyone calls Edward All of his Canal career has had to do "TEXAS" Robinson yokes as they use to carry their watering with the business of feeding people. Like cans today. early to serve "The Colonel" a breakfast most of the oldtimers, he has worked all of melon, toast, poached eggs, bacon, and By 1908, the old records show, there over the place—Tavernilla, Balboa, Pedro coffee before Colonel Goethals took off at were 42 Canal Zone land leases for gar- Miguel, Gorgona, Ancon, and, for the 6:30 a. m. for his daily trips "along the dens in the names of Chinese. (It is last 34 years, at the Tivoli as a waiter, line." The Colonel was seldom home for impossible to resist reporting here that floor captain, and occasionally as head- lunch, "Texas" says, but generally one gardener, not Chinese, was named waiter. was back in time for dinner at 7 o'clock. Samuel Parsly.) For three months in 1913, he was Another period when "Texas" was on assigned to the Goethals house in Cule- Stimulated By Wars loan from the Canal organization proper bra as a waiter. That meant getting up About the time of World War I, the was during the 1920's when he was Supply Department operated what was assigned to the home of the United States and also added to the variety of the known as the "Cattle Industry." This Minister, Dr. John G. South, as waiter. fruits and vegetables they grew. included a number of truck gardens. Mr. That assignment lasted a full year. Today's truck gardens range in size Chan remembers two large gardens of "Texas" can't remember all of the fam- from a half-hectare plot at Cocoli to a this sort, one at Summit where about 15 ous people he has served during his many two-and-a-half hectare piece of land at Chinese grew vegetables and fruit, and years as the man behind the white nap- Summit. All but two of them are on the another not far from Frijoles. Frijoles kin. Three he does remember are the Pacific side of the Isthmus. papayas are still about the best on the Prince of Wales, now the Duke of Wind- There are four gardens at Corozal, Isthmus; the trees on which they grow sor, and the Duke and Duchess of York- more than in any other community and may be holdovers from this old garden. all "fine people." Sir Claude Mallett,- all of them close to Gaillard Highway. The gardeners operated on a share- British Minister to Panama, and Lady Balboa, Miraflores, Margarita, and Mount cropper basis; the bulk of their produce Mallett were his frequent customers, as Hope have one garden each; Cocoli, went to the commissaries but they could were R. K. Morris, once the Canal's Chief Paraiso and Summit have two apiece. retain one-third for private sale. Quartermaster, and Mrs. Morris. The two gardens at Cocoli are licensed Fathers And Sons World War II, with its supply problems to the same man, Chan Wei. Several of gave another impetus to truck gardening the other gardeners are related and in He remembers, with considerable affec- in the Canal Zone. At this time, the many cases the licensee has relatives tion, the small boys and girls he served gardeners increased both their output working for him. many years ago when they were brought to the Tivoli for what was obviously their first meal away from home. He served at the high school proms and wedding recep- tions of some of them later and, still later, served their children when the youngsters were old enough to be taken into a hotel dining room. In all his years of being a waiter, he can hardly help having become a shrewd judge of human nature. Once in a while he encountered difficult customers but most of the people he has served have been easy to get along with. He observes regretfully, however, that today's Zon- ians are not quite as polite and nowhere nearly as formal as people were 30 years ago. Since his retirement, he has been living at his home in the San Miguel section of Panama City. He is married and to a good cook, too; his wife cooked for Maj. Gen. Preston Brown and later for Dr. Herbert Clark for many years. He is undecided whether he will stay in Pan- ama or go back to Jamaica where he still has two brothers and two sisters. What-

LITTLE STORES like this one are the retail sales o jtli-ts t.ir nmst i.t tin- Liumi-:.*; the Canal commis- ever he does, the best wishes of his friends saries have first call on the produce and a buyer shops them regularly. and former customers will go with him. 10 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW January 6, 1956 Zone's Junior College Is Fulfilling Expressed Aims, Evaluators Report

(Following is the last in a series of tour stantly on their observations and dis- additional courses in the Humanities: Balboa and articles reviewing reports on cussed and agreed on their opinions and Philosophy, logic, ethics, religion, history Cristobal High Schools and the Canal Zone recommendations. of art; consider adding child psychology Junior College. The reports were prepared by Visiting Committees representing the By subjects, their comments and rec- and other work in this area; have a pro- Middle States Association of Colleges and ommendations are summarized as follows: gram which capitalizes to a still greater Secondary Schools. The Committee was Organization: The members of the extent upon the favorable aspects of the here last February and March to evaluate Committee were impressed by the inter- College's location; and place every part the three schools for accreditation.) est, enthusiasm, and spirit of the admin- of the program, including physical educa- "Although statistical evidence is not istrative officers, faculty, and students. tion and athletics, directly under the available, it is quite clear to the Commit- The simple organization and financing Dean. tee that the Junior College is fulfilling its appear to be adequate. Personnel services Resources: The library, which serves expressed aim of providing opportunity and activities provided for the students both Balboa High School and the Junior for young American citizens to enjoy the are entirely satisfactory. College, has large, pleasant and well- advantages of the first two years of a The committee recommended that lighted quarters, and the librarian has a traditional American college program, standing committees be organized among fine professional background of prepara- even though far removed from the main- the faculty in such areas as curriculum tion and experience. The collection is land of their homeland. development and standing of students. adequate for a small junior college and "The quality of instruction is good. Other organizational recommendations the science material is unusually good. The rapport between students and faculty included suggestions for keeping and filing Students receive excellent training in the of is good. Though limited, the course offer- student records; some rearrangement use of the library. ings are adequate for a small college." space to provide the Dean with a private Recommendations in this field include With the above statement, the Evalu- office; provision for exchange professor- suggestions that: Separate statistical rec- ating Committee which studied the Canal ships with colleges in the United States, ords of the use of the library should be Zone Junior College, in March of last year and arrangements to bring, every second kept for high school and college students; summarized its impressions of the college, or third year, a visiting professor to the a browsing corner might be included in its personnel, and its curriculum. To the Canal Zone for a two or three-week stay the library; a library committee of three above, the evaluators added, toward the to conduct a "teachers' institute." college faculty members and the librarian end of their 14-page, single-spaced report: Program : The course offerings in com- is recommended; the librarian should have "By now it should be apparent that mercial subjects, English, physical and the status of a college faculty member; the members of the Committee were im- biological science, and social science are the fiction collection should be increased; pressed by what they observed, what they strong. Those in mathematics and engin- and some structural changes, to prevent read, what they heard." eering are average. The chief weakness glare from the windows, should be stud- The Committee on Evaluation was in balance is displayed in the offerings in ied. In any plans for rebuilding, or re- comprised of Charles A. Seidle, Director the Humanities. modeling, two needs of the library should of Admissions, Lehigh University in Beth- The library is being used effectively, be kept in mind: A separate conference lehem, Pa., and Paul D. Shafer, President and in both biology and geology constant room, and a library work room. of Packer Collegiate Institute in Brook- use is being made of the outdoor world Building, Grounds, and Equipment: Panama, lyn, N. Y. Both studied the "self-evalu- in both the Canal Zone and The college is housed in an attractive, tion" report of the Canal Zone Junior with frequent field trips. The program well-built, reinforced concrete structure, College, met with student and faculty of physical education is satisfactory, and adjacent to and connected with the high groups, visited classes, interviewed the the athletic activities are as extensive as school building. The buildings and dean, and examined the College records possible. grounds are well kept up. Most college the during their three-day visit. Each evalu- In this field the committee made needs are well-met by facilities provided. Build the ator was responsible for certain segments following recommendations: up Science equipment is fine; classrooms are consider of the report, but they conferred con- Foreign Language Department; satisfactory in size and lighting; the com- merce department has good equipment. Recommendations are: Physical separ- ation of the Balboa High School from the Canal Zone Junior College; an audi- torium should be provided; the Dean should have a private office; there should be a rest room or infirmary for girl students; a faculty lounge should be provided; equipment which should be acquired includes a sound-motion-picture machine, a recorder for speech and dramatics, a record player, a silent record player for the library, new maps for history courses, higher tables for typewriters; fire-proof dormitories, and a fire-proof vault for per- manent records. Finances: The financial accounts are well-managed; the administration of the college should make certain that the needs of the college are recognized at all times. Recommendations include the provision of $6,000 in the next budget to provide for 10 scholarships. In other phases of the evaluation, the committee considered that the catalogue was well-designed, well-edited, and well- printed, and that the college influence on the community had not been properly assessed. They urged that an effort be made to follow the achievement of Junior College students in the four-year colleges to which they transfer and suggested that the college administer national tests to Canal Zone compare the achievement of its students A FULL HOUSE of Deans appears here. At the far right is Roger C. Hackett, Dean of the of Men. with national norms. Junior College, at his right Dr. Dorothy Moody, Dean of Women, and James A. Lyons, Dean —

January 6, 1 956 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW 11 The Review's Review Of The Year

Looking backward, the calendar year 1955 was eventful for the Canal Zone. de Balboa was presented to retiring Police Capt. John M. Fahnestock, of Cristobal. The year began with shock and grief over the death of Panama's President Jose A. Medical teams began inoculating first Remon. A new treaty between the United States and Panama, which would have and second graders with Salk vaccine. far-reaching effects on both sides of the border, was signed and ratified. The ven- erable Panama Railroad celebrated its centennial. AUGUST Canal traffic and tolls reached an all-time high in the fiscal year which ended Ratifications of the new United States- June 30. Purchases in Panama for the same period topped all previous figures by Panama Treaty were exchanged in Wash- ington, concluding almost two years of nego- almost $250,000. A total of 8,348 Salk polio inoculations were given Zone children tiations. Some provisions were effective at and expectant mothers. Plans were announced for a unified payroll. once, others had specific dates, and some The year's visitors included the Vice President of the United States, several Cab- were contingent on legislation.

inet members, and a number of Congressmen. Conversion of the power system to The Panama Canal celebrated its forty- first (ill cycles proceeded apace and the work of cutting back Contractors Hill to remove birthday on August 15 without fanfare. Close to 250,000 ships had transited the a potential menace to shipping was completed. waterway since its opening in 1914. The Panama Canal Company faced a $25,000,000 suit brought by a shipping com- A ban on the sale and use of fireworks bine seeking to collect "excess tolls" and, during the last month of the year, Zonians in the Canal Zone, except by authorized followed closely developments of a Congressional sub-committee hearing on Canal groups became effective August 30. The affairs. Employment and Utilization Division of the Personnel Bureau moved to Building 69 on JANUARY new post in Washington; for the fourth Roosevelt Avenue. Flags were half-staffed for the death of time in Canal history a Marine Superin- Police Capt. Rodger Griffith was promoted Panama's president. The Canal Company intendent was Acting Governor. Joseph M. to Major and succeeded Maj. George Her- Board of Directors met at Balboa Heights, Cooke, of Charleston, W. Va., was ap- man as Police Chief. Other police promo- restored reduced rates on the Panama Line, pointed Designing Engineer to succeed F. tions followed. Policemen and firemen, as condemned the hazard of low-flying planes H. Irwin, soon to retire. the result of Congressional action, were over Balboa, dealt with other Company The first children received Salk polio given pay raises. matters. The Companv submitted to Con- vaccinations. A major painting and refurb- gress an $89,305,000 budget for Fiscal Year ishing of the Canal Zone was under way. SEPTEMBER 1956. The new treaty was signed in Panama. Contracts during the month included one A seven percent rent discount appeared for the equipment and conversion of the Governor Seybold asked and received on January paychecks. Two large contracts Gatun Hydroelectric plant to 60-cycle. Federal funds for free imunization with were awarded in the power conversion pro- Salk vaccine of all Zone children between ject and Col. E. B. Jennings was placed in MAY the ages of 3 and 12. Later in the month charge of the program. January rainfall rec- A contract was awarded for the removal the program was extended to younger and ords fell at most weather stations. The of three emergency dams at Miraflores and older groups and expectant mothers. United Prison for Women and Juveniles was trans- Pedro Miguel Locks and the railway bridge States schools reopened after vacation with ferred from Pedro Miguel to Gatun. Christ- over the old French Canal. a record enrollment of 6,527; principalships of several schools were combined and the mas tree burnings wound up the holidays. Col. Charles O. Bruce was appointed to physical education program expanded. The Panama Railroad celebrated its succeed Brig. Gen. Don Longfellow as hundredth birthday. There were special Health Director. Dr. Walter G. Nelson, Hurricanes, a New York waterfront strike, postage stamps and railroad passes, a com- Chief of the Division of Preventive Medi- and boiler trouble upset the schedule of all memorative crossing of the Isthmus, public cine and Quarantine, died suddenly. three Panama Line ships. Canal boarding displays, and the dedication of "Old 299" parties began around-the-clock service. The Cancer Fund drive resulted in a new as the railroad monument. record of $17,717.65 in donations, and a The $3,370,000 job on Contractors Hill FEBRUARY Savings Bond Drive got under way in the was accepted. During the work, which had taken a little over Vice President and Mrs. Richard M. Canal organization. a year, 2,475,000 cubic yards of material were removed. An Eye, Nixon visited the Canal Zone. While the Salk vaccine inoculations for first and Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic was opened Vice President inspected Locks and Cut, second graders were suspended pending ad- at Coco Solo Hospital. Zone school children Mrs. Nixon visited schools and hospitals. vice from the L'nited States Health Bureau. wrote President Eisenhower their wishes for Later both took a "whistle stop" ride on Balboa and Cristobal High School seniors his fast recovery. The Department of Jus- the Panama Railroad. and Junior College students made a trip tice agreed to represent the Canal Company Ground was broken for the new Mount through the Cut. Another partial transit in the $27,000,000 suit brought by shipping Hope Substation, the first construction in that of an amphibious jeep —was a Canal companies. Paul M. Runnestrand, Assist- the power conversion project. The assign- "first." Harold I. Perantie, Chief of the ant Secretary of the Company, assigned ment of the last group of houses in Balboa Administrative Branch, won the only Out- was to the Canal Flats ended the five-year quarters replace- standing Rating. Zone as special assistant to the Governor. ment program. Representatives of the JUNE Middle States Association of Colleges and OCTOBER Secondary Schools began evaluation of the A pay increase for classified workers, The high schools and junior college. Some 500 retroactive to March 13, was welcomed by Panama Canal Company announced that it had budgeted over Zonians made a partial Canal transit on the approximately 1,600 Canal employees. A seven million dol- ferryboat "Presidente Porras." special committee of the Canal Company's lars for replacement of the Locks towing locomotives. Lt. Gov. H. O. Paxson was reassigned Board met at Balboa Heights to review Meanwhile, preparatory work began on the overhaul of Gatun Locks to to Washington and Col. H. W. Schull, Jr., budget estimates. appointed to him. Philip start in January. was succeed Employees and their families scurried for was appointed At ceremonies dedicating the new Paraiso S. Thornton General Man- shelter as the Zone took part in a nation- of the Service Center Division, Civic Center, Governor Seybold announced ager Jack wide Civil Defense test. The United States of plans for a unified payroll, to be effective Randall, Chief the Housing Division. schools closed for vacation, turning some William Industrial Division soon after the first of the year, and tcld his Jump, time- 6,700 students loose for three months. keeper, completed 50 years of service, all audience that the treaty required no mass with the same division. Col. H. W. Schull, Jr., arrived to become evacuation from the Canal Zone. Lieutenant Governor. Neil H. Wilson was Bids were opened for the construction of MARCH promoted to Director of Admeasurement. the Paraiso High School, for purchase of Census results showed the Canal Zone the 250-ton floating crane "Ajax," and for civilian population as 38,953, the first time JULY the transfer cf Maintenance Division equip- in 15 years it was under 40,000. Pedro Mi- Opening day enrollment for the Latin ment to the Industrial Division area in Bal- guel was closed as a townsite. American schools was 3,934, slightly under boa. A pre-bidding conference on the At- Commercial traffic through the Canal ex- that of last year. All grades are converted lantic area power conversion, first of the ceeded 700 in one month for the first time. this year to Spanish language instruction. sort ever held here, took place at Balboa In Washington, Gov. S. Seybold briefed J. Transits — 727 large commercial ships Heights. The Canal Company agreed to the full Merchant Marine and Fisheries and tolls—$3,398,885—exceeded all pre- rent surplus quarters in Pedro Miguel and Committee on the Panama Canal and its vious records for one month. Commercial Gamboa to the Air Force and the Army. operations and, later in the month, conferred transits for the fiscal year just ended were John E. Deming of Omaha was sworn in here with national labor leaders. reported at an all-time high of 7,997 vessels. as Magistrate at Balboa. The annual Red Cross drive began; final New vehicular and pedestrian traffic regu- collections totaled $24,462. The month's NOVEMBER lations became effective. Employees were visitors included the Secretaries of Agricul- told that a revision of the Medical Tariff In ture and the Navy, the Prime Minister of a simple ceremony at Balboa Heights, would be made October 1. The Health N'orthern Ireland, and movie star Ginger attended by the President of Panama and Offices in Panama City Rogers and her husband. and Colon were members of a French Mission which in- closed and the annual registration and anri- cluded Count Pierre de Lesseps, the Suez APRIL rabies inoculation of Zone dogs began. Canal Company presented to the Panama Vacation began for the over 3,900 stud- Lindsley H. Noble, Comptroller, resigned Canal Company a bust of Count Ferdinand ents in the Latin American schools. Plans to accept a newly-created job in I". S. Post de Lesseps. to transfer La Boca High School to Paraiso Office Department. Dr. Eric R. Osterberg Governor Seybold announced plans to early in 1956 were announced by the Gov- was appointed Chief of the Division of Pre- discontinue bottling of soft drinks at Mount ernor. New regulations governing home ventive Medicine and Quarantine. Capt. Hope. The Health Bureau and the Red leave travel became effective. Anthony Roesseler was named Port Captain Cross planned to establish a blood bank for Lt. Gov. Harry O. Paxson left for his at Balboa. Panama's Order of Yasco Nunez volunteer donors. Bids were (See page 12) 12 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW January 6, 1956

Upwelling Brings Cold Water Annually Policeman Doubles As Auctioneer In Natural Phenomenon Of Panama Bay

(Continued from page 5) sunshiny days of the dry season. Game And Food Fish The appearance of cold water in the bay brings another kind of thrill for the fisherman—whether fishing is a sport or a livelihood. It is during this season that many game and food fishes flood into the bay. Among these are the corbina, pom- pano, snook, grouper, and snapper. The upwelling of cold water appears to bring a much larger proportion of micro- scopic sea organisms which contain most of the food for these species of fish which also can thrive in the colder water. While the cold water brings food for many fish, it also brings death to millions in years when extremely low temperatures occur. This occurs only rarely in Balboa Harbor; the Fort Amador Beach, however, was closed for a brief period two years ago when it was littered by thousands of fish which were washed onto the beach during the season of extreme cold water. crowd, Richard Chesson (who appears at right in his daily Studies Of Panama Bay COMPLETELY surrounded by an enthralled working garb) tries to extract the highest bid at a Storehouse auction. He is in the center of the crowd, Extensive studies of the temperatures, in a light shirt and with paper in hand. fish, and sea content of Panama Bay are presently being made by the Inter-Amer- Most of the time Richard W. Chesson People on the Canal Zone who have ican Tropical Tuna Commission, of which Dr. Milner D. Schaefer is Director. At is a Canal Zone policeman, but some times attended recent auctions run by the Pan- the annual meeting of the Commission he is an auctioneer—-and a good one, too! ama Canal Storehouse Division have seen held here last July, Dr. Schaefer reported Mr. Chesson in action and have recog- that the great productivity of Panama The Review's Review Of The Year nized the fact that he is no rank amateur waters may be attributed in great part in the auctioneering field. What most of to the upwelling of water. (Continued from page 11) advertised for is devoting much them probably don't know, however, is The Commission soundproofing Diablo Heights school. The study to the sardines, or anchovies, in Canal Zone Library opened a branch at that he literally grew up with the chant Panama Bay which supply food for tuna Rainbow City High School. of the North Carolina tobacco auctioneers Comptroller Philip L. Steers, Jr., and other larger fish. Deputy was promoted to Comptroller. ringing in his ears. Just as the cold water in Panama Bay As a boy in Oak City, N. C, he used still presents many problems for scientific DECEMBER study, so do the sardines. Among these The last month of 1955 brought the big- to accompany his father to nearby gest news story of the year in many respects is the occasional "run" of sardines by the Tarboro tobacco auctions and .in time —hearings by the Panama Canal Subcom- millions into Balboa Harbor. Some asso- mittee of the House Merchant Marine and became so adept at imitating the auction- ciate these periodic runs with the cold Fisheries Committe. The hearings, held eers' patter that he not only amused his of the Administration water but there is apparently no connec- in the Board Room Building, were attended by capacity audi- friends and members of his family but tion. The pictures appearing with this Senator Spessard L. Holland, of ences. once thought seriously of taking up auc- story were taken in July 1949. Florida, and Senator Clifford F. Case, of Scientists and icthyologists have failed New Jersey, were among the Congressional tioneering as a profession. visitors. Christmas uppermost in the to solve the reason for this phenomenon was Instead, he went to Norfolk, Va., and minds of most employees and their families in the fish world. The pictures of the all month and a rushing business was re- got a job with the Interstate Bus Com- massing of the sardines in 1949 were taken ported by stores and Zone post offices. A pany and later became a member of the just two years after the sardines had new skating rink was opened in Balboa, and Norfolk Police force. practically disappeared in Panama Bay it was announced that the Canal Zone blood bank is assured. The power-conversion His talent as an auctioneer brought him supposedly as a result of the so-called project moved a step nearer to completion of 1947. a number of private auctioneering jobs "red tide'"' with the opening of bids for the Atlantic Area conversion, and the first TV sets were and for a while he operated, on a partner- placed on display in the Balboa and Cristo- ship basis, an auction lot in Norfolk. Employees Gave Over Half bal Commissaries. Mr. Chesson has been on the Isthmus Of Community Chest Total from retired employees. since 1952 when he left the Police Force Donations from both U. S.- and local- in Norfolk to become a member of the Over half of the contributions to the rate employees were somewhat below the Canal Zone's finest. Community Chest Drive for 1955-56 record set during the campaign last year. He likes his job here as a police officer

came from present or past employees of However, there were 121 fewer U. S.-rate and is a firm believer in courtesy—even

the Company-Government organization, and 613 fewer local-rate employees in the when it means escorting a reluctant law- according to figures just released by the Canal organization this year than during breaker to the local court.

Community Chest Board of Directors. the time of last year's drive. Auctioneering to him is still one of the At the end of last month the total Contributions from the armed forces most fascinating hobbies in the world Community Chest contributions stood at were somewhat larger than last year, the and, as many of the people who have $27,152.02 in cash and pledges through Chest report shows. These were: Army, heard him at work can testify, he may payroll deductions. Of this, $8,529.20 $6,961.72; Air Force, $2,198.04; and not succeed in selling the proverbial re- came from U. S.-rate employees of the Navy, $1,261.36. Special gifts to the Com- frigerator to an Eskimo, he manages to Company-Government in cash or pledges; munity Chest drive during the campaign keep the crowd interested and enthusias-

$4,955.63 was given in cash or pledged amounted to $1,979.24, and $1,027.33 tic until the last lot of miscellaneous sur-

through payroll deduction by employees was given by children attending the plus cargo is sold from the Storehouse on the local-rate rolls; and $179.50 came Canal Zone schools. Division's Section "I". January 6, 1956 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW 13

Blood Bank To Open FIRST USE OF 60-CYCLE CURRENT SCHEDULED

Gorgas Branch Feb. 1

The Canal Zone free blood bank is scheduled to open its first branch at Gor-

gas Hospital February 1. First announcement of plans for the establishment of the Canal Zone blood bank for both Gorgas and Coco Solo hospitals was made in the November issue of The Canal Review. Since that time approximately 1,400 have volunteered to donate blood. This number is exclusive of those who have volunteered through the various Armed Forces agencies. Tentative plans to inaugurate the bank

at Gorgas on February 1 were announced late last month by Col. Charles 0. Bruce, Health Director, after the successful drive by the Canal Zone Chapter of the Red Cross for volunteers. The blood bank is the result of the cooperative efforts of the Health Bureau and the Red Cross.

Preparations are being made for the THE OPEXIXG of bids late last month for the Atlantic Area conversion work attracted both spectators blood bank at Coco Solo Hospital where and bidders. Seated at the long conference table at the Board Room of the Administration Building representatives of the bidding firms and Canal alterations are being made and equipment are representative. At the far end of the table is Col. Hugh M. Arnold, Engineering and Construction Director who is is being installed for a laboratory. An the Canal's contracting officer. To his right, in order, are Harold H. Feeney, Chief of the Contracts and announcement on its opening will be made Inspection Division; L. R. Somer; Donald M. Parr, of the Comptroller's Office; E.G.Bromilow, of Inter- later. national General Electric; A. J. Alfaro, of Electric Service Co.; and (back to camera) L. B. Sartain, Chief of the Electrical and Mechanical Branch. Presently, a charge of $25 is made for Seated back of them are G. V. Balbirnie. of U. S. Navy, left, and Herbert R. Knapp, Panama Con- a pint of blood required by patients at tractor. the Zone hospitals. This charge will be Seated at Colonel Arnold's left, reading clockwise, are: E. M. Browder. Assistant Engineering and eliminated for Canal Zone residents when Construction Director; G. C. Dunlop. Panama Canal Company; J. Crane; Asa P. Dartez, representative the bank is established. of Sachse Electrical Company which has been awarded the contract; Donald R. Kimzey, A. H. Cooke, High praise for the work of the volun- and R. E. L. Brown, Panama Canal Company; and M. D. Horton, General Electric representative. teers in organizing and handling the blood

bank campaign has been expressed by (Continued from page 1) the Atlantic area Generally, the same will be true of elec- Carl 0. Browne, President of the Canal conversion includes 1,405 separate items, tric fans since the cost of conversion will Zone Chapter. Volunteers on both sides the largest number ever included in any approximate the cost of a new fan. of the Isthmus aided greatly in receiving single contract by the Panama Canal. Contracts Scheduled and processing donor cards as well as Specifications cover the conversion of all The following briefly summarizes some other work required. frequency-sensitive equipment on the At- of the other major contracts of the power lantic side with the exception of that at conversion program scheduled for 1956. Gatun Locks and the Mount Hope Fil- In most instances dates are still tentative: Solutions Of Problems Here Are Urgent, tration and Pumping Plants which will Bids will be opened January 18 for the Says Subcommittee Chaiiman be converted under separate contracts. construction of a substation at Agua All owners of frequency-sensitive Clara Diesel Station, and to increase the (Con'inuei from page S) Board Room of equipment have been reminded to report capacity of the transmission line between the Administration Building. promptly any changes since equipment Madden Hydroelectric Station and Mira- Other members of the House Commit- not listed at least 90 days before the flores. tee attending were: Representatives James conversion date of the area concerned can Bids will be advertised this month for A. Byrne, of Pennsylvania; T. James not be converted. A conversion schedule rewinding or replacing the three genera- Tumulty, of New Jersey; John J. Allen, will be announced as soon as it is estab- tors at Madden Dam. Jr., of California; Francis E. Dorn, of lished. Bids will be advertised this month for New York; William K. Van Pelt, of Wis- Conversion Prices the Central Area conversion. This will consin; and William S. Mailliard, of Cal- The prices bid by the low bidder ranged include all Government and domestic fre- ifornia. from $7.46 for converting bedroom or quency-sensitive equipment in Gamboa, Staff members of the Committee accom- kitchen clocks to $63,223 for changing Summit, and Paraiso, and will also in- panying the Subcommittee were Bernard the Industrial Division's secondary elec- clude the Gamboa substation. Zincke, Counsel, and Miss Frances Still, trical distribution system to 440 volts. The Atlantic Locks conversion will be Clerk. Of special interest to householders were advertised for bids in February. This Following the Panama Canal Subcom- bids for the conversion of various types includes conversion of all frequency-sen- mittee hearings early in December, a of domestic equipment. Bid prices by sitive equipment with the exception of visit to the Isthmus was paid later in the Sachse for the conversion of some of the towing locomotives. month by Senator Spessard L. Holland, most commonly-used domestic equipment Bids for Madden Hydroelectric Station of Florida, for a personal investigation of are: conversion, including installation of new the many Canal problems which will be Wringer-type washing machine, $45.50; transformers and switchboard, will be before Congress at its session this year. Westinghouse "Laundromat" automatic advertised in April. Senator Holland is Chairman of the Ap- washing machine, $53; Bendix automatic- On March 27, bids will be opened for propriations Subcommittee which will washing machine, $70.50; sealed-unit re- the purchase of 57 towing locomotives to pass on much of the legislation affecting frigerators, $108.07; open-unit refrigera- replace those now in use. The Canal was the Canal and Canal employees. tors, $34.65; mantle clock, $18.82; bed- asked for additional time by a prospective As a result of these visits and the many room or kitchen clock, $7.46; record play- bidder on this contract. legislative matters relating to the Canal er, $14.60; 10-inch fan, $12.27; 12-inch The Pacific Locks conversion bids will pending in Congress, the present session fan, $16.80; 16-inch fan, $25.43; hobby- be advertised in July. This will be will be one of the most important in many shop equipment with T 4-h.p. motor, $24.- identical to the one to be done at Gatun. respects of any in recent years insofar as 45; V3-h.p. motor, $33.35; and '2-h.p. The last of the three big conversion employees of the Company-Government motor, $40.40. areas will be the Pacific side, including are concerned. And, as a result of the In most cases electric clocks will be re- everything south of Paraiso. This project public hearings, the average employee has placed and one of the specifications of the is scheduled to be advertised next Octo- the feeling that his views have been amply- contract provides that the contractor ber. Its completion, scheduled for June expressed to those on whose shoulders the have available a stock of clocks from 1959, will mark the end of the Power decisions now rest. which householders may make selections. Conversion Project. . —

14 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW January 6, 1956

PROMOTIONS AND TRANSFERS RETIREMENTS

November 15 through December 15 Retirement certificates were presented the end of December to the following employees Employees who were promoted or trans- and Dockmaster; Kenneth D. Slowick, from who are listed alphabetically, together with ferred between November 15 and December Master Machinist to Chief Machinist Fore- their birthplaces, titles, length of Canal IS are listed below. Within-grade promo- man; Harry E. Townsend, from Instrument service, and future address: tions are not listed. Shop Foreman to Instrument Shop Lead Mrs. M. Frances Barr, Montana; Cash CIVIL AFFAIRS BUREAU Foreman; Fred H. Olsen, from Plant Main- tenance Supervisor to Lead Foreman, Plant Accounting Clerk (Teller), Commissary Div- Mrs. Patricia T. Palmer, from Substitute Maintenance. ision; 20 years. 9 months, 2 days; Canal - Teacher to Elementary School Teacher, Zone for present. Christopher C. Bennett, Alexander Rienks Division of Schools. Mrs. Lea K. Dugan, Norway; Clerk- Donald V. Howerth, from Police Sergeant from Machinist and Elevator and Locomo- Typist, Health Bureau; 18 years, 1 month, tive Crane Inspector, to Elevators and to Police Lieutenant, Police Division. 2 days; Canal Zone for present. Clerk- Cranes Inspector; Richard H. Jenks, from Mrs. Margaret B. Zeimetz, from Robnett B. Elliff, Missouri; Steam Engin- Wireman Leader to Industrial Plant Elec- Stenographer, Police Division, to Clerical eer. Marine Bunkering Section, Terminals Assistant, Office of the Director. trician; Genaro Hernandez, from Labor Division; 16 years, 1 month. 5 days; Good- Leadingman to Heavy Labor Lead Fore- OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER man, Mo. man; Robert E. Seavey, from Gas Plant Earl M. Seagrave, Massachusetts; Super- Philip L. Steers, Jr., from Deputy Comp- Operator Leadingman to Lead Foreman, visor, Generation and Transmission, Power troller to Comptroller. Gas Plant; Albert McKeown, from Boiler- Tabulation Branch, Electrical Division; 16 years, 10 Harry E. Musselman, from maker Leadingman, to Boilermaker Lead months, 18 days; Florida. Planner to Time, Leave, and Payroll Clerk, Foreman. Payroll Branch. Bird W. Stephenson, Tennessee; Electri- Bernard F. Pahren, from Boilermaker and Mrs. Shirley K. Finlason, from Clerk- cian, Motor Transportation Division; 21 Boilermaker Special to Boilermaker; Porter Typist, Central Typing and Clerical Unit, vears, 3 months, 27 days; St. Petersburg, M. McHan, from Combination Welder to Clerk-Stenographer, Claims Branch. Fla. Leadingman to Lead Foreman Combination Warren Pitman, from Chief, Rates Branch Marine Welder; Ralph E. Robinson, from to Chief, Budget and Rates Division. Heavy Forge Blacksmith and Heavy Fire Russel Jones, from Rates Analyst, to J. Leader Blacksmith to Fore Shop Foreman; Chief, Rates and Analysis Branch. Roy F. Armistead, from Leader Molder and ANNIVERSARIES ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION Plant Equipment Maintenance Mechanic BUREAU to Foreman Molder; Ernest A. Angermuller, Charles McG. Brandl, from Project En- fiom Riveter and Tank Tester to Tank Some statistician might have a lot of fun gineer, Contractors Hill, to Civil Engineer Tester. some day —statisticians being the kind of (General), Engineering Division. people who enjoy doing things like that John R. Bruland, Jr., from Boilermaker figuring just how many thousands of Vernon C. Douglas, from Filtration Plant and Tank Tester to Boilermaker; Vincent cubic yards of rock and earth Arthur Operator, Water and Laboratories Branch, D. Ridge, from Special Leadingman Ship- Morgan has lifted out of the of the to Paving and Heavy Labor Lead Foreman, wright and Assistant Dockmaster to Lead bottom Panama Canal since he has been operating 15- Maintenance Division. Foreman Shipwright and Assistant Dock- the Fred Yaeger, from Pumping Plant Oper- master; Leonard H. Scranton, from Special cubic yard bucket on the dipper dredge Cascadas. As he has been a dredge operator ator to Filtration Plant Operator, Water Rigger and Crane Operator Lea lingman to since 1923, the total figure should and Laboratories Branch, Maintenance Div- Crane Operation and Rigging Lead Fore- be astro- nomical. ision. man; OIlin P. Strickland, from Planing Mill John E. Ridge, from Paving and Heavy Hand Leader to Planing Mill Lead Fore- Mr. Morgan, who was born in Franklin, Labor Lead Foreman, to Pumping Plant man; John W. Forrest, from Machinist Ind., has the second longest continuous sen - Operator, Water and Laboratories Branch, Leader to Lead Foreman Machinist. ice of any American still in the Canal organi- Maintenance Division. PERSONNEL BUREAU zation. He came here in 1912 to visit his John R. Campbell, from Chief Towboat brother and within a few months had a job Leonird M. Brockman, from Assistant Engineer to Chief Senior Towboat Engineer, of his own on a dredge working out of Bal- Personnel Director to Coordinator, Person- Dredging Division. boa. In his 43 years of service, he has never nel Programs Staff. worked for any other Canal unit except the Electrical Division Archibald L. Wright, from Chief, Central Dredging Division. John A. Barbour, from Wire Chief, Bal- Labor Office, to Assistant to Chief, Employ- Other than hauling that big scoop around boa, to Lead Foreman Telephone Electri- ment and I'tilization Division. on the end of its long arm, he leads a rather cian, Balboa. Richard M. Conover, from Supervisory- quiet life. At his home in Bella Vista, be Carl R. Newhard, from General Tele- Freight Traffic Clerk, Terminals Division, enjoys reading —especially "whodunits"— phone Foreman, Northern District, to Lead to Position Classifier, Wage and Classifica- and listening to the radio. Occasionally he Foreman, Communications. tion Division. likes to tinker with watches and no one in Harold M. Fraser, from Wire Chief (Cris- SUPPLY BUREAU his family should ever be at a loss for the tobal) to Lead Foreman Telephone Electri- Walter Bossard, from Fireman, Fire Div- correct time. cian (Cristoball. ision, to Stockman Foreman, Commissary Wayne W. Hatting, from Powerhouse Division. There were no 40th, 35th, or 30th anni- to Senior Powerhouse Operator. Operator Leigh C. Paulson, from Commissary Sup- versaries among Canal employees in Dec- Stev- Gabriel J. Bonzoumet, William J. ervisor, to Assistant Supply Officer, Com- ember, so, from Mr. Morgan's 43 years THE enson, Robert C. Micek, Charles R. Prog- missary Division. Review jumps to ler, Lawrence J. Ryan, from Wireman to Robert L. Rankin, from Assistant Supply 25 YEARS Frequency Changer Operator. Officer to Commissary Supervisor, Commis- And the Silver Anniversaries of four of HEALTH BUREAU sary Division. the Canal's employees. They come from Wilbur C. Dunscombe, from Supervisory TRANSPORTATION AND TERMINALS various parts of the United States, work for Chemist to Chief, Chemistry Section, Board BUREAU different organizations, and all have broken of Health Laboratory. William R. Byrd, from Claims Investiga- Canal service. Taking them alphabetically, MARINE BUREAU tor, Panama Local Agency, to Supervisory they are: Terminals Kenneth E. Marcy, from Lead Foreman, Freight Traffic Clerk, Division. Roger W. Collinge, Assistant Superintend- Quarters Maintenance, Maintenance Divi- ent of the Canal Zone Schools. Born in Fall sion, to Lock Operator Carpenter, Pacific River, Wis., he came to the Canal Zone in Locks. 1927 as a high school teachei. He resigned in 1933 and left the Isthmus, returning here Russell A. Weade, from Towing Locomo- JANUARY SAILINGS later. was a Special tive Operator, Locks Division, to Signalman three years He made of Schools Navigation Division. Assistant to the Superintendent in 1941, Director of Elementary Education Henry C. Poole, from Customs Inspector, From Cristobal in 1948, and to this latest posl added that Navigation Division, to Lead Heavy Labor 1 Assistant Superintendent two years ago. Foreman, Atlantic Locks Overhaul. Panama* -January of Edward Husted, a guard with the Henri E. Moehrke, from Cost Analyst, Cristobal January 7 J. Locks Security Branch at the Pacific Locks, Plant Inventory and Appraisal Staff, to Ancon.- January 14 comes from Gloucester, N. He has held Supervisory Storekeeper, Atlantic Locks J. Panama January -'I a number of positions in the Canal organiza- Overhaul. < ristobal January 28 tion: Seaman with rhe Dredging Division, Mrs. Narcisuss T. Porter, from Clerk- clerk with the old Municipal Engineering Typist, to Time, Leave, and Payroll Clerk, From New York Division, and chauffeur with the Motoi Atlantic Locks Overhaul. Transportation Division. He has been with A mini . January 5 Industrial Division the locks since 1952. As a result of a wage and classification Panama January 12 Donald D. Jacques, a machinist with the

survey, a number of changes have been Cristobal - .January 19 Industrial Division, was born in Huntsville, boy. worked made in the Industrial Division. Some are A neon January 26 Ala , but came here as a He promotions, some reclassifications, and some during school vacations with the Commis- changes of title. They include: *Because of holiday. Panama leaves Cris- sary Division, later served his apprentice- Cyrus W. Field, from Shipfitter Master tobal on Sunday, arriving in Port-au-Prince ship here. He has been with the Mechanical

to Chief Shipfitter Foreman; Wallace T. Tuesday and New York Saturday. The Division, now I he Industrial Division, since Melanson, from Shipwright Master and -.hips an- in Port an Prime, Haiti, on Mori- 1931. Dockmaster to Chief Foreman, Shipwright William M. Jensen, once of Carroll, III., : — ;

January 6, 1956 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW 15

is now a postal clerk at Balboa Post Office. In addition to the Canal Zone postal service TV SETS ARE DISPLAYED AT COMMISSARIES he has worked in post offices in Savannah, 111., and Antioch, Calif.

All but one of December's 20-year employees have continuous Canal service, although in some cases the majority of their government service has been with other

Mary L. Clark, a native of Forsyth, Ga., now a nurse at Gorgas Hospital; Edgar F. Daggett, who was born in Greene, Me., a Special Automatic Equipment Operator lor the Motor Transportation Division. Thom- as F. Gibson, Lock Operator Carpenter at Gatun and a native of Philadelphia; Lillian L. Pratt, another Gorgas Hospital Nurse site was born in Greenfield, Tenn. and for a time nursed at Fitzsimons General Hospital in Denver; and Alexander Watt, a native Scotsman, who is a Dipper Dredge Engineer with the Dredging Division. The remaining 20-year anniversary employee is John E. Erikson, once of Pasa- goula, Miss., a Dock Foreman with the Navigation Division.

15 YEARS Of the 20 employees who completed 15 vears of government service in December, 13 have unbroken service with the Canal. They are, beginning from the first of the alphabet Preston J. Barker, Lead Foreman, Water System, Maintenance Division's Northern District; William H. Billerman, Wireman, A COMMISSARY CUSTOMER, Mrs. Edward B. Webster of Cocoli, inspects one of the two television Electrical Division; John M. Brown, Shoe sets on display at Balboa. Three RCA models were placed on display shortly before Christmas. Orders Supplv Officer in the Commissary Division; are being taken for the sets which will be installed by the local distributor. The TV sets can operate Albert B. Cooper, Police and Motorcycle on 25- or 60-cycle current and will not require conversion. Sergeant in the Cristobal District; Frank A. Hall, Plumber, Maintenance Division; Willard W. Huffman, Cablesplicer, Elec- Unification Of Canal Payroll System trical Division; Oscar Johnson, Locks Op- X-Ray Exams For Employees, Will Be Fully Effective January 29 erator Machinist Leader, Pacific Locks; Margaret E. Murphy, Chief, U. S.-Rate Families Move To {Continued from i) Gold Coast Classification Section, Personnel Bureau; page Terminals, and Thomas N. Page, Steam Locomotive Crane Postal Divisions. Industrial Division; Earl H. Tur- The extensive chest X-ray program Engineer, WEDNESDAY: Panama Rail- ner, a Machinist, also with the Industrial which has been road; carried out free of charge Earl W. Sears, Accounting Assist- Community Services Bureau Division; among U. S.-rate and local-rate employ- ant, Housing Division; Leo A. Walsh, Sen- units; and the Commissary, Police, ees and their dependents on the Pacific ior Towboat Master, Ferry Service; John and Fire Divisions. W. Whipple, Dock Foreman, Navigation side since January 1954, is now nearing Health Division. THURSDAY: Bureau completion. Canal service is not contin- units; Offices of the Marine Direc- Those whose All school children, U. S.-rate employ- uous are: Minnie C. Crooks, Clerk-Stenog- tor, Balboa Port Captain and Cris- ees, and their dependents, and local-rate rapher, Maintenance Division; Ruth A. tobal Port Captain ; Locks Division Fishbough, Medical Record Librarian, Gor- employees have now been procedded, and and Aids to Navigation Section. gas Hospital; Joseph M. Kenway, Quaran- local-rate dependent residents are cur- tine Inspector, Navigation Division; Will- No change will be made in present pro- rently being examined. The survey on iam Labrance, First Assistant Marine Engi- cedures with respect to the delivery of the Atlantic side was started in Novem- neer, USS Taboga; Walter E. Marek, Plant paychecks when paydays fall on legal Engineer, Maintenance Division; Harry M. ber and is following the same order as the Savage, Stockman Foreman, Commissary holidays. The checks will be delivered examination which was carried out on the Division; and Edward L. Spinney, Machin- the day following the holiday, but the Pacific side. Arrangements ha\e now ist, Maintenance Division. occurrence of a holiday within a payweek been made to extend the survey to U. S. will not require a deferment in the sched- civilian employees of the Armed Forces ules for the delivery of other checks. early in Jury Commissioners Chose 800 Zonians January. Effective with the beginning of the uni- In addition to the chest X-ray, a As Potential Jurors For Coming Year fied payroll system, the processing of final simple screening of vision and hearing pay to terminating employees will be re- ability has been included as part of the vised. Under the plan to be adopted, (Continued from page 4) woman drawn for examination of employees. final paychecks will be delivered on sched- jury service here was Mrs. Ruth Byrne. As announced by Governor Seybold in uled paydays. However, an employee At first only employees of the Panama a recent conference with representatives leaving the Isthmus before receiving his Canal and Panama Railroad were eligible of the Local-Rate Civic Councils, the tu- last paycheck may obtain a 60 percent for jury service, but for the past several berculosis incidence among local-rate em- advance on commuted leave before leav- years any United States citizen resident ployees has been found to be very low. ing providing the employee has no sub- of the Canal Zone may be called. Pilots Incidence rate among the U. S.-rate em- - stantial amount of unpaid bills. Written we. e also at one time exempted as were ployees also was reported as extremely requests for such advances must be made o fibers and officials of the Canal or rail- low as compared to that in the United in writing, in duplicate, to the Payroll road but these exemptions are no longer States. Branch should indicate mailing effective. and the The chest X-ray program is being car- address for final pay. A number of well-known Zonians have ried out on a continuing basis. As soon served as jury commissioners. They are as all employee groups are processed, appointed by the District Judge and cus- Former Zonian Corrects those first receiving the examination in tomarily have served until retirement or Recent Post Office Story 1954 will be called up again for survey. until they left the Isthmus or asked to be All persons now being notified of the relieved. Among them are Frank T. The Review stands corrected, and by result of their examination and those with Hamlin, B. C. Poole, E. M. Goolsbv, an expert. suspicious X-rays are being followed in R. G. Taylor, E. C. Lombard, E. S. Mac- In the November Review we said that the Chest Clinic for further evaluation. Sparran, Ernie L. Payne, and W. R. the closing of the Pedro Miguel post office Rounsaville. Of these, Mr. Lombard had the previous month had marked the end Service from 1905 to 1911 and who lives the longest continuous service. He was of the last of the construction-day post now in Charleston, S. C, asked: "Why appointed in 1936 and served until 1948 offices. Cristobal, Gatun, and Ancon are not con- when he asked to be relieved because of With considerable reason Carl J. Clapp, sidered as 'construction-day' offices?" the pressure of other business. who worked for the Canal Zone Postal He's quite right. And The Review isn't 16 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW January 6, 1956

Canal Company Board SHIPS and SHIPPING To Meet Here Jan. 19

Members of the Board of Directors of the Panama Canal Company will hold their next quarterly meeting January 19 in the Board Room of the Administration Building at Balboa Heights.

This will be the fifth time that the Board has held its first meeting of the calendar year in the Canal Zone, the practice having been approved in a reso- lution of the Board. Other quarterly meetings are generally held in Washington.

The meeting this month is to be attended by George H. Roderick, Assistant Secretary of the Army and Chairman of the Board, who will preside.

The attention of the Board will be directed chiefly on fiscal matters. Prin- cipal among these will be the assumptions upon which the 1958 Company budget will be based. Most of the members of the Board attending are expected to spend some additional time on the Isthmus for first- hand observation of various Canal opera- REPRESENTATIVES OF prospective bidding firms for the replacement of the Canal's toning locomo- tions and facilities. tives make a personal inspection of one of the "electric mules" and learn what makes them tick. The visit to Miraflores Locks came late last month during a three-day pre-bidding conference. The In addition to the Chairman, other opening of bids will take place in March. This will be the largest single replacement program for equip- members of the Board are Secretary of ment in the history of the Canal. the Army Wilber M. Brucker, Stock- Above looking at one of the towing locomotives are: John R. Hammond, Jr., of the Engineering holder; Governor of Division; Truman H. Hoenke, Superintendent of the Pacific Locks; Roy C. Stockham, Chief of the Locks Seybold, President Division; Berkeley A. Brunsdon, of R. G. LeTourneau, Inc.; and J. W. Brauns, D. E. LaPatra, and the Company; T. Coleman Andrews, of Horton, all of General Electric. M. D. Richmond, Va.; John H. Blaffer, of Hous- ton, Tex.; Robert H. Burroughs, of Man- Transits by Ocean-Going Vessels service. Thev will also permit the center In November chester, N. H.; Ralph H. Cake, of Port- wal l culvert \Q be overhauled with both land, Ore.; Gen. Glen E. Edgerton, of . chambers in operation. , „?2 Jit Commercial 627 63b Washington, D. C; Theodore H. Maen- U. S. Government.- 26 21 This is expected to be a banner year ner, of Omaha, Neb.; John W. Martyn, ~77Z rrz for tourists on the Isthmus and January of Washington; Howard C. Petersen, of lotal bo3 o57 wni be a banner month of the year in Philadelphia, Pa.; Charles S. * Reed, of Tolls that respect. Several large liners luxury Oamaha; and Gen. Julian L. Schley, of Commercial...... $2,709,897 $2,636,790 are scheduled to visit Canal waters this Washington. U. S. Government - 106,658 98,591 month. Reservations have already been made $2,816,555 $2,735,381 , for special trains for passengers aboard Includes tolls on all vessels, oce an-going and small. the f Howmg big snips this montn: SS Year's Beginning Brings

... , ., ,, _, , T , , Homeric, January 11; SS Maasdam, Jan- Visits to the Canal Locks by tourists uary ]3 gg Patnci Jan 1? gg Reminder On Income Tax will be confined to Miraflores Locks dur- 0dofjurd and gg Fkn(j JaQ 2? the next few months while the oyer- ing , gg E g of Jan ^ md ^^ • Employees their who pay income tax hau of Gatun Locks is in progress, \isi- gg m de fm J& 31 Gatun on a quarterly basis have been reminded tors areas are provided at both _ A„ ia] trains wi] , ,eaye from Crig that January 15 is the . due date for the and Miraflores Locks and both are . , f . . LUUtil pit I fa. crowded on many occasions-i*ilduring the final payment of the 1955 estimated tourist season. LEAVING ISTHMUS taxes. The Locks areas are closed to all but The last date for filing final returns persons on official business during over- will again be April 15, this change having haul periods. been made last year. This is also the

Several hundred workers will toe the date for the filing of estimated tax decla- mark this weekend ready to start the big rations for 1956. job of overhauling Gatun Locks, a job Employees will have to prepare their done every five years. own tax returns this year. This is not a One-way traffic through Gatun Locks local policy but one which is being put starts next Monday and unwatering the into effect throughout the United States. will after mid- east chambers begin soon Income tax forms are being made avail- night Sunday night. Thereafter, until able at all Canal Zone post offices and about 15 when the work is scheduled May branch banks. to be finished, the Atlantic Locks will be Since Wendell L. Lindsey is the only operated on a 24-hour schedule. During employee of the Internal Revenue Service the overhaul period the Pacific Locks will now stationed in the Canal Zone, the be operated from 7 o'clock in the morn- Cristobal office will be opened on Mon- ing until midnight. days from 9 to 12 o'clock in the mornings The operationr of Gatun Locks during ,,. , , • , .,, ., L. M. HKhl'.l !„ \iiiniran Bureau of Shipping Sur- ' and from 1 to 4 o'clock in the afternoons. this overhaul period will provide a test . vevorin thf, ( anal Zone since m:% has r ,,v,v,d a The Internal Revenue Office in Balboa of the recent modifications under actual new assignment which will take him to Seville, Spain, working conditions. The modifications, He has been assigned by the Bureau to oversee the will be opened Tuesdays through Fridays construction in Seville of two new to be built to described in previous issues of The Re- ships with hours of 8:30 to 12 o'clock in the American Bureau >f .shipping standards for the Hota „__ -li _-i. j ui i VIEW, will permit double culvert opera- mornings and from 1 to 5 o'clock in the Mereante Gran C^,J,L Mr. Breeco expecta to tion when one set of chambers is out of leave for his new post within a few weeks. afternoons.