Gift ofthe Panama Canal Museum mg

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Vol. 3, No. 12 BALBOA HEIGHTS, CANAL ZONE, JULY 3, 1953 5 cents

FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS OF CANAL BEING STUDIED BY UNDER SECRETARY JOHNSON ON PRESENT VISIT

Board Chairman Plans

To See All Principal

Installations In Zone

Problems of such a funda- mental nature that their solu- tion will affect Panama Canal operatfohs for many years in the future are being studied by Under Secretary of the Army Earl D. Johnson during his present visit to the Canal Zone. As Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Panama Canal Company the Under Secretary is one of the key Wash- ington officials in Canal affairs. His present trip is his first to the Isthmus and a busy schedule has been arranged which will permit his personal inspection of the major Canal installations in addition to many conferences for background infor- mation on a variety of subjects.

The Under Secretary is accompanied by Mrs. Johnson and their son, Raud E. Johnson. Other members of his party are Michael E. Kalette, consultant to the Under Secretary; Col. John T. O'Neill and Lt. Col. Homer H. Bowman, members of the Under Secretary's personal staff; and Chief Warrant Officer DeBolt G. Weyer. The party arrived Monday afternoon on the Panama liner Cristobal and were welcomed at shipside by Governor and DISCUSSIONS ON CANAL matters began as soon as the SS Cristobal docked last Monday after- Mrs. Seybold, Army officials, and repre- noon. The picture above, left to right shows: Governor Seybold, Michael E. Kalette, Special Consultant sentatives of the United States Embassy. to the Secretary of the Army, and Under Secretary of the Army Earl D. Johnson, Chairman of the The group boarded a special Panama Panama Canal Company Board of Directors. Railroad motor car soon after the arrival of the ship for the trip to the Pacific side. Following their arrival at the Balboa Long-Range Studies On Canal Investment Heights station, Under Secretary Johnson went to the Caribbean Command head- quarters at Quarry Heights for an honor Will Set Firm Basis For Fiscal Policies guard csremony. He then began a heavy round of activities which will continue The first phase of a comprehensive and conducted by the Office of the Comp- during the coming week beginning with detailed study of the financial status of troller, will have a far-reaching effect a press conference at the Hotel Tivoli on the Panama Canal and its adjuncts is and undoubtedly will be used for many the afternoon of his arrival. presently being completed by the Canal years to come in determining basic fiscal There are many Canal problems of an administration. policies of the United States Government immediate nature which will occupy the Despite its complex nature and the with respect to the Canal enterprise. attention of Mr. Johnson (SeepagsS) requirement of positive answers to a To an extent the study embraces multitude of questions, the study is factual, theoretical, and speculative as- JULY FEATURES intended to answer only two main pects. The factual aspect calls for an - • The Power Branch and what it does questions: How much does the Govern- accurate evaluation of the physical prop- page 8. Gair boa's doll lady and the little Dutch in erties, their value, • ment have invested the Canal and economic and probable shoes— page 6. how much should ships be charged for earning capacity. On the speculative • He guards prisoners and catches runaways pafte 11. its use? side, answers will be sought on future • How water came to Panama page < The results of the study, which is being trade trends, future (Seepage IS) THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW July 3,1953 July 4th Celebrations Will Be Held Housing Heads List Tomorrow On Both Sides Of Isthmus Of Subjects Raised At June Conference

Discussion of commissaries, clubhouses, and housing occupied most of the time of the June Governor-Employee conference, with housing—from point of view of time elapsed—heading the list. Housing mat- ters which were brought up ranged from assignments to types. The June conference, despite the sultry weather, was one of the liveliest in recent months.

As usual it opened with answers to questions which had been presented at previous meetings and with new announcements made by Governor Sey- bold. During this part of the confer- ence, the Governor told the employee representatives: That the "emergency" service sections at Balboa and Cristobal Commissaries would be open for the last time on FOURTH OF JULY, 1919, brought out decorations like this for the little park in front of the July 13; Balboa Clubhouse. That any changes in the policy of capital evaluation of houses would be Flag raisings, patriotic and athletic trucks, and, at Margarita, on the Army's reviewed first by him and then by the programs, and fireworks will be the order amphibious "Ducks." Board of Directors; of the day tomorrow when the Canal Zone There will be a swimming meet at the That no decision had yet been reached celebrates the Fourth of July. Gatun pool at 9:30 a. m., and one at on the closing of the Gamboa Clubhouse, On the Pacific side, the Independence Balboa at 1:30 p. m. a subject brought up again later during Day activities will be centered in Balboa the conference and discussed more fully; At 3:30 p. m. there will be patriotic as they have been for years. The Atlantic That a new housing assignment policy exercises at the Balboa stadium with Lt. side celebration will take place in had been established under which a Gov. Harry 0. Paxson as the day's chief Margarita. limited number of one-bedroom, four- speaker. This will be followed by a The Pacific side program will get under family houses of the 215 type in Diablo massed band concert. The band concert way tonight, with a dance at the Amer- and Margarita will be set aside for assign- on the Atlantic side will begin at 6 p. m. ican Legion Club near Fort Amador. ment by seniority to bachelors; to qualify and will be held near the Margarita school. Both sides of the Canal Zone will open for such an assignment, however, a Traditional fireworks displays will end tomorrow's programs with a parade and bachelor must have not less than 15 years Fourth of July activities for both sides. flag raising. That at Margarita will end service, he said; On the Pacific side, Sosa Hill will be the at the flag pole near the Margarita school; That the American Institute of Laun- firing spot, as it has been for a number the Balboa parade will begin with the dries, an association to which the Canal of years. flag raising in front of the Balboa Club- laundry belongs, had made a favorable house and will be followed by the child- The Margarita fireworks will be set report on the type of work being done ren's parade down the Prado. off from a location near the baseball field. locally on washable materials. For both sides of the Isthmus, the Both fireworks displays are to start at James P. Boukalis, of the Machinists, greatest emphasis will be laid on activi- 7:30 p. m. commented on the recent order requiring ties for the younger generation—athletic Emmett Zemer is chairman of the the licensing of all dogs in the Canal Zone events, rides on jeeps, kiddie trains (made Pacific side July 4 celebration; S. Ross and asked that the Canal Zone criminal up of the little industrial trucks which Cunningham heads the Atlantic side code be amended to provide for punish- ordinarily scurry around the docks), fire committee. ment of anyone who injured an animal. Edward A. Doolan, Personnel Director, said that a provision of this sort is under study in the General Counsel's Office for Be Careful—Anopheles Is Biting inclusion in future revisions of the Code. Mrs. B. 0. Orton, representing the of fight. can best help them Gamboa Civic Council, returned to the The malaria season lasts 12 months You and your- self observing the following subject of the Clubhouse there, saying the year on the Isthmus of Panama but by common- that the Gamboa people considered the the recent increase in sense rules, which are published here along with a picture of "Ann," malaria's famous proposed closing as unfair. She asked if the malaria rate among em- trademark: this unit could not be subsidized by one !J») Canal employees that 1. Stay within screened houses of the larger clubhouses, Balboa for y?) phasizes the fact between instance, instead of the Gamboa unit this is one of the likeli- early dusk and daylight. Avoid such nighttime parties, having to be self-supporting. est times of the year activities as beach this picnics, hunting, fishing, other This led to considerable around-the- for you to contract and recreation. table talk, during which Robert C. Daniel crippling or killing outdoor 2. especially careful visiting of the Railroad Conductors, suggested disease. Be when that the clubhouse operation might be Generally the peaks in the malaria rate anywhere outside of the sanitated areas. turned over to a concessionaire. Gov- here occur during the early months of the 3. If you must be out of doors after ernor Seybold said he doubted that this rainy season and at the beginning of the dark, use some good insect repellent. could be worked out but that certainly dry season. It is during these periods 4. Report defective screens and request the possibility of a Clubhouse conces- when stagnant water is likely to remain immediate repair. sionaire would be considered. long enough for the Anopheles mos- 5. Report collections of standing water Several employee representatives quitoes to breed. This malaria-bearing or defective drains to the proper agency brought up the matter of reduced hours mosquito is also especially favored at this responsible for such work. at the swimming pools and the Governor, time of the year by gentle winds which 6. Consult your physician immediately with the comment that this was part of a permit it to fly long distances. if you or members of your family develop necessary retrenchment which would Health authorities carry on a never- any symptoms of malaria. Remember primarily affect the adult recreation ending fight against malaria but they that early treatment may save your life program, promised to pagelS) require the help of all residents in the and will spare you much suffering. July 3,1953 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW

Basic Changes Adopted Under Secretary Of Army To Have Full Schedule Here

In Accounting Methods DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY Of Canal Organization WASHINGTON. O. C 23 June 1953

A revised accounting system designed to simplify procedures and permit a ready identification of direct costs for each activity in the complex Company- Governor John S. Seybold

GovBrnment operations was adopted Balboa Heights, C. 2. of fiscal July 1, the beginning the new Dear Governor Seybold: year. In response to inquiries from Congress and other interested The new system entails some major agencieB, Secretary of the Army Robert T. Stevens has directed that I conduct a thorough review changes in accounting policies and pro- of military service and Panama Canal Company activities, with a viev toward making such recommendations cedures. Basically it eliminates the as will reduce any unnecessary coets in the Caribbean area. My present trip is an integral part of this review process. More- confusing method of applying to indi- over, it will satisfy a long-standing desire to see the great vidual activities indirect charges over engineering marvel, and it will give me a better understanding of the many problems affecting the operation and administration which those concerned with the activities of the Canal Zone. control. have, in fact, no The role of the Panama Canal in our nation's welfare and its The stripping of each function to its importance in international affairs are no less today than at any time in its history. I hope that my present visit will provide me elemental costs, primarily materials and with a comprehensive understanding of the many facets of its operation as well as the personal problems which affect the welfare labor, is expected to increase cost aware- of the employees and their families who are responsible for Its ness and to provide better accountability successful operation.

for those responsible for individual I would lilce to assure all employees that I consider their operations. personal problems of major importance in the continued efficient operation of the waterway and its necessary adjuncts. The revised accounting system is called Sincerely yours. "activity accounting" since cost and revenue data will be accumulated by activities. An "activity" is defined in a Earl Ii. Johnson memorandum to Bureau Directors, on Under Secretary of the Army the new system, as the work or operation of a single organizational unit relating to a single function or purpose. Except for job order work, it represents the lowest practicable unit for accounting purposes. (Continued from pag? 1) during his 10- calls for visits to one or more set of Locks; One account will be maintained for each day visit. Except at the close of the a trip through Gaillard Cut; and inspec- activity and every item of income or cost construction period, there has been no tion of new housing areas, terminal will be carried to and remain in that time in the Canal's history that such a facilities, Clubhouses, Commissaries, Hos- particular account. Several activity variety of questions of far-reaching pitals, and other Canal Zone Government accounts will generally be required to importance has arisen at one time. facilities. determine unit costs. Where costs are Foremost among these are plans for The complete schedule of the Under transferred between activities, the distri- increasing the capacity of the Canal; Secretary's activities had not been an- bution credit will be carried in a separate fiscal policies; administrative matters of nounced when this edition of The account so as to retain the record of the direct interest to employees, such as the Canal Review went to press, and the total costs incurred by an activity. study directed by the Senate Appropria- exact dates of his visits to various tions Committee "Activity Accounting" is not new. This on compensation and installations were still to be set. fringe benefits; and the quarters or similar accounting procedures are Mr. Johnson's service as Chairman of construction program. widely used in private enterprise and in the Board of Directors of the Panama Not only are all of the many other U. S. Government agencies. subjects of major Canal Company began two months ago. importance, each one is of such a The system is expected to facilitate nature He was appointed to the post by Secretary that a solution at an early date is indi- accounting work in the Canal organiza- of the Army Robert T. Stevens in April tion because of the great variety of cated. Most of these are of an abstract to succeed Karl R. Bendetsen who nature which will operations and types of services. require the Board resigned as Chairman but continued as The newly adopted system will require Chairman to spend much of his time in member of the Board. conference with officials concerned. an almost complete recomputation of the The Under Secretary is a native of Aside from this Under Secretary Company's internal rates for transferring Hamilton, Ohio, and is a graduate of the Johnson has planned to make a personal costs between service divisions. This, University of Wisconsin. In addition to inspection of all the principal Canal however, is not expected to result in any their son who is accompanying them on Company installations. His schedule material changes in the total cost as far the present trip, Under Secretary and as the ultimate consumer is concerned. Mrs. Johnson have two daughters, Susan The rate recomputation is required application of the principles and account- Lynne and Cynthia Lee. since service costs will be reduced at ing requirements of each Bureau. Mr. Johnson had several years of divisional levels by the discontinuance of A detailed description of the procedures experience in the financial investment allocations for general and administrative and the basic changes involved were con- field between the time he was graduated expenses. When these expenses are tained in another memorandum to Bureau from college and the beginning of World added at the end, however, the result will Directors last month from the Comp- War II. He served during most of the the the be same but charge for general troller in which July 1 was set as the war period as a flying officer with the corporate expenses will appear higher effective date for the change. In his Ferrying Air Transport Command. He because they will be combined into a memorandum, Mr. Noble said that he was Deputy Commander of the Ferrying single element. expects some procedural and operating Division at the time the war ended and The plan has been under consideration problems to arise. For this reason he he was discharged to the Reserve Corps and study now for several months. The requested that inquiries on general with the rank of Colonel. principal features were outlined last accounting policies and procedures be He entered Government service in December in a memorandum from Linds- directed to the Chief of the Accounting May 1950 when he was appointed ley H. Noble, Comptroller, to the various Systems Staff; general accounting oper- Assistant Secretary of the Army. He was Bureau Directors. Since then, members ations to the Chief Accountant; plant appointed to his present post as Under of the Accounting Systems Staff with the accounting procedures and operations to Secretary of the Army early this year assistance and advice of accountants on the Chief of the Plant Inventory and after the change of Administration and loan from the Accounting System Divi- Appraisal Staff; and rate structure and his appointment to the Board of Directors sion of the General Accounting Office have analyses to the Rate Analyst of the of the Panama Canal Company followed been engaged in working out the detailed Management Staff. a few weeks later. THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW July 3, 1953

Ui-inch pipe, from the Rio Grande to a Canal Ends Half Century's Association million-gallon distributing reservoir in Ancon, from which it would feed into Panama by gravity flow. The sys- With Municipal Services In Panama, Colon water tem was designed to supply a population of 30,000 people with 60 gallons apiece daily. There was some delay in construction

of the Ancon reservoir and pending its completion the city was supplied by direct pressure from the Rio Grande pipeline. Water was turned on in Panama City for

the first time on July 4, 1905. The Isthmian Canal Commission report for that year recounts how the Municipal Council held a special session and adopted a resolution of thanks to the government of the Canal Zone. The President, his cabinet, and Canal Zone officials attended a special Mass of thanks in the Cathedral in Panama City. By the end of 1906, the water system for the capital was completed, except for a few house connections. Where these were still lacking fire hydrants supplied the populace. Water For Colon On the Atlantic side, the story was somewhat different. In 1904, that part of Colon which was occupied by officials and employees of W VTEB for Panama City was first supplied from this reservoir at Rio Grande not far from the the Panama Railroad and

present Empire rifle range. The lake has been dry for years, hut the tower in the background is still by foreign consuls was supplied with standing and may identify the location for those who drive on the road to Empire, Culebra and Paja. water brought by the Railroad Company through a small iron pipe from a small Termination of the water management streets were maintained in both terminal reservoir near Mt. Hope. The rest of the contract and the agreement by which the cities. population collected rain water in iron Canal collected garbage in the terminal There was no public water supply in the tanks. cities of Panama and Colon and the city of Panama and only a limited supply In 1906 the Isthmian Canal Com- assumption of responsibility for these in Colon when the United States took over mission reported a successful solution to services by the Republic of Panama the French Canal Company's properties this problem, saying: "Colon and Cris- ended almost 50 years of Canal Zone in May 1904. tobal now have an abundant supply of association with the Republic's water One of the articles of the 1903 treaty pure and wholesome water from a receiv- and garbage services. provided, among other things, that Pan- ing reservoir two miles back from Mt. From late 1903 until July 1 of this ama grant the United States the right Hope. This reservoir has a capacity of year, either in connection with the water "to any works of sanitation such as the 508,000,000 gallons. . . . Street hydrants and sewage systems or from funds derived collection and disposition of sewage and have been placed every 700 feet in Colon from the management contract, there were the distribution of water in the cities of to supply the inhabitants with water until laid in Panama and Colon 46 miles of Panama and Colon." house connections are made." pipe, varying from 6 inches to 16 inches The expense of such works was to be During the quarter ending June 30, in diameter, 56 miles of sewer lines and 43 borne by the United States, which was 1906, by which time there were 432 con- miles of paved streets. In addition authorized "to impose and collect water sumers in Panama City, a water rate was rates and sewage rates" sufficient to set at "$4 silver a quarter." This entitled amortize their cost in a 50-year period. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR the consumer to 10,000 gallons of water At the end of this period, these properties during the quarter; there was a charge were to revert to Panama. of "40 cents silver" for each additional Water From Rio Grande 1,000 gallons but the (Seepage H) Engineers immediately went to work on the Panama City water system, finally CANAL PRINTER deciding to supply the city from the head- waters of the Rio Grande, about 10 miles from the southern end of Culebra—now Gaillard Cut- where the French Panama Canal Company had formed a reservoir by means of a masonry dam. They decided to raise the dam to a height of 212 feet above mean high tide and to con- duct water from this reservoir, by a

Only Two Will Be Drafted™

In Lowest C. Z. Quota

The lowest draft quota—2— for the Canal Zone since the inception of I'M L II. FRIEDMAN has' been appointed W Selective Service here has been set for Supply and Service Director. He has been July. Selective Service officials said with the Canal organization for the past [2 years, that enough young men have had pre- serving until July 1951 in the Storehouse Division, inductlon physical examinations so most of the lame as Administrative Assistant, lie that no one additional will be sent for was one of two Canal nominees selected to take pari examination this month. GILBERT H. FUREY became the new Superin- in the second Junior .Management Intern program of The low Canal Zone draft quota tendent of the Printing Plant June 7 following the the Civil Service ( Jommission. Following completion reflects the overall selective service retirement of the former Superintendent, E. C. of that special training in July 1951, he was named picture. While no word has yet been Cotton. The new Canal Printer had served as Assistant to the Supply and Service Director, the received on the Canal Zone quota for Assistant Printer since December 1946. He was position he has held since that time. He is a gradu- August, news dispatches from Wash- employed as Press Foreman at the Panama Canal al, of New York City College and has done graduate ington have reported that the overall Press in 1923 after 10 years experience as a printer work at Harvard University, George Washington draft quota for August will be 23,000, in his home town of Washington, D. C, where he University, and the American University. the same as July. served for 4 years in the Government Printing Office. .

July 3, 1953 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW

INTEREST FOR YOUR AND GUIDANCE '<&CCIDENT PREVENTION UML LA 3

mask, respirator, or whatever the job On Having Bad Luck requires. 7. See that everybody working with you is protected by proper clothing and Do You Have Bad Luck? someone say that the man was careless; safety equipment. that he wasn't watching what he was do- 8. Stop whatever you are doing and ing? Why sure, that is just what the set up proper safeguards so no one else Many of us still think accidents just usual explanation has been. Someone will happen—that they are due mostly to be hurt as a result of what you arc did something did something doing. bad luck. When such a person has an wrong—he that could have been done better and 9. If it is safe accident his thinking is usually as follows: you are not sure for more safely. Now what can you do you to proceed, boss "It was just my hard luck; I have been check with your personally to prevent having an accident? to learn the safe way. pushing my luck too long; I was due to Take a look at the work. 10. have one sooner or later." This kind of way you A If you, as the boss, are doubtful lot of people work with you and someone call your Safety Inspector. thinking is similar to believing that black helps you in one or another. 1 cats leave an invisible cloud of bad luck way You 1 Always find out first how to work know that there must be cooperation safely. in their wake from which there is no and NEVER TAKE A CHANCE. teamwork to get job done. escape. Nothing can be farther from the a Therefore, 12. Make yourself a good example for teamwork and looking after truth. You can avoid having an accident. the other others. Be enthusiastic for Safety. fellow's safety, as well as Granted, one or two accidents out of a your own, will Influence others to work safely. Keep also prevent accidents. The following hundred may be caused by an "Act of your work area clean and orderly. suggestions will give some idea God," things we are powerless to prevent, on how 13. Go cautiously. Trying to work to start: such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and tidal too fast and taking short cuts to save 1. Consider safety as much a part time often results in accidents. waves; however, nowadays, it is possible Take of your job as knowing to to protect yourself even against these. how do the a few moments to think how to do the work. job safely. of thought The other 99 accidents can be avoided if A moment may 2. Look for hazards you do something about them in person. around your job. save hours of delay and days of personal 3. When you see something that suffering. It may not be possible for you to might cause an accident, stop and fix guarantee your own safety all the time, 14. Cooperate with those who are it. What if because others may do something which someone else did leave it? trying to prevent accidents. They are That is no reason for involves you in an accident. Yet, even you to walk off thinking of your safety. and not these can be avoided with everybody make it right. Always bend 15. When you are injured, compensa- down that nail; pick working together for his own safety. up those tools; tion is a poor substitute for the suffer- move that pipe Think back to some of the accidents out of the way; clean ing, loss of pay, and the jeopardizing of up that broken glass. you have seen or heard about. Didn't your family's welfare. 4. If you see something you cannot 16. If you do have an injury, no HONOR ROLL fix or have no time to repair, then tell matter how small, protect your life and someone else who can. Let your boss limb by getting immediate first aid Bureau Award For know of all unsafe conditions and and medical treatment. BEST RECORD hazards before starting the job. Safety-mindedness and accident pre- MAY 5. Be alert every minute while you vention is one part of the job that can be are working to protect yourself and safely taken home. Let this part of your INDUSTRIAL BUREAU others. job worry you at home and while you are 6. When you are doing hazardous taking your recreation. the job acci- AWARDS THIS CALENDAR YEAR Off work, protect yourself properly with dent prevention is equally as important to Industrial 4 goggles, safety hat, safety shoes, face you and your family as safety on the job Civil Affairs 2

Health 2 Disabling Injuries per 1,000,000 Man-Hours Worked Community Services 1 MAY 1953 (Frequency Rale) Engineering and Construction 1 Marine Railroad and Terminals Supply and Service Industrial Bureau

Engineering and Construction Bureau Division Award For

NO DISABLING INJURIES Supply and Service Bureau MAY Health Bureau NAVIGATION DIVISION

ELECTRICAL DIVISION C. Z. Govt.—Panama Canal Co. (This month) RAILROAD DIVISION Civil Affairs Bureau MOTOR TRANSPORTATION DIVISION GROUNDS MAINTENANCE DIVISION Marine Bureau DIVISION OF SANITATION C. Z. Govt.—Panama Canal Co. (Best Year)

AWARDS THIS CALENDAR YEAR Community Services Bureau

Grounds Maintenance 4 D .. , , T . . n Motor Transportation 4 ^droad and Terminals Bureau Sanitation 4 Dredging 3 20 30 40 Electrical 3 Hospitalization and Clinics 3 Number of Disabling Injuries... __27 Man-Hours Worked 2.775,346 Clubhouses 2 LEGEND Maintenance 2 Railroad 2 r- _I Amount Better Than Canal Zone Government Panama Canal Company Best Year Storehouses 2 — Navigation 1 , ,

Commissary I I Amount Worse Than Canal Zone Government—Panama Canal Company Best Year Locks

r : : : : Terminals : : : : :::] Accumulative Frequency Rate This Year THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW July 4, 1953 Doll-Dressing Hobby Benefits Many Children On The Isthmus OUR OUT-OF-DOORS

The Strangler Fig, pictured in the accompanying photograph, does exactly what its name implies. It begins to grow on other trees when a seed, usually dropped by a bird or in some other fashion, lodges in a crevice or at the base of spreading palm leaves. The fig sends small feeder roots to the ground and continues to grow. Over a period of years the loots increase in number and encircle the entire trunk of the host plant. As both trees grow, the fig's roots tighten, until all circulation to the original tree is cut off

and it dies. By this time the fig, whose botanical name isFicus, is strong enough to support its own branches. It frequently outlives and overtops the host tree; sometimes the host tree disappears entirely, leaving the giant climber twined around a large, hollow cylinder. DRESSING DOLLS is a hobby for Mrs. Claude M. Kreger of Gamboa. The Scotcn lassie in the foreground, the demure Dutch maid on the fence, and the five Panamanian dolls are only a few of the Many species of the Strangler Fig then many she has dressed. drop aerial roots to the ground. These form what may be called a new trunk. Mrs. Margaret B. Kreger of Gamboa engagement at the theater, Mrs. Kreger They continue spreading, killing any trees plays with dolls —but only to dress them grew up all over the world but received in their way. in fancy finery and then give them most of her education in French and away. She has dressed hundreds in the English convents and in Germany where past three years but has only those she was taught needlework of all kinds. shown in the accompanying picture to From that time on, she made all her show her handiwork. own clothes, including the theatrical About 100 of her finely dressed dolls costumes she wore when she followed in were given last Christmas to children her parent's footsteps, playing in theaters in an orphanage in Colon and other poor all over Europe and the United States. children in Panama. Her niece in Tailor, Too Europe has a collection of 80 that Mrs. Since she married and retired Kreger has dressed. Many others have from the stage in she has also all been sold and the proceeds given to 1927, made the clothing her charitable and community organizations. worn by husband, Claude M. Kreger, Rotary Drill Operator in the Girls State, sponsored by the American Dredging Division. Legion, will benefit this year from the Mrs. Kreger studied dolls long time proceeds from three of her larger dolls. a Mrs. Kreger has been an active member before she tried to dress one, inspecting all that she could find of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 6 and studying the costumes of nations at Gamboa for the past 10 years. many as they were shown Other doll sales have financed sizable in pictures and books. materials gifts for food packages and clothing sent The that go into the costumes to Czechoslovakia, earthquake victims for the dolls come from many unsus- pected sources. The "gold" pollera in Ecuador and a $100 check last Christ- mas given to Panama's First Lady as jewelry worn by one of her dolls was a fancy chain belt once worn by a belle of head of the Panama Red Cross for use STRANGLER FIGS engulf their hosts. This tree the in the purchase of foodstuffs for the Gay Nineties era. Gold braid and is one of two in a meadow near Ridge Road, Balboa Heights. Another fine specimen is in George Green city's poor children. beads go into the making of jewelry for Park on Madden Road. Dolls dressed by Mrs. Kreger are a pollera dressed dolls. Their "temble- ques" are tiny beads, "pearls," fish cosmopolitan group. The first one she and It is said that Alexander the Great once scales wires. dolls' made was a blonde Scotch lassie who strung on fine The camped under such a tree, which was shoes are crocheted with fine metallic wore a kilt, a bonnie feather in her hat, large enough to shelter an army of 7,000 thread. a shawl with a gold buckle, a purse of men. About 20 years ago this tree was All laces and insertions are imported camel's hair, shoes crocheted in black measured; it was 2,000 feet in circum- linen thread with silver buckles crocheted from Holland, France, England, Belgium, ference and had about 3,000 trunks. and other countries known for their fine of metallic thread, black chiffon velvet The Strangler Fig is one of over 600 jacket trimmed with gold braid, and lace beading and laces. species of Ficus. They are scattered little girl her dolls ruffles for collar and cuffs. A Dutch among throughout the warmer regions of the wears tiny flowered porcelain "wooden" world. Its best known varieties, inter- Polleras For Panama shoes that Mrs. Kreger ran across in a nationally, are the edible fig, and the pot Then there were others dressed in store one day and put away, as she does plant which is used extensively in the French, Dutch, and Spanish costumes many such little treasures, for a time United States and is commonly known as she will find a doll to fit them. and costumes of other nationalities but the India Rubber plant. probably the her dolls Mrs. Kreger started work on her greatest number of hobby Best known of the local Ficus are the wore Panamanian polleras. Mrs. Kreger in 1951 when her husband was trans- Ficus retusa —the Chinese Banyan trees— girls, ferred temporarily to the Atlantic side has also dressed dolls as sweater which line both sides of Roosevelt Avenue brides, Easter paraders, sophisticates of the Isthmus, leaving her more freedom and in Balboa from the Railroad station to from household duties. in evening clothes. the commissary. The fine needlework necessary for the Her next doll project, and her most pollera dolls' lacy and ruffled full skirts ambitious, will be a United Nations doll American models in the United Nations and other such miniature feminine frills family, which she plans to start as soon group, are difficult to find anywhere, was learned by Mrs. Kreger long before as she can find the proper dolls. Most she says. she turned her talents to dressing dolls. of the dolls that she dresses come from Mrs. Kreger hopes to complete this Born in the old Theatre Royal in Canada, Spain, Italy, and the United project in time to present the United Kidderminster, Worcester, England, while States, but male dolls with blond hair, Nations dolls to President Eisenhower her American parents were filling an the kind needed for the European and before the end of his first term of office. July 3, 1953 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW OF CURRENT INTEREST

Official Panama Canal Company Publication Third Commendation Published Monthly at BALBOA HEIGHTS, CANAL ZONE

Printed by the Printing Plant Mount Hope, Canal Zone

John S. Seybold, Governor-President

H. 0. Paxson, Lieutenant Governor

J. Rufus Hardy, Editor

Eleanor H. McIlhenny Oleva Hastings Editorial Assistants

SUBSCRIPTIONS—$1.00 a year

SINGLE COPIES— S cents each On sale at all Panama Canal Clubhouses, Commissaries, and Hotels for 10 days after publication date.

SINGLE COPIES BY MAIL— lOcentseach THE THIRD COMMENDATION received by Thomas S. Grant for personal bravery and excellent seamanship is presented to the motorboat operator by ('apt. Horatio A. Lincoln, Balboa Port Captain. A copy of the letter to Thomas Grant also went to BACK COPIES— lOcentseach Rafael A. Lescano, seaman, left, who assisted in the rescue for which the commendation was given. On sale when available, from the Vault At the height of the windstorm which struck the Pacific side of the Isthmus the afternoon of May 27, Clerk, Third Floor, Administration Building, the two employees rescued two Panamanians from their capsized cayuco which had overturned in the Balboa Heights. high winds. The Panamanians, residents of Taboga, had clung to their capsized boat for about an hour before they Postal money orders should be made pay- were picked up in the Canal channel near Flamenco Island. able to the Treasurer, Panama Canal Com- The motorboat operator and seaman, in the launch Mackerel, which had been dispatched before the pany, and mailed to Editor, The Panama storm broke to pick up a Panama Canal pilot, also towed to safety a Panamanian schooner in the same Canal Review, Balboa Heights, C. Z. vicinity which was drifting toward the shoals. On two other occasions the launch operator had been highly commended for similar bravery and seamanship. In August 1935, he rescued, under trying conditions, 16 crew members and passengers off the motorboat B. E. de Obarrio when it sank after a collision with the S. S. Cathtcood. Applications May Be Filed In July 1940, while he was operating the I. S. Coiinga, he sighted and saved from drowning an Amer- ican man and woman who had been in the waters of the Canal for about four hours after their sailboat Between July 13, August 7 Riptide capsized. The launch operator on that occasion was credited with saving their lives by having artificial respiration administered after they were rescued. "You displayed an utter disregard for your personal safety and you also exhibited quick thinking, For Empire Street Houses good judgment and expert seamanship. I take pleasure in commending you for this excellent perform- ance, which is in keeping with the highest standards of service in the Panama Canal Company," the Port Captain wrote in his letter of commendation. Applications for the 22 houses now The launch operator has been employed as seaman and motorboat operator in the Canal organization under construction on Empire Street in since 1925. Balboa will be accepted by the Housing Office at Balboa starting July 13 and up The small service sections at the assistants serving in 20 different Company- to 4:15 o'clock in the afternoon of Balboa and Cristobal Commissaries Government units. which have been open on Mondays Fifty of the vacationing students are in August 7. when the rest of the Commissaries are U. S.-rate position- and tin- remainder are It is expected that the 24 apartments closed will be discontinued July 13. on local-rate rolls. in the development will be available for The decision to discontinue the The number ol student assistants is special Monday service was made fol- considerably lower than last year occupancy late in August or early in when lowing a suggestion from an employee there were about 100 students employed September. representative in the monthly Gover- during the summar vacation period. There are seven types of houses in the nor-Employee conference. It was decided to close the special area, including two new ones, Types 339 The first of a series of town meetings sections because of a continuing in- in Canal communities to and 333, that have not been built in organize a crease in the number of items requested civil defense warden service have been communities before. Canal particularly those that cannot be con- held at Gamboa, Santa Cruz, and sidered "emergency" type purchases, Type 339, designed for large families, Chagres. Others are being scheduled and the change in the Panama Line by William G. Dolan, Chief of is a two-story four-bedroom duplex of Civil schedule so that the ships arrive on Defense. As a result of the meetings construction in which all the masonry Monday afternoons. already held, warden organizations bedrooms are located on the second floor. have been set up at Gamboa and Santa There are two of them in the Empire There are 11 students employed in the Cruz, the first in Canal communities. Canal organization this summer a- student Street area. The Office of the Secretary of the Army Type 333, the other new type in the announced this month the resignation of development, is a one-family masonry tages, also built in the Ancon Boulevard Edward D. McKim, cottage in which a "modernfold" door area; two Type 337, one-family, three- insurance executive separating two bedrooms makes it pos- bedroom masonry patio type house; ill Omaha, as a in ember of sible to have either two or three bedrooms. and one Type 329, to be assigned to a large the ard of Directors There are seven of these houses. family, a one-family, four-bedroom breeze- the Panama type house, also built in the Ancon The other types of houses in the area way inal Company, are: One 431, a composite type three- Boulevard development. had served on bedroom cottage like those in the San The following weekly rents have been the Board since early in 1951 Juan area of Ancon; six Type 334, one- set for the new houses: Type 431, and had been a member family, two-bedroom masonry "patio $20.60; Type 334, $1V-'II; Type 332, of the Executive house" like those built in the Ancon $16.35; Type 333, $18.35; Type 337, Committee since its Boulevard development; three Type 332, $22.15; Type 329, $24.45; and Type formation in Sept. one-family, two-bedroom masonry cot- 339, $22.S0. 1951. THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW July 3,1953 Power Branch Keeps Electricity Flowing From Source To Consumer

usually called the Army and asked if a balloon were loose. Frequently the dis- patcher's call was the Army's first infor- mation that a balloon had broken from its moorings. The trailing cables would drag across the lines and put them out of service.

Once a runaway balloon, leaking hydrogen from breaks in both ends, caught under wires directly in front of the Miraflores station. The balk on exploded, breaking windows, twisting window frames, and blowing out a heavy metal door at the back of the power station. Herbert F. Paddock, now Act- ing Chief Dispatcher, was on duty that night. He recalls that no one was seriously hurt. From Power Supply

While handling emergencies like that of the recent Saturday evening is an important part of the power people's job,

it is not by any means all. They, and the plants they operate, are all part of the Power Branch of the Electrical Division. Their main job is to see that the Canal MACHINES dwarf men at the Madden hydroelectric station, source of the bulk of Canal Zone, electric jpower. Lew Ryan. Madden Chief Operator, in a flowered shirt, talks with Pat Coakley, acting supervisor Zone has a steady supply of electric for the southern district of the Power Branch. In the background is James Sobers, one of the oilers. power to operate the locks, light streets and houses and offices, run refrigerators, One recent Saturday night lights or snakes. A power failure there may lathes, washing machines, electric clocks, flickered in houses all over the Pacific mean that a sloth has slowly climbed a typewriters, heat bakery ovens, stows, side of the Canal Zone. Then they transmission tower and taken a firm and and dry closets, and do the hundred- dimmed, almost went out. fatal grasp on a high-voltage line. Or a and-one things for which electricity is In the Power Dispatcher's office in the snake may have slithered across a line essential. Miraflores Diesel-electric station, an alarm and put it out of service. Power in the Canal Zone is generated bell rang. At the same time instruments Until the garbage dump at Gatun was by two fluids: Water and oil. Water, in on his switchboard indicated a major moved some time ago, a power failure on the principal of the old mill wheel, oper- disturbance in the normally smooth flow the transmission lines north of Gatun ates the generators at Madden and Gatun of electric power. Simultaneously, in usually meant that a buzzard, on the hydroelectric plants. Diesel oil, on the the Gatun hydroelectric station, identical lookout for tasty a morsel in the dump, principle of the internal combustion en- instruments showed Operator-Dispatcher had chosen the power line for perch. a gine, runs the six Diesel generating William Schuster that the Canal Zone's During the war, barrage balloons were stations. The system's main Diesel plant power system had "lost a generating frequent causes of power failures. If a at Miraflores is manned day and night plant," as electricians say. line went out the dispatcher on duty for emergencies such as that on the At Miraflores, Power Dispatcher John S. Skinner, Jr., blew a siren; Daniel J. Sullivan, Diesel engineer on watch, dropped whatever he was doing and started up one of the plant's Diesel units, affection- ately known to the men who work there as "rock crushers." Mr.Skinnerconnected this and other units to the electric lines, as needed, to assure light and power to the locks and the power system's other customers. At Gatun, Mr. Schuster performed the necessary operations which enabled his plant to pick up additional load. All over the Pacific side, the lights stopped flickering, slowly gained power and in a matter of seconds were back to full brilliance. Later the dispatchers learned that something, probably lightning, had knocked out both of the 44,000-volt lines which come from the Madden hydroelec- tric plant and join the trans-Isthmian 44,000-volt line at Summit. The next day a line crew checked the Madden lines and found them undamaged. Lightning, Birds Or Animals

At this time of year power failures on the lines anywhere usually mean lightning, but there may be other causes—child- ren's kites caught on a high wire, for POWEE DISPATCHERS seldom cluster in threes but they did for The Review photographer.* instance. The section of the transmission Talking on the telephone is Frank Mauldin while Herbert F. Paddock, Acting Chief Dispatcher, center, discusses electrical matters with Pat Coakley, who is presently acting supervisor for the Branch's southern line between Gamboa and Fort Davis is a district hut whose regular job is Chief Power Dispatcher. Mr. Paddock's usual work is Chief Operator favorite playground for animals, birds, at the Gatun hydroelectric station. —a

July 3,1953 1HE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW

Saturday night we've been talking about. The other Diesel stations, most of them built during the war, are used as standbys and for emergency power supply. The Madden hydroelectric station is the system's major power producer. Water from Madden Lake flows through great pipes under the station floor, through turbines which turn the gener- ators to make electric power and out, under the station, to the river below the towering dam.

In the station's spotless long, narrow main room, where the temperature is at least 90 degrees all the time, are three big, flat-topped semi-ovals. These house the generators themselves. Atop each housing is a pile of cylindrical shapes, each smaller than the one beneath like a set of child's graduated blocks. These are the "exciters." Each controls the oper- ations of the one beneath.

"Without these little babies and their direct current, the big boy (the generator) below won't produce alternating current," Madden Station's Chief, Lew Ryan explains.

Over Transmission Lines CABLE SPLICERS work underground, but do not usually have as much space as this. John C. Francis works on cables in Madden and Gatun hydroelectric a double manhole while his helper, Stanford E. Allen, stands readv to assist him. stations generate current at 6,000 volts, a volt being a unit of electrical pressure. He is not only the Outside the station the voltage is stepped power dispatcher this time to the 220 or 110 volts which but he is up by means of transformers to the also operator of the Miraflores is safe for house or office service. substation in time of trouble, power plant 44,000 volts at which it is transmitted. To The User The generators cannot produce current operator for the Miraflores plant, and, by remote control, substation The amount of current 'each user of such high voltage but it is desirable operator at the Balboa, consumes is measured a meter, for more efficient power flow. Over the Gamboa, and Summit by a substations. watt-hour meter if one must be technical. high voltage lines, suspended on their Sometimes, according to Reading and testing meters is the job of towers, the electricity is transmitted to Acting Chief Dispatcher men like Ernest Berger the various substations. Herbert Paddock, he is also or Donald a question and Kaan who, between monthly meter Maintenance of the transmission lines answer man. Invariably read- when there is trouble and the dispatcher ings, work in the electrical instrument is a major problem. They are patrolled is in the middle repair shop at the Balboa field office. twice a month and, in addition, always of dealing with it, people call up to tell him Meter readers, on their rounds of their the day after a power failure. Some what he already knows, that their lights are is 9,000 watt-hour charges, have their sections of the lines are patrolled by car, off. This especi- ally true if troubles. They are followed some by "speeders" on the railroad, a failure happens during the by mis- peak load periods— chievous children with a million questions others on foot. Sometimes the towers, 8 to 11 a. m. week- days and early evenings over weekends. each, set upon by irritable dogs, and like Nos. 12 and 13 on the Madden Line. As dispatcher he controls cornered by irritated housewives who are deep in the Forest Preserve. To the flow of power into the want to know why their light bills are so reach them linemen have to follow paths various substations, where it is high "when Mrs. Jones through head-high undergrowth. stepped down by transformers to the across the street- 2,200 volts which run through under- does twice as much baking and her bill's On these patrols, linemen all too ground cables nothing like mine!" frequently find that someone has made to the consumers. At the consumer end, in the little block-like off with equipment for its metal value. Processing the meter readings for pay- transformer Formerly the linemen had been able to houses one sees here and roll deduction as well as for cash and there, the power is again stepped down, store strings of porcelain insulators— intra-agency billing by the Comptroller's four-insulator unit weighs 81 pounds Office requires considerable time so the at the bases of some of the more isolated consumer doesn't pay for his light until towers and thus avoid hauling them in about six weeks after the meters are each time there was need of replacement. read. For instance, charges for current But recently these reserve strings have used between February 15 and March 15 been found smashed, for the slight bit of this year did not appear on deduction bronze the insulators contain. Ground slips until May 4. By that time most wires down the sides of the towers have consumers had forgotten just what they been cut and removed; not long ago a had used electricity for during the 30-day long section of deenergized 11,000-volt period covered by the bill. line was stolen. A change was made recently in billing procedure and deduction slips now show Through Nerve Center the period in which the current was used. If the power system can be described "Electric current to 7-15" will mean that anatomically, the generating plants are the current was used between June 15 the heart, the transmission lines and and July 15. The rate is two cents for underground cables the veins and arteries, the first 150 kilowatt hours each month and the office of the chief power dispatcher and one cent a kilowatt hour for the next the nerve center. 99,850 kilowatt hours. From his desk, which happens to be Local electric rates compare favorably in the Miraflores Diesel station, he has with those in the United States. The the power system, quite literally, at his 1952 issue of the Federal Power Commis- fingertips. Red and green lights on a sion's report on power rates in cities of panelled board tell him what is "live," more than 2,500 population shows that what is deenergized. He knows, and is in Cleveland, Ohio, electricity which METER. READING is part of the job of Carl .1. prepared to do something about it, would cost a Canal Zone customer $2 Mellander, an apprentice wireman for the Electrical when there is a failure on a power line costs Division. Here he records current consumption at a Cleveland customer $3.35; the anywhere. a Diablo house. Cleveland customer would pay $10.48 for 1

10 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW July 3, 1953

mount of power which costs the Canal Zone user $6.50. In Tacoma, Wash., the rates are lower. ricity for which a Canal Zone user pays $2 costs $1.70 and that amount which costs $6.50 here costs $5.35 in Tacoma. But in San Antonio, Tex., current for which a Canal Zonian pays MACY'S had full-page ads in New York and plums can be expected later as the fruit

$2 costs $3.59 and that for which ' a papers to tell the world about "Scrabble." season progresses. Zonian pays $6.50 costs $10.59. Locally, it might do what the television we don't have can't to keep the family on the ORLON SWEATERS for women, shrug Irons vs. Lights home front. styles and slipovers, in three- and two-tone Scrabble, that ha; Macy's crowing, is a color combinations are expected early in Most heating units irons, stoves, crossword game with a scoring system that July. They will cost about $4. toasters, wattle irons, water heaters- fits the tastes and talents of both young use more current per hour than a light or and old. There are new lines of Yardley cos- Macy's copywriters through the a motor on an electric fan, refrigerator, gamboled metics —new to Yardley's and usual gimmicks to tell how much fun Scrabble Yardley new in the Commissaries — for record changer, or vacuum cleaner. A is. To which the Canal Commissaries could Cosmetics both men and women. There l.iii in-watt iron consumes 1 kilowatt hour only add: "We sell it for only $2.50." are shaving cream, brushless of electrical energy as against 0.1 of a shaving cream, oath oil, after-shower kilowatt hour for a 100-watt light, for Two new pie mixes that come in cans, powder, and a new perfume and essence of available in perfume called "Flair." each hour of operation. However, many soon the Commis- Fruit Pies saries, will make the job of filling heating appliances have heat-regulating fruit pies as easy as ihe pie crust A KITCHEN SERVANT that will take the thermostats which snap the current on mixes have made the making of pie shells. tedium out of a multitude of cooking chores and off as needed. There will be blueberry and cherry pie mix, is the Griscer all-purpose kitchen cutter that has been ordered for the Commissaries and Incidentally, electricians say, don't both of which have sugar, lemon juice, salt, and stock added to the fruit. The cans are is expected soon. heat an iron just to press blouse. It a It has well advertised and so well large enough to fill an eight- or nine-inch been so takes current to heat that iron.. Wait pie crust and will cost about 38 cents. liked by those who have used it, about the until there are half a dozen blouses and only thing left to tell Commissary customers is that locally it will cost about $10 complete do them all at one time. Don't use an NEW NYLON TIES for men will be in the with four cutters. stores soon. They are grenadine weave oven just to bake potatoes; cook a meat They are: The chopper that crumbs bread, rough, almost like monk's cloth and are in loaf and a pie at the same time. Leaky chops nuts and vegetables very fine, crushes solid colors and small prints. They will cost ice, rices ootatoes; a shredder that shreds hot water faucets make a water heater about $1.25. coconut, cheese, lemon or orange rind, car- work overtime; youngsters opening and rots and other firm vegetables, crumbs crack- A large stock of maternity dresses and closing refrigerators doors make refriger- ers, toast, bread, chocolate, cuts nut meats, separates that are on order ator motors work extra and electric bills eggs, onions, etc.; a shoestringer that shoe- "Pop Coats" are now arriving in the stores. strings vegetables, soup stock, casserole run up. Maids are generally less careful Among the many pretty styles dishes, cuts fruit and other foods for baking, with electric current than their employers, — including the new polished and embossed preserves, salads and candies, etc.; and the cottons— will be white pique "Pop Coats" who have to pay the bills. slicer (thin) that cuts cabbage, peppers, with "jewel trimming, which wholesale People who talk about the "good old onions, cucumbers, radishes, carrots for salads, drygoods people at Mount Hope expect to etc., reduces green or wax beans to bits and days" aren't thinking about electricity. be especially popular. is fine for potato chips, for instance. Among the property turned over to the INDOOR-OUTDOOR furniture with unusu- United States by the French Canal A baby server, a table with an adjustable ally pleasing lines, tubular steel construction Company in 1904 were 10 "electrical T i| seat for the baby right_in the that is as sturdy as it is light in weight and les middle, will be in the Commis- machines," book valued at about $13,000. appearance, seats and backs in tomato or For saries soon. Also available will And historians recount that French forces emerald green fibre with steel wire reenforce- Babies be an attachment that makes the worked in Culebra Cut at night under ment core in each strand, will be in the stores same server do service for baby's bath. It is soon. It is comfortable and will be sold at electric lights. a versatile, safe, and ingenious bit of comfortable prices well below comparable equipment that is designed to fit the needs But electricity for domestic consump- lines. of a baby from early infancy to about three tion was something else. In 1905, the There will be dinette tables with chairs years, after which it can continue in service to match; two-arm lounges and two-arm only Commission buildings which were as a game and play table. pull-ups; left and right chairs and armless electrically lighted were the hospital, the fillers for sectional combinations; end tables; BLACK TAFFETA RAINCOATS, expected administration building, and a few quar- lamp, or corner tables; cocktail tables; and soon, will be the fanciest rainy season attire ters at Ancon along with some quarters outdoor loungers. seen so far in the Commissaries. They will in Colon and Cristobal. Prices will range from about $18.50 for cost about $1 . single pieces to $69.50 for the dinette set. Electricity And Kerosene Copper-bottomed, stainless steel Revere Fully leather-lined shoes for men the kind People whose houses had electricity — cooking ware, unavailable for cl that are built for long wear—are paid 75 cents a month apiece for the first bhoes Copper some time, is coming back to the coming to the Commissaries from For Bottoms Commissaries, probably early in 10 lights and 50 cents for each additional England. There will be plain toe Men July. Included in the lot will be light. Those who had no electricity and straight tip styles in black and were matched mixing bowls with handles for brown and, of the favorable ex- furnished kerosene free. This led to because hanging. change rate, they will cost about $6.25. protests of discrimination and one letter "WITWHIP" was given top honors in a in the old files asserts: "If electrical em- LEMONADE CONCENTRATE, in frozen ten-page review of kitchen tools in LIFE ployees have to pay for their light, form, which was unavailable for a short time, Magazine as the first really new develop- kerosene employees ought to pay, too." is now back in the stores to stay. ment in the line of beaters since the conven- After lengthy discussion when some tional egg beater came into existence in 1 860. Fruits from the United States will device is operated with one hand, methods of electrical charges were con- be coming The new into the stores now and for the whips at the very bottom of a container, and, sidered and discarded, the Commission Fresh Fruit next few months, when they are for example, will whip one spoonful of cream decided, toward the end of 1906, that all in season up north. Cherries, in a tiny teacup, quickly and without spray- buildings should be furnished light, plums, cantaloupes, and watermelons are ing the surroundings. It will be in the water, and fuel without charge. available, on order, or enroute. Nectarines Commissaries soon and will cost about $1.85 In 1910 considerable excitement was roused when a neglected electric iron was furnished for lighting only and could chines, fans, radios, and other equipment- started lire in a Gatun. The damage not be used for power, heating, or cooking. The amount of electric power generated was slight but the incident sparked off Those who owned electrical appliances in 1952 was three and one-half times that- 'since this is an electrical story) an could continue to use them only on the generated in 1922. All of which means investigation that disclosed that 57 condition that they pay for the current that the increased electrical load in em- electric irons, as well as some toasters, consumed, and no other employee was to ployees quarters, plus the additional load chafing dishes, percolators, etc., were buy electrical appliances. Practically all for the various Canal and Armed Forces being used on the current which was the electrically-equipped householders facilities, has resulted in the use of 350 intended for lighting only. An official immediately said they would discontinue percent electricity than was being estimate showed that the use of these the use of their appliances. more used 30 years unauthorized appliances was costing the Today there are approximately 4,400 ago. Commission $103.26 a month! electric ranges and water heaters in Which means, in the long run, more On March 1, 1910, Colonel Goethals Canal quarters and a large but unknown and more work for the people of the ssued a circular that the electric current number of refrigerators, washing ma- Power Branch. July 3,1953 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW 11

were transferred to a temporary prison Penitentiary Guard For 42 Years at Mandingo. The prison building at If Culebra had been abandoned in 191 1 when Brought 'Em Back They Escaped slides on the west bank of Culebra Cut threatened to break back to the prison. For 42 years Canal Zone convicts have A road was being built at the time had to reckon with Sidney King, who is from Empire to the Panama boundary at credited with bringing back most of the Paja and the temporary prison at Man- prisoners who have broken out of Canal dingo, built of the trees readily available penitentiaries. Zone in the area, was about halfway between There have been 39 attempted escapes the two points. There were a lot of in local penal history but only one convict, prison breaks in those days, Mr. King No. got for That 643, away good. was recalls, a fact that is not surprising in back in 1913 and things have changed a view of the facilities. lot since then, according to the long- Moved To Gamboa time guard and clerk who remembers all In 1913 the prison was moved to its the prison breaks. present location at Gamboa, where prison- No. 643 first made an unsuccessful ers were housed in a former messhall attempt to break out of the stockade at used by European Canal laborers. The Mandingo and was shot by the guard who laborers were moved across the Canal to stopped him. Placed in the prison Matachin and prison personnel moved dispensary at Culebra for treatment, he into the quarters that were vacated at made rope out of his hospital sheet, a Gamboa. swung himself two stories down to the The penitentiary had the most and the ground and made the one clean getaway

i least prisoners in 1913, according to Mr. in Canal Zone penal history. King. There were so many— about 200 Mr. King recalls that the guard at SIDNEY KING at one time —that an extensive program the hospital was dismissed for negligence. of rehabilitation was instituted by Rich- Canal Zone police and penal affairs, on the police force for about 10 years. ard L. Metcalfe, who was in charge of he says, "are regulated a lot better He had gone there from his native Bar- civil administration in the Canal Zone today" and many lessons have been bados because he wanted to be a police- during the last few months of the third learned from local police experience, in- man and there were no vacancies on the and last Isthmian Canal Commission. cluding the efficacy of thorough training force at home. When he came to the Many prisoners also were pardoned and for prison personnel. Canal Zone he had the same thing in mind. the penitentiary population then dropped Only two escapees on Canal Zone con- He came to the Isthmus in July 1911 to its lowest point, totaling about 40. vict records attempted the same thing and since he couldn't get a job immedi- Police work has been Mr. King's one twice. Both were recaptured on the ately with the police, he went to work absorbing interest from the time he was second try by the long-time prison guard, as an orderly at Ancon Hospital. About a boy and incidentally provided a hobby who, in years past, was ordinarily detailed five months later, he was employed at the he has followed most of his life. When he to ferret out prisoners who were believed Gorgona police station. was on the police force in Trinidad, some to have escaped into Panama. There was plenty of activity there in of the policemen there made their own For the past several years he has those days according to the long-time shoes because the ones that were gener- served as chief clerk in the office of the guard. The machine shops for the Canal ally available were not as good looking as penitentiary at Gamboa. work were located there, there were they thought the boots of a policeman Of Cell Sawed Out many nationalities among the Canal should be. The most audacious of the prisoners "diggers" stationed in the town, plenty Mr. King learned shoemaking from who escaped, in Mr. King's opinion, was of saloons, plenty of business, and plenty fellow policemen there and has made all one who sawed himself out of a dark to keep Gorgona's 16-man police force his own shoes since that time. He also cell at Gamboa in 1913, together with his busy. has always made all the shoes worn by cellmate. That was not difficult in the In December 1913, he was transferred his wife and two sons, many for police old wooden building that served as the to the penitentiary office at Culebra, and prison personnel and a large circle prison at the time. where prisoners were taken before they of friends. The prisoners made it through the wire of the prison enclosure and were not missed until the next day when one was recaptured near Summit. There was no Dog Registration And Rabies Inoculation trace of the other prisoner until about four days later when he returned to the Will Begin About Mid July In Ten Zone Towns penitentiary and left a calling card. On a movie night at the prison, when Registration of dogs for licensing and vaccinate the dogs will be clerks from the most of the prison personnel were on the mandatory vaccination of the animals License Section who will fill out the duty watching the prisoners as they against rabies will begin about the middle necessary forms and issue the dog tags. watched the moving pictures, one of the of July in 10 central locations in the The tags, of brass with black letters, and guards returned to his quarters to find Canal Zone the anti-rabies vaccine were ordered some that he had been robbed. The exact dates when vaccinating and time ago from the United States and will About $600 in cash, a watch, and some registering teams will be in the various arrive here shortly. The tags are num- jewelry were missing. The timing of the locations will be announced within a bered from 1 through 4,000. burglary on a movie night convinced short time. After the initial registration period, police that it was the escaped convict who As present plans now stand, the teams dog owners may have their pets vaccinated had come to call. will work one day in each of the follow- against rabies at the Corozal kennels on Mr. King was detailed to go into ing towns: Old Cristobal, Rainbow City, the Pacific side or at the Humane Society Panama to see if the missing prisoner Margarita, Gatun, and Chagres on the kennels at Brazos Brook on the Atlantic could be found there. He combed the Atlantic side; Balboa (which will also side. Pacific siders will then take their town for several days and finally caught serve residents of Ancon and Diablo dogs' vaccination certificates to the sight of the fugitive at the Panama Paraiso, Heights), Gamboa, La Boca, License Section in the Civil Affairs Build- Railroad station just as he was getting and Pedro Miguel on the Pacific side. ing the licenses will be issued. ready to board a train for the Atlantic where Dog owners will register their pets, Atlantic siders will mail their certificates side. have them vaccinated against rabies and When he was caught he still had $500 to the License Section as they do for pay the $2 license fee at the same time. and the watch and a ticket to Cuba on a automobile license plates and the dog A recent Executive Regulation issued by boat that was sailing within a few hours license tags will be returned by mail. Gov. J. S. Seybold requires that all from Cristobal. licenses will be valid from August dogs in the Canal Zone have the anti- Dog Detective In Trinidad rabies inoculation and be licensed by 1 of this year to July 31, 1954, and

Mr. King came to the Isthmus from August 1. will be renewed annually. Unlicensed Trinidad where he had been a detective Working with the veterinarian who will animals will be impounded. 5

12 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW July 3,1953

Book By Two NEW IRON ORE TRADE BOOSTS CANAL TRAFFIC C. Z. Teachers To Be Published

Probably the greatest thrill in a child's life is learning to read, according to two Canal Zone teachers. But the child doesn't learn to read the first day as he anticipated; instead, at first he learns whole words and phrases but at a later stage the use of letter sounds is a great aid as he takes his first steps toward exploring the world of books. Modern education stresses the im- portance of the phonetic approach to reading and to that field the two teachers, Eunice Monroe and Josephine Withers, have recently made a contribution. The Gel-Sten Company of Brookfield,

III., one of the largest U. S. publishers of school duplicating materials, has just bought their book, Beginning Phonics. It will be available in time for the coming school year. A second book by Miss

Monroe and Miss Withers has recently IRON ORE from new mines was loaded aboard this Panama-registered ship in San Juan, Peru. Lamyru been submitted to the same publisher. was the first ship to transit the Canal destined for Morrisville, Pa., new U. S. Steel Company port. The two Canal Zone teachers developed tonnage through the flag, their book because they felt there was a Cargo the Panama Panamanian two were of Italian lack of good usable material available in Canal was increased by 94,300 tons and registry, three were registered with Great tolls $60,570 in six-week period as the Britain this field of teaching. Both were first by a and two trips—those of the grade teachers at the time—Miss Withers result of the recently inaugurated iron Turmoil—were under the Liberian flag. ore trade from Peru the United States. will be teaching third grade in Diablo to next year and Miss Monroe is a first From the first of May through June 15, grade teacher. 14 ships transited the Canal, either in Comparing notes and exchanging lesson ballast southbound or carrying an aver- Atlantic Side Supervisors sheets on their work, they found that age of slightly over 10,000 tons of the iron their ideas for the teaching of this phase ore northbound. Almost all of the ships Complete Training Course of phonics were almost identical The had transited previously in other services. book developed from these ideas. The ore is coming from new mines near Twenty-three Atlantic side supervisors San Juan, Peru. In its issue of May 4, Teachers' Evaluation received certificates at "graduation" cere- Time Magazine described the new Before accepting material for publica- monies last month, concluding a 16-week operation: tion, Gel-Sten ordinarily has it evaluated supervisory training conference series "At the southern port of San Juan, the by key teachers. When they compiled under the joint supervision of the Term- freighter Libertad took aboard the first their manuscript, Miss Monroe and Miss inals and Grounds Maintenance Divisions 10,000 tons of iron ore from Utah Con- Withers asked a representative group of and the Personnel Bureau. struction Company's new Marcona mine. teachers in the Canal Zone schools to give Starting work last January, the United Several other groups have completed their evaluation of it. The letters of States firm had built a 15-mile road, got similar courses which are designed to teach these teachers accompanied the finished shovels digging at the open pit and the supervisors to lead planned con- manuscript when it went to the pub- started 60 specially designed 19-ton ferences, a recent development in solv- lishers and, Miss Monroe and Miss trucks hauling ore to dockside. By June, ing numerous business and industrial Withers believe, were in great part hematite ore will be leaving for U. S. problems. responsible for the prompt acceptance of East Coast ports at the rate of 2,400,000 the book. The final meeting of the Atlantic side tons a year." supervisors was held in the Red Cross An interesting sidelight on Beginning First Ship May 16 rooms over the Central Labor Office in Phonics is the fact that the pictures for The Libertad, a 5,184-ton freighter Cristobal. A. E. Beck, Superintendent the original manuscript were prepared by operated for the Orion Shipping Company of the Terminals Division, spoke briefly. Michael McNevin, who is Miss Withers' and registered under Panama, was north- The certificates, together with covering nephew. He was graduated from Balboa bound through the Canal May 16. She memoranda for the employees' files and High School a year ago and has just carried 10,850 tons of iron ore and was group photographs, were distributed by completed his first year at the University headed for Baltimore. E. B. O'Brien, Assistant Superintendent. of New Mexico. The illustrations play an important part in the book. Michael's Since May 16, eight other ships have Conferees receiving certificates were: pictures will not appear in the finished transited northbound carrying loads of R. D. Armstrong, James A. Brooks, Harry volume, however, since Gel-Sten has its iron ore. Four were en route to Mobile, Cain, Joseph Corrigan, Norman E. J. own artists. Ala., two to Philadelphia, and two to Demers, W. J. Dockery, Gerald R. Fruth, Morrisville, Pa., the new United States Miss Monroe, who was born in Colo- John W. B. Hall, George W. Jones, Jr., Steel Company port. rado but now considers California her John H. Leach, J. H. Michaud, Leonidas Joseph home, is a graduate of the Colorado The ore carriers in the 6-week period H. Morales H., Ray Perkins, State College of Education at Greeley. were: the Vassalis, San Roque, Giovanni Reardon, Wallace F. Russon, Maxwell S. She taught in Colorado Schools before Amendola, Maria Parodi, Maria de Lar- Sanders, Edward C. Stroop, Peter A. coming here in 1944. While on leave ringa, Lamyra, Turmoil, and St. Helena. Tortorici, E. B. Turner, Randolph Wikin- during the 1949-50 school year she taught Turmoil, which is of Liberian registry, and stad, and Harry Witt, all of the Terminals first grade in Bellflower, Calif. San Roque, Panamanian-registered, have Division; Gene E. Clinchard and Virgil made round trips for the ore trade be- C. Reed of the Grounds Maintenance Miss Withers, Virginia-born, attended tween May 1 and June 15. Division. Tulane University and is a graduate of the Pestalozzi-Froebel Teachers' College Southbound between May 30 and June Brodie Burnham, Assistant Training

in Chicago. She taught kindergarten in 1 were the Challenger, Andre, and Kings- Officer in the Personnel Bureau who Tampa, Fla. Before coming to the Canal mownt, all destined for San Juan to load served as leader of the conference series, Zone schools in 1945 she had her own ore. acted as master of ceremonies. Coffee private nursery school in Chicago. Of the 14 transits, seven ships were under and doughnuts rounded out the program. 13 July 4, 1953 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW NEW ARRIVAL All Records Are Shattered As Canal Ends

Busiest Fiscal Year In Its Entire History

All existing records in the history of than 600 transits by large commercial the Panama Canal for commercial traffic, ships was recorded in March 1952. This times tolls, and cargo shipped through the record was to be broken three waterway were broken in the fiscal year during the following 12-month period. 1953 which ended June 30. The record was broken in May 1952 Figures on the number of transits by with 622 transits; in October with 673 ocean-going commercial ships and tolls for transits; and again in March of this year any previous year were topped by the end with 678 transits. of May, with June totals still to be added Aside from the heavy flow of commer- to complete the 1953 record. cial traffic during the past fiscal year, the Although figures on the surging traffic number of Government^owned vessels in of the past fiscal year were still incomplete transit was well above that of the previous when this edition of The Canal Review year. Tolls credits for these vessels went to press, the number of transits had "amounted to $3,481,681 during the first passed the 7,400 mark, exceeding by 11 months of the past fiscal year, which 875 the record total set in the previous was approximately $800,000 higher than CAPT. E. J. DUNN, USN, became the new fiscal year. figures for a comparable period of the Director of the Industrial Bureau effective June 30. Tolls were expected to climb to previous fiscal year. He came to the Canal Zone from California where he well above In addition to other new record totals served as Repair Superintendent at the Long Beach approximately $31,900,000, daily average Naval Shipyard. An engineering duty officer, the the former record total of $27,128,893 in shipping last year, the new Industrial Bureau Director has also served at collected in the boom year of 1929. number of large ships locked through the the New York Naval Shipyard and before that time The amount of cargo shipped through Canal was the highest in history. The had lengthy service at sea. He was born in Farmers- last year was well above any daily average number of transits for the ville, Tex., and was graduated from the Naval the Canal both Academy at Annapolis in 1930. previous totals for one year. During the first 11 months was 23.2, for com- first 11 months of the past fiscal year mercial and Government vessels, as long tons had been compared with the previous record of Long-Range Studies On Canal Investment more than 32,830,000 moved through the Canal. The former 19.9 transits in the fiscal year 1952. Will Set Firm Basis For Fiscal Policies record for any year was 33,610,509 long Although most of the principal trade tons which was established in the fiscal routes through the Canal showed gains in {Continued from page i) monetary values, year 1952. the past year, the heavy traffic was attri- wage scales, and changes of a varying The surge of commercial traffic through buted principally to big gains on those nature which might affect the revenues the Canal began during the early part of between the east coast of the United and operating costs of the Canal. the calendar year 1952 and, for the first States/Canada and Asia; the United First Phase Near End time since the Canal was opened to States intercoastal; and the east coast of The investment and depreciation study traffic in 1914, a monthly record of more the United States and South America. is being conducted by the Plant Inven- and sewerage systems Canal Ends Half Century's Association manage the water tory and Appraisal Staff. Other Com- and the street paving functions for Pana- units and page User's bill was Cut pany porsonnel will assist in (Continued from 4) ma's account in Panama City and Colon. specialized phases. "10 cents silver per 1,000 gallons," by All of Colon was included in the first within 15 days The phase, now being concluded if the account was paid management contract but only that part by the Plant Inventory and Appraisal of the due date. The rate in Colon was of Panama City between the tip of the Staff, is what might be termed a "quick higher: "$9 silver a quarter for 10,000 city at French Plaza and the old Tumba inventory" of gallons," and "90 cents silver" for each the physical properties. Muerto Road—close to El Panama Its purpose is to arrive at principal figures, additional 1,000 gallons. Meters were Hotel—was in the contract. Panama within a narrow margin of error, and a not installed until the middle of 1907. itself handled water in the suburban areas. quick review of probable service lives of Filtration Plants The Republic's share of the garbage physical property, which can be used for Filtered water came later. A filtration collection and street cleaning costs was an investment and depreciation base. plant was opened at Mt. Hope February to be paid from proceeds of the collections A report on this phase of the long-range 23, 1914, and the Miraflores Filtration for the water and sewerage accounts. study is being prepared for consideration Plant went into service March 14, 1915. Early last month, the Maintenance of the Board of Directors in its determi- On August 1, 1926, Panama and the Division which maintained the streets and nation on the adequacy of present rates United States signed an agreement, handled the water management contract of tolls. whereby the United States was to do had eight U. S.-rate and 73 local-rate This telescoped phase to provide a street cleaning and garbage collections in employees on this work. The Health close estimate of the value of the Canal Panama and Colon, Panama bearing Bureau, which handled garbage and and its allied facilities together with its three-quarters of the cost and the Canal trash collection, employed four U. S.-rate accrued depreciation to date is Zone the remaining quarter. to be men and about 700 local-rate employees followed by a detailed inventory, cost On May 28, 1942, the United States on this part of their work. analysis, and depreciation studies. Aside and Panama entered into what is known The new arrangement, which went into from the objective of providing a broad as a "General Relations Agreement," effect this week, does not affect the New foundation for the Government's fiscal and under a provision of this the United Cristobal-Colon Beach and Fort DeLes- policies in operating the Panama Canal, States, on January 1, 1946, transferred seps area, since the 1946 transfer specific- the long-range study will also provide a the water and sewage systems to the ally provides that the United States has comprehensive and adequate plant ac- Republic of Panama. At this date the full responsibility, without cost to Pan- counting system that should make unnec- unamortized value of water and sewerage ama, of maintaining and operating water essary any studies of this nature in the systems and pavements in the Republic and sewerage systems in these U. S.- future. It is expected that the plant of Panama was $669,226.38. occupied areas, as well as maintaining, appraisal program will extend over a Management Contract repair all streets period of two to three years. On this same day, Panama and The cleaning and keeping in and pavements and collecting all garbage Consultants Engaged Panama Canal signed a management con- tract under which the Canal agreed to in these sections. The consultant services of two of the leading firms in their fields have been possibly other advisory services. The preparing estimates on future Canal engaged to assist in the study and to services of Lybrand, Ross Bros. & traffic trends and economic aspects which provide expert and unbiased opinions on Montgomery, Certified Public Account- affect world shipping. A representative its various developments. ants, of New York, have also been of the Department's maritime division Ebasco Services, Inc., of New York, obtained to provide advisory and con- spent a week here late in May to collect has been engaged to furnish engineering sulting services on the knotty accounting statistical data on Canal traffic. This consulting services in connection with the and financial problems. will be augmented by information obtain- establishment of estimated service lives In addition to these, the Department able from Government sources in Wash- of the major plant and equipment and of Commerce is providing assistance in ington and sources elsewhere. 14 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW July 3,1953

PROMOTIONS AND TRANSFERS ANNIVERSARIES

May 15 through June 15 Employees who observed important anni- versaries during the month of June are listed alphabetically below. The Employees who were promoted or trans- Time, Leave, and Payroll Clerk, Payroll number of years includes all Government ferred between May 15 and June IS are Branch. service with the Canal or other agencies. listed below. Regradings and within-grade Those ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION with continuous service with the Canal are promotions are not listed. BUREAU indicated with (*). ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH James G. F. Trimble, from Construc- 35 YEARS George Vieto, from Clerk-Typist to tion Inspector, Contract and Inspection *Eugene C. Lombard, Executive Secre- Passenger Traffic Clerk. Division, to W'ireman, Electrical Division. tary. iO YEARS Robert E. Dolan, from Checker, Locks Joseph A. Howland, from Lock Oper- Overhaul, to File Clerk, Record Section. ator-Wireman, Pacific Locks, to Power- *Ulrich W. Hughes, Leader, Electrical Instrument Repairman, CIVIL AFFAIRS BUREAU house Operator, Electrical Division. Electrical Division. Robert C. Heppner, from Lock Oper- Walter E. Zimmerman, Lock Oper- Carl R. Meissner, from Checker, Locks ator, Atlantic Locks. ator-Wireman, Pacific Locks, to Wireman, Overhaul, to Life Guard, Division of Electrical Division. 25 YEARS Schools. Leo Chester, from Foreman, Lock Walter J. Allen, File Supervisor, Admin- Reed E. Hopkins, Jr., from Lock Over- Overhaul, to Filtration Plant Operator, istrative Branch. haul Foreman to Fireman, Fire Division. Maintenance Division. Harry B. Friedland, Clerk, Lighthouse Joseph B. Clemmons, Jr., from Estates Mrs. Jessie G. Harris, Clerk-Stenog- Subdivision. Administrator to Assistant Chief and rapher, from Marine Bureau to Maintenance Elmer J. Hack, Clerk, Administrative Deputy Public Administrator, Customs and Division. Branch. Immigration Division. Mrs. Neva M. Short, from Clerk-Typist Max R. Hart, Safety Inspector, Supply Earl F. Unruh, from Post Office In- and Service Bureau. to Accounting Clerk, Electrical Division. spector to Assistant Chief and Post Office Edward W. Hatchett, Teacher, Mrs. Marian M. Langford, from Balboa Inspector, Postal Services. High School. Substitute Teacher, Schools Division, to Mrs. Jean A. Violette, from Clerk- *Albert J. Joyce, Wireman, Electrical Clerk Typist, Electrical Division. Typist, Physical Education and Recreation Division. Branch, to Typist, Schools Division. HEALTH BUREAU James H. Rheney, Repair Shop Fore- Ruth C. Crozier, Mrs. Elsie D. Naugh- man, Railroad and Terminals Bureau. Mrs. Ruth H. Powell, from Clerk- ton, from Elementary School Teacher to *J. Bartley Smith, Electrical Engineer, Typist, Aids to Navigation, to Storekeeper Elementary School Principal, Schools Divi- Electrical Division. (Checker), Gorgas Hospital. sion. Mabel A. Sneider, Operating Room Mrs. Ana L. Alvarez, from Clerk- John N. Gorham, from Student Assist- Nurse, Gorgas Hospital. Typist, Board of Health Laboratory, to ant to Recreation Assistant, Physical Claude W. Wade, Steward, Clubhouse Dictating Machine Transcriber, Gorgas Education and Recreation Branch. Division. Hospital. Mrs. Margaret B. Zeimetz, Clerk- 20 YEARS Stenographer, from Commissary Division INDUSTRIAL BUREAU Edwin M. McGinnis, Supervising Esti- Engineer, Engineering to Police Division. John Van der Heyden, from Principal mating Division. Robert M. Turner, Grady O. Gailey, from Automobile Foreman, Locks Overhaul, to Shipwright, Maintenance Me- Serviceman and Heavy Truck Driver, Industrial Bureau. chanic, Maintenance Division. William S. Walston, Mate, Pipeline Motor Transportation Division, to Fire- Arthur E. Rizcalla, from Helper, Locks Suction Dredge, Dredging Division. man, Fire Division. Overhaul, to Guard, Industrial Bureau. Culver M. Call, from Guard, Atlantic Leonard Wolford, Marine Traffic Con- Locks, to Postal Clerk. MARINE BUREAU troller, Navigation Division. 15 YEARS OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER Alfred T. Veit, from Chief Tovvboat Engineer to Senior Chief Tovvboat Engin- Leland Brooks, Tovvboat Master, Navi- Donald M. Luke, from Systems Ac- eer, Dredging Division. gation Division. countant, Cost Accounts Branch to Assist- Charles Q. Peters, Jr., from Foreman, Alwyn DeLeon, Claims Examiner, Comp- ant Chief, Divisional Accounts Branch. Locks Overhaul, to Ferry Ramp Operator. troller's Office. Ralph F. Schnell, from Organization P. Kilcorse, Daniel A. Marsicano, from Rigger, Henry Tovvboat Master, and Methods Examiner to Analytical Dredging Division. Locks Overhaul, to Pump Operator, Dredg- Statistician, Management Staff. ing Division. *William E. LeBrun, Administrative Mrs. Flor E. Martin, Mrs. Jewell F. Assistant, Internal Security Branch. Howard J. Schwartzman, Ben F. Story, from Clerk-Typist, License Section Morgan J. Neabry, W'ireman, Electrical Smith, from Pilot-in-Training, to Proba- to Typist, Cost Accounts Branch. Division. tionary Pilot. Mrs. Chevillette R. Dougherty, from Jack E. Scott, Carman, Railroad Vernon C. Whitehead, from Proba- Typist, Cost Accounts Branch, to Clerk- Division. tionary Pilot to Qualified Pilot. Typist, Plant Inventory and Appraisal Irene S. Walling, Clerk-Stenographer, James T. Campbell, from Helper, Staff. Police Division. Locks Overhaul, to Signalman, Navigation Genevieve F. Quinn, Accounting Clerk, Margaret F. Wiggin, Clerk-Stenog- Division. from Agents Accounts Branch to Cost rapher, Comptroller's Office. David Vinokur, from Ferry Accounts Branch. Ramp Operator, to Pump Operator, Pipeline Mrs. Eldermae A. Duff, Accounting Suction Dredge. Clerk, from Cost Accounts Branch to Max J. Karton, from File Clerk, Admin- Agents Accounts Branch. istrative Branch, to Guard, Locks Division. JULY SAILINGS Mrs. Patricia E. LeBrun, from Typist, Cost Accounts Branch, to Clerk-Stenog- PERSONNEL BUREAU rapher, Claims Branch. John H. Terry, from Appointment From Cristobal Patricia G. Neckar, from Clerk-Typist, Clerk, to Supervisory Personnel Assistant, Cristobal of July 3 Division Storehouses, to Typist, Cost Personnel Records Division. Accounts Branch. Ancon July 10 Helen L. Dudak, from Appointment Panama July 17 Mrs. Evelyn R. Reynolds, from Typist, Clerk to Supervisory Appointment Clerk, Cristobal July 24 Cost Accounts Branch, to Clerk-Typist, Personnel Records Division. A neon July 3 1 Payroll Branch. Mrs. Kathyleen R. Miller, from Per- Mrs. Elizabeth Sudron, from Payroll sonnel Clerk-Typist to Supervisory Appoint- From New York Clerk, Payroll Branch, to Claims Examiner, ment Clerk, Personnel Records Division. I' mi a ma July 7 Claims Branch. Mrs. Dorothy K. Gadberry, Clerk- Cristobal July 14 Mrs. Dema M. McCord, Card Punch Typist, from Division of Storehouses, to Ancon July 21 Operator, from Tabulating Machine Branch Personnel Records Division. Panama July 28 to Payroll Branch. the ships are Edward H. Appin, from Clerk-Typist to RAILROAD AND TERMINALS BUREAU (Northbound, in Haiti from 7 a. m. to noon Sunday; southbound, the 'Tabulating Machine Operator, Payroll Edward S. Weil, from Foreman, Locks Branch. Haiti stop is Saturday from 7 a. m. to Overhaul, to Gauger and Cribtender Fore- 4 p. m.) Joyce T. Clarke, from Card Punch man, Terminals Division. Operator to 'Time, Leave and Payroll Clerk, Payroll Branch. SUPPLY AND SERVICE BUREAU Mrs. Ida H. Fuller, from Payroll Clerk Harold R. Bodell, from Steam Loco- RETIREMENTS IN JUNE to Time, Leave, and Payroll Clerk, Payroll motive Crane Operator, Pacific Locks Branch. Overhaul, to Storekeeper (Shipping), Com-

Mrs. Daisy M . Tettenburn, from Clerk- missary Division. Retirement certificates were presented Typist to Time, Leave, and Payroll Clerk, Charles Hair, from Signalman, Naviga- the end of June to the following employees Payroll Branch. tion Division, to Commissary Assistant. who are listed alphabetically, together Mrs. Mary E. Becker, from Payroll Ralph N. Stewart, from Storekeeper to with their birthplace, titles, length of service Supervisor to Accounting Clerk, Payroll Supervisory Accounting Clerk, Commissary and future addresses: Branch. I )ivision. Ernest C. Cotton, Ohio; Superintendent, John H. Morales, from Payroll Clerk to Gilbert H. Furey, from Assistant Printing Plant; 42 years, 3 months, 11 days; Supervisory Accountant, Payroll Branch. Printer to Superintendent of Printing, Address uncertain. Helen N. Minor, from Payroll Clerk to Printing Plant. Mai L. Dodson, Delaware; Foreman, -

July 3,1953 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW 15

Premium-Grade Gasoline Extra-Curricular Recreation Activities Will Go On Sale July 10 To Be Curtailed Because Of Budget Cut Premium-grade gasoline will go on sale about July 10 in all Canal retail Some curtailment of adult recreation assistants who have been on duty at gasoline stations except those at Gatun and summer and weekend activities for Balboa and Cristobal gymnasiums have and Pedro Miguel, according to the both adults and children will be neces- been eliminated. The gymnasiums will Supply and Service Bureau. The high- sary this fiscal because of still test gasoline will retail at two cents year a $100,00!) be available for evening use, but above the present price of motor-grade cut in the School Division budget. adults who have been using them as gasoline. The cut was made in the budget that recreation centers will be without the A contract for 62,000 barrels 2,604, was submitted to Congress last January. refereeing or coaching which has been 000 gallons—of the premium-grade gasoline was awarded early last month Congressional action on the Civil Func- given in some cases. This is a six- tions Bill, which contains Canal Zone to the Texas Company. The retrenchment will • affect after- supply. The first gasoline pur- month Government appropriations, had no effect school recreation and swimming for school chased under the contract will arive in on this particular sum. children. All gymnasiums Cristobal about July 6, and the tanker will be closed Much study preceded the decision to is expected to discharge in Balboa two Sundays as at present plus one week-day the in recreation field. It days later. make cut the but pools will remain open six days a Minor alterations are being made at was decided that any cut should be made week. Directors of Physical Education service stations for the tank farms and in extracurricular rather than curricular handling of the high-test gasoline. should be consulted in the various towns activities. for schedules of operations. In order to stay within its new budget, The Schools Physical Education pro- the Division of Schools will have to gram will not be curtailed; the activities eliminate, reduce, or modify a number of Eligibility Card Rules to be reduced will be after-school and activities which have been traditional. weekend swimming competitions or school Changed Effective July 1 Adult groups—such as the Twilight basketball, volleyball, and similar leagues Baseball League—which have been obtain- which have required the use of school The Central Labor Office Wednes- ing recreation equipment from the Schools facilities or supervision. day began issuance of eligibility cards Division will now have to supply their Part of the planning for to applicants who had not served with own equipment. The Ancon playshed the reduced expenditures extends into next summer U. S. Government agencies or con- will no longer be staffed, although it will when that portion of the Summer tractors since January 1, 1946. be used as a rainy-day playground for Recreation Program which is sponsored The change in regulations provides the Ancon elementary school. Adult by the schools will have to be modified. an opportunity to seek employment groups, such as square dancers, who have This summer's program will continue, as to young people, never employed in been using the playshed may continue to a whole, without major change. the Canal Zone, and to older persons do so by arrangement with the school who have not worked in the Zone principal. The curtailment of funds limits the since 1946. The gymnasium at Chagres, local-rate number of people employed. Reduction Since May 1951 and until this section of Gatun, and the Chagres play- of force notices have already gone out to change eligibility cards were issued ground will be closed. Residents of 39 recreation assistants and clerks in the only to former employees with service Chagres will use the facilities at Rainbow Physical Education and Recreation after 1946 and to others with special City, where there are a swimming pool Branch. Of these, 16 were on the U.S.- qualifications. and some playing fields. rate, 23 on local-rate rolls—many of them Clerical help and part-time recreation part-time and WAE employees.

Housing Heads List of Subjects and May a year ago. The results, he Electrical Division; ii years, 11 months, said, showed that the commissaries are 27 days; probably Florida. Raised at June Conference holding the price line. Eric E. Forsman, Alabama; Storekeeper, Terminals Division; 36 years, 11 months, 1 A study is projected for the future, day; Mobile, Ala. {Continued from page 2) look further into he said, to compare the fixed costs of Alfred B. Fox, Missouri; Gauger, Store- the matter. operating the Commissary Division with houses Division; 24 years, 9 months, 16 The possibility of retaining some those of days; Arraijan, Panama. United States stores. Harry O. Granberry, Mississippi; Ad- 12-family houses as low-rental quarters In answer to a question from Mr. ministrative Assistant, Hotel Washington; was brought up by Rufus Lovelady, of Boukalis as to whether the Panama Line 24 years, 10 months, IS days; St. Peter- the AFGE, but the Governor said that stop in Haiti had been "satisfactory" burg, Fla. this would not be a solution to the from the point Leon F. Hallett, Massachusetts; Sup- of view of the Board of ply Requirements Assistant, Storehouses expressed desire for lower rental houses. Directors, the Governor said that the Division; 39 years, 3 months, 17 days; He said considerable thought had gone Haiti layover was being made on a trial Dorchester, Mass. into this problem but that as yet no basis and that he thought it likely the George F. Herman, Pennsylvania; satisfactory solution had been reached trial period of six months or so be Ferry Ramp Operator, Dredging Division; would

26 years, 1 month, 26 days; Florida. for a type of house which would be some- extended in order to make a better Frederick B. Hill, South Carolina; where between the 12-family accomo- appraisal of the situation. Policeman, Cristobal; 29 years, 8 months, dations and houses such as those being Mr. Lovelady asked about the program 13 days; Lake City, South Carolina, for built at Corozal. for Under Secretary of the Earl present. Army Charles S. Hollander, New York; He said he believed that employees Johnson and whether he would be avail- Administrative Assistant, Maintenance Div- would not be happy in what he called able to meet with employee groups. ision; years, 11 months, 11 days; 24 Jack- "quasi houses," and pointed out that in Governor Seybold said he was certain any sonville, Fla. the United States people tend to seek statements submitted by employee groups John J. Kennedy, New York; Foreman. Maintenance Division; 13 years, 3 months, neighborhoods of their economic levels would be acceptable to the Under Secre- 24 days; Vermont. but that there are no such neighborhoods tary but that he did not know the schedule Robert H. McCoy, Pennsylvania; Clerk, here. The whole matter of low-cost at that time, ncr what time, if any, would Payroll Branch; 21 years, 10 months, 25 housing, he said, is still in the talking be available for conferences. days; Danville, Pa. Dr. Herbert L. Phillips, Alabama; stage. Attending the conference were: The District Physician, Pedro Miguel; 24 years, Sam Roe of the Pacific Civic Council Governor, Mr. Doolan and Norman days; 5 Memphis, Term. raised the question of the method of Johnson, Employee Relations officer, for Mrs. Ethel M. Pitman, Pennsylvania; quarters assignments, which is still under the administration; and for the employees: Dictating Machine Transcriber, Gorgas Hospital; 4 years, 5 months, 6 days; study, and Carl Nix of the Gatun council Sherman Brooks, Mrs. Orton, Carl Mobile, Ala. reported—as another representative had Nix, and Sam Roe, Jr., for the Civic T. Schmidt, York, August New Admin- during the May conference— that em- Councils; Walter Wagner, E. J. Husted, istrative Assistant, Supply and Service ployees with long service were taking Mr. Lovelady, Carl F. Maedl, Mr. Bureau; 29 years, 9 months, 16 days; North Carolina. low-cost houses, leaving higher-rent Boukalis, John R. Townsend, Sam Gar- John W. Towery, Kentucky, Claims houses the only ones available for new riel, Central Labor Union and affiliates; Examiner, Fiscal Division; 28 years, 6 employees with lower salaries. H. C. Simpson, 'Marine Engineers; Mr. months, 25 days; California. The Governor reported that he had Daniel, Conductors; Fred H. Hodges, Bert G. Tydeman, Tennessee; Control House Operator, Gatun; 27 years, 5 months, made a personal, after-hour check on Railroad Engineers; and R. F. Hesch, 20 days; Allentown, Pa. commissary prices, as of May this year Pacific Locks Employees, n6 THE1PANAMA CANAL REVIEW July 3,1953

oo-

PICTURES OF THE MONTH

IT WAS JUNE! and while their elders worried about the 25 percent differential big things came to the Canal Zone young people.

Sober-eyed, and a little scared, some 380 of them donned caps and gowns to receive the diplomas which opened up for them a new life. A week or so later, the first contingent of students came down a Panama Line gangway to spend their vacations from States schools and colleges. Meantime, Sunday drivers enjoyed cruising along Balboa's Empire Street, sidewalk-superintending the new houses, and hundreds of harried housewives found the one-night-a-week opening of half a dozen commissaries helpful and pleasant. But the subject uppermost in every- one's mind was the differential— what Congress had done and what Congress was going to do. On June 22, 300 men and women heard their representatives, Mrs. Margaret Rennie and Mrs. Frances Longmore, report what they had done in

Washington to help in the fight to keep the differential.