NUMBER 45 JULY,'1947 25c PER COPY <@> 'Perfection "Check" V SWEET CAPORAL CIGARETTES " The purest form in which tobacco can be smoked" WHY TREASURY BRANCHES ... ? ONE WAY of describing the purpose of any democratic government is to say that it provides services which the people want. This applies to the Provincial Treasury Branches which have been established throughout the length and breadth of Alberta. They provide facilities and services which the people would not otherwise be able to enjoy. Besides the actual economy and the convenience afforded by the Treasury Branch System, there are other important considerations. For example, the operation of the System has done much to encourage the development of local in- dustry; again they are soundly established and are paying their way. Most important, the Treasury Branch System is under the absolute control of the people of Alberta through their representatives in government. Operating according to the will of the people, for the bene- fit of the people, Treasury Branches are the first step in all the world towards economic democracy which alone means freedom and security for us all. KNOW YOUR TREASURY BRANCH 9 Term Savings Accounts @ Money Orders @ Full Collection Service 9 Drafts 9 Fire and Life Insurance @ Current Accounts 6 Demand Savings Accounts @ Deposit Boxes 9 Encashment of Negotiable 9 Loans Items @ Travellers' Cheques @ Motor and Drivers' Licenses a. ^ ^, -^^ o ^ @ @ {f'^C^^^^ijt^lf''^^^'^^^ ^ ^ The Forty-Niner Number Forty-Five EDMONTON, ALBERTA July, 19 k7 EDITORIAL since time immemorial. The good name of his Tradition, Transition and Regimental Identity regiment is of paramount importance, particularly An article headed, "The Ca-nadian liitantry in times of continued stress, prolonged exposure Corps," which appeared on the editorial page of and heavy fighting. the January, 1944, issue of The Forty-Niner, dealt @@__-!-__@@ at some length with the problems arising from the formation of that Corps. Much of the comment is POST-WAR BRITAIN particularly applicable at the present time, for, in the post war period to date, conscription has not Those of us who are fortunate enough to live been considered necessary. The voluntary system in a land of plenty, this Canada of ours, particu- continues. The Loyal Edmonton Regiment, with one larly the Northwest, are apt to take many things of the most active strengths in Canada, is main- for granted. Our democratic way of life tends to tained principally through the voluntary efforts of encourage, especially among the younger genera- public-spirited citizens, who have learned, in a tion, the view that almost anything should be traditional manner, of the exploits of their father available for the. asking. Nearly two years have and their father's father in our Regiment through passed since the cessation of hostilities." Strikes of two major wars. various kinds have occurred periodically. We have We are now informed there are some who been temporarily embarrassed from time to time would throw tradition to the winds, even to the by shortages of certain merchandise. Nevertheless, extent of eliminating regimental identity entirely. no serious discomfort has been our lot. We still This may be necessary in certain cases v/here the live in a land of abundance. Our picnic baskets title of a particular Regiment bears no relation resembled Cornucopia, the horn of Amalthaea, and whatsoever to its present or proposed role in the with no effort! Not so in Britain. To get sufficient general scheme of employment. However, surely to cover the bottom of the basket one would stand infantry, particularly a Regiment which lias fought in queues for hours; orderly queues, of course@ through two wars, and one that endures as infan- not a commotion as one sometimes sees in depart- try is not to be confused with such individual ment store bargain basement sales in this country. cases. Even then our sandwiches in Britain might not be Those who are now engaged in building the buttered, and the bread would likely be brown, Reserve Force, who, before the last war were although sold as white. Our choice of ingredients occupied in a similar manner, keenly appreciate would be decidedly limited. Yes, pastes of various the extreme value of regimental history. And they, sorts, allegedly meat pastes would be obtainable too, valued it during 1939-1946, not only in action. but then, we had to fill out, last week's rations It was brought home to them before going into with fish paste; we are a little tired of it. The battle action@during the long "waiting" period weekend roast disappeared on Tuesday and Thurs- prior to actual combat, and also during the period day's sausages seemed to have so much season- following the cessation of hostilities prior to de- ing in them, we wondered just what they contained. mobilization. There may be quite sufficient food in Britain, Transition is necessary and no progressive as some authorities inform us, enough to provide thinker is going to object to either constructive a rather standard form of diet. Variety and quan- criticism or changes which are obviously desirable. tity, however, is another matter. The ordinary On tile other hand, the fundamental characteristics things of life, such as soap, paper, rice, are diffi- of mankind, particularly infantrymen, do not vary cult to obtain. When after a hard day's work a greatly. Infantry, whether sea, land, or air-borne, husband returns home, he must be careful with will continue to enjoy the exclusive privilege of fuel, whether it be coal, gas or electricity. In fact closing with their adversaries in hand-to-hand com- in some districts fuel is not available for use at bat. It is the right type of man to be worthy of certa-in periods. The long, extremely bitter winter this honor that we must continue to attract on of 46-47 has accentuated these discomforts greatly. a voluntary basis, in time of peace. To survive, our cousins have been told they must Any man who has given serious thought to conserve more and more, buy less and less and the matter, investigates quite thoroughly before produce (for export) a vast amount of goods. An joining any unit. This is particularly true of the amount which must surpass any previous accom- young man of today, enjoying as he does such a plishment. And yet, complaining is not customary. high standard of living, combined with a wide and Jesting about their difficulties is more amusingly varied educational background. entertaining, especially clothing troubles. Besides- One sure attraction is unit reputation. Present groaning now seems out of place after six years reputation, yes; in addition however, the more in- of the world war "toil, tears and sweat," indicated spiring the historical background, the more depth by Winston Churchill, plus two years of readjust- of attraction is possible. We have in our Regiment ment, critical food and fuel conditions and indus- those inspiring traditions; let us jealously guard trial rejuvenation. While we in Canada raise money them and viev\' with suspicion any move which for new buildings for healthy, happy youth, they tends to minimize their worth. Our association has are still engaged in raising the rubble of buildings been soundly built, we will continue to grow and, destroyed by war, and trying to spin out certain come what may, carry on to the best of our ability. foods which are especially necessary for their However, it would be well, we think, for those who growing sons and daughters at certain periods of consider such matters as the submerging of regi- the year, provided they are forthcoming frosa mental identy in favor of corps identity, to ponder overseas countries such as ours. Under these eoa- the question very thoroughly. Tradition has played ditions it is not good to hear of people v/ho neg- an important role in the life of the foot soldier lect to raise certain foodstuffs here in Westera July, 19.W THE FORTY-NINER Canada, because they will be working for nothing! regiment in World War I, that a gift might be sent They explain income tax takes all the profit! for the Cathedral. Many of us will remember the cheerful outlook "The banking officials in Edmonton, Canada, maintained under trying conditions and the gener- informed those concerned that @25 was the limit, ous hospitality accorded the members of our serv- in sterling, which might be transferred under the- ices. There will be those, who have not forgotten present regulations, so a cheque was drawn for liow they schemed to prevent offerise, when avoid- this amount and sent direct to me. I have been ing an invitation to dinner at a home which was given the privilege of representing the Edmonton willing to share the all too meagre family plate. Regiment this morning, because I was their first That plate is still much the same. Now what can we chaplain in World War I and brought many of the do about it? We can support any campaign which men to this Cathedral on their first visit. I was will improve Great Britain's food supply. We can, present at the Presentation and Dedication of the as individuals, continue to send articles which Regimental colours in 1915 in Canada and again will mean the difference between a lunch and a in 1941 when the King presented the colours in dinner, a bowl of bran and a breakfast or a sand- England. wich and a supper. We can also continue to buy "Mr. Dean, on behalf of the regiment and the their goods, goods which they do without to sell 49th Battalion The Loyal Edmonton Regiment As- us in order to be able to import our foodstuffs! sociation, which includes Mrs.