Fifty Years Ago

MANPOWER POLICY NEEDED

This country does not seem able to develop a manpower or war-making policy of its own. It waits on England. It has waited until England began pulling men out of the armed forces and returning them to industry before waking up to the fact that the Canadian effort was being crippled by the taking away of men more needed in industry than they are in the army . . . Some confusing and halting steps have been taken by our government. Certain industries, such as base metal and gold mining, have been declared essential. But the government has not yet been wise enough and bold enough to say that such industries, along with vital munition making, are not to be touched by the recruiters.

HUDBAY SHAFT

SETS A STANDARD

Ore production has begun via the South Main shaft at Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting’s mine in Flin Flon, Man. The new shaft is, of course, a model of its kind. Mining men everywhere, particularly those concerned with the handling of big tonnage, will be interested in the details of this important addition to Canada’s mining accomplishments. The North Main shaft, 3,600 ft. away, will continue to be an important oreway, but the changeover to underground crushing should serve to make the new opening the more important as the centre of stoping moves southward.

MINES CONSIDER

WAR BONUSES

Some Porcupine gold mines have posted notices advising of war bonuses of 21 cents a shift, starting Jan. 1. Companies are considering meeting the situation brought about by rising living expenses. The Northern Miner has learned that separate war bonus cheques may be issued monthly, probably with the last pay of each month.

ROOSEVELT SPEAKS OUT

Roosevelt’s Christmas week message was certainly one of good cheer to Canada, Great Britain and all other countries resisting the Axis aggression. The U.S. president went about as far in his comments and suggestions as he could without declaring war on the Axis. We should imagine that if conditions in Europe were a little different, his statements would have been taken as a declaration by Hitler. “I believe that the Axis Powers are not going to win this war”is a strong statement for the head of a nation to make at a time like the present.

MINERS AID WAR EFFORT

A fine record in the matter of contributions to the Canadian war effort through the Red Cross and through purchases of War Savings certificates is being created by the mines of the Porcupine gold district. As if to set an example, Moneta Porcupine has reported contributions to the Red Cross from 100% of its employees. There are 120 men working at Moneta and for every 50 cents-per-month contribution from the men, the company is putting up an equal amount.

CANADA MILLS

19.7 MILLION TONS

OF GOLD ANNUALLY

Canada winds up 1940 with 136 active gold mills, nine under construction and 12 proposed. The active capacity of the plants now operating is 54,000 tons daily, or an annual rate of 19.7 million tons, the mere mining and processing of which is one of the biggest jobs in the Dominion. During 1940, the added tonnage amounted to 3,000 tons, which is not an outstanding record. Several of the smaller plants were forced to close during the year, partly for lack of ore and partly for lack of financing.