Dear Editor: In a recent letter to the Editor of July 9, Alderman Ernie Crist of North Van- couver District announced that a resolution to be submitted to the September conference of the Union of B.C. Municipalities con- cerned the need for Canada to acquire its own Merchant Marine. He further urged that Ottawa bring Canadian owned ships under Canadian registry, establish a “built in Canada” Canadian merchant marine employing Canadian crews, and require that at least 40 per cent of Canadian exports and imports be carried in Canadian ships. The only way such a Canadian merchant marine could be developed, of course, would be through financial assistance from the federal government. B.C.’s_ forest industry ‘competes in international markets and has been able to do so quite successfully as a result of its access to competitive international shipping, free of national- istic regulations either at home or abroad. In 1979 the industry's exports amounted to nearly. 10 million metric tons in waterborne shipments, with freight costs accounting for a substantial portion of the delivery price. To place a restriction on the movement of those exports to a par- ticular type or flag of vessel will unavoidably force freight costs to rise. The industry’s ability to compete would, thus, be seriously impaired because of those higher costs, with severe curtailments and = mill shutdowns a distinct possibility. The creation of 5,000 to 10,000 new jobs in the North Shore, or anywhere else, is an admirable objective. While I can't imagine how that would possibly come about through the establish- ment of a Canadian mer- chant marine, I think it can be accurately predicted that the loss of jobs in the forest industry would be stantially greater through the enforced use of Canadian or any other flag ships in the export of forest products. The major advocates of a Canadian merchant marine sub- are the country’s ship owners, ship builders and some labour unions. These groups have more than a Passing interest in the subject and, along with their allies like Mr. Crist, they appear very prone to bandy numbers around about how much the country will benefit from having its own deep-sea __ fleet. Even the proponents cannot agree upon what the costs would be but it is evident from the list of subsidies required that they would be substantial. To my knowledge the cost and size of a government service needed to monitor and regulate a Canadian fleet has not been given the required consideration. As British Columbians. Kindness in the highlands Dear Editor: We were the recipients of an uncommon Obit of courtesy on aur recent trip to your city. On Monday evening, June 30. my companion and I were searching the the “Upper Level” highway to go to the Salmon House on the Hill restaurant and got lost in the highlands. Just as we were turning around, a car stopped and a gentleman asked if we were lost and if he could help us. We told him where we were headed. and he said, “Follow me.” We were completely amazed when he led us miles right into the parking lot of that’ fabulous restaurant! Since we barely stammered a thank you in our incredulity, LANSDOWNE 278-7619 Gyncgora wearer we would like to take this opportunity to thank him publicly and hope he sees this. No wonder we love to visit your beautiful city with the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference its more than courteous inhabitants! Jean Foster, Laurene Ward Portland Forum for news and views appreciated Dear Editor: Thank you for including the letter from this office with those responding to the article on the Lions Gate Hospital. As an Editor it must be rewarding to find that your paper is so well read among a vanety of citizens, and issues raised to the extent that people are taking the time to express their views REDUCED 50% OR MORE Mit Moral issues are certainly vital to maintaining our society, and we look forward to your allowing more space to the news and views of the many faiths represented on the North Shore. Edward K.. Jones Christian mittee on Publication for Bntish Columbia Science Com- Neen eee een eemrnnnEEEEEEnREEEEEEneaet — VISA‘ would do well to give thoughtful and responsible consideration to the real impact upon the province with the establishment of a SEYMOUR COMMUNITY Canadian merchant marine PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH through financial assistance A7-Wednesday, August 6, 1980 - North Shore News from the federal G.E. Bennett Vice-President Transportation Council of Forest Industries _ We meet every Sunday at 9:30 A.M. at the PLYMOUTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Tollcross Rd., just off Mt. Seymour Parkway). CHURCH SCHOOL and NURSERY are provided PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE govern- ONCE A YEAR LET YOURSELF GO It’s that time again — time to gas up the car, cut out with the kids, and head for the PNE. Where else can you join a parade, bet a deuce on a horse, tap your feet to the music, crave a can- dy apple, love a llama, ride a wild mouse, and catch a star... all at the same time? ... ONLY at the PNE! GRAND PARADE — SATURDAY, AUGUST 16 Marching Bands, Gorgeous Floats, Clowns, Cheerleaders... it’s a fantastic kaleidoscope of color and sound. AGRICULTURE/HORSE SHOW Take a walk through the West’s biggest Livestock Show. With prize-winning beef and dairy cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry and 4-H exhibitors from your home town, agriculture has a very special place at the Fair. PLUS — All the excitement of the Horse Show. MIDWAY MAGIC | Take a fun fling through the midway. From side shows to ferris wheels, from corn-on-the-cob to cotton candy, you'll love it. THE BEST — IS FREE! Miss PNE Contest, Demolition Derby, Timber Shows, Creative Living, Esso Talent Festival, Dairyland Petting Zoo, Outdoor Theatres, Guinness Record Attempts and so much more! %2 PROGRAM — $ 300,000 IN PRIZES! There’s a car a day and an appliance a day waiting to be won all 17 days of the Fair. Best of all there’s a 8200,000 Grand Prize Home. Make eure you fill out the coupons in your 82 Grand Prize Program. SIX FOR THE SHOW! — THAT’S SHOWCASE ’80! Catch a first class performance — LIVE! PRISM — August 16 THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND — August 17 JOHNNY CASH — August 24 JOHN DENVER — August 30 BURTON CUMMINGS — Scptember 1 PLUS — Special Added PNE Attraction STAR TREK — August 21-23 Tickets Vancouver Ticket Centre Outlets, all Eaton's Stores, shopping cen. tre Information Boothe at Brentwood, Denman Place, Pacific Centre, Rich. mond Centre, Richmond Square, Royal Centre All shows at 8 pm tn Pacific Coliseum (except Star Trek — 2pm & 7:30 pm) Spacific National Exhibition Vancouver, August 16th-September Ist