December 1933
Dundee's Warm Welcome to King's Son by Our Special Commissioner
"I like your city, and I am going away with very pleasant thoughts of it," said Prince George at the close of his visit to Dundee on Thursday.
If the people of this city could have given a united expression to their feelings, I am sure their reply would have been as simple and sincere as - "And we like you" Nor would it have been said in the formal manner of just returning the compliment. The Prince came primarily to open Dundee's new civic centre, but he was not content with the merely ceremonial. He evinced a desire to meet the people of the city in the wider sphere of their activities, and he saw as much of those as it is possible for any man in the space of one day.
Dundee appreciated his interest and energy, and they cordially re-echoed the hope expressed by His Highness that it will not be long before he returns.
Japan's Menace to Jute Trade - Dundee Not Affected. Special to "People's Journal" "Dundee need not as yet fear the invasion of the jute market by Japan". This statement was made by a prominent jute spinner when I drew his attention to the fact that Japan had established jute mills in her own country and was offering to supply foods at prices cheaper than those prevailing in Calcutta.
That grave concern is shown at the growth of the Japanese competition is indicated by the fact that the matter was discussed in the House of Commons on Wednesday. A motion was agreed to urging the Government to take immediately all steps within their power to minimise the competition, both in home and Empire markets, in the event of satisfactory quota arrangements not being made by agreement with Japan.
So far as one can gather the Government is awaiting the outcome of the negotiations which have been in progress for a considerable time between representatives of the cotton industry in India and Britain and the industry in Japan. It is satisfactory to learn that the Government has the matter in hand, but as one M.P. declared in the course of a discussion in the House, it is feared the policy of the Government has not been so rigorous as it ought to be. But we in Dundee are more directly interested in jute and it must cause disquietude, to say the least, that jute cloth made in Japan is being offered in the world markets at prices with which we in this country cannot hope to compete. This is rendered possibly by the long hours worked and the low wages paid in Japan. I was informed that spinners in Japan receive 10 ¾d and the weavers 9 ½d a day compared with the British wage of 5s 3d for spinners and 5s 9d for weavers.
The Dundee spinner with whom I discussed the position stated that so far as he could learn, the Japanese were confining their interests to goods which were not made in Dundee. "I understand" he added, "they are making course sacking, which for generations has been the monopoly of the Bengal mills. Dundee has never touched this class of goods. We have concentrated more on finer quality of material, and therefore Japan is not in direct competition with us as yet. "But, mark you, I said as yet. There is no use blinking the fact that Japan may develop her jute industry along line's which will come in direct conflict with us. It all depends, of course, upon the success which attends her present venture in jute, and so far as I can judge she is making considerable headway".
"Let us hope that by the time that Japan does launch out on other classes of goods and comes up against Dundee manufacturers some arrangements will have been reached whereby our markets will be protected"
I understand that in regard to cotton manufactures the Japanese have resorted to the unscrupulous device of copying registered designs and labels and by these means have been enabled to secure orders which in the past have gone to other markets.
Mr Runciman, President of the Board of Trade, has indicated that his department is looking into the matter. He has examples of cheap Japanese goods sent to him every day and he declares that it might be necessary that Western countries will have to stand together in a common economic cause.
Heroes of the Tay - Honoured at Tayport
Mr George Simpson,115, Strathmartine Road, a popular member of the "Fifie" crew, was presented with the Royal Humane Society vellum by Provost Young in Newport Council Room on Tuesday. The Provost, who was accompanied by all members of the Council, also presented the Royal Humane Society vellum to John Cunningham, Pierhead, Newport, who gallantly joined with Mr Simpson in the rescue of Mrs Forbes, who, when bathing near the Tay Ferries Pier, was carried away by the backwash of the steamer.
Mrs Cunningham who accepted the vellum on behalf of the son, who was engaged on duty, was congratulated by the Provost.
Broughty Swan Menace
Disaster threatens the colony of swans which frequents the harbour and river front at Broughty Ferry. The birds have been contaminated with oil, and many of them are in such a terrible condition that they may have to be destroyed.
Deposits of waste oil have recently accumulated in the harbour and unfortunately the birds in their search for food have not been able to keep clear of it. The result is that the oil has collected on their plumage, and in trying to clean themselves it is thought that the oil gathers on their bills. As a consequence their food becomes contaminated.
Many of the birds are seriously affected, and it is hinted that some of them many have to be killed. Such a course is to be regretted, but there would appear to be no alternative. It will be remembered that some time ago one or two gulls were smitten by the "oil fever", and in an effort to save their lives the birds, which were easily caught, were washed in paraffin and then in water. These measures proved fruitless, however, and the birds died.
One of the swans, too, died not so long ago, and it was thought at the time that it had been the victim of the oil menace which threatens our bird life on the river.
The swans add a picturesque touch to the old harbour and prove a great attraction not only to the residents but also visitors. It would be a great pity indeed if they were to disappear.
Typewriters for Christmas Gifts
Imperial "good companion" portable. A most useful and acceptable gift….£12 12/-. T.M. Sparks & Sons, 91½, Commercial Street Dundee.
Dundee Player Transferred
Harry Smith, Dundee's reserve inside forward, has been transferred to Raith Rovers. In all possibility he will take the field for the Fife team at Montrose today, occupying the inside-right position.
Charity Concert Tomorrow
In aid of the poor children's Christmas treat a concert on a big scale is to be held tomorrow evening in the King's Theatre, Dundee.
Members of Dundee Operatic Society will give selections from several musical comedies and light operas.
Dundee Dramatic Society will render Joe Corrie's play, "The Poacher". There will also be a ballet, and an orchestra, under Mr Routledge Bell, will play selections.
The whole of the proceeds will go to the fund. No expense will be deducted. The artistes five their services without reward.
The Kings Theatre, the management if which is running the concert, give the building and the services of the staff gratuitously. The concert starts at 7.45.
Pied Piper wanted - Tayport Rat Menace
Tayport is sighing for a Pied Piper. A colony of rats has taken up its abode on the Newport road just to the west of the cemetery, and women folk are afraid to pass in the dark.
A number of stacks of grain in a field close to the roadside give safe habitation for the vermin which have increased to such an extent that residents in the vicinity of West Lights are up in arms that nothing has been done to get rid of the rats.
Bailie Garvie referred to the position at a meeting of the town council on Monday when the clerk was instructed to communicate with county authorities. Mr F.L. Gall, the light-house keeper, told me that when he is going about his duties when darkness has fallen he hears the rats scurrying about. He has a considerable bag to his credit. Mrs Wallace, his neighbour, has had to have her hen house repaired where the rats have eaten their way through. "If something is not done" she added "we will be eaten out of the house"
Charming Ideas
We would like you to come and see our attractive range of presents, which are both dainty and useful - Knit wear, Shetland Shawls, Silk Stockings and Gift Novelties.
Your keen knitting friend would appreciate a selection of New Wools for working. Ask to see them.
Leslie's, Wool Store, 18, Castle Street, Dundee. Est.1787.