The Wrangell Sentinel

CHAMBER OPPOSES
RESERVATION OF
FISHING LAWS

Protest will be filed by the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce against the proposal to set aside certain waters in Alaska as reservations for exclusive native fishing, a plan similar to that now in practice in Metlakatla.

At its meeting Monday noon in the Civic Center, the Chamber directed Secretary L. B. Chisholm to write to Chairman Schuyler O. Bland of the Congressional committee which investigated fishing problems here last summer entering formal protest. Copies also will be sent to Delegate Anthony J. Dimond and fisheries officials. Similar protests have been entered by other Chambers.

It was brought out in the discussion preceding the action that if such reservations were set up in any appreciable number it would result in severe curtailment of cannery operations in Alaska and heavy revenue loss to the Territory. It was stated, as an example, that Metlakatla pays no pack tax to the Territory as all other operators are required to do, and if similar reservations were established under like conditions the major part of the Territory's revenue would be cut off.

The fishing industry at the present time, it was explained, pays more than three-fourths of the entire tax revenue of the Territory.

The Chamber decided to extend an invitation to Delegate Dimond, who is now in the Territory, to visit Wrangell before returning south and discuss the reservation plan as well as other matters of vital interest to the community.

Request also was directed made to the City Council asking that body to get that portion of the airport now in reserve eliminated so that title would be clear when work is undertaken for its development.

Marshall Hoppin, Alaska Director of the Civil Aeronautics Authority, is expected in Wrangell in the near future to look over the site with the possibility of making it a midway field for flights between Ketchikan and Juneau and also as a base for wheeled air traffic to and from the Interior.

In discussing proposed CCC projects, Fred Hanford advanced the idea of getting a couple of hunting lodges developed, stressing the importance of it in view of the reservation made along the Wrangell highway. The committee was directed to include the suggestions among the other projects which are being outlined for submission to the CCC headquarters in Juneau.

In the absence of President Frank S. Barnes, Vice President H. B. Thornquist presided over the excellent luncheon arranged by the Civic Club and served by Mrs. Barnes, Mrs. Thornquist and Mrs. George Moran.