Coral Gables Riviera

CORAL GABLES RIVIERA

CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1942 17th YEAR NO. 17 PRICE FIVE CENTS

MAKE EVERY DAY BOND DAY

FOR DEFENSE BUY UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS AND STAMPS

ON SALE AT YOUR POST OFFICE OR BANK

CANVASS DISTRICT RIVIERA CO

Building Reflects War Effort April Permits Total $6,707; No New Homes

Building priorities and the War Production Board order to freeze all building materials found its effect in Coral Gables during April, when only $6,707 in permits were issued, as compared to $129,115 for the same month last year. The April total brought the year's figure to date to $163,842, as compared to $480,600 during the first four months of 1941. The April permits also showed a drop from March of this year, when $26,927 in permits was issued. No construction on new homes was started in the last month. The permits included: Addition: George Wheeler, owner, $500, 1000 Asturia Avenue, Stefan H. Zacher, architect. Addition: Merrick Demonstration School, Holsema Brothers, contractors, $1,200, 39 Zamora Avenue, A. Geiger, architect. Garage: Dr. James K. McShane, owner, $200, 1502 El Rado Street; Carl Apuzzo, architect. Miscellaneous repairs: 19; $4,807.

Oppose Lifting Of Tariff On Tomatoes

Frank N. Holley, Jr., president of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, has filed a formal brief with the committee on reciprocity information in Washington, regarding the proposed new agreement with the Republic of Mexico, in which the present tariff of 3 cents per pound on tomatoes is proposed to be eliminated. It was pointed out that in the event that tomatoes were admitted duty free into the United States, growers and shippers throughout South Florida would be forced out of business, which would mean a loss to Dade County alone of over $4,000,000 per year. The cost of growing tomatoes in South Florida is greater than in Mexico, where labor is cheap and fertilizer is not used. Also the hazards of weather do not enter into the situation, Holley explained. Under the present tariff agreement the tariff on Mexican tomatoes puts the product on a parity with South Florida tomatoes delivered to the principal markets of the United States, but to take the tariff off would mean that growers in this area would lose 90 cents per crate, which in many instances represents either a profit or loss. A committee composed of J. Lemar Paxson, Luther Chandler of this area, and E. C. Edge of Dania, was appointed by Holley to also contact Washington authorities on the matter and possibly have a representative at the hearing on May 18.

Tennis Tourney Opens at 'U'

The first annual University of Miami invitational high school tennis championships opened yesterday and continue today and tomorrow at the new tennis stadium at the university under the auspices of the athletic department. Boys and girls who are now enrolled from the seventh through the twelfth grades are participating, and each school is allowed a team of four, providing the school they attend is a member of the Florida High School State Association.

Fear Gables Girl Held Prisoner by Japanese

Fear that Mrs. J. Franklin Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Harris, 2622 Country Club Prado, is being held prisoner by the Japanese in Manila, was expressed here today by friends of the popular Coral Gables girl, the former Christine Harris. Six letters, sent to her by her parents, have been returned and the Red Cross has been unable to establish contact with her, it was pointed out. In addition, the Christian Science Monitor listed a "Mrs. C. Smith" as among those taken prisoner and placed in a concentration camp. Mrs. Smith was married about a year ago and went to the Philippines with her husband, who is associated with the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. No word has been received concerning his safety.

C. of C. to Name Officers At Annual Meet Wednesday WILL BE CHOSEN FROM MEMBERS OF NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Four new directors of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce will be inducted into office at the annual meeting of the board, Wednesday night, May 13, and a new president, two vice-presidents, treasurer and managing director will be named. The new directors, including two who were re-elected, are: Upton C. Ewing, Judge D. J. Heffernan, Thomas C. Mayes, Dennis V. Renuart, Hollis Rinehart, Jr., Andrew N. Houston and S. E. Giffen, the last two being new members of the board. Frank N. Holley, Jr., retiring president, will serve with W. Keith Phillips on the advisory board. Tracy Hollingsworth, for five years publicity director of the chamber, was recently named managing director, succeeding the late Mrs. Alvie S. Lindborg, who was for 15 years secretary of the chamber. During the past year the Chamber of Commerce has been actively interested in furthering the development of Coral Gables' back country; encouraging the trade at home idea for the benefit of local merchants; sponsored the proposed planting of palm trees in the downtown area in conjunction with the city; endeavored to have regular bus service established between Miami and Coral Gables to Tahiti Beach, Matheson Hammock and the area around to the south. Secured the co-operation with the War Department in increasing the consumption of Florida seedless limes in army camps located in the southeast; assisted the Red Cross and Community Chest in this area; registered over 400 rooms in private homes for the benefit of the visitors; made an industrial survey; an apartment house and hotel survey for the Government; made a business survey which showed Coral Gables merchants did a gross business of over $7,000,000 per year. It sponsored a Royal Poinciana dance at the Coral Gables Country Club during the Poinciana Festival; co-operated with the city of Coral Gables in entertaining the Press Association at the country club; co-operated with the Merchants Division in its various activities; co-operated with the Miami Biltmore Hotel in securing numerous conventions for the area; responsible for getting Coral Gables definitely placed on the new Rand-McNally maps, (Please turn to Page 4)

Tardy Tapayers Will Be Notified

"While we understand that men in the military service cannot have delinquent tax certificates sold on their property, we have had no official communication to that effect," City Manager G. N. Shaw said yesterday. He said that the city was planning to offer all delinquent tax certificates for sale at public auction in June, but that all property owners who are delinquent will be notified by mail.

Painting Exhibit Is Opened Here

First official exhibit in the recently completed William Coffin penthouse art gallery at the University of Miami consists of a collection of paintings by the students at the university, which received a high rating at the annual art exhibit of Florida colleges at the Norton Galleries in Palm Beach. These paintings will be on view to the public from 1 P. M. to 4 P. M. daily.

Mrs. Hardeman Heads Opti-Mrs.

Mrs. John Hardeman, 1541 Sopera Avenue, has been elected president of the Opti-Mrs. Club, it was announced today. Other officers include Mrs. Paul Brinson, vice-president; Mrs. Richard Schmid, secretary, and Mrs. Joseph Smith, treasurer. Plans for the coming year were formulated at a picnic luncheon and barbecue, which was held Wednesday at the home of the new president. Clubrooms will be established at 138 Minorca Avenue and a house-fitting bee is scheduled for Monday, May 11. The headquarters, established so that a central meeting place can be used for the club's defense work, is being centrally located so that members can conserve gasoline to attend meetings. The group is the auxiliary unit of the Coral Gables Optimist Club.

Regulate Use Of Explosives

An ordinance placing the use, sale and storage of explosives under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Fire Prevention was passed yesterday afternoon by the City Commission. The ordinance follows the requirements set forth by the state fire marshal and the Department of the Interior.

129 Seniors To Get Diplomas At Ponce Hi Exercises Include Class Day; Banquet Baccalaureate

A class of 129 seniors will receive diplomas from Ponce de Leon High School on June 4, it was announced today by Harry N. Rath, principal. Jack Hoehl, with an average of 95.6774, will be valedictorian and Bill Pierce, with 94.5375, will be salutatorian. Graduation exercises will begin with class day program on May 28 in the Ponce gym. The exercises will consist of a procession by the seniors, while the class prophecy is read by Ruth Alice Junkins and Eugene Shaw. Betty Ellis will read the class history. The class play, "Thanks Awfully," directed by Mrs. Marguerite Harvey, dramatics instructor, will also be presented at that time. The annual senior banquet will be held in the patio of the Green Lantern on May 29. Baccalaureate services are scheduled for May 31 at the Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Nevin Shaaf preaching the sermon. The glee club, directed by Mrs. Belle S. Crutchfield, will provide the music. At 8 P. M. on June 4 the seniors will receive their diplomas at the Coral Gables Elementary School auditorium. Lieutenant-Colonel M. I. Carter of the Miami Beach Officer Replacement Center will deliver the commencement address. Farewell event will be the Junior-Senior Prom at the Country Club of Coral Gables, following the graduation, which will be held at the Country Club of Coral Gables.

City Studies Programs For Summer

Because so many local residents are planning "victory vacations" right here in Coral Gables, City Manager G. N. Shaw said yesterday that he was studying a program of summer events at the Venetian Pool and the Granada Golf Course for the entertainment of residents, visitors and military personnel housed in this community. Shaw said that many people had expressed a desire for tournaments and special events at the golf course, as well as aquatic meets and community get-togethers at the pool.

Work on Budget Started by Shaw

City Manager G. N. Shaw reported yesterday that he had started work on the budget estimates for 1942-43 and that it would probably be ready for commission study by the last of this month. Under the city charter, the budget must be approved by the City Commission between July 7 and July 28.

Doing their part to buy War Bonds are these members of the "Toby Helps Out" cast at the Coral Gables Elementary School. They will present the play in the school auditorium on May 15. Proceeds will be used to buy bonds. Seated, left to right, are Dorothy Powell, Martha Ann Symons and Barbara Meyers. Standing, left to right, are Richard Cassidy, John Dick, George Hotlett, Brad White and Robert Kirkland.

Bus Line to Blimp Base Is Planned

Plans for the establishment of a regular bus service between Coral Gables and the Navy blimp base near Perrine were revealed yesterday when a year's permit was issued to the Florida Transportation Company by the City Commission. Frank J. Walters, president of the company, said that personnel at the base would be brought directly to the Gables via the new bus line.

Jitterbug Ball To Help Navy Relief

Girls dressed in naval uniforms will invade the business district Saturday selling tickets for the annual Jitterbug Ball, proceeds from which will go to Navy relief. The Jitterbug Ball will be held next Friday night at the Country Club of Coral Gables. A complete floor show with many prominent radio artists appearing will be given. Mayor Joe Whitley will award the cup to the Jitterbug "queen," chosen from among the local candidates selected by sororities and Chaplain Peterson will award the Jitterbug "king's" cup.

Fine Arts Group To Hear Art Critic

Virgil Barker, noted art critic, will speak at the meeting of the Fine Arts Group, A. A. U. W., Monday, at the home of Mrs. John E. Burks, 1701 South Bayshore Drive. Mr. Barker will discuss "Art in a Changing World." Mrs. Barker will receive with Mrs. C. T. McCreedy, chairman of the Fine Arts Group, and Mrs. Burks. Assisting in the dining room will be Mrs. Walter M. Pierce, Mrs. Philip Mank, Miss Mary Elam, Miss Ruth Deemer and Mrs. A. L. Nilson.

Coral Gables Boy to Be Ordained

Honors will come to Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Beaton, 508 Majorca, when their son, Finley Beaton, is ordained a priest in Union City, N. J. The services will take place on the 30th of May, after which the Rev. Ronald Anthony Beaton, C.P., will come directly to Coral Gables to say his first mass at the Church of the Little Flower June 7. A breakfast and reception will follow at the Country Club of Coral Gables.

Delegates Appointed By Optimists

Andrew T. Healy, Albin Pearson and Bud Hyman have been named delegates to the Optimist International convention, which will be held in Atlanta on July 5, 6, 7, 8. Alternates are Dr. E. L. Rasmussen, Frank Denton and Harry Morgenthaler. Gene Hunter discussed county school affairs at the meeting last night at the Country Club of Coral Gables.

Will Interview Camp Prospects

Judge D. J. Heffernan, local representative on Camp St. Leo, summer camp for boys at St. Leo, Fla., announced yesterday that Fr. Maurus Cook and Fr. Augustus Bagnell, will be at the Pan-American hotel, 27 Northeast Second Avenue, today to interview prospective campers and their parents.

D. R. SMITH RE-ELECTED

At a meeting of the stockholders of Southern Dairies, held in Washington, D. R. Smith of Miami was re-elected to the board of directors. Mr. Smith has been manager of the company's Miami plant for a number of years.

Canal Use Urged Here

Immediate use of the Fort Myers-Stuart cross-state canal and the intracoastal canal for the transportation of oil for use on the Atlantic seaboard, was urged in a resolution to the Federal Government by the directors of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce this week, according to Frank N. Holley, Jr., president. Copies of the resolution were sent to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harold L. Ickes, Oil Co-ordinator, Florida Senators and representatives in Washington and Earnest R. Graham, special representative of this area in the capital.

To Interview Applicants For Air Corps

Lieutenant - Colonel H. F. Muenzer of the United States Army Air Corps will return to the University of Miami Monday and Tuesday, May 11 and 12, to complete enlistments of student voluntary applications. The Army Air Corps, in its recently announced enlisted reserve plan, will permit students to complete their college education, provided the exigencies of the war do not interfere. Earlies this week Dean Foster E. Alter of the University of Miami and Lieutenant W. E. Wilson, senior member of the local aviation cadet examining board, visited high schools throughout the country. They informed high school seniors of the new enlisted reserve plan which permits this year's high school graduates to go on to college and earn their college degrees. High school seniors responded enthusiastically, as have already enrolled University of Miami students. The Army Air Corps will specify certain courses recommended for the eight branches of the Air Corps. The University of Miami will offer those courses beginning June 15. Upon completion of the Air Corps training, all college men will be commissioned second lieutenants.

Children Included In Plan Registration, Provided For By Commission

Setting up a strict code governing bicycles and providing for the registration of the vehicles was ordered yesteday by the City Commission. While it declined to enforce an ordinance calling for compulsory registrations, inspections and operators' licenses, the commission decreed that bicycle riders must obey a rigid set of regulations and provided stiff penalties for offenders. Persons riding bicycles at night will be required to equip them with reflector buttons in the rear and a light in the front. Parking of bikes on the sidewalks and riding on sidewalks in the business district will be strictly prohibited. City Manager Shaw pointed out that several accidents, involving pedestrians have occurred because persons rode on the sidewalks. City Attorney Ted Semple was struck and knocked down recently by a bicyclist. The city will also set up a registration service at the police station, where owners may have the bicycles registered and the number burned into the frame. It was pointed out that this will not only discourage thefts, but will enable speedy recovery of stolen bikes. A fee of 50 cents will be charged for this service. The new ordinance will apply to children as well as adults.

Ordinance Governs Placing Of Trash

An ordinance forbidding the placing of trash on the center parkways on Country Club Prado, Alhambra Circle and Ponce de Leon Boulevard was placed on first reading yesterday afternoon by the City Commission. The ordinance was prepared when Mayor Joe Whitley reported that numerous residents were putting trash there instead of on the side parkways.

Back From Trip

Charlie Bolero, host at El Bolero, returned last week from a trip to Keeneland and Churchill Downs, where he was the guest of Eddie Arcaro.

Test Opens Way for 'Avigation' Training of High School Students

An annual backlog of 300,000 young men between the ages of 17 and 19 has been uncovered for highly technical training in Uncle Sam's air forces, as a result of an experiment made in the navigation section of Pan American Airways, which is training young Army Air Corps cadets here at the University of Miami. Through a human guinea pig test, it has been found that the average high school graduate can master aerial navigation and meteorology almost as quickly as can the college graduate, if he shows the proper attitude. Heretofore, some college education has been considered a prerequisite to mastery of such technical skill within the short time prescribed in the Army's war preparation program. It was with a view of determining the potentiality of high school graduates as aerial navigators that 17-year-old Gene Autrey, just out of Miami High School, was chosen to take the navigation and meteorology course in a class of college men being taught by Pan American Airways. Autrey, who, incidentally, was a star football player, graduated from high school with average honors. Charles Lunn, director of the navigation section which is training both U. S. and British cadets as navigators, foresaw the time when the United States might need to dip into the reservoir of high school graduates to obtain manpower for its growing warplane armadas. He requested from the army and received permission for the experiment with young Autrey as the guinea pig. During the first three weeks Autrey lagged behind his college-educated classmates, displaying a tardiness in grasping the significance of the work, but upon mastering the fundamentals connecting aerial navigation he forged ahead rapidly, making grades as good as the best of them. Although receiving no special instruction, he has kept pace with the other members of the class and will graduate May 13 with a rating that brings to his fellow classmates commissions as second lieutenants in the Army Air Corps. Autrey, however, is not in the army, and is not eligible for a commission.

Lippmann Likens Hitler's New Speech To Rudolph Hess' Flight to England

By WALTER LIPPMANN This latest speech of Hitler's becomes intelligible if we look upon it as the amended 1942 version of Rudolph Hess' flight to Great Britain a year ago. His object then was to persuade the British conservatives to oust Mr. Churchill and then to join him in a crusade against Russian Communism. His object now is to persuade the British that they can preserve the Empire only by allying themselevs with him. "Not against Europe," he said, "can the British structure be preserved in the long run, but with Europe." For Hitler the word Europe means Hitler. But in making this plea to the British, Hitler knew he was skating on very thin ice. This is evident from the portions of the speech in which he damned Japan with such faint praise. For it is Japan, not Hitler's Germany, which is threatening the "British structure" in Malaya, Burma, India and Australia. Hitler himself has never laid hands on British territory, excepting only the unimportant Channel Islands, which are right off the coast of France. Therefore, in telling the British that they could preserve their Empire only by an alliance with "Europe," that is to say, with Hitler, he was proposing to turn against his Jap-(Please turn to Page 6)