Coral Gables Riviera-Times

CORAL GABLES Riviera Times

PUBLISHED MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOONS. VOL. 21 - NO. 54 (D) U.P. LEASED WIRE CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1947 8 PAGES FIVE CENTS

5 Killed as Air Liner Crashes In Delaware

NEW CASTLE, Del., Nov. 18. (UP)—A Trans-World Airlines constellation plane crashed in flames at New Castle Airport shortly after 1 p.m. today. Ray M. Dunn, chief engineer at the base, said that five of the seven crewmen aboard were killed instantly. Dunn said the cause of the crash was not known, although some reports indicated the four-engined plane failed to reach the runway after coming in too low for its landing. Suburban and city fire companies were rushed to the scene. There was no fire until the plane crashed on the runway. TWA officials in Philadelphia said that the company has its international division operations at the airport and that the constellation was apparently on a training flight at the time of the crash. Their early reports, they said, indicated there were four crew members and a civil aeronautics administration inspector aboard. The base is used by TWA principally for the training of its pilots for overseas flying.

'Big Stick' for Truman Chills Congress; Stop-Gap For Europe Is Favored

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18. (UP)—Congress lined up cautiously today behind President Truman's request for emergency aid to Europe, but gave his anti-inflation program a cold reception. The Senate appropriations committee hoisted a caution signal. It decided to make an inventory of U. S. food supplies and crop prospects to avoid "short-changing" the American people while aiding Europe. Congress was generally sympathetic to the stop-gap aid to Europe. But Republican leaders hinted that the long-range Marshall plan was headed for trouble if it meant "another OPA" at home. They referred to Mr. Truman's request yesterday for authority to revive rationing and selective price-wage controls, if necessary. Republicans continued to attack the President's request for rationing, wage and price controls. Those parts of his program seemed certain to get nowhere in Congress.

Meyers Firm Spent $10,000 On Apartment, Probe Told

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18. (UP)—Senate investigators were told today that a wartime sub-contracting firm promoted secretly by retired Maj. Gen. Bennett E. Meyers footage a $10,000 bill for redecorating his swank Washington apartment and paid him $2,000 a month. B. H. Lamarre, president of the Aviation Electric Corp., Vandalia, Ohio, said the redecorating job was charged off first as a sales expense of the firm, which Meyers secretly "owned" and promoted as a sub-contractor of airplane equipment. After accountants questioned the charge, Lamarre said, it was listed as part of his (Lamarre's) "book" salary of $31,000 in 1941. Lamarre testified yesterday that he made out an income tax return showing a $31,000 salary, but that he actually made only about $3,000 a year as president of the firm and that the rest went to Meyers.

Police Fire On 5,000 Reds In New Italian Rioting

ROME, Nov. 18. (UP)—Communist-led rioting broke out afresh in Italy today when a mob of 5,000 attacked police barracks in Corato, in the Puglia region, and were repulsed by police gunfire. The new outbreak in more than two weeks of political disorders came at Palmiro Togliatti, Communist leader, was quoted as hinting at "revolutionary action" if the party is defeated in national elections scheduled for next March. Premier Alcide de Gasperi had moved to enlarge his Christian Democratic government to include center and leftist parties, excepting the Communists.

Dad Adds to Princess' Income To Ease 'Burden'

LONDON, Nov. 18. (UP)—King George VI dipped into his savings today to provide an annual income for his daughter, Princess Elizabeth, and the man to whom she will be married the day after tomorrow, Lt. Philip Mountbatten. The king informed commons that he did not wish to impose any additional financial burden on the nation in view of its "grave economic difficulties." The king, his message said in a message through the chancellor of the exchequer, he was making available to the young couple money he had saved from the civil list during the war.

Klan Asks Segregation For Talks By Wallace

ATLANTA, Ga., Nov. 18. (UP)—The Ku Klux Klan disclosed today that it had appealed to public officials in Macon and Atlanta to enforce state and city segregation laws at two scheduled appearances by Henry A. Wallace and threatened to "see them later" unless the officials complied. Grand Dragon Samuel Green said the klan has planned no demonstrations, either in Macon tomorrow or here Thursday night, "because we don't like denying Mr. Wallace his freedom of speech when we ourselves are fighting for it." But he added: "Unless our city officials do something to keep Negroes and whites apart when Mr. Wallace speaks, ass both state and city laws require them to do, then we'll see them later." The klan chieftain declined to say what officials had been approached. But Atlanta Police Chief Herbert Jenkins said he already had made advance plans "to handle whatever situation might arise at the proper time."

Drew, Gilmer Draw Top Spots

ATLANTA, Ga., Nov. 18. (UP)—For the second straight week, the southeastern conference player and coach of the week, selected today, were from the same school—Alabama. A poll of 12 southern sports writers gave Coach Harold (Red) Drew eight votes for masterminding the tide to a 14 to 7 victory over Georgia Tech, the engineers' first loss this season. Harry Gilmer, the Alabama back who completed 11 of 13 passes against Georgia Tech, received a slight edge over Mississippi's ace passer, Charley Conerly, as the player of the week.

Additional United Press News on Page 2

City Renews Drive Against Low Flying

McIlwain Writes To Airline Officials Here. The City of Coral Gables today resumed its war on low-flying aircraft with a barrage of letters directed to officials of the major airlines operating in the area and to Marcel Garsaud, director of the Dade County Port Authority. In communications addressed to Thomas P. Caldwell, EAL traffic and sales manager; G. T. Baker, president of National Airlines, and Humphrey Toomey, PAA division manager, City Manager William T. McIlwain pointed out that while the nuisance apparently had abated during the summer months, that it has become a serious problem again during the last 60 days. "There seems to be a change in policy," he commented, "whereby a large number of planes fly over Coral Gables at altitudes less than 1000 feet, causing great annoyance to a large number of residents." Asks Correction. He added that the policy change may be caused at the airport, possibly by personnel in the control towers. He asked airline officials to contact Garsaud in an attempt to remedy the practice. In his letter to Garsaud, McIlwain said, "Many of the larger two and four motor planes seem to be traversing the area over Coral Gables at altitudes from 400 to 800 feet. This is quite a dangerous practice and jeopardizes the lives of many persons and the (Please turn to Page Three)

Storm Loss Here Being Figured By Underwriters

Approximately two months of tabulating work will be necessary before damage claims arising from the Sept. 17 hurricane can be segregated into individual communities, said a loss for Coral Gables determined, H. A. Coumbes, general manager of the National Board of Underwriters, told the Riviera-Times today. Coumbes, established here in a temporary office to handle storm claims, said that $5,042,186 in damage claims arising from the storm had already been paid in the state and that the final total would probably go much higher. He stated that his office had processed 14,595 claims which are filed on cards and then sent to the main office in New York where they will be broken down into individual communities. He labeled the figure a "progressive report" and emphasized that the final figure might go as high as 25,000. Coumbes said that rumors that the payment of hurricane damages was undermining finances of insurance firms are false. Florida risk firms are in sound condition, he said.

Complaining Neighbors Seek Medical Aid for Woman

Estelle Knight was in the city jail today after Municipal Judge C. S. Robertson had slapped her with three sentences of 20 days each in three separate counts of disorderly conduct, but the same group of neighbors who had testified against the 55-year-old woman were gathering funds to seek expert opinion regarding her sanity. And the same judge who had sternly meted out a total of 60 days behind bars had outlined the legal procedure which Mrs. Knight's neighbors should take. Mrs. Knight has paid $541.50 in fines to the city since March 22, 1945, when she was first convicted of disorderly conduct. Other offenses for which she has contributed to the city coffers are intoxication, resisting arrest and using abusive language to a police officer. Unusual Activity. Seven citizens who live close to Mrs. Knight came to the bench yesterday to tell of life with her as a neighbor. Said a pretty young mother in dead serious tones: "Life wasn't normal or sane living near her." "If we'd known what we were getting into, we'd never have (Please turn to Page Two).

Smoking, Drinking Hit State Highs

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Nov. 18. (UP)—Floridians were apparently smoking and drinking more during October than previously, the Beverage Department's monthly report indicated today. Director James Vocelle said Floridians drank 26,318,461 bottles of beer during October, guzzled 107,966 bottles of wine and 335,464 gallons of whiskey. Cigarette consumption, based on the tax reports, was up some 3,000,000 over September's, count, which was 21,681,000.

Banks Here Watch For Bogus Bills

'Poorly Made' Bogus Money In Circulation. The Coral Gables banking fraternity was maintaining a sharp watch today for bogus $20 bills, said to have been distributed in this area by a counterfeiting ring, but to date none of the spurious money has appeared in this community. George A. Chatfield, president of the Florida National Bank at Coral Gables, said that none of the twenties had appeared but that they did discover a counterfeit $10 bill about ten days ago. "We're keeping a sharp look-out," he said. Byron A. Sperow, executive vice president of the Coral Gables First National Bank also reported that he had instructed tellers to watch for the bills, although none of them have appeared at his institution. Precautions Taken. Similar precautions were being taken at the Coral Gables Federal Savings and Loan Association, where James Garvey commented, "We haven't taken any of them in that we know of and we are on the look-out for them. The United Press reported today that the masterminds of an (Please turn to Page Two)

$100-Plus Fine Saddens Student

The score was two parking meters destroyed, two more damaged badly when University student Michael Zwerin walked into Municipal Court yesterday. That was the damage done when the 17 year-old youth lost control of his car early last Saturday, said Detective Lieut. A. M. Bishop. Also hit was an electric light pole Bishop said. The meters cost some $46 each. Pleading guilty to assorted charges of reckless driving, causing an accident and destroying property, the student looked more than just a little abashed when time came for Judge C. S. Robertson to pass sentence. He was even more sorry when the judge fined him $100 and costs.

YOUR NEWSBOY

YOUR NEWSBOY. Editor's Note: This is the fourth in a series of articles introducing the young men who deliver the daily Riviera-Times to your door. Meet Munir Jr., who delivers your Riviera-Times along the Avenues Andalusia, Sevilla and Palermo, most everywhere on them. His favorite subject is mathematics. Twelve year-old Victor is the son of the owner of Victor's Restaurant. His dad is encouraging his interest in math, perhaps hoping he'll be soon able to lend a hand with the restaurant book-keeping. The younger Victor wants to be a football player and go to West Point. He plays in the line and also takes a turn at fullback in games at the Coral Gables Elementary School. So far, says Victor with fingers crossed, he's gotten all "As" in math. He's pretty good at it. Asked how much nine times twelve equals, he answered like a flash one hundred and eight.

Greedy Few Peril Season By High Rent, Says Cof C

Jaycees Arise So Streets May Shine, Challenge Kiwanis to Match Dawn Safari. Landlady Asks $100 Weekly for 2 Rooms, Bath. A minority of money hungry room-renters are threatening to kill "the goose that laid the golden egg" by demanding exorbitant prices for rooms in private homes in Coral Gables, the Chamber of Commerce warned today. An already late season, that has caused the civic group's free listing file to bulge with 250 vacant rooms in private homes, is being further imperiled by out-of-line prices, prices that in isolated cases have soared to as high as $100 weekly for two bed-rooms with a connecting bath. The practice of renting rooms in private homes, although outraged by city ordinance, boomed during the war years when the acute housing shortage caused officials to overlook municipal statutes. Hotels Taken. Gobbling up of the two largest Gables hotels by the government, neither of which have been returned to private use, caused the shortage to continue into the post-war period, and to reach proportions nearing that of an industry. Many families in Coral Gables and vicinity have come to count on extra income from room rentals as part of the budget to offset the rising costs of living. Now, the Chamber reports, the avaricious practices of about 25 percent of the renters are threatening to destroy "the industry" and cause visitors to shun the area. The Chamber of Commerce listing sheet today, for instance, showed one prospective landlady who asked $100 a week for two rooms and adjoining bath. She suggested (Please turn to Page Three)

Jaycees Jack Gilmore, Chick O'Dornski and Donald Dutcher man the reel as their fellow civic clubbers string Christmas lighting wire through the business district.—Riviera-Times photos by Binner.

Mrs. James B. Moore and Mrs. Sam Elcook pour early morning coffee for eager Jaycee Christmas decorators who turned out at 5 a.m. today to lend a hand in the Yuletide project.

32 Report At 5 A.M. To Wire Business Area for Christmas

Gableites who were abroad at 5 o'clock this morning found Coral Way and Ponce de Leon Boulevard a scene of frenzied activity. As ladder trucks rumbled up and down the main thoroughfares, a crew of 32 members of the Coral Gables Junior Chamber of Commerce joined with city and Florida Power and Light crews to begin the decorating of the Coral Gables business district for the Christmas season. The Jaycees, who volunteered their services to help string Christmas lights along the two streets, were on the job long be-(Please turn to Page Two).

Membership chairman Don Dutcher took time out from his labors this morning to remind young businessmen in Coral Gables that the Jaycees are currently conducting a drive for new members. He urged any of them "interested in a live-wire organization" to contact him immediately.

$250 In Fines Levied by Court

A total of $250 in fines plus costs were paid in Municipal Court yesterday as eight appeared to answer charges ranging from reckless driving to disorderly conduct. Peter Albritton, Negro, paid a $5 fine for driving without a license, Gertrude Terndrup paid $25 for reckless driving and causing an accident, Maxwell Hunter paid $10 for exceeding the speed limit and Lloyd E. Langford, who admitted he caused an accident because his car had no brakes, paid $40. Mathis Horne paid $20 for exceeding the speed limit. Leroy Jackson, Negro, failed to appear when his case was called and a bench warrant for his arrest was issued. As soon as the court had closed, Jackson walked in and was promptly jailed on a bond of $100. He will stand trial Wednesday on disorderly conduct charges.

Brinson to Fight Consolidation In Miami Debate

Paul A. Brinson, former Coral Gables city commissioner, will oppose the consolidation of Dade County and the city of Miami at a debate sponsored by the League of Women voters at the McAllister hotel next Monday at 7 p.m. Joining with Brinson in opposing consolidation will be Miami Beach attorney Carl Hoffman while speaking in favor of it will be Rep. R. B. Gautier Jr., chief legislative sponsor of the amendment and Charles A. Morehead, head of a Chamber of Commerce consolidation committee. In a second debate at the Miami Elks Lodge on Nov. 24, former Gables mayor Thomas C. Mayes will replace Hoffman in opposing the city-county merger in debate with the three speakers who also are taking part at the McAllister.

Ponce Key Club Holds Dad-Son Fete

With the Rev. Paul Thomas as the principal speaker, members of the Ponce de Leon High School Key Club held their annual father-and-son banquet last night at Mansene's Restaurant. Honor guests included O. B. Sutton, president of the Coral Gables Kiwanis Club; Ponce de Leon principal, Harry N. Rath; Willard Ware and Fred Wilson, Key Club sponsors.

Recovering

Alan Brandt, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Brandt, 5810 SW 41st Street, was reported "doing nicely" at Jackson Memorial Hospital today, following an operation for appendicitis he underwent.

Hot Number

City Fathers to Solve Problem. The intricate problem of renumbering of streets in the business district and the rezoning of streets bordering the main campus of the University of Miami will be presented to the Coral Gables city commission when it meets at 8 o'clock this evening at city hall. The street numbering program, being surveyed by the public works department, will affect approximately 75 per cent of the business places in Coral Gables. The renumbering became necessary when it was discovered that multiple numbering of store units in single-lot buildings left no numbers to issue for new construction. The re-zoning of Avenue Campo Santo and a small portion of University Drive to permit duplex residences with a minimum content of 2127 square feet, homes with 2000 square feet and fraternity houses as approved individually by the zoning board, is slated for final passage tonight. Public works Director L. W. Robinson Jr., said today that several property owners may be present tonight to discuss details of the ordinance. He mentioned Adam G. Adams, J. H. Brock and members of the Riviera Country Club.

Elect Officers

Election of officers will be included in the business meeting of the WMS of the St. James Lutheran Church Thursday morning at 11 a.m. in the home of Mrs. Melvin J. Robinson,

Police Learn Use of Arms, How to 'Shoot from the Hip'

Beginning this afternoon, Coral Gables police department will master the use of revolvers, machine guns and shotguns, Safety Director William G. Kimbrough announced today. The training will be directed by F. J. Neff of the fire department, one of the best pistol shots in the state and an expert instructor. Safety Director Kimbrough, who has studied FBI methods as an FBI agent, will assist in the course. The policemen will shoot at the county range behind the county stockade. The 35 members of the department will split into two groups, with half the force going to the range for each class. Classes will be attended once each month, with this afternoon and Thursday afternoon set down as class days for this month. Rapid Fire Taught. The weapons used will be the 38 calibre revolver, the Rising 45 calibre machine gun and the 12-gauge shotgun. The training opens today with the FBI's practical pistol course, in which the student begins with rapid fire from the hip at a distance of seven yards from the target.

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Editor, Riviera-Times: Two cheers for Mr. G. L. Heibner. VIVIAN GALASSO.

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TODAY'S WEATHER

Partly cloudy with few widely scattered showers through Wednesday. Moderate, occasionally fresh east to southeasterly winds.