Coral Gables Riviera-Times

CORAL GABLES Riviera PUBLISHED MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOONS MEMBER AUDIT BUREAU OF CIRCULATIONS VOL. 21—NO. 67 (D) CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1947 12 PAGES FIVE CENTS

ARABS VIEW PARTITION AS DIPLOMATIC WIN FOR REDS IN EAST WEST DRIVE

LAKE SUCCESS, N. Y., Dec. 4. (UP)—Arab officials, preparing to carry their fight against Palestine partition into the United Nations security council, characterized the plan to divide the Holy Land today as a diplomatic victory for Russia. Plans for a security council argument over the partition plan were laid by Faris El Khouri of Syria. El Khouri indicated he would challenge the legality of the UN's decision when the council convenes next week, perhaps provoking an important debate of the entire trouble-loaded program for splitting Palestine against the wishes of the Arab world. Arabs claimed in the wake of their defeat that the long-range result of the partition program would be a gain for Russia in the East-West diplomatic duel for dominance in the strategic and oil-rich Middle East.

French Troops Battle Rioters In Bloody Street Combat

PARIS, Dec. 4. (UP)—French colonial troops battled rioting strikers at Nice today in a bloody sequel to assembly approval of the government's emergency program authorizing prison terms and fines for saboteurs and agitators. At least 24 persons were wounded, 15 of them gravely, in the most violent fighting of the communist-led strike crisis now more than three weeks old. The government called 80,000 ground, air and sea reserves of the class of 1943 to active duty, boosting to 200,000 the projected increase in French armed forces since the communist strikes and disorders began. The fighting at Nice, resort town on the Riviera, broke out at 6 a.m. when 2,000 strikers forced a police and mobile guard cordon around the central postoffice to take refuge in the building. Police hurled tear gas bombs through windows. At 8 a.m. the strikers reformed their ranks, charged the building and forced the police out. The running hostilities went on until 10:30 a.m.

Truman Basks in Sun On Key West Vacation

KEY WEST, Fla., Dec. 4. (UP)—President Truman donned blue bathing trunks today and soaked up Florida sunshine on a sandy beach. Swimming was part of the relaxation prescribed for the vacationing president by his personal physician, Brig. Gen. Wallace Graham who also wants the chief executive to cram five nights of sleep into four days. Mr. Truman, described by White House Press Secretary Charles G. Ross as "really tired when he came down here" Tuesday, took things easy. He scheduled no work today and planned to spend most of the daylight hours outdoors in the balmy, springlike weather. Up at 7 a.m., Mr. Truman breakfasted with his staff an hour later on bacon and fried mush. Then,, after looking over the morning newspapers, he strolled to the nearby beach at Fort Taylor, and old army installation adjoining the submarine base where the temporary White House has been established.

It's Raining and Snowing In the Cold, Cold North

By UNITED PRESS A cold wave, moving slowly eastward, left a trail of freezing rain and sleet in the north central states today with still more predicted for tonight. Little change in temperatures was foreseen for today. Some rain and a larger amount of snow fell over extensive areas of central Kansas, southeast Nebraska, and southern Iowa. Two inches of snow was reported in northwest Kansas. Intermingled sleet and rain was forecast today for Illinois, Indiana, western New York and the New England states. Generally colder weather was scheduled for early tomorrow in the upper Mississippi valley region and the Great Lakes region. Lowest temperature reported this morning was 17 degrees below zero at Pembina, N. D. Land O' Lakes, Wis., reported two degrees below zero. Temperatures in the Chicago area were a high of 35 today with a low of 30 reported this morning.

Would Halt Aid If Reds Dominate France, Italy

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4. (UP)—Acting Secretary of State Robert A. Lovett said today that he would recommend to President Truman that all American relief aid to France and Italy be stopped if those countries fall under communist control. Lovett's statement was made to the senate appropriations committee which must authorize the money under the senate-passed version of the administration's $597,000,000 relief bill to aid France, Italy and Austria. The committee met as the house prepared to take up its emergency foreign aid bill which provides $590,000,000 in relief for France, Italy, Austria and China. "I am not in a position to speak for the secretary except in his absence. But I must give a direct answer that I would recommend such action to the president and his advisers."

New OPA Agency Not Planned, Says Harriman

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4. (UP)—Secretary of Commerce W. Averell Harriman said today the administration has no plans for a new OPA or any other overall control agency to administer the anti-inflation powers it seeks from Congress. Harriman appeared before the house banking and currency committee, which is studying the president's request for stand-by price and rationing powers. He said these powers, if granted, will be apportioned by President Truman to appropriate existing government agencies.

Army Officer: Theft Suspect Wins Promotion to Captain

CAMP LEE, Va., Dec. 4. (UP)—Army officials today announced that a missing army lieutenant charged with embezzling $14,147 from his fellow officers has been promoted to the rank of captain for "service and aptitude." The promotion came through while the Federal Bureau of Investigation and military police intensified their search for former 1st Lt. Edward P. Kelly, 40, of Denville, N. J. The former restaurant manager vanished Monday after picking up $14,147.75 in checks at the post finance office at the request of 37 classmates at a Quartermaster school. The embezzlement charges were reduced when a fellow officer in Kelly's class of "specially selected" men received 35 of the checks Tuesday in a plain white envelope postmarked Richmond, Va. The government had stopped payment on the checks. Additional United Press News on Page 2

NEW COST HIKE FOR BUILDING IS PREDICTED Campbell Urges Permit Holders Start Construction Now

Predicting a 20 to 25 percent increase in building costs in 1948, Building Inspector Gilbert B. Campbell today urged holders of a million dollars in approved but unissued permits to get construction under way as soon as possible. Campbell said that the permits are in his file, ready for issue, but that the builders have been holding back, hoping for a lowering of costs. "The costs are not going to be lowered as far as I can determine," Campbell said, "and persons wishing to build had better get started if they wish to avoid future price raises." Survey Completed Campbell based his prediction on a survey he completed today in which he polled contractors and architects now working in Coral Gables. He said that costs of materials and labor have shown a steady increase and that builders predict the upcurve will continue through 1948. He cited the following recent price hikes as indicative of a trend: Cement from 95 cents to $1.40. Rock lathe from $35 a thousand to from $55 to $80 when available. Concrete block from 18 cents to from 20 to 25 cents. Lumber from $85 a thousand feet to $99 and $110. Plumbing and wiring have remained stable but a slight rise is indicated. Labor, Campbell said, has increased 30 percent in the last sev- (Please Turn to Page Eight)

PANTIE THIEF GETS NEW HAUL

Coral Gables' pantie burglar struck again last night and the haul was seven pairs of white unmentionables and five pairs in pink. The victims were Mrs. W. E. Byers of 11 Avenue Santillane and Mrs. W. L. Warnock, a neighbor, who lives at number 15 Santillane. The underthings were on the same clothesline and the criminal had only to rake them all in. Police are investigating.

Dade Merger Debate Set By Elks Tonight Gautier to Defend, Hoffman Attack Consolidation

Rep. Richard Oelkers Jr. has been selected to moderate tonight's debate on the Dade-Miami merger at the Gables Elks Lodge. Rep. Robert L. Floyd and Drew T. Healy, Exalted Ruler. Rep. R. B. Gautier Jr. will defend the consolidation bill he authored while Carl Hoffman, Miami Beach attorney, will attack it. The verbal battle is expected to get under way at 8 p.m. on the floor of the lodge hall with the general public invited to attend. The debate is one of a series being held throughout the area to educate the public on the pros and cons of the highly controversial proposal. In addition to the Hoffman and Gautier debates, the bill has been defended by Charles Morehead and attacked by Paul H. Brinson and City Commissioner Thomas C. Mayes. "I hope that we have a large turn out of Gables citizens to hear this very vital matter discussed", Healy said. "The issues are particularly important for communities like Coral Gables."

Country Club Women Install Mrs. Sperow

Mrs. Byron A. Sperow today was formally installed as president of the Woman's Executive Board of the Country Club of Coral Gables for the 1947-48 season. Announcement of Mrs. Sperow's election to head activities of the 750 feminine members of the club was made at a luncheon held in the banquet hall of the club. Close to 200 fashionably dressed women gathered to see Mrs. Sperow receive the gavel of office from Mrs. H. Buxton Bushnell, retiring president. Election of the slate for the (Please Turn to Page Two)

Youth Nabbed As Possessor Of Marihuana

A 19-year-old New York man was arrested at the University of Miami campus by Coral Gables police yesterday afternoon and is held by Miami Beach authorities today charged with possession of marihuana. The man, Meyer Schwartz, was taken into custody by Safety Director William G. Kimbrough, Det. Lieut. A. M. Bishop and Detective Delbert Edwards. The Gables operatives said he had 46 marihuana cigarettes when he was taken. The man lives at the Edgewater Beach Hotel. Safety Director Kimbrough said Schwartz had been under surveillance by his department for some time. But yesterday's arrest was made at the request of Lieut. Charles Pierce of the Beach police.

Gables Jockey Held On Hit-Run Charge

A 20-year-old jockey who lives at the Douglas Apartments on S.W. 7th St., was arrested this morning at 7:30 a.m. at Miami Beach on a reckless driving charge. In addition, Beach police say, he is wanted in connection with a Nov. 20 hit and run accident. The horseman, R. J. Martin, paid a $10 fine on the reckless driving count. He was held by the Beach authorities on the hit and run charge.

On The Inside

Comics | 10 Crossword Puzzle | 7 Editorials | 4 Gay Teas | 2 It Says Here | 3 Movies | 3 Radio Programs | 7 Riviera Time Table | 3 Society, Woman's Pages | 8, 9 Sports | 5, 11

GULFSTREAM ENTRIES for Tomorrow's Races On Page 2

Aquatic Show At Biltmore Pool Set For Sunday

An aquatic exhibition, sponsored jointly by the University of Miami Dade county Red Cross chapter, and the Metropolitan Miami Swimming association will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Veterans Administration hospital, Coral Gables for patients and the public. Participating, in addition to the above named organizations, will be swimming teams from Fort Lauderdale and Lake Worth high schools. The program will include relays, demonstrations of life saving techniques, canoe handling and diving.

Rotary Moves To Protect Buyers In Flooded Areas

Drive Starts Tomorrow With Talk By Experts The Coral Gables Rotary Club moved today to adopt a program designed to protect homesite buyers west of Coral Gables and in other low areas from being duped into investing their savings in property that is constantly in danger of being flooded by high water. In a scathing denunciation of "unscrupulous" developers who sell "high and dry" lots to unsuspecting home builders, Dr. Otto J. Sieplein announced that the club will launch its drive Friday noon at the Country Club of Coral Gables luncheon meeting. Speakers will include Nevin Hoy of the U. S. Geological Survey and Jeanne Bellamy, author of "Taming of the Everglades," a report on water control. Invited guests include members of the Coral Gables Board of Realtors, county commissioners, S. D. Currier, chairman of the Dade County Planning Board and the mayors of Coral Gables, Miami, Miami Shores, South Miami and Opa-Locka. Protect Buyers "While this tied in with the water conservation program, our main purpose is to consolidate county action to protect homesite buyers," Sieplein stated. Two recommendations to be pushed by the club include: 1 A requirement that all property deeds carry the height of the land above sea level. 2 Building regulations requiring that floor levels be of sufficient height to be above high water marks. Dr. Seiplein said that some residents of the area west of Coral Gables had been out of their homes for four months as a result of high water there. He cited instances where homesites are being offered for sale as (Please Turn to Page Two)

Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly? The Guy Who Put the 72-Hour Week in Fireman's Effect for Firemen is a Mysterious Character

By ALAN SAFTEL Riviera-Times Staff Writer Everywhere in the United States a fireman's day off is known as a "Kelly Day" and the appellation is as familiar and universal with fire-fighters as the term starboard with sailors. But there isn't a fireman within a two-bit phone call of Coral Gables today who can tell you exactly where and when the term originated. A "Kelly Day" comes to a fireman every two weeks and is something like a soldier's three-day pass. Firemen usually work 24 hours on duty, then 24 hours off and every other week one 24-hour period which would be a work day is changed to a holiday. That day off is the Kelly Day and gives the fireman 72 hours of uninterrupted freedom. The Kelly Day came in with the 72-hour work week, that much seemed definite. Before its advent firemen were at their posts 72 hours one week, then 96 hours the next week. The Kelly Day makes each work-week 72 hours long. But when the Riviera-Times tried to find out who was the Kelly who gave the day its name, the same firemen who relax blissfully on the lawns of their homes every other week, offered a number of divergent Kellys. Capt. J. H. Hardin, in charge of the Coral Gables Fire Depart- (Please Turn to Page Three)

'Honest' Thief Gives Self Up, Admits Robbing Bar's Till $250 LOOT ALL SPENT BUT ONE DOLLAR FARE TO GABLES

This is the story of Evert Leo Cronin—an errant man, but an honest one. Evert, who is 24, Marine Corps veteran, and comes from Massachusetts, walked up to the desk at the Coral Gables police station last night, looked Officer Hermit Davis right in the eye and spoke: "I want to give myself up," he stated. "What have you done?" queried the desk officer. Then Davis unfolded a lengthy narrative which began at Armando's Red Bird Bar. The high spot of his tale came when Cronin, admittedly dazed by drinking, leaped across the bar, grabbed the bartender's blackjack, lifted $250 from the cash register and fled. That was on November 29. "I went haywire," Cronin commented on this episode. With the $250 in his kick, Cronin headed north to Hollywood. He told Officer Davis he enjoyed himself from the $250 until yesterday. The best of liquors and the finest food were his. Yesterday, Cronin recalls, he finished the $250. The money was all gone except a lonesome buck and Cronin headed back to face the music. He's facing plenty of music right now. He's in Dade county jail and an information signed by Deputy J. P. Kersey charges him with armed robbery.

Home Permits Total $47,000 3 Residences Are Approved

Permits for the construction of three residences, totaling $47,000, were issued today by Gilbert B. Campbell, building inspector. G. M. Leroux will build a $25,000 residence at 4701 Avenue Santa Maria. It was designed by Howard Knight and will be erected by Tourttoon and Polizzi. Two permits were issued to Spector and Sons for $11,000 residences at 4707 LeJeune Road and 341 Avenue Fluvia. The LeJeune residence was designed by Thomas F. Riley, engineer and the Fluvia house by Leroy K. Albert.

ZONING HEARING City Fathers to Weigh 2 Issues

Two controversial zoning matters lead off the agenda for a combined meeting of the city commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals at 8 p.m. this evening in city hall. The combined boards will attempt to reach a final decision on whether fraternity houses and/or duplexes shall be permitted on Avenue Campo Santo and a section of University Drive, and whether or not a filling station shall be permitted on Alhambra Circle in the building now used as a real estate office by Alice Lanni. The Campo Santo proposition has been hanging fire for several months while property owners argue the relative merits of the structures recommended for the street. It was originally zoned for duplexes by consensus. Issuing of a temporary permit for the filling station by a 4 to 1 (Please Turn to Page Eight)

Santa to Travel By Fire Truck For Xmas Party

If you don't have any children, adopt one for the occasion—that's the slogan for the Coral Gables Breakfast Club's Christmas Party at the Sevilla Restaurant on Dec. 18. All members of the club have been urged to bring their children by W. L. Philbrick, chairman of the committee arranging the affair. And if you don't have any, bring somebody else's, Philbrick advises. Like all meetings of the Breakfast Club, this one is held at 7:30 a.m. Each member is to bring one present and also an additional present for every child he brings. And this particular party, if Santa Claus delivered via fire truck by Coral Gables Fire Department, Said Chairman Philbrick, this mode of travel is the "most modern method ever used by any Saint Nick." Serving as co-chairman with Philbrick is Dr. Nevin Schaaf. Committee members are City Commissioner Thomas C. Mayes and Larry Larson, in charge of decorations, and Merion Cooper will handle music as well as put out the Christmas Bulletin. The Rev. Frank Harlow and Dr. W. F. Harrison will be in charge of the entertainment and assistance of Santa Claus.

Smith Named Concert Soloist By Philharmonic

William Smith, well known Miami tenor, will be the featured soloist at the December concert of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Coral Gables on Dec. 9, it was announced today. Smith is a native of Wales, received his education at Cardiff University and is now minister of music at the Riverside Methodist Church. The Tuesday evening program will feature selection from "Hansel and Gretel" and "Babes in Toyland." The December selection of the J. P. Riddle Foundation for Orchestral Composition will be played on Tuesday. The selection is a suite, "The Courts of Indra," by William Ute Moehlen.

Center Gets Use Of Needed Piano

The Youth Center got quick results when it pleaded in yesterday's Riviera-Times for the gift of a piano, any piano, for its Saturday noon radio show. The story had hardly been printed when Commander F. R. Wickard of the Coral Gables Post 98 of the American Legion called with an offer. The Legion's lend-lease arrangement will mean that $150 which would have gone to piano-movers will be available for other Youth Center uses. The Center had shelled out $20 a week to move its piano to the Coral Theatre and the present schedule of the program has nine weeks to run.

TODAY'S WEATHER

TONIGHT AND FRIDAY: Partially cloudy and Friday. Few light local showers tonight. Fresh winds easterly tonight, southeasterly Friday. Your Riviera-Times reporter is on the air daily, Monday through Friday at 5:30 p.m., broadcasting direct from the news room over WBAY, 1490 on your dial.

Gables Fanciers To Attend Show

A contingent of Coral Gables dog fanciers, headed by Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Graffenberger, 1449 Avenue Alegrano, will join a motorcade of members of the Greater Miami Dog Club, Inc., set to drive to West Palm Beach for the Palm Beach County Kennel Club Dog Show. J. Duncan McGregor, the well-known painter of dogs, heads the list of judges for the show which is an AKC sanctioned match. The match is open to all breeds of pure bred dogs over six months old with champions of record barred. The group also plans a motorcade Dec. 13 for the Fort Lauderdale Dog Club Show at Westside Ball Park. The Palm Beach Show will be held in the National Guard Armory.

Cloney Rites Observed

Funeral services were held today for the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Cloney of 614 Avenue Malaga. Interment was at Woodlawn Park. The child died yesterday at Coral Gables Hospital.

Gibbs To Attend Chicago Meeting

Dr. Stephen B. Gibbs, 127 Avenue Giralda, a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Osteopathic Association, is planning to attend a four-day meeting of the trustees at the Palmer House in Chicago beginning Dec. 13. Public health matters, projected plans for the expansion of osteopathic and association business affairs will be discussed.

Parking Space Costs Driver $5 And Inflation Is Not To Blame

Judge C. S. Robertson had yesterday to decide between the stories of two policemen who arrested a Gables man for improper parking and the story of the man himself, who said in Municipal Court how one of the officers had sliced into a parking place he had coveted. The jurist mulled the stories of the two parties and evidently found something to believe in both. He let the 11th a fine but it was an extremely modest one. The parker was Martin J. Gessler, 46, of 3985 Bird Road and the officers were Hermit Davis and Theodore Bishop. And the fine was five dollars. Gessler told the court he halted as he saw a car back out of a parking spot on Ponce de Leon Boulevard. The cat pulled out all right and it was a police car. But another car headed for the same spot and that was another police car. While that went on, Gessler's car remained double-parked and without lights. He claimed the spot served a ticket. But Gessler said he didn't and found himself with (Please Turn to Page Two)

Family Tiff Sent Mate To Tall Weeds Where He Fired on Kinfolk, Wife Says

A 42-year-old ironworker was held by Justice of the Peace O. B. Sutton yesterday on four charges in connection with allegedly beating and shooting at his own wife during a "family argument." He is in county jail today awaiting trial on the charges. He is George Donaldson of 6760 S. W. 13th Street, and his arrest by Constable William F. Shields last Monday had marked the changing of a two-family dream world into a place where a husband lurked all day in a clump of tall weeds with a rifle by his side. Donaldson pleaded guilty yes- terday to breaking the peace, assault and batffry, aggravated assault and firing a rifle into a house before Justice of the Peace O. B. Sutton. The complaints against Donaldson were signed by his wife and her sister. The sister is Mrs. George W. Fritz and she lives with her husband at 6761 S. W. Eighth Street, right across the street. Constable Shields said the events that led up to the iron-worker's arrest had included his assault against his wife, a blast from his .22 caliber rifle at the in-laws' house across the street, and a night and day of terror when Donaldson, hidden in the tall weeds, ventured out from time to time to try more attacks against his wife. Another episode Shields describes was when Donaldson lunged at his brother-in-law with a 12-inch Navy combat knife and made a slice in his leg that required a dozen stitches. But the records of Justice Sutton's courtroom gave no inkling of what had begun the quarrel. Donaldson's immediate plea of guilty had precluded taking of testimony. Said Constable Shields, who had been through the whole thing: "It was just one of those common family quarrels."