The Ottawa Journal from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada • Page 17

.1 -I congratulate the City Fathers! on the selection of the officers of the new commission In the persona of Messrs. Creighton, Marchand and Welch. It augurs well. Indeed, for the continued efficient management of the company. No better choice could have been made, and they have all my aln- cerest wishes as also those of every member of the board of directors of the old company.

it gives me great satisfaction to be present tonight and hand you. Dr. Geldert, these documents of title with all our best and sincerest wishes." Dr. Geldert Accepts Deeds. In accepting the deeds.

Dr. Geldert stressed the importance of this event In the history of the city. I "Thank you Mr. Major. It gives me much pride and pleasure to represent the City of Ottawa on this memorable occasion.

In which the oeoole of this Citv achieve ownership of their own transportation system. Undoubt edly, It is with mixed feelings that you have handed, over to me the deeds of the Ottawa Electric Railway Company, and I should like you to know that we are mindful of the traditions which go with it, built as It was by Ottawa' men of faith, vision and courage who played a notable part in the development" of this city. So long as Ottawa history Is recorded, their names will be associated with the story of the City's progress. Founded by the late Thomas Ahearn and his partners, the system has been closely, linked with the growth and development of Ottawa and expanded to meet this modern era's demands for lnterurban transportation In the daily lives of the "It has been a great period for Ottawa, and we must concede that the growth of Ottawa began and was accelerated when these first horse-drawn cars made It possible for the City to grow a greater distance than any man. woman or'' child could travel daily on foot.

We must also admit that the extension of the, Ottawa Electric Railway's lines to Britannia was largely responsible for the phenomenal westward expansion of Ottawa suburbs to McKellar, Westboro, Woodroff and even Britannia Itself. I "Thus. Instead of being I a strangled and cramped community, Ottawa and its suburbs have developed Into a spacious expanse of family residential areas, the soundest foundation on which any city can be built. I "It Is probable that the found ers of the OER visualized the day when the City of Ottawa would take the operation of the transportation system which has helped to build Ot tawa, and it is with this thought of gratitude for the foresight of these pioneers that I accept these deeds. Hands Over Chea.ee.

i "Last February, Jhe property owners indicated very strongly that they felt the time had arrived for the system to become the property of the City of Ottawa. It is on their authority and, on their behalf. I now take pleasure In banding this cheque for $8,300,683.13 to you in exchange for the Ottawa Electric Railway System. "Gentlemen, the transportation system now belongs to the people of Ottawa. The City now has complete control of its own streets.

"Before handing over this trust to the Ottawa Transportation System, might I on behalf of the members of City Council assembled here, express our regrets that His Worship, Mayor Stanley Lewis, who took a deep Interest In the events leading up to this morning's transaction. Is unable to be with us on such an auspicious occasion and couple with these sentiments the hope that ere long he may be suffici ently recovered In health to preside once more over' the affairs of the City of Ottawa. "However, it might be of interest for you all to know that there is one member of City Council here this morning who received an invitation to, and was present at the opening of the Ottawa Electric Railway 97 years ago, "I refer to Alderman Fred Journeaux who has- represented Central Ward in City Council for many years. Mr. Journeaux's Invitation to the initial -function reads as .1 To F.

M. Journeaux, The president and directors of the Ottawa Electric Railway Com pany request the pleasure of your company at the opening of the road on Monday, the 20th June, 1801, The Electric Cars will start from the car house, Albert street, at 2 p.nv RSVP. "What a satisfaction it must be to Alderman Journeaux to have witnessed the opening set Ottawa transportation system 37 years ago and to be here today in the capacity of a member of 4' COMELY CUSTOMERS, who were among the first to buy ear tickets and pay the after-midnight dime fare when the Ottawa Electric Railway Company becamevthe Ottawa Transportation Commission at midnight last night were Madeleine Groulx, left, and Grace Labelle. The courteous (and lucky) motorman is Maurice Leclere, and the car Is No. 1000, the first of the new deluxe models.

(Photo by Little.) this Council to see the City of Ottawa at last come in to its own. Hands Deeds te OTC Chairman, "To you Mr.1 Creighton, as chairman of the Ottawa Transportation Commission, I hand these deeds. They convey the Ottawa Electric Railway System, which a few minutes ago became the Ottawa Transportation Commission. I "These deeds signify that Ottawa has reached an important milestone In Its career as a municipality. By the will of the people, and by virtue of the authority of the Ottawa City Transportation Act, you, as a commission, possess and may all the power, rights, authorities and privileges with respect to the construction, repair and control of transportation system confer red on you by such authorities.

"In nominating you, Mr. Creighton, and your colleagues, Messrs. Marchand and Welch to the position of commissioners, the Board of Control hoped and be lleves they have named three citizens whose ability and pro gressiveness will develop the kind of system and the high quality of service the citizens of Ottawa require. City Council approved your appointments. "We realise we are entrusting you with an extremely difficult task, which at -times may present Obstacles and paradoxes that may seem Insurmountable.

"It must be admitted that for the time at least, the tremendous tawa was bulging with an Influx I of wartime personnel are past. Costs of construction and maintenance are rising, wages are Up and the demands for still higher wages may continue. "Then there is the problem of the provision of facilities. This railway system now belongs to the City and therefore to the people. You will no doubt hear this argument often in the days to come in pressing demands for better service, bigger and better buses, and extension of services to reach new areas, and yet you will be unpopular if you do what other business is doing, namely raising fares to meet the increased costs.

"You have the unenviable Job of attempting to reconcile all these factors high costs, perhaps lower revenues and a steady clamor for more and better fa cilities. Yon must design a coat for a steadily growing body from a piece of cloth already fixed in size and one that perhaps may shrink. "It will require the patience of Job and the wisdom of Solomon. As Acting Mayor of the City of Ottawa. I perhaps can offer you one morael of solace, such as it is I promise you that as long as I enjoy the confidence of the people of Ottawa as Controller, Acting Mayor or In any other capacity, no pressure will be brought to bear on you In any political manner.

The Job is yours. This council, assembled here, know you will give It of your utmost. I feel I can truthfully speak for my colleagues when I state we. on our part, will do our utmost to defend you from any such pressure from any other sources. "So now it's up to you to provide the best you can for the people of Ottawa, who through this City Council have handed this trust to you.

Hold always to a broad faith In Ottawa and an abiding sense of public responsibility, and you will succeed. "You hold the deeds and the keys. Ottawa's transportation systerasTyburs to operate. The taskIs yours, gentlemen. Go to it and good luck." Management Accepted.

Management of the transportation system! was accepted by W. R. Creighton and Eugene Marchand on behalf of the Ottawa Transport Commission. "This is a memorable occasion in the City of and the members of the Ottawa Transportation Commission appointed by the Board of Control and City Council to guide the future of the local transportation system are most conscious of the responsibilities sow being placed upon their Mr. Creighton said.

"An examination of the system and its history only confirms the opinion that by and large the citizens of Ottawa owe a debj of grauiuae to tne rounders ot The Ottawa Electric Railway Com 'v pany, Hon. Thomas Ahearn and Warren Y. Soper. Since the commission commenced to function, we have received nothing but the best of co-operation from the president and present officers ef the- railway. "Speaking on behalf of my colleagues, Henry Welch and Gene Marchand, I can say that as trustees for the citizens of Ottawa, we will endeavor to conserve and Improve the investment which the city is now making.

Further, it, will be our aim to expand the undertaking as opportunity offers so that new and outlying districts can be served and consolidated into a greater Ottawa system. "The many patrons using our cars and buses can be assured that' their interests will be our concern, and so far as our financial restrictions will permit, we will transport them as comfortably and economically as possible. Te Make Survey. "We have already made arrangements to have -a comprehensive survey mede by a competent engineer at an early date, covering all phases of transportation in keeping with the plans for the development of a great national Capital. It ia too soon to say that street cars should be replaced by trolley buses or motor buses.

The city has made a large investment in street cars and track, and surely It would not be wise to Immediately scrap them, thereby incurring a heavy financial loss, and necessitate an early increase In fares. I "The Ottawa Transport Cora-mission starts without any provision for working capital. and citizens ahould keep In mind that It Is one of our responsibilities to pay to the city each year for 20 years approximately to cover interest and capital repayments- on the purchase price. Furthermore, any lane purchases of new equipment before reserves can be provided would necessitate that we fall back on the credit of the city and request the City Council to provide the additional funds. Changes will, I think, come slowly.

However, to provide I a margin of operating safety, an order has already been placed for a few additional buses of approved design." "It is the intention of the com mission to retain In Its employ practically all of the present personnel of the Ottawa Electric Railway Company Dave Gill will be with us and we hone that the reputation they have earned In the past for courtesy and politeness will be further enhanced la the future. Theirs Is not always an easy task. Why not help them sometimes with a smile? "We appeal to all the ettlzens of Ottawa, who are now the owners of the local transportation system, to help us. make It an outstanding civic Mr; Creighton concluded. I Mr.

Mrc hand's. Address. i Mr. Marchand spoke in French for the commissioners. "I sincerely he said.

"that, as from tomorrow morning. ue citizens of the city do not hope to see a completely changed transportation system. It ts absolutely necessary to utilize the equipment, which the city has bought at a price of $8400,000, Deiore considering changing any ot the" material purchased for new tramways, buses, etc, of a more modern type. "We must remember that It Is necessary to repay the loan made us -to purchase the system by means of yearly Instalments of 9427,000, and if we desire to maintain the actual rates. We must economize ss from the start ot our operations, especially as we are in a period ot Inflation.

i "We start our operations with a system In good order but we are obliged to borrow the money required for operating expenses, such as salaries, wages, elec tricity, insurance, etc would therefore ask you to be indulgent if improvements are not noticed ss from tomorrow morning, i "We are having a survey made as to traffic and transportation requirements for the city and district Once this survey has oeen completed, we will be In better position to Judge regard' ing changes to be msde to better serve the population of the district "However, I can add here, that to provide for immediate needs we have ordered several buses of the most modern type and that these win be in service before very long. "I wish to assure you and the citizens of the city that my con freres, Messrs. Creighton and Welch, and myself, will! do our utmost to administer to the best ot our ability your transportation Mr. Marchand concluded. "And now, gentlemen, the Ot tawa Transportation Commission takes on from here.

On behalf of. Council again I wish them all success In their Dr. Geldert as the ceremony drew to a close. 71 5 "Our I think, should be willing to be reasonably patient In looking for Improvements, but there is no doubt they will want some changes. I ask them now for their support and co-operation in behalf of this great public utility.

"I should like to take the opportunity of welcoming to the service of the city the large body of railway employes. It is true. under the act they are not strictly speaking civic employes, but they will be so regarded by the citi zens. As much as other municipal employes, I think they, will consider themselves servants of the people. We need, and I request their Interest and help In making the Ottawa Transportation System a success.

"It Is mini at this time that I should express our appreciation and thanks to the members of the Street Railway Committee and to the fact-finding committee which. under Controller Bourque. did a Trojan Job In preparing and pri nting Information to the voters in the February election." "In conclusion, may I suggest to the commission that all we ask is for greatly increased passenger accommodation, better cars and the best buses. Improved service, reduced fares and a great big surplus." Pre tried them all now I say Craven A every time it; with all their superb, fresh quality. The endless pleasure they give me is proof of their superiority as a smooth, cool aad always enjoyable smoke.

CSAV1N PIAM without cork tips-is me fine quality as Craven 'A'. CAtinAS I TO, I ON DON. ENOIAND Vp refer' --for real I in. om Moralises "Tf CHy Takes Over Tram System Paying Total of $6,300,685 rip No Pressure OTC Council, Geldert i Friday the 13th? It is hot unlucky, said Acting Mayor Geldert when he accepted the deeds and keys, for the Ottawa Electric Railway Com pany on behalf of the city as the clock struck 12 last night. At the brief but impressive ceremony, the history of the OER since its foundation in 1801 was and how it was from small beginnings by the late Hon.

Thomas Ahearn and Warren T. Soper. The event took place la the office, which was decorated with Union Jacks 'in front of which was hung the name-plate of the locomotive given the city by the Greaf Western Railway of Great Britain. RerreU Mayer's nines. -Keen regret was expressed that Mayor who- had always been strongly in favor of the city ownlrig- its own transportation was unable to attend owing to Illness.

Acting Mayor In his place was Controller Geldert. Goodwin and Controller Bourque sat on each side of Drv Geldert. at the Mayor's desk. Standing behind them were Aldermen Coulter, Shaw, Powers. Hamilton, Pingle.

Mc-Cann. Walsh. Journeaux, Parker, Tardiff. Query, Christie, Bradley and Rheaume. On Dr.

Geldert's left were the three members of the new Ottawa Transport Commission, on whose 'shoulders falls the responsibility of administering the complex system: W. R. Creighton, chairman, Eugene Marchand and Henry On his right were A. J. Major, who represented the OER in the absence of the president, and David N.

GUI. general manager of the OER. whose services have been retained by the OTC' Only a limited number of guests were Invited to the ceremony In addition to City Hall department heads because of the limited capacity of the Mayor's office. Among them were J- A. Robinson, president of the Ottawa Branch of the Amalgamated Street and Electric Railway and Motor-eoach Employes of America, representing OER personnel; Harold Id.

president. Central Council of Service Clubs; E. Keith Davidson, president, Ottawa Board of Trade; Sylvio Blals. president Hull Chamber of Commerce; E. Norman Smith and representatives of Ottawa news- papers; and Nelson Ogilvie, city clerk, the senior official of civic government.

Alia Lewis' Measase. Allan T. Lewis, president of the OER was prevented by illness from attending the ceremony. Dr. Geldert read the following message from him: "On Thursday, at midnight, I understand, you art to have a short Informal ceremony on the taking-over of the railway by the Ottawa-' Transportation Commission.

"Unfortunately I have been ill at the Civic Hospital for the past few weeks and therefore deeply regret that I will be quite unable to attend the ceremony. May however, express to the City and the Ottawa Transportation Commission my sincere good wishes for successful operation of the transportation system and my personal thanks for the full cooperation which the company received from the City In carrying to a successful conclusion this most important Representing. Mr. Lewis, Mr. Major presented the deeds to the Acting Mayor.

am sorry Mr. Major said, "that our president, Mr. Allan Lewis, is unable account of a recent operation to be present here tonight, and he expressed his deep regrets to me over the telephone. As for our former president. Frank Ahearn, I am sure that this occasion would have been a very difficult one 'or him to attend, and this, on account of sentimental reasons.

We can all well understand and sympathize with him. "It must.be with great regret -that he is witnessing the passing to other hands this great transportation company founded In June, 1801, by his distinguished Hon. Thomas Ahearn. who with his associates, especially the late Mr. Soper.

contributed the vision and the energy to develop this system in our capital city and pioneered electric tramways when it was considered very doubtful that they could operate on our streets due. to climatic conditions and pore especially to the heavy snow falls to which we are subject in this climate during the Winter months. Were I in the same position as my very good friend Frank Ahearn, this would be a memorable occasion for me. conditions being as they are, it would be very unfair for the people of Ottawa to have a private company continue to operate Its transportation system end "pay huge taxes to the Fed eral Government as against i municipally owned body, not hav ing to face these obligations. In ether words, it was very unfair for the users of the street cars in this city to be In that position when the population of another large city, its transportation sys-; tern municipally owned could accumulate large profits and pile up huge reserves, keep the fares down and generally Improve their -We are relinquishing a transportation system which without being perfect, I think all will agree, has served this city pretty satisfactorily and efficient ly.

For this reason the purchase of the Ottawa Electric Railway could not be but a great advantage to the population of this city. Praises, Employes. "I should like also to refer to one of the most valuable assets of the company which the city has acquired, namely, Its loyal and efficient staff of administration and operating employes. This Is an asset without which no public utility can expect to function successfully, "I would be remiss in my duties tonight if I did not have a word of appreciation for all the faithful employes of the Ottawa Electric Railway. I thank them most sincerely for all past services, and I am very hopeful that under the new commission they will continue to receive due consideration that they.

sO well deserve. I I I OLD BOSS, NEW BOSS There was change when Ottawa became owner of its own transportation system at midnight last night Pondering their new Jobs, and their old caps on which the letters OER will be replaced by Supervisor J. H. Auger, Operator H. W.

Allen, and Inspector L. Watson were caught by The Journal cameraman at 12 o'clock, when the line changed bands (Photo by Little.) Mayor Sends Best Wishes To Commission Missing from the gathering at City Hall as the clock struck 12 last night was Mayor Stanley Lewis, still confined to his home with a heart ailment He was hot forgotten, hpwever, as (he city assumed ownership of Its own transportation system a change of which he had been always strongly in favor. Acting Mayor Geldert read the following message from Mayor Lewis: "It is a matter of deep regret to me that I cannot be present at the ceremony tonight As you know the purchase of the Ottawa Electric Railway was an undertaking that was close to my heart and the success ot the muni-clpally-owned system is one of my greatest desires. "I know tonight's ceremony will have to be carefully timed since it Is to be broadcast but I should greatly appreciate it if you could find an opportunity to tender my best wishes to the new commission; One could hardly exaggerate the magnitude and Importance of their responsibilities under the act That they will have strength, ability, wisdom and courage to carry them out and to make this public service a great Ottawa utility Is my sincere hope.7 REORGANIZE GOVT. NANKING, Aug.

12. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Shlh-chleh announced tonight that China had decided to recognize the Independent Korean Government as elected and formed under United Nations Qtcvea'A will not affect the throat H- 1 The Urgest-eelling Cork Tipped Cigarette i in the world! ISO YtAir IEPUTATION FOt QUALITY vA- mi County Road Being Re-conditioned 704 Agents Selling Reconditioning of the 23-mile stretch ot county toad between Pembroke and- EganviUe will probably be started next week, it was learned last night The road, which is not a main artery, for a great part of its-length skirts the shore of Lake Dore, where it connects with the end of a provincial highway. The improvements, being made as the result of much urging, will consist mainly in the laying of a granular base and a gravel top. Serving as a cushion, granular bases are now generally employed in road construction, it was ex' plained. Excluding shoulders, the width of the reconditioned road will be some 20 feet There wlll.be only minor variations In alignment The firm of H.

J. MacFarlane, of Plctoiu'ave been awarded the contract It was estimated" completion of the project which is under the Ontario Department of Highways, might require three months or more. Pullover Sweaters All-wool sweaters with long', or short sleeves, round necklines, fancy knitted yokes. Striped or solid shades, dark and pastel combination. to $5.98 Open All Day Saturday fa.

Advance Tickets For Ottawa 'Ex More agents than ever before' are selling advance sale tickets to this year's Ottawa Exhibition and officials are heartened that interest is being shown throughout Ontario and in Quebec, as fat east as Montreal. This all goes to show that larger crowds from all sections ol this district will be on hand to see the best exhibition ever held in Ottawa, officials say. Not only from Ottawa and the, immediate district are advance sales of tickets ahead of last year, but as far west as Toronto, east to Montreal and south to Malooe and Watertown, NY. special agents are selling' more tickets than to any other exhibition. In alL 704 agents are on duty In Ontario and Western.

Quebec. Among these agents are almost SO blind persons, all from the Canadian National Institute tor the Blind. Cardigan Sweaters A Striped and solid tone cardigans in a wide range of pastels, bright and dark tones. Choose one to match a lovely pullover for a twin set $5.98 to $7- The New Pencil Slim Loot In SKIRTS Slim fitting styles: in woollen materials and gabardines. Black, brown, navy, grey and green.

A wide rang of lovely styles to choose from. Sizes 12 to 20. 1 1 $6.98 to $14.98 Closed All Day Monday. THE OTTAWA JOURNAL, FBIDAT, AUGUST U. JMS.

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