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88th YEAR, No. 25

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Cam May Wav*. Established 1BS4. Stas or th« Cam. Establishkd 1808. Cam Mat Stas > Wav*. Consolidated 1807.

CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY. THURSDAY, JUNE 18. 1942

Seeks Speciar Treatment For Resort Areas « Special consideration for Cape May and other county resorts included in the recent OPA rentfreezing: order was asked this week by Mayor T. Millet Hand, of Cape May, in a letter to Leon Henderson, administrator of the Office of Price Administration. "I have noted particularly the statement in your letter concerning' the seasonal ren,t situation in Cape May and your reference to paragraph 7 on page 4, referring to relief of landlords by reason of seasonal demands,” the Mayor

wrote.

“SEASONAL PROBLEM” "I venture to say that the whole problem in Cape May is referable to this seasonal condition. My attention has not been called to increase in normal rent schedules; but here at the seashore, as you probably know, summer rentals are based on an entirely different schedule than winter rentals. "For example, a dwelling house with, let us say, a normal rental of $60 or $70 per month would have an established summer value during the summer season, which is between June 16th and September 16th, of $600 to $1000 depending on the character of the house and the desirability of its location for summer purposes. "NO RENT PIRACY" "My attention has been called to one or two instances in which the normal year around rent plus the exceptional summer rent has been demanded of Naval personnel. I have not heard of any cases in which either the normal or summer rentals had been increased beyond the rates prevailing in the last two years. “I am at a loss to suggest a (Continued on Page Four)

Forest Fire At Site Of Airport Monday FISHING CREEK—Two volunteer fire companies and a hundred workers were called Monday to fijjht a raging forest fire at the site of the new federal airK rt now under construction in

wer Township.

Fanned by a brisk southwest wind, the flames threatened a number of homes, but after several hours of work by fire fighters, the blaze was subdued. Several hundred acres of woodland were burned by the blaze, said to have originated when a brush fire at the airport got out

of control.

A general alarm was sounded in Wildwood, and the Villas fire company also responded to a call

for help.

Thick smoke of the conflagraiton could be seen for miles.

Fears Threat

PERCY H. JACKSON

Director of Cape May County’s Board of Freeholders, who this week registered his objections with county representatives at Trenton on the proposed revision of the New Jersey constitution, charging the suggested changes would rob small counties and mu-

nicipalities of home rule.

Local Clergymen Form Association The Cape May Ministers’ Association was organized on Monday when a group representing the majority of clergymen in this locality gathered at the Baptist

parsonage.

The Rev. Robert D. Carrin, pastor of the Cape Island Baptist Church and originator of the association plan, was unanimously elected president of the new organization, which will meet quarterly at various rectories. The Rev. William Bullock, pastor of the Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, was unanimously elected secretary of the association. In his absence, the Rev. Albert W. Lenz, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Cape May, acted as secretary pro tern. Next meeting of the association will be on September. 14 at the Baptist parsonage. Tentative plans were made for o union service in which local churches will participate to be held at the Baptist Church on Sunday evening, August 2, to mark the beginning of the Cape May Bible and Missionary Conference which will be held there from August 2 through 21.

(ISO Campaign Is Launched Here Cape May’s drive for U S 0 funds got under way this week with the city being divided into sectors, each of which will be canvassed by a zone chairman, members of the local committee reported today. Those in charge of the various sectors are Mrs. Mark C. Frymire, Mrs. F. R. Hughes, Mrs. Allen F. Willson, Mrs. F. Mulford Stevens, Mrs. Ralph T. Stevens, Mrs. .Janies Hand and Mrs. Percy G: Fox. — East Cape May will be canvassed by wives of Naval officers under the chairmanship of Mrs. Steven W. Calloway; West Cape May will be under the direction of Mrs. William Whitehead and Cape May Point will be canvassed by Mrs. Edward Hallman. A donation table has been ... stalled in the Merchants National Bank where contributions will be received. Committee members pointed out that three cents a day provides the entertainment and facilities offered each sendee man by USO, and stressed the fact that USO Clubs at all Army and Navy posts provide such service for local boys now in the armed

forces.

All donations must be in before July 6, closing date of the cam-

paign.

Helping Teacher

Is Appointed

COURT HOUSE —Miss Laura Croasdale, of Summit, N. J., has been appointed as the new Cape May County helping teacher. Appointment of Miss Croasdale was announced by Daniel J. Ricker, of Cape May, county school

superintendent.

;Miss Croasdale replaces Miss

Bridge Fishing Is Banned By Navy

COURT HOUSE—Fishing from bridges and from boats immediately under bridges has been banned by Commander G. W. Hitchens, of Cape May, captain of the port of Atlantic City, was revealed yesterday in a ter from the Commander to the

Board of Freeholders.

Commander Hitchens said the ban on bridge fishing had become necessary to prevent the possibil-

ity of sabotage on bridges. He asked the cooperation

county officials in enforcing the ban and requested that signs announcing the restrictions be placed at all bridges under , county

jurisdiction.

Jackson Cites Home Rule Loss In New Set-Up The proposed revision of the New Jersey constitution will rob Cape May aqd other small counties^of the last vestige of home rule, '"Freeholder Director Percy -H. Jacksondeclared this week in a letter to Senator I. Grant Scott, voicing his opposition to the recommended changes contained in the committee report issued

recently.

"I am interested in this solely from the standpoint of the advantages or disadvantages to Cape May County,” Jackson wrote. "From a brief study of the report the score is not in our favor. We are one of the smallest counties in the state. As such ws wage a continuous fight for survival. If the proposed changes should become part of the law it is my opinion that our people would say farewell to home rule. GIVES STATE CONTROL "Every local governmental function of any importance would be directed from Trenton, controlled largely by the few large counties of the state. Our people would lose the advantage of consulting with friendly and sympathetic neighbors particularly on matters pertaining to their courts and charities. To paraphrase a quotation from the report, ‘The principles as embodied cannot be interpreted to the individual in terms of his liberty, his security, his protection, nor in guarantees of unprejudiced administration of public affairs’. "MUST WE FIGHT?’’ “The ground work has been laid for a bureaucratic state government. All emphasis is upon state officials and departments. With the exception of increasing the political power of the sheriff’s office nothing has been done for municipalities and counties — the only governments where the people can exercise close supervision and which still retain such a large degree of democratic home-rule. “Must we some day, to paraphrase a local editor, wage another ‘battle’ for liberty in which backbone, determination and sacrifice will be factors, just as they •e in this shooting war ? "In my brief study of the report 1 cannot see where Cape May County has anything to gain by the adoption of its recommendations,” Director Jackson

concluded.

Sergeant Bland Is Listed As Missing COURT HOUSE — Staff Sergeant Albert J. Bland, brother of Mrs. John Battendieri, of this place, has been officially listed "missing in action”. The War Department this week made the announcement, saying that Bland was serving in the Philippines at the time of the final surrender at Corregidor on May 7. He may now be a prisoner of the Japanese, the communication said. Bland enlisted in the Army Air Corps after completing his sopho‘e year at Washington College Maryland. He was sent to Nichols Field two years ago.

Churches Unite For Galilean Service

Young people of five churches in this vicinity ■vrill combine their efforts in the annual Galilean service which will be held at Lake Lily, Cape May Point, on June 28. Miss Edith Backman, of the Presbyterian Church, will play a xylophone solo; Mrs. Ella Elliott and Miss Janet Davis, of the Erma Methodist Church, will sing a duet; Donald Willson, of the Cape Island Baptist Church, will read the scripture; Miss Lorraine

County Prepares For New Registration Law COURT HOUSE — After long opposition to enactment of New Jersey's permanent voter registration law, Cape May County officials yesterday conceded defeat and began preparations for ministration of the new law. Freeholder Lawrence M. Lear reported to the board that a bill providing for postponement of the legislation until next year had failed of passage in the Assembly recently by an overwhelming vote. "The county election board is now compelled to go ahead with preparations to make the permanent registration law effective in this county in 1943,” Lear said. Pointing out that the county should conserve as mush pS possible this year, Freeholder Ralph T. Stevens, of Cape May, said the board should determine just how much of the preliminary work it would be compelled to do this

year.

Establishment * of permanent registration in this county is expected to cost approximately $10,000.

Youths Sign Up For Selective Service Soon Youths between the ages at 18 and 20 will register for Selective Service on June SO in the fifth national registration of manpower since the Selective Service system was put into operation in October. 1941. Until press time yesterday, officials of Local Board No. 2, which has jurisdiction over the southern section of Cape May County, had received no information from state headquarters, indicating the number of youths expected to register. The fifth registration will include all males bom between June 30, 1922 and June 30, 1924, according to information received by the Local Board this week. THREE CENTERS FIXED Registration centers at draft board headquarters in Cape May High School, Wildwood High School and the old court building, Cape May Court House, will be open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, board officials said. Volunteer registrars will assist the regular personnel of the board in conducting the registration, as they have in the other registra-

tions.

According to Selective Service estimates, approximately 166,000 youths between 18 and 20 will be registered throughout the nation the fifth registration. TO BUILD UP RESERVE Of the group to register June 10, only those who had reached 20 years of age after December 11, 1941 and on or before June iO will be subject to possible military service. The younger group ■rill remain on an inactive status according to present .plans. To build up a reserve to fill future draft calls, the Local Board’s physical examiners this week examined approximately 150 registrants at Mace's Hospital. The examinations were held Monday and Tuesday evenings. Fifty-five men will be sent to Fort Dix on Saturday, June 27, for final examination and possible induction.

Motorists Register For Gas July 1-3 Although no official instructions have been received by county authorities, motorists will register for permanent gasoline ration books at 'schools nearest their homes from July 1 to 3, according to information from Washington headquarters of the OPA. All motorists must register for ’A” gasoline ration books on July 1, 2 and 3. The “A” books will contain 48 coupons, each good for four gallons of gasoline under the program tentatively drawn up. Motorists who need supplemental rations will be required to apply at local rationing boards at any time between July 1 and July 15 for supplemental “B” and "C” books. v. The permanent gasoline rationing plan will become effective July 15.

Curb Over-Zealous Guards On ’Walk Following investigation of reports that people sitting in boardwalk pavilions or on benches along the boardwalk have been accosted by Coast Guards patrolling the beachfront and told not to loiter, Mayor T. Millet Hand, in a statement issued today, said responsible officers stationed here had promised that their men will be instructed to discontinue the

practice.

The .Mayor said he believed the few instances where people had been accosted by service men on patrol were attributable to overzealousness of young men in the armed forces. one or two, instances, reports of such situations have been authenticated, the Mayor said. Service men have no orders to that effect unless circumstances arouse suspicion.

President of the New Jersey Senate and Cape May’s Commissioner of Public Affairs who will be acting Governor of New Jersey in the absence of Governor Edison. Scott will be sworn in on Saturday.

Child Drowned In Fall From Dock James Wilson, five-year-old son r. and Mrs. Douglas Wilson, of Lafayette street, was drowned last Thursday night when he fell from the dock at Schcllengers

Landing.

When rescuers discovered the body under the wharf after having dived unsuccessfully for some time, efforts to revive the child were unavailing. The accident occurred while the child and a young playmate were playing on the dock shortly after nine o'clock Thursday evening. A number of Cape May lifeguards and other volunteers attempted to save the child. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Hollingsead Funeral Home with the Rev. William Bullock, pastor of the Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, ficiating. Interment was made Cold Spring Cemetery. Besides his parents, the child survived by one brother and two sisters.

David Hughes Is Hahnemann Grad David Wheatley Hughes, a

graduate of Cape May High School in 1935, who received his A.B. degree from Bucknell University in 1938, was one of the 130 members of the class of 1942, who were graduated from Hahnemann Medical College last

Thursday afternoon.

Commencement exercises were held in the Academy of Music,

Philadelphia.

While at Hahnemann, he was a member of the VanLennep Surgical Society, the Rienmann Cancer Research Society and the Craig Gynecological Society, He was on the Blue a«d Gold Committee for four years, a member of the Gamma Chapter of the Phi Alpha Gamma Fraternity, secretary his junior year and president his senior year. Dr. Hughes now has a commission as Lieut, j.g. in the Naval Reserve. He is starting an internship at Hahnemann Hospital July 1, and upon completion of it he expects to enter the Navy. He is the youngest son of Dr. and Mrs. Frank B. Hughes. His older brother, Dr. Harold F. Hughes is a lieutenant in U*S.A. Medical Corps now tioned in California. His oldest brother, Dr. Samuel B. Hughes, is engaged in the general practice of medicine in Wildwood.

Scott To Serve As Governor In Ellison Absence Cape May County U scheduled for a signal honor on Saturday of this week when Senator I. Grant Scott will be sworn Acting Governor of New Ji Senator Scott is to hold over the State Government for an undetermined period. Governor Charles Edison having arranged to attend the Governor’s Conference in Washington and then to take an extended vacation. Senator Scott, who takes over the executive duties as the result of being President of the New Jersey Senate, will be the second man in the history of Cape May County to hold the honor, the late Senator William H. Bright having been the first ADDS PRESTIGE “The honor adds more prestige to a career which has been highlighted by lustre ever since Senator Scott entered public life,” Director of the Board 'of Freeholders Percy H. Jackson said at the Freeholders' meeting on Wednesday. "He and Cape May County are to be congratulated for a career which has made such hon-

s possible.”

Senator Scott will be sworn into the governorship at Trenton on Saturday by Secretary of State Joseph A. Brophy and will enter upon his new duties immediately. Many friends from Cape May County and other sections of New Jersey plan to attend the induction ceremonies. SEEN AS PREVIEW Many friends of the Cape May County legislator look upon the induction as acting governor as £ preview of higher honors foi Senator Scott because many representative Republicans all over the state already have started boom for him for the Republic nomination for Governor next year. Scott has made no comment

on the bt

“Certainly T"“am~delighted'"’to have the opportunity to act as Governor," the Senator said today, “and will do my utmost to uphold the fine traditions of that great office while serving as chief

-executive.”

Spencer Promoted John J. Spencer, 3d, son of Police Chief and Mrs. John J. Spencer, Jr., of Cape May, has been promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in the Army's coast artillery anti-aircraft battery with which he is serving on the west coast. Young Spencer, a graduate of Cape May High School and Michigan State University, has been a second lieutenant since he was called to sendee seveial months ago.

Dorothea Wein, who was recently Hamperian, of ’the Methodist •RR®*®*® 4 * * similar post in Church, will make a prayer Middlesex County after having Mary Ludwick, of the Cold £ •erred in that capacity here for I Presbyterian Church, will s

••ven years, reading.

Surplus commodities totalling 187,218 pounds of various foods and amounting; to $19,682*" value were distributed to Cape May County schools daring the last year, a report of the Surplus Commodities Administration, submitted to County School Superintendent Daniel J. Ricker this week indicated.

Shed Damaged Dy Fire At Plant ~ Fire early Wednesday morning damaged a carpenters’ shed at the Northwest Magnesite Company’s chemical plant which is under construction in Lower Township. Representatives of the company said that damage was slight. The blaze was confined to the shed, and besides the small buildg, damaged only a power saw. Volunteer firemen from Cape May Point and Cape May battled the conflagration and bronght it nnder control before it spread to other parts of the plant

Charlie Kerr Named City Music Director Charlie Kerr, well known orchestra leader whose band provided dance music at Cape May’s Convention Hall for six seasons, from 19 3 2 to 1938, was a p p o inted music d i - rector o f Cape M . for the 1942 season by city c o m - mission a t a meeting

Friday.

Kerr's bid for the city music contract was accepted by the commission on Friday. His bid was $4,887 for the 10-week season, providing for a nine-piece orchestra four nights weekly and an eight-piece orchestra for three

nights.

The contract provides for supplying music for dancing and concerts on approximately same schedule as has been effect in recent years. The first dance at Convention Hall will be Saturday evening, June 27, and the first Sunday concert will be July 5.

Drive have just 1 the ~»»"*ngTnflHg <

Second Corps Area which controls

Cape May.

No white lights or reflected white lighting will be permitted to show toward the ocean, and all windows, both residential and business, showing toward the ocean must have shades drawn so that no direct rays of light can

u ' seen from the sea.

Steps have already been taken by the local defense council to get beachfront property owners to comply with the new rules.

PARKING LIGHTS ONLY

Cars using Beach Drive and all perpendicular streets must drive with parking lights at all timea after dark, and police are now

busy enforcing the ruling.

Signs citing, the new regulations will soon be erected at all approaches to Beach Drive in Cape May. The new regulation calls for speed not in excess of 16 miles per hour, and pertains

to all cars at all times.

Storekeepers and householder* today were warned by Police Chief Spencer, head of the local defense council, that no light* shall be left burning after the last person leaves the premises unless there is an outside switch available to turn out such lights in case of a blackout and the fact made known to the air raid warden who is in charge of that district in which the light is to be

left burning.

EXPLAINS REGULATIONS Persons not connected with civilian defense as emergency workers must keep off the streets during blackouts, and this ruling will be enforced under the recent legislation which became effective June 1, providing penalties where rulings are violated. "Some misunaerstanding occurs the minds of some persons during blackouts and numerous complaints have been made >y uninformed persons," Spencer said. “All emergency vehicles, police, fire, ambulances, doctors, nurses and civilian defense workers who may be on emergency calls or on the way to their emergency stations are permitted to travel to their posts, but must drive with parking lights and at a 15-mile-an-hour speed. This also applies to emergency trucks of the street department, telephone, electric and gas companies and to all trucks belonging to the military or naval branches which must bo on duty during blackouts,’’ Spencer explained.

Advance Plans For Fourth Of July Celebration In Resort

Plans for an elaborate Fourth of July celebration in Cape May were advanced this week by committees of the Recreation Commission which continued arrangements for a parade, a patri ceremony and a field day. -~j> According to members m commission, the parade will composed of approximately persons, representing all branches of the armed forces stationed here, volunteers serving with the local defense council's various units. Red Cross volunteer special service workers, delegations from all local churches. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, representatives of surrounding communities. Heading the parade will be the Cape May High School band, and ether musical organizations will be the Junior Legion band of Cape May Court House and the West Cape May String Band. Also in the line of march will be fire engines and possibly motorized military equipment. The parade will form at Madi■n and Columbia avenues at 9:15 m. July 4 and will start promptly at 10 o’clock. Exact route of the parade has not been an-

nounced.

Alex C. Lyle will be parade

marshal.

The parade will be climaxed by a patriotic ceremony at the summer home of ’ """ ~ *~

1120 New Jersey avenue, where there will be brief patriotic addresses by officials and community leaders, an historic tableau presented by a professional impersonator of Abraham Lincoln, and other activities to mark the national holiday. Red Cross canteen workers will establish a etwteen at the Buck residence Wi'jero an open house will be held and refreshments will be served. In the afternoon an, elaborate rograni of athletic events will e held at Seaview Park under the direction of a Recreation Commission committee headed by Donald W. Lear.

The field day will include nuicrous competitive sports in which service men will participate and there will be games and other events climaxed by a scries of boxing bouts, according to present

plans.

Tlie celebration is expected to be one of the most outstanding held in this community and many visitors are expected to come to this resort for the holiday activi-

ties.

Allan R. Robson, chairman of the parade committee, today issued an appeal, asking all resi-

. r d ent » of Cape May to display Clifton Buck, | American flags on Fourth of July.

Motor Corps Plans Denefit Dance Members of the Cape May Red Cross Branch's Motor Corps began the sale of tickets for a dance to be held at Congress Hall on Friday evening, June 26, as a fund raising benefit for the Motor Corps fund. Proceeds of the corps’ fund taising activities will be used for the purchase of a station wagon which will be used by the unit in its Red Cross work here. Joseph B. Uhler, owner-man-ager of Congress Hall, has donated the services of Curt Weiler Quartette, well known Philadelphia musicians who will be featured at Congress Hall this season. and the use of 4he new dance floor for the Motor Corps dance. Those purchasing tickets for the dance may make reservations with the person selling tickets or . by contacting Mrs. Steven W. Callaway or Mrs. Steven J. Steger, captain and lieutenant of the Mo-

tor Corps. '

Once pianist with Charlie err’s broadcasting orchestra. Curt Weiler has long been one • of the most popular musicians in this section, his quartette, composed of piano, violin, guitar and drums, having reiyintty" completed a long engagement at Philadelphia's swank Embassy Club. Thequartette is widely known for ita instrumental music and its endless repertoire of vocal specialties. VFW Auxiliary To Collect Clothes

over the emergency c Red Cross and it has been moved from the Decatur street headquarters to the Baptist Church, Mrs. Allen F. Willson, Auxiliary president, announced this week. Donations of good clothing may left at the Desatur street headquarters or the home of Mrs. Herbert Pharo, Columbia avenue. At the last Auxiliary meeting, arrangements were made to pack boxes for boys from Cape May who are in the service. Donations for these boxes will be-.-received by Mrs. Earl Hollingsead, chairman, Mrs. Willson and any of the members of the VFW Auxiliary.