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The Seaforth News, 1955-06-30, Page 7MILLION A WEEK IN HIS PAY PACKET 'Itee man with the biggest pay packet in the world - he re- ceives more than three million dollars a week - spends a goodly slice of his enormous in- come on water. The ruler of a tiny oil -boom state on the Persian Gulf, his wealth is so fantastic that be could give every family in his kingdom a tax-free income of $30 per week and still have $1,- 500,000 sterling a week left over for himself. Only a few years ago a com- paratively poor man in a gov- ernment post with a small salary 'and smaller pension, he has been swept dizzily to the the peak of wealth on a golden tide of oil which, since as recently as 1946, has begun to pour from his country's arid soil. I. is fortunate for this once barren but now much blessed little kingdom of Kuwait that its Sheikh, portly, bearded, Sir Abduliahal-Salim.al Subah, now in his middle fifties? is a wise ruler with modest tastes who avoids rigorously the tempta- tions that often snare multi -mil-. lio nsires. "It is my sincere ambition with this new and vast oil wealth," the Sheikh has said, "to create a shining modern state -the finest in the Middle Er st-and to make my people happy with work, prosperity and modern amenities." A rd to do this he is first of all spending millions of his reve- nue on the country's first and meet pressing need -water. Not so long ago, before the oil boom started, the basic oc- cupation in Kuwait was that of water -carrier, Parched by desert sure, the country had to import all its water. It was brought from the neighbouring Shutt -el - Arab (the River of Arabia) by native dhows and then hawked in sheep -skin bags around the native huts. The Sheikh summoned British eseexperts who advised that the -,11111sohltion was to be found on his own shores -by distiling sea water into fresh water. "The cost?" the Sheikh asked. "About two millions," A nod of the head from the ruler and work began, so that • to -day the largest plant of its kind in the world is producing sweet water from the sea. The water carrier's trade is dead, as minions of gallons are pumped from the plant through pipelines into the modern homes which are arising on the site of the former native mud huts. The Sheikh thinks big and acts quickly. He soon realized that his ancient capital, the walled eit3- of Kuwait, would have to _mese rebuilt to suit the needs of Pais now ultramodern and pro- gressive state. He approved a budget of ninety millions ster- ling for a six year plan which wili give an entirely new road system of roundabouts and car parks, new hospitals, new hous- ing estates, new shops to re- place the old native bazaars, new schools, new parks and gardens. Many of the new amenities are being built just outside the old walls, particularly some of the earparks, for this little country - which altogether is about the size of Wales - has a 'traffic problem which equals if not ex- ceeds that of any British city. There are ten thousand cars - the biggest and shiniest - in Kuwait and with only sixty miles of roads to drive on and every driver an ultra -enthusiast the din and the congestion de- fy description. Although modern in many re- spects, in one manner of life the Sheikh still maintains the customs of his forefathers. Ile bee his private harem. How many wives this desert multi- millionaire maintains has never been revealed, but that they are fairly numerous may be judged from the size of the new palace he is having built, as part of the six year plan, just beyond the capital walls. The position of he womenfolk in this remarkable -and success- ful -experiment in building a progressive, shining new state in the sands of Arabia is most in- teresting from the standpoint of social evolution. The custom of the country is that the women are strictly veiled. But this does not apply to many of the teen- age daughters of Kuwait. They are flocking in their thousands to the new schools and colleges which are opening the doors for therm to a new world of learning and emancipation. When these young women grow up to become doctors, teachers or to assume the chores of a wife in the modern Kuwaiti home will they revert to the custom of veiling their faces? There is little doubt about the answer - no. This means that wlnthin an- other decade the old taboo about women degrading themselves by revealing their faces to the men- folk will have been banished for ever. The march of progress, urged on by the imp of oil, is thus bringing about a complete so- cial revolution. Not long ago, pearl -diving was an important industry along the. coast of Kuwait. To -day the seeker after pearls finds a less dangerous and more profitable livelihood as a labourer, a brick- layer or a truck -driver in the vast oil enterprise. The Bedouins of the desert have responded to the call of the geni of the lamp. Boys who watched their fathers' flocks, roving herdsmen, nomads of the caravan trails, even Arabs from as far away as Jordan and Pa- lestine, Syria and the Lebanon, are migrating to Kuwait to learn the know-how of oil and share in the fabulous profits. And to think that this vast hidden lake of black treasure almost went untapped. Soon after the first world war an eminent geologist who surveyed Kuwait for oil reported that in his opinion there was not a drop. He backed up his opinion by declaring that if any were found he would drink 'it, On the spot to -day is the busiest- and one of the richest -oilfields in the world, covering 120 square miles, with 132 wells working throughout t h e twenty-four hours. The oil operation in Kuwait brings an enormous income 1.0 the United Kingdom as well as to the Sheikh, for the British Petroleum Company through its subsidiary, the Kuwait Oil Com- pany, has a half-share with an American partnership in the concession. As the British Gov- ernment is a large shareholder in the parent company, this means that the British taxpayer indirectly shares with the Sheikh in the oil wealth which spurts from his once barren sands. Efficiency is the watchword of the joint U.K.-U.S. operators of the Kuwait oilfields. They have built the biggest oil -Loading pier in the world to serve the oil port of Ahmadi and they have constructed a new township, technical schools, water and drainage and many other ameni- ties. They are now studying me- thods of employing the waste gases which are a by-product of the industry, and which are now burned off. By harnessing this energy, esti- mated to provide enough gas to run a town the size of Birming- ham, they expect some time soon CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Culture medium 5. Shrill bark 3 Slavic of an inion 12 Solitary ' 13 -'Little ---" 14 Patron saint of sailors 15 Assisting mentors 17 ?'emote student 13. tlw•gtral thread 19 Domain I law, 21 Summit' 23 Count} 9 a f lorlda 24. Calmer 20. Wyoming rnountan,e El. epoch 32. Hang loosely 24 Before 29 White vestment 57. Marched a9. Press 41. Brownie 12. Ji bpande 40. Luce a monkey 149. EIeitrides island (j30. inasily fooled XF.2. lion away 5. Metric land meaner,. 4 Pealoer gg Sprea.d.s 3 Br rte 7. "COWL sown DOWN 1. 0551417 2. Departed 3. Dil, 4. DIs1.6',t B. Desire (slave t ri 1 Watlted. 39. Moire 3. Withdraw • nickname 9. Concealed i3. Oben dish 10. So be it 19.. Walks 11. Was carried I1 Aim high 13. N. 1 State 0 Altars take Poe 20. T;mgible 42. Screen. 91.8z, - 42, Long stick 24. Pouch 44. Certain 23. Self - 40 'cadres of 29. Carie bark the lower 27. Old Melt Niger rain 47 Part at a bed 20 Snuret se h' 1 _ !'resent first 1 4 ., 4:•• Y,4% s o / At, 9 /O // IS /4 - s: 1 a' /7 /9 pb/ B;..{ 'LI .u7.0i -•.:, /9 2. 22 423 ,y �.g 29 45 26 27'} 33 28 tx 54 29 30 85 36 a 37 '78 04O39 40 1- 413“'' , 42 43 44 45 44 47 40 49- - 180 5f 52 �A ti 55 ", 54 55 - Y,j G6 1 57 Answer elsewhere on this page. -Ir',�' + YOUR CHOICE Swimming is fun -but it ca,...ira up sadly for the person who doesn't memorize and practice a few simple safety rules, such as the ones illustrated below. If you can't swim, you should learn, because you are missing some of the best of summertime recreation. Don't swim right after eating or when overheated or over- tired. Also, swimming in the dark isn't such a bright idea. Before diving, make sure the water is deep enough and has no hidden objects that might cut you of break hones. Never swim alone, Make sure someone is nearby who can help in ease you get cramps or run into other trouble. Distance over water is mis- leading -- don't Overestimate your endurance or try to make like a Channel swimmer. SWIM If you do go in for distance swimming in open water, have someone in a boat follow along for safety's sake. Swim at a safe place, prefer- ably one where there are life guards. If you tire In swim- ming, float for a change. to supply power and light for the 160,000 citizens of Kuwait in- stalled in their modern homes. The Sheikh succeeded his cou- sin -and came into his new- found wealth -less than five years ago. The succession to the sheikhdom is decided by a coun- cil of elders, and Sir Abdullah was chosen by unanimous vote. The selection could not have been bettered, as Kuwait is rapidly assuming the appearance of the model state which the Sheikh promised his people when he assumed power. As a millionaire many times over, the Sheikh has his worries. One is how to use the bars of gold which are accumulating in his name in the vaults of the world's banks. But he has his consolations. One is that he signs all his own cheques and, as he is his own Finance' Mini- ster, he is able to exempt him- self from paying income-tax on his million a week! TIILL&IZM FONT 4•. Jok1i? The potato is one of the most important crops in the Canadian agricultural economy. Not only is it the premier vegetable, but it ranks fifth among the field crops in gross farm value. The potato has a wide adaption and succeeds well in most areas in Canada. It is cultivated in prac- tically every settlement from the most eastern part of Newfound- land to the most western part of Vancouver Island, and from the 43° parallel in the south np to and within the Arctic Circle. Po- tatoes are grown on more farms and in more gardens in Canada than any other single food plant. The true value of the potato is difficult to assess as only fields of one acre or more are included in statistics, whereas there are many smaller patches an- plot° of one acre or less, according to N. M. Parks of the Exnerimcntal Farm, Ottawa While the acreage of potatoes grown in Canada may be consid- ered small in comparison with the acreage of other field crops, the gross return per acre is Tela tively high. The annual average acreage and production of pota- toes ove" the pay fluctuated, but the yield per acre has increased substantially, This increase in unit yield has been brought about by the more general use of good seed of new and heavier yielding varieties, heavier fertilization and more ef- fective control of insects. e 4 e The carbohydrates in potatoes consist chiefly of starch, sugar and a small amount of crude fibre. Potatoes contain and are a valuable source of iron, mag- nesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, zinc, chlorine and the vitamins C and B In Canada potatoes are used primarily for human consump- tion.- They are an economical food and an excellent source of .carbohydrates; their principal deficiencies are their relatively low calcium and vitamin A con- tent. When used with foods rich in protein, such as meat, milk, cheese, fish and eggs, they form a very important part of our diet. L, B. Pett, Chief of the Nutrition Division, Department of National Health and Welfare, has stated: "No part of our food supply is more important than potatoes. The place of potatoes in our Canadian diet is that they should be eaten every day by practically everyone. This does not mean that they are indispensable, or that they are the most important item in our diet, because no one food can be given that coveted title of the most important one", Potatoes. are a source of food energy and a year-round reser- voir ofseveral essential nutri- ents. They are one of the best food bargains in price and good nutrition. "low CanI? Q. how can 1 mance a cement for broken china? A. Make a thick solution of gum arabic and water. Then add plaster of Paris and stir thoroughly until it is the con- sistency of cream. Apply this to the broken edges. tie togeth- er, and let remain fdr 3 or 4 days. It is not only effective but is a white cement that will not show where repaired. Q. How can l give a better taste to boiled water? A. When the water is boiled for drinking and cooking pur- poses, try pouring it from one pitcher to another several times before using. It will lose its flat taste. Q. How can I make a furni- ture polish? A. Mix equal parts of tur- pentine, spirits of wine, vinegar, and linseed oil. Shake well and do not use much at a time. Q. How can 1` keep handker- chiefs white? • A, They will keep White, even when they have to .be dried in- doors, if -washed and then g- ifted to soak over night in water in which has teen die - solved one teaspoonful of cream of tartar. Q. How pan I brighten faded rugs? A. When the rug is faded ea' worn in one or two places, try mixing a little water with e package of dye of the same color as the rug and applying to the faded spots with a stiff brush. Q. How Can I give a diferen* flavor to salads? A. A pleasant tang can be given to vegetable salads by add- ing a little caraway seed. Theg are also good when used iia breakfast rolls, Q. How can I make a palatable drink? A. Boil one cup Of sugar in e pint of water for about ten rni2t- utes add one can of grated pine- apple and the juice of three leis - Ons, Cool, strain, and add one quart of iced water. Q. How can I remove indelible ink from a garment? A. By using equal parts of turpentine and ammOnia. Satu- rate the cloth thoroughly in this solution, allow it to soak a few minutes, then rinse in warm water. Q. How can I remove vege- table stains from the hands? A. Try rubbing the juice of ripe cucumbers on them. Q. How can I make a good polish for metal and glass? A. By mixing one part of wheat flour to five parts of pot- ter's clay. Apply with a damp cloth. This compound will also remove tar and grease from the glass and meta] parts of an auto- mobile. For A bio Finish Veneer The cost of quality timber these days - oaks, walnut, ma- hogany and the like - is apt to make the handyman shudder if he wants to make anything larger than a glove -box! The results that he makes his articles with one of the soft and cheaper woods, then stains and polishes it. But somehow the finished job seems to have e utility look about it. To obtain a "quality" look the answer is to veneer. The tools needed are simple enough: a very sharp cutting knife (a cobbler's knife is ideal), a straight -edge, and a veneering h a m m e r. The latter can easily be made at home and consists of a block of wood fit- ted with 1/16 in. metal strip protruding from one edge, and with a handle fitted to the block to facilitate ease in handling. In addition you'll need a flat -iron, a piece of soft cloth, and the glue -pot. See that the surface to be veneered is perfectly flat and free from buckles and twists. Then score the surface lightly with a medium grade sandpaper, sufficient to afford a better grip for the glue. After the veneer has been cut to size - allowing a slight over- lap all round, which can later be trimmed off flush - apply glue, thinly and evenly, to both board and veneer. Fit the -Veneer in position and, working from the centre out- wards, press firmly on it with the ball of the hand to ease out any air bubbles that may have been trapped in the glue. Wring the cloth out in a bowl of warm water, and moisten, not soak, the veneer. With a warm iron, go over the surface of the veneer with a gentle but firm pressure. This will bring out most of the surplus glue, which can be wiped off with a piece of cotton waste. But don't spend too much time on this pressing. Again working from the cen- tre outwards, grasp the handle of the veneering hammer with one hand and apply pressure to the block with the other, mov- ing theblade in a series of zig- zagging movements down the grain of the veneer, ultimately working to the outside edges, (Don't put all you've got into this or the veneer will be mark- ed..) The hammer squeezes out the remainder of unwanted glue, and brings the two surfacers firmly together. If damps are available, use them; and give the glue staffb eient time to set and harden oft before cleaning up. A point to bear in mind tea that as inexepensive woods area soft and consequently very porous, some form of filler is de- sirable before applying glue, otherwise the timber will ab- sorb it like blotting paper. A coat of size is all that is neces- sary to overcome this. Upsidedown to Prevent Peeking ME© 0©M '©OM ]OEM EEO 0©ir ©WOUWWWo MOD ammo mommingi 0®0000 1 O R©ME ©0© ©EMMO 'DEQ N©©©©" - E©1L I ©000 -'MOM ©M©©i©r MIM©O. r©L0 1:MOMEMM OMS © ©©OW FAMILY,. GET -TOGETHER -A pair of second -generation Crosbys checks over some of the music they'll,sing together during the summer on the Bob Crosby TV show.. Gary. Crosby is Ring's eldest son. Cathy is Bob Crosby's 16 -year-old daughter. c