anaheim-gazette 1943-01-28

Rain Clouds Have Their Own Special Silver Lining Yesterday's clearing skies, against whose deep blue Mount Baldy stood out boldly in a snowy mantle, completed a weather cycle which gave the Southland its first real rain of the season plus a high wind which wrought much damage to offset some of the advantages of the soaking rainfall. When the storm began quietly enough, just a week ago today, Anaheim's rainfall figure for the year stood at 1.74 inches, according to City Engineer V. W. Hannum's recording at the city power plant. But when Dame Nature turned on her water faucet that night, she accidentally turned on her electric fan at the same time. It created a strong current of air that sent the rain beating through roofs and windows, but of much more importance, uprooted hundreds of big trees all over the Southland. Many trees were taken out in this city, according to Hannum, who said that some of these took down electric wires with them, throwing parts of the city into darkness. However this damage was soon cleared up and electric service restored he stated. Campaign Opens For Infantile Paralysis Funds Little victims of infantile paralysis, like this three-year-old Orange county lad pictured here, are those who will benefit by the national fund-raising campaign to be launched Saturday at various President's Birthday Balls, accord- Anaheim Citrus Fruit Assn. Plans New Year Despite government priorities and wartime regulations, Anaheim Citrus Fruit association, 804 East Center street, starts upon 1943 with anticipations of one of the best years in its history under a directorate elected at the recent annual meeting in White Temple Methodist church. Named as president of the governing body was V. C. Meyer, with D. L. Harpster as vice-president and Glenn A. Hipes and Burt F. Kaiser re-elected to the posts of secretary-manager and assistant secretary, respectively. created a strong current of air that sent the rain beating through roofs and windows, but of much more importance, uprooted hundreds of big trees all over the Southland. Many trees were taken out in this city, according to Hannum, who said that some of these took down electric wires with them, throwing parts of the city into darkness. However this damage was soon cleared up and electric service restored, he stated. Friday's rainfall figures reached 2.8 inches by 10:45 p.m. increased later that night by .74 and on Saturday by an additional 2.67 inches. On Tuesday this area received an additional .26 with .57 added at the latest reading on Wednesday morning. The total rainfall for this area to date stands at 8.78 inches, as compared with 7.01 inches recorded on January 29, 1942. This late January rain, a boon to the groves and agricultural lands, had its disadvantages (created by the wind) in the uprooting of many windbreaks and the loss of oranges, (Continued on page 5) Santiago Rifle, Revolver Club Elects Officers Anaheim members of Santiago Rifle and Revolver club took part in the annual meeting held last week in the office of Dr. Roy Horton on North street, Santa Ana. Election of officers resulted in the return to the presidency of Howard Barrows of Santa Ana, who is now serving his third term, and of A. E. ("Doc") Cook of Lomita as vice-president. James Sweet refused the post of secretary-treasurer which he has filled for the past 10 years, and Albert Green was elected, with Eldon Eby, supply officer; Dr. Horton and Bob Geivet as additional board members. First duty of the new board will be to establish an in-door small-bore range; make plans to enter national match competitions, and improve the outdoor range near Irvine park. E. B. Workman of Orange was placed in charge of improvements of the outdoor range which still remains a club project although it is also used at present by the military. Center street, starts upon 1943 with anticipations of one of the best years in its history under a directorate elected at the recent annual meeting in White Temple Methodist church. Named as president of the governing body was V. C. Meyer, with D. L. Harpster as vice-president and Glenn A. Hipes and Burt F. Kaiser re-elected to the posts of secretary-manager and assistant secretary, respectively. D. L. Youngs was named a new member of the board of directors in place of B. L. Chandler, resigning because of poor health. Other directors include John J. Dwyer, C. S. Hartranft, N. C. Christianson, L. P. Halderman, F. W. Elliott and F. C. Edwards. In his annual report of the past season's operations, Hipes stated that the association had shipped 901 cars of fruit totalling gross returns of $1,179,729. The net return to growers was $1.58 per field box for all fruit credited to their accounts. James Cook, secretary of California Fruit Growers Exchange, talked on the effect of war on the citrus industry, and general problems of the industry were discussed by A. H. Kirshmann, manager of Northern Orange County exchange. One of the outstanding features of the program was a history of the Anaheim Fruit association, prepared and read by John H. Dwyer. He had gained his material from the files of The Gazette and also voiced appreciation for material from Rahno Mabel MacCurdy's history of California Fruit Growers' exchange. New Date Set for Farm Truck Tire Inspections Word has come to the Orange County War Board that the time for tire inspection on farm trucks has been extended to February 28. While this concession has been granted agriculture, Ransler Baker, War Board chairman, urges that farmers complete inspection service as soon as possible in order to avoid a last minute rush, and also get this detail out of the way before early spring operations begin. Chairman Baker points out that it is important that appeals for additional gasoline be registered as soon as possible by all farmers ing to Mrs. W. T. Kirven, chairman of the Orange county chapter, National foundation for Infantile Paralysis. This lad and dozens like him may be brought back to health right here in our own county, if the campaign is successful, declared Mrs. Kirven. He was one of 22 cases helped in 1942. All (Continued on page 3) Army To Share In Weekly Shipments Of Citrus Fruits From the San Francisco office of Merritt A. Clevenger, food distribution administrator for the Pacific region, has come a new order to California-Arizona orange handlers, regarding a reserve of a certain amount of weekly shipments. This order, approved by Secretary Wickard, is that handlers of citrus fruits are to set aside each week, a quantity of fruit equal to one fifth of their weekly shipments. This reserve is to be processed into juices to supply war needs. Tto insure growers and handlers a fair price for their reserve fruit, the Food Distribution Administration established a price of $50 per ton f.o.b. packing house. The directive, according to Clev- Funeral Services Conducted for John W. Millings Sorrowing friends and associates in business, BPOE and church circles paid their final tribute Tuesday morning to John W. ("Jack") Millings, one of the city's most respected business men, for whom mass was held in St. Boniface church. A native Californian, Mr. Millings was born in Los Angeles 49 years ago, and had lived in Anaheim for the past quarter century. He was long a partner with F. J. Stueckle in the Bungalow Electric shop, 613 South Los Angeles street, but that partnership was dissolved last October when failing health made it necessary for him to retire from active business life. His death occurred last Saturday in the family home at 640 South Lemon street. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Frances Millings of the home; his mother, Mrs. Margaret E. Millings of Santa Ana, and his brother, Chester H. Millings, San Diego. There was recitation of the Holy Rosary Monday evening in the Backs, Campbell and Kaulbars chapel. Following Tuesday morning's mass in St. Boniface church was interment in Holy Sepulchre has been extended to February 28. While this concession has been granted agriculture, Ransler Baker, War Board chairman, urges that farmers complete inspection service as soon as possible in order to avoid a last minute rush, and also get this detail out of the way before early spring operations begin. Chairman Baker points out that it is important that appeals for additional gasoline be registered as soon as possible by all farmers who were allotted too little gasoline to continue operations during the year. Anaheim applicants for appeal blanks may secure them from the McCoy Motor company or the Orange County Tractor company if they do not wish to apply directly to the county war board, 622 North Main street, Santa Ana. Ration Dates To Be Remembered Coffee users must cash in their Coupon No. 28 before the date of February 8, after which this first coffee stamp becomes invalid. Sugar Coupon No. 10, now good for three pounds of sugar, will be outlawed after next Sunday, January 31. Number 4 coupons in A gas rationing books are now negotiable. Holders of "A" books and windshield stickers must have their tires inspected by March 31. B and C ration book holders must have their tires inspected by February 28. AID TO RUSSIA In 15 months of lend-lease aid to Russia, the United States has shipped about 2600 planes, 3200 tanks and 81,000 military motor vehicles for Russia's use against the Axis. The United Kingdom, also on a lend-lease basis, has supplied Russia with more than 2600 tanks and 2000 planes. This order, approved by Secretary Wickard, is that handlers of citrus fruits are to set aside each week, a quantity of fruit equal to one fifth of their weekly shipments. This reserve is to be processed into juices to supply war needs. Tto insure growers and handlers a fair price for their reserve fruit, the Food Distribution Administration established a price of $50 per ton f.o.b. packing house. The directive, according to Clevenger, is designed to divert sufficient quantities of fresh oranges into processing channels to enable plants to operate at capacity in the production of concentrated orange juice. War requirements for such juice require full operation of present processing facilities. Domestic supplies of fresh oranges will not be greatly affected by the new regulations, he pointed out, since handlers usually divert from 3 to 12 per cent of their total shipments into processing channels. Selectees Must Carry Two Cards The Bureau of Selective Service of the War Manpower Commission has announced new and stringent regulations governing men in the 18 to 45 age group who for six months or more have been subject to registration for military service. Beginning February 1, men in the foregoing groups will be required to carry on their person their classification cards, Form 57, and their registration certificate, Form 2. Failure of registrants to comply with the new regulations will subject them to severe penalties, a fine, or imprisonment, or both, the Commission announced. Men who were in the 45 to 65-year-old age group at the time of registration remain unaffected by the order. AHEIM GAZETE The Oldest Newspaper In Orange County — Now In Its 73rd Year NAHEIM, ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1943 Sign Opens Infantile Crisis Funds Imms of infantile parish three-year-old Orlad pictured here, are still benefit by the na-raising campaign to be Saturday at various birthday Balls, accord- Gazette Cooperates In Secret of President’s “Trip” Newspapers can keep secrets just like individuals. Almost three weeks ago The Gazette received a confidential communication from the Office of Censorship in Washington, saying that the President was "making another trip." Cooperation was asked in maintaining secrecy as to this trip, with the assurance that upon his return, news of the important event would be made available. Now everybody knows the magnitude of the journey—that President Roosevelt flew 5000 miles to a conference in Casablance, Morocco, with Britain's prime minister, Winston Churchill. We know that there in that "White House" on African soil, it was determined that nothing less than "unconditional surrender" on the part of the Axis powers, would be considered. What we will not know until they actually come to pass, are the campaigns for tightening up the entire war machinery, the concerted efforts on the part of the Allies, to carry the war into the enemy's own territory. But we may be certain that these Installation Rites Conducted For DeMolay Officers Mutations of war have affected even such organizations as DeMolay, for at this week's formal installation ceremonies of the Anaheim order, the prospective master councilor, Jim Gaddis, had to surrender that office to the next in line since he is awaiting his call to service with the Navy. As a result, George Davidson was advanced to the chief office by Installing Master Councilor Frank Watson, DeMolay district supervisor, and his staff. Young Gaddis was a member of this staff, which included also Don Organ, retiring mster councilor, Charles Schulz, Ralph Bordett and George Waller. Many guests assembled for the ritual held in Masonic temple. Officers installed with Master Councilor George Davidson were Gordon Morley, senior councilor; Jack Royer, junior councilor; Jim Sutherland, senior deacon; Wilbur Comstock, junior deacon; Jim Davis, senior steward; Claude Wilson, junior steward; Tom Harrison, chaplain; Earl Williams, sentinel; Bob Bennett, standard bearer; Calvin Stewart, marshal; Brastad Finally Gets Inducted As Army Private “You're in the Army now” is the theme song in the Brastad home at 1227 East North street. And it is now Private John R. ("Rod") Brastad of the U.S. Army. Another of those delays which have checkered Brastad's military career since his October enlistment occurred last week when he reported for duty at Fort McArthur. It was discovered that he had gone seven hours over the 90 day period since his physical examination for induction into the Army, and it was necessary that he take the examinations again. Results were that he gained an additional seven-day furlough, rejoining Mrs. Brastad here in their home, and departing yesterday for Fort MacArthur, finally to be inducted into Uncle Sam's Army. Miss Gertrude Anderson, a member of the teaching faculty at Broadway school, is staying with Mrs. Brastad for the present. She had formerly been located at the Pickwick hotel. Training Classes For Nurses Aides Comrades' Bravery Saves Zanjero From Drowning Surviving a dramatic experience which almost cost his life, Walter B. Parrett, 614 North Lemon street, is resting comfortably today in Lutheran hospital, where he expressed deep gratitude to his fellow zanjeros in Anaheim Union Water company, to whose courage and skill he owes his life. The men were working Monday on wreckage of a pontoon bridge which was obstructing the water company's intake pipes on the Santa Ana river near the River-side county line. In some unexplained manner, Parrett lost his footing and plunged into the storm-swollen stream. He was carried under the wreckage, but managed to extricate himself before losing consciousness. The raging waters bore the unconscious man swiftly downstream for some 300 feet before he was rescued by Lloyd Archer and Orville Schenck. First aid methods were applied successfully by Ralph Navarro, a third member of the group, and Parrett responded sufficiently to be able to stand the ambulance trip back to Anaheim and further care at the hospital. There it was stated today that indications are for his speedy recovery with no serious effects. Senator Phillips Is Named on House Committees Voters of this city who aided in electing U.S. Senator John Phil- Many guests assembled for the ritual held in Masonic temple. Officers installed with Master Councilor George Davidson were Gordon Morley, senior councilor; Jack Royer, junior councilor; Jim Sutherland, senior deacon; Wilbur Comstock, junior deacon; Jim Davis, senior steward; Claude Wilson, junior steward; Tom Harrison, chaplain; Earl Williams, sentinel; Bob Bennett, standard bearer; Calvin Stewart, marshal; Paul Harrison, almoner; Don Hein, Lamar Johnston, Richard Foster, Stanley Comstock, Glenn Greder, Leland Harpster, preceptors. Ceremonial music was provided by Miss Katherine McCullah, who played among other selections, "Rhapsody in Blue" (Gershwin) and "Liebestraum" (Liszt). An interesting feature of the evening was the presentation to Don Organ, of his past master emblem, by his father, Charles E. Organ, DeMolay advisor. Rivalling these various features in significance was the interval when honors were paid DeMolay members now in military service. They include Don Polhemus, Edgar Pressel, Charles Carr, Edwin Wisser, Raymond Miller, Jim Albright and Richard Perry, with Jim Gaddis soon to be added to list. Marketing Policy Discussed By Orange Committee That a greatly reduced supply of oranges will go to the inter-state commerce of California and Arizona, was learned at the recent meeting of the Orange Administrative committee in its Los Angeles headquarters. This was the first meeting of the committee since its members, nominated by the California-Arizona citrus industry, were formally appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Wickard. According to reports, the government takes 20 per cent of the season's output, with consumers within the states to take "what they can get," and the remainder to go to the inter-state commerce. The board arrived at a general marketing policy for coming periods, but will allocate weekly shipments at later dates. At an organization meeting held parting yesterday for Port MacArthur, finally to be inducted into Uncle Sam's Army. Miss Gertrude Anderson, a member of the teaching faculty at Broadway school, is staying with Mrs. Brastad for the present. She had formerly been located at the Pickwick hotel. Training Classes For Nurses Aides Begin February 8 Giving special significance to the new training classes in Nurses Aid which open Monday, February 8, is the announcement just made by Assistant Field Director Evelyn Franz that after February 1, nurses' aides who have completed 150 hours of hospital service may be assigned to the basic hospital. Mrs. Leo J. Friis, Anaheir chairman for the enrollment of nurses' aide students, has stressed the importance of the work, and is receiving applications for the classes to be conducted in Fullerton. Beginning Monday, February 8, these classes will meet on alternate days from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the high school. Similar classes will be conducted in Orange for women on the central county area, while those in the coastal area will receive training in Newport Beach. Mrs. A. I. Mellenthin of Santa Ana, county chairman of the nurses' aide committee has pointed out the need for more women to register for the work. Classes are open to women from 18 to 5 years of age, who have had a high school education or its equivalents in good physical condition and can volunteer 150 hours of service annually to the American Red Cross. Mrs. A. P. M. Brown of the city was made publicity chairman for the county organization at meeting held recently with Miss Grace Lansing, superintendent of nurses at Orange County General Hospital. Seventy Orange county women completed nurses' aide training during the past year, with 50 of them now active. An even larger enrollment is needed for the coming year, however, according to Mrs. Friis, from whom application blanks may be obtained by future students. Senator Phillips Is Named on House Committees Voters of this city who aided in electing U.S. Senator John Phillips of Banning as representative of the new 22nd district, will be interested in announcement from Washington that he has been named to two important Republican committees. Senator Phillips' assignment to the committee on irrigation and reclamation and the committee on expenditures in executive departments was ratified by Republican members of the House when they met in caucus. Senator Phillips' column, "I Rise to Remark" will continue to appear frequently in the Gazette. Regulations on Bicycles Eased An easing of regulations governing the sale of bicycles is indicated by an OPA amendment just announced by O. K. Collins, rationing specialist for Southland OPA. The amendment will become effective February 1. It provides that all students who travel three miles to and from school, or those who spend more than an hour and a half walking and waiting for transportation will be eligible to purchase new bicycles. Prior eligibility rules limited bicycle purchases to students engaged in farm activities. Anaheim Brothers Serve With Navy When George L. Dodge Jr. leaves Anaheim tomorrow for the east coast and his new duties as a U.S. Navy enlistee, he will follow the pattern set by his brother, Robert ("Bob") Dodge. The brothers are sons of Mr. and Mrs. George L. Dodge, 414 South Vine street. "Bob" Dodge has been in the Navy for over two years and just two weeks ago rejoined his fellow crew members aboard the Boise after a leave spent here in his boyhood home. Both brothers are Anaheim union high school graduates. George Dodge Jr., gave up a fine position with North American at El Segundo where he had been for over three years, in order to enlist in the Navy. According to reports, the government takes 20 per cent of the season's output, with consumers within the states to take "what they can get," and the remainder to go to the inter-state commerce. The board arrived at a general marketing policy for coming periods, but will allocate weekly shipments at later dates. At an organization meeting held in advance of the committee meeting, officers were named for the group. Harold J. Ryan, Los Angeles county agricultural commissioner and the only non-grower, was elected chairman; Dr. H. L. Shepherd of Riverside, vice-chairman, and C. E. Myers of Covina, secretary. Remaining members of the committee, all orange growers, are R. P. Allen, Santa Ana; LeRoy E. Lyon, Fullerton; Roy R. McLain, Visalia, and J. A. Porter, Orange. Natl. Farm Loan Meets Tomorrow H. H. Hale of Placentia and O.A. Palmer of Orange, president and secretary-treasurer respectively of Orange County National Farm Loan association, have outlined the program for the association's annual stockholders' meeting to be held tomorrow morning in the county farm bureau hall. President Hale will call the meeting to order at 9:30 o'clock and business matters will include the filing of financial reports and election of directors. Resignation of W. C. Mauerhan of Katele from the board of directors has been announced. He was named in February 10 years ago to fill the unexpired term of Dr. J. W. Harpster of this city, who did during his term of office. Mauerhan, it was explained, is the third director who has liquided his obligations to the association and is therefore automatically required to retire from the board. Program features will include talk by Clarence Skiles, district manager of Orange County Fri Exchange, on transportation problems for farm products; a talk on farm labor for 1943 by C. M. M. Culloch of Placentia, and a discussion of income taxes by A. Smiley of Garden Grove. ZETTE Brd Year JAY 28, 1943 NUMBER 18 Plans Now In Progress For Incident Training Drill In announcing completed plans today for the city-wide Incident Training drill to be held Wednesday night, February 3, Charles H. Mann, executive chairman of Anaheim Civilian Defense Council, mentally kept his fingers crossed. Ten Stars Adorn Service Flag of Episcopal Church Ten stars, each representing a member of St. Michael's parish now in our country's service, gleam from the handsome service flag which was dedicated at the church Sunday with appropriate ceremonies conducted by the Rev. D. Howard Dow, rector. The banner itself was a flift to St. Michael's from Miss Winifred Melrose, 307 North Philadelphia street, and one of the stars gleams for her nephew, Lieut. Richard Melrose of the Naval Air Forces. The Rev. Mr. Dow had planned the dedicatory service on a patriotic theme to which both his sermon and the special musical num- For within a week's time, Jupiter Pluvius has interfered with two important civic undertakings here, the Victory Day of bond selling addresses and music on January 21, and the ceremonies in connection with releasing war trophies to the nation's need for scrap metals, on January 26. Chairman Mann is just as gratified over the rains that have deluged the city as anyone, but he is still hoping that Wednesday night will be clear, so that the Incident Training drill may proceed according to carefully worked out plans. Every unit in the Civilian Defense Corps has been notified to be on the alert and at its post promptly at 6:55 o'clock. This includes all medical services, casualty stations, public utilities and public works in addition to such voluntary personnel as first aid, auxiliary firemen, auxiliary police, air raid warning service, etc. Training Classes for Nurses Aides on February 8 A special significance to training classes in Nurses' which open Monday, Feb. 15 is the announcement just Assistant Field Director Franz that after February 15 aides who have completed 600 hours of hospital service will be assigned to the base. Leo J. Friis, Anaheim for the enrollment ofide students, has stressed importance of the work, andaving applications for the job to be conducted in Fuller-Winning Monday, February 15 classes will meet on alternates from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in school. Our classes will be continued Orange for women of rural county area, while at the coastal area will remain in Newport Beach. A. I. Mellenthin of Santa County chairman of the side committee has pointed need for more women to do for the work. Classes are for women from 18 to 50 age, who have had a high education or its equivalent; good physical condition andunteer 150 hours of service to the American Red Cross. A. P. M. Brown of this county organization at a held recently with Miss Lansing, superintendent of Seventy Orange County General Hospital. Seventy Orange county completed nurses' aide during the past year, with them now active. An even enrollment is needed for training year, however, acco to Mrs. Friis, from whom action blanks may be obey future students. Committees Named For Campaign of Victory Gardeners Following hard upon the heels of an organization meeting a week ago, representatives of various clubs and civic groups of the city assembled yesterday afternoon in council chambers of the city hall to make further plans for their "Victory Garden" campaign. Rudolph Boysen, city park superintendent, was elected chairman at the earlier meeting, so presided yesterday, naming a number of important committees. Mrs. Charles Schutz took over the duties of secretary, to which she had been elected. Discussion of the availability of city lots and sufficient water for gardening purposes was one of the major matters considered, and Joseph Sowder was named chairman of a committee to investigate the matter. On his committee will be Max Moody and V. M. Hanum. In preparation for the many inquiries, Sowder has compiled a list of all vacant lots within the city boundaries, and it will be possible to learn if they will be available. Joseph H. Wilmore was named as chairman of a committee yet to church Sunday with appropriate ceremonies conducted by the Rev. D. Howard Dow, rector. The banner itself was a flift to St. Michael's from Miss Winifred Melrose, 307 North Philadelphia street, and one of the stars gleams for her nephew, Lieut. Richard Melrose of the Naval Air Forces. The Rev. Mr. Dow had planned the dedicatory service on a patriotic theme to which both his sermon and the special musical numbers were keyed. Music was directed by Miss Barbara Vernon, organist. One of the stars on the beautiful flag was for Ensign Margaret Sears of the WAAC's. Others represented in addition to Lieut Melrose, Lieut. Thomas H. Kuchel, Cpl. Charles Schultz, Mason Henry, all of the U.S. Navy, with W. Grafton of the Navy Medical Corps, and Isaac A. Griffin of the Royal Canadian Navy; Cpl. Lawson Spielman, Daniel E. Dodge (Army Air Force) and Edwin Schultz, all of the U.S. Army. Committee Named For Campaign of Victory Gardeners Warning was issued today by Nat Rogan, collector of Internal Revenue for Southern California, that 1942 Federal income tax returns are now due and payable and must be filed not later than March 15. "No one will be relieved of filing a 1942 return despite all rumors about the enactment of a 'pay-as-you-go tax bill,'" he stated. "A check-up in our office indicates the fact that people seem to be delaying filing their returns in the hope that some Congressional action will be taken to forgive the 1942 tax debt," he continued. "No matter what Congress does about a 'pay-as-you-go' tax bill, 1942 tax returns will be required." Every single person whose total income last year was $500 or more must file a return. Every married couple, living together during 1942, whose total aggregate income was $1200 or more, must H. Farm Loan Tests Tomorrow Dr. Hale of Placentia and C. Senior of Orange, president Secretary-treasurer respective of Orange County National Loan association, have outline program for the associatual stockholders' meeting held tomorrow morning in county farm bureau hall. Dr. Hale will call the agreement to order at 9:30 o'clock, business matters will include study of financial reports and a list of directors. Resignation to C. Mauerhan of Katella the board of directors has announced. He was named January 10 years ago to fill expired term of Dr. J. W. Mauerhan of this city, who died this term of office. Mauerhan was explained, is the third year who has liquided his objects to the association and before automatically requirent from the board. Program features will include a by Clarence Skiles, district supervisor of Orange County Fruit Grove, on transportation problems for farm products; a talk on labor for 1943 by C. M. Mcman of Placentia, and a discussion of income taxes by A. D. of Garden Grove. Grading Completed At Base Auxiliary Work has been completed on grading and surfacing the U.S. Navy auxiliary field directly south of Garden Grove, and indications are that it will soon be put into service as a training field for Los Alamitos Naval Air Base. The entire tract of 240 acres has been leveled and smoothed and approximately 40 acres in the center of the tract have been paved. Fred A. Backs Gains After Operation That Fred A. Backs, 317 North Philadelphia street, is showing steady improvement at St. Joseph hospital following a major operation, will be good news to his Anaheim friends. Backs, who is secretary of Savings, Loan, and Building association, underwent the serious operation over a week ago. William Geerdes Visits Brother In Santa Monica Indicating the fine recovery that he has made from a major oper-ation which he underwent just before Christmas, William Geerdes of West La Palma avenue drove to Santa Monica recently to visit his brother, Henry Geerdes, now confined by illness to a Santa Monica hospital. The well-known Anaheim octogenarian is able also to call on his many local friends, and was in the Gazette office this week for a short call. While here he expressed appreciation of the care which he received from Dr. Harry E. Zaiser and Dr. Davis while he was a patient in County General hospital, and also of the kindliness of his La Palma avenue neighbors. Among these were the Rev. and Mrs. George N. Greer who watched after his home during his absence, and gave him the same care and attention after his return from the hospital, even to providing his meals during his convalescence.