Minutes 07/10/1945 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The p~esent situation is having its effect on the morale of the people, and unless Checked will certainly effect adversely labor conditions resulting in slowin¢ up the war efforts. - Please be assured of the D~ll co-operation of this Association, and we trust you will not hesitate to call on us for any service we may render in your efforts to bring about a solution to the present unbearable situation. Respectfully, Portsmouth Retail Merchants Association J.M.Overton, Secret,ary H. Clyde Fitch, A. H.Walker." Mr.H.W. Sharp presented the following: "After careful consideration of the current food shortage in this area and the discussion which took place on this subject in the Portsmou~hCity Manager's office on July 9th, with representatives of the Retail Merchants Association, the Chamber of Commerce and rep- resentative of labor, it is respectfully requested tha. t a permanent committee be appointed from the membership of these organizations with authority to investigate and to take action as deemed necessary for the procurement of a greater quantity of food for this area. This lack of food is definitely hindering the war effort in that many workers are unable to obtain sufficient food and are consequently leaving their Jobs and moving to other sections of the country. It is prac- tically impossible for the Navy Yard employees to obtain provisions for preparing lunches and Yard restaurants are unable to properly feed these employees. Having no other recourse, many are forced to deal with the black market through no fault of their o~rn. This situation is dan - gerous and Labor is lending all efforts to the end that a fair distribution of food may be made by the eteeted representa~tives ~the people and defeat the eituation whereby those who are able or willing may get what they can, to the detriment of others, in th'e black market. Your co-operation in this matter will be appreciated. Horace W. Sharp, Chairman." Motion of Mr. Howard to appqint a committee of three to work with the Ci- ty Manager, the Chamber of Commerce, the Retail Merchants Association and representatives of la- bor to secure more food for this area, was adopted and the Chair appointed Messrs. Howard, Weiss. man and Wilson on said committee. The~foll~wing communications from the City Manager were read: let "I have been advised through reliable sources that there are person~ wh~offer to substantiate the fact Sy affidavit tha~ workers are leaving this area due to short- age of food in Portsmouth and the immediat~e ~icLuity. In addition, we are all aware of tD~ fact that the food situation is becoming acute with little prospect of bettering unless the War Food Administration and others in authority take immediate steps and give this area some relief. As officials of the Oity, we are charged with the protection of our people and an attempt to secure adequate foods to keep workers within the area ie well with- in our province and I would like at this time to officially bring ~his to the attention of the Council of the City of Portsmouth in o~der that necessary steps can be taken to ease this situa- tion. While I am no~ an alarmist, nevertheless'erroneous allocations of food and dilatory red-tape tactics should not be tolerated where war workers are concerned, and we have constantly been discriminated against by failure to recognize the increased population plus the great number of transients for whom no additional quotas are allowed. In my Judgment, it is time for spirited action.." On motion ordered filed. 2nd - '~In furtherance of your appropriation of $21,000.00 for the con- struction of a central center for returned veterans, I would like to report proguess on negotia-! tions for property. It is my hope that we may complete negotiations before the month is up." On motion ordered filed. 3rd - "I am accepting the resignation of Miss Norma Saunders, Policewoman,! effective June.llth, 19~5." On motion ordered filed. $th - "I am in receSpt of a report from J. Gordon Bennett, Auditor of Public Accounts for the Commonwealth of Virginia, on accounts of William Hodges Baker, Clerk, Hustings Court and K.A. Bain,Jr., Clerk, Circuit Court. In each case, all funds were fully accounted for and both ~r. Bain ~and Mr. Baker were commended for ~he excellent manner in whicht heir records were prepared." On motion ordered filed. ~th - ~The Hampton Roads Maritime Exchange has requested the City of Portsmouth to assist~in attempting to further improve the channel of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River as provided for in the recently enacted Rivers and Harbors Bill. The reques~ will be for a 35 foot channel, with a minimum width of 250 feet from the Southern end of the