Title: Minidoka Irrigator, Vol. I, No. 9, 10/14/1942, (denshopd-i119-00008)
Densho ID: denshopd-i119-00008

The Minidoka Irrigator
Vol. I, No. 9
October 14, 1942

Myer Visit Delayed: to Arrive Fri.

Dillon S. Myer, WRA national director who had been expected in Hunt on Monday, will not arrive till the latter part of the week, probably Friday.

A tentative schedule arranged for Myer's visit includes a short meeting between visit includes a short meeting between Myer and the community council planning body of seven members and the two legal aides.

The council has been meeting daily with George L. Townsend, Chief, community services, discussing the merits of the mayor-council, city manager and the commission forms of city government.

Council members revealed Kinya Okajima, 74, had been elected chairman of the group.

A plane trip to give the director an air view of the project has been cancelled, administration officials said.


Distant States Send in Requests for Hunt Workers

Off-project work assumed a wider latitude when Harold James, placement Officer, disclosed Monday that offers of employment for Hunt evacuees have come into his office not only from neighboring states but from distant New York and New Jersey.

The New York offer asked for an experienced dairymen for work on a farm in Weldon, while the New Jersey offer specified a poultryman, or a man and his wife, for farmwork in Cranbury.

Meanwhile, offers of domestic work are still pouring in, according to James, who points out that they have been received from Denver, Salt Lake City, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Boise and Jerome. Eight girls have already left Hunt for domestic work, most of them for Twin Falls.

Another job opening, in Buhl, Ida., called for a printer-operator to work a Miehle Vertical job press of the of the Buhl Herald. If the person likes the job, he can retain it for the duration of the war, this offer stated.

Regarding these jobs, James pointed out the distinction between those cases in which the evacuees leave the project but still remain in the Western Defense Command area and those in which the evacuees leave the area. In the farmer, the job

(cont'd on pg. 4)

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Latest figures on the off-project situation given Tuesday by the employment division reveal the following:

Left for farms ..... 1766
Commuting daily ..... 156
Domestic jobs ..... 8
Total ..... 1930


Hunt Shown First 'Movies' This Week

The movies came to Hunt Monday night for the first time since the center opened. "Ride 'em Cowboy" began a week's run at D.H. 6 under the auspices of the Co-op. Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are starred in the film which was premiered before Sec. I residents. Last night Sec. II colonists saw the picture.

Each section will get a chance to see the film before the week is over, the Co-op said. The schedule follows: Tonight (Wednesday) for Sec. III at D.H. 16 Thursday at D.H. 21; Friday at D.H. 30; Saturday at D.H. 38; and Monday at D.H. 42. All shows start at 7 p.m.


WRA Sends Official to Utah to Investigate Hunt's Coal Shipments Delay

Raymond Best, transportation and supply officer, left Monday for Utah to investigate the delay in coal shipments for Hunt, the administration announced this week.

Joseph P. Bacca, senior engineer, explained that Best's trip is for the purpose of "expediting and coordinating the delivery of government coal shipments." The first shipment of government coal, Bacca said, left Utah Oct. 7 and "will be here soon." A carload of coal, which had been sitting on the siding due to the shortage of contractor's trucks, is being brought into Hunt by WRA trucks and colonist crews.

"We have taken the bull by the horns," Bacca said, "and have sent Mr. Best to get first-hand reports on the delay in coal shipments."

Bacca did not indicate when coal would be available to everyone but said it would be soon.

Meanwhile, plans to bring the railroad spur track into the colony were being revived by administration officials after having once been cancelled because of priorities.

An extension of the spur track, Bacca pointed out, would facilitate unloading of the coal.

Coal which has been delivered to Hunt thus far has been purchased locally. The Oct. 7 shipment when it arrives, will be the first government coal for the colony.


[Page 2]

The Minidoka Irrigator Staff

Published by the WRA at Hunt, Idaho
Editorial Office: Recreation 22

Managing Editor ..... Dick Takeuchi
News Editor ..... Jackson Sonoda
Copy Editor ..... Tony Gomes

Reporters: Makiko Takahashi, Mitsuko Yasuda, Hiromi Miyagawa, Taka Ichikawa

Typists: Gertrude Takayama, Yo Kaneko, Shizuko Kawamura, Takako Matsumoto, Hana Okamoto

Staff Artist ..... Eddie Sato
Translator ..... Hideo Kitayama


Editorial: Unfair to Victory...

The present, as every responsible leader of American labor has made clear, is not a time for turbulence in the field of labor relations, and we are in no sense interested in saying or doing anything that might fan the flames of "class struggle."

We are, however, very much interested in witnessing the success of the vital "Food for Freedom" aspect of the nation's Victory program. We want to see the crops saved in this corner of the U.S.A., and so we say that unfair treatment of those who have left this evacuee center to harvest Idaho's crops is unfair to Victory.

Reports from outlying beet, potato and onion fields charge that certain farmers are hedging on original commitments and misrepresenting provisions of signed contracts. The fact that individual farmers attempting to mistreat a willing group of volunteer Japanese workers happen to be a distinct minority does not detract from the damage that may result.

Idaho crops will have to be harvested again next spring and fall, and there is every likelihood that evacuee labor will be needed then as now. Sound business sense, if not the motive of patriotism, calls for a fair labor policy in the employment of evacuee workers. -- D.M.


Co-op Delegates Meet Thursday to Launch Plans

Seventy-two block Co-op representatives will meet tomorrow (Thursday) night at 7 p.m. in D.H. 22. The meeting was originally scheduled for last Thursday but plans went awry when nine of the 36 blocks failed to send duly-elected representatives because of a mix-up in the inter-block communications system. The nine blocks held meetings last night at their respective dining halls.

Present plans call for the election of a seven-man organization committee tomorrow by the block representatives. This committee will in turn lay plans for the formulation of the by-laws of the consumers' Co-operative Enterprises of Hunt.

The board of directors will be selected in a general election with present plans calling for two from each section for a total of 14. After nominations are made Thursday night, ballots will be run off and presented to the share-holders. nominees must earn a majority vote to win a dictatorship, it was explained. if candidates do not compile a majority in the primary vote, the four highest will be placed on another ballot for a run-off.


'Bon Odori' Planner

A community-wide "Bon Odori" is being considered by a special "odori" committee of the Community-Activities division.


Exchange

Tule Lake diners will be served soon by waitresses in snappy uniforms as 1000 pairs of shoes and 1750 uniforms were expected from San Francisco. Dining halls may be supplied with meat from their own farms as 560 hogs arrived to fill Tule Lake's pig pens. An eight-piece band led by "Woody" Ichihashi made its public debut last week, the TULEAN DISPATCH announced. Twenty men left to work for the Great Northern Railway swelling the list of work furloughs.

The GILA NEWS COURIER reveals that the Rivers Relocation Project is the fourth most populated city in Arizona, following closely behind the Poston Project, Tucson and Phoenix ... the Buddhist church "obon" saw 350 kimono-clad dancers participating ..... "Arizona Bound", a western thriller starring Buck Jones and Tim Holt was shown to 5,000 Gilans ..... "It is contemplated that a co-operative association will be established .... "as Gila's advisory board makes a study of the consumer co-operatives.

Closely following the grammar school opening was the Oct. 6 opening of Heart Mountain High School. Twenty-five subjects will be taught with similar courses planned for adult classes scheduled to start this week .... Colonist were warned against the use of hot plates as fuse replacement hit an average of 50 per day ..... Wyoming colonists suffered a water shortage for three days while repairs were made on a serious break in the pipeline.

The last group to leave Manzanar this season on work furlough is headed for Twin Falls sugar beets, the FREE PRESS reports ..... the project's ceramics factory will manufacture kitchen utensils for Manzanar and other centers with equipment expected last week ..... despite health hazards, the Education Council recommended that elementary schools open with pupils to be dismissed on cold, wintry days.


[Page 3]

Library for Japanese Planned Here

Hunt's Japanese-reading populace, thirsting for reading material, will welcome the announcement made last week that a Japanese library will be started.

Plans now under way contemplate the building up of a library from books which were confiscated at Puyallup.

Hiroshi Nagai, issei in charge of collecting books, indicated owners of such books are asked to contact him at either the Rec. 31 or 7 library if they are willing to contribute toward the library's start.

Nagai explained that those willing to contribute their books left in Seattle will not have to pay for transportation charges.

Contraband books which were turned in at Puyallup are on their way here, Nagai said, and their owners may contribute them to the library or retain them.

Contributors were asked to leave their names, addresses, and the title of the books at either library.


Newlyweds Pick Apples On Honeymoon

Picking apples for their honeymoon this week are Mr. and Mrs. Toshio Taniguchi, who left for a farm near Boise Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Taniguchi is the former Lois Hiroko Tanabe, 5-7-C, and her husband is from Tule Lake. They were married Saturday.

Taniguchi arrived here Saturday morning and the wedding took place at 7:30 p.m. the same day in D.H. 5 with the Rev. G. Shoji officiating. Only members of the immediate family attended the ceremony.


30-Ton-Capacity Potato Cellar Under Way

A 30-ton-capacity potato cellar will be constructed in the warehouse area, Joseph P. Bacca, chief engineer, said this week.


2,500 Hunt Residents to Get Pay for September Work

September payroll, amounting to about $40,000, will be distributed to around 2,500 Hunt workers either the latter part of this week or early next week, Clarence H. Hurst, fiscal accountant, revealed Tuesday.

Those who have left Hunt for outside work will have their checks mailed while those here will be paid in cash. Distribution of the cash pay, which may take three days, will be made at several convenient points within the colony, Hurst said.

Mailing of checks will not take place for about a week after all cash payments have been made, Hurst added.

Delay in the payment was caused through the transfer of the regional disbursement office from San Francisco to Portland. However, Hurst gave assurance that regular pay days would be established in the future.


School Tots Must Take Clinic Exams

A pre-school clinic to examine all children who plan to enter kindergarten or first grade will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16, at the project hospital.

"It will be necessary for all children in this age group to have a medical permit from the clinic doctors before they will be permitted to enter school," Mrs. Maxalyn W. Evans, head nurse, said yesterday.

The ambulance will call at the block managers' offices in Blk. 24-28 at 1 p.m., Blks. 32-38 at 2 p.m. to carry children to the clinic. One person will be allowed to accompany each child.


Grade Schools Open Monday

Elementary schools will open Monday, Oct. 19, in Blks. 10 and 32, the Education Department announced this week.

Complete details and instructions will be published later this week.

The opening of the high school was still indefinite, "but it will open shortly after Blk. 23 is vacated," it was understood.

------------

Hunt's speed limit has been set at 20 miles per hour, the latest bulletin from Internal security Officer Clarence Lee announced this week.


Vital Statistics

BIRTHS

IZUTSU -- boy to Mr. and Mrs. Tetsuo Izutsu, 21-8-A, Oct. 10.

KANEMASU -- boy to Mr. and Mrs. Wataru Kanematsu, 32-10-C, Oct. 12.


Youths Hold Forum Tonight

A lively discussion is expected at the Youth Fellowship Forum tonight (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. with "Issei vs. Nisei?" as the announced topic. Those interested are welcome to attend.

Placement Officer Harold James has been asked to serve as moderator. A featured speaker will be Kinya Okajima, who polled the highest number of votes in the recent election of the Hunt organization commission. Other speakers will include Mrs. Nii and Ruth Nishino of Portland, and Mrs. Nakagawa and Lois Sato of Seattle.


Fire Sprinkler

The fire-sprinkler system of the hospital will be completed within four weeks, it was revealed today. About 11,000 feet of pipe will be installed in the wards and corridors.


[Page 4]

Gonzaga Gets First Student From Hunt. Two More Get Releases

Releases for Sadao "Corky" Kuroiwa for Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., and Henry Watanabe for the University of Wyoming at Laramie arrived Monday, Carl V. Sandoz, counselor, announced yesterday (Tuesday).

"These releases are on condition that enrollment is still possible," Sandoz said. "We will assist all those who have made applications to the Student Relocation Council and we are also prepared to take new applications in the Counselor's office. It is not too early to think of enrolling for the next quarter," he added.

This week's two releases bring the total of students relocated to 41.


Distant States Seek Hunt Labor (Cont.)

offers must be made through the U.S.E.S. and then cleared through the San Francisco regional office. Those are of the group-leave permit type where the workers is restricted to certain areas and a definite period of time is specified.

In cases where the evacuee leaves the Western Defense Command area, their applications will be accepted here to be forwarded to San Francisco for approval. Upon such approval, a prompt release of the individual to accept his job will be effected through the employment division, the release to be for an indefinite period.

"For those who will stay within the Western Defense Command area, the job itself must pass approval of the regional office, whereas for those who leave the area, the applicant himself must be approved," James explained.


Utah Residents Qualify Approvals as Farmers Lag on Relocation Poll

Utah citizens expressed approval of off-project jobs for nisei, in a recent poll conducted by the Western Institute of Public Opinion, but qualified their approval with statements ranging from "should be closely guarded" to "if Americanized." The survey was made at the request of the Office of War Information and WRA.

Of the 4,999 persons interviewed 65.6 per cent expressed approval but only 18.1 per cent thought alien Japanese should work outside the centers. However, only 52 per cent wanted the nisei in the immediate vicinity there the interviews took place.

In curious contrast to the prevailing opinion that farm labor is being sought was the fact that only 59.6 per cent of the farmers favored outside working of citizens as compared to the 67.6 per cent of the urban people questioned.

A general strain of distrust ran through the comments of those who opposed off-project work. "Once a Jap, always a Jap.. Don't let them compete with American labor.. Lock them up," were typical comments.

Qualifications made by approving Utahns indicated sincerity and indecision as to loyalty of the nisei. "We need their help" was one economic reason while these uncertain said, "if loyal .. if not too close to defense centers ... should be closely guarded."


Three Tilts Open 6-Man Grid Loops

Three games scheduled for last Monday in Hunt's Six-Man Football League were postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions and were to have been played Tuesday evening.

When two games are played, the first game is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., and the second at 6:30 p.m. The solo will be played

(Cont'd. on pg. 5)


Voters Urged to Get Petitions

Pointing out that general elections are but three weeks away, Clarence T. Arai, of the legal aid division, urged eligible voters to attend to petitions for their absentee ballot forms at once.

State of Washington laws require the absentee ballots to be postmarked not later than the day of the election, while the Oregon laws require that the ballots be in five days prior to the election date.


Second 'Shibai' Contemplated

Encouraged by the success of the first "shibai," a committee is now planning a second show, tentatively to start Oct. 25.


Blk. 32 Moves for Schools

Ten families in Blk. 32 were moved to Blk. 30 this week in the latest rehousing shuffle. The vacant apartments will serve as schoolrooms until school buildings are constructed, housing officials revealed.

Meanwhile, Lorne Huycke, housing superintendent, announced that Blk, 23 residents will be moved to Blk. 44 about the end of this week.

The vacated block will house various offices including the Co-op, the IRRIGATOR, and housing divisions besides the junior and senior high schools.

--------

Cantaloupes were named for Cantalupe, Italy.


[Page 5]

Public Works Gets Two on Labor Board

Two more men were added to the seven-man Fair Labor practice Board Friday when Yutaka Akiyoshi and Minoru Tai were elected by the public works division at its meeting in D.H. 22.

Akiyoshi was named from the planning and construction group of the public works division. His alternates are Z. Kikoshima and T. Shimizu. Tai was picked from the maintenance group. Alternates in this group are Makoto Yatagi, Ryohei Sawaji and Kazao Kadoshima.


Hospital Gets Steam

Installation of the 300 radiators in the hospital was completed Thursday and plumbers awaited only the arrival of the boiler's extension belts for the steam plant to operate, the hospital revealed. The belts are leaving the factory tomorrow.

The maternity ward and the surgery room are the only rooms now heated by a high-pressure boiler. When the heating plant is fully equipped, three low-pressure and two high pressure boilers will furnish steam.


K. Sato Named Canteen Head

Keizo Sato, of the Blk. 30 Canteen, will take over the post of general sales manager vacated by Yoshi Takayoshi, Co-op officials announced this week. Takayoshi left last week for Caldwell in the lettuce packing shed.


Lee Gets Aide

Kenneth Barclay, former Twin Falls assistant chief of police, arrived Monday to take over similar duties on the WRA Internal Security staff. Berkeley will work under Chief Clarence D. Lee, who heads the Hunt wardens.


15 Teams Enter Hunt Six-Man Football Leagues

A new, fast sport for Hunt's grid fans inaugurated this week when the Six-Man Football League staged a pre-season exhibition game Sunday between Sec. I and Sec. V of the "B" League. The fast Sec. I six swamped the Sec. V team 68-30.

With 15 teams represented, the league has been divided into three age divisions, "A" League for players 16 and over, "B" for boys 13-15 and "C" circuit for players 13 and under. The grounds between Blks. 10-12, 15-17, and 28-30 have been selected as prospective gridirons by the sports personnel.

In the "A" loop, Secs. I and II have entered two teams. Sec. V has the teams in the 10th League. The schedule by rounds for the season as announced as the sports office follows.

"A" League
1 - VII vs. I(A): I(B) vs. III(B), III(A) bye.
2 - VII vs. III(B); I(B) vs. III(A); I(A) bye.
3 - III(B) vs. I(A); I(B) vs. VII; III(B) bye.
4 - III(B) vs. III(A); I(B) vs. I(A); VII bye.
5 - VII vs. III(A); III(B) vs. I(A); I(B) bye.

"B" League
1 - III vs. II; I vs. VII; IV bye.
2 - IV vs. II; I vs. III; VII bye.
3 - VII vs. II; IV vs. III; I bye.
4. VII vs. III; I vs. IV; II bye.
5 - vs. II; VII vs. IV; III bye.

"C" League
1 - IV vs. III; II vs. V(B); V(A) bye.
2 - V(A) vs. III; II vs. IV; V(B) bye.
3 - V(B) vs. III; V(A) vs. IV; II bye.
4 - V(B) vs. IV; II vs. I(A); III bye; 5-II vs. II; V(B) vs. V(A); IV bye.


First Football Turnout Arrays Gridiron Stars

A formidable group of nisei athletes greeted the first football turnout held Sunday on the field between Blks. 28-30. With such gridiron celebrities as Jack Yoshikawa, placekick artist of Oregon State's 1941 Rose Bowl team, Harry Yanagimachi, former All-City center of Garfield, and Don Sugai, Oregon's all-state fullback, turning out, a well-balanced team was forecast by observers.

Despite the fact that many athletes have left to help the critical farm labor shortage, "Chick" Uno, sports supervisor, hopes to have a powerful eleven representing Hunt.

The only factor delaying the players from getting right down to business is the lack of equipment. As soon as proper equipment arrives, football will dominate Hunt's sport field.

Nightly practice sessions are being held this week.


Grid Loops Open Play With Three Tussles Tuesday (cont.)

at 6:30 p.m. The schedule follows:

TUESDAY, Class "C" -- at 15-17 Field -- Sec. IV vs. III; at 28-30 Field -- Sec. II vs. V(B).

Class "B" -- at 12-10 Field-Sec. III vs. II.

WEDNESDAY, Class "B" -- at 32-34 Field-Sec. IV vs. VII.

THURSDAY, Class "C" -- at 28-30 Field-Sec. V(A) vs. III; at 10-12 Field-Sec. II vs. IV.

FRIDAY -- Class "B" -- at 10-12 Field-Sec. I vs. III; Sec. IV vs. II.

SATURDAY, Class "C" -- 26-30 Field-Sec. VII vs. II; Sec. IV vs. III.

----------------

Community singing will be held at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15, in D.H. 17 and in D.H. 38 at the same time.


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Japanese Language Section