To the Editor,
Re: Coal to hasten city’s death, Letters, June 17.
Jim Irvine’s letter was one more negative reaction to a coalport role for Port Alberni. He entered the long-running debate with the menacing statement that our town is already dying a slow death, which would be accelerated if it added coal shipping to its established industries.
He lists a number of closures which he says are “signs of a dying town”. Most of these “signs” have been misread and at least one is total nonsense.
He said “the legion is becoming so small it no longer exists”. An absurd remark to make at a time when Legion branches 169 and 55 have amalgamated to form Branch 293.
With membership numbers in the hundreds and recreational events scheduled and well attended for seven days every week, Legion Branch 293 is a beehive of activity. And the big legion by the dike is steadily growing in attendance numbers of members and guests.
The successful rebirth of our Alberni Legion is a far cry from “no longer exists”.
Harold Hamilton,
Port Albern