The completion of the Alaskan Highway by the United States in mid-November 1942 is expected to contribute greatly to the development of Yukon and the Northwest Territories. See CIVIL ENGINEERING.
Showing posts with label Yukon Territory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yukon Territory. Show all posts
1941: Yukon Territory
The mining industry of Yukon continued to enjoy unprecedented prosperity during the second year of the war. Many new mines were opened and production was speeded up throughout the territory despite the number of men who joined the armed forces. As an indirect result of the boom, Yukon had one of its first serious labor disputes in years late in July when employees of the Yukon Consolidated Gold Corporation, Ltd., near Dawson, struck in protest against the refusal of the company officials to meet their demands for a $1-a-day wage increase. The strike was settled when the company granted an increase.
The production of placer gold for the year up to Dec. 1 was approximately 86,000 ounces. The season was shorter than usual, owing to the strike and to an unusually dry season. Shipments of silver lead ore and concentrates to outside smelters during 1941 did not exceed $500,000 in gross values and were considerably less than in the previous year.
An election was held to select the three members of the territorial legislative body, known as the Yukon Council. A completely new slate of candidates was elected, none of the former members having been reelected. The Council held its annual session in April, but adopted no new legislation except the annual Supply Bill, making provision for the government services for the fiscal year 1941-1942.
Two new airports were constructed in the territory. These were located respectively at Whitehorse and Watson Lake. Airplane traffic increased considerably during the year.
1940: Yukon Territory
In the Dominion elections held in March, 1940, Yukon elected a Conservative, George Black, K.S., former Speaker of the House of Commons, to represent it in the present House.
At its annual session in June, the Yukon Council adopted an ordinance providing for a Territorial income tax of 30 per cent of the Federal Income War Tax. A tax was also levied on gasoline and fuel oil for use by automobiles, and various other tax ordinances were amended to provide a 20 per cent increase in taxation. The Council also passed an ordinance to provide for a plebiscite on the question of the sale of spirituous liquors in licensed premises, but this ordinance, together with two others which would have regulated the sale of liquor if the proposal had carried, was disapproved by the Governor in Council. Other legislation was of a minor character.
The production of placer gold through the middle of November reached approximately 97,500 ounces. Ten dredges were in operation during the entire season, and one other for three months. In addition to the placer mining, large scale operations were carried on by some operators using hydraulic, drag line shovels, and bulldozers. There was also some production by individual miners using more primitive methods.
Shipments of silver lead ore and concentrates to outside smelters were about one-half the 1939 shipments and will approximate about $1,000,000 for the year.
There has been no unemployment in the Territory and the only government relief has been to the aged and sick.
1938: Yukon Territory
The Yukon mining, trapping, and transportation industries enjoyed an especially prosperous year in 1938. The production of placer gold was close to 87,000 ounces for the year, a 50 per cent increase over 1937. Approximately 9,100 tons of silver lead ore, valued at $2,250,000, were shipped from the Mayo District to outside smelters. For the first time Yukon Territory maintained an air mail service throughout the entire year, with weekly connections with the outside world. There was no unemployment in the Yukon during 1938.
The territorial legislative body, known as the Yukon Council, held its regular session during April and May. A new Game Ordinance was passed, providing greater restrictions on hunting and trapping. An ordinance was also passed governing the maintenance of wives deserted by their husbands. No political changes of importance occurred during the year.
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