Fidelity Lumber Says the Mill Will Rise This Summer

There has been quite a general impression that on account of the depression in the lumber business and the rather unsettled condition of business that the Fidelity Lumber Co. would not begin the construction of their mill across the river this year. Such is not the case, as it is the intention of the company to go ahead this summer with the erection of the mill and work on the grounds will be started within thirty days.

President B. L. Willis, of the Fidelity Company, was in Newport Tuesday afternoon, returning from a trip to the west branch country, and, on being asked by a Miner representative whether the company would start the erection of the mill this summer, stated positively that work would be started, and perhaps within thirty days, and that the mill would be in operation next spring. The Great Northern Railway will build its spur from Albeni Falls this summer.

Mr. Willis further said that the plans of the company regarding their plant have not been altered, and that a modern sawmill, with a capacity of 25,000,000 feet a year, would be built. He was pleased to note the progress Newport has made within the last year, and expressed the belief that the town would prosper and continue to grow, and the new plant would be a great help in its growth, as the company will not in any sense start a competitive town. Newport will be the place of business, and an overhead cable ferry will be installed that will provide quick transportation facilities between mill and town. Doubtless arrangements can be made whereby a free public ferry service can be instituted by the people of Newport, and give better facilities for ranchers on the east side of the river to reach this town.

The news that the plant will be erected this year will be good reading for the people of Newport, as it means the employment of a large number of men during the erection and later in its operation. The company has an excellent mill site with plenty of vantage, and by occupying an exclusive mill site will materially reduce the cost of insurance, an important item.