GENEVA AREA WEIGHS NAVY'S RULE EFFECTS

Geneva -- What will it mean to this city which has been a boom town since Sampson Naval Training center mushroomed on the east shore of Seneca Lake for its formal opening on Oct. 17, 1942, was the question that flew the rounds here last nite as word spread that the Navy's present program of training may terminate Sept. 30.

General reaction is that if a large permanent veterans facility springs up at the training site the effect of the Center's closing on this city and area generally will scarcely be felt.

Lt. Com. John F. Casey, in charge of public relations at Sampson since its opening, had no comment yesterday concerning the effect there, for the suddenness of the Washington announcement was admitted at Sampson as elsewhere in this central New York area affected by the move.

Meant Business Boom

Business jumped upward not only in Geneva but in every hamlet and village within a 50-mile radius of the Center during its construction and since its establishment. War-tightened markets and supplies were a little more tight in this city because of

the heavy demand from Sampson personnel and visitors. Housing particularly has been affected, but it was predicted that if there is to be a 40,000-bed hospital facility on the shore, the general situation in this city and area will not materially change when the training program ends.

A great many wives of Navy men who have been attached to the Center since its opening, or for protracted periods, may leave. Employers of Navy wives, of whom there are scores, foresaw the loss of these helpers who have gone a long way in relief of labor shortages in Geneva stores and offices.

BlueJackets Wonder

The BlueJackets themselves were wondering plenty about their next assignments after Sampson. No one had answers for any of the questions that popped here last night.

The only buildings of so-called permanent construction at Sampson are in the hospital area and it is here that considerable construction has been continued. At present a 50-bed wing is being added to the nurses' quarters for the use of a new contingent of 50 cadet nurses.

While recruits in tan boots may disappear from Geneva streets where they were permitted brief shore liberties, the bevy of Navy nurses and WAVES probably will increase, and it is expected that as far as uniforms are concerned, there will be little material change in the picture here.