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Clinton News-Record, 1963-10-10, Page 4Page News-.Record—Thurs Oct. 10, 1963 Editorials ... Have We Really Tried? IT IS DOUBTFUL whether many of our readers are too concerned when they read the facts coming out of the probe on the activities of the infamous Cosa Nostra, or Mafia, or even when they read reports of the infrequent battles with knives, clubs and chains staged by various notorious motorcycle gangs in Toronto. While they naturally deplore the existence of such, organizations and the depraved mentality of their mem- bers, the reports do little but draw an arched eyebrow o' two due to the fact few of us are concerned. However, certain incidents much closer to home have hit the headlines in the past few weeks, and previous reports of the activities of some of our own "problem" youths, would in- dicate that on a population basis we are really no better off than our city friends in regard to delinquency. Only prompt police action pre- vented a "rumble" from getting out of hand in Hensall a few weeks ago, when youths from Exeter, Hensall, Zurich and RCAF Clinton met on a back street to do battle with fists and chains. The fracas apparently stemmed froth a few tomato tossing incidents, cases of dangerous actions in cars, and the fact that a few of the antagonists felt some of their neighbors were en- croaching On their female hunting ter- ritories. . While it may be noted that people will do things when they become part of a Mob that they wouldn't do as in- dividuals, the incident should be look- ed upon with grave concern by area citizens. No Clinton youths were 'apparently involved in the incident, which has re- sulted in court appearances for the youths, but our own court proceedings of the past have shown that we have our share of foolhardy delinquents, although most of their lawlessness stems from driving practices and drink- ing. We could delve into the psycholog- ical aspects of the many incidents in an effort to determine the causes for such actions, but one of the faults of our society is that we spend too much time trying to figure out the problem rather than trying to come up with the solution. Knowing many of the youths who participated in the Hensall affair and some of our own "problems", we can come up with the generality that many of these lads come from homes where there is no good example for them to follow; most of them have dropped out of school at an early age and are frequently in the ranks of the unem- ployed; many of them purchase cars which they can ill afford; and one of the most serious aspects is that these birds of a feather congregate together and what foolhardy escapade one doesn't think about, the others will. However, these reasons in no way form an excuse for these people, be- cause in our society the individual , has the opportunity to rise above any such conditions, but unfortunately few of.... these appear to have that desire. We could urge the police to throw more energy into controlling these way- ward people, but it has been shown that these insolent characters learn nothing from court appearances, penalties,' or even jail terms. For some reason they become even more adamant after court ap- pearances and appear to have the feel- ing that everyone is against them. Convictions against them appear to do little but burn their dislike for auth- ority and proper conduct .deeper- into their minds, resulting in graver prac-• tices that ,unfortunately not only make. it more difficult for them to alter their way of life, but also create ,hazards for the safety of their' fellow citizens, Some citizens will contend we owe these fellows nothing in that we have already given, them an opportunity for an education, sponsored athletic teams for their entertainment, and groups, such as Boy Scouts for helping them become better citizens. But, the fact remains that many of these lads did not have the ability And desire to complete an education, had no interest or ability for various sports, and didn't take an interest in learning how to tie knots and send signals at 130y Scouts, So, in fact we haven't filled their needs, 'and if we take a close look at the situation, we are in no way at- tempting to solve this problem. This is evidenced by the fact that the pres- ent situation with some of our youths is not new in any way and will prob- ably. continue with some members of the rising set unless we do take some action. What is needed is an outlet for their energies and more than that, some type of opportunity for them to gain a desire to become useful and respect- ed citizens, something as we mentioned,. many are not getting at home. Some communities have tackled this problem with zeal and have been com- pensated with tremendous results. They have formed auto clubs; organized the boys into a group that can participate at some sports at a lower calibre than the "all-stars" to which we now cater; give them interest in various hobbies; night school training and various other programs. But to be successful, we must come down off our pinnacle of scorn and righteous indignation and ask these boys what they want in the commun- ity, rather than expecting them to participate in activities in which they have no interest. These auto clubs are set up with stringent rules of conduct for the mem- bers, but rather than having the police chase them around the streets, facil- ities are set up where the bOys can safely test the speeds of their cars and compete against each other. .The success of any program usually .depends upon group "therapy" in these cases, and it is often a waste of time to single out one boy and try . to aid him. Modern youths appear dependent upon association with a group, and best results are attained in this manner. Surely, some of our local mech- anics can afford one night a week with these boys; a special class can be set up for them when night school com- mences at CHSS; and dances and other types of: supervised entertainment can be provided for them. Such action is certainly worthy of a sincere effort and we would imagine that the results would amaze most people if some of our citizens would. .. only take time out to help them. In this regard, we would be happy to talk this matter over with any inter- ested parties and help promote such a venture through our news columns. Understanding, respect and opper- tunity,. are what these lads need most, and until such time the community makes an honest effort in this regard, we are completely unjust in saying we should throw them in jail and throW away the key. We have the heed, we need the "haves" who can help! A Good Time To Say Thanks THROUGH THE excellent co- operation of F/O Dave Williams at RCAF Clinton, we were pleased to present a .report of the fire brigade at the station last week and to also list a few tips on fire prevention in view of the fact that we are now in • the midst of the annual week set aside for this campaign. During Fire Prevention Week the time would also appear appropriate to commend the men on the various fire brigades, most of whom are unlike their RCAF counterparts, in that they work on a volunteer basis only. Few people take the time to real- ize how fortunate the area is in having men who are interested in the safety and protection of our possessions from fire, and perhaps only those Who have called on this aid can fully appreciate what relief there is in knowing that in time of trouble there are those who will drop' their own Work and respond so quickly and work so diligently. These men receive some remunera- tion for this work, but it in nd way comes close to paying for the risk in- volved, the personal sacrifice in leaving their own jobs or activities, or getting up from a warm bed on a blustery winter night to battle flames in freez- ing temperatures. That we owe these men a great deal of thanks goes without saying, but there is one avenue open for all persons to be afforded an opportunity of saying thanks. And that is to heed the advice that is being passed on this week in regard to fire prevention. By conscientiously following these simple checks for hazards and the do's and dont's, homes, industries and busi- nesses can be made less vulnerable , to a costly fire and Will in the long run cut down on the number of calls these firemen must answer: The fact of making these buildings less susceptible not only reduces the fear of the costly loss of property and life, but in a way shows our volunteers, and professionals, that We do appreciate their work. It's an easy payment to make — make it NOW. Clinton New,PwRecord Arnalgarnated THE CLINTON NEW ERA 1924 THE CLINTON NEWS-RECORD Published every Thursday at the Est, 1881 Heart of Hinton Cpunty Clinton, OntailO Popijlation 3,369 • A. L. COLQUI4OUNt Ptiblitper WILLIAM BATTEN; Editor Signed tontrItintioni In this publication; are the OpiniOni of the miters only, and do, not necessarily llxpriiis the Oen bt the eibiiipapaK Authorised Second:4101i Mall, Pod ()MO bePartnient. Otta*O, and tot plyn?ant of postage in Cash SURSCRIPTION RATES: Payable In itlyanne - Canada and Ore $4.60 a Oat: United States Ind FOreignt $5,50; Single Copies' Tstri Cants Est. 1865 -•1 II 0 A • U I. P. &CNA SUGAR and SPICE (By W. B. T. sKILEy) IINOVOJKANPONINONI,WWWV•MW..VININNINININ WE ARE NOW CARRYING A STOCK OF PROJECTOR LAMPS FOR ALL TYPES OF PROJECTORS To make sure we have one to fit your projector, please Phone 482-7021 and give us your projector lamp number, enabling us to keep one in stock for you at all times. MERRILL TV SERVICE Authorized Philips Dealer—Radio, TV & Appliance Repairs 215 VICTORIA STREET — CLINTON — 482-7021 0 DOWN PAYMENT OF 5% - -$2.50 FOR A S50 BOND, S5 FOR A $100 BOND, etc. BALANCE IN EASY INSTALMENTS OVER A YEAR Attended a fighter pilots' reunion last weekend, and am happy to report there's still a lot of fight left in the old figh- ter pilots, although I am forc- ed to confess that a good many of us were not as young on Sunday morning as we thought we were Saturday night. I shuddered deeply when the long-distance call came through and the familiar voice chortled, "Hullo, Willie. Dutch here." Each time Dutch calls, which is every two or three years, I whisper gently to myself, "Oh, dear." I know perfectly well that whatever he has in mind will be intriguing but exhaust- ing.- We have a peculiar relation- ship. He taught me to fly Spit- fires about 20 years ago in England. Ten years later, he walked into a hotel in a Cana- dian resort area, grinning broadly, and said, "Hullo Wil- lie." I had not seen him in the meantime. Next day, I went off with him on the most un- usual fishing trip I've ever ex- perienced. He's an Australian of great charm, a certain ruthlessness, a fantastic energy and an ex- treme individuality. Add to these a keen mind and a rare flair for the wild caper, in some moods, and you ' have most of him. Except that he's a bachelor, and doesn't have to cope with women and children and re- sponsibility, and all that rot, when he comes up with one of his hair-raisers. The infuriating thing is that he always acts as though one of these ordeals he gets me in- to' is purely medicinal, a tonic rather than a mankiller. 'Twas so this time: "Fighter pilots' party in Montreal. Thought it would be good for you. I've booked tick- ets for tomorrow's flight. Should be a .good bash." I grinned into the receiver in sickly fashion, as this devil's advocate went on, and my mind whirled through the domestic and economic obstacles be- tween me and the reunion. With half-hearted promise to, see what I could ap, I 'hung up. "That was ." I began lamely, to the Old Battleaxe. "Why don't you go'?" she quer- ied. "It would be good for you." So help me, I haven't been so shaken since the day I found myself over. Holland, at 8,000 feet, with no engine, "YoU're kidding!" I finally blurted, "That was Dutch, and he wants me to . . ," "I know, We can't afford it, but you should go. You'd en- Letter to the Editor HATE TO LEAVE! Clinton News-Record, Clintoh, Ontario Dear Sirs: We were stationed at RCAF Station Clinton for Six years and it was with regret we nev- er found time to say good-bye to• our many friends and ac- quaintances in your lovely lit- tle town. ' We hope some day to return; in the Meantime, we'd like to keep in touch by subscribing to your NewS-Record on a yearly basis. Sincerely, Mrs, A, G, Coombs. P.O. nox 191, 352 Hamilton Crescent, RCAF Stn., Chatham, N.13, joy it," This is like a preacher telling me he sees nothing wrong with sin. My first thought—and I was immediate- ly ashamed of it was that the old lady was having an affair with the milkman or somebody, and wanted to get me out of the way for the weekend. I felt a little more comfort- able about the' whole thing when she made me promise to take out $100,000 in that air travel insurance, The kids were unashamedly fascinated by the idea. "You mean, if you crash, we'll be rich?" Hugh wanted to know. Well, it was a good bash, and I did enjoy it. Most of it was a bit chaotic, with names and squadron number and roars of delight as old friends spotted each other. But a few vig- nettes stand out in my mind. There was the old fighter pilot whose thrifty wife had packed a lunch. He clung to the paper bag as to a life-raft through the lunch reunion and the afternoon reception, and I've never seen anything finer than the sheer, naked courage with which he doggedly attack- ed the thing at 4:30 in the afternoon. There was the real, live Spit- fire. Chap had assembled it at the Lakehead and had flown it down for the reunion. He put on a show in what was prob- ably the last flying Spitfire in the world, and the eyes of the old boys, majority of whom had flown Spits, were almost wet with nostalgia and booze as they watched the little lady go through her paces. There was the awesome ex- hibition of hair-fine precision flying and cold nerve of Can- ada's famous Golden Hawks. With the old pros looking on, the boys really put on a show that made most of us glad we'd been born 20 years before these jets were invented. Haying .strayed from the main group, as I so often do, watched the air show with a little French kid, about eight, who came and stood beside me. He spoke no English, I only a little French, but we had rap- port. We said. "WOW!" to- gether every time the jets seemed certain to collide. He shook hands gravely when he had to leave "pour le supper." My only regret is that the fighter pilots didn't meet every year, instead of every two or three. But, as one of them explained to me, if there was 10 Y.e4r$ Ago C. H. 1-laugh, Brucefield, was elected president of .a convert, Lion of interdenominational Sunday school workers held in Brucefield, Over 100 delegates attended. Owing to the death of Reeve Lindsay of Goderich Township, a special nomination will he held on October 15, Mrs. R, Walton left a week ago for a trip to England where She may spend the winter. Mrs. Eph Snell, Jr,, this Week from Montreal to Eng- land where she will spend two Months with her friends and relatives. The frost of last week is killing the flowers and .darken- ing the leaves of the trees and vines. The Canadian Post Office of- ficials will not allow the re- quest of poultrymen to allow day-old chicks into Canada by mail, nor will they carry, them by mail in Canada. Council this week approved the purchase of a new flag for the town hall at a cost of $1Q. (ED. NOTE—It was recently replaced by the 1963 council??) an annual bash like that one, in a very few years there wouldn't be any fighter pilots left. They couldn't stand the pace. Study New Book The Wo-He-Lo group held their September meeting in the church parlor with Mrs. Reid presiding and 16 ladies present. Mrs. Reid opened the meet- ing with a poem "Smiles" and the scripture reading was given by Mrs. Ron MacDonald; lesson thoughts by Mrs. McGill and prayer by Mrs. Reid. Roll call was "a highlight of your sum- mer", to be answered by a verse on Thanks or Thanksgiv- ing, in October. Visiting com- mittee reported 27 home and five hospital calls. Mrs. Reid announced the sec- tional meeting to be held at Bayfield. October 8; Mrs. Reid, Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. McGill delegated to attend. Final plans were made for the Autumn Thankoffering to be held Sunday evening, Octob- er 6. Mr. Carson, Londesboro, will be 'guest speaker. Miss Kate McGregor gave the ladies a report on the lead- ers' school which she attended at Alma College. This, by her report, was both an interesting and busy three• days. Mrs. Wood introduced the new book for study, "Partners in South Asia" and' gave a sum- mary of the first chapter, Mrs. McGill read a letter of appeal for help and the ladies approv- ed of sending a bale in the near future. . A small sale of bulbs, plant slips, etc., was held, proceeds to go to the expense fund. Study Africa The Mary and Marthas held their first meeting since the summer recess, last Tuesday evening in Wesley-Willis Unit- ed Church parlour. Mrs. W, C. Bennett 'conducted the worship service, assisted by Mrs. James McLaren. The final chapters of the study book "Not Tomorrow— Now" were capably presented by Mrs. Les Pearson. She sum- marized the book by outlining for the ladies Dr. A. C. For- '25 Yea,i's, Ago „., • Jack Perdue has gone to Windsor where he will renew a winter engagement with Red Ruhl and his popular dance orchestra. The 'Huron-Bruce Oil Comp- any have awarded. a contract for drilling on the Howard Tre- wartha farm to Gregory and Son of Petrolia, Work will start in 1.0 days. Our .window this week looks like a fall fair exhibit. The raspberries were sent in by Mrs. R, G, Thompson, Goderich Township, and Mrs. Ernest Lawson and T. Herman, town. William Walker brought in the strawberries. First OAC team to win in a major United States competi- tion is the record set by the 1938 squad. Members of the team and leading scorer is Frank Archibald, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Archibald, Tuckersmith- Township. The Hospital Aid Association have been fortunate in securing the services of Mrs, Kate Alt- ken, well-known cooking expert to demonstrate at a cooking school on Tuesday. One of the worst fires in Clinton occurred on Sunday when the frame residence of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Taylor was badly damaged. 15 Years Ago During a severe electrical storm that struck the Auburn district about 4:00 a.m. Thurs- day, the line barn on the farm of Donald Thompson, RR 2, Auburn, was destroyed by fire. . Over 700 fans were in Hen- sail when Clinton Colts edged Strathroy 4-2 to take the series and the right to advance to the next round of OBA playoffs. John Leppington, 20, and El- rest's three lasting impressions of Africa, Dr. Forrest found it most de- pressing that so many people, especially children, live in ex- treme poverty; he was amazed at the buildings and beautiful scenes found in the cities; he found the missionaries to be deeply devoted to their work, Miss K. McGregor'. outlined the new study book "Partners in South Asia". It involves studying the living conditions and social morals found in In- dia, Pakistan, Nepal and Cey- lon. The business meeting was conducted by the leader, Miss Billie Stewart. The treasurer's report shoWed a low balance of $223.00, a problem that has to be rectified if the allocation is to be reached by the end of the year. • In this connection it was de- cided that the unit would pub- lish a recipe book of "Christ- mas Goodies", to be ready ear- ly in Novemer. Each member is requested to bring two of her favorite recipes to the October meeting. The Country Fair, taking place on Saturday, October 19, is being convened by Mrs. Douglas Bartliff, assisted by the Mary and Martha's. Mrs. Benson Sutter and Mrs. Wes Holland entertained with a musical number. • Fidelity Unit Fourteen ladies answered the roll call at the meeting of this group by reciting a favorite Bible verse. After the first hymn, Mrs. don Gliddon, 20, 'both of Mo. ton, were seriously inured in a two-car crash. near 13rticefield. Fred Parry, Clinton, ,has been rented the upstairs of the .town hail from now until the end of April for Friday night dances. Rent is 4;50(), Roy Bros., Londesboro, rank- ed fourth in the Huron County wheat club competitions. Clare Maltby, Clinton, won the senior boys' title in the Huron Schools track and field meet this week,. Ontario Premier George Drew has been chosen leader of the progressive Conservatives of Canada. 10 Years Ago Bill McDonald and Ken Pat- terson teamed up to pitch Au- burn to the Ontario juvenile "D" crown, Bill Craig managed the champs: J. Douglas Thorndike has been awarded the Coronation Medal to "commemorate the Coronation of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in June of this year. Dr. W. J. Dunlop, Minister of Education, officially' opened the new Clinton Public School, Thursday. Mildred and Ross Merrill were elected president of the Ontario Street Happy Doubles club this week. Other exec!,• tive members are: Gwen and Gordon Murdock, Lois and Cecil Elliott, Florence and Don Symons. Infants baptized at Wesley- Willis United Church on Sun- day were: Brian Kenneth Ed- gar, Margaret Helen Bartliff, Marilyn Marie Holland, Mait- land Jeffrey Falconer and Mel- vin Wayne Cantelon. A concentrated effort by the Bayfield Lions and Agricultural Society members resulted in the new arena being completed in time for the annual fair. N. Shepherd read the words of Hymn 178 in tribute to the memory of Mrs. Epps, whose death occurred during the sum- mer, and a few moments of silence were observed, The chief feature of the wor- ship program was a period of Bible study conducted by Mrs. N. Holland, on the topic, "The responsibility of taking the name `Christian'." The study was based on the 'parable of the rich man and Lazarus. This passage was read in three different translations. The members were then sep- arated into three small groups to discuss the passage and to give their answers when the groups -came together again. DANCE AT BLUEWATER DANCELAND FRIDAY 10:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. TO DESJARDINE ORCHESTRA 19tfb From Our Early Files * go Wesley- Willis UCW Groups Meet, Study Africa, Hear Reports of Events