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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1971-04-01, Page 4Where is our morality? A doctor in California this week made the disturbing prediction that in some urban sections of California 20 per cent of high school students would suffer from venereal disease before they got their diplomas. His prediction is frightening, but comparable figures could probably be made in urban areas of Ontario (the comparison could even be worse since our kids have an extra year of high school to work with). The world is facing a catastrophic growth in the disease that was once thought to be under control. Our miracle drugs which were thought to be the cure aren't working any more. But, as an eminent Toronto doctor said recently, the real problem isn't the lack of a cure, but the lack of prevention. The doctor put it bluntly when he said modern society has the morals of an alley cat. How long will it be before more people discover, like the doctor, that we are not the culmination of millions of years of development, the peek of human evolution? We' are so smug. Fooling ourselves with the fact that we have access to more knowledge than any other society in history, we think that we are necessarily more knowledgable. We think that we can discard morals that have evolved over thousands of years,.as if they were silly superstitions. But we are now beginning to realize that there were reasons for those morals, that they were not just imposed on society by the churches/ but were built in as a protection to ourselves. This realization that we are not as clever as we thought could be the most important discovery in the twentieth century. Educated for what? A news release from Fanshawe College this week trumpeted the arrival of a new course at the college beginning next year for broadcast journalists. But do we need more? One of the troubles of the community colleges since their beginning several years ago has been that they were training people for jobs that didn't exist. The people who planned courses didn't seem to do enough research into whether or not there was a need for the graduates. From this seat it would seem this course is another one of those surplus-producing courses. This editor has many friends who, graduating in 1969 from an already-recognized school of broadcast journalism, found getting a job in the field a hard task. Add to this the number of displaced print media journalists looking for any kind of job in either newspapers or radio and television and it is not easy /o envy the graduates of this new course. Ten years ago, there were only three schools in Canada teaching journalism: the University of Western Ontario, Carleton University and Ryerson Polytechnical Institute. Then suddenly the community colleges burst on the scene, really all' offering short two-year courses in the subject. But the old schools already were filling the requirements of the profession and suddenly there were about three times as many people looking for jobs as there were job openings. As a result, everyone has suffered. It was the same way .in so many other areas. The educators have failed to analyse the market so the student, is the one who suffers. Clearly a drastic re-examination of courses must be undertaken or we will continue to waste valuable educational space and money, and more important the lives of students, in worthless courses. Until then, it will be up to students to explore the potential future they might have in taking any college course. Koffee House to open soon AC)18[3.6..e so.i.r.•••••••••••%•• ...4••••••••••• • 'IA) 7-WE FlkS'r PL./ Ick ) DR sPocx Is 4 -74//13/RD A .VAJD 7 --4,- Skre040 P4 Are k XT Lc.. Me SA1 )7 — 7 -Ale Bay's 22SYC.. 2"-/Ar _Z - " Days of Dogma t Julius didn't enjoy March, Ides either Amalgamated THE HURON NEWS-RECORD Established 1865 1924 Established 1881 Clinton News-Record A member of the Canadian Weekly Newspaper Association, Ontario Weekly Newspaper Association and the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) second class mail registration number — 0817 SUBSCRIPTION RATES,: (in advance) Canada, $6.00 per year; U.S.A., $7.50 KEITH W, ROULSTON — Editor J. HOWARD AITKEN — General Manager Published every Thursday at the heart of Huron County Clinton, Ontario Population 3,475 .THE HOME OF RADAR IN CANADA THE CLINTON NEW ERA 4 Clinton ' News-Record, Thursday, APO 1, 1971 One last boot in the behind for March, and then let us leave it and the whole perishing winter that has embattled this land, this year, and move on to higher thoughts. March is known for very little, beyond giving everyone the last, and worst bout of 'flu for the year. However, we'll give it its due. One of its oldest associations is with Julius Caesar. Wealthy, dictator of Rome, outstanding general, and well on his way to becoming the first emperor of the mighty Roman Empire, he was a victim of March. Big Julie was taking part in a procession during the Feast of' Lupetcal, which is neither here nor there. As the parade wended its way to wherever it was going, through the terrible traffic of ROme, which is still terrible, a seer (this is usually a chap who can't see, except into the future) stePped in front of Caesar's chakiot. This is a custom, I understand, that is faithfully foildwed by pedestrians in Rome to this day. Anyway, the old nut croaked in sepulchral tones, "Beware the Ides of March." Now, in those days, the Ides of March meant the fifteenth of March. This was just a few days away. And when a seer tells you to beware, you'd better be wary. Those seers don't mean you're going to wake up on the given day with a hangover, or 'even worse, a hangnail. Unfortunately, Julius was a bit deaf in one 'ear sand also had You are probably wondering where all the equipment for this is coming from. We have some wonderful people who have come forward with help in various areas. For example: a number of stores have donated some carpet samples for the floor. However, we are in great need of any carpet ends that are available as the floor is quite large; one family has donated a piano, which we value highly; a number of low tables are being especially made and donated by another family; a cooler has been made available to us by a soft drink company; wallpaper samples and odd rolls were given by one store and various people; also there have been financial donations thereby allowing us to purchase paint and supplies to work with. No work would have been accomplished, however, if it hadn't been for the capable work force of young people, numbering up to 35, who have been out on the nights we've had work parties. his annual March cold and was coughing so loudly he couldn't have heard the last trump. So he missed the message. You guessed it. Right on the nose, on the Ides of March, he was filled full of cold steel, Not by student activists, or black militants, but by trusted, nay, beloved fellow-members, of the Roman Senate. It should, perhaps, be pointed out that the Roman Senate differed in some respects from the Canadian Senate. In those days, senators were not just old politicians put out to pasture, or party bag-men. Some of them Were under forty, and they all knew how to handle a shin. That sort of thing just couldn't happen in the Canadian Senate. The worst that could Occur would be tripping over a cane, or being run over by a wheelchair, or bludgeoned to death by a speech. However, that is all, as the saying goes, ancient history. The only lesson to be learned from it is that when you hear a seer, don't sneer. Especially in March, Ides of. Another event for which March is reasonably well known is St. Patrick's Day, the 17th. Perhaps "reasonably" is not the word here, since 1,t is a celebration of one of the patron saints of Ireland (the other is King Billy), and who 'ever met a reasonable Irishman? I'm 'almost pure Irish, on both sides. But let them keep their precious saints, both Patrick and Billy, in Ireland, where the bog-trotters can bash each If anyone reading this feels urged to help in any way, the needs are still numerous. Besides the carpet samples mentioned before, we require cushions — old chesterfield cushions (can be covered easily!), throw cushions or anything that could be used for stuffing — nylons, foam rubber, etc. Any odd pieces of material that could be used for covering these cushions. We also need a kind hearted electrician who would help out with lighting and anyone who knows about putting in a sound system with the same kind heart would be warmly welcomed. We also need, of course, some items to work with in these areas. It is very hard to put everything in one letter so we urge anyone who is interested in helping in any way or anyone wishing more information or to voice any argument or agreement to contact us at 482-9192 or above Eaton's any night the lights are on. Sincerely, Hank and Beryl Gelling others' brains in, their favourite sport. Must say, it makes my blood run a bit cold, though, when some Canadian with eight drops of Irish blood in him decks out in a green tie and a shamrock and gets into that "Top o' the mornin' "routine. And it makes me want to throw up, every St. Pat's Day, when a Jewish comedian starts tossing around "riegorrah's" or an Italian tenor, all misty-eyed, warbles, "When Irish eyes are smiling." It's as incongruous as a Canadian seventh-generation United Empire Loyalist making a big fuss about St. Wladislas: Day, or Channukah, or Buddha's birthday. Each to his own, and vive la difference. See how the month of March gets me worked up? Other months rhyme with something pleasant. June with moon and swoon. July with fly — to Europe or somewhere. September with remember. But March goes with such delightful connotations as starch and arch (as in fallen). The only other thing for which March is noted is the vernal equinox, the 21st, the first day of spring ha ha. Vernal suggests green. Take a look out. Snow white or mud brown. Equinox is from the Latin: equus — horse; nosy — night. Spells nightmare. March, right? Adieux, farewell, auf wiedersehn and aux revolt, March, May you rot in July. The Argyle Syndicate Yet another of those man-on-the-street surveys, this time in Toronto, has revealed once more that the level of general knowledge of the average man and woman is pitifully, shockingly low. From time to time Canadian newspapers conduct similar polls and discover invariably that our adult population, while it boasts one of the world's lowest illiteracy rates, is incredibly ill-informed. One in 10 in this latest test knew the name of our minister for external affairs. One in 30 could name the Speaker of the House of Commons. Four out, a five Canadians could not locate Vietnam geographically. So it goes. Yet, curiously enough in the face of this absence of factual knowledge, any Canadian newspaper may send out a man-on-the-street reporter and secure forceful opinions on any issue — local, national or international. The Gallup boys, in particular, are forever sampling cross-sections of the public to ascertain its opinion on whether Trudeau has been a satisfactory prime minister, whether we should seal off American capital 10 YEARS AGO The Clinton News-Record March 30, 1961 "Huronview" is the name -chosen by the county home committee of county council for Huron's home for the aged. Approval of the new name was given by County Council last week after it was proposed by the Committee under chairman Reeve Roy Adair, Wingharn. Mayor W. J. Miller officiated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony which officially opened the new Bank of Montreal building at the corner of Ontario mid Victoria Streets, Clinton. SATO or Scholastic Aptitude Tests for Ontario is a new type of testing system for Grade 12 students. The purpose of the tests is to standardize achievement of all Grade 12 students throughout Ontario. 15 YEARS AGO The Clinton News-Record March 29, 1956 Most of Clinton's merchants have :decided to give this Friday night opening idea a try. Somehow we can't help but think that it will be a good idea, to try at least. 'Though some folk think it will ruin business, and generally antagonize customers, Rev. R.M.P. Bulteel, retiring minister of St. Paul's Anglican Church here, was presented with a life membership certificate and pin at Monday evening's meeting of Clinton Branch of the Canadian Legion. Mr. Bulteel, a former chaplain in this branch, is leaving Clinton shortly to retire in British Columbia. A spuetal ceremony took place in Varna United Church last Sunday, when a polished oak cornitunion table, the gift of the Woman's Association to the Church, was dedicated in a service conducted by Rev. T. J. Pitt. investment, whether we should continue • trade with South Africa. They've no trouble at all in getting firm answers. In short, it would seem reasonable to suggest that the so-called average man never had such strong persuasions or so little to back them up. How much has this to do with today's methods of mass communications? There, as we used to say, is the giant jack-pot question. On the surface it would seem that the public never had a better chance to be well-informed. Though the newspapers are fewer in number. circulation figures all over North America are at an all-time peak. Radio and its giant, awkward sister, television, reach into millions of homes with an increasing content of public affairs shows. Magazines which have all but totally abandoned fiction concentrate on the crucial issues of the day. Yet in all these various media, it seems clear, the plain, unvarnished fact is being supplanted by the purveyors of raw opinion. We've come into the era of The Expert, the man who takes 25 YEARS AGO The Clinton News-Record April 4, 1946 The long-awaited call for tenders for Clinton's sewerage system and sewerage treatment plant, has been made, according to an official advertisement in this issue of the News-Record and in two issues of a Toronto newspaper in the construction field. Veterans of Ontario St. United Church, Clinton, were honoured at a delightful "welcome home" banquet in the School Room of the church Thursday evening last, with more than 100 guests in attendance, including next-of-kin. Playing at the Roxy Theatre, Clinton — "And Then There Were None" with Barry Fitzgerald, Walter Huston and Louis Hayward. 40 YEARS AGO The Clinton News-Record April 2, 1931 There are two programs put on in Clinton during the year which always bring out good houses. They are the Collegiate Commencement in December and the Public School concert in March. The latter was put on last Thursday and Friday evenings in the town hall when the hall was comfortably filled on each occasion. The annual Spring Horse Show held in Seaforth on Tuesday was a splendid success. The day was 'exceptionally fine and the crowd was the largest that 'ever attended a 'spring show in Seaforth. The quality of horse flesh was very high and the judge, Wni. Merry field of Ridgetown remarked the 'task of placing horses was difficult owing to the very even quality of animals in each clasS, the facts and pre-digests them for the public and the public, it seems, is eager for the simple little pill that replaces the old-fashioned medicine. The surveys show us that newspapers are sold competitively by their columnists and their pundits. Millions look to opinionated writers for "the news." The newsmagazines such as Time and Newsweek offer interpretive views on the events of the week — in other words, how it looked to them, not necessarily how it was: If the public has a pain in its belly it may turn to Dr. Alvarez. In just the same way, if it has a doubt on its mind it may turn to dozens of experts who take the raw material of current history, filter it, sift it, subject it to their own prejudices and retail it as the gospel. The effect is obvious in the day's conformity of thought, the second-hand conviction and the triumph, as the surveys show so dramatically, of dogma over knowledge. Many educators and, indeed, many responsible men in the field of mass communications, are disturbed by the trend. Many believe, as the English novelist J. 55 YEARS AGO The Clinton New-Era March 30, 1916 The Hon. James Duff, Minister of Agriculture, in view of the farm labour situation, has sent a Communication to Mayors and Reeves of all municipalities, seeking co-operation in an attempt to fill the depleted ranks. Clinton has lost a prominent and popular citizen in the person of Mr. Joseph Rattenbury who passed away on Sunday morning. His father, the late William Rattenbury was one of the first settlers in Clinton, his little inn, situated where now stands the Molson Bank, giving Clinton its name, Rattenbury's Corners. Miss Sybil Courtice of Clinton, a missionary on furlough from Japan, gave two interesting addresses on mission work in that country in Central Methodist Sunday School ,(Stratford). She dealt especially with work among girls in Tokio at schools and an 'orphanage there. B. Priestley saw it, that "we spend millions on education only to have the good work undone by the mass communication experts waiting to pounce on the boys and girls as they come out of school." Or, like Professor Charles A. Siepmann, of New York University, they see in this new style of "news" the death knell of individualism. "There can be no doubt that we have far more facts stored in our memory than our ancestors had," Prof. Siepmann has written, "but perhaps a proper question to ask is: how many of these facts haVe we digested? How many of them have we made our own by mature, independent thought? How genuine, moreover, are our feelings? Are we reacting less to natural sensations in our daily life and thirsting more and more eagerly for new strong sensations? What, in other words, is happening to our thoughts and feelings as, increasingly, we allow others to play upon them?" These are surely valid questions when the future of mankind depends, as much as ever, on the search for truth. 75 YEARS AGO The Clinton New Era April 3, 1896 The Huron Bicycle Club, with about 90 members, has been formed, it is an amalgamation of the two clubs of last year, Mr. Henderson, of the bicycle factory, has donated caps to all the members. There is seemingly no good reason why a 24th of May celebration should not be gotten up here and made an annual affair, if taken hold of by some good active citizens or several of the local clubs, but if the town council made a grant toward this object, it would likely receive a rap over the knuckles from the same source that is now urging it. The South Huron Liberal Convention, called for Saturday, April 4th, has been indefinitely postponed, owing to the fact that the Dominion House does not adjourn over the Easter holidays, and the members who were expected to be present, cannot attend. Letter to the Editor The editor, The meagre coverage of the formal held at central Huron Secondary School may have been sufficient for some people — those who are interested only in names, dates and places — but it certainly did not do justice to the efforts of those who worked so hard to make this annual event a real success. The "AT-HOME" was held Friday, March 19th. Lionel Thornton and his Casa Royal orchestra provided the music which blended well with the atmosphere of the decorations. The decorating theme this year was "An English Country Garden."' On entering through the main door into the auditorium, guests crossed over a miniature bridge covered with climbing roses. To one's left lay an enchanting little pool, concealed in shadows and illuminated dimly by green and blue lights. The pool was complete with real goldfish, frogs and floating lily pads. The entire scene was surrounded with a carpet of lush, green grass. To the right of the bridge was a shaded area enclosed by a white picket fence and a rose-covered trellis. This area contained a number of small tables where guests could simply relax and enjoy the music. Elsewhere in the hall were a pair of bird baths, lilac and rose bushes, and a grouping of white wrought-iron lawn furniture. A rose arbor covered the front door beside the stage, and focal points where a real willow (which towered in the centre of the dance floor) glittering with thousands of strings of tinsel lit up by a green floodlight; and also, a tall white lattice-work screen, covered with dozens of vari-colored roses, which formed a background for the white wrought-iron throne. The throne was mounted on a platform to the left of the stage, in the front corner of the gym. A lunch, with fancy sandwiches, vegetable platters, cakes, and fruit punch, was served at 11 p.m. in the cafeteria. Special thanks and praise for a job perfectly done go to Diana Brochu, head of the Foods' Committee, and all the people who assisted in preparation or serving of the food. After lunch, everyone returned to the auditorium, where, at 12 midnight, the six nominees for C.H.S.S. School Queen 1971 grouped around the throne. The girls chosen this year were: Jo-Ann Bates, Diana Brochu, Sharon Keys, Agnes Lawrie, Betty Snell and Rhea Sturgeon. Dale Tasker, Students' Council President, kept us in suspense as long as he possibly could, finally tearing open the envelope to announce the new queen — Jo-Ann Bates. The queen was presented with a dozen red roses on a silver tray, and was crowned with a lovely sparkling tiara (courtesy Anstett Jewellers) by last year's queen, Sandy Idsinga. Then the new monarch and her escort began the next waltz, "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," and everyone joined them for the last set of the evening. The "AT-HOME '71" was the most enjoyable and successful one this writer can Sincere thanks to Rob McVean, head of the decorating committee, and all his helpers who put in long hours and did a splendid job. And once again, a "thank-you" to everyone who in any way helped to make the formal a great success, WE APPRECIATE YOU. Reg. Thompson "Keep your eyes on the road" is a piece of good advice for drivers, However, the Ontario Safety League points out that the road stretches behind your car, as well as in front. Good driving requires that you check your rear-view mirror repeatedly every few seconds — to keep aware of the movement of following traffic. The Editor: On Wednesday, March 17, we started work on a Koffee House in town. The location is above Eaton's, the address: 16 Albert Street. The program, entertainment ;, and decor will be geared to young people from 14 to 25. This will be a place for them to come and meet each other, exchange ideas and have stimulating discussions. On other than special nights various table games will be available. We intend to have some Talk-In's, Sing—In's and an Under Attack program. Also, from time to time, some special music groups. These are some ideas to start with, but our program will remain flexible and open for any suggestions. For refreshments a small snack bar will be open with coffee, soft drinks, potato chip products and peanuts. At least one young married couple will be on hand each night it is open to sponsor and help out in any way they can.