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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1965-12-16, Page 4EDITORIALS Is planning wrong? 0 4 0 I m 1r GOO" *11144P4 • N hrr 1 /4C1' Kerr's Korner is, if it is ever discovered). Unfortunately many people approach Christmas with the unspoken thought of, "what are we going to get" rather than "what can we give someone which will make them truly happy and will be a reflection of our feelings to- wards them?" This same attitude applies to the "hinters" who are reasonably sure they will be getting a gift and make casual suggestions and remarks which leave no doubt as to what their preference would be. And the donors go along with the idea and a most common question during the month of December is, "what do you want for Christmas?" ((What do you want for Christmas?" is one question which should not be asked. If the person doing the giving has not enough interest to consider the person he intends to give a gift to, and choose something which he feels he would like to give as a gift, then there is no reason to give the gift. If the person receiving the gift does not receive it and value it because of the spirit of giving which came with it, then that person is not worthy of the gift. I do not pretend to hold myself as an example of this which I speak. Although I can honestly say I have never taken a gift back to a store to have it exchanged, I do accept hints. I buy things this way be- cause I strongly suspect that the other people involved appreciate this more than if I went out and purchased something which in my judgement the person would like. There can be little argument as to the fact that most people give gifts or send cards because they feel they have an ob- ligation rather than because they have any real feeling or desire to do this. One in- dication of this is the last minute sale of Christmas cards with people rushing to send a card to someone they had no in- tention of sending to, but who has sent a card and therefore must be "remem- bered". In some cases this is an over- sight in deciding the Christmas card list but in the majority of cases the above is true. And there are people who take a great delight in volume. These people will brag as to the number of cards they receive. It would be wonderful if these same people could learn the enjoyment of receiving just one Christmas card, and knowing the true reason it was sent. Enough of these thoughts. Donna Jones who works for us com- mented last week that she had driven past our house and seen 'Merry Christmas' written on the window backwards. I had to explain to her that June had been a little exuberant and had sprayed it on without thinking of what it would look like after- wards. We put up our Christmas tree last weekend and after it was decorated June found a pressure can of snow. After cover- ing part of the tree and most of the ornaments with this she started looking around for other places to decorate. I suggest a Christmas greeting on the window and before I could say anything she had the curtains pulled aside and a cheery "Merry Christmas" sprayed on the window. When I commented that it might have looked better had it been sprayed on the outside so that people passing by could read this she was a little disturbed. "It's your fault. You make me do these stupid things, why didn't you tell me?" These were her comments and I still can't con- vince her that she sprayed that on before I had a chance to say anything. I'll be in the dog house again for tell- ing this I guess, because June is still asking for a retraction for my comments' about her baking. She says it isn't true that we eat out of cans all the time — sometimes we have TV dinners. June has a cartoon she would like me to publish but I'm afraid it would mean my job. Its a picture of Santa Claus in a snowbank with the sleigh upset on the roof of a small building with a half moon in the door. Santa is in the middle of saying, "No Dancer, you fool, I said the Schmidt house." I don't think Bob would appreciate that so I will leave it out. , ;< fr ; • • ) RENT A SAFETY DEPOSIT BOX FOR JUST $4.00 A YEAR AT 235-0530 ,5 I I I I I I I IIIIII11111111111111111119111111111911111119 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE, E-. EXETER E-- BELL LINES by W. W. Haysom your telephone manager -gligetd 40. • 11111 I 1111 I I ell I 111111111 I I I I I I I I I I 1111 I all I I I I I I 11111 I 111111111 I I I I 1111 I I I 111111111 1111 111111 No season of the year demands more preparation than the Ad- vent season prior to Christmas. This is true even in a purely secular sense. Businessmen have been pre- paring their advertising and sell- ing promotions for weeks and months. Hours and days have been spent ordering and arrang- ing larger stocks. When we do our own shopping it is good to re- member that someone took the time to be prepared to serve us with all the things we feel we want at this time of year. Each home becomes a beehive of activity. My wife is caught up with b a k in g, with Christmas cards, with forming lists of gifts. We have spent the best part of a day trying to fit requirements for relatives into our budget. A lot of special preparation goes on around our various churches too. The messages are usually related to the Christmas event. The exceptionally fine mu- sic of the season gets a work out — and so it should — it's the best, the most joyous, the brightest music in our heritage. In short, the season seems to demand preparatory planning at just about every level. In fact this emphasis on planning seems to increasingly permeate our way of life. In almost every aspect of our lives we are beginning to sense the importance of pre- paration and planning. Our daily life is much less haphazard than it used to be. More and more areas of our life are being guided, controlled and in- fluenced by planning — govern- mental and otherwise and this appears to be an established trend of history. So it shouldn't seem strange that the Church over the years has a tradition which sets aside a time of preparation f o r the Christmas event. Advent has been primarily a time of preparation for a specific event the Gift and Coming of Jesus Christ. Tra- ditionally, it has been a time of thought to help us better under- stand what God's coming inJesus Christ meant and means. It re- minds us that we should "get ready" for something. I believe that the first thing we should be ready to grasp about Christmas is that it is pri- marily speaking about something God has done. It first of all speaks of God's action. He is re- sponsible for it. He is at the centre of it. He is in charge of it. That much at least is the core of the story. But the Christmas event also tells us that we have more than vague spirituality at the heart of God. It is a visible, physical concrete reminder of God's Pre- sence. The only way in which we can understand the spiritual is in the physical. And so in the Christmas story we have a phy- sical outward visible indication or suggestion of an invisible spiritual graciousness and love which is the heart of God. In the birth of that baby, in His life, death and resurrection, we have an opportunity to see 'in the flesh', if you like, the c har a c te r, graciousness, and love of God in the only way we can ever really 'see' it con- cretely in a person. This is how it has to be. We all come from Missouri at one time or other. With one of the songs from “My Fair Lady" we all sing 'show me' — “Don't talk of love lasting through time, show me now!" In this Christmas event God is trying to 'show us'. So may we be prepared to be shown something of the love of God at this season. may this re- minder of God's action be an occasion for joy. May it be 'good news'. May despair yield to hope; mistrust surrender to confid- ence; longing be overcome by certainty; defeat be swallowed up by victory. May we be prepared to see in the Christmas event the 'good will to men' that is at the heart of life, of creation, of God. May we be planning to deepen our awareness of the Friend who is at the heart of all things. May we accept the ultimate gift of the Season—His Presence, Goodwill, Forgiveness, Love and Life. 50 YEARS AGO The young people of Fairfield Line surprised Mr. and Mrs. Murray Elliott at their home bringing baskets and oysters. After supper a handsome parlor lamp was presented to the young couple. Col. H. B. Coombes, Mayor Shaw and A. H. Musgrove MPP were in Hensall Monday arrang- ing for the formation of a local recruiting committee to asSist here in getting recruits for the 16Ist, Rev. H. T. Crossley closed three weeks of successful evan- gelistic services in connection with the Methodist churthes in Exeter. Miss Gladys Kestle, Miss Ruby Wood of Hamilton Normal School, Miss Irno Sweet, Misa Ada Willis and Miss Florence Triebner of Stratford Normal are home for the holidays. 25 YEARS AGO A return of $4,000 with a prospect of increasing the sum from year to year, to say noth- ing of employing 15 men for eight months out of 12 is a good com- mercial enterprise for ohe firm to develop in Exeter by waxing turnips and shipping thetn to all parts of the United States, Santa Claus will visit Exeter December 31 and a theatre party for children will be sponsored by the Eketer-Hensall branch of the canadian Leglom Garnet Flynn has moved into his new barber shop in Dr. Cew- en's neW building on the east side of Main St. A. E. Wuerth was the first customer, A Petition of 34 ratepayers was read at Exeter Couneil ask- ing that Decenibet 26 be declared a public holiday. Petition was granted. 15 YEARS AGO Harry Strang, RR 1 Hensall, Ontario wheat growing champion for 1950 with a yield of 72 bushels per acre, was honored byfellow- members of the Huron Crop Im- provement Crop Association Fri- day and was presented with a table lamp. Two carloads members of Le- banon Forest Lodge AF&AM, Mo- tored to London Sunday afternoon and presented Thomas Fisher with a fifty year jewel. M ember s of James Street Evening Auxiliary entertained New Canadians at a Christmas party after their regular session at night sehool Tuesday. ClaYton Mathers was elected president of Canadian Legion at Grand Bend. 10 YEARS AGO Mayor R. E, Pooley celebrated his victory and election as mayor of EXeter by bowling with his team, the Tradesmen. It was the first town election ever run by the mayor; he was elected reeve acclairiation in 1951 and has been returned without a vote eVer since. Miss Trudy Pickard of Exeter and Mr. Bill Yungblut of Zurich, students at London Teacher s' College are practice teaching at Centralia public school this week. The freshmen OotincillOrs in- clude businessman Glenn Fisher and Bill Musser who are believed to be the youngest men to hold municipal office. The proposed dam in Usborne TOwnship was dubbed eils4Orrison Darn" in Nano, of the chairman of the AuSable River Conserva., tiOn Authority at the meeting in Parkhill MondaY, ek. .F or .dependoble _service. AFTER THE SALE "Herb, you left your toothbrush on the washbasin again!" ualaanannummanahamaimonaanummunianumiumnannaulanhoonuannanninuaniamai rp.x7 ONE MAN'S OPINION by John C. Boyne Preparation The suggestion that a committee of council investigate the feasibility and costs of renovating the present town hall and possible changes for the fire hall definitely has merit. It was wise for the com- mittee to ask direction from all council before con- tinuing with the investigation as it is obvious that not all members of council are in favor of some of the proposals suggested by the committee in pre- liminary reports. It is difficult to understand a councillor argu- ing against an investigation of a problem which sure- ly must be faced, and faced in the near future. Councillor Taylor in his remarks at the last council meeting made it abundantly clear that he is against the committee investigating the potential of the town hall and what costs would be involved in providing much needed accommodation for various municipal offices. For those who have not seen councillor Tay- lor in action he might well be described as a watch- dog of the treasury when any suggestion is made which will involve the spending of money. This is a good trait, and we would recommend that every council have at least one man who is extremely con- Throughout the year young people across Hur- on County are working on projects and learning by doing. These are the hundreds of boys and girls ac- tively participating in 4-H Club projects. Interest in these clubs is high with well over 90 per cent of all club members completing their projects. Although all of these young people will not stay on the farm, all will benefit from the experience of working to complete worthwhile projects. The knowledge these young people gain through working together and through competition will be an asset which will enrich their youth and be a pleasant memory throughout their lives. It is unfortunate that there is no comparable organization such as this for the young people in towns and cities. True there are youth activities such as cubs and scouts but it is doubtful whether any of these organizations can equal the program which the young people from rural areas receive through the 4-H Club work. With the editor in A message from the Ontario Safety League stresses the extra dangers around the home during the Christmas season. Among these dangers is that of poisoning of young children caused by the youngsters tasting the leaves or fruits of Christmas plants and decorations. One of the plants stressed in this mes- sage is called Diefenbachia which produces an immediate reaction causing the mouth and tongue to swell painfully, which ac- counts for another name sometimes given it, "dumb cane." The name, for some strange reason, brings to mind the name of the leader of apolitical party who also leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of some people, even some who support the policies which the party stands for. The secondary name for the plant might also be in order in this description. And speaking of Christmas, we have a few other thoughts about the customs and trends which are springing up from year to year. That Christmas is over commercial- ized is a conceded point by most people. The reasons behind this and how this oc- curred are not clear butI strongly suspect it was the avarice of the average human being which caused this and that is one of the reasons why it is so difficult to change this back to the original meaning of Christmas. The gift exchange idea promoted at stores is one of the growing number of new customs at Christmas time which does away with even the intent of gifts. People no longer exchange a gift simply because it Is the wrong size but exchange because it is the wrong color or exchange it for something altogether different and if they can talk a merchant into doing so, they will even exchange this for money. Those who favor this custom defend themselves with the argument that the giv- er intended them to have something they really liked or wanted and therefore they should be happy to see it ekchanged (that SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND Member: C.W.N.A., C,C.N.R. and ABC PUBLISHERS: J. M. teufficott, R. M. Southcon EDITOR: Kenneth Kerr ASTZIMOSEZ,M17.MMIt" scious, but there is a limit to which this watchful- ness should go. Arguing against the investigation of a prob- lem can be likened to the actions of the ostrich who buries his head in the sand when there is danger of trouble in sight. As the worthy councillor had no alternate proposals to make at that meeting we must presume that he is in favor of a policy of doing nothing. This of course should remind us of an old true saying, "the man who has never made a mis- take is the man who has never done anything." Members of the municipal council must always be alert to the needs of the community not only for the present term for which they are elected but also for the needs of the future. This can only be accomplished through active committees investigat- ing these needs and planning for the day when the projects should be carried out. There was no suggestion at the last council meeting that any changes for the town hall would be immediate. The committee is simply investigating the needs of each department in regards to space so that council can plan for the future. We can see no harm in this. The boys and girls who participate in this work are proud to be associated with the official em- blem and it is almost impossible to drive down a country road without seeing the sign "4-H club mem- ber lives here". Industries and business people rec- ognize the importance of this work and annually, at this time of year, contribute prizes and trophies to encourage participation by all the young people of the county. A word of tribute should be given to the many volunteers who donate of their time to assist with these projects. The leaders of these clubs are gen- erally people who have benefited by farm programs in their youth and are passing on their knowledge to the new generation. These people work year after year and their reward is watching young people grow into useful citizens. When new volunteers are needed we are sure that the leaders of tomorrow will be the 4-H club member of today. Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ont, Authorized es Second Class Mail, Post Office Dip% Ottawa, and for Paytnent of Pottage in Cash Paid in {advance Circulation, SePtembat 30, 1965, 4,208 SUBStRIPTION RATES: Canada $4.00 Par Year; USA *5.00 . . , see Hosan for Prepane Dee ond best 01,14iPPqe,s• Pur engineered in- stallotierfs ossure maximom effici- ency, lower operotina coos; safe dependable service, Hotson Propane 238-2005 GRAND BEND 1:MI11111111 111111111111111111111 1111111111 111110111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 PROTECTION FOR YOUR BONDS, STOCKS, INSURANCE POLICIES, IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND JEWELLERY AND OTHER VALUABLES. PROTECTION FROM FIRE, THEFT AND PRYING EYES. THE BLACKOUT AND THE TELEPHONE Recently in this column I explained how it is that the telephone continues to work in the event of a power failure — that our exchanges all have reserve -power in case of emergency. I was of course thinking of a lim- ited, local failure, and not at all of the power failure last month from southern Ontario to the Atlantic sea- board. Yet the result, as far as telephone service was concerned, was the same — all Bell exchanges where the power cut off occurred immediately switched to their standby power, and telephones kept on working. This was certainly important in averting uncer- tainty and panic and, with family members able to keep in touch, turned the blackout into an adventure for many. Yet, perhaps even more important was the role the telephone played in helping the power com- panies restore their service, With generating stations, transformers, switching systems and control centres located tens and even hundreds of miles apart, you can well imagine the physical impossibility of getting all the units to work together in harmony without being able to communicate from one to another, If telephone service had broken down as well, who knows how many days or weeks it might have taken to co-ordinate the restoral of elec- tric power? It would probably have been necessary to resort to radio communications, but even this would have been extremely difficult without the telephone. For example, how would you get out the directives to set up radio systems??? This expedient was not necessary because the Company maintains standby -power at all the power com- misSion's generating and transformer locations, area of- ficeS and switching centres. This reserve power went into use immediately to provide the Communications necessary for Ontario Hydro to testore regular power. And of course, once the regular power was restored, it took over from the batteries to "feed" the telephone system just as it usually does, 24 hours a day. The in- terdependence of power and communications utilities was shown very clearly. "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year"' The Staff of the Bell Telephone Co. A good program • Times Established 1W3 Advocate Established 111111 Amalgamated 1924 IrkpezeferVinefainsocafe