HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1966-09-22, Page 4Growing
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SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND
Member: C.W.N.A., C.C.N.R. and ABC
Publishers: J. M. Southcott, R. M. Southcott
Editor: Bill Batten
Advertising Manager: Val Baltkalns
Phone 235-1331
Oversight can create problems
One can .only regret that from time
to time public bodies insist on holding
meetings without notifying the press,
who represent the public.
Exeter council held a special ses-
sion last week at which time matters
of reasonable importance were dis-
cussed. Public money was authorized
to be spent and a town employee was
dismissed from his duties.
Perhaps the fact the press was not
informed of the meeting may be re-
garded as an oversight; but oversights
are too common where public bodies
are concerned, and can only be regard-
ed as a careless disregard of the peo-
ple's right to know.
The fact that an employee was dis-
missed may suggest to some that coun-
cil had something to hide from the
public 'in this regard. While this was
not true in this particular case, it does
point up the problems that can accrue
when people come up with improper
conclusions through not being properly
informed.
04
Need some guidelines
The question of pay for elected
and appointed officials cropped up
again last week when the board at
SHDHS voted to double their honor-
arium to $30 per month.
There was ample precedent for the
move: the School Administration Act
allows the amount to be paid and most
boards in this area have apparently
done so.
As noted in the report of the dis-
cussion, the board did not make the
move unanimously. It was carried by
the slim vote of five to four, and as
one member noted, it probably would
have been defeated had the other mem-
bers of the group been present for the
vote.
Those opposed to the move indi-
cated they were serving their com-
munities and therefore did not expect
to receive any remuneration.
That attitude is certainly the key
to the entire situation. However, the
difficult task comes in determining how
much one can be expected to do for
his community without some remunera-
tion.
These things still exist in some
boople and I believe that when
we encounter them we experience
again the fact that God is alive
in them and they still give us a
reason for hope and a reason
for faith.
I believe that today there is a
disproportionate emphasis on the
negative aspects of life. As in-
dividuals we are always worried
about what we lack and forget
the gains we have made.
We tend to know and find out a
great deal about the weakness
of our teachers and our educa-
tional structure. We tend to forget
just what a precious instrument
both have been in our own lives
and in our society as a whole.
The same attitudes are re-
flected in our thoughts about the
Church. It is fashionable, popular
and necessary today to rip the
Church up the middle and expose
its weakness. The Church Is
under fire, under the gun. I
believe that this as it should be.
We who are in the Church need
to know and need to be reminded
of the fact that we are human.
We need to understand the
humanity, the weakness, the fail-
ures of our all too human in-
stitutions.
But we must never forget that
there is something priceless in
the Church. There is something
priceless in its message. There
is something inextinguishable in
its faith and hope.
I believe that if what remains
of Christian faith and hope dies
life will be even more meaning-
less, even more formless and
even more sick than it now
appears to be to our artists and
writers.
By Val Baltkalns
74 ceoteadia9 ceide
volved with the erection of the new ad-
dition.
This may be true, but it is still
only conjecture on their part, and only
time will tell if their argument was
correct.
However, even if it is correct, will
this board — or following boards — de-
cide in the future that because there
are no more building projects, they
should reduce the amount of their hon-
orarium?
We doubt it very much, and this
is the unfortunate aspect of the situa-
tion. Future board members will con-
tinue to draw the same remuneration,
even though their work may not war-
rant it.
On this basis, it would appear logi-
cal that some other method should be
used for setting the stipend, such as a
rate for each meeting and a subsequent
rate for special or committee meet-
ings. This is the method used by area
councils and it appears to be fair' in
that remuneration is received only
when warranted.
While the board voted to increase
their pay to $30 per month, they did
not set any stipulations on whether
members must be present to draw the
money, or whether members who ar-
rive late or leave early will be docked.
The School Administration Act
points out this is up to the discretion
of the individual boards and it appears
that it should be decided upon, al-
though the benefits being given most
members of the working class suggests
that the old practice of "no work, no
pay" is old fashioned.
Area ratepayers can perhaps ex-
pect one more aspect of the latest
board decision to affect them. At pres-
ent, most of the members are receiving
more money than their "bosses" on
some area councils, and we doubt that
little point will be overlooked when
councillors start taking a look at their
own honorariums. Other appointed of-
ficials on library boards, cemetery
boards, RAP, etc., may also give the
matter some attention.
It is perhaps unfortunate that
there is no clear cut definition of how
much an individual should be expected
to do for his community without some
remuneration.
There is a growing cynicism
in our time which pervades every
area of our life and threatens to
destroy faith and hope.
Most modern art and literature
purports to portray our life as
it is—formless, meaningless and
sick. These people seem to be
saying that love, joy, peace, kind-
ness, goodness, fidelity, gentle-
ness, self-control and many of
the other beautiful characteris-
tics of human life and the pres-
ence of the Spirit of God are
dead and buried.
I don't believe it. I want to
echo the following words of Dr.
David Read. I quote them be-
cause they so clearly correspond
with my own experience of many
summers of reading novels and
books of every description.
He says, "I have recently read
several of the best selling novels
of our day during sea crossings
of the Atlantic. The effect they
had on me was to make me want
to shout from one side of the
ocean to the other: 'Is this all
that human life adds up to? Is
there nothing more than squab-
bling and neuroses and de-
pression and spending money and
ruminating and fornicating and
taking drugs?'
"Sure we know the power of
the dark forces that threaten
human life. We know the anguish
and the boredom that afflicts
mankind."
"But do we not also know
another force at work among
men? Is there not a devine en-
ergy found that works for love
and joy and peace and all those
other words that the cynics have
deflated and abandoned?"
"Surely this is a moment for
the Church to proclaim and live
by the energy of the Spirit of
God. Yes, the Christian is one
who knows what the evil powers
can do. He has been to Calvary
where the black night settled on
the Son of Man and the anguish
and misery of life were exposed
in all their horror. But he has
also been to the Easter garden
and knows something of that de-
vine energy that was the victory
of love".
I choose to place my bets with
Dr. Read. I believe that we still
meet love, joy and peace. We
still meet patience and kindness.
We can still experience and en-
counter goodness, fidelity and
self-control. We can still ex-
ercise them too.
For the first time in a number
of years, schools in this area
have reported no major increases
in enrolments. In fact, most
either ((held the line" or even
dropped.
Of interest is the fact that many
other Ontario municipalities re-
corded similar evidence that the
school population boom may have
reached a levelling off stage.
If this is true, it will be
welcomed by most taxpayers who
may now be able to catch their
breath and pay off the debts of
school additions that have beenik
put up to meet the demands of the
past.
However, before we become
too elated, it should be noted
that the closing of CFB Cen-
tralia was due in large measure
to the decreased numbers in this
area, and if we are successful
in attracting some industry into
filling the facilities there, the
number of students would prob-
ably increase again.
some five years previously grad-
uated out of grade 13.
Is a person on a school board or
council doing any more for his com-
munity than a minor hockey coach, a
youth leader or a member of any num-
ber of appointed bodies whose mem-
bers do not receive any pay? Is a de-
cision of where to dig a drain any
more important than helping a young-
ster grow up to be 'a better citizen?
How do you determine a just pay-
ment for any official? Should it be set
on the amount of time he is required
to give up to serve in his capacity?
Should it be dependent upon the
amount of money with which his board
will deal? Or, should it be based upon
the amount of 'his participation?
This, of course, is a subject which
has been debated at great lengths in
the past. Some argue that higher pay
entices more qualified persons. Others
argue that all it does is attract people
who need the money.
The main argument used by board
members to warrant the pay increase
for their services, was the fact that
they will be called upon to give up
more time to administer the duties in-
b21
"Herb, I think this peak has
been scaled before."
The news that the enrolment
at SHDHS was down some 100
was met with mixed reaction in
the district. Immediately, we
were met with the opinions of
some that the addition should
not have been undertaken.
This opinion would appear to be
reasonable on the evidence of
some of the figures, but there is
much more to consider in this
respect.
Many people apparently have
forgotten that many students from
this area attend classes at
Clinton, and while the enrolment
is down here, there are another
130 attending classes in Clinton
to make the total seco nd a r y
school population in this district
close to the 900 figure.
Another item that has been for-
gotten by many people is the fact
that the local high school has
been overcrowded for some
time--even without accommodat-
ing the students at Clinton.
To refresh some memories,
an addition for SHDHS was pro-
posed over three years ago due
to the overcrowded conditions,
and while enrolment is down
this year, the figure is still over
that of three years ago when the
first plans for an addition were
approved.
However, the real ((clincher"
in stating that the addition is
still required, is the fact that
most of it is required to provide
a technological education for area
students.
This newspaper has supported
this move since the idea was first
presented, because a technolog-
ical education suits the needs of
the majority of students, whereas
the present system provides the
greatest benefit for those who
plan to enroll in university
courses or other institutions of
higher learning.
Students with this ability are
certainly in a minority and this
is proven by the graduation fig-
ures over the years. Each year
only a small percentage of stu-
dents who had entered grade nine
The protection of others
In most minor accidents that hap-
pen on our streets, there is usually
some broken glass liberally scattered
over the pavement.
Such was the case at one recent
accident in Exeter and the glass re-
mained at the scene for some time be-
fore it was cleaned up—or at least
ground into the pavement or tires of
passing motorists.
The consequence to tires is not
difficult to imagine and there certainly
should be some system for getting the
glass removed as soon after accidents
as possible.
We're not convinced that sweeping
The courses to be offered when
the addition is completed will be
of great value to the majority
of students in this area as it will
give them training in skills that
will better equip' them to enter
the working world, as well as
institutions of higher learning
where they can improve upon
their skills and knowledge.
For too long, our education
system has placed an emphasis on
training students for university
education and the majority with-
out the ability were left to drift
on their own.
With today's wages for most
skilled craftsmen, many of these
people will be able to attain an
equal wage standard with some of
their counterparts going through
university and this should do
much to eradicate the common
folly of many people who believe
that success comes only to those
with degrees.
College should not be seen as
the unique key to happiness, self-
respect and inner confidence.
On this note, Toronto author
Hugh Garner has some harsh
words about the university-or-
bust view:
((The trend toward college ed-
ucation for the masses is a
snare foisted on the obviously
unfit by snob Moms and Pops
who want a college grad in the
family, by pendants who think a
knowledge of biometrics more
important than being able to
change a tire, and by semi-
literate yahoos who believe those
without a college degree will not
be able to earn a living."
He says education may mean a
widening of interests for some,
but not for all. And, he claims,
there are skilled mechanics and
tradesmen with bigger incomes
than ((college-trained misfits".
up 'the streets is really the job for
policemen although they can be better
equipped and prepared to handle the
job than anyone else. In fact, the OPP
are usually very careful to remove all
debris before leaving an accident scene.
Perhaps then it is not so unreal-
istic to suggest that members of the lo-
cal department be equipped with a
broom to clean up and thereby protect
other unwary motorists who come upon
accident scenes.
If this is not possible, then they
should certainly charge those involved
in accidents with the offence of litter-
ing the streets if glass is not removed
as quickly as possible. LETTERS TWE EDITOR
Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 Amalgamated 1924
10 YEARS AGO
South Huron District High
School students el ected Bill
Pollen, outstanding scholar and
athlete, to their top position
Tuesday. He was elected pres-
ident of the Student Council.
Snow and rain hit the area
Thursday afternoon to cut the
gate receipts at Exeter Fair in
half. A large crowd attended the
dance at night which ended the
three-day exhibition.
Mrs. John Hunk in, Exeter,
swept the majority of prizes in
the flower department at Exeter
Fair again this year with 21
firsts and three seconds.
In a drama-packed council
meeting at Hensall Monday night,
Reeve Norman Jones cast the
deciding vote to end the stale-
mate over the new Hensall school
and paved the way for construc-
tion to begin this fall.
25 YEARS AGO
Bring your junk for the Red
Cross and receive coupons for
the Lions Club draw on a Shet-
land pony, bicycle or $50 War
Savings Certificate. The junk
must be brought in before the
Frolic next Thursday and Fri-
day.
A grant of $500 was made to
the Exeter-Hensall branch of the
Canadian Legion for the purpose
of fixing up their building on Main
St. as a rec. centre for the
soldiers and airmen who will
visit Exeter in view of the new
service flying school now in
course of construction.
Between 2,500 and 3,000
persons passed through the gates
at Exeter Fair Thursday after-
noon making the attendance one
of the best the annual fair has
ever had.
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Ratz (the
former Helen McLinchey) were
married in Greenway Anglican
Church, Saturday, September 20.
This month, my wife and I
will observe, with the customary
stunned incredulity, our 20th
wedding anniversary. It's a long
time to live with a strange wom-
an. Especially when she becomes
stranger every year.
At time of writing, I don't
know just what form the cele-
bration will take. A fatted calf
wouldn't be appropriate. Besides,
we don't have a fatted calf, only
a prodigal son. None of our
mortgages are anywhere near
the burning stage, for the oc-
casion. And we are definitely
not going to celebrate the event
by starting a new family. But
I'll think of something.
A friend of mine has an old
dog. He's a huge boxer, about
11 years of age. My friend some-
times, when he feels like being
depressed, begins figuring out
how much that mutt has cost
him over the years. It's now
running about $1,400.
I develop a flutter in my left
eyelid and a twitch in my cheek
every time I flirt with the
thought of what that woman 'has
cost me in the last two decades.
Take my word, it's over $1,400.
The first couple of years wer-
en't so bad. I was a veteran,
going to university, and our to-
tal income was $80 a month. We
didn't save much, but we stag-
gered through, with the help of
vacation jobs. When the first
baby arrived, we were in clover,
as the government jumped our
allowances to an opulent $88.
After graduation, life became
rosier. I reeled into the weekly
newspaper business, with a take-
home pay of $35 a week. But
even at that, the Old Girl man-
aged to squander every cent of
it, She blew it on food and fur-
niture and similar fripperies and
frills.
About six years later, when I
was up to $50 a week, and could
see with satisfaction the possi-
bility of building up a nice little
estate, she sabotaged me again.
Said we needed a car. And we've
never been out of debt since.
From there on, it was down-
hill all the way. She began think-
ing money grew on me, and as
ileillillattetikwukelml W114.4
Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ont.
Authorized as Second Class Mall, Post Office Dep't, Ottawa,
and for Payment of Postage in Cash
Paid in Advance Circulation, March 31, 1966, 4,180
15 YEARS AGO
Ideal weather conditions pre-
vailed for the big day of the
Exeter Fair and was one of the
factors in making the day one of
the best in the history of the
society.
Mr. and Mrs. John S mith ,
Crediton, marked 63 years of
married life at a family gath-
ering last week.
Lorne Passmore, RR 3 Exeter,
captured top honors in the South
Huron Plowing Match for the
third year in a row when he
won the open tractor class Wed-
nesday afternoon.
Mr. Jack Mailed Of London
was in town for Fair Day and,
as he has done for many years,
played the kettledrums with the
Exeter Band.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $5.00 Per Year; USA $7.00
discuss this project at their next
meeting.
Again, the C.A.S. wishes to
thank everyOne Who In any way
helps the Society. The heart-
Warming letters from the par-
ents indicate the Value of this
assistance: SfgeW s /61,.
Seek help
The Huron County Children's
Aid Society wishes to thank all
the organizations and individuals
who contributed to their Camp
project. Through their generos-
ity 30 children were able to
attend Camp this summer.
Following the precedent set
last year, •the C.A.S. again is
making early plans to take care
of needy children at Christmas.
Last year over 500 children
throughout the county were re-
membered.
This project takes many weeks
of planning, wrapping and deliv-
ering. Since much of this work
is done by volunteer help, an
early start is essential.
The public appeal last year
for clothing and donations was
most gratifying, and again the
C.A.S. is asking for help. Child
ren's clothing, toys, etc. should
be at the Court House, Goderich,
not later than November 1.
Organizations who make an
annual donation are asked to
50 YEARS AGO
The Exeter Fair on Monday
and Tuesday of this week was
one of the best that has been held
for many years. The showing of
horses and cattle was good and
there were stacks and stacks of
the most exquisite fancy work.
Miss Gladys Kestle left last
week for Monte Cello to resume
her duties as Scheel teacher.
Mr. C. F. Hooper, the local
egg man, had an exhibit of eggs
at London Fair last week.
Messrs. Jones & May haVe
decided to heat their store with
the hot water system, the contract
being given to W. J. Heamati.
the income mounted slowly, the
debts mounted swiftly. It was
"Gimme, gimme, gimme" all
the way.
We'd been married only about
10 years when she began agitat-
ing for a house. The cosy little
two rooms, with shared bath,
weren't good enough any more.
Oh, no. Not for her. Just be-
cause a lot of other fool people
lived in houses, we had to. And
I was fool enough , or weak
enough, to go along with it.
Eventually, I reached that
plateau of success which had,
once seemed only a dream—
$100 a week. Do you think that
satisfied her? Not on your na-
vel. She kept right on hurling
money in all directions. Out went
the scrubboard and in came one
of those big, white washing ma-
chines. Out went the ice-box and
in came that other big thing that
makes the ice cubes. Out went
the nice quiet carpet sweeper
and in came one of those bel-
lowing, swollen vacuum things.
By this time, it was too late
to put a finger in the dyke. Be-
sides, I needed all my fingers
for counting up our payments.
No, the only solution was nose
to the grindstone and turn the
wheel faster and faster. I once
had a huge, hooked Roman nose.
You should see it now. Eskimo
size.
Now, I don't want you to get
the wrong idea. Don't think for
a moment that my partner of 20
years is extravagant. She's never
once pressed for a Cadillac. She
doesn't own any mink, not even
ear-muffs. She hasn't whined for
a trip to Europe. (That little
trip to Vancouver this summer
was merely a soft mother's heart.
She had to see her first-born.)
No, she's not demanding.She'll
wear a dress as often as twice.
She's perfectly willing to be seen
in a year-old car, month-old
shoes or last week's coat. She
didn't even want her children to
g6 to private schools. Just have
their teeth straightened and take
music lessons at $13 a whack.
And I bear no malice, I'm like
the guy in the cartoon, a big
business success, who told the
interviewer, "Everything I have,
I owe to the sheer greed of my
Wife."
It's been a great honor and
privilege to spend 20 years Wrap-
ped around a lovely lady'S little
finger. I wouldn't feel com-
fortable in any Other posture. So
happy whadda-ya-call-it,
ling,
k,