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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1966-09-22, Page 4Growing cynicism A stranger he lives with f exefeRintesittuocafe 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,