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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1966-09-29, Page 4Just go and do By Val Baltkalns 6.23 210* • r.... Smiley takes his stand. exeferZimesabuocafe SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND Member: C.W.N.A., O.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 Let's consider bags During the discussion on garbage pickup at last week's meeting of Exeter council, the idea, of using the new plas- tic bags rather than garbage cans was again presented. While the idea has been raised be- fore, some members were of the opin- ion they could not dictate the type of containers to be used by ratepayers. This may be true to an extent, but they certainly have certain avenues open to them if they feel that the plas- tic bags would reduce the costs through speedier handling of the garbage. Some communities now stipulate that householders use these bags by the simple means of supplying them free to all householders and adding the cost to the annual tax bill. This certainly suggests that these communities are finding this method more advantageous and it is quite pos- sible that by buying the bags in large quantities they get them at a price that is reasonable enough to be economical. In fact, if it speeds up the work of the garbage collectors, it is quite possible that the move is more economical in the long run for all concerned. Many persons in this community already use the bags and we suggest that the sanitation committee of coun- cil give the matter some serious con- sideration and investigation. Can it be moved inside? It's becoming rather apparent that the Exeter Fall Fair is jinxed as far as the weatherman's co-operation is con- cerned, and perhaps it's a good time to think about the situation while the thoughts of drenched school kids, spoil- ed floats and a generally miserable aft- ernoon are still vivid in our mind. To say that September 22 was a lousy day for a fair is an understate- ment, and while the crowds were not depleted by disastrous numbers, it will have to be agreed that few people had fun. In fact, a large percentage of the people probably would have stayed home if their youngsters hadn't been marching, and any event that has to rely on "forced" attendance can hardly be justified when in effect it is or- ganized primarily for the enjoyment of those in attendance. There is no question that many of the 112 fairs have been held under ideal weather conditions, but many more—especially in recent years—have met with the same fate as 1966 and perhaps it is time that some serious consideration was given to altering the concept of the fair. A suggestion presented last week at the Board of Trade meeting was that it should be held over Civic Holiday weekend in connection with the rodeo. The thought was that the rodeo could be held at the fair grounds as well. However, there is no guarantee people who will try to do some- thing about the quality of our political life. It does little good for the farmer to complain about middle men or the ineffectiveness of his own organizations if he's not prepared to do something about it. It does him little good to complain about the gains of or- ganized labour when he is dis- organized himself. It does him little good to complain about static or non-parity prices when he has almost nothing to say about what he'll be paid. It is time the basic producer did more than talk—it's time he acted. There is not much sense in just hearing and seeing and talk- ing about the 'problem' or prob- lems of teenagers if we are not prepared to go and seek to better understand them and commun- icate with them in terms they can understand. There is not much sense either in just discussing the problems of the millions of suffering un- dernourished people in Asia, Africa and South America—the priest and levite could do that much. What is demanded of us is that we do something. Nor does it appear to be reasonable just to talk about prayer or Bible reading or wor- ship. If we are to realize the tremendous resources that are available in our faith we must go and do. Therefore I think it is just a Waste of time and energy to talk about the weakness of the Church if we don't see that people are the Church. Only if enough people stop talking and do what needs to be done will the Church grow, become healthy and mature. Some people today are speaking of 'God's Frozen People'—frozen in complacent, smug, com- fortable self satisfaction—where its so cosy and popular to discuss the intellectual problems of faith. At the same time we can choose to pass by on the other side or engage in mental gymnastics rather than come to grips with Christ's call to go and do. 6e€ated cteatoor that the weatherman would be any more co-operative, although summer weather isn't always as risky as that in the fall. We see no reason why the entire fair couldn't be moved inside the are- na, although this would probably neces- sitate an additional evening or two to present it in its present size. One evening could be used strictly for the showing of the present exhibits that are housed in the arena and an- ther night or afternoon could then be designated for the livestock show. The event could also include a trade fair with some of the present at- tractions from the midway being set up as well, along with entertainment and the usual baby and beauty contests. At the present time, a large per- centage of those who attend the fair never do get outside to view the live- stock exhibits—even when the weather is good—and it would undoubtedly cre- ate more interest in this portion of the fair if the event was held inside where people could sit down and watch it in comfort. Decorated cars, bicycles and floats could still be entered and judged in the arena. Some changes would have to be made, but in view of the risky weather that has spoiled a number of fairs this year, and many in the past, it certainly appears worthy of serious considera- tion. people can take steps to ensure that their yards will not become "bald" when some of the stately giants now in our midst fall victim to the woodsman's axe., "I haven't anything against the boy, it's just that I like to know what a young man dat- ing my daughter looks like!" There is s great deal of dis- cussion about religion in our time. There is a continuing de- bate and dialogue and this has real value. But if it results only in mere words or mere intellectual jousting and does not lead to concrete action it will be fruitless. Some people ask all the awk- ward, elever, difficult and pro- found questions not just to get at the truth but also to evade it. The story of the Good Samar- itan makes it clear that our faith is not just a matter of definition it is also a matter of deed. It is not just principle it is practice. Real living is not theory it is experience. Jesus reply to the lawyer's question, "who is my neighbour" exposes the weakness of talky talk religion. We need to hear the command "Go and Do".Don't just discuss problems—prob- lems are people. It's so easy to shut ourselves off from reality behind a smoke- screen of words. It is easy to pass by like the priest and levite by indulging in talk and discuS- sion when what is required is not to talk or discuss but to act. A twelve year old African boy saved his brother from a burning hut. After it was all over some- one said, "Panya, what were you thinking about when you rush- ed into the burning hut?" He scratched his head and replied, "Thinking about? I wasn't think- ing about anything. I just heard my brother cry". So if you know someone who is sick, if you know someone who is growing old—graciously or ungraciously—if you know some- one who is lonely, if you know someone who is depressed, if you know someone whose circum- stances are getting them down, don't just think about it but go and do. There is a need to relate our faith to life in every field—pol- itics, farm organizations, business ethics, teaching, medi- cine et al. Our basic problem in any one of these areas is not a lack of knowledge. Thanks to our educational system and the mass media we are probably the best informed generation in history. We need people who will apply what they know in all of these areas. There are too many people who just talk about the difficulties of our day but who lack the courage, conviction and will to go and do. It does little good just to talk about the sickness of our polit- ical life. There is room in all parties for interested, concerned Statistics released by the Toronto Metropolitan Police have revealed that motorists were at fault in seven of every 10 acci- dents involving motorcyclists. In the first six months of this year Metro Toronto had 430 acci- dents involving motorcyclists and automobiles and the figures show that 68.2% of them were the fault of automobile drivers. One of the major causes was the fact that automobile drivers failed to give the right of way to the cyclists. This certainly points up the need for motorists to be educated to the fact that motorcyclists are entitled to the right of the road and we trust this brief note will serve as a reminder to area drivers. down left and right, and in ad- dition to the fact no one likes to see trees removed, it is a costly process, While this expenditure can not be escaped at the present, it certainly points up the need for some long-range planning to at least ensure that the next gener- ation won't have to pay for the same problems. There are two main faults with the trees which presently adorn our streets. In the first place they are too big and secondly their wood is next to worthless when they are chopped down. The remedies are obvious. The trees with which they will be replaced must either be smaller so they can be removed at a fraction of the present cost, or the wood must be valuable enough to at least meet the expense of chopping them down. It is also becoming apparent that council and the PUC should be planting trees now to act as replacements for those that will have to be removed within the next decade. If it is necessary to have these trees planted on private property, they should advise local home owners what type of tree is best Suited for local needs so these The report on Gerda Mun- singer and her affairs with lead- ing Progressive Conservative cabinet ministers may never reach the book stores in the area, but it could well be among one of the leading sellers of the year. While its contents may make interesting reading, Canadians can not be proud of it, regard- less of their political affili- ation. The whole incident was brought about during one of the many "low" periods in the House of Commons, and it is unfortunate- ly becoming apparent that pol- iticians have still not learned any lesson from it. No sooner had Mr. Difenbaker learned that he was criticised in the report than he was pul- ling out some dusty old files to prove that the Liberals, too had a few skeletons in their closet that would make inter- esting reading. This attitude of "get even at any price" with its accompany- ing smear and inneundo points up even more vividly how de- grading the Canadian political scene had become due to the open hostility between the lead- ers and some of the followers in the two major parties. Neither side is without fault and it is becoming rather ob- vious that the best interests of this country will possibly be served when both Mr. Pearson and Mr. Diefenbaker announce their retirements. The consensus of opinion is that the Prime Minister will step down before the next el- ection and there is already a movement on foot in the PC ranks to have Mr. Diefenbaker do the same; although at the present he has indicated he has little intention of so doing. However, reports from across Canada indicate National As- socation president Dalton Camp is gaining stronger support for his drive to have the leader- ship questioned, aired and the report on the Munsigner affair may well give him the added support he requires. We wish him well. Forget who started it In opening the local fair last week, Robert McKinley made mention of the fact that Canada's largest steel com- pany had complied with a request to maintain their present prices. This move came at the request of the minister of finance who reportedly told the company they could absorb the increases through greater productivity. The politicians were no doubt proud of the fact this industry had bowed to their wishes, but it is inter- esting to note they had no such de- mands for those who were responsible for the steel company announcing price increases. Workers at the company recently received fantastic wage boosts in a deal that was certain to run costs up. Where were the complaints from the politicians then? They were prac- tically non-existent, although labor is the chief culprit responsible for higher prices. The situation points up the fact that while the politicians are worried over inflation, they are still more con- cerned over their own popularity. After all, they won't lose too many votes by bucking big industries, but they certainly would if they set up too much of a howl over rising labor costs. Why not basic plans? Those of us who watch school buildings go up from time to time may wonder why so much elaboration is necessary. Must we have architects plan a new building each time a school is needed? Could not costs be reduced if there were some basic plans, which would be scanned by a board of education, with one chosen to suit the commu- nity's needs, and its pocket book. As matters now stand, the sky is the limit where buildings are concerned. What does it matter if buildings look the same in various communities? We are building something to be use- ful primarily, and since we are build- ing it out of the public purse, in a day of high taxes, we might ease the burden of the taxpayer by having basic plans, instead of new ones for each building. We seem to have arrived at a cost per classroom which is very high, and one wonders whether the passion for having architecturally individual build- ings has carried us away. The depart- ment 'of education, and the department of municipal affairs ought to give some consideration to the basic plan idea, in the interests of saving some tax money. Nor need this affect the quality of education or those "very best facilities for the money" of which boards are fond of talking. One can have utility and quality without the extravagances which have marked some Ontario schools. — The Trentonian Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 Amalgamated 1924 50 YEARS AGO The Soldiers' Aid Society in- tend holding in Main St. church, a shower for the boys at the front. Christmas stockings are being filled With socks, tooth brushes, notepaper, cards, tal- cum powder and various articles and sent to the local boys over- seas. At the morning service inCav- en Presbyterian Church Sunday the "Honor Roll" for the boys who have enlisted was unveiled by F. W. Gladman. The brickwork has been finish- ed on each of Nelson Stanlake's and Percy Dunsford's new hous- es. Mr. Alex Stewart, who has been engaged as tailor with W. W. Taman, left Monday for Lon- don where he has accepted a position with R. G. Young & Co. 15 YEARS AGO Peter Cowen set a record at the Exeter Public School field meet Friday afternoon when he captured the senior boys' cham- pionship. He has won every ath- letic championship the school has offered including junior and intermediate titles. Prepared to tackle the Novem- ber 22 Ontario election campaign "with my sleeves rolled up" Tom Pryde accepted aunanimous nomination at the Progressive- Conservative meeting inHensall. John G. "Goldie" Cochrane of Exeter was recognized as one of the four greatest hockey players who ever played in Kitchener at the opening of the new arena gardens in that city. Some 52 wives of members of the Exeter branch 16'7 Canadian Legion were installed as an Aux- iliary group by visiting officials from Toronto and Stratford. tors, lawyers, ministers and col- umnists are dull clods. But the great majority work their heads to the bone, shoving, urging, ex- horting, encouraging and lead- ing the youngsters to adulthood. And the students? Are they a sad, beaten crowd, cowed by au- thority, eager for security, afraid to think for themselves? This is what Mr. Needham, with his Victorian view of schools, would haves believe. Hahl A few are. But the majority are just the opposite. They are rebellious, daring, adventurous, and just beginning to have a whirl at life, as youngsters have been since the time of Socrates. Right now my son, who is 19, is either hitch-hiking across Canada, on his way home, or headed for Mexico. We're not sure. Right now, my daughter who is 15, is belting out folk songs which she wrote herself, to keep her mind off her sore ears. She had them pierced yes- terday, for earrings. And right now, all over town, 1,200 kids from our high school are ignoring their homework and watching TV, or shooting pool, or gassing on the phone, or falling in love, or riding mo- tor-cycles. They're certainly not cowed by authority, or squelch- ed by the system, or indoctrinat- ed by anything, except human nature. Don't be naive, Mr. Needham. 41101112"14144tro„Avimi Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ont. Authorized as Second Class Mail, Post Office Deo% Ottawa, and for Payment of Postage in Cash Paid in Advance Circulation, March 31, 1966, 4,180 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $5.00 Per Year; USA $7.00 )." 3:',.-At,iMWk.W.AW/MWKW'Na/xe0f,AWW24/ ......... The topic of tree cutting is never a pleasant one at Exeter council for reasons which we will not detail at present, and un- fortunately there is evidence that it is a topic that may receive much deliberation in the next few months. The report last week that over 70 trees will have to be re- moved is indeed very discon- certing even though most of them will have to come down for the plausible reason of making way for progress—in this case the widening of Main Street. In the past, of course, the Dutch Elm disease has neces- sitated the removal of several trees and the numbers falling Victim to this malady continues to grow. Although it hasn't been con- firmed, some members of council were of the opinion that some maple trees appear to be dying off for some' unexplained reason, and numbers of this variety may have to be removed in the near future. In Short, trees are Coming "I'm kitty you can't live on what you make, Wilkins, but; you should be thankful you don't have to live on What you earn:" A chap called Richard J. Needham writes a daily news- paper column in Toronto. Qual- ity and content range from high- class to hog-wash, but it is emin- ently readable. Needham is not a true humor- ist, but has a sharp satiric sense, a wild imagination, and a clear view of the ridiculosity of many of our moral, social, political and economic fairy tales. Despite the clear view, he is an incorrigible romantic, a 1966 model Don Quixote who tilts at windmills with a typewriter, forces flowers on strange ladies, and thinks of life and love in capital letters. He's a literary burglar and a bellowing non- conformist. Interesting fellow. But he has a couple of blind spots. He hates the educational system and has a blatant con- tempt for today's young people. Sounds psychological. Perhaps he was turfed out of school, or dropped out, or had some rotten teachers. But he despises the whole business. For him, the educational sys- tem is a vast, soul-less monolith, whose sole aim is to crush the spirit of youth, indoctrinate it with all the wrong ideas, and fail to teach it anything about LIFE. He's great on LIFE. For him, teachers are a bunch of dull clods, whose only desire is to stuff kids with useless in- formation and promptly squelch any signs of initiative or crea- tivity. For him, modern students are a sorry lot, unadventurous, inar- ticulate, security-minded a nd materialistic. Well, I'm here to tell brother Needham it's time he got into the twentieth century. His ideas are pure poppycock. Sure, the educational system is a vast monolith. What do you do with 6,000,000 kids? Shove them into the streets to learn about LIFE? But it's far from soul-less. On the contrary, it's composed of men and women with intelligence, goodwill and understandfng, who work tire- lessly to improve the system for the benefit of the students. Sure, teachers are dull clods. Some of them. .lust as some doc- 10 YEARS AGO Mrs. Almer Passmore was the district's champion cook for win- ning the most points for the rose bowl trophy at Exeter Fair. South Huron Hospital, erected only four years ago, is already experiencing difficulty in provid- ing accommodation to meet the needs of the community. For the past two months it has beenfilled to capacity. Angus Mowat, director of pub- lic libraries for Ontario, turned the key to open the shining new quarters of Huron County Library Co-operative last Friday after- noon in Huron County C ou r t House. Members of the Exeter Chapt- er of the Eastern Star presented South Huron HOspital with an aesthetic table this week. 25 YEARS AGO Rev. Douglas Co Hill has been called to the colors with the Ca- nadian Army and has been ap- pointed District Chaplain. Rev. Hill has been minister at Caven Presbyterian church since Aug- ust 1936. Mr. Sandy Elliot has decided to remodel the Ford Garage to provide eight modern apartments on the second and third floors of the building. This building, one of the largest in Exeter, was erected by the late James Pickard. Mr. and Mrs. Clark Fisher celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary Sunday, September 8 at the home of their daugh- teri Mr. and Mrs. Harold Rowe. Mr. Wes Simmons is having an apartment made of the second storey of his building on Main Street.