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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1966-10-27, Page 4• One man's opinion By john eiteitne The end! That's welcome news that the On- tario department of transport plans to re-examine every driver in the prov- ince within the next two years. It's a move that certainly won't eliminate accidents, but it should cur- tail them by an appreciable amount, because there's no question that our roads are now filled by many poor drivers, and drivers who have little knowledge of many of our present traf- fic regulations. That only stands to reason, After all, there have been an enormous num- ber of changes since the day when many of those on the roads passed a driver's test. In addition, there have been many changes in the driver's test since most of us tried our examination. Results of the recent driving tests on TV show beyond any doubt that many people do not know the rules of the road, and while this lack of know- ledge doesn't account for all accidents, it does result in a number of them. It certainly isn't strange that many drivers don't know how to get on or off a four-lane highway, or don't know the rules regarding school buses or pedestrian cross-walks, because these things weren't in existence when many present drivers tried their tests. How- ever, while it may not be strange that they don't know some of the rules, it certainly is a dangerous situation. There are a good many other driv- ers who don't have the necessary skill to pass the present driver's test. Again, the driving of a few years ago didn't require the same skills, but it is an ob- vious necessity that those who want to drive on our highways today must ex- hibit that they have the skills to do it safely. Periodic tests are the only man- ner in which this can be assured, and certainly only those who fear they may not pass can object; and then their ob- jections certainly are hollow. While the testing program will re- duce accidents, it won't eliminate them. There's still the human element in- volved in driving a car and there are really no tests that can assure that each of us will drive in a careful, con- scientious way at all times, Perhaps the perfect example of this is in the record of the drivers un- der 25, who still account for more than their share of the accidents, but who have been examined by the new tests of the department of transport. Having announced plans for peri- odic re-testing, the next step is for reg- ular safety checks on the cars we drive. much like to see someone else have the same opportunity. Lately I have begun to feel that I do too little creative writ- ing or thinking. I was beginning to do too much quoting. At times I've felt like a hack writer. In short I now want to take more time to try and do more original and creative thinking. Perhaps the well has run a little dry and there will no doubt be others around who can fill it up. As I've indicated in many col- umns, I think one of the problems of todays ministry is that we talk too much and write too much and actually do too little. From here on out I would like to be involved in more action and less talk. I plan on less Writing, less talking and more action. Once again my thanks to Don Southcott for starting the col- umn, to Bob Southcott for keep- ing it going. Also thanks to editors Ken Kerr and Bill Bat- ten. There were many times when we did not agree with each other yet we managed to get along together very well. A final thank you to the many people who made comments on this column from time to time, LETTERS THE EDITOR Compromise should suit all 50tee o. a deadoa Dear sir, I was among some ladies at- tending a sewing course in Ex- eter last Thursday evening. We thought we would like a cup of coffee but there was not one place open to get any lunch. Yours truly, A reader* *Name available on request. most people. It was a day to go hunt- ing, shopping in the big city or doing odd jobs around the house. Only a handful of people attended the Legion service. While residing in Toronto last year, we had no time off for November 11. Our observance of the day was con- fined to a one-minute period in which all the lights in the office were shut off. It may not have been much of an observance, but it was still more than what some people took time 'for in Exe- ter where the day was a holiday. The decision to have a three-hour observance here is an excellent idea. People will at least realize what the time off is for and we trust most will take the opportunity to mark it ap- propriately — in remembering those whose sacrifice enables us to enjoy our present freedoms. • His opinions will be missed All parties concerned are to be commended for the amicable agree- ment that has been reached in Exeter for the observance of Remembrance Day. No doubt there will be Legion members who would want the stores closed for the entire day, as there will be businessmen who would want to re- main open all day, but the compromise of closing for a three-hour period ap- pears to be satisfactory in every way. In fact, it should be better than in previous years. There can be no doubt that No- vember 11 has lost a great deal of its meaning for most people in recent years, including people in communities where the entire day was declared a holiday. In this community, November 11 had just become another holiday for "I can alter it for you, but it's going to take a lot of wire!" As I have decided that I need a permanent rest from this column this will be the last one. Before I leave it I felt that I should express my thanks to this newspaper for giving me the op- portunity to put at least some of my ideas into public print. I have been grateful for the opportunity to express my opin- ions and subject them to public scrutiny and criticism. I must also publicly state that those involved in and responsible for this newspaper have always given me complete freedom. I'm sure that at times neither the editor nor the publisher could possibly have agreed with the opinions expressed herein. However, at no time was I ever asked to tone down my re- marks. At no time was I ever asked to change one word. This was priceless support and made for a healthy relationship all round. The column was begun at the request of Don Southcott. I think he sensed the concerns of Pierre Berton's, 'Comfortable Pew', be- fore that book was written. I have often felt that however miserably the column may have failed from time to time it at least met some of the basic criticisms of that book. The column was not intended to be otherworldly. There was never any attempt to make it just another go at religious up- lift. There are many of us who believe that the Christian faith must be related to the crucial issues of the day. In this column I had the opportunity to at least make the attempt. This was precisely why politics, social mores and be- haviour, public attitudes and be- haviour were so often dealt with here. A great deal of the time I felt more like a political com- mentator than a minister. At other times I felt like a literary critic. And yet at no time was less than enthusiastic about the opportunity. That is one reason I choose to quit now—while I'm still enthused about this type of attempt. At no time have I ever felt that my opinion was the only right or valid opinion. This is another reason why I want to see this space passed on to' someone else. I feel that I have had the opportunity to express myself on just about every issue under the sun and would very It's beyond comprehension The ability some people have to come up with stunts to "entertain" themselves never ceases to amaze us. There are many words to describe the stunts and those perfoiming them, but the most appropriate is probably just plain stupidity. Not too long ago, several teen- agers were killed in Quebec when the bus in which they were riding was hit by a train. The pictures of people cutting their way through twisted wreckage to uncover the decimated bodies must have affected all those who saw them. For those at the scene and the parents of the ;youths, the real-life pictures would be stunning. An inquiry into the reason for the crash has not been completed, al- though early reports indicated someone may have been tampering with the warning signals at the track prior to the crash, and that the driver may have started across when the signals failed to indicate a train was speeding seldom show any public concern. By the time most people get around to acting on their con- victions it is too late to do any- thing about the particular situ- ation. There are many reasons for the situation. We're an affluent, often complacent society as a whole. We get more and more things handed to us with little self effort. There's less individ- ualism these days as we find it much easier to just follow the crowd. It's not a very rosy picture and m a k e s the loss of John Boyne's op in_ions even graver than what many would imagine. However, we realize his position, and wish him well in his plan of "more action". We trust he will at least make the editor's position more pleasant from time to time by expressing his opin- ions on some of our writing on this page, or on things in general. At the same time, we say a very grateful thanks for his efforts in the past, both for this news- paper and the community at large. We know readers will be as disappointed as we were upon hearing that the Rev. John Boyne had decided to terminate his career as a columnist with the Certainly, his has been a most welcome weekly feature for the past few years, and the loss of his thoughts from these pages will be a void in the newspaper, as well as the community. While he has publicly thanked the newspaper for the opportunity to express his thoughts, it is really we who should be expres- sing thanks to him. We know John won't mind if we make public the context of a few discussions we have had regarding both his column and the column and -editorials that we come up with weekly. He often expressed regret that few people took the time to express their thoughts on his opinions—at least publicly. Similar to yours truly, John re- ceives the periodic telephone cal- ler who objects to something that has been written—or sometimes they even phone to say they agree—but very rarely do we ever receive letters that can be printed to voice the other side of the picture, when there is obviously another side. towards him. - If in fact someone had been tam- pering with the signals, then surely that person—or persons—must now be living the proverbial thcusand deaths. Such acts of stupidity should serve as ample warning to all that such deeds can bring untold harm to others. But does it? Recently in this area, some per- son or persons were apparently playing with the signal lights at the CNR cross- ing in Hensall. Similarly, three youths set fire to a railway crossing. Then not too long ago, the local OPP report- ed an accident resulting from the fact someone had placed a huge stone in the middle of Highway 4. The perpetrators of these various acts probably had no intention of caus- ing anyone any grief or harm, but un- fortunately that doesn't prevent it from happening. Can it be that people have so little to do or have so little common sense? Say when By a vote of almost 4-1, the men of Switzerland have rejected a pro- posal that all beer and liquor be taxed so heavily that their consumption would be discouraged. It was the kind of decision one might have expected in a land that lies between the rich vineyards of France and Italy and which has been associated for so long with such things as St. Bernard dogs on merciful er- rands and hospital mountain lodges. In any case, we doubt whether ab- stinence would necessarily have fol- lowed if the vote had gone the other way. Here in Ontario we already tax liquor beyond the point at which peo- ple can afford to buy it, but they still queue up to buy the stuff. — Toronto Globe & Mail 15 YEARS AGO The 90th anniversary of Caven Presbyterian Church was observed by the con- gregation Sunday. Rev James Foote, a former minister, was the guest preacher, Three communities, Hen- sail, Grand Bend and Exeter will sponsor Hallowe'en par- ties for children Wednesday night. Pride of Huron Rebekah Lodge has chartered a bus to take about 40 lodge mem- bers to Toronto to see the Ice Capades November 14. Twelve courses ranging from oil painting to re- forestation will be offered to adults in this district at South Huron District High School this winter. Ever try to think, let alone write, when your nose is drip- ping like a tap in a tenement, you are barking up chunks of lung, your body is crawling with hot and cold needles, and you could fry an egg on your fore- head? Yep, I've got the flu. Don't worry, I won't go on about it. Every virile, red-blooded Cana- dian knows all about the flu. But don't expect a sparkling col- umn this week. Along with those symptoms, my brain is about as agile as a basketful of wet kleen- ex. But, by golly, tonight is the night of the staff party, and I'm going if it kills me. If this space is blank next week, with a black border around it, don't send flow- ers. Just send the equivalent in cash to my wife. Flowers aren't much use to a good-looking widow with two kids to educate. And don't grieve or sing sad songs. Just muse, "Well, he went the way he always wanted to go, smelling strong of Dr. Walker's cough syrup and danc- ing what he thought was the Watusi with the smashing young blonde who just joined the English Department." But that doesn't solve the prob- lem of writing this column, does it? Well, I'm going to swing in all directions, so, if you aren't a swinger, you can stop reading this and turn to the grocery ads, which are about the most exciting and frustrating reading you can find these days. Speaking of which, did you ever see such prices? I don't know who is pocketing the loot farmer, middle-man or retailer but they won't even let you belly up to the meat counter these days unless you flash a bar of gold bullion. Wedding anniversaries. I bought 20 yellow roses for my wife on our twentieth anniver- Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ont. Authorized as Second Class Mail, Post Office Dept, Ottawa, and for Payment of Postage In Cash 25 YEARS AGO As a sequel to a serenade of Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Woods, Elimville, a recep- tion is being held for them at the Exeter Opera House this Wednesday evening. Reeve B.W. Tuckey and County Constable Ferguson of Exeter, Reeve Percy P assmore of Usborne, Reeve Alonzo McCann and deputy reeve Roy Rats of Stephen attended the funeral of War- den James Leiper of Hullett Tuesday afternoon. The South Huron Plough- ing Match on the farm of Asa penhale adjoining Exeter Thursday attracted the larg- est entry in the history of the Society. Sam Jory won a pair of silver candlesticks for his best plow team, Municipal Council en- dorsed the proposal of the local Board of Health re- g a r ding administration of scarlet fever and diphtheria Itnininization to school and preschool children. Paid in Advance Circulation, March 31, 1966, 4,180 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $5.00 Per Year; USA $1.00 conclusion was reached by an Indiana University research team. We imagine that's the test most people would f ol 1 o W, although there is a choice. A Swedish investigation rates pink as the safest color for ears and a Cali- fornia safety study group some years ago listed two-tone blue and Orange, So, take your choice. $888111181111111118111111111111.8111#MOIMINISOMMOSie,wgo.ne vienooAratittal.NO8001118411111808111 An interesting item appeared in the daily newspapers last week pointing out that Dr. Morton Shul- man, Toronto's chief coroner, had been driving for almost two years without a proper licence. Dr. Shulman is well known across Canada, having recently compiled a story on how he be- came a millionaire. He is also known for his blistering attacks against the lack of highway and automobile safety. There's no doubt he was more than a bit embarrassed by the fact he was not properly licenced, reporting that he hadn't been reminded by the department of transport that his permit had expired in 1964. Before regaining his licence, Dr. Shulman had to pass another driver's test. The incident may have brought a chuckle or two to some people, but before anyone laughs too loudly we suggest he checks his own driver's licence. There are undoubtedly others who are in the same position, as few of us pay much attention to our per- mits now they are issued auto- matically by the department of transport. A local friend had the same experience recently. He came to send in his licence to note a change of address and found he had been driving without a valid permit for some time. Perhaps you'd better stop and check yours, * * * * District residents who came away from the Kinsmen auto show with the urge to buy a new car (and who didn't?) may be interested to know that if they proceed with plans there is a 25% chance they'll pick a shade of blue as the color for the new vehicle. That's apparently the nation- al average as blue has now re- placed white as the faVorite color. However, for those thinking of safety, they may wish to know that an oncoming car Is most easily seen if it is white. That 10 YEARS AGO Completely remodel- led inside and out and feat- uring the most modern self- serve equipment available Al's Super Save Market stag- es Its grand opening in Hen- sail this weekend. Two Atkinson Foundation Scholarships valued at $400 each have been awarded to South Huron District High School graduates — Alexia Losteli of Usborne and Phil Charrette of Stephen, both of whom are enrolled at UWO. This week the Times-Ad- vocate introduces a new ed- itorial feature "Sugar and Spice" by W.B.T. Smiley. Mrs. Marie Worrell, Wil- liam St., won $3,500 in a radio quiz this week. sary. She squealed with ecstasy. It was very romantic, especially when I told her I'd paid for them with a cheque on our joint ac- count. But these little romantic ges- tures really pay off. Three days later, for no better reason than that a tap in the bathroom has been dripping for six weeks, she yanked the fading flowers out of the vase, beat me around the face and ears with them, thorns and all, and hurled the rosewater over me. I came up smelling like a yellow rose and she came up to the bathroom, helped me wash off the blood, and fixed the tap herself. Teenage girls. Somebody sent me a London, Ont., paper for teens. One columnist, obviously a girl, was sounding off, in dis- gust with her sisters; This was her pungent observation: "To- day's young female goes kookie over something that walks around in high heels, tight pants and long locks of hair hanging to its shoulders. Girls today are robbed of their sex in more ways than one." Ain't she right? Strikes. I have always been a union man, but I am fed up, right to the ears, with the arro- gance, the lawlessness, and the refusal to compromise displayed by many unions this year. How about you? Leaders. The perennial game called "Dump Dief" is popular again. I think he should have retired, full of years, honors, and malarkey, long since. But I can't help admiring the old wolf as the pack tries to drag him down. He is a fighter, and there aren't many left. Advertising. I don't agree with the speaker, but I found the fol- lowing, coming from a big ad- vertising man, the most refresh- ing statement I've read for many a day: "The simple truth is that people don't give a damn about advertising. They never have and they never will ...People don't Care about advertising, they care about things, "They care about things that make them happy or beautiful or fat or sober or drunk or alive or human; things that en- tertain them, transport them, enrich them, protect them or profit them. But they don't give a tuppenny damn about ads." A melancholy picture of the human race, Do ybu agree/ t. as• • '••••• Many drivers need it By Val BaltkaIns Here goes no thing It's really a sign of our times. Very few people want to become publicly involved in any argu- ment, regardless of how con- vinced and adamant they may be as to the right or wrong of it. Freedom of speech may be one of our heritages, but very few people take advantage of it. However, there is even a bleak- er picture than that. There is another large percentage of people who don't even bother to form an opinion on the topics of our day. They don't know for what they stand, and they apparently don't care. * * * * We've often discussed this problem with our clerical friend, but we've never been able to reach any answer to the problem. We sometimes wondered aloud just how far we could go in some discussions on these pages before people would become so moved as to publicly voice their opin- ions either for or against us. For that matter, just how far can our political, social and re- ligious leaders move in any field before the populace will voice their approval or objection. As groups we often rise to fight for what we feel to be right, but as individuals we very 50 YEARS AGO Schroeder-Bowden — a quiet wedding took place at the Methodist parsonage, Lucan, on Wednesday, Octo- ber 25 by Rev Barnby uniting in marriage Miss Ethel May Bowden to Mr. Russell Schroeder. Mr. C.B. Snell has pur- chased the Commercial property from Mrs. Wm. Hawkshaw. Mr. Snell will remodel the building into a modern equipped garage to b e occupied b y Mr. Milo Snell. ••3":;,44"4:01,',/,*Ag"; z.,„4 • ""liPe;nre;:5r4',/e,f' tuferZitriesitnsocafe 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 BaltkaIns Phone 235.1331 tr-I=ei immom