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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1966-11-03, Page 4A day to remember exeferZimesx-Ainsocafe SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND Member: C.W.N.A., 0.W.N.A., C.C.N.R. and ABC 111•111f Publishers: J. M. Southcott, R. M. Southcott Editor: Bill Batten Advertising Manager: Val Baltkalns Phone 235.1331 • •• rig 1 .-4 747, ;A rs r_:441; ,11=.— =.1.4=grrr r 0.r . _am •••••••temm 0 r IT ,i:isii 1111.111111.11111j-. Shouldn't end the fight A lot of drivel! Whether or not Exeter residents will notice any adverse changes in their water when the chlorination of a part of the supply commences this month remains a matter of conjecture. However, it really doesn't matter if they do notice any adverse changes. It's apparently something that has to be done and that's all there is to it. We'll have to live with it. Actually, the chlorination of the supply from the springs has been brought about because of unfavorable samples. In so many words, that means that our water supply is contaminated — although the amount of contamina- tion is reportedly very low. The chlorine will kill the bacteria and we will continue to drink healthy water, which is really of more impor- tance than whether or not it smells and tastes quite as good. Reasons for the contamination were not disclosed by the Public Utili- ties Commission, although it was ex- plained that many attempts were made to correct the situation. We trust ALL possibilities were ex- plored and that they will continue to be explored, because man's present fight against pollution and contamina- tion are often woefully weak. With chemicals such as chlorine, it is easy to purify contaminated water, and so the fight against the causes are often toothless affairs that all too quick- ly are discarded. So it is that pollution is one of the blights against our so- ciety. We have no concern over drinking water containing chlorine, but we do feel that efforts should be continued to eradicate the problem or to at least `hold the line'. Otherwise we may face adding more and more chlorine until there are definite adverse changes in our drinking water. It's a fight that more and more communities are soon going to face, or they will be choked out of existence by their own malpractices in the field of conservation. May need some jets feel strongly enough to air them publicly. It is to be hoped that they are not living under the impression that one must be a columnist for a newspaper be- fore he may have his opinions or comments printed. This page is open each week to any who have anything to Say, whether it be constructive or destructive, and as Mrs. Wooden notes, the grammar or style is certainly not that important. We thank Mrs. Wooden sin- cerely for expressing her con- cern over this page, and trust others will agree with her point that more opinions should be expressed on the editorial page. In fact, there's nothing we'd like better than to be swamped each week with letters to the editor or guest columns. We know that would make a better newspaper, and the in- vitation is there — as it has been since the day this newspaper had its beginning. In closing, we would like to explain that the editor's column is not always intended to solve the problems of the world or the community. If it gets too homey at times, that's because our supply of comment is exhausted after writing two or three edi- torials. Certainly, not everything that appears on this page is intended to be thought-provoking. If it was, Bill Smiley would have to be relegated to other pages along with the editor's weekly ramb- ling. But then, we think most people are too serious and that a few laughs or light-hearted comment is a welcome change. al DI \T-z,)3 IL dot tie luta mete By Val Baltkalns There are those who complain ev- ery time law enforcement agencies add some new equipment in their fight against law breakers, and such com- plaints have been heard recently over the OPP air patrols. Naturally, the complaints stem pri- marily from those who have been caught speeding or driving in an im- proper manner. There's little validity in complaints about the methods used by police in their work, and the increasing accident rate should indicate that any steps tak- en to reduce the needless slaughter should be welcomed. It was more than a bit disconcert- ing to learn that the OPP air patrol re- cently caught some drivers in this area attaining speeds of 95 to 105 m.p.h. Those are speeds that are certainly be- yond reason. While we endorse the use of air- craft to catch speeders, we do wonder if the present craft being used are ap- propriate. Indications are that the OPP may soon have to use jets to catch area speeders. KJ s "Certainly I remember when we were married—exactly 49 checkbooks ago!" Dear Sir:. As an avid reader of The Times-Advocate for over eleven years now, I wonder if I might be allowed an opinion about the editorial page of our paper. I feel very strongly that the quality of a lot that appears on the editorial page is declining. Particularly since the de- parture of Don Southcott from the local paper, the people of Ex- eter who are interested in said page have been handed such drivel as whether or not Ken and June should buy a dog and will Bill make it to the next happy event in the Batten family. Surely, sir, this is not the purpose of such a page. Undoubt- edly such events are of interest to some people, but such a very few in view of the several thous- and people this paper should serve. I wonder if you are overlooking a source of what could be very enlightening discussions and opinions. With the last of John Boyne's articles having appear- ed in the paper could we not possibly listen to the man on the street? Let's get away from the professional people for a while because I honestly believe others have opinions too. Naturally, in some cases, they may be stated a little less gram- matically correct or brilliantly worded but let's invite the man down the street who sells in- surance, or the fellow across the way who has a store, his guest opinion on a subject of his choice. Let's hear the Postmaster's opinion on the possible pending strike. Let's hear from a few housewives surely they, too, feel strongly about certain is- sues. These sir, make up the towns- people of Exeter and I for one would enjoy reading an opinion from a different person from all walks of life, each week. Let's not get lost in the shuf- fle of politics — nor too homey with personal matters on our editorial page. We are a town with character let's keep it that way and devote a column to listening to our people. Yours very truly, Diane Wooden An intolerable convert Do you remember me? Remember me? I'm the fellow who goes into a res- taurant, sits down, and patiently waits while the waitresses do everything but take my order. I'm the fellow who goes into a de- partment store and stands quietly while the sales clerks finish their chit-chats. I'm the fellow who drives into a gasoline service station and never blows his horn, but waits patiently while the Zeksrlir ojt.3.0 1 \-4 "When I was a child I had to eat what my parents liked. Now I'm a parent and I have to eat what my children like!" ED. NOTE—Unfortunately, the content of this page has ap- parently declined to such a point that Mrs. Wooden failed to even read it last week. If she had, she would have not- ed that our column contained some "drivel" on this very mat- ter — a concern we have over the fact people won't state their opinions on the events of the day. We too believe that other than professional people have opin- ions, but very seldom do they attendant finishes reading his comic book. Yes, you might say I'm a good guy, but do you know who else I am? I'm the fellow who never comes back! And it amuses me to see businesses spend- ing thousands of dollars every year to get me back into their stores, when I was there in the first place. And all you had to do to keep me was to give me a little service and show me a little courtesy. Retain some dignity The idea was put forward in last week's Tribune by a high school writer on the Youth page, that it might be a good idea if special smoking rooms or room was set aside at the school. In the opinion of this writer such an idea is definitely out. Inroads are being made on 'dig- nity' as it should be observed in many of our institutions, and smoking rooms in high schools is one place we draw the line. It's been evident for a long time that all the architectural dignity has gone from our institutions of sec- ondary and primary educations, let's not begin now to invade the inside of these schools as well. If there is one thing that makes us pro British when being compared with our American neighbors, it is this lack of dignity in government, in schools and in courts. The less dignity, the less respect. We are not campaigning against students smoking — this is not our point. But there should be some self- Having completed the pur- chase, it was then decided that a few more fish could be added so we went to another tropical fish store. The owner came over to pick out the fish we had chosen and in so doing, nonchalantly set his cigarette down. However, he came forth with the statement that tropical fish are very delicate and one little ash could kill a whole tank- full. He even suggested a smoker should wash his hands before putting them in the fish tank. That all sounds har mless enough, but fate turned against us too. Within the next couple of days a couple of our new finny friends died. Although it was not stated in so many words, the suggestions and hints were certainly pointed enough to make us feel beyond much doubt that there were those who thought the fish had been killed by a smoker, and of course, there really hadn't been too many smokers around. So, that was the final straw. Yours truly decided that smok- ing no longer was worth the effort and for the past two weeks we have managed to refrain from the habit. However, we will resist the temptation of bragging or issuing warnings to smokers about the filthy habit, just in case we don't manage to persevere in our at- tempts. After the critical period has passed, we shall then become one of those intolerable con- verts. So, you have been warned. ing. He started in our house. While we failed to notice much difference in the protrusion of his stomach and nose, he cer- tainly had passed the part of his summer course dealing with the evils of tobacco. In fact, he practically had the good wife in tears as she sat there watching the smoke curl from our cigar- ette and listening to the para- mount dangers associated with the dread habit. However, while the family doc- tor and our converted smoking friend laid the groundwork, the coupe de grace was performed by none other than a tropical fish dealer in London. Yep, that's right! A tropical fish dealer. To make a long story long- er, we recently took up the fas- cinating hobby of raising tropical fish, and it could be stated that we jumped rather impetuously into the hobby without much know- ledge of the dos and don'ts, thinking that we could pick that up as we went along. That was a terrible mistake. Had we known then what was to come in our new hobby, we prob- ably would never have com- menced it. First of all, we purchased some of those fancy little creatures that cost about 69 and we tossed them into a gold fish bowl. A fellow keeper of fish pointed out this was improper. Following his words of advise cost us about $20. We needed an aquarium, a filter and air system, special gravel and grass for the tank, etc., etc. A news item recently crossed our desk proclaiming that "it is no longer popular to write or say anything in support of smok- ing. You are in direct line of fire from several sources. The family doctor is the surest. Sec- ond is the converted smoker. The newly-reformed convert is the worst. He is intolerable in his recounting of the dire effects of the weed and what quitting has done for him". With those words we can heart- ily agree. In our particular case, the family doctor at first presented no obstacle to our smoking habits. The reason was simple. He en- joyed smoking as much as any- one and probably realized that to chastise us while he was puffing away would appear to be a bit hypocritical. However, he finally succumbed to the many words of advice presented by his medical col- leagues and finally proclaimed to our good wife that he had mustered up the strength, forti- tude--and whatever other ingred- ients are required—to quit smok- ing. Naturally, this word was passed along to yours truly with the accompanying note from the better half that if HE could do it, so could we. So, without even hearing any words of advice from our guard- ian of good health, he was none- theless quite responsible for the barrage of pleads, insults, warn- ings, etc., etc., that made life around the Batten house less than pleasant at times. Therefore, we can attest to the fact that the writer of the words we originally quoted was quite correct, although it was not the words, but rather the actions, of our family doctor that brought us under fire. discipline in smoking, as in drinking. If a student has reached the state where he cannot do without a smoke during the period he is in school, he is sick. Freedom can be carried too far and allowing smoking in schools and churches is doing just that. Self-disci- pline is good for a person. There is too great a tendency today to latch on to these "away out" ideas, and react against authority. It is neither smart nor healthy but merely widens the cracks of decadence in our society. The knowledge of this generation is many times that of fifty and a hun- dred years ago, but let's not go over- board. Let's keep our feet on the ground, not see how many fundamen- tal values and dignities we can aban- don. These words of Bovee sum up the situation for schools — "Dignity of po- sition and surroundings adds to dig- nity of character. Give us a proud posi- tion and we are impelled to act up to it." — The Stouffville Tribune Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 Amalgamated 1924 50 YEARS AGO Reeve J. W. Taylor received a telegram from Col Coombes of the 161st Battalion, Camp Borden, that the officers would be off duty Thursday and that there will be no future leave for the men of the battalion. Visitors would be welcomed Thursday. The Parsons-Davis Produce Co., Centralia, have a large staff of people at work this week picking and packing fowl for ship- ment. Inspector J, E, Tom visited the school in town this week. W, S. Cole is having the in- terior of his drug store reno- vated and remodelled. tricher of London Normal School and Campbell McLagan and Don- ald Oestricher of London Med- ical School spent the weekend with Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Oes- tricher. Fred Kerr, Crediton, treated a number of friends to a pheas- ant dinner. Mr. Kerr and Mr. George Hicks returned home Fri- day evening after a two-day pheasant shoot on Pelee Island. They had no trouble getting their quota of 10 birds. 0131111111242 4troloolAt4 *sego. Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ont. Authorized as Second Class Mail, Post Office Dep't, Ottawa, and for Payment of Postage in Cash Paid in Advance Circulation, March 31, 1966, 4,180 To complete the picture, we have been assailed by several "converted smokers" in the past as well. Most noticeable, was a Zurich friend, whom we shall leave unnamed, other than to suggest that his actions should help school children in that com- munity now that their principal has quit smoking. This friend attended some sort of athletic course at the Uni- versity of Western Ontario this past summer, and while in at- tendance learned from one of those muscular instructors that smoking was indeed one of the most harmful habits man had been able to uncover to date. Our friend Was at first scared by those words, and later he decided that there must be some- thing in them, because the simil- arities between his muscles and those of his instructor were gross indeed. The only parts of his body that bulged were his stom- ach and nose, and so he decided to no longer take the risk of cancers, heart troubles, ingrown toenails and all the other prob- lems now blamed on smoking. He quit. However, similar to many other converted smokers, he had apparently taken an oath that he would go out into the world and preach against the evils of smok- SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $5.00 Per Year; USA 57.00 Another Remembrance Day is in the offing, As I write, two things evoke the particular mood that day always holds for me, or rather the combination of moods. Outside, it's a gloomy fall day. The lowering cloud weeps a des- olate drizzle. A handful of oak leaves cling to the stark branches and no bird sings..A typical Rem- embrance Day atmosphere. But on my desk is a letter from an old friend, and the warmth, courage and indomitable spirit contained in it defy the feel of death and sadness outside. His name is Alexander Forbes, Cannington, Ontario. We've never met, but have corresponded. We are both lovers of the printed word and about once a year, he writes a long letter, filled with reminiscences, wit and goodwill. His letters always give me a lift. He has been in poor health in recent years, like so many of his old comrades. But this has not dimmed his spirit. His writ- ing becomes increasingly diffi- cult to read. Not because of in- firmity, but because he is going blind. Cataracts are forming on his eyes, and he will enter St. Jo- seph's Hospital, Peterborough, after New Year's, for an oper- ation. Does he complain? Not on your life. He can even joke about it. The reason he wrote is that he had promised to send me a book, and wanted to get it off before his sight failed com- pletely. It is based on a Yank's experience in World War i, and typically, he adds, "I believe it to be authentic and not a lot of Yankee bull ... when you have read it, you might lend it to some old sweat at the Legion Hall, particularly if he served in the PHI." Short for Poor Bloody Infantry. Each year my mood on Re- membrance Day is a mixture of sadness and admiration. There's reason for the sad- ness. Twenty years ago, Re- membrance Day was a vital and colorful affair, World War II was an immediate memory. The Legion Parade was striking. The World War 1 vets were barely middle-aged and their ranks were swelled by the youthful, swing- 15 YEARS AGO Canadian Army Headquarters in Ottawa announced this week the promotion of Dr. Eugene Tiernan, a native of Dashwood, to the rank of Colonel. The town of Exeter will pre- sent jackets to the bantam base- ball team, the first local team to capture a WOAA championship in ball. Rev. Donald Sinclair, who, for several years has been the min- ister at Caven Presbyterian Church, has received a call to St. Paul's Church, Banff, The South Huron Hospital As- Sociation announced this week it has purchaSed the Carling property for the hospital and plans are being made to start construction as soon as possible. 25 YEARS AGO About 300 children of Usborne Township gathered at the Town- ship Hall Wednesday forenoon where they are receiving scarlet fever toxin. Dr, Dunlop, MOH is in charge assisted by Miss ,lean Sheere. Mr. Harry Hoffman, who is building a new and up-to-date funeral hotne and dwelling at the east end of Dashwood, is making splendid progress these fine days. Misses Dorothy D o u g a II , Phyllis Dunlop and Eunice Oes- ing veterans of the second war, young, fit and full of beans. But the grief was real. There were brothers, uncles, sons and fathers missing from the files of Legionnaires. And when the Last Post sounded, and the bell tolled in the hush, the tears ran free, and there was a communal lump in the throat. Times passed. Grief eased. Things changed. A whole new generation grew up, to which even World War II was just something in the history books. The veterans of that war are middle-aged now and every year the ranks of old sweats of the first great war grow thinner, There is something almost perfunctory about the occasion now. The veterans remember, and the women who lost their men remember. But it doesn't mean much to the kids, and for many others, it's just a day to go hunting, or put on the last of the storm windows. But for me, the second emo- tion of that day—admiration— does not dim. As the tattered remnants of Canada's gallant lads of 1914-18 turn out for the parade, my heart is with them. There isn't much spring in the step any more, and backs are not as straight. But there is still a pride in their bearing. And there should be. Their war was no Charge of the Light Brigade. There was nothing dash- ing about it. It was cold, wet, mud, lice, rotten grub and re- lsetunptlieds war. apr.ounding. It was a brutal But they fought, and they didn't run. And they came home, those who were left. And they were shabbily treated. And they suf- fered their rotted lungs and their crippling arthritis. And they didn't complain much. There aren't many of them left, but I hope I'm there to drink a toast to them on Re- membrance Day, after the par- ade, as they swap lies at the Legion Hall. Alexander FOrbes is one Of thetny May he be reading his beloved books 10 years from now, and I hope some of my other friends among the old sweats will drop him a line. It's lonely when you can't See.