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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1967-02-02, Page 4ONE OF A SERIES OF CENTENNIAL REPORTS Activities for schools Into the bramble patch Canada, its people, its resources and its history. The following composition was written by Bill Archibald, a grade 7 pupil near Seaforth. An education opportunity CANADA 2067 Canadians are now celebrating our first centennial, but what about a hundred years from now? Let us find out by looking into the future. Many changes have happened. Canada has become one of the most powerful nations. The cap- ital has been changed from Ottawa to Winnipeg. Four new provinces have been added, carved from the twentieth century northern half of the United States. The three new territories used to be called Greenland, West Indies and Al- aska. Canadian scientists are the best in the world and space travel and trade between Earth, Moon, Mars and Venus is com- mon. What are the twenty-first cen- tury Canadians doing for their two-hundredth birthday? There is an Interplanetary Fair to be held at Toronto where the Can- adians have invited the seven other Earth countries, four Mar- tian countries, seven of Venus's countries and Koz and Zog the two major Moon city countries. Two adventurers are going from Inuvak to Cape Horn and back by power belts. One person is reconstructing an ancient 1967 Thunderbird. The Canadian Em- pire Games are being held in Gederich, a thriving city of two million on the shores of Lake Huron. The nation's top archeologists are rebuilding famous forts of Canadian history such as Louis- bourg, La Rouge, Gary, Citadel St. Louis and Fort George. in the Rockies men are carving the images of Canada's thirty prime ministers. These are among the many celebrations. Few Canadians realize what a magnificent future lies ahead for this great nation of ours. By ARNOLD MATIIERS Principal, Huron Centennial School Birthday parties are typical social events of younger children. Anniversaries are more often associated with adult life. There- fore Canada's Centennial year should be considered as the one- hundredth birthday of Canada and the one-hundredth anniversary of the act of Confederation. Among the many celebrations and projects being planned and promoted for Canada's youth, there are activities for all age groups and varying interests. Projects emphasizing history, art, music, drama, English, geo- graphy, science and scholarship. All School pupils in our area will have the opportunity to view the Centennial Caravan in Exeter on October 10, 1967. Most schools have individual- ized projects suited to the inter- ests and requirements of their area. Planting of native trees, est- ablishing classroom museums, dressing along a centennial theme (staff and students), entertaining guest speakers, making special studies of Canadian geography and history, visiting Expo, and presenting pageants or concerts along a Centennial theme are only a few of the projects presently being undertaken. A guide-book for schools has been distributed by the Centennial Commission. It outlines "Ten Days of Festivities" that may be followed by elementary and sec- ondary schools: January, Confed- eration Day; February, Flag Day; March, Be Good to your Neigh- bour Arts, Letters and Sciences Day; April, Spring Day; May, Citizenship Day and/or Flower Day. June, Field Day; September, Communications Day; October, Thanksgiving Day; November, Remembrance Day; December, International Day. Pupils from ages 6 to 18 will be involved in the Centennial Athletic Programme. This fea- tures three compulsory events (Standing Broad Jump, One Min- ute Speed Sit-Ups, 300 Yard Run) and optional events (Cross Country Run or Skating orSwim- ming). Upon completion of the three compulsory events and one op- tional event, if the participant meets or betters the given stan- dard, he will win a second award. All participants will receive a Red Shield on completion of the programme. During this year all pupils will further their knowledge of advantages with the proposal from the standpoint of the member municipali- ties. The one important benefit stems from the fact that the one board will administer both the elementary and secondary school education in the dis- trict, and the improved liaison between the two systems should provide bene- fits for the students. However, we share the concern ex- pressed by McGillivray board chairman Roy Cunningham that the administra- tion "will get farther away from the ratepayers". This is evidenced in the fact that McGillivray would have two men on the district board, whereas there are now seven men acting on the ratepayers' behalf on the elemen- tary and secondary boards. It has been stated that there would be a saving in operating costs, but of course only time will tell. The experi- ence in government has never proven that costs are reduced when you be- come bigger. In fact, there are many examples to indicate that larger gov- ernment bodies have larger wastes of operating costs, in part stemming from their wider separation from the people who are paying the bills, It's certainly no secret that the provincial government is advocating more centralization, but some of their reasons are questionable. If the pro- posed school setup becomes a reality officials in neighboring areas will watch it with much interest to determine if it provides the benefits which the depart- ment of education suggests. Let's hope they give it a fair trial before pushing more areas into it. It could turn out to be a bramble patch into which others wouldn't want to get tossed. The action being taken by *McGil- livray Township and four of its neigh- bors in forming a district school board sounds similar to a story contained in children's story books about Br'er Rab- bit and the Tar Baby. You may recall that Br'er Rabbit became entangled in the tar sculpture created by Br'er Fox, and while it ap- peared he was to suffer the fate of making the fox an ideal meal, he es- caped by a most ingenious bit of trick- ery; that of telling the fox that being tossed into a nearby bramble patch would be a fate even worse than death. The story concludes with Br'er Fox tossing the rabbit into the bramble patch in an effort to inflict the great- est torture possible, but alas he has fallen into the trap. Br'er Rabbit picks himself up and trots away in laughter, calling back to tell the fox he was born and raised in the bramble patch and had therefore escaped unscathed. The comparison is the fact the five Middlesex communities have decided to join together in face of the threat that the department of education is going to force the move sooner or later any- way. The municipalities feel that they can at least choose their own bound- aries at this time, similar to Br'er Rab- bit choosing his own fate. However, it is questionable that the "foxy" department of education has been completely duped as they ap- pear to have attained their goal—that of forming a "peaceful" district board without any great dissent. Due to the fact that all the muni- cipalities in what would be Western Ontario's first central board have cen- tral schools and no great problems at this time, it is difficult to see too many Promises soon forgotten to demonstrate, among other things, open-heart surgery, the use of an artificial kidney, and brain surgery. The pavilions for "Man the Producer" and 'Man the Pro- vider" will chronicle the marvels and hint at the potential dangers of man's technological advances in the first instance, and demon- strate the techniques and the problems of food production and distribution in a world largely underfed and increasingly crowd- ed. In addition to the main theme buildings and the pavilions show- ing the past, present and expected future of the countries around the world, several leading Canadian companies will have special dis- plays to detail this country's accomplishments. Well, so much for the tele- grams—here are a few sympathy cards!" Some weeks ago this newspaper stated its objections to the methods be- ing used by the department of educa- tion to entice communities in Huron to join the new County Library System. It was our contention that while there were benefits to be derived by such a move, the department was al- most forcing municipalities to join by dangling increased grants in front of their noses. This appeared to be an at- tempt to urge local municipalities to give up a large portion of the control of their libraries in return for tax mon- ies — which local municipalities supply the government in the first place. While local officials deplored the idea of giving up control of the local library, they did agree to the plan in view of the increased benefits to be offered library customers. During the deliberations, it was al- ways explained that any decision was a voluntary one, and if in fact a muni- cipality decided not to join, it could remain outside the system and continue to operate as previously. Now it would appear those words were not as forthright as they ap- peared, because at their last session, members of county council decided to ask the department of education to amend the legislation to make it man- datory that all municipalities join the system now it has been approved by the majority. There may be logical reasons for asking for such stipulations, but it again points up the fact that all too often statements made in enlisting sup- port for various projects are quickly forgotten once the majority have agreed to give their support. The situation is akin to a door-to- door salesman who appears to be most unobtrusive in his attempt to get a foot inside the door, but who often takes on an entirely different approach once he gets inside. Perhaps county council will recon- sider their latest move and not make any attempts to force municipalities in- to the system, thereby following the promises that were made at the time municipalities were being asked to join the latest move in centralized govern- ment. people of many creeds, colours, races, languages, religions and cultures. They will have an op- portunity as no one of us ever had in the past. The theme of Expo 67 is '• Man and His World" and in every pavilion this theme has been carried out under stringent rules established by the canadianCor- poration for the 1967 World Exhi- bition which governs Expo. The underlying philosophy is summed up in a passage in which the famous writer, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, stated: "To be a man.... is to feel that through one's own contribution one helps to build the world". In developing this theme and translating it into tangible form, Expo 67 will seek to present not merely a static commemoration of man and his achievements, but rather a dynamic portrait of man in action. It will tell the story of man's hopes and aspirations, his ideas and endeavours. The most modern display techniques known will be used to dramatize man's achievements in the realms of ideas, culture and science. The five main Theme pavilions will provide an education that would take years to duplicate. In the "Man the Creator" pavilion there'll be nearly 200 fine art masterpieces on display, these having been loaned by museums and private collectors around the world. There'll be works of the world's foremost sculptors, photographers and designers. "Man in the Community" will examine the social and political implications of the growing trend towards urbanization throughout the world. "Man the Explorer" will explore human anatomy, physi- ology and psychology; the planets and space; the polar regions and the oceans; and there will be actual clinics and laboratories While this initial report on Expo leaves many gaps yet to fill, we hope it serves one pur- pose: that of interesting read- ers in the opportunity that we have to see this great exhibi- tion. In particular, we hope it in- itiates some action on the part of area school boards to in- vestigate the possibility of taking groups of students to Expo so they can benefit from the chance of a lifetime. Special rates are being estab- lished for school students and accommodation can be found very inexpensively at university dor- mitories and guest homes. Many schools are taking advan- tage of this opportunity and stu- dents in this district should not be bypassed. School boards seek- ing centennial projects would be well advised to give this serious consideration and provide some Initiative in arranging trips for area students. Do you remember when? iro mail order catalogues; a wise father al- ways gave his son a dime for the col- lection plate Sunday since he knew if he gave him two nickels God might only wind up with one; one of the argu- ments for having a large family was to have a place to live when you were old . . . and not have to enter a nurs- ing home; a fellow had to learn to play the ukelele to cut a swath with ladies at college. Remember? — Leamington Post & News Sweet memory: A business success meant a roll-top desk and wooden wastepaper basket; only really wealthy people complained about income taxes; it was possible to go through life with- out filling out a government form; if kids wore tennis shoes to school he was from a poor family; farmers thought it a sin against nature to turn farm land into golf courses since only the idle rich could use it. Farm boys learned about women from reading the underwear ads in the YONESIMISCOINAMSIMMOMENNINALWRIMMI Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 Amalgamated 1924 50 YEARS AGO The ladies of Hurondale have organized a Patriotic Society with a membership of 30 and are busily engaged in Red Cross work. petitions for Woman Suffrage have been circulated around town and have been signed quite freely. Little Miss Madeline Dearing, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Dearing of Stephen Is quite ill, suffering from ear trouble. Mr. W. J. Beer is in Toronto this week attending a convention of harness makers. 4011316"124:221tos mil A N by '4,4 Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ont. Authorized as Second Class Mail, Post Office De n% Ottawa, and for Payment of Postage in Cash Well, what did you think of Expo 67? That's the question we've been asked by several people since returning home early Sunday morning after a two-day stay in Montreal and a tour of the site for the 1967 World's Exhibition. First of all, let us point out that a brief answer to such a question is impossible on the basis of a five-hour session of press conferences and a tour of the site. One official told us that he estimated it would take about a three-week stay to "do justice" to Expo, so you can readily see that the surface can hardly be scratched in the short time at our disposal. However, the best answer to the question is contained in the fact every one of the 200 editors on the tour came away bubbling with enthusiasm and making plans to return when Expo opens its gates for the April 28 to October 27 exhibition. Perhaps only those who have ever attended a World's Fair can imagine the size of Expo. It covers some 1,000 acres on his- toric Ile Sainte-Helene, which is 400 acres larger than the site at the recent fair in New York. The island was previously only 313 acres, but 25 million tons of fill were dumped into the mighty St. Lawrence to expand the picturesque site. The many pavilions practically defy description as they come in every shape and size imagin- able—and some almost unim- aginable. There's the g i ant sphere-shape of the U.S.A; a group of rectangular concrete boxes that make up the Belgium pavilion; inverted pyramids and triangles such as the Eskimo meeting place in the Canadian pavilion. Others combine many of these shapes and forms, while some are the result of architec- ture that can only be described as "way out". While we were provided pic- tures of all the pavilions our tour wasn't of much benefit as it was conducted during a fierce snow storm that obliterated most views. In addition, pavilions were covered with protective coatings because most of them are un- heated and need shelter from Montreal's winter climate so workmen can continue to put on the finishing touches. So, you can see that our trip did little to give us a first hand look at Expo. To understand that you might consider how difficult it would have been for a visitor to understand the beauty of our own Riverview Park during Fri- day's snow, or how impossible it is to realize what makes Grand Bend such an attraction when its famous beach is covered with snow and ice. But, just as these two sites will be unmasked with the warm suns of spring, so will Expo spring alive and the many pages of information we received de- scribe what will take place in considerable detail. * * We'll be telling this story in future columns, because we came away with the knowledge that a trip to Expo is a must for every- one—with added emphasis for our young people, for here they will see the world unfold before their eyes. One Expo official stated that a two-week stay at Montreal this summer would be as valuable to a young person aS a six-month tour of Europe. They'll rub elbows with re- presentatives of Some '70 coun- tries participating in this exhi- bition. They will be able to meet Paid in Advance Circulation, September 30, 1966, 4,427 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada OA Per Year; USA $7.00 10 YEARS AGO St. John's-by-the-lake Angli- can Church, Grand Bend, plan to start to build a parish hall in the near future. Nancy Fahner, 18-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Fahner, near Grand Bend, was elected SHDHS queen by fellow students Friday. Nancy is taking special commercial. John Etherington, 12-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Archie Etherington, Usborne Township, is South Huron's c ha mp ion speller for 1957. G. W. Montgomery, agriculture representative for Huron County, has resigned and has accepted a position with the CNR, 15 YT ARS AGO A. J. Sweitzer was elected president of the Exeter Agri- cultural Society Saturday after- noon. He succeeds Garnet Hicks who retired after three years as head of the association. Shocked by his sudden •11 people of this community paid tribute in churches and schools Wednesday to George VI, King of Great Britain, Miss Vera 0, Essery, who for over 30 years operated a mil- linery shop in town, died at her home Tuesday. Mr, flelge Jensen left by plane on a journey to Denmark Wed- nesday. It is 20 years since Mr. Jensen came to Canada, 25 YEARS AGO Mr. C. Tanton, who for the past nine and a half years has conducted the Ideal Meat Market in Exeter, has disposed of his property and next month is leav- ing for Strathroy where he will open up a new refrigerated locker service. Mrs. J, McTavish, who for several years has conducted the Exeter Ladies' Wear store, on Saturday evening discontinued her business in Exeter. After a period of 31 years in business the firm of Bonthron & Drysdale of ilensall will, on March 1, by mutual consent dis- solve partnership. Mr, Orval Lawson of the Bank Of Commerce staff of Orillia is vacationing with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Lawson. Orval has joined the RCAF as an obser- ver. In recent years, there has been a great deal of criticism of education in this country, from both outside and inside the sys- tem. It doesn't take a Ph.D. to realize that a whale of a lot of it is justified. And I speak as a parent, tax-payer, and teacher. Only by frantic efforts and vast infusions of money have we managed to keep our system a mere couple of decades behind the times. I know it's easy to indulge in hindsight. But holy old jumpin' Jupiter, surely there could have been a little foresight somewhere along the line. Look what we have: s hortage of buildings, shortage of teachers, shortage of just about everything except pupils. And a vast surplus of them. This didn't happen over- night. They weren't all born last summer. It was all there 20 years ago, perfectly obvious to anyone who could add and mul- tiply. The only people doing any multiplying were the parents. And the crazy part of it is that we keep urging the kids. to stay in schools which haven't enough room for the new crop arriving. "Drop-out" has be- come almost synonymous with "delinquent". It doesn't matter whether they're doing any work, or learning anything, or are just being bored silly. They're told to stay in school until, through sheer old age and the tidal wave pushing from behind, they get a magic piece of paper that will open a golden door to success. Chiefly to blame are parents. They have my sympathy. Many of them remember the great depression. Many others hon- estly believe material security means happiness. But far, far too many of them, delude them- selves. They Insist that Jack, Who wants nothing more than to get out of schobl and become useful and happy as a salesman or a policeman, has the makings of a great surgeon, because he has always got more than 60 marks in science. or that Jill, a born wife and mother, who wants nothing more than to get Married, should struggle through a course in psychology, because she's always been a first-class baby-sitter. Almost equally to blame are the big industries and institu- tions, from oil companies to banks. They are too lazy, or too cheap, or both, to interview young people and hire them on what they are. It's much easier, and a lot cheaper, just to say, "We don't want anybody unless he has at least a Grade 12 certificate", even if all they want him to do is stick square pegs in round holes. Another thing vastly wrong with education is the way it is fin- anced. Let's take a couple of examples. Here's an elderly couple on a small, fixed income. After years of struggling, they own their own house. They pay $400 a year in municipal taxes. About half of that is for edu- cation, even though they've paid taxes for years to educate their own children or, if childless, somebody else's. This system makes a mockery of the concept that every child has the same educational op- portunities. Don't try to tell me that the kid in a poor bush town in the north has the same facil- ities, options and quality of teach- ing as the kid in a rich suburb. He simply does not. Money makes the difference. And speaking of inequalities, isn't there something quite ri- diculous in a country of 20 mil- lion having 10 separate and dis- tinct educational systems? Much larger countries have one sys- tem, and yet have far more diversity and opportunity with- in that one than we have with our 10 rigid and separate ones. It is provincialism, literally and figuratively. Rigidity is another thing that sticks in my craw. We have rigid curriculums, rigid time- tables, rigid divisions of the school year, and anything else rigid that avoids difficulty and keeps the vast, Victorian vehi- cle shambling along somehow. You know what? I'm getting a little worked up about this. But you can't keep a good belch down, and I've been developing IndigestiOn over the whole busi- ness for some time. So rather than galloping off in all directions, let's say this is the first of a,series of articles on education by a plain, ordin- ary layman. bet you can hardly wait for next week's thrill- ing instalment. Pietivrafee . dog? liaise to ditegid Gt Just as a starter VteexeferZinimAknsocafe 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: Howie Wright Phone 235.1331