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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1967-02-16, Page 4• : : .... • . Seette4 &gawk, arlace o c 9aafect Final say on education `OF txeferZfineefrAbuocafe ONE OF A SERIES OF CENTENNIAL REPORTS Playing host to the world That's a sound policy Death and 'taxes have always been in the category of those things which are impossible to escape, but for most municipal councillors the list extends to three more; namely, dust in the sum- mer, snow in the winter and dogs throughout the entire year. This year is no exception in that regard and the winter topic of snow— and its removal — has again made its way into the discussion at Exeter coun- cil. There were two important points made at last week's session and they are worthy of further comment. The first is the remark made by Councillor Ross Taylor that Exeter's streets are plowed better than those in most West- ern Ontario communities. While such comparisons do not al- ways serve a useful purpose in support- ing any particular action or argument, they do in this particular case. It shows that local ratepayers are more fortu- nate than most, although it is probably true we are spending more for such services too. However, when service and safety are involved, the cost factor has to be considered on intangibles and there- fore is difficult to criticize. This point was emphasized this week in Clinton where ratepayers are complaining about the fact sidewalks ren aged about 6 to 11 years, The Challenges to Canadians illustrate the response of Cana- dians to the factors of resources, distance, elimate and topography. The emphasis is on energy as — Please turn to page 7 are never plowed. They point out this makes it hazardous for children who must walk on the roads, and certainly their point is well taken and we should be thankful that our own youngsters are not faced with art identical prob- lem. The second noteworthy point made at last week's council meeting was the opinion of Reeve Derry Boyle that snow removal should be done on the basis of providing safety for pedes- trians and motorists, rather than as a service to any particular merchant in providing parking facilities. This is the first time we've heard council's policy in this matter pointed out in such simple terms and it cer- tainly makes a great deal of sense. There's been occasion this winter to see the hazards created when piles of snow force parked cars to infringe on the travelled portion of Main St. and it is most dangerous. Snow removal is a costly business and to do it only where necessary for safety is reasonable, While there are always borderline cases, it would ap- pear a comparatively simple matter to determine where snow must be re- moved to provide ample parking for any place of business so customers' cars do not create a hazard for other motorists. LETTERS T E EDITOR $now complaint Dear Sir: It has occurred to me that It seems strange that the largest pile of snow in the vicinity of the Scout Hall should be directly in front of the building. Is it not possible for the snow plow to push some of this excess snow onto the empty fields on either side of the building? The large banks of snow on either side of John Street allow no room for parking for the volunteers who lead the groups of Brownies, Cubs, Scouts and Guides, as well as parents and other visitors at various func- tions held there. This creates a dangerous situation when child- ren are involved. Perhaps the public works de- partment could see their way clear to remedy this situation. Yours truly, (Mrs.) Mary K. Fairfield. And another Re: Snow removal in the town of Exeter at the corners of Welling- ton and Main Street. Should know regulations •-• Township representative was following instructions. As members of the council admit- ted, they were probably at fault for not following the situation through last year to find out exactly what the posi- tion of their inspector was in the cases where he met opposition. However, it's still not too late be- cause this year's program hasn't been undertaken as yet. They would be ad- vised to contact the department to de- termine exactly what the rules and reg- ulations are concerning the spraying of cattle for warble fly. If the program is still of value— and most farmers appear to agree that it is—then it should not be placed in jeopardy by a few objectors; but coun- cil and their inspector should know exactly what authority they have when dealing with those objectors. Dear Sir: Is there some reason why every year we have to complain to no avail to have this snow removed? We pay our property tax and Business tax and we feel that our privileges should be the same as those in the down town area, don't you? We have customers also, with no place to park. What would the merchants down town say if their customers had no place to park because of snow mounds and then went elsewhere to do their busi- ness? Let's get those trucks and snow loaders working around the town, even on our corner. Yours truly, J. G. Wedge. By J. T, McCAULEY The Theme of Expo 67 was inspired by the philosophy of French airman and author An- toine de Saint-Exupery as de- veloped in a book widely read across the world of which the English title is -- Man and his World. A group of distinguished Ca- nadian scholars and scientists brought the concept into relation- Ship with plans for the exhibition at a conference in the spring of 1963. The International Bureau of Exhibitions enthusiastically ap- proved of the title Man and his World. Thus the pattern was set for Expo 67. Every pavilion, in its fashion, relates its presentation to the overall concept of Man and his ideological, cultural and scientific relationship to his en- vironment. As graphic symbol for this concept, Expo 67 adopted a de- sign that drew its inspiration from one of the oldest known drawings of Man. Eight identical groups of twin figures represent Mankind in unity encircling the world. Canada's pavilion faces Mont- real on a site of 11 acres at the upstream end of Ile Notre- Dame. Its 125 exhibits show how the nation has developed, the factors that shape the lives of Canadians, and what Canadians are like. Adjacent are the pa- vilions of the provinces of Can- ada. A huge inverted pyramid — the Katimavik — dominates the build- ings of the Canadian pavilion. It takes its name from the Eskimo word for "gathering place", sig- nificant reminder of Canada's welcoming role as host to mil- lions of visitors from every part of the world. The pyramidal roofs of the principal buildings give a crys- talline effect symbolic of the minerals and metals of Canada. Landscaped grounds slope through terraces to a canal and lagoon. There are major exhibit areas devoted to: The Land of Canada, The People of Caned a, The Growth of Canada, the Challenges to Canadians and Canada and the World, while the Katimavik ex- hibits relate to the Expo 6'7 overall theme of Man and his World. Separate are the Arts Centre, The Sanctuary, a non-denomin- ational place of meditation, and the Children's Creative Centre, a place for directed play by child- Wage demands are unrealistic In view of the increasing demands being made upon us by government agencies, it is surprising to hear com- plaints from Hay Township councillors that a provincial inspector failed to back up the township's warble fly in- spector during a dispute there last year. The fact that the provincial inspec- tor failed to uphold the contention of the township's inspector that one farm- er's cattle had to be sprayed for the insect prompted council to consider dropping the program this year. Their attitude is understandable. It's tough enough getting someone to take on the duties as a warble fly in- spector, in view of the opposition they meet from a small number of farmers, without that person having the support of a government inspector in a situa- tion where it would appear the Hay (The preceding letter was ad- dressed to Exeter council and a copy was sent to the T-A.) They would still spend as much During the past few months area councils have been receiving a number of resolutions from other municipali- ties in Ontario asking their support of increased grants from various govern- ment departments. If they had been supported, both the federal and provincial governments would have been faced with a larger share of the costs on education high- ways and welfare, to name only a few. Most of the resolutions follow iden- tical arguments: that municipal coun- cils can not afford to pay their present share for such services in view of addi- tional costs on other of their own proj- ects. fits throughout the coming years. We also wonder what would happen if council offered some of it in sizeable prizes for the best decorated homes in the com- munity, or prizes for landscaping or other such improvements to properties around town. A prize of $100 would probably provide the only incentive some home owners would need to really do a tremendous job and again the work would provide benefits for years to come. As stated, we in this community should be proud of the enthus- iasm being shown by our many officials in making centennial year something that will be long remembered, but we do suggest that where possible, monies should be spent on projects that will be of a lasting nature. In conclusion, we note that area councillors will be depart- ing their various communities this weekend to attend the annual Good Roads convention. We've used up most of the comments that could be approp- riate for this annual event, and as Exeter Reeve Derry Boyle — Please turn to page 7 along Highway 4 which is pres- ently being reconstructed. The old poles have been rip- ped out and left lying along the side of the road and we noticed a couple that were protruding from snowbanks and would create hazards for any motorist who slid into them. Because it is quite easy to slip into the ditch due to the slippery road conditions prevalent in the area during winter, we would suggest the poles should be re- moved without delay. While we certainly don't want to jeopardize the enthusiasm be- ing shown in Exeter over this country's centennial cele- brations, we are of the opinion council went overboard in ap- proving an expenditure of up to $800 for street decorations. The community will take on a festive appearance for the coming months, but the decorations will then become worthless. Surely there must be some things on which some of the money could be spent that would be of a more permanent nature. That amount of cash would cer- tainly cover a fair bit of work on the beautification of Riverview Park and would be something from which we would derive bene- have to be considered in this regard as well. In the first place, it is still the lo- cal ratepayers who supply the funds for the provincial and senior govern- ments. Many people fail to consider this point, apparently believing that the senior governments have some magical means of raising money without reach- ing into the pockets of local citizens. It just isn't that way, so any increased grants from the senior governments still come out of the pockets of those who would be footing the bill if the programs were paid for by municipal councils. Perhaps of even greater impor- tance to the local taxpayer is the fact that if the senior governments did in- crease their grants, municipal councils would not decrease their programs, but would look around for new ways to spend tax dollars. That suggests we would end up paying more to the senior governments to finance the additional grants, and at the same time we'd still be faced with about the same local tax bill. Obviously, the beleaguered tax- payer can't stand that. As we have noted before, mem- bers of Exeter council seldom favor such increased grants on the grounds that they would lose more of their dwindling autonomy. It's a sound argu- ment. After all, if the senior govern- ments are going to pay the bill, it is only reasonable that they are also go- ing to dictate how the money is to be Spent. There are two other points that Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 Amalgamated 1924 50 YEARS AGO The Exeter Boy Scouts went to Clinton Thursday evening to play a return game of hockey, The boys were entertained for the night at the homes of the Clinton Scouts. At the carnival held in the skating rink Monday night Miss Lulu Martin was awarded the first prize for comic, Miss Dor- othy White, first prize for her costume as Italy and Miss Blanche Senior second prize as France. M. Vincent won the men's first comic prize as Charlie Chaplin. Legislation was introduced by Hon. L. B. Lucas in the Leg- islature Monday imposing a fine of $25 on Telephone listeners. SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND Member: C.W.N.A., 0.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 1W" II= • 5.3 r"4 1 ell- L4Ri 'fir M9- " T.11- F tt.. 1111 13111611241411111rOVI OM P•1 tfy or a r Published each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ont. Authorized as Second Class Mail, Post Office De n% Ottawa, and for Payment of Pottage in Cash It isn't very difficult getting a good discussion going these days. All one has to do is men- tion teachers' salaries and then sit back and listen. The topic is certainly current these days following the reports last week that area elementary teachers were seeking pay in- creases ranging from just under 15 percent to almost 30 percent. Because the money comes out of the public coffers it is only natural that ratepayers should be concerned about the requests, and it is perhaps only natural that most of them will reach the conclusion that increases of such magnitude are ridiculous. While there are no figures to support our contention, we feel it is quite safe to say that the vast majority of persons who will have to pay the bill for teachers' salaries will not re- ceive corresponding pay in- creases to enable them to do so. We have no intention of be- coming embroiled in an argu- ment about the value of teachers. No person has the ability in this day and age to judge the worth of another In dollars and cents. What we do say is that a 20 to 30 percent pay increase is unwarranted and unrealistic, especially when it is accompanied by an automatic pay increase of $200 or $300 for next year as well. * * * Members of the Hensall Kins- men should be well pleased with the reception their winter carn- ival received, although it prob- ably would have attracted even more spectators if the weather- man hadn't supplied so much winter for Saturday's events. We still haven't recuperated from the ordeal faced in judging 17 contestants for the title of Snow Queen. There are naturally certain benefits in such a job, but those who were in attendance can probably appreciate the im- possibility one encounters in at- tempting to single out one gal from such an attractive group. In talking to all the contes- tants we did find out one en- couraging thing: it won't be such a hardship getting sick in future years. The majority of the 17 girls told us they planned to become nurses following grad- uation from high school. It's to be hoped the Hensall KinSmen seriously consider making the carnival an annual event, and we're certain they are most appreciative of the Wonderful co-operation they re- ceived from all concerned. The final event of the day-- the log sawing-didn't have too many spectators, but most of those present were fully loaded with wise-cracks that undoubt- edly made it difficult for the men on the saw to keep their mind on their work. However, the competitors had one thing over them, They were the only ones who were warm, although there were those of us there Who could think of better ways to keep Warms The trip to Hensall made us aware of a dangerous situation Paid in Advance CirculatiOn, Septernber 30, 1966, 4,421 25 YEARS AGO Mr. Robert Rowcliffe Of Clin- ton has renewed his Times-Ad- vocate for the 55th consecutive year. The first airplane to arrive at the new Centralia Airport came in on Monday and more are expected anytime. Operative at once is a new order issued by the Wartime Prices and Trade Board that only one delivery may be made to a customer inone day. This order is placed with the idea of helping the war effort: The unveiling of the Hohor ltoli Of the community will be held in Thames Road ehurch 2aster Sun- day when Hon, J. C. Gardiner Will officiate' SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $5.00 Per Year; 15 YEARS AGO Exeter Lions will hold their first Hospital Paper drive in South Huron March 12, Collec- tions will be made in Crediton, Centralia, Dashwood, Kirkton, Granton and Exeter. The Lions estimate that with proper co- operation several thousands of dollars can be raised for the hos- pital during the year. Garnet Johns has sold his farm to Elson Lynn of St. Paul formerly of Owen Sound. Ladies of Trivitt Memorial Women's Auxiliary served over 1,000 pancakes at their an- nual Shrove Tuesday supper. Alvin Lavery, son of Mr. & Mrs. Milton Lavery of Hensall, although four years old, will have his first birthday February 29. 10 YEARS AGO Exeter and District Players Guild is sponsoring a poster con- test for pupils Of Grades seven and eight at Exeter Public School. The subject is "Father's Been to Mars" the play being produced by the Guild, Joanne Mair, daughter of Mrs. Jean Mair, was One Of the nurses who received her cap at a capping ceremony which was held at St. Joseph's Hospital, London, last Friday, D. H. "Doug" Miles, Frontenac agricultural representative, has been appointed to succeed G. W. Montgomery in Huron County. Clandeboye wl celebrated their 50th anniversary at the Lucan Memorial Centre with a family night including a banquet and en- tertainment. 9•••• O.K. I know. Enough is enough. This is positively the last in a series of columns on education. Let me repeat that I'm no ex- pert, just a parent, tax-payer and teacher, and equally con- cerned in each role. I've been critical. In some quarters, no doubt, my remarks have been considered rank her- esy. But there is a positive side. Let's look at it. Most cheering is the tremen- dous interest in educational im- provement both from within and without the system. Departments of education are spending large amounts of time, thought and money in an attempt to scramble into the second part of the twentieth century. New universities are spring- ing up like mushrooms, with fresh and invigorating ideas, vital young teachers. Men and women in all walks of life are taking a hard look at what they are getting for their money, and what they want for their children. As a result of these things, much of the old rigidity and inflexibility are crumbling under heavy fire. Changes are coming. It's not been any easier to get them started than to make a team of oxen break into a gallop. But they're coming, even though they may gallop right through the fence. Thomas Acquinas hasn't much to say to the swingers of today, with the New Morality on one Side of them, and nuclear an- nihilation on the other. In fact, a punning colleague suggested: "Should Old Acquinas be for- got?" Egerton Ryerson is not exact- ly haunting the halls of Ryer- son Instittite. It's more likely he's holding his heavenly head in his hands with horror as he sees the students of that estab- lishment putting away more ale per capita than their prototypes of Oxford and Cambridge in the dayS of Elitabeth I, However, we drift. Here are some ofthe improvements.Sotne may flop. Hut at least the pon- derous pachyderm Is pulling its feet out of the Mud at last. With a resultant, resounding squelch. Teaching machines, television, computers will take over 90 per cent Of the dissemination of know- ledge, They're a fact now. The USA $7.06 mratte4 kids of today's students will have to listen to boring tales from their parents about the "good old days when there was a teacher in every class-room." This revolution in turn, will eliminate the lock-step progress of the present, where the swift are held back, and the slow are scrambling, because courses are aimed at the average. The kids will move at their own speed. Learning will be satisfying and exciting. There'll be strong opposition to this. There'll be dark whis- pers that it is undemocratic, that it will produce an elite. They'll say it's bad for the bright child because he won't be emot- ionally mature if, lets say, he's ready for university at 13. Baloney. Education isn't dem- ocratic now, Not when one kid has to slug groceries after school to buy decent clothes, and a class-mate is out skiing. Not when the first kid hasn't a chance to go on because he must help support his family, while the second kid goes off to univer- sity to find a husband. Better an elite of the mind than an elite of middle-class money and morality. As for the emotionally ma- ture bit, that too, is poppycock. Some people are emotionally ma- ture at 10, others never. Another big change will be curricula. Kids will be taught less facts, more about life. That is, instead of square roots and dangling participles and the Pelo4- plannesiae Wars, they'll learn about themselves and other people, about beauty and econ- omics, about leisure and love. Annual examinations, which have about as much to do with education as I have to do with Sophia Loren, will vanish. Schools will have shorter terms, more frequent holidays, but will likely operate year- round. Teaching will improve, be., cause it will become a dynamic creative profssion , attracting the dynamic, creative people. I hate to spoil this vision of educational Utopia, but I have one more prediction, The whole thing is going to coat more and more and more, That's the only prophecy I will unconditionally guarantee¤ 46,-' flr-Lanim.