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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1969-03-27, Page 4Do they really care? She'll pay to her last gasp All they ask is an opportunity 4):::4Stit:r:•!..C.V.E$Kr 4.0 " • • •••••,..::*; Spring is pure female Now that brush-burning and camping days are drawing close some thoughts penned by R. D. Ussher Lake Erie District Forester are worthy of consideration by all readers. They are as follows: Canada owes much to trees. To the first visitor they provided shelter, the basis of housing, and a home for animals upon which might depend their continued existence. Our poplars are not highly rated as trees, but would the trade in beaver pelts have been important without them? What share of Upper Canada's early trade depended upon squared timbers, masts for the navy, and the forests of pine now represented by lone individuals in out-of-the-way places? Where would we be today without our lumber and pulp and paper industries? Yet how little value is placed on trees, and on woodlots by many of us today. The woodlot is too often the dumping place for garbage litter, broken glass, tin cans, the old roof from the garage. Our park Woodlands are no t exception. Their special status gives them no particular protection. A woodlot which, until recently, was the only station in Canada for one of the rarest native orchids, is a spreading garbage dump. The actual pollution, the visible defacement of the landscape are bad Tuckersmith Township Council is probably not banking too heavily on the success of their resolution opposing regional government. Members are likely convinced their resolution is a case of "too little too late" but they plan to circulate their resolution anyway among the township councils in southwestern Ontario. As Tuckersmith clerk James McIntosh put it, "We don't know whether it will accomplish anything, but the resolution will certainly show the feelings of this area." We do wonder though, if "the feelings of this area" are as strong against regional government as Tuckersmith council may think. In fact, we wonder if the average ratepayer in Tuckersmith or any other township in southwestern Ontario for that matter, knows or cares about the possibility of regional government throughout this province. Municipal councils and school boards have wasted hours in discussion concerning the eventual arrival of They're still valuable enough. What of the state of mind that allows such a situation to exist and grow? In many places camping grounds depend on scattered old trees to provide the shade and shelter that most people like. Inexorably the old veterans go, one by one. The planting of young trees to replace them is a discouraging business. Pocket knives, hatchets and clothes lines are only some of the hazards the small trees face. Their worst foe is the attitude of all too many campers — what's another tree when the park has so many. Spring is a time in southern Ontario to burn grass. How many of us realize how susceptible young trees, growing in grassy places are to sudden and severe heat? All trees are thin-barked when young, even a few seconds exposure to flames will kill the cambium or growing layer beneath that thin protective layer of bark. Heat rises and the twigs and buds have even less protection than the main trunk. Trees not killed outright must be weakened to some extent, thus making them more liable to attack by harmful insects and by fungus diseases. How often do we see brush piled, awaiting a match, too close to, or even under the branches, of an older tree. Southern Ontario still needs trees, both for their aesthetic value and as a source of high grade hardwood timber. We could all do more to protect them. regional government. Most councillors and school board members are convinced the system will be more costly and less personal; at the same time, most men and women in the know will admit to some definite advantages with regional control, such as the reduction of costly duplication of services and materials, for instance. Apathy on the part of taxpayers is considered the greatest single contributing factor to regional government. Carelessness and neglect by the citizen for his rights will eventually rob him of his chance to govern his own affairs. Instead, highly paid professionals will be engaged to accept the responsibility the average citizen refused, time and again, It won't be the most economical situation in the world but it may be the most sensible. Since people don't care to be involved in the routine, thankless chores of political life, they shouldn't mind the inconvenience and the expense of "the easy way out". This tiny tot was born with loss of limb, but thanks to Easter Seals and the Ontario Society for Crippled Children, the fitting of an artificial arm has generated new hope and opportunity for the future. Your contribution to the Easter Seals campaign provides that hope and opportunity for similar youngsters. Colgate Dental Cream Bromo Seltzer ENICAR WATCHES Beautiful Time Pieces SOLD THE WORLD OVER Pleasing You Pleases Us WILSON'S JEWELLERY AND .GIFTS MAIN ST. EX E TER Weekly DISCOUNT SPECIALS A couple of weeks ago, I sang a song of hate in this space, Since Spring, theoretically, is just around that corner which recedes steadily as you approach it, the least I can do is sing a song of love, and ask you to join me. Everybody loves something, even if it's only his car. Looking into the backyard, it's pretty hard to get all goofy about Spring. The pile of snow pushed up beside the garage is now down to six feet. My cedar lawn chairs look like a couple of matrons, buried to the waist in blanc mange, their arms extended pleadingly. The picnic table still looks like a freshly-risen loaf of bread. But the sun shines, day after day, and eventually those articles must reveal themselves in all their scabby, shabby ugliness. Spring in Canada is pure female; unpredictable, perverse, passionate, hot-or-cold, cruel-or-kind. And completely undependable, as far as mood goes. In this crazy climate, I have lain on fresh grass in March and in love and in sun that suggested the following month would be July. And I have gone fishing on :Tata .,A<LAV, Times Established 1873 the first of May and had my line freeze to the rod. There. Having expressed my mistrust of Canada's Spring, I shall return to our theme: love. This is a favorite topic for poets who can't think of anything else to write about. Not being a poet, I will avoid trying to be poetic and thereby save both of us a lot of embarrassment. Some people think that love is a potion, especially in the Far East. You know: rhinoceros horn ground up in a mixture of oysters, and celery. Actually, I wouldn't mind taking a swig at it. Sounds jolly invigorating, or something. Love is not a potion; it's a lotion. It warms the cold heart, as analgesic balm warms the sore shoulder. It lubricates the grinding nerves. It soothes the tortured soul as olive oil does the baby's bum. It is an ointment (by the way, Mecca ointment is good for practically anything. Unpaid commercial). It is a Mecca toward which you travel, and from which you return, rather wondering whether the whole trip was worth it. Sand and flies and heat. And nobody else there but a mob of exhausted, hot, tired and disgruntled pilgrims like yourself. That's love. However, one mustn't wax philosophical about love, even on a highly elevated plane like this. Not in this country, in this climate. Let's get down to specifies. What do we love? I love my country. Not the government, or the people, particularly. The physical Canada. A black spring stream racing between the snowbanks in March. The ghostly mist of green that slips into the trees in May. The Rockies, in mid-summer, aloof, sneering at the ants that crawl about their knees. The sculptured blue-white seascapes of January. I love peace and loneliness, and they're dam' hard to come by, now-a-days. It's beautiful to be alone, sometimes, without the yelp and clamor, the stink and garbage of everyday living. About the only place you can find it is in an inaccessible bog, with a fishing rod. The outboard motor and the ski-doo have seen to that. And I love all growing things: Amalgamated 1924 Anyone who thinks members of Exeter council miss out on opportunities to curtail costs, will certainly be cheered by a conversation which took place at their latest meeting. As most know, the town's old truck has "had it" and is no longer safe to be on the road. It was suggested it be taken to a resting place at the former dump grounds on Highway 83 until council reaches a decision on its eventual fate. It was further suggested the license for the vehicle be sent into the department of transport. However, one member quickly pointed out that the plates shouldn't be removed until the truck was driven to its resting place and this would of course eliminate the need for a towing bill. "When you're going, you may as well take a load with you,' quipped Mayor Jack Delbridge in a bid to make the final trip a most practical one. It's that type of thinking that gives us continuing faith in local municipal administration! There are some who may question the economic validity of hiring a dog catcher for $1,000 a year, but it should be noted that if all local dog owners paid their annual dog tax, it would come very close to matching that amount. Many people still escape this annual fee as it is most difficult to collect in some instances. However, perhaps that large team of county (soon to be provincial) assessors will be able to track down some of those who don't pay. The situation is a bit odd when fully considered, because in effect dog owners have logy a tax which then is turned over to a dog catcher to catch those same dogs. However, the same situation prevails in all law enforcement activities. The public pay the costs to have people around to catch them when they break the law. We never cease to be amazed at the ability of area cooks, but grass, flowers, leaves. Except when they have to be mowed, or cultivated, or raked. And nearly all children. Except when they grow up. And I love a good poker game, especially when the cards are coming right. And a good argument, especially when I'm right, which seems to he nearly every time. And I love my wife, but oh, you kid. And I love my kids, but OH, YOU KIDS! And I love to do a good job, whether it's writing a column, or teaching a dumbbell something, or finding a new gimmick in my tax return. It seldom happens, but it makes me happy. Sometimes I can even love my neighbor as myself. It's a lot easier these days. He hasn't an of or an ass or a maid-servant to cOvet, See? I've just begun. I haven't even mentioned hot bonfires or cold beer, or a thousand other things, Put down a list for yourself, and you'll decide you're not such an old miserable after all, an incident last week brought to mind the necessity for some of them labelling their wares. An the annual Cancrop goodwill banquet, Wednesday, a couple of ladies across the table were quite interested in some ornamental roses decorating one of the cakes being served by the Hurondale WI. The ladies finally plucked the roses from the cake and started to eat them, each presenting her opinion as to what material was used to make the flowers. They nibbled away and one finally came up with the answer after most of her rose had been devoured. "I really think they're made out of paper," she said as she plucked a piece out of her mouth. :ft At the same banquet, Mayor Jack Delbridge presented a couple of definitions that are worth repeating. The definition of a consultant was listed as follows — a person who takes your watch, tells you 50 YEARS AGO Exeter and district residents welcomed home several soldiers this week, including the following: Sergi:. Nelson Stacey, son of Mr. Jas. Stacey, Hay; Corp. Wilfred Stewart, son of Mr. & Mrs. J. A. Stewart; Private Jos. Follick, son of Mr. & Mrs. E. A. Follick; Corp. William Sims, Stephen; and Private Charles Triebner, son of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Triebner. The Town Council has purchased a fine bay team for the use of the corporation this summer. Mr. John Piper has been engaged to handle the team. The making of maple syrup is in full swing. The weather has been favorable and good runs are being reported. 25 YEARS AGO Two life-long residents of this community passed away this week. They were Mr. James Sanders, and Mr. Harry J. Gidley, son of the late Samuel Gidley, one of the pioneer businessmen of town. The Red Cross Canvass in Exeter and district being completed this Week, will realize nearly $8,500. Sgt. Clarence McDonald, son of Mr. & Mrs. Joe McDonald, is now in England where his younger brother Ted has been for over two years. Another brother, Reg, has been in B.C. for the past year. During the week the women of the Soldiers' Welfare Sub-committee packed and shipped 124 parcels of nearly seven pounds each to the boys of the district who are overseas. Mr. Glen McKnight has accepted a position as express agent for the C.N.R. and commenced his new duties on Monday. 15 YEARS AGO A crowd of 1500 people enjoyed the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta "Pirates of Penzance" what time it is, and then sends you a bill for his service. The second item was a recent blues chaser in a daily newspaper. It stated that while some people think they are getting too much government, they should be glad they're not getting all they're paying for. The Financial Post reports that cigarette companies are struggling to keep up sales in what may be a static or declining market. With the dirty weed getting hit from all sides, the companies apparently have fewer prospects for large numbers of new smokers and are turning their attention to infighting between brands. Of interest is the fact smoking is said to be declining among men, but is on the increase among women. which was presented by the Huronia Male Chorus under the direction of Mrs. H. L. Sturgis. The Exeter Figure Skating Club made a colorful debut before a crowd of 500 when it presented its first carnival at the local arena, Several hundred Exeter and district citizens attended "Open House" at Eater Public School and inspected the new four-room addition, recently completed. Jim Carter and Marion Crossman, S.H.D.H.S. students, were winners in the Western Ontario Regional speaking contest at the University of Western Ontario. They will be entered in the finals in Toronto at Easter. Lucan's public school children left temporary quarters in the Anglican and United Church basements, the Masonic Hall and arena to occupy the. new school this week. 10 YEARS AGO Dave Ducharme, 12A student, won the right to participate in Ontario public speaking finals in Toronto by taking top honors in a contest at Listowel. The Pinery Park at Grand Bend, now in course of construction, will be one of the largest and one of the finest in Ontario. It will include 13 miles of roads in its 4200 acres, and two new bridges across the Ausable River. Led by team captain Larry Heideman, Exeter Mohawks sidelined Forest to enter the WOAA "B" finals against the Philipsburg Chevs. Allison Clarke, Centralia, has been chosen to represent S.H.D.H.S.. in the London Free Press School Queen's Club. An award-winning academic student, she has also captured honors in public and verse speaking, drama, citizenship, track and field and team sports. I SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND C.W.N.A., 0.W.N.A., CLASS 'A' and ABC Publishers: J. M. Southcott, R. M. Southcott Editor—Bill Batten—Advertising Manager Phone 235.1331 I : ,::Z.Mardeigint Advocate Established 1881 Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Authorized as Second Class Mail, Post Office Dept, Ottawa, and for Payment of Postage in Cash Paid in Advance Circulation, September 30, 1968, 4,520 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $5.00 Per Year; USA $7.00 class CommUnity neWsrapers Your Flowers For Easter Order Where You Are Assured • Selection • Quality • Service Exeter Flowers Phone 235-0111 Exeter how many shoulders has your executor? The hard earned estate you leave behind is too important to be entrusted to inexperienced and untrained help. People—even those who merit your trust—die, disappear, become incapacitated. It happens every day. But not here, because at Victoria and Grey Trust, your estate management problems, big and little, are the responsibility first, of a friendly, sympathetic trust officer you get to know, and second, of a team of competent, trained specialists who operate under government license. Don't leave your estate to chance. Leave it in the competent care of Victoria and Grey. VG I1CTORIA and GREY TRUST COMPANY SINCE 1889 Principal Toronto office: 197 Bay Street