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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1970-02-12, Page 4class coprimuniq newspapcss 1 OUR P OINT OF VIEW Every later bit costs No creature fouls its habitat more than man. The evidence is everywhere, It is not just the filth that hangs like a cloud in our polluted air. Nor the oozing waste that poisons our waters, It is also the litter, the debris of our new, improved way of life, that most of us, at one time or another, have been guilty of spreading. The Ontario Department of Highways, for example, estimates that it costs $55 per mile per year to remove broken glass, waste paper, cigarette packages and other junk from 13,000 miles of roadside, The total costs will soon exceed $1-million annually. Our lakes and streams, for example, the ones in which no chemicals or effluent are deposited, are littered with bottles, broken glass and other signs that say man has passed this way. Your contribution will send urgently needed food and medicines now . • < and will help provide medical centres and schools for -vital reha- bilitation in Nigeria. Send your donation to UNICEF, 737 Church Street, Toronto, or to your nearest Chartered Bank. In one northern community, Members of a sportsmen's club collected' 20 hampers of man-made and man-distributed garbage along a quarter of a mile of stream, Multiply this by the thousands of miles of streams and lakesides in the more popular areas across Canada and you have one big mess. Unfortunately, all levels of government have only lent an inattentive ear to the problem of litter, Although litterbugs may be fined, there are not enough policemen to enforce the law. It seems that now, especially with the new throw-away bottles and cans and all the other disposable wonders of our technology, it is time to educate and to enforce against littering. For if we fail to do this, the outdoors and the city streets will become a pigsty. HELP UNICEF HELP NIGERIA'S CHILDREN Canadian[ UNICEF committce They'll get worse There were many new inventions and fads during the past decade and this T-A photo in early 1960 shows some of them in action, Yes, go-carts were a popular machine and race tracks were established at Lucan and on Highway 83 west of Dashwood. Large numbers of spectators and machines attended the events, but enthusiasm soon waned and in this area they now appear to be collectors' items. Exeter council's concern over the cracks appearing on the new Main St. sidewalks no doubt is shared by most local residents. It indicates a situation which will get worse and therefore can not be tolerated. No doubt it will take some study to determine the reason for the severe cracking, but one thing is evident , . . it Swallowed up! What for? is not the fault of Exeter council and Exeter ratepayers. It is therefore plainly evident that any costs involved in rectifying the situation should not be incurred by the municipality. However, it is a situation which council will have to watch diligently to ensure that corrective measures are taken as soon as possible. Honesty on both sides There's a good deal of comment about consumer protection these days and undoubtedly there is need for methods to deal with unscrupulous businessmen. ' Similarly, however, there is some need for protection of the businessman as one such individual pointed out to us this week. Take the matter of NSF cheques for instance. Technically it's illegal to present an NSF cheque in payment for goods or services but it does happen and not always innocently. The problems of locating some of the authors of those worthless cheques is not always simple either. Perhaps some protection might be legislated for businessmen in this area. We realize the simple solution is not to accept cheques but then the same could be applied to consumers who are urged not to sign contracts without reading them. Car dealers are now legislated against and supervised in many of their activities but we suspect many of them could tell some stories about consumers who feel no compunction about switching tires or equipment after an appraisal has been written. Honesty in business must be two-sided. While it is good to have consumer protection it may also be reasonable to have business protection because it would be totally unfair to suggest only people in business are crooked. — MILTON CHAMPION It was a close squeak, but I retained my position as President of PORK (Parents Of Rotten Kids) at the annual election of officers held in my study recently. I was given the honor of leading, once again, this progressive and widespread organization, with members in every town and city in Canada, because my daughter quit university' after one term. We now have the situation of our son, who dropped out two years ago, and dropped back in this year, urging his kid sister not to be a slob, a ninny, a quitter, a lazy bum, just as we urged him when he did it. The reason for Kim's decision is rather fuzzy in our eyes, as she wasn't failing, and even seemed to like some aspects of it. But I think the main reason was that after 13 years of school and piano lessons, she had simply had enough, and wanted to find out what real life is all about. . I haven't figures (but I'll bet they're shocking) of the number of bright young people who quit college in their first year. The reasons are obvious. It is boring, it doesn't live tip to their expectations, or they can't stand the new freedom and fall behind, hopelessly, in their work. It's a bitter blow for parents with high hopes, especially for those who couldn't afford it themselves and want something better for their Children. There are tears and exhortations and For TOTAL Home Comfort ... And All Your GAS APPLIANCE NEEDS Contact GRAHAM Mc INNES Union Gas Sales Representative DIAL 227-411'2 Building or Renovating? ,LET US DESIGN YOUR NEW KITCHEN Over 40 different selections to choose from ranging from' plain to provincial to Spanish & Mediterranean Our quality is tops Our price guaranteed lowest For Free Estimate Call BOB ROBINSON Kirkton 229-8775 Fleet-Wood Cabinets Ltd. R. R. 1 Dorchester today's youth, with a comment that he developed a "pain" recently when a youngster blandly informed him "your generation has made an awful mess of things". The writer was critical because the comment had come "from a kid who has more clothes, more cars, more food, more security of every kind, including the privilege of higher education, that 99 percent of our generation ever dreamed of." He wondered what the reaction of this kid would be were he suddenly to face the "dirty thirties" and the "bloody fourties" that his generation had to push through. The thoughts expressed are valid, to a point, but it must be remembered that each generation has its own battles to fight. Today's generation has permissiveness, drugs, affluence and apathy with which to contend, and no doubt the challenges are as great as they were for those who came through the dirty thirties and bloody forties. The situations are extremely different, but each is difficult in its own way. If today's parents are not prepared to show some leadership in helping their kids, then they have no right to complain about the results attained when the kids strike out on their own. by the groups in Hensall last weekend indicates that' it isn't too much work for anyone, when several organizations get together to provide the necessary planning and work. Some people tell us we are now living in a "youth-oriented" society. Most things appeared to be geared to youth and any old foggies who have attained any ripe old age over 30 are just not with it. That may be true, but we find it difficult to join those who blame the situation on today's teenagers. In many cases, it's not so much a matter of them taking over as it is that their elders have abdicated their role in guiding young people. ' Columnist Bill Smiley, who also augments his income by teaching school, had some unkind words for today's students in last week's issue. He said he was hurt and alarmed at the increasing lack of courtesy, the "who cares" attitude and their mental laziness. As a teacher, of course, Bill has the experience on which to base his opinions. However, when one talks about the new permissiveness of today's society, condemnation should not be heaped solely on the younger generation. A considerable amount of the trend rests on the shoulders of their parents who apparently condone the new permissiveness. The "John Peel" column in the St. Marys Journal-Argus also laments about the attitude of beating of breasts. There is the rational approach, the plaintive approach, the thunderous condemnation. But you might as well try to reason with John Calvin or an oak stump as with a stubborn 18-year-old who has made up his or her mind about something. The favorite expression is that they want to "find" themselves, to learn to live in a world that is not cotton-wrapped or institutionalized. This argument brings ulcers, apoplexy and fallen arches of the soul to parents. And I have some sympathy for the kids. As long as they're not my own. They want to get out of the ratrace of mortgages, taxes and striving for security in which they see their grey-faced parents engaged. They are simply sick of a system with a stick at one end and a carrot, in the form of a piece of paper, at the other. For some kinds, the system is fine. And I especially admire those who, without too much natural ability, and practically no money, haul themselves through school by their bootstraps, on plain hard work. For others, a minority, the system is rotten, and to some extent I agree with them. They want a simpler, cleaner way of life. It's a tough decision for them. Often, it takes more courage to quit than to conform. They hate to hurt their baffled parents. They are labelled as lazy punks and dropouts. They are told they can't face reality. They are confronted by nagging, bullying, threats and bribes, along with their own feelings of guilt. They often become emotionally disturbed, or pretty tough on the surface. But there's one thing parents must do. They must stop trying to live through their kids, especially when the latter are old enough to work, to marry and to live their own lives. Parents should do the same — live their own lives. They should go on loving their offspring, if possible. They should help them, if they need help. But they should stop trying to manipulate them, to mold them into a design they think is the right one. Please don't think I'm defending all dropouts. Some of them are lazy bums, and quitters. But I can't help wondering what I should do, if I were 18 today. When I went to university, it was a way of getting off the treadmill, of escaping a dull job and a limited future and a life of diapers, and boiled cabbage, and hamburg four times a week, and never enough money, Today's affluent kids are getting off another, type of treadmill in a different way. They have my sympathy, but my heart bleeds for those who won't make it, and discover, too late, that they have exchanged a treadmill for a squirrel cage. • 15 YEARS AGO Jim Carter and Marion Creery won the public speaking contest sponsored by Exeter Lions Club at SHDHS Monday afternoon. Mrs. Rufus Kestle and Mr. Wm. McKenzie are attending the Prince Edward Hotel, Toronto Wednesday and Thursday. Lyle Anderson and Doug Harrison, Exeter, Hydro employees, are taking a three weeks course at the hydro training centre, Pond Mills. For the first time this winter the council had the snow removed from in front of the 'business section on Main Street. Warden Earl Campbell, of Hay; Reeve V. Pincombe, of Usborne, and Deputy-reeve, C. Mawhinney, of town, representing Huron County Council, were in Toronto a couple of days last week attending the' Agriculural Council Convention. Mrs. Rufus Kestle and Mr. Wm. McKenzie are attending the Ontario Fair Boards' convention held at the Prince Edward Hotel, Toronto Retire rich! Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 toteferTimesabuorafe 50 YEARS AGO The Elston saw mill, of Centralia, owned by Mrs. Thos. Elston, has been sold to Mr. H. Willert, of Dashwood, who will convert it into a flax mill. A quiet, wedding took place at the James Street parsonage on Thursday evening last when Rev. M. J. Wilson united in marriage, Mr. Albert E. Andrew and Miss Olive Treble. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew will remain in Exeter for a few weeks after which they will leave for the West to occupy the groom's farm. Mr. Fred May has purchased the dwelling of Mr. John MacDonald situated on Main Street, opposite the Main Street Methodist Church. Mr. August Hill, who has most successfully conducted the hotel in Crediton for thirty-one years, has retired from business. At the meeting of the Municipal Council it Was moved by councillors Ward and Penhale that authority be given to Public Utilities, Commission to purchase and install a hydro pump for the purpose of pumping water for the water works system. Amalgamated 1,24 SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND d.W.N.A., ()ANNA., CLASS 'A' and ABC Editor — Bill Batten Advertising Manager Phone 235.1331 Get your tax-free fully guaranteed pension plan now cumulating at 834% with no annual fee. See us quickly while interest rates hold! 'I Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Class Mail Registration Number 0386 Paid in Advance Circulatitin, September 30, 1968, 4,520 SUBSCRIPTION RATES Canada $6.01 Par Year; USA WOO eze The Onior 7'ms1 Company devoted entirely lo serving the people of Ootatio., 25 YEARS AGO The forecast of the weather for the past week can be Swinged up as follows: "First it rained, then it blew, Then it friz and then it snew. Then there was a shower of rain, Then it Eris and snew again." Six pair of twins, four pair hand running, is a record established by a Durham cow owned by Mr. Orville Cann, of Usborne. Mrs. W. M. llallantyne, of TorontO, visited with her parents Mr. St Mrs. Mane Beckler in Usborne for a few days last week. The postponed "Sweater Swing" dance by the Exeter H.S. will be held at the.Arena Wednesday evening o next week. •.' . :Yik". • ,.r,) 10 YEARS AO0 Twelve-year.old Shirley Sauder, Exeter, won the Times-Advocate spelling bee Tuesday night. Her classmate Elsie Gosar, Was runner-up. Both ate pupils of Principal A. B. Idle. S.H.D.H.S. graduate Bill Pollen took part in debates in defence last week between Rochester Institute Of Technology and the University of Western Ontario. Miss Linda Marie Wurm of town spent five days with her aunt and wide, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Smith, Lucan. The proposed $60,000 storm drain on Pryde bouileVard won't be tackled for several year's at least, town council indicated Friday flight, Mrs. R. S. Hennessey .has returned horse frem Neva Scotia after visiting her daughter. A growing fear among Canadians is that we soon will be swallowed up by our neighbors to the south. In some economic aspects, the fear is certainly warranted. Being rich in natural resources and having lands for development, many Canadians can quickly envisage why Americans are interested in this great country of ours. However, there is evidence that many Americans would think their leaders a bit daft if they ever encouraged Canada to become a part of the union. This opinion is based on some of the questions asked by American tourists when they arrive at Niagara Falls, Ontario. Some suggest they think of us as living in the back woods in a totally desolate country. Here is a list of some of the questions asked year in, year out by some of the visitors: — Where is Ontario? — When you say 25 miles, is that Canadian miles or U.S. miles? — Where do I change my money into pounds, shillings and pence? — Do you drive on the wrong side of the road here? — Are there any theatres in Toronto? — We're going to Windsor. Have you a booklet to explain the French signs? — How much of Canada can we see in one day? — Are there any gas stations or do we have to carry our own gas? — You must be American. You speak just like we do. — What do you do in the evenings in Canada? Where does it start snowing? Is Vancouver near Halifax? * * * One of our readers dropped in last week to question whether we ever accepted ideas for editorials. He was assured this was certainly the case, primarily because it is impossible for any one person to keep totally abreast of the needs of the community. We'd be happy to hear from any reader who has a suggestion which should be brought to the public's attention. Or as stated last week, sit down and write a letter to be published in the newspaper. Our visitor suggested some concern should be expressed regarding the lack of a wig-wag signal on the railroad crossing on the Crediton Road. He had checked into the matter and was advised that a request for such a safety device should come from Stephen Township council. This is obviously a matter which should be considered by , Stephen council, because with the development of Centralia Industrial Park, the Crediton Road is a busy thoroughfare and the amount of traffic would appear to make a wig-wag a necessity. * * Snowmobiles continue to draw complaints, although the number appears to be on the decline since the first of the season when the enthusiasts were out in full force. However, the machine has proven a boon to service clubs in the district, who have organized races as the primary event in winter carnivals. The carnivals have attracted large crowds and k have re-acquainted many people with the enjoyment of outdoor life in the winter season, Service clubs in Exeter appear to be missing out on this hew opportunity to fill their coffers, and perhaps they should conSider some activities along this line for next year. The co-operation exhibited I Reiftemee4 the 60'4? PORK president re-elected TIMM and GREY TRUSt COMPANY SINCE 1/389