Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1970-03-19, Page 4Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 Amalgamated 1924 SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND C.W.N.A., O.W.N.A., CLASS 'A' and ABC Editor Bill Batten Advertising Manager Phone 235-1331 Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Class Mail Registration Number. 086 Paid in Advance Circulation, September JO, 1969, 4,7'51 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $6.00 Per Year; USA $8.00 • About a year ago we had occasion to print a picture of a town hall being torn down in a Western Canadian town. The picture was of interest to local residents because the town hall had been built by the same man who constructed the Exeter facility, The two buildings had striking resemblances, and one point of interest Was the fact the town hall being torn down was about 15 to 20 years younger than the one which stands on Exeter's Main Street, During the past year, the mention of new town facilities has been made on several occasions. Renovations are badly needed at the local hall to facilitate the police department and this in turn is going to deprive a group of older gentlemen of their card playing room, The upstairs portion of the hall is practically of no use. It is almost impossible to heat and large cracks stretching along the walls suggest a complete renovation would be necessary to make the room satisfactory for most purposes. The fire hall portion of the building is also inadequate, The fire truck and van are too crowded for easy dispatch and the stand-by unit has to be kept in the shed at the rear of the building. Even the clock on the building is of little use, Considerable amounts of money have been spent on recent repairs, but council have come to the conclusion that further repairs constitute a case of throwing good money after bad. In addition, the town is required to rent office space for the clerk-treasurer, and while the rental is most reasonable, a more efficient operation of the town's business would result from having the clerk's office located in the same areas as the police, works department office and council chambers. The foregoing suggests that the matter of the town's facilities should soon be given some concerted thought. Piece-meal alterations, as now being considered for the police office, may temporarily alleviate some of the problems, but in the long run could prove to be another case of throwing money down the drain. It also eliminates the use of a meeting room for a number of groups in the community. Unfortunately, the whole situation becomes even more clouded when one considers the advent of regional government. The needs of the community may be determined at the present, but this could drastically change within a decade. This must be a consideration in any discussion, but it is obviously impossible to make it a determining factor in view of the uncertainties surrounding regionalism. * The discussion would appear to fall into two avenues — a new building to house all departments; or a renovation of the present building and possibly a smaller building to house some of the departments. The determining factor on the possibility of the latter is whether or not the present edifice is structurally sound enough to facilitate a major renovation program. We suggest this fact should be determined immediately, so council will know if there are alternatives, If the building has deteriorated beyond the point of being of any use for a period of several years, then it becomes only a question of how soon it has to be replaced. If the structure can be of use, several changes are possible to make it more functional. For the sake of discussion only, we suggest the following ideas: The upstairs room could be renovated to house the council chambers and an assembly room for groups of 50 to 75, The present council chamber could facilitate the card players and the offices for the police and works department could be carried out as presently planned. The present fire hall could house the clerk's office and an addition at the rear of the building, stretching across the lane behind the library could house the fire department equipment. A number of alternatives could be considered, depending upon the space needs required by the various departments. Any suggestion of renovations, of course, has to be considered in comparison to rebuilding costs. There's possibly no urgency in making final decisions regarding the town hall, but we do suggest there is an increasing urgency to start determining the possibilities open to better the situation in the not too distant future. Comments from readers on this subject are most welcome, because it is a complex matter, and the more ideas presented the better. Reataidet de 60'4? In March, 1961, the congregation of Crediton United Church sponsored a refugee family from Czechoslovakia. A home was found for the couple in the area and donations provided the necessary furniture and supplies, Lorne Hodge, left, is shown greeting the couple and their two children at London airport, along with an interpreter. They escaped from the country after the father's life was threatened because he would not join the Communist party. The mother had TB and was treated at London for some time before taking up residence in the Crediton area. They have since moved. Yes, they are horrifying WADE INSURANCE AGENCY D.T. (Terry) Wade Total Insurance Service Auto — Fire -- Liability Sickness and Accident Life --n- Pensions — Surety I woulct be nappy to Particular insurance needs. at renewal time, Phone Creditpn :1 i f. — Glass d Incoule ,: Bonds, etc. discuss your Call today or 234-6368 or 234-6224 11111.1.1411.1.11.11.1111111111.11ht Be Ready., ' ' 141 11. For Easter . . . ft.014,‘ ef -Tit . 4 ,1 ..,. This Spring Try Our Top 401/4 DRY CLEANING ... 1‘ Look Your nest For The Spring Season. Your Clothes Are Cleaned, Pressed and Re-shaped By Experienced Personnel Only WE ALSO HAVE A COMPLETE Laundry Service QUALITY WITH SERVICE IS OUR MOTTO Call Either of Our Two Locations for FREE Pickup and Delivery EXETER 235-0360 GRAND BEND 238-2122 Have You Tried Our Coin Laundry? Large 12 lb. Stainless Steel Washers Wash 25c Dry 100 WALDRON'S Grand Bend Cleaners Corner Sanders & Main Exeter 1011111111111110 lllllllll 01111 lllll 1 lllllllll 11111111111111 llllllll llllll 1110111111111.11111.1111.1111111111 lllllll 011111 lllll 1 lllll Add Sparkle To Your New Spring Fashions FINE. WATCHES From $9,95 up COLORFUL JEWELLERY Including 108-Inch String of Pearls VARIOUS COLORS For Your Easter Party . . FAB TRAYS ...$5.95 up Jack Smith Jeweller MAIN ST. 235-2944 EXETER 111.1111 lllllllllllllllllll 11 llllllll 111111111111111111111114111 lllll II llllll 111110,11111 lllllll WM11111111111 lllllll 114111 llllll 11.1i FEATURE VALUE Chocolate Easter Bunny ONLY 97' THURSDAY FRIDAY WORM Yet... Fisher's Hardware NtAiN EXETER. sai:isS:Ssi:SVs Sun shines day at a time For discussion only tr1"-If, A letter writer took us to task last week for what she termed the use of "morbid pictures" in recent issues. While we would choose to debate the point with her, we do appreciate her opinion and particularly the fact she was concerned enough to express those opinions publicly, and as she reported, to discuss the, matter with some of her friends. It was a bit surprising that anyone should consider a blanket covered body "horrifying" in view of the bloodshed to which we are subjected on TV news and entertainment shows. We'll have to admit that the use of such pictures has created much debate in our own mind at times, and it has never been done with the intent of being sensational or creating duress for relatives or friends of the victims so depicted. In the latter instance, we tend to reason that a picture does not add to the grief already being experienced by the fact a loved one is dead. A picture taken of some accident victims could stir the emotions to a greater height, but one showing a body shrouded in a blanket would hardly fall into that category. So, why do we use such pic tures? In the first place, it's part of the news. It depicts what happens. More important, it depicts reality. We see accidents, murders and beatings on our TV screens daily, but the victims appear in a later show to give one the impression that the bloodshed is not really so terrifying. In real life, it's different. People die and they stay that way. Some are crushed behind steering wheels, others have their anatomies split open as they are catapulted through windshields. All die for basically the same reason. Some person was guilty of making a mistake, the type of mistake many others make daily, but for which they do not pay as dearly. It is our hope that the sight of a body lying in a ditch has the same effect on some of our readers as it does on us as we drive home from the accident scene. Exeter 1, i me s- A dvoca te , Exeter, Ontario. Dear Sir; As a member of the Canadian As so c i a Mori for Humane Trapping I would like to draw to the attention of your readers the horrible suffering that is being inflicted on fur-bearing animals in this Province, and all across Canada. I am referring to the barbaric and atrocious leg-hold trap which holds its Actin' by the paw until the animal dies either of starvation or freezing, An animal is in many cases trapped up to a period of two weeks, Sometimes it even succeeds in chewing off it's own paw and crawls away to die. There are humane traps available to trappers now, and more research is in progress to develop others, I urge people to please write to their Members Of Parliament Urging then) to instigate Please turn to page 5 There's a gnawing in your stomach and you start to assess your own driving in the hope that in fact some other news photographer won't be standing around some day taking pictures of your crushed body or that of someone near to you. Call it the shock treatment, if you will. We'd like to think that many parents make a point of showing the pictures to the young drivers in their family, as well as making an assessment of their own driving habits. The pictures may be morbid or horrifying, but if they serve to prevent even one accident, then they have served a purpose. We choose to think a grieving parent would pay that price if in fact it saved another from going through the same ordeal. * * * Actually, some of the most effective safety films used by safety groups in this country use the shock treatment in their presentations. While they give motorists helpful hints on how to become better drivers, they also show some very vivid pictures of accident victims to impress upon the viewers the consequences of improper driving. From the actions of a great many drivers, it is clearly evident 50 YEARS AGO Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Pybus, of Hensel, have moved to the West and will farm near Webb, Sask. Mr. J. G. Cochrane, of town, has bought the Conner Machine building which he has been occupying. He has installed the latest machinery and is an expert mechanic himself. He has taken the agency for the Fairbanks Morse gasoline engine. Mr. C. L. Wilson purchased the store property occupied by Wilson & Sims, from Mrs. It. Knight. Mr. B. W. F. Beavers has purchased the Pickard proper on Main Street opposite Mr. J, Christie's home and will erect two residences thereon. Mr. Herman Ireland of Dashwood, has taken a position in the Dashwood bank as a beginner. 25 YEARS AGO Sgt. Ed. Hunter-Duvar, a mechanic at the Centralia Airport, who came to Exeter from Suminerside, P.E.I., has purchased the property of the late Richard Pickard and following his discharge from the air force, expects to go into business here. Mr. Charles Keddy, of Usborne Township, has sold his farm to his neighbor, Mr. William Jeffery, Mr. Keddy and his sister, Miss Nettie, will remain on the farm until fall and will then moue to Exeter. Leading Fireman William Chambers, Tpr. Sidhey Stire and Spr, Roy Kirk, who have recently returned from overseas, and their parents, were guests at a banquet, sponsored by the War Time Reception Committee. A record crowd attended the auction sale of Mr. Ben Williams and son of Ilsborne. r,, that the consequences of their foolishness is given little thought. Until it is, the carnage on our highways will continue to mount. * * * On that topic, it is discouraging to learn from OPP Cpl. C. J. Mitchell that only one person has asked for any information regarding the defensive driving course offered by the Ontario Safety League. Most of the members of the local ' OPP detachment have taken this course and tell us that it does indeed provide some very helpful hints for drivers. A minimum of 25 people must enrol before the course can be conducted locally, and information can be obtained by contacting the OPP. While most drivers hesitate to indicate the need for improvement in their own driving skills, they should at least be interested in knowing how to take steps to ensure that the poor drivers on the highways don t get them involved in accidents. And, as most good drivers will readily admit, there are a great number of poor drivers on our highways these days. 15 YEARS AGO Jim Carter and Marion Crossman, two SHDHS verse speakers who won WOSSA honors last year, will represent the school again this year in regional contests at London on Saturday. Mr, and Mrs. Elmer Bell attended the golden wedding anniversary celebration of the latter's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Bell in Harriston. A hot beef supper sponsored by the ladies of Main Street United Church, Wednesday evening attracted a goodly number, Robins have been reported and on Wednesday last Victor Jeffrey of Usborne, saw a flock of swans headed north. The swans as a rule come after the wild ducks. 10 YEARS AGO District residents had an unobstructed view Sunday night of the first complete lunar "black-out" since November, 1956. On Thursday evening the Exeter Fair Board sponsored a progressive euchre and dance in the Legion Hall. During the evening tickets were sold on a half pig with the Winner being Lloyd Reynolds. C. Van Laughton, Exeter has been appointed a delegate to the Naval Officers' convention in Charlottetown, P,E.I. in June. He will represent the Western Ontario Association. Over $600 has been raised by public school students in this district to aid World refugees, it was announced this week by Inspector G. John °Main. Town council will consider replacement of two members when it meets Monday night. Councillor Jack Weber has submitted his resignation for reasons of health. Councillor George Rethet has offered to resign, if a replacement. can be secured. This has been quite a winter, in more ways than one. Cold, snow cold, snow. When it wasn't cold enough to freeze the brains of a brass monkey, God, or the weatherman, or somebody, let fly with the confetti as though it were the biggest wedding in the world. And I'm stuck with three females: A broody wife, a moody daughter, and a pregnant cat. So things haven't exactly looked up as spring hides well around that corner. However, there are always bright spots, and I've had a fair share of them. Terry Barker took me to task, in a long, intelligent letter in rebuttal to a rather disgruntled column I wrote about teaching. He didn't convince me, but let's say that I am a little more disgruntled than I was. There are deep and satisfying rewards in teaching, along with the frustration, red tape and the feeling that you're hopelessly entangled in a huge cobweb, There's a real thrill in seeing young people grapple and grope with new ideas, and light up as the ideas get through. Then I had a thoughtful letter from a Qualium Beach, B.C., reader enclosing a clipping from the North, Battleford (Sask.) News-Optimist stating that "Bill Smiley is by far our most popular sydicated columnist." That's great for the old ego, which needs a little balm once in a while. Another ego-booster was an invitation to speak to the Vimy Branch, Royal Canadian Legion, a unique organization in London, Ont. It meets only twice a year, to observe Remembrance Day and Vimy Day, A charming and kind chap called Joyce Roadhouse made the contact, pointing out that it was a toss-up between me and some Major-General. The branch is studded with Brigadiers, Colonels and Wing Commanders, and there was a terrible temptation to take advantage of this chance to stand up and tell the brass what I've always thought of them. But I had to decline. However, the brightest spot of all has been the tremendous and moving response to a recent column about my daughter. Every day letters have been coming in from all over Canada, full of sympathy and warmth. Many of them have been addressed to Kim herself, Old friends have rallied round, and complete strangers have taken time to write cheering, encouraging letters and cards. This has not restored my faith in human nature, because I've never lost it, but it has bolstered it. Here's an excerpt from a typical letter. "Whatever happens, don't blame yourselves. It's very easy to do this as parents. You did what most of us try to do —you taught her to stand on her own feet — and let her go. She fell. So she'll get up again and be twice the girl she was before." And here's another. "Dear Bill: Detected grave concern beneath your casual request for a prayer. I have solicited our Father on your daughter's behalf and I feel that He has answered your prayer. May God bless you and Yours in the name of his son Jesus Christ." That was all from a complete stranger. From Red Deer came a long letter full of scriptural comfort and the assurance that his (or her) prayers would be with us. Others sent prayers that had helped them in time of trouble. This is only a sampling. I am not an emotional or sentimental person. My wife calls me Old Stoneface. But it has touched me deeply that so many people have tried to communicate with, arid help, a stranger. Sometimes a columnist feels that he is writing in a great, cold void. It's not a good feeling. Now I know better, and I will be of good heart. Meanwhile, we live a day at a time, the sun shines, spring is on its way. Thank you all. It's good to know that there is still a great deal of human kindness in a world that sometimes looks a bit bleak.