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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1972-03-02, Page 4Fight another way "I don't know if I'd ever make a good grown-up — I don't hate anyone!" Made one of our infrequent pilgrimages to Toronto over the weekend to take in the proceedings of the annual con- vention of the Ontario Weekly Newspapers Association. In addition to having an en- joyable (mostly social) time with some of our confreres from all corners of the province, the trip served as another reminder of the good life of a small com- munity in Western Ontario. We happened' to be staying at the Holiday Inn located on the Don Valley Parkway near Eglinton Ave., and on our way to breakfast on Friday morning we glanced out the window to see the traffic jam on this "ex- pressway." Mentioned the plight of Toronto workers to a fellow editor with whom we had breakfast and he informed us he had been listening to the traffic report on one of the Toronto stations before leaving his room. From his vantage point in a helicopter, the reporter told listeners that the traffic on the Parldvay was moving along at eight miles per hour. Considering the fact that some Torontonians have over 20 miles to drive to arrive at work, one gets an ample indication of how many hours they waste, and how many frustrations; they face, before arriving at their ,place of destination. Of course, you have to multiply that by two because they face the same ordeal on the way home. We had time for a leisurely breakfast before some of them would traverse the next five or six miles, grounded so consistently these days. Yours truly and his better half didn't win, unfortunately, and in fact our luck was extremely poor, never having our ticket drawn from the drum. However, we did return with 25 pounds of wild bird seed, cour- tesy of our good friend over at the Seaforth Expositor, A. Y. McLean. Some two or three years ago, Andy had promised this writer a bag of dog food from a Seaforth firm, and when we reminded him of the late arrival of the gift, he unceremoniously dumped the bird seed he had won in our lap. No doubt the lady next door will be happy to hear that our canine's barks may soon turn to more pleasant chirps and we won't get any calls late at night advising that the neighborhood is being disturbed. We're not certain how the neighborhood cats will tackle the problem, + + + You'll note elsewhere that the T-A was judged second best in class• for general excellency this year. Such an award signals an achievement for the entire staff and our correspondents and it was a great honor accepting the award on their behalf. On the whole, Ontario weekly newspapers have shown marked improvement in recent years, thanks to changes in production, and the competition is getting very stiff. Next year it will be even tougher. The Times-Advocate subscription list has now jumped over the 5,000 mark and we'll be in a higher category, competing against such newspapers as the Mississauga Times and the Mississauga News. That com- munity has a population nearing 200,000 and each paper comes on the street with 50 or so pages each week, prepared by a full-time news staff of around 10 to 12 people. For the interest of our readers, we should note that the T-A now has one of the largest circulations of any rural community newspaper in Ontario. That would appear to signal some satisfaction with the product the staff turns out each week, despite the periodic suggestion from a law offender that many subscribers don't enjoy the paper because we in- clude court reports. + + + By the way, one of the new features recently adopted by this newspaper is in the inclusion of the editorial page cartoons of John Uluschak of the Edmonton Journal. We became acquainted with his work through an exchange with a B.C. newspaper and subscribed to his service. We hope readers are enjoying his efforts to date as much as we are. He's rated as one of the best cartoonists in Canada and we hope he provides you with a chuckle, or some food for thought, in the comng weeks. ... And they can have it! Very Important People gm* 93tratm Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 Amalgamated 1924 tzteleaimes-Usocate SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND C.W.N.A., 0.W.N.A., CLASS 'A' and ABC Editor — Bill Batten — Advertising Manager Assistant Editor Ross Haugh Woman's Editor — Gwyn Whilsmith Phone 2354331 Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Class Mail Registration Number 0386 Paid in Advance Circulation, September 30, 1971, 5,175 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $8.00 Per Year; USA $10.00 leggranstittir 4.00,01AM /41:745 as ASS° o, f vv“.n Pr 0 WADE INSURANCE AQ ENQY D.T, (Terry) Wade Total Insurance Service Auto — Fire — Liability —,Glace Sickness and Accident Income Life — Pensions — Surety Bonds, etc, I would be happy to discuss your particular insurance needs. Call today or at renewal time. Phone Crediton 234-6368 orLucan 227.4061 Usborne & Hibbert Mutual . Fire Insurance Company HEAD OFFICE — EXETER 235.0350 Insures: • Town Dwellings •All Classes of Farm Property • Summer Cottages • Churches, Halls Extended Coverage (wind, smoke, water damage, falling objects, liability, etc.) is also available AGENTS Harry Coates Exeter 235-0265 Hugh Benninger Dublin 345-2001 Clayton Harris Mitchell 348-9051 Just Arrived New Spring Suits Double Knits and Wool Make your selection now for Easter which is only 28 days away, Drop in and see our new stock of * Double knit slacks * Sport coats etc. etc. etc. * Don Parker wash & wear slacks We are really excited about this year's showing for spring. We feel you will be too. Please drop in and browse around. FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL Boys Suits 1/2 Price Len McKnight St Sons nunk, tildb MEN'S WEAR cliARGEx Thanks for Shopping at McKnights Or • Don't let lack of cash hinder a bargain buy! That house you hesitate to buy today because of the cost of a mortgage . .. what will it be worth in ten years or longer? Just look everywhere at the record of increased real estate values over the years! So come in and discuss a mortgage loan to help you enjoy that dream home right now ... and own it while its long term value rises. Borrow today at Victoria and Grey. VG The senior Trust Company devoted entirely to serving the people of Ontario. VICTORIA and GREY TRUST COMPANY SINCE 1889 KEN D. BOWES Manager 0 4 44 0 There can be little dispute with Exeter council's decision last week to apprOve a building permit for a local discount gas bar. The free enterprise system dictates that anyone be given an opportunity to operate a business as long as he adheres to the laws of the community. However, there is every reason to join local garage operators in their concern over the competition they will face, although many motorists no doubt will welcome the reduction in their gasoline expenses. In this particular case, discount gas bars appear to have some unfair advantages over most local service stations. One operator has indicated that discount outlets buy their product at a much lower cost than branded outlets, despite the fact they are buying from the same source. The problem appears to rest with the major suppliers, who in effect cut the throats of their own dealers by selling cheaper to competitors of those dealers. The major companies may argue that the unbranded outlets have to provide their own transportation, advertising,, and other benefits. In the matter of transportation, it would appear unlikely that an By SUSAN GREER It is apparent that the youths of Exeter will have a great many' obstacles to overcome in their attempts to establish a drop-in centre. One of the greatest of these will be to gain recognition of thefact that there is a need for a youth centre in Exeter. Of course, many different recreational activities now exist in town — the park, the bowling alley and the arena, for example — but some of these are seasonal and none satisfy one of the greatest needs of young people; their need for a place where they can just get together, sit and talk. The pool hall, the bowling alley or any other "public" recreation facility just does not cater to this need, and it is especially evident in the winter. One of the major criticisms of today's youth is that they have no initiative; they cannot entertain themselves. "When I was a kid, we made our own fun" is a recurring theme when speaking of the "younger generation". Here, then, is their chance. A group of young people have come up with an independent can transport gas to Exeter any cheaper than a major company when in fact the latter can make several stops at other outlets along the way. Advertising costs aren't probably that much different, although the gas bars probably don't hand out gifts or bonuses — a practice originated by the major oil companies and carried to the local dealer with some strong persuasion. According to reports at last week's council session, customers have no way of knowing what they may be getting from the discount outlets. While the latter claim to be selling product of an, equal quality, their competitors claim this is not the case. Obviously, the motoring public should have some protection in knowing what is being pumped into their gas tanks. We have controls on many products and certainly discount outlets should be expected to detail what product they are selling, Service station operators have no fight with municipal councils. Their struggle appears to be with those from whom they now receive the product they sell. Surely as a group they have some influence, although the history of gasoline merchandising over the years indicates there is little united action. idea and are willing to take the initiative to enforce it. But they cannot do it without the moral support of their parents and the people of Exeter. It will be an invaluable experience if they are given the responsibility of carrying out their own project, of providing at least a portion of the finances and of maintaining a location. It will give them the goal of "success in the face of opposition" to work towards. One of their greatest difficulties will be to overcome the stigma of "drop-in centres", developed as a result of similar attempts in other towns, and it is unrealistic to say that this group will not encounter the same problems as others have. But surely, with a little guidance and a lot of support, they will learn not only to anticipate, but to cope with - these problems. If they were given this encouragement, and if they tackle their project with sincere enthusiasm and common sense, they will be a credit not only to themselves, but to the whole town. Need moral support Verdict in: JoIna's a mess Well, what do you think of the CBC's widely-touted Jalna series? Please don't answer that aloud. There are ladies present, Ah, with what hopes we looked forward to a truly brilliant, all- Canadian grand slam in the world of television. All-Canadian cast, all-Canadian material, and a decent budget. It would astonish the world, dazzle the screen, and all of the world's great networks would beat a path to the CBC door, clutching millions of pounds, francs, dollars and lira, begging and pleading for the right to reproduce it. So much for hopes. The result merely shows that you can have on hand champagne, caviar and filet mignon, but if the cook doesn't know what he's doing, it ends up as watery, limp and lukewarn hash. We have the champagne in the shape of gorgeous sets. We have the caviar in a collection of first- rate actors. And we have the filet in the rare beef of the original Jalna novels. But what emerges on the screen is the most hamfisted, club-footed, distorted, downright dog of a series anyone could dream up. Or nightmare up. The champagne has been watered, the caviar has been fired from a shot-gun, and the rare beef has been minced into hamburg. I warned the CBC, before the series began, that I would roast it if it weren't at least reasonably good. It's not even reasonably bad. Can you roast hash? I watched the first episode with a mixture of disbelief and horror. The second was a little better, and hope sprang eternal. The flame was quickly smothered by the succeeding wet blankets. I thought I knew the Jalna novels inside out. But the series is so baffling that, were it not for the names of the characters, I'd be willing to admit that it was the Bobbsey Twins series I was thinking of. The most coherent parts of the Sunday night show are the commercials. But even here you have to keep a wary eye, because you're not quite sure they aren't part of the plot, so dense and unwieldy is the latter. 1 Those faint screams you hear from your set are not static. They are Miss Mazo de la Roche, author of the novels, shrieking epithets at the CBC, the director, and everyone else connected with the mutilation of her manuscripts. Perhaps the most appalling aspect of the whole dreary business is that the CBC has actually sold the series to some retarded British network, on the understanding that it (the CBC) will produce another 13 episodes in the series. This is not just flogging a dead horse. It is giving castor oil to someone who is dying of dysentery. You may have picked up the misconception that I don't like the Jalna series. Quite wrong. I love it. It's the ,best comedy- mystery hour on the air. Mind you, the comedy is of the black variety. It's rather like +++ Unlike some conventions, there isn't too much difficulty in get- ting weekly publishers and editors out to most of the business sessions at the convention, because they have draws for many valuable prizes donated by firms throughout Ontario under pressure from various newspaper personnel. There were such things as tape recorders, cameras, apples, cheese, wine, etc. and the main prize this year was a flight for two persons to anywhere in North America. It had been donated by Air Canada, although there was some speculation as to how valuable it may be when in fact the airplanes seem to be making jokes as the British Empire, on which the sun never set, sinks slowly into the sunset, But the mystery, though there is obviously no solution, is fascinating. Sorting out the characters alone is more fun than reading a Russian novel. Who is married to whom? Why? When? Which are brothers, which cousins? Is Rerinie's second wife Eden's first mistress? When is Rennie going to get a new nightie-gown? The ramifications are endless. And hopeless. It's a soap opera with a schizophrenic at the helm. I wish they'd sell the dam' estate and put Gran in a nursing home, and give Ed Sullivan a ring, People of all ages and all walks of life do important and essential jobs as Red CroSs volunteers. YOU CAN HELP TOO. <, 411. 75 YEARS AGO Mr. E. McCloy, who has been conducting an implement agency here with Mr. A, Rannie, sold his interest to Mr. Rannie and is moving to Ridgetowh. Mr. Thos. Snell, who has been engaged on the CTR here for some time has leased Mr. Wm. Dixon's Hotel at Brucefield. The tender of Mr. Peter Mclsaac for carrying the mails on the Dashwood, Parkhill stage route has been accepted. The Seraphic Band Co. were in town Tuesday night. After playing several excellent selections on the street they repaired to the town hall and there entertained quite a large audience. Miss Smith has resumed her position as milliner with E. J. Spackman and Co., Miss Urquhart, with Mr. J. Stewart and Miss Woolatt with Messrs, Pickard and Son. 25 YEARS AGO Boy Scout and Guide week came to a conclusion in Exeter Saturday afternoon with en- tertainment of Scouts, Guides and Cubs to a skating party at the Exeter arena, Exeter now boasts the only turnip waxing plant with an automatic drying machine which has reduced to only nine minutes the stage from the washing machine to the bag. The interior of Crediton Evangelical UB church is being redocorated by Mr. Paris Anderson of Ailsa Craig. J. S, White, son of the late J. J. White, editor of the Exeter Times, has been appointed deputy health minister in Saskatchewan, A new Canadian four-cent stamp will be' issued Shortly to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Alexander Graham Bell. 15 YEARS AGO Hensall Council bought the old public school building which will be abandoned this year when the new school opens in the village. It hopes to established another in- dustry by offering the building for sale. Largest crowds to attend a production of the Exeter Drama Guild turned out this week to see the farce, "Father's Been to Mars." Stars were Bob Russell, George Godbolt, Eunice Ward, Ted Smith, Donalda Adams, Mrs. Doug Harrison and Mrs. Bill Oberle. Trivitt Memorial Church gave the contract for the complete redecoration of the interior of the church to A. W. R. McDougall, Toronto, specialist in church decoration. SHDHS board offered its teachers a $400 across-the-board increase Tuesday night in a move to retain the staff in face of the frenzied scramble for teachers. National president of the Association of Kinsmen Clubs, Iry Cantor, Leamington, was guest speaker at an interclub meeting in Hensall, which marked the 37th anniversary of the founding of the club, Thur- sday night. 10 YEARS AGO The former Canada Packers building beside the Lyric Theatre will be torn down to make way for a food market it was revealed this week. As part of a movement to develop greater understanding between Anglicans and United Church persons, Rev, Bren deVries and Rev. Ernest Lewis exchanged pulpits in their churches, Sunday. John E. Hall, Mt. Carmel, a graduate of SHIMS has been named one of four vice- presidents of the newly-formed Ontario Law Students' Association, The home of Mrs. Peter Ber- tram Carling Street, was sold to Clarence Wurm this week, I 0'