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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1972-07-27, Page 4Save the fireworks The accident in which a girl in Toronto was killed during a fireworks display is serious and unfortunate. The Coroner's Jury charged with recom- mendations and study of the incident has returned its verdict but we can't agree with the succeeding suggestion that fireworks displays be banned. Unfortunately there will always be accidents, some more serious than others but surely we cannot ban all those things which are respon- sible. A great many people get genuine enjoyment from fireworks displays and the annual good example in Milton is on July 1. Certainly it is essential that every precaution be taken to present fireworks displays safely with the discharging in competent hands. Those igniting them should always be con- scious of the safety of the crowd and themselves. But to ban them seems unduly extreme. Let's look at some of the figures. For every child hurt or killed by fireworks there were: over 10,000 children hurt or killed while using a bicycle; there were over 38,000 children hurt or killed by cars, trucks and other motorized vehicles; there were over 64,000 children hurt of killed by swings, slides and other playground equipment. That makes fireworks look pretty tame and it hardly seems there is justification for banning them unless we are prepared to take similar action with all the other items which cause injury and death. Frankly we enjoy fireworks displays, yet we know full well there is a risk in setting them off and in even watching them, Probably it's no dif- ferent than if we suddenly decided we were no longer prepared to climb in the car and drive downtown. Inevitably in life there are risks and we don't think the legislators can ever protect us from all of them. Banning fireworks is just not called for despite all the publicity accidents involving them may receive. — Milton Champion Tales from the bathroom We've come a long way from the cellar to the recreation room. And we've come a long way from the backhouse to the bathroom. I don't know whether you'd call that progress or not. There's something to be said for both sides. You can't store coal and potatoes in the recreation room, for example. A definite disadvantage. On the other hand, you couldn't have a shower in the backhouse, unless the roof leaked and it was raining. Also a disadvantage. Fifteen years ago, I was suckered into a brand new pink bathroom, and I swore it would never happen again. Financially, it set me back about a year, Perhaps one shouldn't swear about such things. They're transitory, after all, and besides, it doesn't seem to help much. This month I've been suckered into another one. Not pink, thank Zeus, We're going through our turquoise phase now. Do you know how much plumbers are getting these days? Of course you do. And carpenters and electricians? Well, I hereby swear once more a mighty oath, and with all you witnesses, that I'll never install another new bathroom so long as us both shall live. Me and the bathroom, that is. When I conk out, my wife will be right into the insurance money for another new one, probably in deep purple. What gets me is that there wasn't a thing wrong with the one we had. It had a perfectly good white cast-iron tub. (The only thing I enjoyed about the whole installation was watching those plumbers move the 800-pound monster down the stairs.) There was nothing wrong with the tub except that you had to keep your big toe in the drain or the water would run out. And as I like to soak for an hour, with a drink, book and smokes, this was a bit of a strain on the bad knee. We had a perfectly good toilet that required the services of a plumber only about once a month. We had a towel rack that fell off the wall with a tremendous clatter only about twice a week, usually when the rest of the family was asleep. It wasn't exactly the bathroom you'd get in the royal suite at the Chateau Laurier. The sink had served many generations and was a sort of gray-green. There was a bit of paint missing here and there. I'm not an unreasonable man. I'd have gone for a new sink and maybe ten-twelve dollars worth of paint, and we'd have been right as rain, whatever that stupid expression means. I said as much to my wife. And she said approximately ten times as much to me. Ceramic tile, already. Turquoise "fixtures." New wallpaper to pick up the turquoise in the toilet and the gold fleck in the new linoleum. A "vanity" built around the sink. A vanity! All is vanity. I need a vanity like I need 'another couple of rotten kids. It's not really the money. You can't take it with you. Though as an old friend of mine, who is loaded with the stuff says, "If I can't take it with me, I ain't goin'." It's the confusion of trying to co-ordinate carpenter, plumbers and electrician. Either they're all working someplace else and nobody can come, and you just sit there in the wasteland, or RWMPAMMIESMSAPK4.::.04104.161MOWASMafniTE:ETRIMMVERMA.7 TRAWMPINEEMBN Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 Amalgamated 1924 exefealines-ibuocafe SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND C.W.N.A., O.W.N.A., CLASS 'A' and ABC Editor — Bill Batten — Advertising Manager Assistant Editor — Ross Haugh Women's Editor — Gwyn Whilsmith Phone 235-1331 eNA SUBSCRIPTION Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Crass Mail Registration Number 0386 Paid in Advance Circulation, March 31, 1972, 5,037 RATES: Canada $8.00 Per Year; USA $10.00 For some time, the Huron County board of education has been wrestling with the problem of their responsibility regarding extra curricular and outdoor activities offered through the schools. The concern stems primarily from a law suit arising out of the drowning death of two area students a couple of years ago at an outdoor school con- ducted at Parkhill. The courts held the board and an instructor liable in that situation and awards were made to the parents. The board has now decreed that parents will be required to sign a waiver absolving the board of any responsibility in case of accident or death in such outings where there is any "potentially hazardous" situations. Obviously, any activity is poten- tially hazardous. From a multitude of factors any outing can turn into a disaster. A few of those factors can be foreseen perhaps, but the majority can not. Some questions remain unan- swered. For instance, the board should check into the legal position in which parents may find themselves if they sign a waiver form. Civil action may be warranted against other parties, but parents may have a difficult time in winning battles when it has been pointed out they were fully aware that the outing was potentially hazardous. It may undermine their position considerably and from that standpoint waivers perhaps should not' be required indiscriminately. It's a matter on which the board's legal advisors should make known their opinions. Secondly, the board still has a very great responsibility in ensuring that parents are made aware of whatever hazards may exist. These should be pointed out when waivers are required and the board still has an obligation to turn down outings that may appear to be too hazardous. Certainly there is strong argument against the suggestion of Wilfred Shortreed that parents be required to sign a "blanket waiver" at the beginning of the year to cover all ac- tivities. Parents should be made aware of each outing being considered so each can be judged on an individual basis and not carte blanche. Above all, the waiver does not negate the board's responsibility for in- vestigating all outings thoroughly and providing parents with complete details as to the hazards involved and how those in charge plan to minimize any hazards. Save on taxes by your retirement plan Money you put into your registered retirement plan can be deducted from the income on which you pay tax. Put that money away in monthly instalments in your Victoria and Grey special savings account — beginning right now. You'll earn high interest until the end of February next year and you can put it into your own retirement income fund and deduct that amount from taxable income. Let us set it all up for you. Get smart 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 Phone 235-0530 4 days of pageantry you'll never forget! The Scottish World Festival Aug 17-20 at the CNE This year, the Canadian National Exhibition is staging the greatest Highland happening in North American history with a four-day event that gathers pipers, drummers, dancers and clan members from around the world, Festival highlights will include: Aug, 17—a rousing Parade of Massed Bands through Toronto, with over 2,000 pipers taking part, Aug, 18—Trooping of the Colours by the Toronto Scottish Regiment at the CNE Grandstand. Aug. 19 & 20—The Inter-Continental Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships (first time held outside the U.K.) when 600 of Scotland's best pipers and drummers will compete with bandsmen from North America and countries such as New Zealand and Australia, Aug. 19 & 20—The Inter.Conilnental Highland Dancing Championships featuring over 700 international dancers in 11 classes of competition. Aug, 17 through 20—A Giant MilitaryTattoo every evening at the CNE Grandstand, bringing each fantastic day to a fitting climax.Taking the salute will be: Thur. Aug. 17—His Grace the Duke of Argyll, Clan Campbell Chief; Fri. Aug. 18—General Sir Gordon H. A. MacMillan, KCB, KCVO, Clan MacMillan Chief; Sat. Aug. 19—William MacPherson of Cluny, Clan MacPherson Chief; Sun. Aug. 20—At, Hon. Lord Macdonald, Clan Macdonald Chief. Also, free on the Bandshell, the world-famous Band of the Scots Guards and a Scottish Variety Show. Just one more attraction of the world's largest annual exhibition, visited by over 3 million people every year. Here's excitement, entertainment and fun for the whole family. Start planning now to be a part of the Scottish World Festival. Where else can you see and do so much in one place for so little—including free admission to Ontario Place! Canadian National Exhibition Aug 16-Sept 4 Toronto•Open Sundays Admission to Grounds: Adults $1.50, Students $1.00, Children ,60 Drive carefully Doesn't end responsibility Glass doors on bedrooms? "it's a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there!" We understand the Exeter Kinsmen may have to change some of the rules for their planned beauty contest in con- junction with their Kinfest program. The members had decided on staging a bikini contest, but some of the girls approached to enter the event put up strenuous op- position to parading in skimpy bathing suits and consideration is now being given to holding a hot pants contest. Frankly, we're slightly amazed at the girls' reaction, although by the same token, it is reassuring as it comes at a time when the writer had almost reached the conclusion that propriety had disappeared from our society. A couple of events of the past two weeks had prompted that decision. First of all, one of our friends (he shall remain nameless for his own protection) thought the staid editor and his better half should get out and see what's happening in the world and took us to a show in London. It was entitled "Clockwork Orange," and for those of us whose entertainment has run the gamut from "Toclat" to "Lady and the Tratnp," it was a real eye-opener. Pornography and violence were the main ingredients with completely nude men and women fleeting across the screen in rapid procession. While sex has long been the favorite sport of most, it is rapidly becoming a spectator sport thanks to the moguls in Hollywood. One might find some con- solation in the fact such movies are restricted to "adult en- tertainment," However, don't be fooled by that. All it really means is that patrons must pay adult prices. Judging from some of the young people we saw in the lineup at the theatre, age is not really a criteria — it's only the price, So if you, similar to the writer, have not been out to see some of the modern movies now being shown, we'll be happy to supply you with the name of our friend. He can sure pick 'em! + + + However, nudes are not con- fined to the screens it seems, A teacher friend advises he and some of his cohorts decided to take a sauna bath while attending a summer course at one of Ontario's universities. While sitting in the sauna cleaning his pores, he was more than slightly surprised at one of the other patrons who sat down beside him. It was a girl! Seems there's only one sauna bath and some of the young ladies at the university have decided there is no reason why it should be for the exclusive use of males, In conversation with a male student at the university, our friend was apprised of the fact that the sauna is indeed a mixed- member facility, Some of the older patrons at the sauna were visibly uneasy over the situation and were grabbing towels or folding arms to conceal they are all available at once and are bumping head and bums and getting in each other's way, at five-something an hour. It's the endless decisions, Like where the toilet paper rack should be installed, Can you imagine anything more ridiculous than a couple of adults sitting, fully clothed, on — Please turn to page 5 parts of their body, but the younger students accepted the situation without batting an eye. + + + We have no intention of drawing any conclusions from the foregoing. Some will argue that it is evidence that our moral stan- dards have completely decayed, while others will point out that it is a healthy situation. At any rate, it does suggest a widening gap between the moral •code of the generations that many will find difficult to bridge, We suspect it may not be long before they start putting glass doors on bedrooms. Meanwhile, if you're looking for the editor, he's off to the sauna . . . if there's any room left! + + + On the same subject, we reprint the following editorial which appeared recently in the Sarnia Gazette: We have had letters from none- too-happy readers complaining about the tone of the movie and entertainment ads. We make no excuses . . . they are a far, far, cry from the illustrations we have been accustomed to in the past. However, it would be a bit 50 YEARS AGO Exeter Troop No. 1 Boy Scouts held their annual service in Caven Presbyterian Church laSt Sunday. The congregations of Trivitt Memorial, Main St. Methodist and Caven churches wel'e united for the ocassion. Members of the Boy Scouts acted as ushers and collectors. Cunningham and Pryde has been awarded the contract for the erection of the Soldiers' Memorial which is to be erected at Arkona during the summer. Wilfred Shapton, Stephen, had the misfortune to fracture his collar bone at Grand Bend on Wednesday of last week while participating in one of the races at the James Street Sunday School picnic. Miss Blanche Quance, who recently resigned her position at the Exeter post office, has ac- cepted a position in Hamilton. The wheat is nearly all, har- vested in this community and threshing commenced this week. 25 YEARS AGO Rev. Harry J. Mahoney was inducted into the pastorate of Main St. United Church Friday evening. Mr. Archie Ryckman left last week for Moose Jaw, Saskat- chewan, where he will spend a few weeks. One of the heaviest downpours of rain visited this section on Sunday. Many crops of hay have been ruined by the wet weather, The road on Highway No. 83 between Exeter and the Blue Water Highway is being widened 17 feet on either side and will require 150,000 yards of fill. The new outdoor roller skating rink is attracting good crowds each week night. The number of summer visitors at Grand Bend this year is above average. 15 YEARS AGO It. H. Middleton, who has been druggist in Hensall for 18 years announced I hat he has disposed of his business to Mr, Trevor hypocritical for us to censor illustrations when the "real McCoy" is there to be seen on Television, on the front covers of every magazine in the continent, on billboards, paper-backs and so on. It would seem that public taste has changed dramatically in the past few years. We can remember when The old Park Theatre (where Eaton's now stands on Christina ) played a movie called "The Moon is Blue." All heaven erupted because one of the actors said "damn" and "virgin" all in one movie. It was a cause celebre! It was boycotted and we ended up pulling our advertisement out- of the paper. As you all know that is pretty tame stuff nowadays. It really gives us no excuse, though, for putting up with today's clap-trap. Perhaps if more letter writers put on the pressure the publicity people for the movies and TV shows might react in their favor. However, we no longer feel it is the role of 'a newspaper to judge morals . . . our job is to report the times and perhaps sadly the times are such as we describe. Wilson, London, a graduate druggist, who will take possession August 5. Firemen from four brigades played 12 hoses on the elevator fire at Hensall early Wednesday morning to bring it under control. Although water damage to grain was heavy, fire damage was confined to the headhouse of the seven-year-old building, owned by E. L. Mickle and Son. The RCAF School of Flying Control commanded by Squadron Leader S.N.E. Beauchamp, Winnipeg, moved from Grand Bend to RCAF Station Camp Borden at the end of July. Janet Ferwerda, 19, a native of Holland, won the "Miss Civic Holiday" title in the preliminary competition to the "Miss Grand Bend" contest which will be held Labor Day. Monetta Menard's Restaurant in Grand Bend has recieved formal notice that its application for a dining lounge licence has been approved by the Liquor Licence Board of Ontario. 10 YEARS AGO Returning officer Russell Bolton, Seaforth, has been in- structed by Ottawa to start preparing for another federal election some time after Sep- tember 15. Lorne Hay, Hensall, revealed this week he does not plan to rebuild his locker plant which was severely damaged by fire early in July. Engineer, B.M. Ross, Goderich, said he expects to complete plans for Exeter's sewerage program by the end of this week. 0. M. Francis, former reeve of Exeter, has financially adopted a seven-year-old Korean girl, Son Mi Ja, through the Foster Parents' Plan Inc„ Montreal. A Royal Commission has revealed that Huron County has the lowest dentist-population ratio in' southern Ontario, about one dentist for 4,074 people. One for 1,800 is considered ideal, NOTICE The Regular Meeting Of The Council of the TOWNSHIP OF HAY scheduled for August 7, 1972, will be held on FRIDAY, JULY 28, at 8PM W. C. Homer Clerk-Treasurer