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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1973-01-25, Page 4Encouraging signs This newspaper was particularly en- couraged with Exeter council's decision last week to advise the press of special meetings. As readers will know, we have been complaining for some time that important matters have been discussed at meetings of which the press was not notified. Councillor Tom MacMillan explained that the lack of communication created by such a situation can have serious ramifications for council and we commend members for their action. The matter was put into proper perspective by Councillor Ted Wright who pointed out that the ratepayers have a right to know what their representatives on coun- cil are doing, and in most cases, the only opportunity for this communication is through the press. To bar the press from meetings is to primarily bar the ratepayers whom council serve. In this regard, it is also worthy of note to mention that the Dashwood trustees have extended an invitation to ratepayers to attend their monthly meetings and to provide our correspondent in that com- munity with access to the matters dis- cussed. The South Huron Association for the Mentally Retarded have also taken a good look at their manner of communication in the past and plan to keep a closer contact with the community in the future. Immaturity showing Being patriotic these days can become costly. Many communities and organizations fly Canadian flags proudly from their premises, but for some strange reason, they frequently become the targets of thieves. Hardly a month goes by without the local OPP reporting the theft of a flag from some location in the district. Most of the thefts are blamed on young people who apparently have a penchant for adorning their bedroom walls with flags, as well as highway signs and similar items. Their immaturity is showing! Thefts of flags are not a problem of this area alone. In another Ontario com- munity, an editorial writer expressed con- cern over the situation. He was also ap- palled that the thieves on one occasion waited until the flags were flying at half mast in tribute to the memories of such great Canadians as Lester B. Pearson and George Drew. Off the deep end One of the sillier edicts we have heard of recently was presented to the Toronto City Council last week. Just to make sure that there was no possibility of discrimina- tion against 'either women—or men, the latest rule confronting that august body forbids the use of the word "man". As a consequence, when the works department needs an individual to shovel snow off the roof of city hall the personnel department will have to request the ser- vices of a "person". It then follows that no reference can be made to a man in any way, shape or form. Members of the council will henceforth be known as alderpersons. The people who man the big red trucks with their loads of hose will become firepersons. The human who sits at the head of a conference table and presides over a meeting will be a chairperson (it's just as wrong to say chairlady as chairman). Unquestionably the status of women did need looking into, particularly where wages and working conditions were concerned. But in this day of all-out rights for everybody we have certainly lost our sense of balance. In fact a great many people in public posts seem to have lost their marbles. Not long ago there was a fresh edict from the Ontario Department of labor ( Oops! Slipped there. It's not a department anymore—it's a ministry) . However, those wise men in Toronto re-warned all the newspaper publishers about carrying any discriminatory wording in their "help wanted" ads. It is no longer lawful to use the phrase "of interest to men" (or women). Mind you the person who places the ad doesn't bear the blame. Responsibili- ty rests with the newspaper. Never mind that he has three or four new girls at the ad desk who have never heard of the new regulations. The boss is liable to horrible penalties if he permits publication of a little three-line classified asking for a woman to do baby-sitting or a man to dig postholes. We have always suspected that many politicians are stupid and these regulations certainly confirm the theory. They are not concerned any more than the next guy about fair play to women. They are making a grandstand play for votes at the next election. Government wants to look like big daddy to all the downtrodden in the land. The whole thing is a silly farce from the outset. If an employer wants a man for a certain job you can rest assured he isn't going to hire a woman—regardless of the wording of his help wanted ad. When the female applicants show up he is simply going to decide against them because they do not have the experience he required. Nevertheless, you would do well to be cautious. Next time you go to a Toronto hotel don't forget to be pleasant to the door person who swings the portals open with a smile. And that figure in the red jacket carrying your wife's four suitcases is a bellperson. In fact, maybe you'd better forget that world "wife". It's strongly suggestive of a distinction between sexes. Start right now and be on the safe side. She's a houseper- son. —Wingham Advance Times "Stop griping—not only are we protesting the gasoline price increase but we're getting —cough—cough—healthy fresh air at the sante time!" Suzuki Snowmobiles SEE OUR SELECTION OF USED MACHINES TOO Jim Gaunt Enterprises Centralia 228-6716 7 Th s ALE Si44 LEONARD r.. Dryers '163 95 : up 11 1 1 1 11 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 11 1 • MODEL LD32 AUTOMATIC '179' BEFORE You Buy Your REGISTERED RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN . . . Talk to the specialists in the field for 1. Maximum return on your dollar. 2. For a truly flexible plan. 3. For guidance to arrange for the best plan suited to your personal requirements. 4. No plan is too small or too large for us to handle. 5. Our plans can include Life Insurance at a very low cost. We specialize in arranging Pension Plans. For an appointment, phone, JOHN J. PAYNE SR. John J. Payne Insurance (Owned By Bankes, Payne & Ley Ltd.) Phone 238-2354 or 238-2111 GRAND BEND Licenced by Monarch Life litte tmeleaimesatwoatfe 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 Women's Editor — Gwyn Whilsmith Phone 235.1331 SUBSCRIPTION Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Class Mail Registration Number 0386 Paid in Advance Circulation, March 31, 1972, 5,037 RATES: Canada $8.00 Per Year; USA $10.00 Too timid? Perhaps we are By BILL SMILEY Is there anything new under the sun, despite the old adage? Not much. I've just been reading a 124- year old essay by Henry David Thoreau, and it could have been written last week by anybody who dislikes, nay, despises government and what it stands for. The author says that that government is best which governs least. Many Canadians, who are sick to death of govern- ment and its agents poking their inquisitive snouts into every aspect of the individual's life, would agree heartily. Most businessmen would not only concur, but would raise a cheer for the sentiments ex- pressed. Ask any man who runs a small business, if you want to get a blistered ear, what he thinks of government. Thoreau suggests that the first purpose of any government is not to seek out and abolish injustice, but to perpetuate itself, Ask any realistic politician, and he'll agree. We should not necessarily cultivate a respect for the law, but for what is right, says Thoreau. He uses the illustration of an undue respect for the law, of soldiers marching to war against their common sense and con- sciences, This has been hap- pening for years in Viet Nam. There are three types of men, he says. First are those who unquestioningly serve the state with their bodies, such as soldiers. Next are those who serve the state with their minds — politicians, lawyers, of- ficerholders — but not with their consciences. Finally there are the very few — martyrs, refor- mers, patriots in the real sense — who serve it with their consciences also, and are commonly treated as enemies by it. The trigger for Thoreau's essay was his strong disapproval of the American government of his day on two issues, the Mexican War and slavery. The Mexican War was one of flagrant aggression in which the Americans moved in and conquered vast territories in the southwest. (It has always been a source of — Please turn to page 5 Amalgamated 1924 This is Minor Hockey Week in Canada and over 250 Exeter boys will be exhibiting their varying degrees of skill and enthusiasm in games at the local arena this Saturday. Certainly, the minor hockey program provides opportunity for a great number of lads in the community and we often hear the complaint that by comparison, the'girls in town are not provided with equal programs. In this regard, we spotted an interesting letter to the editor in the Milton newspaper recently pointing out this very fact. The writer suggested that the main part of the problem stemmed from the fact mothers are apparently not as willing to give their time for their daughters as fathers are in acting as coaches, managers and in other facets in hockey and baseball. . "The role of the spectator given to our girls at the games for their brothers leaves a lot to be desired," the writer added. The comments were those of a woman, Mrs. Rose Harrison, secretary-treasurer of the Milton parks and recreation committee, and should lead some ladies in that community—as well as this one—to ponder seriously the allegation contained in her remarks. There can be no doubt that a successful minor hockey or ball program is primarily dependent upon the interest and in- volvement of fathers. So girls, if you think you're missing out on "equal op- portunities" with your brothers, it may well stem from a lack of interest on your mother's part. + + + In a recent tidbit in this column, we mentioned that women are supposed to be smarter than men, but added that we'd never seen a man wear a shirt that buttoned up the back. One of our readers, Mrs. Thomas G. Hern, quickly set the record straight on that account. She reported that when she worked for the late James and William Oke at Centralia during the 1930's these men wore shirts buttoned down the back. They also had very hard starched collars, being fastened front and back with collar buttons. Mrs. Hern doesn't know if the shirts could be purchased ready- made, speculating that a sister of the two men, the late Mrs. William Hooper, Huron St. West, may have made them. "They liked them because they didn't have to worry if a button came off accidently," Mrs. Hern concluded. We stand corrected and thank Mrs. Hern for her interesting comments and recollection of bygone days. + + + Another letter writer last week asked some leading questions regarding Exeter's upcoming centennial celebrations, charging that no one seems to know anything about what is going on. We doubt that, although there certainly may be some residents unaware of what is being planned for the first week in July. Some time ago, this newspaper carried a rather lengthy list of the activities being planned by the centennial committee, which for the uninformed, is comprised of representatives of council and many of Exeter's service clubs. Centennial committee chair., man Derry Boyle has been meeting with these clubs recently in an effort to finalize plans for the various activities for which each group is responsible. A big name band has already been signed up for the main centennial dance and plans are well underway for many other exciting attractions. We agree that some preparations have been dragging through the festive season, but Derry appears to be on top of the situation and is cracking the whip. It should also be pointed out to the letter writer that all residents in the community have, through fleas in this newspaper, been urged to submit suggestions for the celebrations and those would still be welcomed by Derry or any of the service organizations. + + + In futher reference to the letter, the accusation that the centennial committee may be encouraging alcoholism be allowing the firm of Labatts to spend $3,000 on advertising, is completely unfair. In the first place, the company does not intend to spend that amount of money on advertising Exeter's centennial. The figure is about one-third of that men- tioned. The centennial committee, of which the writer is a member, carefully considered the subject before any approval was given. This came after a comprehensive presentation was made by Labatts, with samples of the advertising being on hand for committee members to study. In addition, any advertising undertaken by a brewery is closely regulated and scrutinized ,by the provincial liquor authorities. 50 Years Ago The Adult Bible Class of James Street Methodist Church, of which Mr. W.H. Johnston is the teacher, met in the church on Tuesday evening for further organization. Mr. W.H. Kestle was elected president, and Mrs. J. Homey, secretary-treasurer. "Co-Workers" was selected as the name of the class. Mrs. N. Baker and Mrs. R. Skinner were chosen captains of sides for a membership contest, Three sleigh loads of young people of the Trivitt Memorial Church enjoyed a sleighing party to Saintsbury Tuesday evening. The Fraser Presbyterian and the Saintsbury young people united in entertaining the visitors at the home of Mrs. and Mrs. Freeman Dobbs. Exeter won the first hockey match with an outside team this season when they defeated the Hensall team 6-4. The Exeter line-up is: goal, Harness; defence, Lawson and Hardy; centre, Hind; right wing, Wells,; left wing, Tiernan; substitutes, E, Anderson and W, Davis. 25 Years Ago Mr. and Mrs. John Morlock, Crediton, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, January 26. Members of Exeter District High School Board have engaged the firm of Page and Steele, Toronto to draw up plans for Exeter's new district school, Mr. William Routly resigned as assessor of the township of Usborne at the inaugural meeting. Fire damaged heavily the interior of Beaver's Lunch counter, Exeter north, Wed- nesday morning, Secretary of the District Red The forms of advertising are not going to prompt any of the community's young people to rush out to buy beer and become alcoholics. For one thing, Labatts hope to have their big balloon here for a day. As we recall, it costs them a couple of hundred dollars an hour to operate the balloon, which is featured in some of their TV advertising. Such notables as former Premier John Robarts have been aloft in it, so we think we're in pretty good company in that regard. The firm will also be printing up some of the programs for the centennial and the only ad- vertising value they're getting out of that is the fact it will be printed in their colors. Nowhere will the printed material' urge people to buy Labatts' products, They may also print the date of Exeter's centennial celebrations on some of their beer cartons or on the back of the bottle labels, giving the local event some added publicity, but in no way en- couraging alcoholism. From an advertising stand- point, the advertising assistance being provided by Labatts is of little value to them, but will certainly help the committee tremendously. It's doubtful if anyone will find it objectionable. So, what will Labatts gain from their generosity? The committee has agreed that their products alone will be sold at the "pub" that will be established for centennial celebrations. Cross Branch, Mrs. V, Heywood, reported that 806 articles were sewn and shipped to Toronto, plus 585 articles of knitting and 54 quilts. 15 Years Ago Mrs, Hannah Taylor, Andrew St., celebrated her 95th birthday Thursday. The rich garden lands in the Thedford-Grand Bend area had the highest yield in history last year and is expected to reach the million dollar mark. Robin Smith, 15-year-old Grade 11 student, was chosen "Posture Queen" at SHDHS during the graduation dance last week. Police trustees of Dashwood presented a large cake to Warden Jack Morrissey Friday night, at the reception in his honor at Crediton, 10 Years Ago Miss May Jones, who has been superintendent of the primary department of James St. 'United Church Sunday School for 25 years received recognition during the annual meeting Tuesday night, Mrs, Robert Southcott presented her with a silver bowl on behalf of the congregation. At a testimonial dinner at the community centre Tuesday night, Hensall and district men paid tribute to a departing hank manager,Ken Christian who is leaving soon for Napanee. Hon, W.A. Stewart, Ontario minister of agriculture, snipped the ribbon to officially open Huron's new agri6ulture office at Clinton, Brenner's Red Gable, Grand send has been granted a dining lounge licence by the Ontario liquor licence board. alliallitlitilliannitilitillitininnitilitilinninitilitilitiin1111111 1 111111 111 111111111111111111111 e Max's TV & Appliances 77. 12. GRAND BEND 2 3 8 - 2 4 9 3 Es 711111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111I1111111111111r, Enjoy a prepaid vacation Enjoy a carefree, prepaid vacation and save money, too! 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