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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1973-11-01, Page 4Choice is obvious Area municipalties should be keeping a watchful eye on negotiations now underway with five Lambton County municipalities to determine if some form of amalgamation can be beneficial to them. While some of the spokesmen try to stay clear of terming their efforts a step towards regional government, that is probably the definition which will best describe it. However, it is being considered on a voluntary basis, as opposed to those who have been forced into such programs by provincial government edicts. Part of the project in Lambton is to determine if all — or some — municipal services could be amalgamated to bring about some savings and efficiencies. Regardless of the opinions held towards regional government, the discussions could prove beneficial, because there is no doubt but what some amalgamation of effort will pay some dividends. Council members have only to look at the businessmen in their community to see some of the advantages of joining forces with others. Many merchants have joined others in their field to take advantage of the buying power made possible by larger numbers. To some extent they have given up some of their independence, but in this day and age of escalating costs, they have found the advantages to far outweigh this factor. Municipalities have an opportunity to determine their own destiny with some careful planning and consultation with their neighbors, or they can have someone else's ideas rammed down their throats. The choice would appear obvious. We're too serious Dangerous definition While words like honourable, trustworthy and dangerous are hard to define, we find it hard to understand the definition of dangerous as understood by the Canadian Penitentiary Service. One would think a dangerous man would be sent to a maximum security penitentiary and a less dangerous man would ,be sent to a minimum security penitentiary. The penitentiary at Collin's Bay has been much •in the news because of the number of escapes. Last week four convicts picked a lock, crawled through a duct to the boiler room, tied up two employees, stole a car and escaped with knives as weapons. So now they are described as dangerous, but to be sent to Collin's Bay they had to be described as not dangerous. Yet one had used a firearm in an attempt to wound, attempted breaking, entering and theft, and broke parole. A second had been convicted of armed robbery with a dangerous weapon, and attempted escape. The third was serving life for stabbing and beating a cab driver to death. The fourth had been proven guilty of breaking, enter- ing, possession an offensive weapon and robbery. He had beaten up a 95-year-old man and robbed him. This latter offence was while he was escaped from another prison. These men were in a medium security prison because they weren't considered dangerous, We can only wonder what a man has to do to be put on the dangerous list. —Ridgetown Dominion Way it was for Billy the Kid in "nostalgic mood today, I've been—thinking that;'- with the onslaught of the Speed Age, many of ,A our fine old Canadian traditions have fallen by the wayside, died on the vine, or simply lain down and curled up their toes. One of the first to go, of course, was the blacksmith, It hurts me to face the truth: that most people today under thirty have never known the sensory joys of a blacksmith's shop. At this time of year, small boys used to squeeze through the ramshackle door, and edge as close as they could to the fire, freezing their bums and roasting their cheeks. There was a fine acrid stench of horse manure and scorched hooves. There was the leaping flame as the bellows blew. There was the ringing clang as the smith beat out the white-hot metal between ham- mer and anvil, and the satisfying hiss when the hot metal was plunged into the cold water. At a certain age, most male kids would have settled happily for the life of a blacksmith, a free soul who spent his days doing the most fascinating work in the world. The decline of the smithy, of course, was brought about by the gradual phasing out of another tradition - the horse-drawn vehicle, I wonder how many kids of this generation have ever spent a winter Saturday "catching bobs". This was our term for jumping on the backs of farmers' sleighs. All day long the farmers came and went to and from town, And all day long we hopped on behind a load of grain, left that for a load of supplies going the other way, picked up a sleigh piled with logs for the return trip, and shivered with delighted fear as the far- mers shouted at us, and even Times Established 1873 sometimes flourished their whips in our direction. As we grew a little older, about 12, we graduated to catching on the wing a cutter. This was more daring and more dangerous because they could really fly, the runner was much smaller, and the farmer could turn around and Readers write Dear Sir: I believe the time has come, even long past, that we should give serious thought to the protection and welfare of our senior citizens, especially widows and any who are lonely. The recent tragic murder in a small town such as Hensall has made me realize how great is the need for our help for such people. Therefore I am going to do something about it and hope to organize a team of volunteers to help me, I suggest we take our turn phoning or visiting these lonely people, helping them in any way we can and so make their lives more pleasant and give them assurance we are friends they may call on for help, I would appreciate hearing from any who are interested in helping in this cause. Perhaps we can make life a bit safer for these fine people who through no fault of their own are left to live a lonely existence and perhaps we may prevent another tragedy in our community. We owe these people at least a few minutes a day of our time. Like many of you, I feel up to now many of us could have done much more than we have. A suggested name for our group would be CLASP for Companionship, Love, Assistance,Service and Prayer. Thank you Mr. Editor for publishing this letter, Yours sincerely, Mrs. Minnie Noakes Advocate Established 1881 belt you one on the ear. Most of them, of course, were pretty decent. I know now that they were more worried about us getting hurt in a fall than they were about the extra weight their horses had to pull. Then there were the butchers' cutters. These consisted of a sort of box with runners beneath, and a step at the back for the driver to stand on. The horses were not plugs, but real road-runners that went like a bat out of hell. They were every bit as exciting as a Roman chariot, and the drivers were the envy of every boy, in fur caps, reins in one hand, whip in the other, as they tore through the town like furies. And I wonder how many boys have played hockey all day on a frozen river, when a hard shot the goalie missed might slide for a quarter of a mile. We never had to worry about ice-time, or changing lines. We could play until we were pooped, then sit by the bonfire until rested, and have another go. And there were always twenty or thirty playing at once, so everybody got a whack at the puck. Some great stick-handlers came out of that era. Think of the depths to which we have sunk. The smithy, with its light and shadows, its reds and blacks, its earthy smells, its sense of life, has been replaced by the garage, a sterile thing with its cement floor, its reek of gas and oil, and its unspoken assurance that this-is-gonna-cost- y . ou-plen ty-buddy. The cutter, swift and light as a bird, no longer skims the snow, It has been replaced by a stinking, snarling, skidding beast that only modern man could abide — the snowmobile. No more meat-cutters, careening around the corners on one runner, delivering in any '',AMENTAMSENOM Amalgamated 1924 The writer will be among those quickly endorsing the move to retain Daylight Saving Time throughout the year. However, unlike those who are doing it solely from the stand- point of conserving energy, we'll be supporting the movement for the simple reason we're tired of missing out on so much sleep twice a year. In spring, we move our clocks one hour ahead. There's no faster way of losing an hour's sleep. On that occasion it always happens that we're out with some group which has no concern whatever for sleep. An hour here or there matters not. In fact, they always appear to take the attitude that having lost one hour so quickly, they may just as well lose a couple and they decide to spend half the night following whatever pursuit in which we are involved. Of course they say you'll regain that hour come fall, but again it's been proven that such is not the case. Oh, they say, no sense going home so early tonight because we move our clocks back an hour. So they sit and talk for that hour . . plus another hour or so. Tally it up, and you lose at least three hours sleep in the year. The kids do too and it takes at least a week before everyone appears to get back to normal. Meanwhile everyone's grouchy. We're all for Daylight Saving Time, or Standard Time, or Mountain Time or whatever, just as long as we get one system and stick with it for the entire year. Actually, never could figure out the reason for switching around. Always appeared to be about the same as the Indian who had a short blanket. His solution was to cut one end off and sew it on the other. + + + In case you've been wondering (and even if you haven't) the editor is still "off" the habit of smoking those filthy coffin nails. That, of course, is about six weeks longer than a couple of cohorts in the back shop predicted when we snuffed out our last butt on September 19. The campaign to free non- smokers from the pollution created by those who have no will power to overcome the dread habit has not been making much headway unfortunately. Even the editor buckles under and gets outthe ashtrays when his "smoking" friends arrive, although we have a couple who have reduced their habit slightly in our abode. weather. Now, we plod like zombies through the super- market, to moronic piped-in music, and pick up the odourless, antiseptic, cellophaned packages the great gods Dominion, Loblaw or Safeway have assigned to us, and carry them humbly to our cars, three blocks away. Our kids have to get up at five a,m, to play hockey, and if they're not real "killers", get about four minutes ice-time, Ah, those were the days! And I haven't even begun on the most vital of all winter equipment — the puck consisting of a frozen horse-bun. LAUGH A BIT Husband to wife: "Let's invite the Wilsons, they're perfect guests, they never come!" I hate to see a woman in cheap clothes. Unless, of cpurse, it's my wife. Did you hear about the man who gave a loud speaker to the church in memory of his wife? More support is needed. Non- smokers must arise and firmly (but politely if possible) tell their smoking friends to go elsewhere to practice their bad habits. As the ads say, "it's a matter of life and breath"', and there's no sense giving up the habit in the hope of eliminating the dangers if we're going to be bullied by the smokers who continue to pollute the air we breathe. + + + A couple of weeks ago, we had occasion to suggest that readers should not laugh at attempts to get federal grants to help build a ball diamond in Exeter. Readers write Dear Sir, This year we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of the. Middlesex County Library. When we survey the changes and developments of the past years we recall with pleasure and appreciation your constant in- terest in our library service. We have been fortunate in the support of our County Council and in the devoted service of our staff. You have supplied the third dimension — the concern of an interested organization — which is invaluable to any undertaking in a democratic society. As we express our thanks for your past interest, we assure you of our endeavour to maintain a service which will continue to merit your support. Sincerely, Frank Hamilton, Chairman Middlesex County Library Board. 50 Years Ago The anniversary services of Main St. Methodist Church were held on Sunday and despite the very inclement weather large congregations were present at both services. The pastor Rev. F.E. Clysdale conducted the services. Hallowe'en passed off without any serious damage, although the usual pranks were carried out by the boys. A large number of masqueraders paraded the streets. Messrs. John Hunter John Hunkin and Bert Kernick left last week for Trout Creek on a shooting expedition. A snow flurry visited Exeter last Wednesday night and on. Thursday morning the ground was covered for the first time this season. 25 Years Ago Mrs. Henry Dyck (nee Pauline Godbolt) leaves today for Watson Lake in the Yukon to join her husband who is a radio operator with the RCAF there. The South Huron Plowing Match revived this year for the first time since 1941 and was held on the farm of Arnold Beckerfive miles west of Exeter. A flying classroom, latest acquistion of the RCAF at Cen' tralia made a demonstration flight carrying three instructors and eight students. Bruce Shapton of Stephen and James Harris, Kirkton 'were in Guelph representing the Exeter Grain Club in the Provincial inter-club competition, A reception and dance was held in Mooresville hall Friday for Mr. and Mrs, Earl 'Greenlee, The fact is, money from the senior governments has been ..handed out for purposes which many would consider of less importance that recreation facilities. That may well be the opinion held by some regarding the $5,000 received by a group of senior citizens in Bayfield to help at- tract bluebirds to the area again. Regardless of your opinion, the point is that money is available in grants and residents in this area are still not making application for them. The Bayfield group of bird fanciers received their assistance under the New Horizons program for senior citizens, and with continued talk in Exeter for facilities for our seniors, this program should be fully investigated by RAP of- ficials, under whom the senior citizens operate, + + + Jack Riddell, Huron MPP, has presented his bill to the Legislature on improving the safety of those students who travel by school bus. Certainly, many of the points mentioned by Jack are most commendable and there is a need for improvement in safety procedures and equipment. The number of accidents in- volving buses in last week's heavy fog also indicates that officials must use more con- sideration in determining when weather conditions are un- satisfactory for safe travel. The kids "waste" enough time in the school year that another couple of hours' delay in getting there for a day or two would be inconsequential. 15 Years Ago The Grand Bend branch of the Canadian Legion which has been organized for 10 years this summer erected a new hall which has sparked Legion activities in the village and community. A modern dial telephone ex- change will be opened at Cen- tralia early Sunday. The new exchange will serve about 450 telephone users in the' RCAF Station, Centralia village and Huron Park and surrounding areas. AC2 Bill Perrin, who was recently posted to Centralia from Springhill lost three relatives and several friends in the Springhill disaster in Nova Scotia. Don Taylor has won his second bursary this year, The SHDHS student was recently awarded a $400 Atkinson Foundation award and he earlier received a dominion-provincial bursary valued at $500. 10 Years Ago RCAF Clinton square dance club was host to the opening workshop and dance of the South- western group recently, They entertained nearly 300 dancers including RCAF Centralia and Exeter groups. Orv. Wassman, Grand Bend, councillor, won the grand prize of $2,000 in the draw sponsored by Sebringville Athletic Association. Huron Park was cut off from long distance calls Tuesday when a cable was broken at the corner of Huron and Main Sts. by a bulldozer, There is an interesting display of coins in the T-A window this week, The exhibit was placed by a number of enthusiastic numismatists including Warren Sanders, Carl Radford, and Wallace Pfaff, 'We would worry less about what others think of us, if we realized how seldom they do', says an old adage. No doubt about it, we take ourselves too seriously. We need to look at ourselves with some amusement or else we may be endangered into thinking we have the last and final word on everything, including God. `You're so beastlyopinionated,' one man stormed at another as they discussed religion, `especially when you don't agree with me!' Ah so. Many of us like to think we've found the only road leading to heaven . . and if perchance there are a few others, not of our thinking, who do make the grade (to heaven, I mean) . • . well, we still feel our 'enlightenment' is much greater than theirs. Let us never be fooled into thinking that there are not a number of ways in which Christians can work out their faith. God, thank goodness, is not interested in dull uniformity. Remember how Paul handled diversity in Christian practice in the New Testament church, Some of the Christians at Rome and Corinth would not eat meat that had been offered to idols for fear they would seem to be sanc- tioning idolatry. Others said since the, idyl gods didn't exist it wouldn't do any harm. 'We have one Lord and Master,' they insisted, 'and He has given us food for our good. I shall eat it and be grateful.' So here we have a difference in Christian practice from people who interpret the will of God differently. Take note of how Paul handles it: `Don't criticise a brother Christian for having different ideas from yours about what is right and wrong. For instance, don't argue with him about whether or not to eat meat that has been offered to idols , . . Those who think it is all right to eat such meat must not look down on those who won't, And if you are one of those who won't, don't find fault with those who do. For God has accepted them to be his children. They are God's servants, not yours. They are responsible to Him, not to you.' He goes on to say that God is pleased with both attitudes providing they 'are held con- scientiously. 'The man who eats meat eats it as a gift from the Lord, and he thanks God for it. The man who refrains from eating does so out of anxiety to please the Lord, and he too is thankful.' What a wonderful, liberal and humane approach. It vividly points out the priceless gift of Christian freedom, Christian behaviour, in all its variety, is 'cemented to pleasing God, which is the supreme pattern for all of us. It frees us, then, from taking a last stand on our own attitudes and from the necessity of criticising how other Christians work out their obedience. And it forces us to admit that it is just possible they may sometimes discern the will of God even more clearly than we do.! 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 Susan Greer Phone 235.1331 5U85tRIPTION RATES: Inte exefer7Amegatalocafe Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Class Mail Registration Number 0386 Paid in Advance Circulation, March 31, 197Z 5,037 Canada $9,00 Per Yeaq USA $11.00 Stock piling Cutting off blanket ends BANGHART, KELLY, WIG t CO. Chartered Accountants wish to announce the appointment of ARTHUR W. READ, C. A. as RESIDENT PARTNER and their move to new offices at 286 Main Street, Exeter 235-0120 Plan your retirement harvest now Right now is the time to make a handsome contribution to your retire- ment fund and, at the same time, avoid the peak of your income tax. Buy Victoria and Grey Guaranteed Investment Certificates earning high, high interest and put them into a registered retirement savings plan. You could contribute up to 20% of your earned income to a maximum of $4,000 — but don't wait until February — act now and start your money earning for you — today — at Victoria and Grey. Member Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation VG The senior Trust Company devoted entirely to serving the people of Ontario. VICTORIA and GREY TRUST COMPANY SINCE 1889 Manager: Ron Cottrell Main St., Exeter 235.0530 + + + FREE ... Pick Up Your Copy of the 1974 FARMERS' ALMANAC