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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1974-10-17, Page 28Explain the reasons Happiest of all appears to be little added activity at pre- sent in the operation of the local arena, A schedule from last year shows that the arena is in use from approximately 3:00 p.m. to midnight on the first five days of the week and this increases to a period from 9:00 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and Sun- day. That works out to an average week of 75 hours in total, Add two hours daily for cleanup, maintenance and book work and the number comes to 89 hours. If the present three-man staff work a normal 40-hour week, they have a total of 120 hours at their disposal, which leaves 31 hours when they can actually have two men on staff for major activities such as junior hockey games and public skating, or for periods when cleanup, maintenance and book work may require additional time. How RAP determines that an ad- ditional 46 hours is required is difficult to comprehend. If they have a basis for that requirement, they should explain it to the ratepayers. Without that information, it appears that RAP is becoming over-staffed, or they envision a much greater use of the facility this season. Is Parkinson's law at work with Ex- eter's RAP committee? That's the question that arises with news this week that part-time help will be added to the arena staff for the winter season and that the secretary-treasurer will be employed on a half-day basis throughout the year. About six years ago, RAP's staff con- sisted of an arena manager recreation director, plus a full-time assistant and the town clerk acted as secretary-treasurer, With the proposals accepted this week, RAP's staff now includes a recreation director, a resources manager, two full- time personnel, two part-time personnel for the winter months and a secretary- treasurer on a half-time basis. The reason for the additional staff are quite clear in many cases. The extensive addition to Riverview Park necessitated extra help and there was no question but what the arena manager-recreation direc- tor and his assistant were required to work too many hours and were not provided with adequate weekend time off. Additional staff was definitely required although there may be some question if that requirement was as extensive as RAP has now made it, particularly when there "I'm sorry lady, you've already used up the time trying to park." Why give up the habit? Times hurting the church The signs are there for everyone to see - diminishing congregations, church buildings rented for other than religious purposes, Sunday Schools, small or non- existent. Even an established journal such as the United Church Observer, freely ad- mits that the times are hurting the church. Almost without exception, whatever vigor exists, does so in the smaller centres, and even here, the erosion has gone on for some time. Many downtown city churches are in financial difficulty. In many cases it's strictly a matter of numbers. The small congregations that re- main just can't afford the upkeep and run- ning expenses. Even in a town still as rural as our own, the total Sunday morning con- gregations would easily fit into one church. , Strange as it may seem, it is at times like this that new offshoot religious groups take root, and often have flourishing begin- nings. However, the history of such small 'groups does not usually point towards any Fong-term establishment. $, z:t.• the way out, I had thought the day useless. Now I was filled with enthusiasm at its possibilities. This little allegory demon- strates what happens when we get an upthrust through Jesus Christ. As one thinks of Christ and studies His teachings we can be lifted out of clouds of depression. We know that beyond the clouds there is a rarified and beautiful landscape, We need not grope in the dark for we are children of light! (1 Thess, 5-5) I read recently the outcome of a survey done by an advertising firm in New York city, Investigators polled the streets to find out what people were happy, Interestingly enough, the poll concluded that women are happier than men; and the happiest are those in their mid- twenties to mid-thirties who are married (a blow to Women's Lib!). They also discovered the mid-income people are happier than low income or high income people (that's not surprising). But the happiest of all, regardless of income, were those who had strong religious convictions. Christians should be the happiest people alive! If we believe what we preach, our optimism and enthusiasm should know no bounds. If we catch the vision that 'Jesus is Lord' 'and that nothing can penetrate the deep love and concern God has for each of us, then there is nothing but clearing horizons even though clouds of despair, sorrow and disappointments sometimes hang low around us. And as we praise God and practice this enthusiasm and hope, we find it's contagious. Others become infected by it until they, too, begin to see the brighest side of life that comes only from the Source of all happiness . . . Jesus Christ. One morning while staying out at the lake last summer we awoke to a day deeply overcast with clouds; a day when visibility over the water was practically nil because of heavy mist that en- folded everything like a dark shroud; a depressing day in which we wandered around like denizens of gloom. Even the German shepherd dog was miserable, Restless and unable to settle down in-doors, she was no more happy when we put her outside. As I sat glumly looking out at the sunless day, the dog pawed at my knee pleading for me to 'come alive and do something'. "Okay," I told her, "let's go for a walk. Maybe that will lift our spirits." We took the road leading to the highway about half a mile away. Now, we could really see how dark those clouds were piled up in the east. The stiff wind blowing on our backs off the lake was chilly and damp. Our feet dragged and it seemed we would never get to the highway where we would turn around and head back. When we did finally make the turn what a surprise met our eyes. That brisk breeze was blowing the mist off the lake and clearing away the clouds. Large swatches of blue sky were already showing across the horizon. Rays of sunshine were beginning to break through to dance and glitter on the water, My spirits lifted. It became an upbeat physical experience as well as an exultation to my spirit. Hallelujah! As I lifed my face to the wind and the scene before me, my steps quickened; my arms began to swing to the tempo. It was good to be alive. Even the dog sensed my jubilation and jumped and bounced ahead of me instead of lagging at my heels as she had on Why all this drop in church adherence? Undoubtedly our materialistic age with its slackening of moral values, as well as a disenchantment with religion in general has had much to do with the steadily falling church interest, Some churches have instituted various new programs in an effort to rekindle in- terest in both church and Sunday School, Hopefully some of these will succeed but the outlook is not bright. Somewhere in this problem there looms the reality that honoring of princi- ple has been slipping, Principle usually im- plies some type of sacrifice and we find ourselves in an age when anything that is inconvenient with our affairs of the mo- ment, is not worth making a sacrifice for. Thus it may be that the thousands who made church attendance a matter of princi- ple, now find such regularity an in- convenience, and the small sacrifice that may be required not worth the trouble. St. Marys Journal - Argus Things do work out Stop and give thanks editor? Why give up the habit? + + + While we're on the topic of things that have disappeared, residents of Exeter no doubt have noticed quite a change this fall with council's ban on the bur- ning of leaves. That thick, heavy veil of smoke that normally hung over the entire community in late af- ternoon and evening has totally disappeared, much to the delight of those who suffer from breathing disorders. However, problems have arisen, particularly for those who have large lots and numerous trees. The leaves still fall in endless adundance and an alternative must be found for disposing of them. We spotted one local lady out the other day rounding up large cardboard boxes from stores and she explained that it was a real problem securing enough con- tainers, in which to pack the leaves for garbage pickup. 'Plastic bags, of course, are at a premium and make quite a dent in the family budget even if they can be found. However, most people -appear to be coping with the problem and there's no question but what the council ruling has made for. healthier and safer conditions in the community. + + + In an earlier column, we noted that many people who may have aspirations to run for public office often fail to continue that course of action because they I'd planned to write a column about Thanksgiving Day this year but the days went shooting by and suddenly it was past. However, I was undaunted, As the preachers and writers tell us every Christmas, there is no reason that peace on earth and goodwill toward men should be confined to a single day. Nor is there any reason that we should give thanks only on the second Monday in October, So here goes. Did you stop and give thanks on that day? Or did you just enjoy the long weekend, stuff yourself with turkey, and slump in front of the box to watch football? I hope you did better than that: at least went for a drive and gorged yourself on the fall panorama of colour, reason enough in itself for a deep and fervent thanks. I started to think of all the things we Canadians have to be thankful for, and the list seemed to be endless. First of all, we should be grateful to be living in Canada, no matter how we squawk at income tax time, and gripe about the weather. Without getting misty- eyed or waving a flag about it, this is a grand country. Our society is far from perfect. fear they will be "forcing an election." As we explained, everyone has an equal right to run for office and new candidates are in no way forcing an, election any more than sitting members who decide to fight for their seats. At any rate, elections in most communities are now already evident, so it doesn't matter how many people enter the contests. With that in mind, we again urge all residents to seriously consider placing their names before the electors come December 2. + + + The Batten family spent a pOrtion of the Thanksgiving weekend in Port Huron and while we are among those who often =become most concerned about the amount of crime evident in our community and province, we can tell you that things aren't really that bad in com- parison to the situation On Michigan. The one late evening newscast we watched was almost totally filled with news of murders, robberies, kidnappings, crooked politicians, etc. etc. Small wonder that many of our American cousins live in a perpetual state of fear, par- ticularly the senior citizens. One news item detailed the fear of the seniors in one section near Detroit who can't even venture outside their residences after dark - or sometimes even in broad daylight - because they are continually subjected to.muggings and robberies. We may fret about such things as inflation in our area com- munities, but in comparison to the problems which beset some of the people in the United States, we really don't have a care in the world. However we do wonder how long it will be before some of these ills spread across the border in greater numbers than are now evident. It's rather frightening! Whatever happens to high school students when they graduate? That's the question that came to mind last week after glancing through the pages of the SHDHS Guardian and seeing all those letters to the editor. It's with mixed emotions that we congratulate editor Deb Hillman in getting her readers to voice their opinions so vociferously. First, we sympathize with her because most of the letters were strong condemnations of an editorial she had written the previous week on the actions of some of the, junior students. However, she'll have to agree that many of the letters were correct in their attacks, although this writer was most pleasantly surprised to note that many of the criticisms noted fairly that she had every right to express her personal viewpoints. None criticized her for that, just .the viewpoints expressed, and certainly the difference is quite marked. Secondly, we rather envy Deb for having such an active group of readers who take time to write their thoughts down and send them along for publication. Unfortunately, their parents and neighbors seldom take that opportunity to express their opinions on subjects of local or national interest and they miss a great opportunity to get something off their chests or to offer constructive criticism that in many cases aids in making our communities better places in which to live. As we initially asked, what happens to high school students when they graduate - at least those who write letters to the old lady who has two herring salted away. What could be more equal than that? We have equality before the law. What's that you say? There's one law for the rich and one for the poor? Nonsense. It's the same law. The only difference is in the amount you steal, and the lawyers you can afford. If you steal big, and can afford a bat- tery of lawyers, you get a light sentence. If you steal small, and try to defend yourself, you get the works. We have equality of op- portunity. Ask any of our native people. Just ask a Metis or an Eskimo if he doesn't have the same opportunity as the white boy who has to fight his way through Upper Canada College, Trinity College, and Osgoode Hall law school. He'll tell you. Just be sure he doesn't have a beer bottle in his hand when you ask him. And we have peace in our land. Oh, there's the odd little fluster. Like the Mackenzie rebellion in Ontario and the Papineau rebellion in Quebec and the Riel rebellion in the west and some kook trying to put a half-nelson on the Russian head of state in and there are injustices, and we are often badly served by our leaders, and, yes, the Americans own too much of us. But these things are more than offset when we start piling things on the other side of the scale. What are some of the goodies? Well, first, there are the in- tangibles. There are very few places in this country where a person is afraid to walk alone, even at night. We have lots of air, some of it hot, some of it polluted, but most of it clear and clean. Nobody is literally starving in this country, though the old-age pensioners would give you an argument there. Nobody lives in fear of the boots in the hall, the pounding on the door, the secret police. Our only secret police are the m ounties, and every time they try something secret, the papers find out, and spread it all over the front pages, chortling. To continue the list, we have equality of speech. Even the Prime Minister can swear in a public place, such as the House of Commons, and get away with it. We have equality of welfare benefits. The old lady with :$600,000 salted away in bonds gets the same old-age pension as the Times Established 1873 ,m• .!•;R?.:r.gi:K:tr„CMERAREZIEIERWANSIS Advocate Established 1881 Amalgamated 1924 50 Years Ago The Exeter Times has taken over the Exeter Advocate, their plant, subscription list and good will. Beginning next week this paper will appear as The Times- Advocate. Miss Lila Taylor, a promising artist of Usborne has had her work recognized by having one of her pictures, a winter scene, "The Homestead", hung in the Canadian Academy at Ottawa. Mr. S. Fitton is remodelling his store, dividing it in two. 25 Years Ago The $5,800 cottage won by Jack Drysdale of Hensall at the CNE arrived in Hensall Friday night, The men from the firm which donated the cottage arrived to erect the building on the bowling green. Mr. Drysdale donated it to the Hensall Chamber of Com- merce as a community hall, Rev. F. E. Clysdale of Thorn- dale, a pastor of Main Street United Church 25 years ago preached anniversary services Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Allison of Thames Road observed their 59th wedding anniversary Sunday, school is the meeting of com- munity needs. Involvement of the parents and neighbours is en- couraged. At present two parents are teaching assistents. These help students with problems in various subjects as well as supervise field trips. In response to a request from 75 adults classes in consumerism are held in the evening. Nutrition and wise spending practices are subjects for discussion. Home visits are made by the teachers in order that ties bet- ween school and community are encouraged. This development is a reflection of the greater in- volvement by individuals in most evident affairs that is evident at this time. It seems to be a proper response to present social reality. Egerton Ryerson, the father of our present school system in Ontario, would be pleased. He encouraged community responsibility for the local school by insisting on local school boards. Not only so, but he also en- couraged school visitors - parents sitting in to view the school situation and to take part as was appropriate. The Toronto Board of Education is seeking ways to involve parents and neighbours in the local school, in the programs, events, and activities surrounding the learning situations. The same Board is also looking for other community uses for the buildings and facilities at their disposal, Here is encouragement then for all to be more involved with community development, Such involvement seems cumbersome and time consuming but may be most efficient in the long run. "Things do have a way of working out." The school has been visited by interested people from all points in North America. Now Mr. Brown, the principal, has cur- tailed tours because he was running out of time to do his work. This community school has grown from nil four years ago to a student enrollment of 694. No more children from out of the district can come. The Kensington Community School is located in Toronto on College Street. Principal Brown was given the task of creating the school by the Toronto Board of Education. All was fairly idealistic and vague in the beginning. Mr. Brown's personal motto is "Things have a way of working out." Certainly achievements around the school bear out this motto. This year parents are represented on the school curriculum committees for the first time. Immigrant parents, many being Portuguese, are learning English in the same school their children attend. There is a day care centre for pre-schooler in the same building of which working mothers of the community take advantage. Teachers are involved with ward alderMen in questions ox zoning and rezoning which affect families in the neighbourhood. The school librarian recently arranged a Portuguese band concert and a performance by a Chinese opera singer. St. Christopher Settlement House maintains an office in the school to help immigrant families with the various forms required of them. Four years ago people of the neighbourhood were asked to help design the building, Now people from ages two to 70 make use of the facilities, The aim of the community l'ffknri.:',:4AMNIMTEMEENIZENZIOVEMEN.:44WHFAMMEEVIVREISTark4 Pryde, Huron MLA for 10 years. Kids in Exeter, Hensall and Lucan raised $282 for UNICEF, the United Nation's Children's fund which can buy five glasses of milk for one cent. Paul Wilson, who is attending Victoria College, University of Toronto was elected president of the Mid Western Ontario zone of the Christian Young Councillors. Monday night members of Exeter Public School board viewed preliminary sketches of it's proposed three-room ad- dition. 10 Years Ago New organ chimes were donated to Main Street United Church by Mrs. W. J. Beer in memory of the Beer and Quance families in honour of the church's 69th anniversary. Guest speaker for the service was the Rev. H. J. Mahoney who was minister at Main Street United Church 15 years ago. School bells at three Usborne Township schools sold for more at a public auction Saturday than the three one-room school houses did. One of the top prices paid at the Huron County Holstein Club sale at Glanworth recently was $420 for a bfed heifer consigned by Ross Marshall, Kirkton. The first trailer rolled out of Exeter's Custom Trailers plant on Highway 83 at 4:30 p.m., bringing to completion several months of planning and building of Exeter's newest industry. Ottawa and a rabble of native people attacking the mounties in the same place. But these are just trouble-makers. Right? There's no question about it. In this glorious nation of ours, everybody is equal. The only rub is that, as George Orwell put it, some are more equal than others. Well, those are just a few of the things for which we should give thanks. Then there are all the more tangible things. We have more oil and gas than we need, but by George, we've made sure the price is right, and those energy-squandering Yanks can go cold and use candles. We have two of the longest railroads in the world. How about that? Even though both of them despise would-be travellerS by rail, we have two of the longest railroads in the world. We have some of the finest wheat in the world coming out our ears, even though we don't seem to be able to get it into the boxcars and onto the ships to feed the hungry of the Third World. And how many nations in the world can brag that they have the second-best hockey team in the world? That's part of our national heritage and I think we should all give thanks for it. There's only one rub in this glowing picture. Our inflation rate, believe it or not, isn't soaring quite as rapidly as some of the other countries in the west. But don't worry about it. Among them, our politicians, business leaders and union bosses will soon have that sorted out, and we'll be up there with the best of them. Be honest now, Where would you rather live? In Europe, with all those people and pollution and culture and stuff? In the U.S., where the great Exorcism Is not taking place? In Australia, full of Australians? Just sit back and give thanks that you are a Canadian, living in the best of all possible worlds, 15 Years Ago The first of two main thorough- fares in the new eastern development was designated Pryde Boulevard by town council Monday night. The name specifically honours the late Tom Our response to now By ELMORE BOOMER Counsellor for Information South Huron For appointment .pnone: 235-271S or 235-2474., t I • WV 4.g • "It's uncanny the way he uses all the words can't spell!" 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 — Terri Irvine Phone 235-1331 Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Class Mail Registration Number 0386 Paid in Advance Circulation March 31, 1974, 5,309 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $9.00 Per Year; USA $11,00