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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1975-02-27, Page 4Progress but with caution The whole world has become concern- ed with energy. Many basic amenities that people in the affluent lands took for granted just a year ago — such as electric light and heat — are no longer in abundant supply. In some countries, people are going without heat for days on end. In Canada, heat and energy are vital to survival. And there has been considerable debate about the warning of Toronto lawyer Robert Macaulay that the energy policy Canadians select this year will. determine our lifestyles, maybe our future and likely our 0,Wg1Sft"C Mr. Macaulay' argues that Canadians face a serious energy. situation — or what he calls a life and death energy problem. He blames the federal government for fail- ing to provide leadership during the past 10 to 20 years in the energy field. He accuses industry of dominating government policy amid public indifference. If Mr. Macaulay paints what is perhaps too bleak and pessimistic a picture, it is mainly to alert the people of Canada to the dangers that lie ahead. Unlike people living in Indonesia, Australia and Egypt, in Africa and in Florida, Canadians must have ample energy during the long winters. It is more important to have heat than to keep the wheels of industry turning, for it means survival. Doubless Canada, with its large areas and relatively small population, will not merely survive but will make great strides in the decades ahead. But today one must plan for progress with caution. The federal governments beiwise to take an accurate inventory of the country's energy resources. Contributed . •• •:i••••,i;mnalMOMORMISMiNNOWVMEMENETMAS' Times Established 1873' Advocate Established 1881 Amalgamated 1924 SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND C.W.N.A., 0.W.N,A. and ABC Publisher — Robert Southcott Editor * Bill Batten — Advertising Manager Assistant Editor — Ross Haugh Plant Manager — Les Webb Composition Manager — David Worby Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Class Mail Registration Number,0386 Paid in Advance Circulation March 81, 1974, 5,309 'SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $9.00 Per Year; USA $11.00 sgaztagarraa14.14tr,k,..5 .A.A.ASAL,N17 . agrAsh*ngEw Phone 235-1331 +CNA Ciaz: Will employees follow suit? 40 years ago The Boy Scouts of town held a supper meeting in the James St. United Church parlors on Friday evening, last, about 25 being pre- sent. Following a sumptous repast, Mr. J.H. Jopes gave a very timely, address on the sub- ject "Being on the Level". At the meeting of the Womens' Association of James St. United Church four of the members debated on the subject, "Resolv- ed that the woman taking on ac- tive part in public work does more for the community than the one who confines her activities to her home." Miss A. Handford and Miss B. Hartnell took the af- firmative and Miss M. Fletcher and Miss N. Keddy took the negative. Mrs, J.H. Jones, Mrs. C.V. Pickaid and Mrs. Cecil Stewart were the judges and gave their verdict in favor of the affirmative. 25 years ago A weather indicator, believed to have been, released somewhere in the United States, was found by A.G, Hess and Bill while rabbit hunting on' the farm of Hugh Thiel, 21/2 miles west of Zurich. Provincial Police, when con- tacted, said to turn it into the RCAF station at Centralia, and they would return it to the proper authorities, .• Three major building operations are now going on in Exeter. The Canadian Legion have started to excavate the new Wilding to be erected at the rear of the Lyric Theatre. A steam shovel is being used. Mr, Thompson of the Lyric Theatre is planning to enlarge that building for an additional 75 seats. Simmons are making a decided improvement to their implement building. A completely new front is being installed and repair to update the showrooms will be provided. Mr. A.W. Anderton, a former organist of the James St. United Church and organist and choir- master of St. George's Church of England, poderich, presided for the dedication of the new $22,000 organ in that church on Sunday. 15 years ago Huron MPP C.S. MacNaughton has co-sponsored a bill in the On- tario Legislature which would require a uniform staking and ending date for daylight saving time. Beaver Lumber formally took possession of Huron Lumber Co. Ltd. Tuesday. Keys to the building were presented to manager Tom Vickerman by A. J. Sweitzer, his predecessor. Six men from James St. United Church appeared on CKNX "Sing Time" program Sunday. Norm Walper, Walter iMcBride, Harry Dougall, Gordon Cucnore, Mery Cudmore and Lloyd Hern sang several hymns with Mr. IVValper taking solo parts. Miss Joan Banks, an exchange teacher from Manchester, Eng., spent the weekend with Miss Norma Taylor. Several members of the staff of Baling School, London, joined them Saturday night for a sleigh ride. Pastor Gordon Hewlett of Columbia, Wisconsin, visited with his mother, Mrs. Smith over the weekend. Our response to now By ELMORE BOOMER Counsellor for Information South Huron a For appointment phone: 235-2715 or 228-6291 I can't read' OUR POINT VIEW Search the motives It's difficult to understand the opposi- tion being generated by some senior citizens towards the proposed renovations to the Lions Scout Hall for use as a drop-in centre, Granted, the site of the building is not central. However, in a town that is spread over a wide area, there is no such thing as a location that can be within equal distance of all prospective participants. Location is not necessarily the prime consideration. Experience has shown that if people are interested in something, they will go to, great lengths to attend. If they're not interested the facility could be right next door to them and they still wouldn't at- tend. Similar to any age category, senior citizens have varied interests. The program at the Scout Hall is going to in- terest only a portion, in the same way that only a small portion are interested in the activities of the Senior Citizens' Club, the senior bowling program, the euchre club, church meetings, etc., etc. Those leading the voice of opposition to the proposed Scout hall program should search their motives honestly to ascertain if they really have any basis to air that op- position or whether it stems only from the fact the program is one in which they have no interest. If it is the latter, are they in fact not jeopardizing something in which others may be interested? Regardless of the popularity of the proposed program, the money spent on the Scout hall will not be wasted as some have suggested. S. aST 9I5CoVF.RE.D f01\111E HOUSV15TICK— 5C0RIK! Reflections on the razing of an old building Ed Note — Bill Smiley's column is not available this week due to a strike by members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. In its' place we offer this column written by Ben Travato in the recent issue of "The War Cry", which is the official publication of the Salvation Army. Readers will note it is an ap- propriate replacement for a column held up by a strike staged primarily for higher wages. By BEN TRAVATO WHEN M P's ask for a 50 percent wage hike, they're declaring war ,on the rest of us wage-earners. When teachers demand a 30 percent increase so they can keep up, we're going to be burned by the fall-out from their defensive missiles. And when trade unions hit the bargaining beaches after two bucks more per hour, nobody on or near that beach is going to be left unhurt. We aren't fighting inflation; we're fighting each other! Inflation is the result of the war, not its cause. Some of us kid ourselves by The repairs are required for continued use of the building, and even if only a few seniors are served, the youth of the com- munity will be benefactors and that cer- tainly makes the project worthwhile. An old adage advises to never look a gift horse in the mouth. Perhaps this could be extended to point out that one should not condemn the horse just because that person does not wish to be among those intending to use it, That suggests a very selfish attitude. + + + As a further note to the current debate, this newspaper has been advised that it in- correctly tabulated a vote on the matter at a recent meeting of the Senior Citizens' Club, A spokesman has advised that at least 25 of the people at that event, signified their disfavor with the proposal. We stand corrected, but point out that those 25 votes should not be considered any type of mandate when in fact officials in- dicate there are almost 600 residents of this community who can be listed as senior citizens or at least prospective participants in the project. Apparently only five people voted in favor, while the balance did not indicate any opinion one. way or the other. To do a mathematical extension on that outcome, it would suggest about 100 of the 600 would be in favor and that certainly is a sufficient number to proceed without haste on the project. saying* we're just trying to maintain our economic "boun- daries." SOunds a bit like Hitler's excuse just before he moved into Austria The wage increases we're after aren't just cost of living bonuses. We want enough extra to increase our standard of living: to give us that colour TV, that new car, or the split level in mortgage meadows. We don't want just to hold on to our chunk of the economic pie; we want part of somebody else's. When everybody wants a bigger chunk of the same dessert, you can either make a bigger pie (increased productivity) or charge more per slice (inflation). There is a frightening "master- race" attitude among many. There are those who think they deserve more and more of the pie because they are "worth" more than other people. They may be burping-full of a giant share, but they must fight for more. Only if their piece is bigger than everybody else's can they feel their personal value has been recognized. Most people have no intention of doing It would be interesting to know how many members of the Huron Board of Education voiced op- position to the proposed 50 per- cent pay hikes for MPs. No doubt some of those board members who last week voted themselves a 100 percent pay hike were of the opinion that members • of parliament were being 'slightly extravagant in suggesting such gigantic pay increases. That being the case, it points up once again that most people are anxious to get what _they can, while on the other _hand often think that the other fellow is getting too much. It also lends further support to the argument that one should not place too much emphasis on quoting such statistics in per- centages. The difference between the two groups of elected officials is a good example. The board members received a 100 percent boost, but that still only gave them $150 more per month. On the other hand, MPs are talking in figures that average around $2,000 per month and the 50 percent hike boosts them $1,000' each month. There's a sizeable difference. However, it is difficult to comprehend how any person can justify doubling his salary in one single jump. As employers, have board members not placed themselves in a precarious position when they come to settle salaries for their employees? What argument is open to the board to suggest their employees should be satisfied with 10 or 20 or even 30 percent pay increases when those same board members have just voted to give them- selves an increase of 100 percent? No doubt all employees of the board (and that's a great many people) are sitting back lauding , the board for their new image of generosity, while the beleagured taxpayer is completely dismayed by the decision. In fairness, it 'should be noted that six members voted against the approved increase, including two representatives from this area, Harry Hayter and King McDonald. + + + Similar to the MPs, some board members may feel the increase was partly justified on the grounds that they have not changed their salaries for some time. This is not a substantial argument for anyone who has the power to change his own salary. man trying to buy his first car at the lowest possible interest rates, If your union holds the line on salaries, all the people who buy your company's product will get it cheaper. And they won't need salary increases to stay in the market for your product. If we look at ourselves as people who are valuable no matter what our wage, we won't need a salary increase before we face family and friends. And, if we look outside our homes at what others have not, we won't be so concerned about our "needs," Christ's commandment to love is obeyed' when we fight for improved incomes for others (e.g. non-unionized workers, pensioners) and when we say . "no" to an increase for ourselves because that increase is just another piece Of shrapnel on our neighbour's daily battlefield. Let's end the wage war. Let's begin a crusade not for better moneys but for better living"! "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Matt.16: 26. share to the coffers. By the same token it should be self-sustaining. Certainly, there will be in- creased costs this year and some permit increase will be warranted. However, unless council can foresee a doubling in the costs, there is no reason to double the revenues. + + + Our apologies also to Mayor Bruce Shaw for an incorrect report on one of his statements. In his discussion at last week's police meeting in Clinton, we had Bruce terming as "not being feasible" a proposal to retain the present system of policing with a central system of communication and dispatch. Actually, his "not feasible" comment was in regard to a county police force and he ter- med the other alternative as "being very costly". What happened was that Bruce ,. had the four alternatives listed from A to- D and the :story we wrote changed the order around to coincide with the order listed in the OPC report. However, he hadn't followed that order, If that's confusing to you, perhaps you'll understand how come we goofed, + + + Two errors in one week should ,be enough, but no, there was one more. A local realtor had an ad- vertisement for a home with an xtra large bathroom. The phonics in that goof fortunately brought a chuckle from our realtor friend. He's expecting a rash of calls from those who may be in- terested in knowing what a sxtra large bathroom may be. Iinagirie a 'child tearfully saying can't read; I'm dumb." it- eiu There is a growing concern that such ideas of "dumbness" are reinforced in many children in our present school systems. Such despairing assertions by children must be met with en- couragement. The needed skill to teach perceptually handicapped must be forthcoming. The problem has been receiving much attention in recent years. Those who read their newspaper with this problem in mind find news items, opinion pieces, reports of studies commissioned and presented, and articles of concern. The problem seems to be serious. John Ryckman, co- ordinator of Scarborough's reading centre, is reported to have said "that 30 percent of students attending secondary schools need special help in reading". Dr. Eugene Medvedeff, a specialist in early diagnosis of reading problems in children has estimated that approximately one kindergarten child in three shows some signs, however small, of barriers to learning. Dr. Medvedeff points to studies carried out in 'the United States which establish that most people' in prisons, mental institutions, group homes, on welfare, and those who are school drop outs and juvenile delinquents suffer from certain learning disabilities. The stupendous cost of prison, custodial care and treatment after the fact is staggering, Any programs that would mitigate against such social and economic cost is most welcome. A recent study was published by the British government which is the result of three years of investigation by a committee of 20 educators. It was set up because of common complaint of people coming to secondary schools and colleges without the necessary ability to learn, The key advice of this report regarding early training in reading is summed up in one sentence. "The best way to prepare the very young child for reading is to hold him on your lap and read aloud to him stories he likes - over and over again." The report adds "The printed page, the physical comfort and security; the reassuring voice, the fascination of the story - all these combine in the child's mind to identify books as something which hold great pleasure." This report appropriately iS titled "A Language of Life" and highlights a health visitor's advice to expectant mothers - "When you give your child a bath, bathe him in language." While the majority report gave who took the best she had to give? who made their money , . . or failed? Where are they? Where are the workers who for a hundred years walked through her rooms, rushed up her steps, and did their jobs from Monday until pay day? WHERE IS EVERYBODY? There area few who scurry past, glancing guiltily at her disarray, they look ashamed at her in- dignity. Do they remember something? Some old men stand across the street and watch. They remember; and see themselves portrayed in that proud building when they were young, erect, and strong and eager to give their all to life. Now, they lean on faltering limbs and wince as the great hammer crashes through the walls because they feel the pain that splinters through their marrow. They know. Oh God, bless this old building as she crumbles back to earth with her dead memories. And bless these ancient men that they may know that in Your eyes, their worth is much, much more than temporal things, a glowing picture of- the educational 'record' in Great Britain, one of the' committee men issued a minority report. Stuart Froome, a teacher with 46 years of experience said "that the report was dominated by the views of progressives who dare not admit how low standards have sunk." Mr. Froome added the following indictment, , . Yschools put too little emphasis on spelling, dictation and grammar. Children don't have to work hard enough." This seems to be a common opinion. Mrs. Sheila Morrison, a teacher who heads the 5000 member Parents Action League in Ontario speaks bitingly on the issue. She has identified a "highly verbal" school of learning. "This means that children talk alot but they can't read. And they can't write anything. Not one sentence. They spend their time putting things together with scissors and . paste." The basics must again be emphasized, according to Mrs. Morrison. The treatment seems to entail a one to one effort between pupil and teacher. Theresa Murphy who uses Dr. Medvedeff's methods in Brantford's Christ the King separate school supports this special effort. "I think every child needs it. There were so many things I took for granted that Grade 1 children would already know." Dr. Stott, a psychologist from the University of Guelph em- phasizes "that the school systeins should be turned around to work in favor of the children." There is a real concern on the part of many regarding the rigidity of some principals and teachers. Remedial reading classes and the use of qualified volunteers reportedly seem to be frowned on by many professionals. "Empire-building "and" vested interest in the status quo" are terms bandied around. The current, financial squeeze on education 'in Ontario has hit the special programs and the level of consultants in the schooling priorities. Greater care is required according to in- terested observers, Any • special care which is accorded to those who have not learned to learn receives a gratifying response. Mrs, Morrison has a letter from a former pupil of one of her special classes. "To Mrs. Morrison The lady that yells, so her kids can work. The lady that spends hard hours working — The lady who helped me in my spelling and made lire better. Made me like myself, Mrs. Morrison thanks and I love you for everything you did," It merely shows a lack of foresight on his part and does not justify making up for that lack in one giant increase. It is also somewhat distasteful coming two months after members have been elected to a two-year term. Too often decisions of this nature are never mentioned pricor to seeking support from the electors and it may be worthy of some consideration that public officials should be required to set their stipends for the coming, term before elections. Wonder how many of the board members would have voted for a 100 percent pay hike under that stipulation? + + + Last week's issue was hardly cooled off before Exeter Coun- cillor Harold Patterson had called to inform that we had made an error in a story relating to a proposed increase in building permits. The story said that the present ;,permit cost for a $30,000 house was $68 and this would be doubled under the proposal. Actually, the present price is $34 according to Harold and would become $68 under his suggestion. Sorry about that, Harold. 'Trust not too many prospective home builders have been harrassing you. However, this writer fails to see the justification for this hefty increase either, particularly when it was reported that the town made a "profit" of $400 last year in the difference between the permit revenues and their costs of inspection. The corporation is a non-profit organization (how well the taxpayers know that) and cer- tainly there is little reason why those who undertake building projects should be expected to contribute more than their fair For what is a man profited economic battle with their neigh- bours. They simply want an annual raise (for experience), plus a cost of living allowance, plus a promotion (so they can feel they are "getting somewhere"). They don't want to make more than doctors and garbage men; they simply want to make more than they did last year. Here's the" North American progress myth at its worst: we never ask why we should make more money each year; we just expect we will. If we applied the same principle to body weight, a fifty-mear-old man would have to be 300 pounds to prove he's living successfully. Everything we do economically affects somebody. Why can't the effect be good rather than ill? Why couldn't we be rescuing the financially feeble instead of goose-stepping our way to per- sonal power? If you don't bother buying the new car which you don't need, you've taken that much pressure off the demand for cars and for loan money. Thus you help the When a new building is raised and completed all shiny new everyone comes from miles around to see its beginning, The mayor is there, the M.P.'s, the architect, the builder, the other dignitaries trying to look unselfconscious, but pleased to cut the ribbon or give a speech The clergyman intones the blessing and invocation. Everybody smiles and feels proud abouth the raising of the bright, new edifice. + + + How come, then, when an old building is razed nobody hardly ever comes to bless and honor her? As the great iron ball smashes its weight against the walls causing the brick and mortar and wood and glass to fall to the ground, does anyone remember that once a man was proud of plans he drew up for that building? What about the men who built her? Did not their hammers ring out sharp and true, plying their craft at timbers, sheathing the floors? What were their dreams? That work so nobly done would crash in dust 'til there was nothing left? Who were the many owners ra