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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1975-07-03, Page 4"... A generation that cannot endure boredom will be a generation of little men, of men unduly divorced from the slow processes of nature, of men in whom every vital impulse withers, as though they were cut flowers in a vase," Bertrand Russell's words of 45 years ago bear rethinking today in this age of con- tradictions when people know more of world affairs than ever before but no more of the world's wisdom. Russell was concerned that people might overdo their efforts to avoid boredom and in the end be so overly- stimulated that nothing of value can be produced. He was especially concerned for the children that they learn to endure a more or less monotonous life. "Modern parents are greatly to blame in this respect," he said, "They provide their children with far too many passive amusements such as shows and good things to eat, and they do not realize the impor- tance to a child of having one day like another, except, of course for somewhat rare occasions." Russell held that the pleasures of childhood should in the main be such as the child extracts himself from his environ- ment by means of some effort and inven- tiveness. Pleasures which are exciting and at the same time involve no physical exer- tion, such as the theatre, should occur only rarely. Twenty years before the invention of television, this great philosopher was fretting that excitements are like drugs of which more and more will be required, and that the physical passivity during the ex- citement is contrary to instinct. "Whatever we may wish to think, and we are creatures of Earth; our life is part of the life of the Earth, and we draw our nourishment from it just as the plants and animals do," It was the slow peaceful life in rhythm with the slow peaceful Earth from which great thoughts, great poetry, great ideas sprung forth in the past as a legacy from future generations. Maybe the pace of our lives is too fastto produce those leaders and thinkers of which we seem to be in such short supply. Just an old barn There's probably no one doo certain how they managed to get the job completed (even those directly invblved)but the Huron Country Playhouse opened on schedule this week in their new facilities and it is indeed a building of which everyone involved should be extremely proud. What has been created is not a modern building with its impersonal glass, marble or fancy trimmings, but basically "just an old barn". That in itself is no slight feat, because the new structure managed to give the im- pression that it has been standing on its location for most of the past century and that's exactly what had been planned. It blends in with the rest of the proper- ty and district perfectly and exudes a type of warmth that will be welcome by theatre- goers throughout the coming years. Many, many people have shared in the success of the project and must enjoy the satisfaction that comes with the comple- tion of any dream of this nature. Even if you don't enjoy live theatre, a trip to the Playhouse this season is a must just to see what has been accomplished in the building program. However, early indications are that the Playhouse will indeed have a most successful season from an artistic and entertainment standpoint as well. The initial play "Barefoot in the Park" was a most delightful comedy and if the following productions reach the same level, the current season will be one that should provide some tremendous entertainment. The Playhouse continues to attract new customers with each performance and they quickly join the ranks of the "regulars" and certainly there can be no better adver- tising available than that. The difficulty, of course, is getting the potential patrons there in the first place, although surely most area residents must realize they are missing something when they hear their friends talk in such glowing terms about a night out at the Playhouse. Try it, you'll like it! Here's much about nothing ”Your shp's Rhowing, Honey.," SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Our response to now By ELMORE BOOMER Counsellor for Information South Huron For appointment phone: 235-0560 or 228-6291 The wrong emphasis Out of quiet places "Egremont was very patriotic on Canada Day. He raised his made-in-Japan Canadian flag, set off his made-in-Hong Kong fireworks, watched the Irish Rovers on his Taiwan TV and read The Greening of America." What an 'e' for an 'V can do! Actions speak louder Recently, I listed some of the things I disliked in our society. When I'd finished, I thought to myself, "Boy, you are a nasty old piece of work. Do you realize you've barely scratched the surface?" 'For a week or two, I went around thinking, in 10 or 20 second spurts, every three or four days, that I was a Curmudgeon. Some of my younger readers will not know what a curmudgeon is. Well, it comes from the root word "mud." We all know what mud is. It is dirty. It is cool under the toes, unless it is in the form of a mud pack, which is good for the wrinkles. If your name is Mudd, you are either in the doghouse, or you are a loser. I hope that is clear. To the root word "mud" (unless we want to root around in the mud a bit longer), we attach the prefix "cur." A cur, as everyone knows, is a cad with teeth,' and sometimes a moustache, who plays the villain in old-fashioned melodrama. In new-fashioned melodrama, he also has teeth, but in addition he has a big belly or a bald head, and he has become the hero, as in Cannon or Kojak. Still with me? We now have "curmud", signifying a mean guy who is cool under the toes, has wrinkles, or is a loser. Sometimes all three. Now we come to the suffix, "geon", which is of more obscure vintage. It is of Hungarian antecedent, and it seems to have meant, originally, something we might call colloquially "a dummy that makes a lot of silly and un- necessary noise without getting anywhere," which is rather a contradiction in terms, come to think of it. There are many perversions of the original, of course. We find the suffix in such words as "Injun," "engine" and "john." But the original meaning is in there somewhere. An Injun, for example, is one of the original "In" people, who rides around in ever-diminishing circles, emitting war-whoops, until he is shot off his horse. Think of your car. The engine makes a lot of silly and un- necessary noise, at least mine does, and gets nowhere. Occasionally, the car gets somewhere, but the engine remains exactly where it started, in the car. And, of course, there is the colloquial word "john," meaning a toilet. Or water closet or backhouse, if toilet offends you. This item of hardware indulges in a great deal of unnecessary noise, whether receiving or transmitting, and is usually going nowhere, except on trains, buses or airplanes, when it is so active it has to put up a "busy" sign most of the time, On ships, of course, with their innate sense of superiority, the "john" is called a 'head. This came about when one of the head men in the British Navy, Admiral Sir Dudley Pound, af- fectionately known to his jolly tars as "dud," once went looking for the "john" and discovered a lot of Common Seamen, and a very common lot they were, lined up with one of the symptoms of scurvy known as "dire rear." In the interests of clarity, this has nothing to do with the term "rear admiral." Understandably, Sir Dud flew into a high rage, the only type allowed to senior officers, and uttered a good deal of silly and unnecessary noise, or "geon," when he had to wait his turn for the "john." As naval tradition has it, this led to the wedding of "dud" and "geon", meaning a john that isn't working, or a senior officer with a red face, or a towering rage, whichever you choose. That's one of the beauties of the English language. You can take your pick. And you know what you can do with it. If you have followed me carefully through this brief but enlightening exploration into semantics, I am sure you have come to the conclusion, as I have, that I am not a curmudgeon at all. I am not a mean guy. I haven't hit a little kid since mine grew up, I am not cool under the toes. My feet heat something terrible in this weather. I am not a loser. How can you Amalgamated 1924 Last week's issue of the T-A was one of record proportions: first of all in the number of pages and secondly for an error that managed to creep in and went undetected by anyone on staff, Naturally, it was in a large size type and no doubt was quickly spotted by everyone as they glanced through their papers last week. It was just a matter of someone punching an "e" for an "i", but when that happens with the word "six" it takes on an entirely different meaning. So, we ended up with a "con- firmation for sex" rather than a "confirmation for six" at Dash- wood and we do apologize for the error. A notice has been posted on the bulletin board at the back shop urging all staff members to keep their mind on their work and not their extra-curricular activities so errors of that particular nature don't appear again. Our phone has been kept jangling by callers pointing out the error and one of the first calls from a local clergyman, who "couldn't help calling to pull your leg". He was advised that perhaps the heading may help boost sagging church attendance, and in that regard, one staff member here has already indicated she plans to get confirmed again. Our assistant in the next office has ' a good response for the callers. He simply starts coun- ting in German (his translation at any rate) and sure enough the word six does come out sounding similar to the way in which it was printed. One early caller said he was associated with the ARC Industries Workshop for the retarded in Dashwood, and had a couple of trainees there who, while having some short- comings, could no doubt be considered capable of joining our proof-reading staff. Shirley Keller, a former staff member who is now editor of the Goderich Signal-Star just couldn't pass up the opportunity to rub it in and said she had been talking to a minister but had been unable to get him to confirm her in sex. At any rate, there will be a new know you're a loser when you don't know what it is to be a winner? I do not go around making silly and unnecessary noises, except when it is absolutely necessary, And finally, I feel that I am definitely getting somewhere. Older? I'd like to end with a little poem, dedicated to those keen students of the vagaries of our vocabulary who have followed me down this pit-fallen trail, That Smiley While he Is often in high dudgeon Is no curmudgeon, But wily. emphasis for headline writers to be more careful in dotting their "i" in the future. + + + While the weather delayed some farmers in their bean planting this year, gardens in the area appear to be thriving in this year's climatic conditions, although the rain has hindered the job of eradicating weeds for many people. The T-A reporting staff appear to be trying to out-do each other, and judging from the bragging that goes on from day to day, the three gardens in question must be about the best to be found anywhere. However, yours truly has come up with an accomplishment that neither Haugh nor Rowcliffe can duplicate and they have been forced to curtail many of their comments about their supposedly green thumb skills. The feat we managed to ac- complish was in picking a fresh cucumber (table size) from our garden on the first day of sum- mer — June 21. Eat your heart out, guys! + + + With professional hockey players signing contracts worth over $1 million these days, the game has become a "money- grabbing" affair and the squabbles over salaries, financial problems, long schedules, etc. have tended to detract from the sportsmanship that was more evident in previous years. However, many people had their faith restored in professional hockey players 50 Years Ago Mr, George Jeffery, Usborne had a successful barn raising on Monday, erecting the framework of an "L" shaped barn on a cement foundation to replace the one destroyed by fire. Never in its history did that portion of Hibbert having Cromarty for its centre ex- perience 3 days of such pleasurable excitement as on Saturday, Sunday last. The section celebrated the diamond jubilee of the church and the 105th year of settlement, Lovers of flowers will do well to spend an hour at Central Park and get acquainted with the beautiful flowers and shrubs that have made such a beauty spot of the grounds. The new pipe organ for the Lutheran Church Dashwood, has arrived and is being installed this week. 25 Years Ago Lions Club awards for Exeter District High School were won by Kathryn Hunter in grade 9; Joan Ellerington in grade 10; John Haberer in grade 11, Joan Hopper in grade 12. Gerry Kesselring, winner of the London Hunt Club gold tour- nament, was out on the Grand Bend links on Saturday. The first ladies' night spon- sored by the, new Exeter Kinsmen Club was held at Brenner's Hotel, Grand Bend, Nelson Stanlake has offered 500 pounds of fertilizer for the best sheaf of barley six inches in diamenter at Exeter Fall Fair. Officials of the Exeter Game Conservation Club expect to receive 700 day-old pheasants from the DepartMent of Game and Fisheries — part of, a long- term project to restock local forests with game birds, Grand Bend will apply for when they had the opportunity to chat with Don Luce and Darryl Edestrand at last week's banquet honoring Exeter's championship bantam squad. The two players were among the last to leave the event as they made no effort to get away from the lads who wanted the op- portunity to talk with a real live professional and to get some autographs. Don pointed out to the writer that he clearly recalled that when he was a youngster it was a big thrill to meet and talk with a hockey idol and he realizes how youngsters feel when they meet him and he goes out of his way to spend as much time as possible answering their questions and chatting with them. With fellows such as Don plying their trade in the pro ranks, hockey will continue . to be a favorite sport of young and old alike and it is encouraging to see that a person of his success still manages to recall that his suc- cess was made possible by a great many people. Small wonder that he was winner of the Masterton trophy which is given to the player who "exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication". It was also encouraging to hear both Don and Ted Power reminding .their audience that only one percent of all minor hockey players get to the pro ranks and that it is therefore a number one consideration that they enjoy the game and continue their education. permission to incorporate into a full-fledged municipality sometime during July. 15 Years Ago Stanley Sauder, director of Exeter Vacation Bible School announced a record attendance of 233 last week, Mr. Eldrid Simmons was burned about the face, arms, legs and body, Tuesday evening when he was using a blow torch. Twenty-two Exeter Girl Guides and Boy Scouts have won their St. John's Ambulance First Aid Junior Certificates. Examiners were Dr. R. W. Read and Dr. D. A. Ecker. Mr. & Mrs, James Masse who have the largest living family in Canada, 11 daughters and 10 sons, will celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary next Sunday. 10 Years Ago Mrs. Dick Weber, the former Jean Taylor, is listed as one of the 45 persons who have been suc- cessful in the three-year training program of the Municipal Clerk's and Finance Officer's Association of Ontario. Henderson's Produce, which has been in operation in Hensall for the past twenty seven years owing to the changes to the egg grading business will close ef- fective Saturday,IJuly 3. Winners in the Lutan Pigeon Club, whose birds flew from Peterboro last Saturday, June 19, Norman Hardy & Son, Frank Hardy, Tom Hardy, Clarence Hardy, Mert Culbert & Sons, and Chas. Barrett, Exeter, Mrs. Hector Heywood Andrew St, returned Wednesday from England having enjoyed a pleasant three-week visit with her son, Calvin Heywood and I family, "Fine Christian lady, that!" stormed a clerk about her pious employer who had torn into another employee stripping her of her dignity in front of several customers. She continued, "If anyone is going .to talk about their religion as much as she does, they'd better be prepared to live it." I guess the old adage is true, 'I can't hear a word you're saying, your actions are speaking so loudly'. It's a shame and frightening that many people gather most of their ideas and impressions about Christianity from those who profess to be Christian. We don't usually judge a whole family by one member who may not turn out too well, but for some reason, people who aren't Christians judge Christianity by what Christians are like,what they can and can't do, what they believe or don't believe. It never occurs to most of them that Jesus Christ himself has something directly to do with being a Christian. Instead of looking at the Central Person and what He offers and teaches they look to the fringes to see and condemn the weaknesses of those who follow Him. However, there's no doubt about it that those of us who talk a lot and make our stand known publicly for Chjristianity are always in jeopardy of ,being criticized more than most people. The non-Christian world scans us searchingly to see how we stand up in the nitty-gritty of life and not on how well we talk, preach or write. And perhaps this is how it should be and what Christ wants. After all, we talk a lot about being renewed or born again and surely this would indicate to anyone that the old persons we once were with all those temper tantrums, the biting tongue, the greed, the lying and cheating etc. have been cast out forever. Indeed, with God's help, they can be, too. However, mostChristians, with their human fraility, find it a battle they fight every day. For mostItheiF is not just one great laying aside of these damaging habits and characteristics. It's more usual that these have to be turned over to God many times before they are finally brought under control. Unfortunately, some Christians never get them under control (even partially) and these are the ones who do irreparable damage to the name 'of Christianity. Here's a little poem that says something of what we're talking about: Religion Religion is telling the truth in your trade Without even counting the cost, And having the courage to stand by the right, Though fortune and friends may be lost. Religion is thirty-six inches per yard, And sixteen full ounces per pound; And sixty whole minutes of other men's time . Not watching these minutes roll 'round. Religion is giving a bright word or two To those whose dark clouds hide their sun, If you've got the kind of religion I mean You'll find your day's labors well done. (Anon.) for nothing when meshed within the group effort. He and others like him are praised for their high ambitions and their intense com- petitiveness. Schools in turn are lauded for their strong school spirit. And yet we wonder when the striving to become first and best becomes an obsession. My own experience has shown what such an intense rivalry can do to individuals and to groups. This in turn is just a microcosm of the antagonisms that develop between nations when nationalism goes to excess, and one nation's belief in its own superiority has led to the sub- jugation of others. It is important for individual achievement in school in order for a child to develop a sense of identity and self worth. But of equal importance is the necessity for the development of a healthy teamsmanship and an identity within that team. Therefore it is necessary for the eight year old to realize that his efforts were not in vain but were an integral part of his team's effort. Such a change in attitude, I believe, is already occurring in some schools and for that I am grateful. The Editor, The Exeter Times Advocate, Exeter, Ontario. Dear Sir: I would like through the medium of your newspaper to thank the many volunteers who insured the sucess of this year's Heart Foundation campaign. Once again this year the residential canvass exceeded expectations and collected $56,329.58. I am grateful to all of the canvassers in the London, Middlesex, Ingersoll, St. Marys, Huron and Elgin, who worked so hard this year. The total collection at this stage is in excess of the fund goal of $125,000,00, I am particularly grateful to the fund's area co- ordinator Mrs. Jane Vincent and my colleagues on the Board of Directors, The co-operation from both the individual, corporate and institutional donors has been excellent, The programmes supported by this work are worthy of the ef- forts exerted by all concerned and we are most grateful, Sincerely, Claude M. V. Pensa, Campaign Chairman London & Area Chapter, Ontario Heart Foundation, ' .37,:iarasatiostlaeo'. r'..5zuvz Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 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 Phone 235,1321 Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Class Mail Registration Number 0386. Paid in Advance Circulation March 31, 1075 5,240 Canada $9.00 Per Year, USA $11.00 MEMERW,....rifiZZ,T„.:ZzLzk.Vigi Learn the rules of boating safety with Red Cross, Always wear your PFD (PertOnal Plots- flan Device) when you go in a boat. It's fun to learn to swim the Fled Cross Water Safety way, When you swim, Swim with a buddy, never atone. By ALVIN EPP EPP Homes— RR 3 Exeter Recently, an eight year old returned home from school field day very disappointed. His own efforts had not been rewarded with red and blue ribbons. Despite his fine performance in various events, he had received no recognition for them because students had been divided into teams and gained points collectively rather than in- dividually. This child, con- sequently, considered that his efforts and, achievements had been futile. The child's attitude is a com- mon one, produced by present day educational pursuits. Schools encourage children to be the best academically and athletically. - Consequently, those who perform the best in these areas are the ones who receive the rewards, the teacher's commendation and the prestige. This in itself is not wrong but frequently leads to a deeply- ingrained competitive spirit which can be very destructive. Children quickly learn to strive to be first and best often at the cost of close interpersonal relation- ships and a healthy teams- manship. I believe that schools have focused too much on individual achievement. Our eight year' old is a victim of this. Already in grade two he has learned to value highly his own personal achievement and believes it is all "INCOMPAtinnArtY! H tlth eel hnything tvithnot, getting tnt- .AND I CAN'T!"