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Home My WebLink AboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1977-02-03, Page 4Three cheers This newspaper was among those highly critical of a suggestion by Perth County council last year to disband its com- mittee system in favor of meeting as a committee-of-the-whole behind closed doors. The ultimate decision was left up to the 1977 council and in a vote last week, the new councillors decided against changing their system and as a result their deliberations will continue to be staged in public. No doubt that switch was brought about in part by some comments from their 0 ratepayers, but perhaps also because coun- cil members realized that a move to closed sessions would in fact deny the right of the people to know how their business was be- ing conducted by Cie elected officials. It was a positive blow for grass roots democracy and is one that should be follow- ed by elected officials at all levels of government. The public's business should obviously be conducted in public and attempts to do otherwise breed suspicions. Give them shovels . Some thingg just don't add up! For instance, while the federal govern- ment is running an extensive advertising campaign in an effort to have people sub- mit ideas for "make-work" projects, the Ontario government is telling the people of Grand Bend there will be no funds available for construction of sewers this year. The initial reaction may be that the resort cats get along another year without sewers, but the fact is that a delay in the project is going to create delays in several developments planned in Grand Bend. In effect, many job opportunities will be delayed as well, and could even be lost in the long run if the developers decide to in- vest their money elsewhere. There could be a solution: take the peo- ple who will end up doing some of the ridiculous jobs that will be undertaken in the Canada Works scheme and give them a pick and shovel and let them dig Grand Bend's sewer. That will create the necessary employment and provide a worthwhile project on which the money can be spent. But, that's probably too practical. Better that we create employment by hav- ing people out counting quail eggs or building bluebird houses! And now the bridges It was with interest and not a little sur- prise that we read the announcement last week that the Province of Ontario will next turn its critical eye on bridges. That's right, bridges. Every bridge crossing a creek, stream or river is to be tested to determine its condition: It follows that those not measuring up to some preset standard will be replaced. The cost of the testing alone is quite likely to stagger the imagination, not to mention the cost of replacement. As Perth MPP Hugh Edighoffer has been quoted as saying, the program for bridges is quite likely to put our present arena fiasco in the pale. On the surface this proposed bridge testing program looks like a good thing and you might wonder why anyone would ques- tion it. After all it is for our own safety, isn't it? No doubt, but it is also unnecessary and somewhat hypocritical. We say hypocritical because of what we have seen happen over the past half dozen years or so in Elma Township. There are a couple of bridges in Elma that, in the opinion of the township council, are not in good coriditon. The council has repeatedly requested the approval of the Ministry of Transportation and Com- munication to have these structures replac-' ed but have been turned down. Since the province pays a grant of 80 percent on bridges, municipalities cannot afford to go it alone — not if they hope to have a lick of money left in their road budget for such items as gravel and snow plowing. And so the rural bridges are left with only a sign designating load max- imums to warn the motoring public of their condition. Now wouldn't it be better business for the province to accept the word of the municipalities and replace bridges as. re- quested rather than going on some kind of crash program to test every bridge in On- tario? One would almost think Queen's Park is out to make work projects for engineers. We'd be willing to bet that municipal road superintendents could tell the province all it wanted to know about the conditions of its bridges — without the fan- cy price tag for 'engineering fees — if only the politicians and civil servants would listen. In fact, this is exactly what the Township of Elma has been doing for years, only to be ignored. We should have realized something like this was in the wind when the province brought in regulations for soil testing for every bridge being constructed or replac- ed. Municipal councils thought that was an unnecessary expense. It was a drop in the bucket compared to the bridge testing pro- ject. It's no wonder this province is getting a little more in debt each year., The most commonly heard remark among Ontario taxpayers now'is "What next???" Who knows — who wants to know? The Listowel Banner WNBT MitlU PEOPLE COMPLAINING RVOUT-7001E ALLOWED To GD ANyvmEnc W PLEASE? • • • •• • •• • • •• • V.* A grand foofawraw "We'll fight to the finish" Snow costs mounting 411e torefeaimesibticirafe SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND C.W.N.A., 0.W.N.A. CLASS 'A' and ABC Published by J. W. Eedy Publications Limited LORNE EEDY, PUBLISHER Editor — Bill Batten Assistant Editor — Ross Haugh Advertising Manager — Jim Beckett Plant Manager — Jim Scott Composition Manager -- Harry DeVries Business Manager — Dick Jongkind Phone 235-1331 Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Class Mail Registration Number 0386 - Paid in Atli/dna Citculatiari September 30, 1975 5,409 SUBSCRIPTION RATES Canada $11.00 Per Year; USA $22,00 Xia;:i,:ka. AY 444:: CCNA mut RIRRON AWARD 1074 Page 4 Times-Advocate, February 3, 1977 Don't put if off government's (read taxpayer's) hip pocket, Publication of the names and addresses of those doctors who had billed the health plan for more than a hundred grand was almost a blanket indictment of them. What the newspaper did not stress was that the figures were for gross, not net income, and in many, many cases„ the net in- come was a long, long way below the published figures. I don't hold any brief for doc- tors. In general, they give me a pain in the arm. There is a cer- tain pomposity, sometimes arrogance, that is donned along with the letters M.D. after the name. This is not helped any by the attitude of so many of their patients — that the doctor always knows best, that the doc-- tor is a special sort of human be- ing, that the patient should prac- tically tug his forelock when ad- dressing his doctor. It's a fairly short step from there to the point where quite a few members of the profession begin to feel that they are little tin gods. This irks me. I've met too many little tin gods with clay feet to be impressed by the title "Doctor." There's something archaic, but very attractive about that ti- tle, Bachelors of Arts don't go around calling themselves Bachelor Jim Smith. Masters of Art don't insist that you address them as Master. Same with engineers. But when a guy gets a chance to put Doctot before his name, whether his degree is in philosophy, theology or chiropractery, there is no way you are going to stop him from using it. My personal biases about doctors aside, I have nothing but contempt for those who suggested, ever so subtley, that the profession is out to gouge the public ruthlessly. Sure, doctors make a lot of money, most of them. But I don't envy them. I wouldn't be a doc- tor for three times the average salary in the medical profession. Sure, there are a few rotten apples in the barrel, to whom the Hippocratic oath is merely a licence to get rich. Couldn't the same be said about any other barrel, whether it contains union ' members, merchants, politicians,or preachers? And as for big business, the doctors are almost saintly when it comes to a comparison of ethics. Let's look at the facts. A doc- tor works like a dog to get through medical school. He doesn't really begin to make any money until he is nearing 30, a time when most men are well settled in their fields. By the time he has establish- ed a practice, he is usually well in debt,. If his practice flourishes, he works like a dog for 20 or 30 years. During this period; he is making a good income. But his family life, his social life and his cultural life suffer deeply. He works hours that would have a union leader screaming bloody There was a grand foofawraw in Ontario recently when the Toronto Globe and Mail, which rather grandly calls itself "Canada's National Newspaper," and is nothing of the sort, perpetrated a piece of journalism that was irresponsi- ble, to say the least, and yellow, to say the truth. It published a list of more than 800 Ontario doctors who had billed the provincial health plan for more than $100,000 in the past year. What's wrong with that? Shouldn't these money-grubbing medics be exposed? Wasn't the Globe doing a public service? Answer: no. The Globe was doing what it professes to despise in some of our racier newspapers: acting in collusion with some pretty dubious politicians to titillate the public with half-truths and ern:- barrass what to me is still a no- ble and honorable profession. The action was worthy of some of the muckier British tabloids. What surprised me was the reaction of the public. Setting aside the doctors and their well- heeled medical association, which was naturally Outraged, most of the letters to the editor attacked the newspaper for its action, Whatever demurrers ad- vanced by its defendants after the event, the fact was that the news'was slanted, through omis- sion. The doctors named were presented, through innuendo, as money-gougers, with one hand on a scalpel and the other in the If you're tired of reading about the weather, you may as well turn to another page. It may not be very original, but there just doesn't appear to be anything else going on these days on which to report. Fortunately, few of our readers have suffered any adverse misfortunes due to the continual blizzard, although most have experienced numerous trials and tribulations. A few humorous situations have arisen, and while they may not have seemed too funny at the time, they will be memories which will be retold to future generations about the great winter of 1976-77. Perhaps one of the stories that falls into that category pertains to the professional development program planned by the SHDHS teachers at Benmiller 4ast Thursday and Friday. Despite the blizzard conditions which closed down most schools in the county, the teachers displayed a great deal of fortitude and most made it to the plush Benmiller Inn. • As it turned out, of course, the two-day event couldn't be described as a holiday by anyone. The school would have been closed anyway. While seine taxpayers may have complained about paying part of the accommodation costs for the teachers, the teachers ended up with some expenses which they had to dig out of their own pockets. Most were stranded at the Inn on Friday night and many right through until Sunday and the ex- tra days were at their own ex- pense. While the Inn was. a better place in which to get stranded than in a car in a snowdrift', it was also rather expensive. Room rates are $45 per night and meals average out in the $12 to $15 range. In short, the teachers will probably look for less expensive locations for their next outings, or they will at least plan them for mid-summer. One of the recurring situations that arise in a blizzard is the risk that people will take to go "nowhere".. Despite repeated news broadcasts about travel conditions, people insist on try- ing their luck and end up en- dangering their lives. The real problem is the fact that they also endanger the lives of others who have to go out and try to rescue them. At times, the reason for one's outing bears a direct relation to the effort extended in reaching a destination. Most people will make special efforts to fulfill social or pleasure pursuits that would not be duplicated for such things as work, court appearances, etc, That's a human foible shared by most, although it makes us murder. His scanty leisure time is constantly interrupted. The only pension he can look forward to is what he can save or invest for himself. About the time most men are slowing down or looking forward to retirement, the doctor is burn- ed out. How many old doctors do you know? And all along the way he is dealing constantly with pain and misery and fear among his patients. No bed of roses, that. Not to mention all the neurotic women and hypochondriacal men he must suffer patiently. There are a few crocks and a few quacks, but every doctor I've ever 'had dealings with was a credit to the profession, Let's have fair play for our doctors, as Well as fair pay. look rather ridiculous when fully considered. In inaugural meetings this year, one theme was prevalent at the meetings of many area coun- cils: more money is to be spent on roads in 1977. Taxpayers, no doubt, reacted with mixed feelings. While it may signal an increase in municipal taxes, most drivers welcome the planned im- provements. However, it is becoming ap- parent that much of the money that will be spent on roads this year may not result in improved conditions as far as eliminating pot holes, dust, etc. The fact is, the severe winter conditions are quickly depleting road budgets in most municipalities. The money being spent to plow and haul snow will not be available for reconstruc- tion or maintenance work. The sad thing is, of course, that sooner or later all this snow will melt away and there will be Nothing to show for the excessive Costs of winter road maintenance. * * * Just what is this younger generation coming to? That's a question that has been posed by the older generation for years and no doubt it will con- tinue to be a quandary for every succeeding generation as they see young people change the customs that they held sacred. However, a couple of situations that have arisen in the past couple of weeks must really have some. people scratching their heads about today's younger set. We've become accustomed to hearing about their lack of dis- cipline and initiative, their poor dress habits and the deplorable state of their social graces. So, it is rather unsettling to learn that many of the charges levied against them are un- founded. Just last week, for instance, this newspaper had cause to comment on a letter received from three senior students at Usborne Central School in which they publicly aired their thanks to the school bus drivers who have managed to get them to school safely despite the horren- dous driving conditions we've been experiencing. • That type of attitude was a lit- tle unusual in view of the com- ments generally aimed at today's younger generation, If that wasn't enough to shake our opinions, an advertisement in last week's paper would surely do the trick. It was placed by the Exeter Leo Club, a group of teenagers operating under the wing of the Exeter Lions, and it indicated members of the club were prepared to undertake tasks for local senior citizens, such as shovelling snow and run- ning errands. Most people would initially assume the club members were attempting to raise some money for their coffers, but alas their project was not an attempt to chase the almighty dollar. The kids have offered their assistance at no charge.. Shocking indeed! Just what is this younger generation coming to? Well, whatever it is, we're all for it . . . although a few members of the older generation are certainly going to have to change some of their degrading attitudes. There was a man who had wonderful plans for tomorrow. To start with he swore he was going to be kinder and more thoughtful tomorrow. He knew of a troubled friend who needed a lift and he certainly would go to see what he could do for him tomorrow. In fact, there were a lot of folks he'd help tomorrow. Not only that, he 'made a list of all the people he'd write a note of cheer to tomorrow. He said it was really too bad he was so busy today and didn't have one spare minute, but he was sure there'd be plenty of time tomorrow. This man would have been long remembered for his good works if his 'tomorrow' had ever come, The fact is, he passed on and •quickly faded from everybody's memory. All he left behind was a mountain of things he intended to do, tomorrow, How sad that many of us are like this man. We have great intentions but somehow we never get to them. It's either too hot, or too cold, or too wet, or the streets are too slippery or something else gets in our way. Perhaps you're like I am with a bagful of regrets; things I've put off until it's too late. I remember being nudged again and again to write an acquaintance in the hospital but kept puttiQg it off. How stunned I was to pick up the paper one day and see her name in the obituary column. The flowers I sent to the funeral did little to ease the shame that flooded over me. Time is a precious element and not to be frittered away foolishly. Sometimes a few minutes, wisely spent, can alter the course of a life. On the other hand, a few moments wasted can bring on a sea of regrets and a sense of failure. • St. Paul knew the value of the time allotted to him and he ad- vised the Ephesians: "Look 20 YEARS AGO Ausable Authority officials will sign the contract for construction of the Morrison Dam, Thursday. Saviour Aquiline, a retired British sailor 'from Malta, brought his family to Exeter recently after spending five years in this country saving and preparing for their arrival. He purchased a house on Andrew Street and had it completely furnished before 'his family came. The eight candidates for SH- DHS's queen this year are Marion Creery, Judy Desjardine, Helen Taylor, Carol Tuckey, Joan Revelle, Rosemary Dobson, Nancy Fahner and Loraine Taylor. Work on the development of the Pinery, the 4,000-acre tract expropriated by the Ontario Government, will start this spring. 15 YEAR AGO Mary McDougall, R.R.1 Hensall, was chosen "Miss CAPAC" Monday night by 40 professional cameramen from Western Ontario. She is the daughter of Mr, & Mrs. Horton McDougall. The Women's Auxiliary to South Huron Hospital contributed a new industrial-type refrigerator for the hospital kitchen. Mrs. W.J. Routley, Elimville, Mrs. Kenneth Grebb, Centralia, Mrs. Robert Southcott, Exeter and Mr. R.E. Balkwell, Exeter were among the newly-elected officers for the Huron Presbyterial of UCW. Mrs. Dorothy Hughson and Mrs. Helen Jermyn of the Exeter Public School attended a Reading workshop at Waterloo Univer- sity Friday and Saturday. . Amalgamated 1924 carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but making the Most of the time because the days are evil." We, too, can use our time to overcome some of the evils of our age . . , the loneliness, despair and frustrations that beat upon our society. Good use of time is a source of joy too. The happiest people I know are the busiest and these are often the ones you find spreading cheer and en- couragement to the people in their homes, in their community and in the world at large, They're able to do it by making the best use of every minute. No idle day dreaming of what they'll do tomorrow for them. They know the value of time and how to use it. Any good we do on this earth must be done now. This was the driving force in Jesus' life. He was intensely conscious of the fact there was a great deal of work for him to accomplish in a very short time. Of course, it's useless for us to worry over opportunities we've already lost but we owe It to ourselves, to our world and to our God to, stop putting off for tomorrow what we should be doing today. Prevention does work No panacea pipe dream — prevention of blindness really works. According to Mrs. Wat- son, President, the C.C.B. Bluewater Club, The Canadian Council of the, Blind, early work by a non-medical group banished many causes of blindness for everyday life. In an interview for White Cane Week, February 6-12, sponsored by CCB and The Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the president told how trachoma, now limited to eastern countries, was once a serious cause of blindness among Indians in Canada. "CNIB discovered the con- dition in the 1930s," the club president explained. Through strong recommendation to the government a doctor was ap- pointed to investigate the problem. He discovered grand- mothers wore kerchiefs around their heads, wiped their trachoma eyes with the kerchief ends and also the faces of their ,littlegrandchildren. Unknowingly they passed on the germs of trachoma which led to blindness in hundreds of youngsters. Through his work and CNIB, trachoma has disappeared as a cause of blindness. Even earlier, in the 1920s, a condition known as babies' sore eyes in new born infants caused corneal ulcers and blindness. It affected one third of the pupils at the school for the blind. CNIB efforts, supported by eye doctors and provincial governments, brought about legislation for the compulsory' treatment of babies' eyes at birth and so eliminated this cause of blindness. Diph- theria, Scarlet Fever and Small pox have long since disappeared from the CNIB registry. However, today new causes such as Diabetes and Glaucoma are taking their toll. "That's why most people don't realize prevention practices really work," said the CCB Club President. He urged every Canadian to keep Canada's sight record high, One project rests with parents. Vaccinate your children against German Measles (Rubella). If mothers catch this disease during pregnancy the babies may be born blind, regarded or bur- dened with other disabilities. "This vaccination is a simple means of preserving future Canadians from many han- dicaps, including blindness," he said. 13115YoobV REFUSES DO NO7NING WHEN /S NOTHWG 77, PO , ¤ <% e/ 1 E YM O NT L TO OR M L 55:YEARS,AGO Exeter-Zurich hockey team went to Goderich on Friday night and turned in another win by a score of 8-2, On Monday they beat Clinton 9-2, This gives the locals nine straight wins. At a special meeting of the village council, Saturday, Mr. Jos. Senior was reappointed clerk of Exeter, Miss Winnie Essery, Centralia, has accepted a position in Mr. Joynt's store in Hensall. Mr. Fred Wuerth of Crediton, has installed a 25 horse-power engine and has started chopping. One of 'the best masquerade carnivals held in Exeter recently was the Dome rink Friday evening. A ten minute hockey game between the spinsters and bachelors furnished much amusement, 30 YEARS AGO Harry Crocker, a pupil of Exeter Public School, won $10 in the poster contest of Wildlife Conservation. The worst storm of the season blocked all the highw'ays. Messrs. Fred Dawson and William Cann walked over two miles through the snow to the Thames Road where they were picked up by Rev. Mair and brought to town for the Masonic meeting. A new time clock has been installed at the Exeter arena for hockey use. Mr. Jack Doerr, who is taking a course in photography in Toronto, was in Exeter, Saturday looking for a location. Mr. Elmer Bell has purchased from Andrew Easton the fine brick residence on James Street ...possession April 1. Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 • iii O O