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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1977-06-23, Page 4WOW. Taking Canada for granted is one of our national pastimes, that and discussing the weather, the latest sports scores and what's for supper. It is no secret that Canadians are apathetic, at least on the surface, when it comes to expressing ourselves about Canada, But that is changing. Canada Week 1977 from June 25 to July 1 is the eighth consecutive year that Canadians from coast to coast and in the northern territories will be celebrating all things Canadian. Through the happy celebrations of Canada Week we are forg- ing a new kind, of nationalism, A unity out of diversity. Last year Canadians in about one thou- sand communities all across this great land participated in hundreds of activities in celebration of Canada, This phenomenon must surely represent one of the greatest grass roots efforts by thousands of volunteers from one end of the country to the other. The spirit that motivates these people is as diverse as the activities of Canada Week itself, To some, it is fostering pride. Pride in the accomplishments of their community and the country. To others, it is a time to remember, To reflect on our cultural heritage and diversity. A time to show off the skills and the culture their ancestors brought to this country. Or it is time to meet others, from neighbours to people across town or across the country. A time to realize that there are things which bind us together as Canadians. To others, it is a celebration. A party. A time to set aside the day-to-day problems and concentrate on the positives. To some,it is a simple and quiet manifestation of faith. Faith in the country and a renewal of a deep determination to keep Canada united come what may. To recognize that there is a bedrock of unity which can never be shaken. That problems of graphic differences, regional disparities, language and cultural differences are pre- sent but will never shake the foundation of one Canada Hundreds of thousands of people around the world would like to live in Canada, because Canada is a country with a dazzling potential. Canada is a blend of the old and the new. It combines North American initiative with the qualities of other civilizations to make a unique Cana- dian way of Life. We must make certain it stays that way. And that is why the Council for Cana- dian Unity organizes Canada Week and en- courages Canadians at this birthday period to show pride in Canada, promote national unity and encourage dialogue and un- derstanding among Canadians. Canada Week can be a remarkably positive force. It is a time of tolerance, goodwill and understanding. It is also a time for thanksgiving - Canadians have much for which to be thankful, As a Canadian, what can you do? You can fly a flag, or dance, sing, twirl a baton, or march in a parade. Say hello to your neighbour from across town or across the country. Take a trip or sponsor a stu- dent exchange. But, whatever you do, put your heart into it! Keep your head Someone falls into the water and screams for help. There is no standard lifesaving device handy. What do you do? Here are some tips from the Canada Safety Council. The first thing you don't do is jump in after the person unless you have been train- edln life-saving! There is often something at hand which can be used as a flotation device — a thermos jug, a capped water can, a plastic cooler, even the spare tire in the trunk of your car — if you think fast and keep your head. Empty the container, reseal and toss it within reach of the person in trouble. The spare tire is buoyant enough to support four or five persons even when mounted on the heavy steel wheel. Since it is too heavy to be thrown, swim and push the tire in front of you. Keep the tire between you and the person in trouble so as to stay clear of his panicky clutch. When he has grasped the tire and calmed down you both can hand paddle to shore. A visit from the boys 0/49,904EirlarrimNfiutiniu. •s• `fie ecefeamett-Atruorate 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 Advance Circulation September 30, 1975 5,409 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $11.00 Per Year; USA $22,00 GUARD AcAusr • Acupuncture and Apricot Pits NEWS ITEM: Arctic drilling authorized . , Page 4 Times-Advocate, June 23,1977 Put your heart into it Bike test should be compulsory This was supposed to be a probing inquiry into what laws Canadians break most, and why they break them. But it's too danged hot. What a country! Just a few weeks ago, you could get free ice-cubes from those 10-foot icicles hanging from your roof. Today the refrigerator can't keep up with the demand for them. That horrible heat wave we've experienced coincided with a visit from The Boys. The com- bination practically put Gran and I on our knees, and we're just now recovering gingerly from an ordeal that would have put us in our graves, had we been 10 years older. It's not that we can't stand the heat. And goodness knows, The Boys are a treat, But because you can stand driving doesn't mean you want to drive 800 miles a day. And because you enjoy ice cream doesn't mean you want to eat nothing else for two weeks. Mother of The Boys, our Kim, was in the process of writing the last of her university essays and thought she'd pop up home, have a visit, get some free baby- sitting and finish her essays, A nice thought. But The Boys had other ideas, After being cooped up in a city apartment for the winter, they wanted some action, and there's always action at Grandad's at "the big house," as it's known. Little Balind, the younger, was supposed to be quiet and con- valescent after a serious illness, Little Balind, after about one day, was as quiet and convales- cent as a Mack truck with Dr. Jekyll's alter ego at the wheel. After about three days, he had pulled a lamp over on himself, put a permanent gouge in the coffee table, knocked over the fire screen (twice), fallen off a bed on his face, lost a knob off the Tv set, sprinkled a can of talcum powder over the entire upstairs with a triumphant grin, and smashed several dishes by hurling them to the floor from his high chair, his signal that the meal was over. Of coarse, after his illness he had practically no appetite, so feeding him was no problem. It only took the three of us adults, one cooking, one shovelling it in, and one cleaning up the debris, to stave off his hunger. He'd start off with a banana to keep him from perishing while you were cooking his bacon and eggs. Then it was a scramble to get his toast and honey ready while the eggs were vanishing. Licks off the honey, hurls toast on the floor, stands up in his high chair and wipes hands on Gran's newly-decorated wall, Then out of the chair and on to Grandad's knee for a few more bites of egg or muffin or whatever. This would go on all day, punctuated by apples, cookies, swigs of ap- ple juice and bits of cheese to keep his stomach from rumbling. I made the mistake of sticking my little finger in his mouth once, Thought he was getting some more teeth and that I'd give, the gums a little rub to ease the pain. He dam' near took the end right off my finger. That kid is a natural for the wrestling ring or the football field, No such problem with the other guy, Nikov. He is a dainty eater, can feed himself, and sits up at table, propped on a fat book. No problem at all. Except that he won't eat. Meal time is a game, If he gets wieners and beans, he wants milk on it, then it's too cold. If you're out of eggs, he wants scrambled eggs. If you have apple juice and fresh grapefruit, the only thing he can stomach is orange juice. He can make a half-hour ceremony out of eating one strand of spaghetti. There's no malice in it. He just enjoys manipulating three fairly intelligent adults, like three puppets, one cajoling, one threatening, and one furious. We took turns. Occasionally whisked off to bed without any dinner, he'd be quiet for a 'few minutes, then paddle downstairs and say he wanted his supper, But he wanted chicken, and you'd had stew. At first they were a little peev- ed that Grandad had to go off to work every morning. The old one wanted me to take him to the car wash, one of our favorite excur- sions, The little one just wanted me to take him and yelled. So I instituted "Kiss Time." I lined the whole gang up, wife, daughter, two grandboys, got them to pucker up and went down the line with a kiss for each. Very popular routine. You have to be crafty with kids. For a few days, the weather was cold, and all they could do was make the inside of the house look as though Attila and his Huns had just laid waste a village, Then the heat wave struck. Their mother is one of those new- fangled ones who think that children should be allowed to ex- press their creative faculties regardless. The Boys poured into the back yard like the Saracens pouring into Spain, and created. I'll say one thing for them. They didn't set fire to the stoop, or the fence. They couldn't have. They discovered Grandad's hose, and where to turn it on. Everything was so wet after a few minutes, you couldn't have started a fire with gasoline. I'd come home from work, and there'd be two naked tots, soak- ing, mud from head to toe, watering each other, their mother, the lawn furniture and any stray animal, human or It must have been slightly dis- appointing for the Exeter Kinsmen and police department to have only 30 local youngsters compete in their annual bicycle rodeo. While it's basically a fun event for the kids with a bit of competi- tion thrown in to make it in- teresting, bicycle rodeos also serve a most useful purpose in that officials on hand are also able to put the two wheelers through a safety check. However, even more impor- tant, is the fact the competitors are required to display their knowledge of the rules of the road, as well as their ability at handling tight corners and main- taining their balance as they squeeze through narrrow pathways. Considering that there have already been three accidents in- volving bicycle riders this year, plus numerous near misses, it is difficult to comprehend why local parents don't put more pressure on their kids to enter the rodeo, We would even go so far as to suggest that entry into the rodeo should be made mandatory and perhaps this is something the Kinsmen, police and school of- ficials should consider for future events. Each class at the two local elementary schools could be tested and reports on their strengths and weaknesses could even be prepared so their parents would have some indica- tion of how dependable their offspring are when they head out on their bikes. No doubt some parents could be quickly enlisted to help out with the rodeo if manpower was a problem because of the numbers to be tested. Riding bicycles on busy streets requires a considerable amount of knowledge and ability, but too often it is left strictly to chance, and the results are occasionally tragic. Bicycle rodeos conducted un- der police and adult supervision help to impress on youngesters the need for proper care and handling of their two-wheelers and if they won't enter rodeos on a voluntary basis, then serious consideration should be given to otherwise, that came in range, It took only half an hour to clean up. That, along with two hours at feeding time, and about two hours at bath and story time, and an hour to recuperate, took a fair chunk out of the day. Now they're gone and I miss them terribly. Nobody to run over, jump on my arthritic foot and butt me in the stomach. Nobody to make me read the longest fairy story in the entire book. I can hardly wait to see them again, Maybe Christmas? For a day? making them mandatory as part of a school program. To continue on about the antics of some of the young people in the community, there are a cou- ple of frightening things happen- Perth, Ontario Dear Sir: In April, my book entitled "Bilingual Today, French Tomorrow" was published by' the small but courageous firm, BMG Publishing Limited, 60A Industrial Road, Richmond Hill, Ontario. Public response was im- mediate and sympathetic. Then on May 13, on an open-line radio program from Niagara Falls, Ontario, I was advised by the head of the French-Speaking Association of Ontario that every effort was going to be made to suppress it across Canada. In an unguarded moment this same man admitted that his Association is funded by the Canadian Federal Government to the tune of three hundred thousand dollars a year. In other words, the French-Speaking Association of Ontario, which has its counterparts in each of our nine English-speaking Provinces, is virtually an extension of the Federal Government, working steadily and purposefully toward Mr. Trudeau's now obvious goal of a French-dominated, and eventually a French-speaking, Canada. As the result of that conversation there is no doubt in my mind that every imaginable form of pressure will be brought to bear on store-owners and managers across Canada to prevent my book getting to the Canadian public. During my 28 years in Canada's Armed Forces, I firmly believed that Canada stood for freedom of speech, including the right to dissent, Under Mr. Trudeau, I am no longer sure. In view of the threat of suppression made against my book, I would appreciate an opportunity to ask those Canadians who still value their personal freedom to drop into their local book stores or book counters to determine for themselves whether this sup- pression has been put into effect. If it has, I would ask that they object strenuously, for their freedom to dissent is as threatened as mine. Yours sincerely, J. V. Andrew Lieutenant Commander (Retired) Amalgamated 1924 ing of which parents should be concerned, One is the practice of setting fires at wooden fences, store doors and even in camping trailers. It shouldn't be necessary to elaborate on the hazards in- volved, but it is obvious that some parents should /be a little concerned and more inquisitive as to the whereabouts and ac- tivities of their offspring. The other situation involves a new "game" intown using homemade bazookas. Basically, it is performed by taping some pop cans together, adding some lighter fluid and shooting tennis balls sky high. Unfortunatley, there is a danger that some youngster is going to get shot sky high instead of a tennis ball one of these days, or the cans will split apart and cause some serious injuries. It may be fun to watch balls soar almost out of sight by use of the home-made bazooka, but un- fortunately the perpetrators of such antics don't appear to realize that anything with that much power can inflict some serious harm to themselves or innocent bystanders. On the brighter side of the pic- ture, it is encouraging to see the interest being displayed to swim lessons in the area communities. By the end of the summer season, many youngsters will have progressed tremendously in their swimming ability and will therefore be much safer around water, which is a natural attrac- tion for kids. However, most kids seem to be of the opinion that once they learn to swim well enough to cavort around the local pool, they have progressed far enough and drop out of the instructional programs. Unfortunately, they miss out on the many advantages of progressing right through the system of badges available under the Red Cross and Royal Life Saving courses. In the higher categories, the emphasis turns to stamina and life saving ability, and obviously those are at- tributes which are beneficial. Graduates also become eligi- ble for teaching and life guard positions and with summer jobs becoming increasingly scarce, it is an avenue that should not be overlooked by area youngsters. Many of them don't have anything better to do for an hour on a hot, summer day anyway, and the cost involved in this "job training" course is extremely reasonable. And finally, a move in the other direction, and con- gratulations to three area ministers who have achieved some long service records, Father F. J, Bricklin, formerly of St. Patrick's near Lucan, and Monsignor Bourdeau, formerly of St, Peter's at St. Joseph, recently celebrated 50 years of service to the church. Both men are well known in our readership area and have contributed significantly to all aspects of community life in ad- dition to their ministry. And, of course, this Sunday will mark the observance of the retirement of the Rev. Harold Snell from the ministry, Members of the Exeter United Church congregation will be staging a worship service and picnic at Riverview Park and Rev. Snell will be preaching his farewell address after 41 years in the ministry. One of the most popular clerics to serve in this area, Harold's retirement will certainly not be cheered by the inhabitants of area trout streams. 55 YEARS AGO Last Thursday, the ceremony of the stone laying of the new Crediton Methodist Church took place. Rev. G. W. Rivers, chair- man of the district, presided at the well-attended occasion. Rev. Walter B. Millson, London, was the principal speaker of the afternoon. The Trustee Board stone was laid by John Sherritt, Granton, The Ladies' Aid stone was laid by Mrs, Mollard, Exeter and the Sunday School stone was laid by J. M. Southcott, Exeter. The old building on Main Street, recently purchased by C. F. Hooper has been torn down. Mr. Hooper will erect a store and residence on the property. The bowlers were on the green Tuesday evening for the first time this season. Rev. Blatchford unveiled the Soldier's Memorial, and Rev. Gordon Butt unveiled a window in memory of his father, Rev, W, H. Butt a former pastor at Cen- tralia at the second Sunday of services held in connection with the opening of Centralia Church, Rev. J. E. Reycraft, Goderich, preached at both services, which were well attended. 30 YEARS AGO Clark Fisher was elected DDGM at a district meeting of the Oddfellows. Exeter has joined a baseball league with Centralia, Dashwood, Lucan, and St. Marys. They also joined a soft- ball league with Centralia RCAF, Clinton, Goderich, Seaforth and Wingham. Close to 1,000 fans attended the opening of the Huron-Perth baseball season at Dashwood May 24.Dashwood was defeated by the Lucan Irish Nine 18 to 14. It was the first team fielded by Dashwood in 20 years. Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Eli Coultis, who celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary Mon- day at their home. Many friends called to offer congratulations. Ten Honour Graduation Diplomas were awarded at the annual commencement exer- cises of Exeter District High School, held in the arena Tues- day evening by JIM SMITH A few years ago, a noted , American doctor-cum-writer named Lewis Thomas was asked to comment on the state of his country's medical care. "These are bad times for reason, all around," Mr. Thomas replied wearily."Sud- denly, all the major ills are being coped with by acupunc- ture. If not acupuncture, it is apricot pits."Apricot pits are the basis for laetril, a cancer "cure" held in low esteem by medical authorities. Which brings us to the ill- ness that has befallen the Ca- nadian Confederation. Like the man said, these are bad times for reason. The federal government, facing sickness within the body politic, has taken to treating this unhap- py situation with the politi- cal equivalents of acupunc- ture and apricot pits. Witness the current bally- hoo surrounding "Canada Day" and "Canada Week" (our old friend, Dominion Day, all gussied up for a new generation). Throughout Ca- nada Week, but particularly on Canada Day, July 1, there will be federally-encouraged celebrations throughout the nation. Famous Canadians will be whisked back to their hometowns at government expense to lead local festivi- ties. There will be parades, concerts, dog races, and ca- noe trips. Then, on the eve- ning of July I, the C13C will spend more than $1 million to show us Canadian enter- tainers doing Canadian things in Canadian regions, The government hopes business will get involved in this distinctly unspontan- eous celebration. If the gov- ernment has its way, Cana- dians will be wearing "Cana- 20 YEARS AGO Air Vice Marshall J. G. Bryans, CBE, CD. air officer commanding training command, arrived at RCAF Station Cen- tralia Tuesday, May 28, to carry out his annual inspection of the base. The whole station was on parade Wednesday morning to start the inspection. Official nomination proceeding for the upcoming federal election were conducted Monday, Elston Cardiff, Brussels, is again nominated as Progressive Conservative candidate. He has been sucessful in the last four Dominion general elections. He will be opposed by Andrew Y, McLean, Seaforth, who was his Liberal opponent in 1953. Some 100 Scouts and Cubs from 15 communities in the area are expected to take part in the Huron District Rally at Exeter Community Park this Saturday, About 100 persons attended a banquet at Armstrong's Restaurant, Tuesday evening, on the occasion of the ladies' night of the Exeter Lions Club. 15 YEARS AGO Five people from Exeter and one from Dashwood were among the 30 persons who became Cana- dian Citizens at a ceremony in Huron County courthouse last week. Those receiving their papers were Mr. & Mrs. John Roelofs, Mr. & Mrs. William C. Van Amerongen, all of Andrew St., Brigitte J. Minderlein, Main St., and Magdaline Creces, Dashwood. The summer season got off to a record start when an estimated 20,000 people visited the popular summer resort at Grand Bend over the holiday week-end. Mayor W. E. Simmons turned the first sod in a brief ceremony conducted Sunday at the site of the new Precious Blood Separate School, which is expected to be completed for September open- ing. Earl Douglas, London, a Bayfield summer resident,. an- nounced his intention to contest the federal seat in Huron riding as a Social Credit candidate. It is believed to be the first time that four candidates have sought the seat. da, I Want to Shake Your Hand" T-shirts while eating Canadian birthday cake while listening to the sappy Canadian Day theme song which is expected to domi- nate our national airwaves. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business was on hand when the govern- ment announced the pro- gram. The organization is still marvelling at the shal- low thinking behind the pro- posals. Though the Federa- tion and the government arc in agreement on the impor- tance of Confederation and the need to develop strong emotional ties that will bind the country together, there is considerable disagreement over methods. The Federation believes that the federal government's national party ignores the root causes of Quebec's inde- pendence movement. Que- bec's unrest stems from eco- nomic problems;the province wants to control its own des- tiny and to provide better job opportunities for its fran- cophone majority. The problems facing Que- bec, however, are the same problems facing other Cana- dian regions; only the lan- guage of Quebec obscures the similarities. Every' region of this nation needs greater self-sufficiency and more lo- cal enterprise. The govern- ment can't simply gloss over this issue with candies, bal- loons, and flag waving. Canadian nationalism will arise naturally as Canadians come to grips with the basic economic threat to our sur- vival. Nationalism isn't some- thing that can be sold, like pork and beans, with show- manship and fluffy commer- cials, Strong. leadership does not come out of ad agencies.. Atoi ' • ' • Times Established-1873 Advocate Established 1881