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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1977-08-11, Page 4Pogo 4 Last week's meeting of Exeter council appeared to be rather negative in many aspects, due to the criticisms levelled at various people as well as the delay in the street program and the landscaping at the town hall, However, there were a couple of positive notes for which this newspaper heartily commends council. The first was the decision to drop the private talks which have been held for the past few months prior to regular meetings. These had been designed primarily to allow members to discuss items from which they felt the public and press should be excluded. This newspaper naturally con- demned council for that move and so we commend them for their decision to dis- pense with those sessions which hopefully indicates that the public will be permitted to hear all the business which is conducted by those elected to conduct their affairs. The other noteworthy item was the decision to refund a building permit fee to local resident Brian Wedlake. It was found that Brian was probably correct in his argument that no fee was required for his wading pool under the terms of the local swimming pool bylaw, although council had originally contended that it did. Council members could have stuck to their decision and required Brian to prove them wrong regardless of any legal opinion they had received, and again it is to their credit that they admitted their error and took the appropriate action to correct it. Not routine Quick response Response to the proposal of the task force on human life appointed by the general synod of the Anglican Church of Canada has been quick and unmistakably opposed to their suggestion that severely handicapped children be killed at birth. The Ontario Asociation for the Mental- ly Retarded unequivocally condemned and rejected the recommendations. "The Ontario association expresses adamant objection and opposition to any philosophy or movement that advocates ap- proval of any action to terminate life based on judgement or intellectual potential, "The mentally retarded person has a right to proper medical care, physical therapy and to such education, training rehabilitation-and guidance that will enable him to develop his abilities and maximum potential. "To do otherwise is wrong legally, morally and ethically and should be abhorred by all society." The president of the Alliance for Life was equally critical of the proposal, saying that the assumption that "humanness" is possessed only by someone with the capaci- ty to relate to himself, with his neighbor and with God, is elitist. "If the committee argues that the retarded newborn are to meet this test, then there are many others who are likely to fall outside the charmed circle of humanness—the adult retarded, the senile, autistic children, and those with severe personal problems, etc," Ms. Gwen Lan- dolt suggested. She also noted that a problem exists with the assumption that the human race is rather like an exclusive private club with a membership that can create and change the rules of eligibility. "A human being is a being with human parents and any attempts to create more limited definitions is inherently wrong and profoundly dangerous," she concluded. She's absolutely correct, and it's frightening to know that there are some who disagree. • Trouble in the home Professor M. V. C. Jeffreys, an English educationist uttered this lament a few years ago: "Housing, however imperfect, has never been better; but for many people home has never meant less." It does seem that many homes today are primarily dormitories and private restaurants and places to stay while the car is being repaired. Part of the trouble is the pace at which so many of us try to live. Frantic busyness is a widespread affliction these days: we are frantic in our work, in our play, even in our relaxation. And all this frenzy does menace home and family: many parents find it difficult to take suf- ficient time for sustaining good relations with their children. Some parents today seem to be more the proprietors of their children than parents. It is not really a home if there is not much time for easy and spontaneous relations, if there are not expressions of real interest in the concerns and problems and idiosyncrasies of all, if there are deficiencies in expressions ' of the love which is a concern, sometimes a sacrificial concern, for the good of others, No occasional and slickly synthesized togetherness, even when helped by modern conveniences and ornamented by the latest gimmicks, can compensate for the per- sonal qualities which make a home really a home. As Dr. Karl Menninger, one of the most influential psychiatrists of our time, has warned, "Swamping a child with ad- vantages is often a substitute for giving him time, interest, companionship, and love." There is much evidence that the in- fluence of the home in the development of personality and character is far more significant than the combined influence of the school and the church and all the com- munity agencies with which children have contact. And children do not develop values mainly from their being told about them: it is the values which parents embody and ex- press in the ordinary course of their lives that influence their children. Breezy retirement? KEEP C4N4D41: ROWING ANT EES! Vte toreferZimesainiocate 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 — Bill Weekley Composition Manager — Harry DeVries Business Manager — Dick Jongkind Phone 235-1331 +CNA 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 $1 1,00 Per Year; USA $22,00 Machines Steal lobs Times-Advocate, August 11, 1977 nInVONIVATA, Some positive moves My wife loathes and despises the idea of my retiring some day. She is firmly convinced that after a busy and useless life, I would be completely at loose ends should I retire, and would just wither away. And every summer I do my level best to convince her that her fears are unfounded, that I have never been bored in my life, that I am a master at the art of the trivial, and that retirement would be a breeze. with not enough hours in the day to ac- complish all the things I want to do, and avoid all the things I don't want to do Here's a typical s=nmer day, and I leave you to l';:idge I'm up every morning at Me crack of nine. This may seem a hit late, but I stay up until 3 a.m. watching the late movie. to make up for it. I can't do either of these things in the other ten months of the year. so I figure I'm entitled. Carefully wash and shave—never go downstairs with a grizzle of beard, one of the first signs of deterioration. While I'm lathering up, I skim a chapter of the novel on top of the toilet tank. Not a second wasted, you'll note. Then it's downstairs, pop on the teakettle, fetch the morning paper from between the doors, open the refrigerator door and think about breakfast, which prepare myself. This morning, I was torn between bacon and eggs —fuddle the cholesterol—and fresh strawberries. Settled for the strawberries and ate about a quart of them in cream and sugar, with lashings of tea, and hot toast dripping with butter and peanut butter. Judiciously read the morning paper while I'm sludging down the grub. Again, you see, not a moment or a motion wasted. Am told, in very certain terms, that the strawberries were for making jam. Shrug it off, asking rather pointedly who picked the ruddy things, and suggesting that if I make my own breakfast, the chips, and the berries, must fall where they may, By II a.m., I am re-convinced that politicians are windbags, that Canada is going to hell in a wheelchair, that I don't really care on this fine morning, and that it's time for some action. So it's outside, into the backyard, pulsing with life, vitality and strawberries. Me, not the backyard, It is pulsing with life—starlings, long grass, shaggy hedge—but no berries. Mutterings and recriminations about those strawberries I stole, from the nether regions of the kitchen, where the jars are being boiled for jam. For which we are short one quart of berries, So, it's aquick look at the hedge, a quick, firm decision that it would be crazy to clip it in the heat of the day, and off to the farm near town to pick another' quart of those lousy It strawberries, In the heat of the day. But it's great, picking berries. Down on your knees is the only way to pick. It's earthy. There's nothing malignant or irritating about strawberries. They're just there, fat, luscious, waiting to be raped. In the next row, there's an old German lady, at least a grand- mother, chirping away happily, knees in the soil, hands busy, mouth smeared with juice. You decide she's a lot more sym- patico than your wife, who's a great picker, but not of berries. You also discover that you forgot to put on long pants, that shorts are not the ideal wear in the berry patch, and that your knees are turning into two large boils. Then it's home with the berries, and there's the morning gone. A crafty beer and lunch, then a serious discussion with the chatelaine about when you are going to clean up the base- ment. You compromise by assur- ing that it will be the very first day it's too cold and wet to play golf, secretly hoping it will be a long, hot summer. And then it's off for a game of golf, or a swim, Or both, or a fish with an old buddy, Or a ride in somebody's new boat, And suddenly, it's time for a cool drink under the oaks, perus- ing the evening paper and Most summer meetings of Ex- eter council are routine affairs in which little new business is dis- cussed or new issues aired. However, that was certainly not the case at last week's session due to the blistering criticism handed out by Councillor Ken Ottewell. As chairman of the police com- mittee, Ken has been the subject of much criticism in the past few months regarding the town hall situation and he apparently decided it was time to hand out some of his own. That's a rather natural reac- tion, although one often stands the risk of fanning the flames and being subjected to even more criticism rather than allowing an issue to die. That would appear to be the case with his criticism of the Heritage Foundation and their failure to fix the downspouts at the hall. It would have been rather absurd to spend money on that item when the entire building has to be renovated, in- cluding the exterior. Ken, no doubt, will also be reminded by the Heritage people that the work would have started sooner on correcting that situa- tion had council not pulled the rug out from under them by mov- ing the police out of the building. How anyone can question the sincerity of private citizens who are personally endorsing bank notes to refurbish a building that is• owned by the town is beyond comprehension. It is rather ironic that the police committee headed by Ken was at the centre of the con- troversy with the Heritage peo- ple this year. At the November pre-election public meeting, he chastised last year's council for their lack of decisiveness in the matter of the old town hall. He said at that time the continual changing of position by council helped to create controversy and a lack of confidence. waiting for the cook to call out that dinner is ready. And before you know it, it's TV time, or off to the movies, and late, late to bed, warm in the knowledge that it's been a pretty full day, and that you have contributed ab- solutely nothing to the fate of mankind or your own domestic problems. Oh, there are lots of variations. Don't think it's as dull as it sounds. Sometimes you go to the bank and josh the girls, all of whom seem to be former students, now married and either pregnant or mothers. Sometimes you write a letter or spend as much as an hour thinking about the book you didn't quite manage to get written last summer, but will this year for sure. Sometimes people drop in, os- tensibly to visit old friends, but in reality to tell you all the horri- ble things that are happening to them, no more interested in you than they are in the strawberry festival at Hayfork Centre. Yes, it's rather a good life. Not exciting, perhaps, but I think my wife's concern about my retire- ment is a little premature, I think I could hack this life for, perhaps, another three or four hundred years. Times Established 1873 If those remarks were intend- ed as an election promise to change that situation, it was one that went unfulfilled. At the same nomination meeting, he complimented the Heritage people for their work in saving the hall. Ken's criticism of Mayor Bruce Shaw is obviously a matter between the two of them, although it must concern all citizens when the head of council has his integrity, competence and loyalty questioned by a member of his own council. Shaw admitted he had delayed in carrying out his assigned duties in informing the Heritage people of council's wish to ex- tend their lease of the hall, Whether that is a matter of in- competence is naturally open to debate between the two men, In the matter of notifying the Heritage people that the fur- niture was being removed, the stories given by the two vary, and no doubt each assumes he is correct. Mayor Shaw was critical of the fact that Ken chose to air his complaints publicly, but it would appear that it was about the only course open to the councillor if he was to inform the public and the Heritage people as to his side of the story on how the matter was handled. Certainly it could create more internal strife for council if the two allow that to happen. Hopefully, each will accept the fact that they have had their say on that particular issue and it will not create a thorn that may surface in future deliberations. One of the difficulties that may be indicated in the charges levelled against the Mayor is the fact he has undertaken an ex- tremely heavy work load and has become directly involved with groups who are either answerable to council or must •• • Dear Editor: Do you think that man can survive by 1980 in this polluted world. We think that this world will be like a full garbage can in a year or so. How would you like to live in a junkyard. We are going to be if we don't start cleaning up. STOP! THINK! can you spare a few minutes to clean up? So next time when you feel like throwing something away, hang on to it until you get to a garbage can. Help Stop Pollution. Susan and Nancy Durand and Carolyn Miller. Advocate Established 1 881 work closely with that body. He was named as council's liaison between the Heritage people and council, primarily due to his support of citizens in- terested in saving the town hall. Obviously that is a very precarious position for anyone in view of the problems between the two groups. When such a deep rift exists between two groups, anyone ser- ving both sides could quite easily end up being charged with lack of loyalty by one or the other. ' Some may suggest that the head of council should not be in- volved in that type of predica- ment; but it must also be remembered that the situation could even be worse (if that's possible) if Bruce was not in- volved to the extent that he is. In fact, he suggested last week that the Heritage people may not have extended their lease for the town hall to council if it had not been due to the fact he made the request. However, it is a situation which he must watch extremely carefully, not only with the Heritage group but also in his position as chairman of the South Huron rec centre board of management and the local plan- ning board and a member of the PUG Members of council must also realize' the difficult position in which their own members are placed when they sit on boards or committees which must answer to or deal with them. It is difficult when one con- siders that he must use his own personal beliefs on any issue, while at the same time com- municating the wishes and decisions of either group to the other. It's certainly a supreme test for anyone's loyalty, and perhaps even an impossible one. The Mayor's busy schedule also creates situations where he must choose between conflicting meetings on any particular occa- sion and he has indicated that was the reason for not attending at least one police committee meeting because it was on the same night as a SHRC board meeting. The Ontario Municipal Act dic- tates that council members con- stitute certain percentages of many of the bodies which operate within a municipality and generally that is good in view of the liaison that it does provide. However, when con- flicts arise, it places those coun- cil members in a trying situation because it is difficult to be loyal to two masters with divergent views. It is perhaps a position even more difficult for the head of council and chief officer of the municipality. That is not intended to defend the Mayor against the charges levelled by Councillor Ottewell, but merely to provide some food for thought for all members and something that perhaps should be discussed further when ap- pointments are made from within their own ranks to other groups. Hopefully it may also point out the problem that does exist for council members who are ap- pointed. Amalgamated 1924 55 Years.Ago The local fire brigade had a run Sunday afternoon to the home of Robert Sanders on Mill Street, but the fire was' under control when the firemen arrived, Fire in some way started between the kitchen ceiling and roof, but no serious damage was done. Orville Beaver of the London Road North was run into by an auto on Sunday while driving the horse and buggy, The lad was driving south and when just at the north-end corner the buggy was struck by an auto being driven east, The buggy was overturned and the horse thrown off its feet. The boy landed on the cement, but ,escapeci witk a few bruises. for the' past ten •inonth's haS' been. in charge of the Salvation Army work here, is going on an ex- tended furlough, owing to a breakdown in health. Miss Jessie Bell, who has filled the position as stenographer with Cook Bros. Hensel], left last week for Windsor where she has ac- cepted a similar position. 30 Years Ago The new Avalon Sandwich Shoppe has opened up this week. The building formerly occupied by Ideal Meat Market has been remodelled and fitted up as an attractive restaurant. All post offices and mail carriers are cooperating in the drive for scrap rubber August 24 to September 8. Post offices will receive the rubber. The new funeral home of T. Harry Hoffman, Dashwood is being opened for inspection on Sunday. Alvin Rowe recently enlisted at London as a Provost with the Canadian Army. The farmers of Huron County are being asked by the National War Finance Committee to loan the government for the duration of the war 10 percent of their pay cheques for milk, butter, cream, eggs and other farm products. 20 Years Ago Fred Ward and Judy Coates were named king and queen of this summer's playground sponsored by Exeter Kinsthen. They were chosen over 12 other children who had reigned over the playground during each week of the program. The two were crowned during the awards program at the playground Thursday afternoon. Norman Ryan H.R. 8, Parkhill, won RCAF Station Centralia's annual road-eo for the third year in succession last week, gaining permanent possession of the V.R. Hill trophy, He will represent the local' station at the all service finals at Oakville this fall. Commanding Officer Group Captain A. G. Kenyon, CD made the presentation. About 75 district boys and girls passed Red Cross swimming tests last week following instruction at ,Exeter Kinsmen playground this Toikn council increased its road budget, $7,000 to $21,000 Monday' night to provide for hard- surfacing of three blocks of town street and construction of San- ders street east. This is the highest total road expenditure in the town's history. 15 Years Ago Beta Sigma Phi Sorority which earned approximately $100 on the TV show, "Take Your Choice" earlier this year, donated the money to South Huron Hospital to purchase a heated crib for the nursery. President Mrs. Joseph Wooden, presented the cheque to Mrs. Jack Delbridge, assistant director of nurses, Approximately $175 worth of parts were stolen from an automobile parked on the Main SI. lot of Snell Bros. Ltd, over the weekend, The '58 Chev owned by Gordon Kirk, Anne St., was stripped of both front wheels and whitewall tires, brake drums and bearings. Three girls stood at the top of this year's graduating class at SHDHS, according to the upper school results released this week. They are Sandra Snider, Main St., Judith Tennant, Anne St., and Mary E. Shaw, Thames Road. Firemen quickly extinguished a blaze which threatened the large manufacturing plant of Dashwood Planing Mills Monday night. The blaze developed in the sawdust and shavings storage bin in the heart of the plant. Heat weakened mortar in the walls and melted a steel fire door. Damage was estimated at about $2,000. 0) chines will be used instead of workers. And, since there are no government subsidies for additional workers that correspond to subsidies for added capital, machinery is cheaper — after subsidies — than manpower for industry. But the economic impact gets worse. Because higher wages are paid to the smal- ler group of workers who tend the machines, all work- ers in the economy try to get equally high wages. So the workers who remain em- ployed force their wages up to artificial levels. Not all of our modern in- flation is caused by govern- investment. But some infla- ment incentives for capital tion'arises that way. • The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has been studying capital subsi- dies and finds the subject alarming. Ideally, it conclu- des, all capital subsidies would be wiped out, elimina- ting the unrealistic difference in prices between. labour and capital. But the world, is far from ideal and; as long as the United States provides subsi- dies, Canada must follow suit. And that's why job tax credits are being proposed by the Federation as one solu- tion to our employment and inflation problems. A. job tax credit would give a subsidy to employers for every new job created. The cost of the program Would be offset by savings in unemployment insurance and welfare payments. Ottawa has not recognized the potential merit of job tak credits. The bureaucrats would evidently rather pro- • vide more work for machines. by JIM SMITH A long time ago, when gov- ernments faced high unem- ployment, they resorted to make-work programs. Dams were built, roads laid, streets cleaned, and ditches dug. It seemed to work, too; North America make-worked itself right out of the Great De- pression. Today, when faced with high unemployment, govern- ments take a different ap- proach: they give subsidies to companies which increase their capital investments, The technique enjoys consi- derable support from eco- nomists (which, right away, should make us suspicious) and the major business in- terests. Unfortunately, it has a drawback. Quite sim- ply, it has shown no signs of working. In fact, capital investment incentives appear to have a very negative effect on em- ployment. For instance, a multi-million dcillar oil refln- • ery was recently completed, in part' because of govern- ment tax incentives., The new plant is so highly automated that it requires only two workers per shift instead of dozens. And that's one rea- son why unemployment is up, Oddly enough,our govern- ment economists have yet to realize that capital invest- ment incentives are respon- sible for aggravating unem- ployment and inflation, two areas which government might be expected to find interesting, The unemployment as- pect is obvious. When ma- chines Are made artificially cheaper than manpower, ma- The Canadian Federation of independent Business 1.P 4 4