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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1977-10-27, Page 4When you're only six years old and it's your first Hallowe'en for UNICEF, those "buts" can really hurt, Like "I meant to get some change but..." Or "Sure I care about kids but..." Those little spooks and goblins, with their orange and black UNICEF bore, are going to be feeling a little scared but very proud when they arrive at your door. They know that only seven cents collected in their box buys antibiotic ointment to save a child from blindness. Or thirty cents buys enough Vitamin A and D to supplement the diet of an under-nourished child for four months. It's a small amount to us but through the magic of UNICEF those amounts can mean the difference between life and death to a small child somewhere in the world. So at Hallowe'en, when your doorbell rings and the young voices call "Trick or Treat for UNICEF", please don't give them any "buts". Help them to show their concern for the world's destitute children by putting a few coins in the UNICEF box. That kind of caring is desperately need- ed in our world today. Thirty years late Attempts to save the former Carling home from the wrecked' hammers are commendable in principle, but not in prac- ticality. In retrospect, it may have been a mis- take to have used the home for the main en- trance and offices of the South Huron Hospital, but it was a decision based on practicality at that time as well. For the intents and purposes, the home ceased to be a home at that point, and it can never be restored to its elegance and charm because the lot setting for that has been lost. There is little substance in the arguments presented by John Blackwell on how the building could be used, although this must be a prime consideration in the, preservation of any historical building. Certainly, there is no need for space for small civic functions in the community, as there is already an over-abundance of such sites. Museums are also a drain on local tax dollars, particularly when they can not hope to compete with the greater appeal of county museums with their more numerous displays. Huron and Lambton are already served in that regard. If the Carling home was still sitting on its grand and spacious lot, it is possible that an historical designation would be justified and ,perhaps would be a tourist attraction. But, unfortunately, it is little more than a facade at the present, although we know the community will lose something when it disappears. It is also a fact that the hospital beard members considered that point very sincerely before making their decision. Mr. Blackwell's point may have been well taken...but unfortunately it is made 30 years too late. Watch those spooks Soon . children across the country will undergo a mysterious and magical change from child to ghost, goblin or any number of other beings from the imagination in observance of a special holiday just for kids — Halloween night. Therefore motorists, if you must drive on Halloween night, keep a sharp eye out for trick-or-treaters walking in the dark. Young trick-or-treaters sharing the streets with motorists and ghosts walking through unlit streets and. yards, wearing masks that may obscure their vision makes for a potentially dangerous night. Their safety depends, in part, on vision and visibility. Stop and give thanks WAVIWIMOMMXPL ,% -4,,3,,w,,,,,., , ..M-14727AMENNEW. Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1801 "wougawsran— vamm.v.mzczsammimo: Imes - A dvoca el 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'- bickJongkind Phone 25-031 ServIng South Hut., North Middles.% A North Laintdon Since 1813 R.W.,at'amtWO.5z* .0;n. '0...."MaliiEWSMOVISCS.V• Amalgamated 1924 CCNA ettlt RIRROM AWARD 1974 Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Class Mail. Registration Number 0306 Paid in Advance Circulation September 30„ 1975 5,409 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $11.00 Per Year; USA $22.00 Page 4 Times-Advocate, October 27, 1977 arjr.2=.7SZFESM.V.1.-0.=.IMT, Comment from.,. iroute *won Vontirt joiob otboot By 44..WPODE N Don't understand 'buts' About those firemen's wages It's a pretty good idea to stop once in a while and give thanks. It doesn't have to be Thanksgiving Day, but it's as good a time as any. It's a day to take stock, look • around, be glad you're alive, and if you have anything at all to be thankful about, perhaps mutter "Thank God". There are a few —a very few — who haven't one single thing in the world to be thankful about, and my heart goes out to them. But most of us, if we are honest, can find all sorts of things if we dig around in the detritus of our lives. For example, my wife is in- clined to get bags under her eyes on the slightest provocation. I never get them, which makes her furious, because she is five years younger than I and infinitely better looking. "Why do you never get bags?" she snarks at me, "Because I have a pure heart and a clean mind" I retort, which doubles her fury. She is the one who does Yoga exercises and goes on diets, And gains weight. I am the one who never does anything more strenuous than take the cap off a bottle of beer, eats anything in sight and has a waist like a wasp. You see, there's lots to be thankful for. Just being alive is one thing. Millions of people aren't. And while things may be pretty groovy in heaven, and pretty gruesome in hell, I doubt seriously that either has as much to offer as being a human on this rotten old earth. I have bursitis in my shoulder, arthritis in my foot, disin- tegrating discs in my spine, and a tooth that falls out every time I bite anything more substantial than a banana. But on the other hand, I don't have cancer, a bum heart, high blocd pressure, diabetes, or a crud. I can still hobble around 18 holes Of golf, catch a fish, and stay up till four o'clock in the Morning and put in a good day's work, Boy aril I thankful.. I'm happy to be a Canadian, although it gets a, little harder meh year, what with inflatioh, unemployment, pollution, separatism and Liberal govern- ment that is trying to get every nickel out of me before I die so I can't take it with me, But even the government can't destroy our delight in a Canadian fall. I've been in England, Belgium, Holland and Germany in the autumn. And believe you me, baby, none of them is within 1,000 light years of our wild and glorious October, when the Mad Artist starts throwing the colors on His palette. I am delighted to have two grandsons, although I would be enchanted with a granddaughter, and have spoken seriously to my daughter about this. And I am deeply grateful that the littler one, who went into hospital with meningitis last spring, suffered no lasting effects and is about as sturdy as a Sherman tank. I am quite thankful that only three of the shutters are missing from my house, Instead of three, they could all have been blown off in those terrible storms last winter, And I expect to have the three back on any year now. This year, I am thankful to have a Grade Nine class to teach. What pleasure their bright minds and faces are after coping With the blase apathy of senior students for several years, The boys are naive and eager. The girls haven't yet decided to become sexpots. They haven't really formed yet the masks they will present to society ih a year or so. In fact, Urn exceedingly thank- ful to have a job I like. Many many persons don't have a job at all, or hate the one they're doing. I can take keen young minds, and within a year or two have them writing and spelling like this: "The aquirl with was in the tree leeped Onto the fence were he seen severial aykorns reddy to be ate." It's fascinating, how one can mold young Minds, Another thing to be extremely thankful for is the ability to sleep. My wife has insomnia, Allot of my friends have it.I can lie down after any kind of a hellish day and flake out like an old rubber boot, to rise, fresh and dewey-eyed (no bags retternber), for the next day's fray. I'm glad I'm not ugly. I am far from handsome, but I don't scare little children. Hell, if I got my teeth capped, dyed my hair and had a face-lift I could pass for 58, which I will be next June, I'm thankful that I have a few friends, and doubly thankful that they are all in worse shape than I. My nose has been broken so often I can't smell a thing. This detracts a little from enjoyment of food. But it also means I can't smell onion breath, whiskey breath, body odor or dead mice between the walls. That's the good old silver lining. I'm a little resentful that my wife is so young and vibrant. But at the same time, I'm thankful, When I get old and miserable, and start dribbling down my front, I'll have a built-in nurse. Provided she doesn't run off with the mailman. If he isn't on strike. Finally, I'm sincerely thankful that: our cat has buggered off for greener pastures; my garage hasn't fallen down; my • wife tolerates me; and I have nearly finished this column, Thank You, God. In relation to the Anti- Inflation Board guidelines, the salary requests presented to the Exeter and Area Fire Board by the members of the local brigade appear rather excessive. However, on a closer examina- tion and comparing the requests to other salary scales of today, they appear much more reasonable. There is no doubt that the days when a community can expect firemen to act in strictly "volunteer" capacity have dis- appeared, in the same way that the free services of many other volunteers have changed, such as members of council, school boards, committees of adjust- ment, etc., etc. There is a certainly a risk fac- tor that has to be considered in remunerating firemen for their services, as well as damage to clothing and the fact that they are often required to roll out; of bed in the early morning hours and battle severe elements as well as fires. Another factor that must be considered is the tremendous amount of energy expended by firemen in fighting a blaze. Some experts claim that a two-hour battle with a fire is equivalent to the work done by most people in a normal 40-hour week. Part of that is due to the tension of working in an emergency situation, resulting in a major drain on physical and mental stamina. The firemen have requested a rateof $9.00 per hour to fight fires. While that is double the former rate, it is perhaps not ex- cessive in comparison to some hourly rates being paid for jobs involving even lower risk and training. It must be remembered that many of the brigade members are self-employed and many lose an amount even greater than that when they are called from their regular tasks to fight fires. Certainly, their suggestion of a $3.00 per hour fee for practice sessions is reasonable. Some people may question the need for an annual standing fee in addition to hourly rates for services performed, but this is one area which must be carefully considered by the four area coun- cils who comprise the fire board. One of the increasing problems facing volunteer brigades is in ensuring that enough men are on hand at all times to fight fires should the need arise. This is a particular problem on weekends, holidays or when special events are being' staged. Firemen, similar to other residents, want to participate in the many ac- tivities which the rest of us enjoy and which take us out of the com- munity. By increasing the standing fee to a reasonable figure, it should be assumed that the brigade members would then be more prepared to act in a "stand-by" capacity whereby a certain number would be required to be available at any particular time to fight a fire. Obviously, no one is going to give up other pursuits on the basis of the former standing fee, although it must be mentioned to the credit of the brigade members, that many of them have in the past. It should be noted that based on the fact firemen are on call 24 hours each day throughout the year, the standing fee at present works out a paltry three cents per hour, Under the proposed scale it would jump to five cents per hour. Perhaps the area in which the most debate does arise in a dis- cussion of the requests, is the standing fee for the various of- ficers in the brigade. Basically, it is a fee for added responsibility, training and organization duties, and ovious- ly it is difficult to put a price tag on the value of those rather in- tangible assets. However, as the members of councils will note, they also pay their clef officers more than regular Tnembers so it is not dif- ficult to find a precedent.1 Being on the front end of the Line in an emergency situation obviously warrants additional remuneration. although defining any type of satisfactory formula is almost impossible. Certainly, a percentage basis comparable to that whiCh mayors or reeves receive above regular council' members would be a negotiating point or the percentage a police chief receives over a constable would be another. Many people in this community look upon the brigade as a social club, and to a certain extent it is. 'However, that is extremely beneficial for there is no other task which requires people to have more faith in each other. A deep sense, of comradeship must be developed, Firemen have to develop that sense of complete trust in each other because when they enter a burning building they have to know that the man with them is a strong and dependable ally. One of the things which the area fire board must also keep in mind is the fact that the local firemen maintain their own equipment and facilities. This, in itself, is a tremendous saving ,to area taxpayers. Based on the cleaning costs involved with most buildings, it is estimated that the firemen save over $3,000 a year on the area tax bills by doing their own cleanup and main- tenance at the fire hall, Much of the furniture in the local fire hall has also been provided by the members of the brigade. They also maintain the fire equipment, a most important task, ,when it is considered that the department has between $250,000 and $300,000 worth of equipment. * There is very little doubt that the recent action of the income tax officials in assessing firemen on their meagre remuneration has spurred the request for sizable wage demands for the brigade members. It wasn't very much to begin with, and when the cream was scooped off the top by the income tax people, it obviously prompted the firemen to recon- sider their position, The majority of them are not involved for the money, and hopefully that will never be the basis on which people consider such a job. However, as stated previously, the day and age of volunteer workers is quickly dis- appearing in our society. No doubt most taxpayers would consider the wage re- quests a little steep as they see an additional, cost on their tax bills, and hopefully the settle- ment can be tempered somewhat. However, it must also 'be remembered that Exeter's fire brigade has moved a con- siderable distance above the "volunteer" designation in terms of their training, ability and dedication. They have progressed to a point that is semi-professional and their remuneration should be in keep- ing with that status. * * There was good news last week fonareairesidents who have be en waging an appeal to have traffic control lights installed at the in- tersection of Highway 4 and 83. It no doubt restored the faith for some who thought most of our government ministries were beyond the reach of common folk. However, there is no guarantee that the lights will eliminate collisions at the in- tersection, and probably there will be some "close calls" for people in this area who have been accustomed to proceeding north or south without having to stop. New traffic lights often result in Some frightening situations. In the long run, of course, it should .improve the situation to sortie extent, although it remains a mystery to the writer how motorists can get through the in- tersection without seeing the present Signs and lights. Perhaps some type of swinging steel gate would be the only way to stop some. 55 Years Ago The Huron Choral Society was at Seaforth on Friday evening last putting on Handel's "Messiah." The Society was well received. Messrs. Well Johns, Rd. Welsh, S. Fitton and D. Russell are off to the Hay swamp on their annual shooting outing. The Hoffman brothers, Clayton and Clarence Of Zurich, who played hockey with the t xeter- Zurich team last winter will play hockey with Galt this coming winter. The Methodist people of Crediton served a fowl supper to about 1,000 people in the church last Thursday evening, After the supper, many went to the town hall where Mr. Yager of Dash- Wood conducted a radio concert, The Hydro Office, has been moved to the building they recently purchased from Mr, P, Frayne, Mr., W. Sin% has rented the building vacated by the Hydra Commission and is Moving the express office there. 30 Years Ago The Hon, Farquhar Oliver, leader of the Liberal party in the • provincial parliament was guest Of honor at a dihner meeting in the Central Hotel at noon last Friday. Production of plays is another important part of the course and in the immediate future we look forward to the theatre class productions on Remembrance Day, to the Children's Theatre which tours the elementary schools in December and next week we will hold a three-school drama festival here at South Huron. On Thursday, November 3 three plays will be presented. The South Huron play is entitled "Out of our Father's House" and is a memory play concerning growing up in the last century. The memories, sometimes sad, and sometimes funny are linked with snatches of folk songs. Although the characters are Americans, their thoughts, struggles, laughter and realizations, are universal. The play is a diffiuclt one to present and offers the players a chance to grow both as persons and as actors, Goderich high school will present a comedy entitled "Pounds and Penance" by Warren Robinson. Bradford high school will offer an intriguing drama called "Little Brothers, Little Sisters". The evening promises to be an entertaining one with something for everyone. We hope that may of you will come to the school next Thursday to see these plays. So theatre arts, offers students a challenging course. Theatre offers students a chance to develop intellectually and emotionally in an environment that is not the traditional classroom environment. The programme offers intelleCtual expansion by introducing students to a wide, wide range of dramatic literature. It offers growth in self awareness and in awareness and concern for others needs and feelings. Students seem to develop a sensitivity and a group relationship that is perhaps unique in the school since the need for interdependence and cooperation is obviously necessary in the theatre classes. Obviously a relationship somewhat similar develops among the members .of athletic teams and in the outers group as well but on a day to day basis over the course of the year a theatre class becomes a closely knit unit. We at South Huron invite you to come on November 3, to the festival. We invite you to come on- Remembrance Day. T eel welcome to visit the theatre classes. Indeed, feel free and welcome to visit the school at any time, COMING ACTIVITIES Tues.,-Nov. 1 Football at Norwell - Grade 13 Theatre Arts students to Stratford Festival Workshop. Wed., Nov. 2 - Grade 13 Theatre Arts students to Stratford Festival workshop - Colleges of Applied Arts & Technology Information Night (at Clinton for all Huron County grade 11-13 students) Thurs., Nov. 3 Drama Festival at S. Huron with Bradford, Goderich (see advertisement) - Girls B. Ball and Field Hockey to Listowel. Fri., Nov. 4 - Drama Festival at Goderich - B. Ball to Lucas S.S. (evening) - Concert 7:80-9:30 p.m. - large gym. Sat., Nov. 5 - Drama Festival at Bradford - OFSSA Cross Country. Mr. Harry Parsons, who has been an employee of the Exeter Times-Advocate for several years, leaves this week for Amherstburg. A Remembrance Day service coupled with the unveiling and dedication of a Memorial Plaque at the Exeter War Memorial was held on Sunday. The 37th annual convention of the Exeter, Stephen and Usborne Ontario Religious Education Council was held in James Street Wilted Church on Friday, Anna Brock won the speaking contest at the South Huron Junior Farmers meeting on Wednesday evening. She spoke on "This Canada "Of Ours". "If the Canadian dollar drops any lower, the Queen will get the bends." South Huron's "theatre Arts Programme South Huron offers an excellent and extensive programme of study in theatre arts. This year we have nine classes in theatre offered at the grade 11, 12, and 13 levelS, The programme is taught by Mrs, Pat Quigley, Mrs. Glenda Hoar, and Mr. Cohn Lowndes. Students select theatre arts for a variety of reasons but they may not select the theatre courses to avoid English or some other basic subject. In other words the theatre arts students add the course a part of their broad general education. The theatre arts courses in grade 11 and 12 are based on ministry of education guidelines, however, the grade 13 theatre course was developed at South Huron chiefly by Mrs. Pat Quigley who prepared the course over a period of a year before submitting the outline to the Huron County Board for ap- proval. Once the board approved the course it was submitted to the ministry of education for ap- proval. Once the ministry ap- proved the course we were then able to offer a grade 13 programme for grade 13 credit. South Huron would be one of only a handful of Ontario schools offering a grade 13 Theatre Arts credit. Generally speaking the grade 11 theatre arts course includes considerable technique. Movement, mime, im- provisation, some acting are important components of the course. Students also write short plays and vignettes; some work on costuming, prop building and make-up is done. In grade 11 a good deal of time is spent on developing self con- fidence and the ability to relax „and speak in front of people. Students benefit from those aspects of the course which contribute to their personal development even if they do not proceed with further theatre courses. In gradel2 the course is more production oriented. Students act, direct, do make-up, prop building, stage craft and stage management. Performances in front of elementary school children and student audiences are important aspects of the course. The grade 13 course consists of a heavy academic component in dramatic literature as well as production.. The productions are based on the plays being studied. Students find the theatre programme creates a close bond among the members of a given class. Perhaps Sue-Anne Schroeder sums it up: "For me personally memories of my theatre arts class provide me with the greatest satisfaction. We were more than a class; more than friends. We were a family in whom we could confide our problems and thoughts. In theatre, we experienced the same sense of despair when practices just didn't work out. We shared the anxiety of pre-performance panic. We exulted in the success of a performance and at the same time experienced a sense of loss and regret merely by the fact that it was over." In addition to the classroom work the Theatre classes visit the Stratford Festival a number of times each year. We are lucky, indeed, to have a world class theatre so close. Theatre London is another nearby resource and the Shaw Festival at Niagara-On- The-Lake is another major theatre to which classes travel. 20 Years Ago Elizabeth and Mary Knox, twin daughters of Rev. and Mrs. N. D. Knox won first prize by sub- mitting the best essay on "The Queen and in a competition sponsored by a Toronto daily newspaper. They won a desk Set , containing a scarlet and gold licence plate used on a car in the royal procession, Their essay. was the top in Canada. With iCe in at Exeter Arena, winter activities are getting into full Swing. Exeter Mohawks Will be a hotnebrew club this year and —Please turn to Page 6