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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1978-01-19, Page 4Times-Advocate, January 19, 1978 Dangerous game Despite the fact winter usually brings with it a multitude of recreational pursuits, many youngsters can still be seen engaging in that most dangerous sport — bumper grabbing. It’s not a new sport. Years ago, children used to grab rides on the backs of sleighs when farmers from the sur­ rounding countryside would make their trip into town for groceries and other necessities. However, bumper-grabbing is even more dangerous. The modern mode of transportation goes much quicker than the old two-horse variety and cars and trucks are less stable on ice and snow than their four-footed counterparts. As a result, youngsters stand con­ siderable risk of being hurtled under the wheels of an oncoming vehicle. Motorists certainly have enough to worry about with winter driving without this type of activity and parents should be reminded to ensure that their youngster are not among those enjoying this dangerous pursuit. A hornets’ nest As a rule insurance companies like to keep a low profile. It goes against the responsible corporate image to be sensational in any way. Therefore it can be surmissed that the Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada gave the matter of moving its head office operations from Montreal to Toronto much thought before making the an­ nouncement. Realizing the news was going to cause an uproar, the company did its best to minimize the effects by making the announcement late Friday, just before the weekend when the news media slackens its efforts to be on top of all stories. Certainly the timing did little to abate the hysterical outburst by Quebec Finance Minister Jacques Parizeau who would have been better advised to at least sleep on the matter before further muddying the. waters with his threats and charges. Instead of offering the company another chance to sit down and discuss its problems, if anything, Parizeau has driven another wedge between big business and the Quebec government. His ravings about passing retroactive legislation forcing Sun Life to “pay back” $400 million to the province and calling the company the worst corporate citizen in Quebec is hardly the kind of talk to generate sympathy among Sun Life shareholders who will vote on the company’s an­ nouncement at the annual meeting later this month. Sun Life has stated that the com­ pany made an effort to contact the provincial government regarding its problems with the language legislation passed in Quebec last year, but had received no reply to a letter it sent. It has been reported that other com­ panies have made deals with the province which have enabled them to carry on their head office operations in Quebec. The announcement by Sun Life that it intends to move its head office to Toronto is something of a two-edged sword. On the one hand it shows the people of Quebec what the rest of the country has been saying is true: that the restrictive language legislation passed by Quebec will have and is hav­ ing an adverse effect on big companies who must do business in English as well as French. On the other hand the move, should it actually come about, will make it just that much harder for English Canada to persuade Quebec that English and French can work out their problems. French Canada is like­ ly to see the Sun Life move as an in­ dication that separation has already started. Could it be that M. Parizeau’s out­ burst was a calculated move to dis­ courage further negotiations between Sun Life and the PQ? If so, it is’short­ sighted strategy on the part of' the Levesque government. Regardless of whether it goes it alone, or decides to stay within Canada, Quebec, like the other provinces of this far-flung nation cannot afford to alienate business of any kind, let alone a business like Sun Life that has contributed much,- not only in taxes, but in jobs to the province over the years — despite Parizeau’s words to the contrary. Listowel Banner Exeter...a great place to visit Law is mocked If you buy a bottle of wine or li­ quor, or a package of cigarettes, you pay a provincial tax. But do you know how much it is? Of course not. It’s a hidden tax that has been passed on to you. The British North America Act says a province may levy only “direct” taxes. The courts, relying on the classical definition of direct and in­ direct taxation formulated by John Stuart Mill in the late 1840s, have said that “indirect taxes are those which are demanded from one person in the expectation that he shall indemnify himself at the expense of another.” This was the definition cited in the recent Supreme Court of Canada deci­ sion that struck down certain Saskatchewan oil taxes. Among other things, the court said the taxes were in­ direct levies and therefore un­ constitutional (The Post, Dec. 3). Regardless of the merits or otherwise of the Court’s decision on the Saskatchewan case, the fact remains the provinces continue to levy “in­ direct” taxes in the sense that they are “demanded from a person who indem­ nifies himself at the expense of another.” The Saskatchewan govern­ ment intends to get around the Supreme Court decision on the oil taxes but his hasty legislative manoeuvre only underscores the necessity of a con­ stitutional conference to clarify the taxing powers of Ottawa and the provinces. Such a conference should keep before it two guideposts: taxes are paid by people, and taxes should be visible. The distinction between direct and in­ direct taxation may be of interest to lawyers and economists, but it is total­ ly meaningless in the constitution. The provinces are breaching the classical definition of direct taxation every day but these levies are only challenged by those with the wit and the money to do so. It undermines respect for the law to have it mocked. The provision in the constitution that limits the provinces to direct taxation should be removed (as was nearly done in 1936 and 1951).Con­ trol on what indirect taxes the provinces — and Ottawa — may levy should be maintained by clearly defin­ ing the areas in which taxes may be im­ posed by each jurisdiction. For exam­ ple, tariffs should continue to be a federal responsibility, and property taxes should stay with the provinces. A more precise definition of the areas of taxing authority is vital if the nation is to reduce the strains and bitterness that are resulting now from the lack of clarity in the constitution. On many occasions when the writer sits down at a typewriter to pound out this weekly epistle, the machinery that is designed to furnish ideas is as blank as the paper that has just been placed into the carriage. This week we’re faced with an en­ tirely different situation. Where does one begin outlining some of the events ■ that have taken place in one of the most hectic weeks we’ve ever ex­ perienced? Reading through last week’s T-A upon our arrival home from an extend­ ed sojourn in Boston, it was noted that our cohorts who filled the breach ad­ vised readers that yours truly would be filling in the details of the atom hockey team trip to Exeter, N.H. With the exception of the last leg of that trip, it was undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable outings ever under­ taken by a group of local citizens, and certainly the major contributing fac­ tors to that were the wild-eyed enthusiasm of 14 young hockey players' and the unequalled hospitality of many citizens in our namesake in New Hampshire. Young minds can find excitement and novelty in the most unusual things and this was quickly evident at Toronto International as the boys jostled for positions to watch the security X-ray equipment examine the hand luggage of their fellow passengers. While adults begrudgingly stood for the security personnel to run a metal detactor along their bodies, the boys eagerly lined up in the hope they would be checked out as well. Then it was onto the DC-9 where even the seat belts had trouble restraining the lads as they prepared for their takeoff. While some of their adult co­ passengers hung on with white-knuckle tenacity as the craft made its steep climb into the clouds, the shouts of “cool, man” and “neat” echoed from the tiny heads bobbing up and down to catch a glimpse of the disappearing ground below. When the pilot finally came on the radio to advise that We were flying at an altitude of 35,000 feet and a speed of 550 miles per hour, the eyes widened even more, and thoughts that one could float on the soft-billowy clouds below were quickly dispelled when it was reported that the temperature outside the craft was a chilly -53C. An invitation to visit the cockpit area was quickly accepted by a thundering movement of small bodies (and some not so small) as they viewed in awe the almost endless panels of switches and gauges. Soon the cabin was filled with more A excited comments at the miniatures of Boston and environs unfolded below. Waiting for one’s luggage is not nor­ mally an enjoyable past-time at an air­ port, but you’d never know that from our young travellers. Soon the hockey bags were cascading down the chute onto the circular turntable, and while most travellers quickly picked up their belongings and moved on, our depar­ ture to our awaiting bus was delayed as the boys wanted to see their bags make at least one revolution and in some cases, two. ★ * * On hand to greet us was Doug Dicey, the recreation director from Exeter, N.H., and we settled back into our bus seats to watch new scenery unfold before us. For many, the trip north of Boston was not unlike one to be ex­ perienced in the area north of Barrie as the rocks and trees flashed by the win­ dows. And then, there it was ... the Atlan­ tic Ocean. Perhaps not an awe­ inspiring treat for boys who have grown up beside Lake Huron, but there was puzzlement when they were ad­ vised that the rocks and empty tributaries they were seeing would again be covered by water when the tide started to come in later that night. Our sight-seeing tour included one of the most, popular ocean summer resorts iri> New England, Hampton Beachy The huge houses (many of which we mistook for hotels) looked down from their lofty perches. The boys strained for a look at one modern structure where Doug advised that Farrah Fawcett-Majors was said to have holidayed last summer. With our tour completed, we arrived at the gracious Exeter Inn, where the boys’ hosts for the weekend were waiting to take them to their billets in the huge homes we had seen along the street. Goodbyes were said more eagerly than one would expect so far from home, but of course, our chargers were now international travellers and challenges are easily handled by such sauve and sophisticated people, even if they are only nine and ten years old. — Please turn to Page 5 Sugar and spice by iBiii Honoring one's ancestors Comment from... ftoatb Huron Bistrict Bisb Htbool At this time of year students at South Huron are being asked to select their subjects for next September. In addition grade 8 students are also selecting their courses for grade 9. It may seem rather early to be starting this process but we must have the students’ selections handed in by mid-February so that staffing can be arranged for next fall. We are dealing with something between 1000 and 1100 students which results in approximately 8000 credits. In other words we must determine how many classes and how many teachers are required to provide for these 8000 student credits. Since we are required to have this information by the first of April we must have the student selection forms by mid-February so that we will have enough time to process and analyze the course selection information before April 1st. In general terms the requirements are set out for each grade as follows: Grade 9 students must select English, Mathematics, Science and the Geography of Canada. In addition four other subjects are required; we strongly recommend that French and Physical Education be in­ cluded. Grade 10 students must select English, Mathematics, and Canadian History. In addition five other subjects are required; we strongly recommend that French and Physical Education be included. Grade 11 and 12 students are required to select English. The student’s remaining subjects should be selected on the basis of the students post-high school plans, ability and interests. Grade 13 students require 6 credits at the grade 13 level. Usually a grade 13 student will select the subjects required by his or her post secondary plans. Throughout the secondary schdbr<!jpears the possible combinations of subjects is very great. Ideally each student should be very By J. L. WOODEN . J careful when selecting his or her program. The serious student, together with parents and the school will make a careful and meaningful selection, Serious academic students will build their program of studies with certain interests in mind or perhaps they are unsure of their future so they take a broad range of courses. In any case English, Maths, Science, Languages, History, Geography, form the basis of the academic program. In addition to this academic core the credit system allows this type of student to add special in­ terest courses such as electronics or Theatre Arts or Art or a business course. Students interested in a technical or trades education can develop a unified program in the technical area plus the necessary maths, and sciences. In addition a person in, say, building construction and drafting or electricity may also select Theatre Arts as a special interest course to broaden his program. A unified program in business education can be selected from typing, business machines, shorthand, ac­ counting, computer science, etc. In other words the credit system does allow the student to develop a unified program of studies in the areas of interest. However, since no system is perfect there are weaknesses in the credit system. The element of compulsion is missing and for those who feel that physical education or French, for example, should be compulsory the system has this weakness. Some regard the im­ maturity of the young as an indication that compulsion is needed. The most serious weakness in my view is philosophical. Knowledge is a unified totality. The division into subjects - Physics, . History, Geography, Biology, English Literature, Art, Chemistry etc. are traditional and practical necessities for the purpose of study. But they — Please turn to Page 5 Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1 88 1 Iimes - Advocate Sauds Hwo^. North MlddWsei^^ 1 North UmMan Were 117) SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND C.W.N.A., O.W.N.A. CLASS A’ and ABC Published by J. W. E' dy 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 SUBSC____ Published Each Thursday Morning af 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 Chinese, among other peoples, honor their ancestors. It’s a nice idea, but about this time every year, I start call­ ing down maledictions on mine. When they were kicked out of their Scottish crofts by landlords who decid­ ed sheep were more important than people, or had to suck their feet out of the Irish bogs because even the praties were getting scarce, why, oh why did they have to emigrate to some stony farms in Pontiac County, P.Q.? Why didn’t at least one of them head for Australia, or South Africa, or Mex­ ico, or South Carolina, anywhere south of the snow belt? Nope. With unerring instinct, they headed out of two of the worst winter climates in the world — Scottish highlands and Northern Ireland — and straight for the worst in the world — middle Canada. There are those idiots who claim that the Canadian winter is a healthy climate. Perhaps that’s why I hack from November until June so loudly that my wife knows when I’ve entered our block, let alone the house. This year, we didn’t get our usual few skifts of snow, two or three inches at a time, so we could get our snow tires on, our winter grumbling tuned up, and our winter blasphemy geared for what was coming. Not a chance. By the 10th of December, we’d had two feet of snow around our place, and the temperature had hit 10 below. Fahrenheit! I had to dig the lawnmower out from under a snowbank to put it in the toolshed. What kind of a way is that to live? Had to dig my rubber boots out in November. I hate those boots with a loathing I have never felt for any other creature, animate or otherwise, in my entire life. Every year, they seem to get farther away from the top of me, and harder to pull on, I either topple over on top of them, or get one foot halfway in and can’t get the rest in or out, or the blasted zipper sticks after one inch, and I get snow over the top and into my shoes. Getting them off is even worse. I use the heel and toe method. Too proud to sit down and pull them off with my hands. That’s for old people and smart people. No, I stand teetering, put the toe of one foot against the heel of the other, and pry. The zippers never zip down more than halfway. I grunt and pry. Either nothing happens, or there’s a sudden whup, and the boot comes off. With my shoe inside it. And I am dan­ cing around in one sock foot in the snow that has fallen off my boot. Or the zipper breaks and I can’t get the boot off at all. The other one comes off like an eel, and I walk around all day with one rubber bootshod foot, and one in a shoe. And that’s only the beginning. There’s winter driving. Oh, you may be one of those guys with a warm garage, a snowblower to clear your driveway, a block heater to keep your engine warm, and an inside car heater to pre­ vent instant piles when you sit on that icy plastic seat cover, I ain’t. My 10-year-old Dodge sits out in the elements. On a typical morning, I go out and spend 10 minutes cleaning off the snow or scraping off the ice. Then I get in, say a short but fervent prayer, and turn the key. She gives a startled grunt, wheeze and bellow, resembling a cow giving birth, groans, and falls silent. I start to get mad, pump the gas, and flood her, shouting imprecations. She responds with a scornful and gradually diminishing, "Arrggh, arrggh, argh...” On the rare occasions when she does kick over, I warm her up carefully, look fearfully over my shoulder at the three-foot bank the town snowplow has thrown up behind us, and give her the gun. She either stalls and we end like a stranded whale, belly on the snowdrift, or she bombs right through and I hit the telephone pole on the other side of the street with my rear bumper. Even worse than the driving in winter is the attitude of a good portion of the populace. I totter in to work, wheezing, one boot unzippered, reliev­ ed and yet furious, and some pink­ cheeked young colleague chirps: “Wasn’t it a terrific weekend? All that snow. I skied all day Saturday and Sun­ day. It was just beautiful out in the bush, on the trails.” At these times, I would like to trail that young pink-cheek out to the bush, point out how beautiful it is, manacle him or her to a Christmas tree, come home and sit down by the fire with a good shot of anti-freeze, smiling broad­ ly as the temperature dropped and the wind rose. Even more obnoxious are those who sit around, the bourgeois bums, and natter about the great winter holidays they’ve had, each trying to out-do the other. “Yeah, Barbados is all right, I guess, ( if you like getting your foot pierced by a sea urchin. Not much to do but lie around in the sun and drink cheap rum.” “Jack and I took a cruise last year in the West Indies. Stopped at 10 different islands. Fantastic!” “But aren’t there a lot of ugly Canadians on those cruises. You know, hairdressers and salesmen and school teachers? We like Mexico outselves.” “We thought so too, but then we dis­ covered Hawaii.” ' May they all get triple arthritis, have their pensions cut off, and have to spend all their winters in Canada. Our idea of a great winter trip is to take the illconsidered Christmas presents back to the store and get a credit, if we’re lucky. 55 Years Ago Reeve B. W. F. Beavers of Exeter was elected Warden of Huron County on Tuesday. There were four candidates for the office. Over 25 past masters and masters of the Masonic Brethren of Hensail took part when the new lodge rooms of Zurich lodge were dedicated Monday night. On Friday last, while drawing ice at the river, the team and load of Mr. R. Davis broke through into several feet of water. It was necessary to unload before the horses and sleighs could be gotten out. On Wednesday evening last a very enjoyable skating party was held in the Dome rink with Mr. Howard Dignan and Miss Helen Dignan as host and hostess. After skating, the young people went to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Martin for a social time. 30 Years Ago Hugh Berry, Reeve of Usborne township was this week appointed Warden of Huron County. The South Huron Young Progressive Conservative Association was organized last Friday evening in Exeter town hall with Ray Wuerth to head the new organization. R. W, Morlock was ap­ pointed clerk of Stephen township at the inaugural meeting. The Exeter Lions are sponsoring food parcels for Britain. Ten dollars sends a food parcel to a needy family in Britain. Mr. Jack Doerr, photographer, moved his wife and family to town from Mitchell this week. 20 Years Ago Jack Morrissey, Stephen Reeve, was elected warden of Huron County at Goderich Tuesday. He is the first warden from that township since 1935. New manager of the Bank of Montreal in Exeter, Charles L. Smith, com­ menced duties Monday. Twelve merchants in Exeter have agreed to open Friday nights and close Saturday nights for the months of February and March only. Speech from the throne in the Ontario Legislature Monday made the Tom Pryde Memorial Hospital in Huron a certainty. 15 Years Ago Exeter’s new RAP com- mittee, combining recreation, arena and parks board, elected Tom Mac­ Millan as its chairman. A special appeal is being made for the final $1,100 to finish the Dashwood Com­ munity Centre. Exterior work has been finished and much of the interior framing has been done. Deputy Zone Commander, Dwight Ball installed Mrs. Pat Crudge as president of the Lucan Ladies’ Legion Auxiliary. Hensall-Zurich Combines continue to lead in the Shamrock junior hockey loop despite injuries. The most recent is Larry Bedard, who will be out of action fpr more than a month with a broken ankle. Mr. and Mrs. Russell McAlpine, Ailsa Craig, celebrated their 50th wed­ ding anniversary recently with open house for more than 200 people. 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