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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1978-01-26, Page 4Times-Advocate, January 26, 1978Page 4 A job well done It wasn’t reported in last week’s news columns, but Exeter council turn­ ed down an offer from a firm of tax analysts to look over the town’s ac­ counts to see if they had been over­ paying an sales tax. The firm operates on the basis that they receive one-third of any money they can help the town recover from over-payment of sales tax paid to the senior levels of government. Obviously, the firm finds enough errors to make their service worthwhile in most communities. One of the reasons council turned down the offer was the fact that a similar study was undertaken by a firm about three years ago and they gave up peering through the town’s records in less than an hour because they found it to be a waste of their time. We mention the foregoing as an il­ lustration of the capabilities and ef­ ficiency displayed through the years by Eric Carscadden. who this week ter­ minates his duties. It is the type of meticulous bookkeeping that Eric brought to his position and an example of how well he has served the community. The position of clerk-treasurer en­ tails regular council session and special meetings which resulted in countless hours of unpaid overtime for Eric. It is also a position which requires a person to walk a very fine line by providing enough information for elected officials to make decisions, while at the same time trying not to in­ terfere with the decision-making process. It is a line which Eric walked very successfully, although there were occasions when he knew full well that the policies he was asked to administer were of a dubious nature. Many people find it difficult to work for one boss and can’t com­ prehend how a person could work so successfully with hundreds during his tenure. But that’s what the retiring clerk accomplished and those bosses will be among the first to agree that he has won a well-deserved retirement and the gratitude of the community for a job well done. k. . i iVced charges, not ads While cheating on unemployment insurance costs Canadian taxpayers millions of dollars every year, it is un­ likely that the government’s approach to correcting that situation will have much effect. Federal employment minister Bud Cullen plans to spend a cool million dollars on an advertising campaign which will admonish cheaters that rip­ ping off unemployment insurance is the same as stealing from your neighbors, friends, fellow employees, employers and the government of Canada. A word of caution will also be in­ cluded, advising that severe legal penalties for unemployment insurance fraud can be handed out to those found guilty of such practices. The advertising campaign may shame a few people into correcting their ways, but it will not halt the wide­ spread problem. Most Canadians who cheat in such matters already know they are gambling and obviously are prepared to take the gamble. Mr. Cullen would be better advised to spend his money on a greater effort to apprehend and prosecute violators and in so doing, he would probably deter other would-be offenders. They escape the tax man Questionable move The proposed move of Sun Life from Montreal to Toronto must be viewed as victory for the Parti Quebecois and a defeat for the cause of nationalism. One would think that a company the size of Sun Life would have enough sense of corporate responsibility to realize that a move of this magnitude could signal the beginning of the end of Canada as it is now constituted. Jacques Parizeau, Quebec minister of finance was right when he accused Sun Life of a “take the money and run’’ attitude. While the actions taken by Sun Life should be condemned, they should also be chastized for using what amounts to a cultural reason for departure rather than what “insiders” consider to be the real reason. The fact that Sun Life learned of a proposed policy calling for a reinvestment in Quebec equal to the amount that companies had taken out of la belle province. It is clear that a move by one of the bastions of the English fact in Quebec could hasten the separation of this province from Canada. ThereWerswrife Explains gun control position While few of the local residents who made the recent trip to Exeter, N.H. indicated they would want to change locations, there were a couple of things that made such a move worthy of con­ sideration. The biggest factor that may have prompted some to consider stowing away was information passed along by our hosts that they don’t pay any state income tax. Following closely behind in making life in New Hampshire even more enjoyable is the fact there is no state sales tax. The exception to the latter is a tax on hotel and motel accommodation, but of course that is designed primarily to take a few extra dollars from visiting tourists. While residents of New Hampshire may not enjoy all the social benefits of their counterparts here in Ontario, the picture was very rosy. A considerable amount of the cash which flows into the state coffers com­ es from the share of money wagered at the New Hampshire dog and horse tracks. The dogs bring in a few million each year, which no doubt will prompt some readers into reconsidering the connotation of that phrase about a dog’s life. In addition, the state operates a number of parks and ski resorts and the revenue from them also con­ tributes substantially to the treasury. ★ * * Naturally, our entourage was in­ terested in knowing what Exeter residents pay for property tax, expec­ ting it to be considerably higher in view of the fact they escape sales and in­ come taxes. However, it was found that the municipal tax rate is not very far beyond that which we encounter in this community. Recreation director Doug Dicey indicated the taxes on a house valued at around $70,000 would be in the neighborhood of $1,000 per year. We knew there must be a fly in the ointment somewhere, so we started to explore. One of the first places to look was at the gas station, knowing how much tax Ontario residents pay for that com­ modity. However, the price of gasoline in Exeter was comparable to ours, given the difference in the size of the’, gallon, and if anything, was slightly lower in price. Even a visit to a couple of restaurants failed to find any excessive tax payments. A gourmet meal for five (including one live, pet clam) was less then $28.00 on our first night out on the town and even a visit to what we suspected was a higher class spot the next night again provided a scrumptious meal in the same price range. In fact, the writer ended up with a “doggy bag” of equal size to what he had already devoured on that occasion for a price tag of less than $6.00. There was naturally one place left, and despite our disdain for visiting such places, we did hit the local booze outlet, solely for the purpose of rewar­ ding a couple of our gracious hosts for the weekend and to keep Andy in good spirits as he attempted to keep his travel group under control. A bottle of imported Canadian Club (26 oz.) was listed on the shelves for $5.95 and a large-size creme de menthe was purchased for only $3.45. Obviously, the state does not make up for its lack of tax revenue on drinkers. In fact, Doug advised us that people from neighboring states visit New Hampshire to replenish their larder. The problem has become so scouts”severe that there are watching for out-of-state residents who drive to New Hampshire to fill up their car trunks with spirits. So, we are unable to find any place where the state appeared to be picking up extra revenue although certainly the residents appeared to be enjoying most of the amenities which we do in Ontario, although they have only 700,000 people to pay for what benefits they do enjoy. •k ★ it One of the major employers in Ex­ eter is the Phillips Academy, the private school which boasts the $7,000,- 000 sports complex mentioned in last week’s column. The Academy is one of the most en­ dowed in the World and has an enrol­ ment of about 1,000 during the regular school term and another 600-700 for summer school. Tuition and board at the school sets momma and pappa back a cool $4,500, plus whatever incidental expenses junior may have during his stay there. Students who live in Exeter and choose to attend the Academy rather than the local high school pay $2,500. We caught only small glimpses of the campus in addition to the sports com­ plex, but it is worth mentioning that the 50-room Exeter Inn is owned and operated by the Academy. Our tourna­ ment party was also held in one of the school’s building and it was most at­ tractive, including the huge fire place which the students sit around following their evening meals. — Please turn to Page 5 55 Years Ago The Adult Bible Class of James Street Methodist Church of which Mr. W. H. Johnston is the teacher met in the church on Tuesday evening for further organization. Mr. W. H. Kestle was elected president and Mrs. J. Horney, secretary-treasurer. “Co­ Workers” was selected as the name of the class. Mrs. N. Baker and Mrs. R. Skinner were chosen cap­ tains of sides for a mem­ bership contest. Three sleigh loads of young people of the Trivitt Memorial Church enjoyed a sleighing party to Saintsbury Tuesday evening.The Fraser Presbyterian and the Saintsbury young people united in entertaining the visitors at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Freeman Dobbs. Exeter won the first hockey match with an out­ side team this season when they defeated the Hensall team 6-4. The Exeter line-up is: goal, Harness; defence, Lawson and Hardy; centre, Hind; right wing, Wells; left wing, Tieman; substitutes, E. Anderson and W. Davis. 30 Years Ago Mr. & Mrs. John Morlock, Crediton, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, January 26. Members of Exeter District High School Board have engaged the firm of Page and Steele, Toronto to draw up plans for Exeter’s new district school. Mr. William Routly resigned as assessor of the township of Usborne at the inaugural meeting. Fire damaged heavily the interior of Beaver’s Lunch counter, Exeter north, Wednesday morning. Secretary of the District Dear Sir: At the last Hensall council meeting a request came from Collingwood to endorse a resolution calling on the federal government to 1. reinstate the death penalty for capital murder 2. firearm control 3. granting passes for convicted criminals. The reporter omitted a few of my statements, per­ taining to this resolution, es­ pecially gun control. With or without gun control, prospective killers know how to obtain and use the weapon of their choice. Our reeve Mr. Knight stated. “In order to drive a car, I have to take a test”. In my opinion same goes for guns. I am all for qualified gun owners, be it just for collection sake, or hunters. You can compare a gun collector with a car collector. If a car collector starts driving one of his collections, he needs a license. In Ontario you need a cer­ tificate of skill in gun handl­ ing before you are allowed to shoot anything outdoors. Revolver and pistol clubs only hand out a certificate, after you as a new member have shown experience, and above all safety precautions in target practice. The revolver or pistol has to be registered with the R.C.M.P. to qualify to carry firearms from home to place of practise, a signature of a responsible Ontario police official who can vouch for the discretion and good character of the applicant is necessary. This is enough legislation in my opinion as far as guns is concerned, certainly a lot more than in the U.S.A. Crime and murder is com­ mitted mostly with stolen or non-registered weapons. The reason I argued about the gun control subject is because very slowly, little by little, freedom is taken away from us. you hardly notice it. If this country of ours keeps taking away freedom and rights for another five years at the same rate they have been doing it the last five, we are going to be in a very precarious position. Once something becomes legisla­ tion it is too late. Governments stating this or that to be a temporary measure, things like wage and price control, you better have some reservations. Income tax was one of those temporary things, it is still with us. Maybe I should not be too pessimistic, after all we have our MP’s and MPP’s. If the majority or even a big chunk of the electorate is op­ posed to pending legislation, we can stop it. But we have to let our man know. Let freedom not become an illusion, but a reality. Harry M. Klungel Hensall Sugar and spice fey Smifoy Coherence and unity Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1 88 1 Times - Advocate iervlnjt South Huron. North MMdlrses4 Nonh lamMnn Siwe 1I?J SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND C.W.N.A., O.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 Amalgamated 1924 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 (♦CNA SUBSC One of the most pleasant experiences in the world, for those of us who, if not over the hill, are at least sitting at the top contemplating with a mixture of dismay and scared exhilaration the slippery slope we have climbed, and the greasy one we are about to des­ cend, is getting back to normal after lurching through the “joys” of the holidays that end the year. And if one of my students gave me a sentence like that last one on composi­ tion, I’d probably tear it to ribbons for lack of coherence and unity. But perhaps those very things •— coherence and unity — are the things so lacking in the holiday season, and to which we return with a sigh of relief in the short cold days and long cold nights of January. We had a rather bleak Christmas this year. Our hearts were in the right place, but my teeth weren’t. Several of them had joined that little limbo where your teeth go when they decide to leave you to your own devices, otherwise known as gums. I put a good face on it, as it were, try­ ing to conceal from my wife, with her flashing while teeth, my mental, spiritual and physical humiliation at having to exist on pea soup, soft-boiled eggs and medicinal brandy. But it didn’t work. We had the usual fight about the tree, finally getting it up after four hours of recriminations, tears and explosions of rage and frustration. This year we put it in a bucket of wet sand, after years of trying to set it up in pails of coal, in various tree stands, and on a flat board nailed to the trunk. As usual, it toppled heavily in all direc­ tions but the right one, and we had to tie it to the wall with string. Every year my wife says other peo­ ple get their tree to stand without using string. And every year I defy her to show me one tree in town that isn’t trussed to the wall in some way. For Christmas dinner, I’d bought a fat duck. But the old lady didn’t feel like eating an entire duck by herself. So we sat around rather vacantly and stared at the huge pile of parcels under the tree, which could not be opened, of course, because 90 per cent of them were for “the boys,” and the boys weren’t expected till the day after Box­ ing Day. So the day they did arrive, noses run­ ning freely, we cooked the duck and a roast of beef, and a happy time was had by all, trying to put front-end-loaders and fire trucks and other plastic monstrosities together. You know, there was something to be said for those old days during the Depression, when kids got a pair of mitts or sox and maybe a 15-cent bub­ ble pipe. At least the adults didn’t have to spend hours trying to find parts for Tinker Toys and Leggo and Sesame St. scattered all over the living room. They didn’t have to try to get together stuff that would have taxed Leonardo da Vinci. However, the boys were a roaring delight, as always, and their Gran spoiled them silly, and their mother told me what was wrong with my en­ tire attitude to teaching (she’s been at it three months and has all the questions and most of the answers), and their father drowsed quietly during the piano concert that followed, and yours truly ran out every hour to scrape 10 inches of snow off the car. But this is not normalcy. How joyous it is to get back to the old, humdrum routine. To hear that thrilling, drilling sound of the alarm clock at 7:15, totter to the bathroom with arthritic joints giving out cracks like maple trees in a deep frost, and to emerge in three- quarters of ah hour, smelling of shav­ ing cream, toothpaste and honest soap, another chapter of a novel read. How very pleasant it is to wade out to the garage in the barely lighted mor­ ning, snow flying in all directions, scratch the ice off the inside of your windshield with your finger-nails, and try to start the old beast, which emits a couple of grunts like a lady moose in labor, and falls totally, unforgivably silent. How thrilling to get back to work, the salvation of many a man and woman, and exchange witty repartee about los­ ing your boots at the New Year’s Eve party, and whose snowmobile broke down, and why Jack’s nose is swollen with grog-blossoms, and how much white guck there is in the driveway. And then there’s the delight of get­ ting home after work, and sitting down for one of those intimate chats with your wife, who tells you, at inter­ minable length, how to’place a “dart” in a pattern for sewing, when all you know about darts is that it’s played in a pub. And to discover that for dinner you’re having hamburg and onions, which you had in the cafeteria for lunch. And that the bill for the furnace repairs came to $48, and that the man wants 50 bucks to clean the ice off the roof, and the paper boy claims you owe him for six weeks. I don’t know about you but I can’t stand too many of these holidays: the slothful lying-in in the morning, the staying up until three to watch a late movie, the one-hour coffee breaks mor­ ning and afternoon. Its debilitating. It contributes to moral delinquency. Far better the comfortable horror of the regular routine of a Canadian winter. Red Cross Branch, Mrs. V. Heywood, reported that 806 articles were sewn and shipped to Toronto, plus 585 articles of knitting and 54 quilts. 20 Years Ago Mrs. Hannah Taylor, Andrew St,, celebrated her 95th birthday, Thursday. The rich garden lands in the Thedford-Grand Bend area had the highest yield in history last year and is expected to reach the million dollar mark. Robin Smith, 15-year-old Grade 11 student, was chosen “Posture Qfueen” at SHDHS during the graduation dance last week. Police trustees of Dash­ wood presented a large cake to Warden Jack Morrissey Friday night at the reception in his honor at Crediton. 15 Years Ago Miss May Jones, .who has been superintendent of the primary department of James St. United Church Sunday School for 25 years received recognition during the annual meeting Tuesday night. Mrs. Robert South- cott presented her with a silver bowl on behalf of the congregation. At a testimonial dinner at the community centre Tuesday night, Hensall and district men paid tribute to a departing bank manager, Ken Christian who is leaving soon for Napanee. Hon. W. A. Stewart, Ontario minister of agriculture, snipped the ribbon to officially open Huron’s new agriculture office at Clinton. Brenner’s Red Gable, Grand Bend has been granted a dining lounge by the Ontario liquor licence board. Comment from... ftoutfj Huron Biotrirt >isf) Htijool By J. L. WOODEN Professional development days, professional activity days, conference days are some of the terms applied to . those days during the school year which are made available to teachers for a variety of developmental purposes. In Huron County each secondary school decides, within the framework of Ministry of Education re­ quirements for the school year what days it wishes to utilize for Staff Develop­ ment. South Huron has selected February 9th and 10th as two of these professional development days. These two days will be spent in a conference en­ vironment and will focus on some aspects of the study which was done in the schools of the South Huron area last spring. A key element in this year’s conference will be the relationship between elementary and secondary curriculum. Theoretically Ontario is supposed to have a continuous Kindergarten to Grade 13 educational system. In practice, however, much remains to be done in achieving this goal. The South Huron staff has invited 12 to 15 elementary teachers from our feeder schools to join us on February 9. Our hope is to stimulate what will be an on going dialogue between the staff members of the elementary and secondary schools. There are different points of view between elementary and secondary teachers. Secondary teachers have disagreements with certain aspects of elementary school philosophy and the reverse is true as well. At the conference we hope to explore some of these dis­ agreements and try to dis­ cover the reasons for the different points of view. By moving toward a greater un­ derstanding of the roles of the two groups of teachers we hope that differences can be minimized. Obviously in one or two days we cannot explore the whole area of curriculum but we hope that elementary and secondary teachers can re-establish curriculum groups to examine the elementary and secondary courses. One example of this may suffice to explain part of our objective. In English courses there is an on-going debate regar­ ding the grade levels at which different concepts in grammar, should be In­ troduced, reinforced or con­ tinued. A large educational system, such as London’s, has senior level consultants & or co-ordinators in the various subject areas. These people can bring together teachers; they cart write program of study, etc. In a small system like Huron such co-ordinators are not possible. As a result such co-ordination must be done by the classroom teachers. The elementary and secondary teachers in our area would like to revitalize the process of co­ ordination. We hope that a result of our February 9 exercise will be a series of meetings in the various subject areas. We hope that another result will be a generally improved understanding of the work of the two groups of teachers. Professional development days are taken seriously by most teachers. The amount of work needed to organize and plan valuable professional development days is considerable. Indeed, in many ways it would be easier for teachers to forget about such days and continue classroom work but the majority of South Huron’s staff regard them as essential exercises. It should be noted that the school year is not reduced by Professional Develop­ ment days. The Ministry requires that the school year meet certain requirements. If a Professional Develop­ ment day is held a day must be added in June. A school which holds no P.D. days would dismess students earlier in June than a school which holds such days. As a Principal I consider staff development to be of major importance and as a result regard the time taken for such development to be in the best interests of students and education in general. Teachers of course, must respond to the challenge of making the best use of such time. It is my view that most teachers at South Huron do derive great benefit from properly planned, serious Professional Development Days. Parents can refer to the school year calendar which was sent home in September. This calendar indicates the professional development days for our school for the 1977-78 School Year. COMING ACTIVITIES Jan. 27-28 — Student Coun­ cil Winter Week-end Ac- tivites. Wed. Feb. i - Girls Volleyball to Wingham; Wrestling meet at S.H. 4PM Thurs. Feb. 2 - Basketball SH at Mitchell; Wrestling at Listowbl ; Cross Country Skiing-St. Marys.