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Times-Advocate, 1978-02-09, Page 4Times-Advocate, February 9, 1978 Victim of apatliy The demise of the Exeter rodeo will come as little surprise to many people, nor will there be any great amount of sorrow expressed. In fact, the event was not well supported by local citizens, either through their attendance or participation in staging the annual attraction. However, those who labored hard over the past 15 years to keep the event going, often in the face of many adver sities, have every right to witness the end with mixed emotions. They too may be relieved that the work that fell on so few shoulders will now be eliminated entirely. No longer will they have to spend the many hours of planning that went into the event nor will they have to worry about the finan cial woes they faced or the anxiety of the weather. But on the other hand, it will be a sad moment when they watch the rodeo ring fall, remembering well the pride and the hours of sweat that went into making it one of the best facilities in Canada. Perhaps there will even be some regret at realizing that Exeter’s sym bol will be gone, along with the enjoy ment it provided for so many people through the years and the many visitors it attracted to the community, to say nothing of the dollars it put into the coffers of the local organizations who profited from their concessions. But most of all, the faithful few will no doubt save most of their remorse for the fact that their fellow citizens failed to pick up the challenge of continuing an event that deserved their support and effort. Let the eulogy note that the deceas ed was the victim of a community’s apathy. “There, but for the fact the human body's only worth 98 cents, go we. ” Xecd insurance Two sides to a blizzard —I|_Savers Most of us in Canada heat our homes with oil or natural gas and waste at least 10% of that fuel in the process. This means not only that valuable resources are disappear ing faster than need be, but a lot of people are robbing themselves through paying for fuel that did them no good. You can go a long way toward plugging the leak if you take a few moments to find out how your heating system works, and take a little trouble to see that it has proper care and maintenance. Here’s a brief introduction to the subject. Most oil furnaces work by shooting oil droplets from a nozzle and burning them in air. When things are going properly, the oil burns completely and uses a minimum of air, so that it makes hardly any smoke and leaves very little soot. If you open the inspection flap in the front of the furnace, you can see if there’s smoke on the tip of the flame, and if soot is collecting. Also take a look at the damper, which you will find in the pipe between the furnace and the chimney. This damper should open and shut freely in a draft caused by the wind. It lets in cool air from the basement which helps to stop too much warm air from the furnace escaping up the chimney. With gas furnaces, the heat comes from a burner in the form of a single jet or in a cluster similar to the jets on a gas stove. The gas is ignited in air by a pilot light. If this is to work properly, you should watch for three things in parti cular. First, see that the air intakes in the sides of the furnace are not blocked. Second, make sure that the pilot light is always burning, except in summer of course. Third, check often to see if the flame from the burner is blue. If there is any yellow in the flame, it’s getting too much air and the air nozzle needs regulating. One of the interesting facts in the year-end report of the Exeter police department was that the total number of local accidents had declined slightly, but the property damage had jumped considerably over the previous year. There are various elements in volved in accidents to explain that situation, but not the least of which is that repair costs are climbing at a staggering rate. Despite the jump in those costs, many Ontario motorists still do not carry insurance. The province will soon be the only one in the nation where motor vehicle owners are not required to have insurance. It’s not an enviable distinction. An automobile owner can legally drive without insurance, provided he pays an annual fee to the Ontario motor vehicle accident claims fund. Payments from that fund are made to indemnify persons for damages sustained in accidents caused by unin sured motorists. However, the costs paid out through the fund are not borne ex clusively by uninsured motorists. The fund isn’t large enough to cover those costs and even people who pay their own insurance help augment the fund through the provincial treasury. The uninsured motorists are legal ly obligated to pay back to the fund the cost of any settlements made on their behalf, but it would make much more sense to require them to have in surance in the first place. It would also prevent them from facing financial ruin. There may be some drivers with such poor driving records that the cost of insurance is prohibitive, but if that is the case, they should not be entitled to the privilege of driving anyway. Dangers are evident As scientists continue their efforts to push back the frontiers of space, the crash landing of a nuclear-powered Russian spy satellite in the north is a disquieting reminder that space ex ploration has its dangerous element for those on the ground. The high degree of radioactivity that can result is an alarming demonstration of our vulnerability to nuclear accidents. No one can ac curately predict what the conse quences would have been had the satellite fallen in a heavily populated area, but the prospect is frightening. It is not even reassuring to learn that a repeat of such an accident is remote. It was probably thought to be virtually impossible in the first place and the odds on that have now changed drastically. It was possible and ob viously is possible again. The only hope mankind enjoys is the fact the scientists- from various nations must now live with the fact that their experiments can backfire, and presumably could backfire to the point where they are endangered themselves. However, that has never stopped them in the past and probably won’t in the future because no one can punish them for the consequences of such ac cidents. Stories and comments continue to drift in (pardon the pun) from the re cent blizzard, and while some of them relate to tragedies and horrifying ex periences, there is an indication that storms do have one good side, although it is only seen in retrospect. There were some heart-warming stories that came out of the storm as there have been following most major attacks by the elements in the past. Those stories indicate that, in times of adversity, people are more caring and concerned about others around them and they go out of their way to help. People open their homes to total strangers, give them the best bed in the house and feed them as elegantly as possible. Yet, under normal cir cumstances, they wouldn’t even ex change smiles with those people if they encountered them on the street. When there is danger all around, peo ple work together for the common good, but when things are going right, they bicker and fight with one another over petty matters. One writer has suggested that maybe we’d be better off as a nation if we had more emergencies. If we could get all Canadians...French speaking and English speaking, easterner and westerner, native and im migrant...storm stayed in one small part of the country a great many of the present problems of this nation could be resolved. People would be faced then with a common enemy and they would work together to survive and in so doing, would gain a greater understanding of and respect for each other. There is little doubt that the theory would produce some very tangible rewards, but surely there must be a better way. Why, if we rally around each other in the face of adversity, can’t we treat others with that same concern and friendship when things are going smoothly? * * * Area residents no doubt followed with some interest the recent trial in London where a 30-year-old man was facing charges of strangling three young women in the last three years. During the week-long trial, Russell Maurice Johnson was quoted as telling police there were “lots more” women involved in his night-time attacks. One of the frightening aspects of the trial was the evidence that the accused had been diagnosed as a “sexual deviate” as early as 1969 when he voluntarily entered the London Psychiatric Hospital and discharged himself 10 days later. A staff psy chiatrist testified he had no grounds to confine Johnson to hospital. There is something terribly wrong in our society when a man who has been diagnosed as a “sexual deviate” can not be held for treatment of that problem. It is also frightening to consider the fact that the decision on whether he should be held involuntarily could be made by only one psychiatrist. If there is the slightest doubt, surely another opinion should be required before a final decision is made. * ★ * One of the psychiatrists testifying at the trial said Johnson came from a troubled home where the mother and two brothers had historiesof mentalill ness. The father was unfeeling and sometimes sadistic. The mother tried to steep the family in an aura of religion, but there was constant feuding between the parents. To put it Z1L simply, the court was told, the family situation was chaotic and disturbed and the accused had experienced an “emotional battering” over a period of years. Those comments were interesting in view of a press release we received this week from the Canadian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The release was headed “Battered Baby Batters Back?” and told of a case where an accused murderer said “I didn’t care who I killed — I just wanted to kill someone”. Evidence in that trial revealed that the murdered had been a battered baby-victim of a hopelessly alcoholic father who beat his son mercilessly on numerous occasions. The CSPCC contend there is a strong suspicion that many violent criminals were raised in ignorance of, or in difference to their emotional needs during the formative years and they are attempting to make the public more aware of the long-term conse quences of child abuse and neglect. The cases cited indicate quite clearly that the public must show more con cern in situations where they suspect child abuse in their neighborhoods. The consequences of failing to correct those situations are frightening indeed. Too many people have that “don’t get involved” attitude, but there is growing evidence that failure to get in volved in solving those problems may well lead to getting involved as subse quent victims. The choice should become less dif ficult to make when the implications are fully considered. Food liobits “They did not all die, but all were affected.” So says the French author Marcel Camus with respect to the plague. No one would knowingly expose himself to the plague, but unfortunate ly too many of us seem to expose ourselves to a modern-day malady, that of heart disease. Many uncon trollable factors are involved — heredi ty, age and sex — but there are other factors that can indeed be controlled. These include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, lack of physical exercise, poor food habits and immoderate use of alcohol. Health and Welfare Canada has just launched a program to create public awareness of one of these con trollable factors — food habits. Ob viously, malnutrition poses problems, but equally serious problems are caus ed by excesses at the table and unwise food selection. We may think we are feeding ourselves ' * ’ ‘ we may be jeopardizing our chances of a longer life. What can we do then, to eat wisely? The answer can be summarized in just two words: avoid excesses. Cer tain types of food must be eaten only in moderation: fatty foods, sugar, salt and alcohol. Obviously these need not be avoided completely but should be consumed only in moderate amounts. A balanced diet, as recommended by Canada’s Food Guide, will lead to this kind of moderation and should allow many Canadians who might not otherwise do so, to enjoy healthy lives into the 21st century. Canada’s Food Guide and a new brochure entitled “Food and Your Heart” are available through your provincial health department or local health unit. They can help you develop healthier eating habits. And don’t forget the heart has reasons the stomach cannot know! .....;V: ................ .. Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 Times - Advocate South Huron, North M.iMleset K & North Umbton Store 117 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 (♦CNA SUBSC............... 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 The readers write Town hall facts are outlined, police state case Dear Editor: Because of so many different versions of the happenings at the Old Town Hall, which have been so far from the truth, it is easy to understand your concern and your suggestion that the public be advised of exactly what is going on. I would like to mention at this time that the local Heritage members have never withheld information in connection with any phase of the Town Hall since we became involved at the re quest of Town Council on 9 February 1975 (three long years ago). The writer is possibly guil ty of refusing to release any figures for publication in the London Free Press on 25 January, 1978, because of the fact that it was felt to be in the best interest of all concerned that a statement not be made prior to * the Council meeting. However, I did advise Miss Connell, Free Press Reporter, that I would be prepared to make a state ment following the Council Meeting which was due to be held on that date. A state ment was given to Miss Connell on the 26th of January. Please refer to Free Press article, 28, January 78. Much has already been said about the closed council meeting and for your infor mation this 1% hour meeting was also closed to the local heritage members. It should also be mentioned that the meeting and the request for funding was arranged by the Ontario Heritage Founda tion of Toronto and not by bur local Foundation. It would appear that the Ontario Foundation members are of the opinion that once this prestigious old building Is completely restored, any responsible council should recognize its heritage value and once again be happy to take it back into the “fold”, and for this reason feel that there should be a little more input by the Town. We would like to point out that during the restoration of a Heritage Building, the choice of an Architect, his drawings and suggestions must be approved by the On tario Heritage Foundation in Toronto. The Local Founda tion is acting in the capacity of owner of the building. The contract was let in July 1977, at a cost of $121,- 208.00 plus extras as of December 1, 1977, of $7,- 270.00, making a total of $128,478.70. The following funding was approved in August 1976 — Ontario Heritage Foundation — $47,- 100.00; Wintario — $19,- 740.00, making a total of $66,840.00, and this was bas ed on renovation costs of ap proximately $100,000.00. The> architects’I plans call ed for some drastic changes to those originally suggested, such as, removal of police cells, washrooms to be located in the base ment instead of in the old council chambers, along with a more sophisticated stairwell covering and fire door on the second floor, a more elaborate heating system with airconditioning. We were also put to con siderable expense when the Police Commission decided to vacate; this called for a complete new set of drawings for the old police quarters, council chambers and washrooms in the base ment. The lowest bid came in at approximately $154,000.00. After cutting out some frills we and the Ontario Heritage Foundation agreed to let the contract at $121,208.00 as mentioned above. It was quite obvious at this time that some additional financing was necessary and with very little effort, it was arranged by having 19 dedicated citizens (some were not even members of For efficient burning, the gas flow valve and pressure regulator need to be correctly adjusted too. All of the adjustments that have to be made to a gas furnace need an expert. So call your gas company. You can save about 10% on the fuel bill if you have the oil furnace and burner cleaned and tuned at least once a year by a qualified serviceman. The items needing attention include the combustion chamber, burner adjustments, oil nozzle, oil filter and gaskets, oil pump, flue, smoke pipe, chimney system, internal surfaces of the furnace, fan and electrical equipment. Make sure your serviceman tests the efficiency and reports it to you. For gas heating, a serviceman should also carry out a complete check once a year. The components of a gas fur nace requiring maintenance include the combustion chamber, heat exchanger, pilot light, filters, fan, chimney system and exterior. Other ways to keep yourself snug while still saving energy are by having a furnace of the right size and type for your home - but that’s another story ~ and by making sure that the heat circulates properly throughout your home — which is yet another story. These will be discussed in future “Energy Savers” columns. You can learn more about furnaces and their main tenance by writing to Box 3500, Station C, Ottawa, On tario, K1Y 4G1, for a copy of The billpayer’s guide to furnace servicing. This gives up-to-date information compiled by the Office of Energy Conservation, Depart ment of Energy Mines and Resources. As you will discover, there’s much you can do yourself to keep your furnace on the top line, but don’t try to take the place of a professional serviceman. Unless you really know your stuff, your efforts could prove costly, and even Dear Editor: The winter winds and snows are upon us, creating, as in the past, very difficult decisions for many people. “Should I go to work?” is perhaps the most frequently asked question for com muting workers. “Can you tell me how the roads are to Toronto, I’m going anyway because I have to, but I was wondering...” “Is this weather supposed to con tinue or will I be able to go home or to work tomorrow?” Telephone calls such as these are very common to us at the Ontario Provincial Police Detachments on, storm days. In fact these calls during bad weather are so numerous that people who have legitimate emergencies at times can not get our telephone line and advise us of the help they require. As well informed as we like to think we are as a police agency, we do not have the information you require as to weather reports and road conditions. In fact only prayer could answer some of the questions asked. We do have a pretty fair solution to your problem and possibly, if you’re the travelling type person, you should cut these telephone numbers out of your newspaper and put them near your phone. Weather Station — Goderich 524-9331 Ministry of Transporta tion & Communications, Stratford for road conditions in Ontario 271-3550. R.W. WILSON #3629, Provincial Constable, Community Services Officer. the local Heritage Foun dation) sign a guarantee for $2500.00 each. At the present time we have a bank loan of $46,000.00. This, in my opinion is reasonable proof of the sincerity of our members and council’s concern of the possibility of the local Heritage Group disbanding is inconceivable. I would like to thank everyone who has helped in anyway with our various fund raising projects and also to those who have donated so many hours of free labour to all phases of the renovations thus far. As published in last week’s T.A., the citizens and businesseslof Exeter,as well as a good number of out-of- towners have kindly donated approximately $22,000.00 — Our Special Thanks. Our Canvass was discon tinued in late November 1977, with a good number not having been called on. We are now back into action with the hope of having everything completed by the end of February, 1978. In conversation with the general contractor on Tues day, it was indicated that the interior, with the excep tion of a couple of small items, should be completed by the end of this month. We are happy to announce that the 3 rentable spaces on the main floor have been let along with one booking of the assembly hall upstairs, for a Christmas dinner and party. It is quite obvious that once renovations are com pleted and our bank loan is liquidated, the revenue from the rental space will more than coVer operating costs. 55 Years Ago During hockey practice on Thursday evening last, Mr. Ed Anderson had the misfor tune to have his left leg broken. During a rush, he tripped and fell and went up against the boards at the side with such force as to fracture a bone in his leg. The Jubilee Singers, a colored troupe consisting of three ladies and four men gave a musical entertain ment in James St. Methodist Church Sunday. The pupils of the Exeter school had a holiday on Mon day when some of the pipes at the back of the boiler in the heating system were eaten out by the rust and had to be replaced. Southcott Bros, are having the interior of their store redecorated and are making some alterations. 30 Years Ago The Boy Scouts will collect scrap paper on the east side of Main street on Saturday and on the west side on February 13. “Paper is not waste until you waste it”. R.L. Beavers attended the hardware convention in Toronto this week. A chartered bus with 44 turnip growers and processors visited Toronto this week to attend a con vention at the King Edward Hotel. Sponsoring the bus were Seth Winter and Erwin Scott, Lucan. Mr. J.H. Jones tendered his resignation as a member of the Exeter District High School Board. Sincerely (Doug Gould) President Exeter & District Heritage Foundation 20 Years Ago Take 22 inches of snow, sprinkle it oyer a three-day period, beat it severely with winds gusting up to 64 miles per hour and freeze the con coction at temperatures as low as five degrees below zero — and that’s the worst blizzard the area has suf fered over a decade, Satur day to Monday. The general store at Elim- ville which has been operated by Mrs. Philip Murch and her late husband for the past 27 years has been sold to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hays of Wroxeter who get possession Monday. Jane Horton, Hensall, last week became the third member of Hensall Girl Guides to receive her Gold Cord, the highest award in Guiding. 15 Years Ago Eugene Sokolowski, RR 2, Ailsa Craig, suffered frac tured ribs and injury to his spine after the half-ton truck he was driving on No. 83 was struck by a south bound CNR snowplow Monday. The truck was driven about fifty feet south of the impact. J.M. Southcott, publisher of the Times-Advocate, has been named Ontario Weekly Newspaper Man of the Year. The T-A won the award for general excellence among newspapers from towns of under 3,500 population and placed second for the best front page among all weeklies in the province. Over $7,000 has been rais ed in the limited canvass sponsored by the Exeter and District Swimming Pool Committee, Chairman John Goman reported this week. Six girls have been nominated by the senior grades for queen of the SHDHS at home dance. The girls are Ausma Gulens, Dashwood; Marion Kerslake, RR 1, Centralia; Frances Johns, RR 1, Woodham; Janet Blair, Cen tralia, Helen Hendrick Ex eter; and Linda Walper, Ex eter,