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Times-Advocate, 1978-11-30, Page 4Times-Advocate, November 30, 1978 More than a pity Two die, three badly hurt... crash victim paralyzed ... the headlines give mute testimony to the fact that traffic collisions cause more physical and mental pain and sorrow than probably any other facet in our society. Many of the hardships are self- inflicted, while in all too many, the in­ nocent are often more grieved. The solution to traffic accidents is basically simple, involving care, cau­ tion and common sense. Unfortunately, they are ingredients lacking in many drivers on today’s highways, and in many instances those ingredients have been removed through the use of alcohol. As the festive season approaches, that problem will increase, and so will the black headlines and needless suf­ fering. Isn’t that a pity? No, it’s stupidity! Need action now Auditor-general J.J. Macdonell has documented what many Canadians have suggested for some time — that the nation’s federal civil servants feel that public funds are virtually bot­ tomless. In his sixth report, the auditor­ general goes on to say that members of the public service are inefficient and spend millions annually without paying enough attention to whether programs are working. Figures indicate that in some areas of government, labor efficiency in the public service is only 65 percent. If public servants boosted that efficiency by only one percent, he said, it would save $25 million a year. The only encouraging aspect of the report is that Macdonell feels • the government is approaching a degree of control. Two years ago he had suggested the government had virtual­ ly lost effective control over spending. While the opinions of Canadians about the waste in government spen­ ding has been documented, the big question is whether any action will be taken to correct the situation. Bureaucrats should obviously be subjected to the same rules as their colleagues in private business. In the private sector, people who don’t spend money economically and efficiently find themselves in the ranks of the un­ employed. A considerable amount of house­ cleaning is obviously warranted in the federal civil service and if the govern­ ment won’t make the necessary moves in that direction, Canadians should ad­ vise their MPs that they’ll show their concern in no uncertain terms in next year’s national election. “Hope no one notices they’re all jokers. BATT’NAROUND ......with the editor A strange noise in the air Vandals everywhere Although vandalism has been with us for literally centuries, it is a hard act to understand, and the senseless destruction of property in this area in the last few weeks is no less difficult to fathom. Why, for instance would an im­ becile knock over 43 stop and yield signs in one night? What possible satisfaction could there be in destroy­ ing public property. Although the most recent acts are not to break the public purse, they are very dangerous acts. Removing signs could result in serious death and injury if a car accident occurred because drivers had no signs to guide them at intersections. Would a traffic death placate the rowdies? Clinton News Record Perspectives SYD FLETCHER toCigarettes never used bother me very much. Oh, I’d get a little aggravated at a meeting once in a while. I would sit fairly close to a window so I could get fresh air and then somebody would begin smoking about three seats away. I’d get the smoke as it was siphoned to the window. But basically it was only a minor irritation. When I first began teaching I had a principal who wouldn’t allow smoking in the staff room. Smokers had to go, off by themselves to an isolated stock room to indulge in their habit. I thought that he was a little stiff-necked and unreasonable at the time but being a non-smoker the restriction didn’t bother me anyway. Two events have changed my attitude. The first one was at a friend’s house. He had just got home about a month before from the hospital after his second heart at­ tack. About fifteen of us were sitting in the living and dining room areas, a gathering of friends and relatives to celebrate his return. For a couple of weeks he had been in the hospital intensive care unit, often on oxygen. So now he was at home and we were all there, joking and talking, and suddenly I looked around the room. It hit me. Here we are, so pleased that he’s home and alive, and no less than five cigarettes were going in the crowded room. The air was blue with smoke. And he was sitting there, very polite about it, not gasping but the next thing to it. True affection, eh. The second incident was with a friend and his wife who took square dancing lessons with us. We teased him with the title, “The Galloper” because he liked to promenade the ladies at about ninety miles an hour. He was tail and gangly with a ready smile, a man who enjoyed life tremendously. There were only four couples in the class and we got to know him well. Too well, I guess. About six months after the classes ended we heard that he was sick, with lung cancer as it turned out. And three months after that he was dead, at forty-nine. What hurt me more than anything about the whole thing was that it seemed so unnecessary. He didn’t have to smoke. It was as simple as that, At a meeting that I was at recently I was unconsciously cracking my knuckles, a bad habit I’ve acquired over the years. A friend next to me said, with a wince on his face, “Do you have to do that?” Sheepishly I admitted that I didn’t really have to do any such thing. It wasn’t till after the meeting that I realized that I had lost the chance for a perfect comeback when he just as unconsciously a few minutes later had lit up a cigarette. With a straight face I should have said, “Do you have to do that?” If you hear what appears to be a collective sigh of relief resounding in the area today, the explanation is com­ paratively simple. This is the final day of office for the elected and appointed officials who are joining the ranks of the retired, either through their own wishes or those of the electorate. It will be a sigh of relief that will be heard several times in the forthcoming weeks and months as their successors tackle thorny issues and face the dilemma of the pro and con attitudes of their ratepayers. However, there is little doubt that those same retirees will also face pangs,of regret that they are not in the thick of the battle, because serving the public is a challenging vocation on which many people thrive. Once it gets into your bloodstream, it is difficult to eradicate, and there is no better evidence of that fact than to witness the number of former officials who rejoin the ranks after a brief so­ journ on the sidelines. There are many mundane items that cross the table for public officials to consider, but there are also a great number that provide a considerable challenge, and obviously result in self­ satisfaction when that challenge has been met. All those who are retiring today deserve the commendation of those whom they have served, and no matter how many toes they may have stepped on during their terms of office, they can gather some solace from the fact that some time in the next two years their successors will make at least one faux pas that will prompt the elec­ torate to say they wished they had those other people back. Absence does make the heart grow fonder! * * * One person in the area who will probably notice the most drastic change in his lifestyle in the next few weeks is retiring Exeter Mayor Bruce Shaw. There’s little doubt that he’s carried a tremendous load in view of the many major decisions that Exeter council faced during his four-year term, coupl­ ed with the responsibilities which he assumed with the South Huron rec cen­ tre and the local planning board. In fact, one of the main faults which was aired, was that he was perhaps too involved, but those who levelled that criticism never appeared too keen to come forth and relieve him of any of his responsibilities and duties. We’re not certain on what criteria a mayor’s record should be judged, but perhaps the true test came when he gave his farewell address at last week’s civic banquet in front of the many people with whom he has been so closely associated during the past four years. Let the record show he was given a standing ovation, which has long been recognized as the spontaneous method by which people acclaim those who have performed their work in an above average manner. His enthusiasm, dedication and leadership will be sorely missed, although there is every indication his retirement will be short-lived in terms of community involvement. * * * Joining Bruce on the sidelines of municipal affairs are three other veteran performers, Jack Delbridge, Wally Burton and Ken Ottewell. It’s the termination of a long and colorful career for the former, although we know it is fair to say that his retirement will not end his concern for this community'. Jack has given un­ told hours to Exeter’s betterment and the mark of the man is the fact he Disasters do run in threes Who Can Afford Help? never complains behind anyone’s back. We’ve had enough experience with him to know that when he finds fault with what you’re doing, he’s going to draw that to your attention and not join the guy on the street corner who hasn’t enough gumption to get to the source of the matter. It was particularly noteworthy that Jack set a few people straight this week when he stated rather emphatically that he was among those who had no worry whatever that in­ coming mayor, Derry Boyle, can capably fill the task. And, as we’ve done on many occasions in the past, we’ll second that, Jack. While Ken Ottewell and the writer crossed paths over the town hall issue, it was one of the few* times in which there has been occasion to argue with his clear thinking. Ken never shunned controversial issues and usually beat back his detrac­ tors with sound arguments that left them speechless. His leadership in looking about the community for areas of concern will be missed on council. It may come as a surprise for some local citizens to learn that Wally Bur­ ton is retiring. Probably many of them didn’t even know he was a member of the planning board for the past five years. Wally has always had a low profile in public matters, but has probably had more input into town affairs than most would realize. He was often been sought out for his sound advice by local leaders, a fact mentioned by Bruce Shaw at last week’s banquet. In his quiet, unassuming way, Wally has served the community well, and we know that he will follow the other retirees in providing assistance whenever asked in the future. Two lines best taken with a grain of salt: “Your cheque is in the mail.” “I’m from the govern­ ment. I’m here to help you.’’ Canada’s small business­ men may buy the first story. But they sure don’t fall for the government aid routine. According to results of a membership opinion survey conducted recently by the Canadian Federation of In­ dependent Business, small businesses would generally prefer no help at all to gov­ ernment “assistance”. The survey — conducted in every part of the country — asked CFIB members to iden­ tify their principal sources of business advice. The vast ma­ jority turn to their account­ ants and lawyers first. A sec­ ond substantial group relies on its suppliers. And trade associations and other small businesses are also important But virtually no small busi­ nessmen use the government- funded institutions. Not that there’s a short­ age of government programs purportedly designed to help small business. There are so many programs that govern­ ments have departments to do nothing but keep track of the other programs. And none of these pro­ grams is cheap — or particu­ larly effective. Only 3 per cent of the Federation’s members have placed pri­ mary reliance on the federal agencies (including the Fed­ eral Business Development Bank). The provincial agen­ cies attract only about 1 per cent of the CFIB’s members. University and community college business schools — also heavily funded by gov­ ernment - work with only another 1 per cent. In other words, taxpayers’ mopey used for bureaucratic programs doesn’t contribute to a better small business en­ vironment. Small business­ men don’t like bureaucracy and they don’t trust civil ser­ vants. But that shoiild come as no surprise. Why should the government’s track rec­ ord in managing its own af­ fairs inspire confidence in any reasonable business man­ ager? Interestingly, the most val­ ued sources of assistance do not cost the taxpayers a nic­ kel. Governments would, therefore, be well advised to scrap their current bureau­ cratic horrors and work di­ rectly with the trade associa­ tions that smaller businesses already find worthwhile. Trade associations know their members’ needs, they know the potential of the in­ dustry — and they are not part of the civil service. Business schools should be reorganized to truly re­ flect the requirements of small business; currently, the business schools specialize in turning out big business-ori­ ented administrators. The savings could be pass­ ed along in tax cuts for small business; tax cuts always work wonders in the business community. Cut out paper­ work, bureaucracy and waste — three millstones around business’ neck. Government’s heart is in right place. But actions speak louder than words. “Think small" is an editorial message from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business 55 Years Ago The Exeter Juniors are grouped with Clinton, Seaforth and Milverton in the O.H.A. The annual shoot under the auspices of the Hensall Gun Club, of which Mr. J. Passmore is manager was held on Friday last and was a decided success. Some good scores were made. Rev. Prof Potter of Vic­ toria University delivered a very eloquent and forceful sermon along education lines in James Street Church on Sunday morning. Messrs. Harold Gower and Emerson Roeszler of Crediton have returned from the west where they helped with the harvest. Rev. W. E. Donnelly gave his popular lecture on “Marriage: the Pike’s Peak of success” in James Street church on Monday evening and ’there was not a dull moment in the whole en­ tertainment. 30 Years Ago Reeve B. W. Tuckey has announced his retirement from municipal office after 11 years; two years as councillor and nine as reeve. Explosion of a waxing cloth which she was wiping across the kitchen stove caused burns from finger to elbow to the arm of Mrs. Clarence Datars, Zurich. Mr. and Mrs. William Morley served a dinner to friends on Thursday to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Milton Webb was elected president of Dashwood Hockey Club at a meeting in Hayter’s Garage Friday night. At the Exeter Lions Club supper meeting it was decided to sponsor the United Emergency Fund for Britain and the sum of $500 was voted to head the list. 20 Years Ago A total of 18 inches of snow have blanketed this area since Saturday bringing to 38 inches the total for the past two weeks. Temperature according to Centralia’s Met Section have stayed well below 20 degrees. Joan E. Thomson, former SHDHS student and now a fourth year student at Macdonald Institute Guelph was the winner of the Adelaide Hoodless Memorial Scholarship for outstanding proficiency ii} all phases of her studies during the first three years of her course. Over 1,000 toys, repaired and painted by members of RCAF Station Centralia’s Fire department are being distributed to Children’s Aid Society, Goderich and or­ phanages in London this week. 15 Years Ago The T.A. Choristers under the direction of Ronald Heimrich are busy with engagements as the festive season approaches. The two new trustees elected to Hay Township School Area this week are Ian McAllister and Ross Turnbull. Both hope to seek an alternative to the Zurich school addition for con­ solidation of elementary education. A group of young singers has recently formed the first choir in many years at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Hensall. The choir is directed by Mr. Fred Broadley and is composed of Marion Roberts, Kathy Anderson, Cathy Roberts, Susan Broadley, Brenda Lavender, Jim Roberts, David Jackson and Clark Forrest. Keith Hodgins, son of Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Hodgins, Centralia recently was awarded the Rho Alpha Kappa trophy for proficiency in the radio course at RyersOn Institute of Technology. So, in his inimitably stupid way, her old man agreed (why doesn’t she move to Vancouver?) And in his ineffably idiotic way, her old man started worry­ ing about her safety. The old Dodge — it’s only eleven — requires a combina­ tion of jockey and a tractor driver to handle it. So the old man, to cut a long story to ribbons, spent dollars $125 in a check­ up and repairs so that his baby wouldn’t cream herself on highway and leave said old man with two grandchildren to faise. Just hang in there. The saga has barely begun. All you’ve got so far is background. It gets worser and worsen Saturday morning, Old Eady and self having breakfast before setting off for city to deliver old Dodge. Self breaks tooth while eating toast and jam, leav­ ing him looking like a stand-in for Dracula. However, dentists being the robber barons of the new efa, doesn’t even phone one. Cheerily Sets off for city, tongue flicking like a snake at edges of ruptured tooth. Old Dodge runs down highway like a rocket. Enter city. Enter Disaster Two. Ori ohe of busiest thoroughfares, suddenly no brakes. NO' brakes. Checked out the day before. Red light comes on. Self, with nerves of steel of old fighter pilot juggles stick If anyone can tell me why disasters run in threes, I’ll be happy to listen. And don’t think I’m superstitious, because I’m not. I know from experience. During the war, it used to happen on my squadron. We’d lose three pilots in two days, and then none for ten. And then three more. During the peace, it was the same. One night my wife would give a black eye for some inexplicable reason. The next day, one of-the kids would come down with appendicitis or something. And the third day I’d get a parking ticket for parking in the same place I’d parked for weeks, free. v Last Saturday was no exception. We were delivering our older car to my daughter, in the city. She had finally obtained a position —- not a job, mind you — as a secondary school teacher. For one month. But she has to commute for an hour and a half, at each end of the day. That’s a pretty hefty commute, es­ pecially when you have to cope with two of the wildest boys in Christendom, at each end. So, in her inimitably modestand self­ effacing way, she phoned her old man (collect) and suggested he loan her the old Dodge, market value $150, real Value about $500, sentimental value about $12,000. This would cut her com­ muting time to forty minutes. judiciously between forward and reverse and comes to rest, unharmed but shaking like proverbial leaf, against bumper of car on sidestreet. There’s only one thing more hair- raising than a car without brakes, and that’s an aircraft without brakes. I’ve been through that caper too. But in a car, you can always throwthething into revetseYou might tip out the transmis­ sion, but you'll stop. In an aircraft, there ain’t no reverse, and you hit the ground at about 100 miles per hour, with several tons of metal. The only brake is the end of the runway, which can be a bit hairy. Anyway, got the old Dodge stopped. A delightful young Englishman, who lives on the quiet sidestreet on which I came to fest, saw my predicament, and gave great aid and comfort. He checked out my master cylinder, which for all I knew, was in the trunk, and there was fluid in it. He suggested I try to make a garage, two blocks away, by driving in low gear, with him driving right ahead to act as a buffer. Tried this and panicked When horns started hooting viciously. He took me to the garage, insisted on waiting until I was served, Com­ miserated with me over the $14 towing — Please turn to Pagc,5 Amalgamated 1924 Pvblithed Each Thurulay Mornihg at Exeter, Ontario Second Clait Mail Megi»tration Number 0386 Time* Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 imes - Advocate! SERVING CANADA’S BEST FARMLAND C.W.N.A., O.W.N.A. CLASS ’A' and ABC Published by J. W. Eedy Publication* Limited LORNE EEDY, PUBLISHER Editor — Bill Batten Assistant Editor — Ro»s Haugh Advertising Manager — Jin*» Beckett Composition Manager — Harry DeVries Bustnesi Manager — Dick Jongkind Rhone 235*1331 (♦CNA SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $11.00 Ret Year; USA $22 00 Shop at Home