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The Wingham Advance-Times, 1966-12-08, Page 9Wingham Needs More Homes ee47/ dillefear, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 4'17 .07#00,/ iff'; KW/WA /WA iF r ,11 r-f'' 5 PI' A51(Chni 714 IlIrCilarif 1.` .0 7u5 TiitIRS.PAV OCC 41 Phi e4/^1,1 RADIO ,ver, 43. UP FOR GRABS — This 1937 Plymouth coupe will be offered to the highest bidder, subject to a reserve bid, at the Kinsmen Radio Auction tonight. The car is in beautiful condition and according to the Kinsmen, it runs like a top, If you're in the market for this heirloom remember the radio auction; just call 357-1310 any- time after 6.30 this evening. —Advance-Times Photo, ebt took= Vitianct&Zintto Wingham, Ontario, Thursday, Dec. 8, 1966 SECOND SECTION Obviously the recent Sunday hockey game was an open breach of the Lord's Day Act. But this is only an open breach of what is a more subtle re- jection of a high order of Christian convictions, The trend in relaxing the so-called "blue laws" is unfortunately discriminatory. If we become lax in some areas should we not be logical and consistent in saying, "Let's go all the way." Sunday bowling now reserved for the few -- let's make it wide open and nor discrimin- ate. The theatre, why dis- criminate against the theatre- owner -- let's encourage Sun- day movies. There are surely working people who would like to shop on Sundays (to some, this is relaxation) - then let's open the doors of our stores, banks, utilities. Why favor the few who can financially belong to clubs and associations to 'en- joy' the Sunday features? But when all of this is done, we have lost the ideal of what was so earnestly contested in earlier days. A day when man may be given rest, a day that might be spiritually profitable as a family finds worship and fellowship within the context of the family unit. The break- down of the Lord's Day is with us. Most alarming, however, and a sad commentary on the municipality of Wingham, when the municipality itself gives the lead in just such a breakdown. The ministerial does not in- tend to lay charges against any individual for a violation of the Lord's Day Act, but feels, as a body of ministers interested in the spiritual welfare of the community, that such activity on the Sabbath Day is unneces- sary and if continued will tend to lead to further involvement of people having to be deprived of their day of rest. This ob- viously necessitates the right of franchise in order that the peo- ple may express their desires in this matter. This letter comes with the full support of every member of The Wingham Ministerial. of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Work- man, Morris Township. Wireless Gunner R. C. Bar- nard of Bluevale has successful- ly passed his wireless examina- tions receiving 80 per cent. He received his propellers and will shortly commence study for his wings. DECEMBER 1952 Knox United Church, Bel- grave, was the setting on Sat- urday at 2.30 p.m. for a local wedding of interest, when Shir- ley Anne Chamney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Cham- ney of Belgrave, was united in marriage with John Samuel Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Thompson of East Wa- wanosh Township. Rev. Chas. D. Cox officiated. Four members of the Wing- ham District High School board made a trip to Toronto and Queen's Park last week. They were Frank Thompson, chair- man of the board; Jim Arm- strong, vice-chairman; Les For- tune, Turnberry and Andy Mc- Tavish, Teeswater. The influx of pupils into our public school has made it nec- essary to enlarge the teaching staff, which now numbers 13. Principal T. S. Beattie, who teaches Grade VIII, must also look after the countless admin- istrative duties connected with his staff and the student body. Members of the staff and the grades they reach are: Miss Myr- tle Deans, Grade VII; Mrs. Grace Webster, Grade V; Mrs. Velma Shera, Grade IV; Miss Phyllis Johns, Grade II; Miss Agnes Williamson, Grade I; Mrs. Vera Elliott, kindergarten; Mr. A. J. H. MacDonald, Gr. VI; Miss Verna McLaughlin, SUGAR AND SPICE by Bill Smiley Then, at the crucial moment, when it's time to get cracking, and there isn't a minute to lose, they have to shave their legs, or paint their toenails, or change their girdles, or put their hair up or down. Last summer, I covered more miles pacing up and down hotel rooms, waiting for them, than I did on our transcontinental trip by plane, train and car. Now, if I'd been taking my wife and/or daughter with me last week end, it would have been about as simple as setting up the United Nations. Write and reserve a hotel room. Write and get tickets for a show or concert. Make elaborate plans for meeting each other for lunch in the city. after our chores were done. But this time it was differ- ent. I tossed a pair of socks and an extra shirt in a bag, and took off with a light heart, but a sober face. The sober face is essential. Everytime I get away from her for a day, my wife fears that I'm going on some Bacchanalian hinge, As a result, I have to lay the groundwork. Serious talk about business conferences, seeing a lawyer, maybe taking in a good shoe:, and getting a good night's sleep in a good, con- BRAKE BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR TURN Anticipate braking require- ments and start slowing down a good distance ahead of a con- templated turn. A turn on ice at high speed can throw your vehicle into an about-face skid, and brake-locked wheels can slide you through an intersec- tion or down a hill, out of con- trol! Grade III; Miss Edith Beacom, Grade II; Miss Jean Pennington, Grade IV and V; Miss Grace Golley, Grade I; Mrs. Marie Douglas, music superintendent; caretaker, Roy Manuel. servative hotel. "Good" is the key word. And, of course, I always have to do some of these things, or I'd never get away. I had ":wo business meetings, one with a publisher, one with a syndicat man. Both were completely un- necessary, but pleasant, like most business meetings that in- volve writing. I skipped the lawyer bit. Not much fun in seeing one's law. yer. Substituted for a smug stroll past the big, phoney Christmas windows of the big department stores, secure in the knowledge there were no wild horses or women around to drag me into the manic inte- riors, Somehow, wound up at the Press Club, where an eloquent and learned discussion was tak- ing place about something or other. Joined it. Some time lat- er, discovered it was some time later. Whizzed up by cab to see col- lege boy son. Not at home, as usual. Now seven o'clock. Time to find a hotel, No rooms any- where. Bunked into a sordid, old dump I used to stay at in war-time. Cheap. Picked up hot salami sand- wich, ate it on way to theatre. Got a dandy seat, saw a great show, went back to hotel. Ate huge slice of rare beef while watching an entertainer, B a r closed, entertainer packed up. Not sleepy. Went to coffee house, paid two bucks for half-cup of lousy coffee, en- joyed Irish singer whining about the wrongs of dear old Ireland, Artist wanted to do sketch of me for six dollars, then three dollars, then one dollar. Bought him a coffee and discussed hard life of an artist. Back to hotel, still not sleepy, NJ TV in this dump, so watched neon signs, read morn- ing paper, went to bed at 4 a.m. Rose at 9 to rumble of buses. clear-eyed, cleansed of sin and feeling about 69. Now, how could you do all those things with a couple of women, or even one, trailing along? HRISTMAS STORE HOUR IN CONSIDERATION: CLOSED CHRISTMAS EVE at 6 p.m. CLOSED - MONDAY, DECEMBER 26 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27 OPEN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, DECEMBER 28 CLOSED - MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1967 STARTING DECEMBER 7th OPEN EVERY WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON OPEN EVENINGS 'TIL 10 P.M. FROM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 TO FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 OPEN ONE FULL WEEK UNTIL 10 P.M. FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE Merry Christmas - WINGHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION. f. Wingham is a disheartening town to move into. Scarcely a week goes by with- out some inquiries at our office from people who want to rent suitable housing accommodation in the town. Some of them come back with the same request five or six times. In all too many cases they eventually settle for a home in some neigh- bouring municipality and drive to work each day. A recent survey of the need for low rental housing in the community brought forth only some thirty-odd applications, and many of those were from older peo- ple, Thus the official figures will belie the true state of housing needs. Taking note of the persons who inquire about rental housing, we have come to the conclusion that the greatest need is not for low-rental homes, but rather for accommodation in the middle-price brack- et. A majority of those who seek infor- mation are school teachers, salesmen or.„ others with better-than-average incomes.. These people are quite prepared to pay the sort of rents that are required for corn- fortable living accommodations, but they find that only by accident will they. lo- cate what they are looking for. We have come to the conclusion that if more middle-rent houses were available the low-rental needs would take care of themselves, for many who are now living in small houses would be glad to vacate The city of Toronto is carrying out an interesting program, which only a couple of years ago was merely an experiment. At that time young trees were planted along the sidewalks on Front Street for a distance of several blocks. By last sum- mer the foliage was healthy and the trees were thriving in their environment of con- crete and exhaust fumes. Now the city is going ahead with a similar program along King, Queen and several other business arteries. The im- provement in the appearance of the streets which have been planted is truly amaz- ing. The harsh and ugly outlines of com- mercial structures seem relieved and soft- ened by the greenery and the once ugly streets have become pleasant avenues. Several varieties of trees have been found suitable for such plantings.. Small plane trees were first used because their suitability had been proven in London, England, over several years. In addition they have now planted linden and some varieties of low-growing oaks. All are do- ing well. The young trees are planted in open- Once again the House of Commons has been stopped, in its tracks by the revelation that some forty Members have placed themselves in a doubtful position by ac- cepting fees for appearances on CBC pro- grams. It has been pointed out that the law of the land states no member shall accept fees from any government-operated business or commission — and if so the Member's seat in the House is forfeit and he is liable for a penalty of $200 for each day that he unlawfully occupies the seat after infringement of the law. The man who b-ought up the point is technically right, if his interpretation of the law is correct. But what is the pur- pose of getting into a debate over the ques- tion? Obviously the infringements were in ignorance of the law and should be One of the facts which has emerged from the recent inquiries into the high costs of foods is the evidence that one factor which contributes to high prices is fancy packaging. To the casual reader this statement may be unclear. Most grocers will tell you that the packaging of foods in individuel clear plastic wraps after they arrive at the store does not increase costs. In fact, they say, it is more eco- nomical to do this wrapping in advance than at the point of sale, and the wraps cut down on waste. The expensive packaging which was referred to at the hearings was the color- ful and glamorous sort which is done by them for something more suited to their higher incomes. It is a bit difficult to understand why private capital is so scarce for housing purposes. In most Ontario communities there has been a decided boom in house building during the past ten years—much of the expansion having been on a specu- lative basis by builders who were con- fident that good homes would readily at- tract sound tenants or purchasers. Though there has been a steady growth in Wing- ham during the same period, it is now evi- dent that it has failed by a long way to keep pace with the needs of the com- munity. Of course new houses cost a lot more than they did fifteen years ago, but the level of rents has risen accordingly. Good apartments and homes are bringing prices in Wingham well in line with similar ac- commodation in London or Toronto. Is it 'possible that the lack of homes betokens a lack of faith in the future of the town itself? If so, there is little justification because Wingham is one of the more for- tunate centres as far as employment is concerned. Many neighbouring communi- ties are quite envious of the job oppor- tunities we have available here. If potential home builders are waiting for better times before investing, they may be waiting in vain. ings made by lifting one square of con- crete in the sidewalk and placing the proper soil mixture in the hole. The var- ieties of trees used do not grow to great heights, perhaps no more than 10 or 12 feet at most. We don't know whether or not such a project would be feasible in. Wingham, but if so it would certainly transform the main street into a much more attractive place and would be a matchless evidence of our interest and pride in our home' town. If such a planting program could be coupled with at least a start on the Nor- wich plan, the whole business area of the town would take on a new look—and the business potential might well be doubled or tripled. It may be significant that the mer- chants of the town of Listowel are suf- ficiently interested in their own future to be taking a serious look at the feasability of employing the Norwich plan in their business district. overlooked with a clear understanding that they shall not recur. The breach of law certainly does not entail graft or corrup- tion in any sense, and expelling forty members would necessitate a general elec- tion. Instead, we are likely to be treated to another of those endless debates in the House, at a cost of many thousands of dol- lars a day, while the more serious aspects of government business await settlement of a childish point to be wrangled over for possible party advantage. Surely the Canadian public has been overdosed with this sort of partisan poli- tics during the past two years. It's high time our $15,000-a-year representatives left off back-biting and got down to business. the manufacturer to increase sales—and it works. Despite the fact that fancy-wrapped foods are higher in price, the appeal to color to the housewife is so strong that she continues to pay through the nose. Several chain store executives admitted that the package or container is often more costly than the food inside the package. However, let's not confuse expensive packaging with straightforward advertis- ing. The gaudy package adds nothing to the value of the merchandise, but legiti- mate food advertising provides the custo- mer with reliable and necessary infor- mation about grades, weights and prices. The Editor, Advance-Times. Dear $it; May we make use of the good offices of " Letters to the Editor" to express our concern as to a trend that is taking place within our community. The members of the Wing- ham Ministerial held a meet- ing recently and a complaint involving the question of a re- cent violation of the Lord's Day Act was brought under discus- sion. At the present time the Town of Wingham is governed by the above act and will re- main until a vote is placed be- fore the general public on this question of an open Sunday. As a ministerial we have a particular interest in the ob- servance of Sunday. We feel confident that we possess a community spirit as intense and as idealistic as those who are native born. We, too, are troubled about the youth who find themselves in "rumbles" using as their sole excuse -- "There is nothing to do V . The use or misuse of Sunday is a legitimate area or field of in- terest when we ponder the question of youthful restless- ness. It is not the purpose of the ministerial to dictate to the citizens of Wingham as to how they should live their lives on a Sunday or any other day. Nevertheless, the members feel that it is not up to one individ- ual to decide that his fellow- man should be deprived of one- seventh of his time given by God Almighty for rest. Sunday, for a professedly Christian country and commun- ity is anything but the day for rest and the observance of deep, meaningful family fel- lowship. Hockey tournaments in winter and ball in summer take our youth to other towns -- for the day. The ice of the arena is now a money-making venture for the municipality -- with a broad wink in the direc- tion of the Lord's Day Act. Mother and dad are curling in winter or golfing in summer and baby-sitters hold field day for what ultimately results in the fragmentation of the home. DECEMBER 1917 Graduates from the Spotton Business College last week were Miss Annie McKinnon and Miss Helen McLean. Miss Mc- Kinnon graduated with honors. Among the students who were enrolled this week were Mr. Fred Simmons of Gorrie, Mr. Gordon Taylor of Goderich and Miss Violet Glahn of Kincar- dine. Mrs. Maxwell received a letter this week from her son, Ross, in which he states that he has been transferred to the For- estry Corps and is working in Central France. Pte. C. R. Coultes a return- ed hero, is visiting with his sis- ter, Miss Mary Coultes at the home of their uncle, Mr.Thos. Dean. Mr. Richard Clark returned home from the West where he has spent the summer. He likes the West and will return in the spring. DECEMBER 1931 At a meeting of the O.E.S. Lodge'held on Tuesday evening the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Worthy Matron, Mrs. J. A,Wil- son; Worthy Patron, Mr. T. H. Gibson; Assoc. Matron, Mrs. W. S. Mitchell; Assoc. Patron, Dr. R. Stewart; secretary, Mrs. E. J. Nash; treas., Miss Mary Pattison. DECEMBER 1941 It is the intention of Hanna & Co. Limited to open a popu- lar priced Ladies Shop in the store formerly operated by the Colborne Ladies Shop. Mr. R. Yuill, who was CNR station agent at Belgrave for twenty-seven years prior to the station being closed and who has since been agent at Paisley, has been appointed to a similar position at Thedford. Gnr. J. Chas. Wellwood who is attending a special of- fice course at Military school, Windsor, was home for the week-end, A quiet fall wedding took place in St, John's Anglican Church, Brussels, when Rev, F. Watts united in marriage Jean- ette Mary Agnes, only daugh- ter of Mr, and Mrs. Fleming Grainger, of Grey Township, and Charles Lloyd, second son it it Toronto Shows It Can Be Done Another Silly Mess to Fight Over Fancy Dress Costs Money THE WINGHAM ADVANCE - TIMES Published at Wingham, Ontario, by Wenger trot, Liniited. W. Barry Wenger, President - Robert O. Wenger, Secretary-Treasurer Member Audit Bureau of Circulation Member Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association. Authorised by the Post Office Department as Second Class Mail and for payment of postage in cash. Subscription Rate: i year, OM; 8 months, $2.75 in advance; U.S.A.. $7,00 per yr.', Foreign rate, $7.00 per yr. Advertising Rates on application. had a ball It's amazing how much a chap can accomplish when he gets off on his own for a day. With a shave, a clean shirt and a pure heart, a man on his own can see more and do more in 18 hours than a family can in 18 days. Last week end, I re- confirmed this theory, which I have held since I got married. I had a whole day, a wild and wicked day in the city all by myself, No work; no domestic bliss; not a single crisis to solve for 24 hours. Last summer, I traveled about 6,000 miles, but I didn't seem to get anywhere. The rea- son, of course, was that I had along my wife and daughter. Women complicate things be- yond measure, and sometimes almost beyond endurance. In the first place, they never know what they want to do. Before every excursion, there's a two- hour discussion about: what shoes to wear; where to eat; what show to go to; whether we have time for both or should we eat later; how much it's going to cost; what time we should get to bed; and why it will probably be a lousy eve- ning anyway. News Items from Old Files