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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1994-04-13, Page 44 -THE HURON EXPOSITOR, April 13, 1994 Expositor Huron • Your Community Newspaper Since 1860 TERRI-LYNN DALE - General Manager & Advertising Manager MARY MELLOR - Sales PAT ARMES • Office Manager DIANNE McGRATH - Subscriptions eNA TIM CUMMING • Editor DAVID SCOTT - Reporter 11NDA PULLMAN - Typesetter BARB STOREY - Distribution A Burgoyne Community Newspaper SUBSCRIPTION RATES LOCAL - 24.00 a year, in advance, plus 1.68 G S T SENIORS 21.00 a year, in advance, plus 1.47 G.S.T. Goderich, Stratford addresses: 24.00 a yeor, in advance, plus 7.28 postage, plus 2.19 G.S.T Out -Of -Area addresses. 24.00 a year, in advance, plus 11.44 postage, plus 2.48 G.S.T USA & Foreign 24 00 a year in advance, plus S76.00 postage, G.S.T. exernpISUBSCRIPTION RATES. Published weekly by Signal -Star Publishing at 100 Main 51., Seaforth Publication mail registra- tion No. 0696 held at Seoforth, Ontario. Advertising is accepted on condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rote. In the event of u typographicol error, advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods ar services may not be sold. Advertising is merely on offer to sell and may be withdrawn at any time. The Huron Expositor is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduction purposes. . Changes of address, orders for subscriptions and undeliverable copies are to be sent to The Huron Expositor Wednesday, Aprli 13, 1994. Editorial and Business Offices - 100 Main Street, Seaforth Telephone (519) 527-0240 Fax (519) 527-2858 Mailing Address • P.O. Box 69, Seaforth, Ontario, NOK 1 WO Member of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association, Ontario Community Newspapers Association and the Ontario Press Council Editorial What's in a name? What's in a name? This is a question many farmers may be asking with the Ontario government's decision to add 'Rural Affairs' to the name of the 'Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food.' For rural residents the 'OMAF' moniker has been familiar. We have understood what it means. However, the Ontario govemment has decided the familiar OMAF will be changed to reflect the Ministry's new duties to deal with rural affairs. In true government fashion residents will have to adjust to a new name, try to understand this new direction and likely expect an expens- ive new logo and reprintings of Ministry letterhead. A new focus on rural affairs may sound like a positive move for a Ministry which should be concerned with farm life, on and off the farm. The new 'OMAFRA' may, however, be more than an expensive sales pitch. If added_responsibilities and restructuring limit the services to rural residents then 'OMAFRA' is doing less for rural affairs, not more. Agriculture is one of the least -equipped sectors to handle government cutbacks...but if it must take its blows then at least the government should be honest about it. Is the new 'Rural Affairs' ministry a bonus for rural areas or a disguised cutback? These are the hard questions the Ontario government should answer. Adding a new name doesn't, in itself, provide the Ministry with the means to implement a better rural affairs policy. Farmers have jokingly (sometimes) referred to OMAF as the Ontario Ministry of Aggravation and Frustration. Hopefully they won't have to add 'Regrettable Actions' to the list. (TBC). Opinion ysters, bicycling are Seaforth traditions Everybody knows Seaforth is a hockey town. Some people even know Seaforth used to be a real baseball town (as far back as the 1800's) and a football, er, soccer town. How many people, however, know that bicycling was once all the craze here...and lacrosse. In the old days some of the sports area people might be taking part in were: • Shooting at the Brussels gun club. •Speed skating...George Baldwin took on a skater from Berlin (Kitchener) in a five -mile race in Listowel. W. D. Dawson was said to be Canada's fastest ice skater in the 1880's. He was from Seaforth. • Tug-of-war. •Lacrosse. The Seaforth Beavers were Ontario champions and in 1905 beat the U.S. national champions. . Bicycling. George Baldwin was also proficient at this, as he was captain of the Seaforth cycling club. He rode from Stratford to Goderich and return in less than nine hours. One Seaforth news report says "The bicycle club are laying plans to give a big bicycle meet m August at which some of the best riders in America will take part." •Hose reeling. The Seaforth firefighters of the late 1880's were the world's best. Yessiree, this was a sports town. Seaforth wouldn't hesitate to take on Toronto in a game of football or Guelph in baseball. Sports weren't the only things done differently here in the old days. There were lots of local activities which were common in the 1800's which are rare indeed today. One of the old-time social events was the Oyster supper. People would gather together to eat oysters like folks might join for a card game today. It was also common to have a public speaker sponsored by the Christian Temperance Union or a debate by the Seaforth Mechanics' Institute. Other events would take place at the Young Men's Christian Associ- ation. Now, weddings weren't the same as today. It's funny when we hear young fiancees yearning for an 'old-fashioned church wedding.' Well, many of the old-time weddings were modest affairs, held with little fanfare in the middle of the week. The crowds were usually small and the wedding often wasn't even held at church but at home. Whoever says things stay the same in Seaforth should read the old accounts...they'll find big changes in Seaforth's sports and social history. Anyone for oysters? On Monday night if you live in Seaforth there may be a knock at your door. Don't turn off your lights or hide or wait for the person at your front door to go away. It's likely a volunteer taking part in the one-night blitz to fight can- cer. My parents weren't there t0 see me graduate from journalism school because of cancer...but I don't need to tell you about its tragic effects. You have seen them. The Canadian Cancer Society doesn't have all the answers, that's for sure. The cancer mon- ster sometimes seems so huge we wonder if it's worth the effort to try to combat it. But there are small victories to be won against this awful condi- tion... I think any small advance towards understanding this ter- rible disease and every helping hand we extend to a cancer patient to make life more bear- able makes the work worthwhile. Please find it in your heart to give a donation, even a small donation to this cause. We've got to get together and do what we can. Blyth appoints General Manager The Blyth Festival Board of Directors confirmed the appoint- ment of Susan Moffat as general manager for the Blyth Festival, effective April 25. An experienced theatre adminis- trator, Moffat has most recently been the general manager of North- ern Lights Theatre in Edmonton. She also brings to Blyth her con- siderable experience gained during six seasons as the assistant to Strafford producer Colleen Blake, and as an administrator for the Canadian Actors' Equity Associ- ation. "It is an exciting time in the history of the Blyth Festival and I am eager to be part of its success," said Moffat. The 1994 playlist includes two world premieres (Bouncing Back by Susanne Finlay, Glengarry School Days by Anne Chislett), a W.O. Mitchell favorite (The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon) and the return of a Blyth classic (Ted Johns' He Won't Come In From The Barn). JNTEIM1[/ONAL POLL R97E1 CANAD/A/VS 1//GN /I/ 0111)PIN%5 - Spectator praises Midgets, blasts Dear Editor, To whom ever will listen: I am writing this letter in response to the recent minor hockey series between the Seaforth Midgets and their opposition the Alymer Flames. If I am alone in my opin- ion then at least I have voiced it, but I have reason to believe that some of the other hundreds of spectators may share my insight. Having come through the Seaforth Minor Hockey system quite recent- ly, I have experienced the hard- working coaches, the pressure from family and fans to be victorious and the ever-increasing conflict between rivals. What I never 'have experi- enced is the extent of the profane language used, the spitting -on of players from the opponents' par- ents, the use of water guns, the taunting and gesturing to the rival city (and it wasn't the '#1' sign), the abuse of fans by "law enforce - 1 Letters to the Editor ment," and the fisticuffs in the stands that were all present in this series. I really question the whole minor hockey system, and mankind, when the sport of hockey is reduced to dispersing saliva on another person or a fan serving a five - knuckle sandwich to someone who doesn't share his or her beliefs. I can not prove this but I heard from my grandfather that at one time they played hockey for FUN! How are we supposed to raise our youth to cope in an increasingly - complicated world when they see these images in the stands, or they are made to show their sportsman- ship by shaking hands at the start of the game. Are we telling them that if you get the "Good game" or "Well-done" phrases out of the way at the first of the game that it is alright to go out there and treat your opponent like a piece of meat? Or are we telling our youth that it's easier to accept defeat if you don't have to look your opponent in the eye at the end of the game? What- ever it is we are showing them, it may not be the right image of competition that they should be getting. My image of competition does not include proving you are the superior player by beating to a pulp your opposition or your opposition's followers. What it does include is one where you are forced to be the beg you can be - because of your opposition. Although this does sound like a flaky line out of a low -budgeted film, it is, after all, the principle with which the free enterprise system in Canada is run by. This brings me to a point regard- ing the circus that was displayed by the "law enforcement" (I use the term loosely) at the final game of the series. Considering the happen- ings of the previous games, I think it was an excellent decision to have wage-earning officials at the arena to supervise the fans. After seeing the job they performed I really wonder if they were being paid to serve justice or to serve entertain- ment. Although they did do an adequate job of breaking up a "rumble", the manner in which they dealt with young wrong-do'ers was not only abusive but also tasteless and disgraceful. What must the Aylmer citizens think of small-town Seaforth when they see the youth antics in stands "1 can not prove this but...at one time they played hockey for fun." being shoved by police, and then forcefully pushed or dragged from the arena? It is scary to think that these same officials who could not deal with a few loud, excited youth in a peaceful and dignified manner are the same officials who we have left in charge to keep all of Seaforth safe. I would like to thank the force for all of Seaforth for painting that ever -so peaceful, Rodney King -picture for two or three hundred visiting spectators. Like Detroit, we have hardened, vicious criminals that must be dealt with by a firm hand and I sleep better knowing you are out there. BRAVO! I guess what this all comes down to is that we must take a good look at what our minor sports are like and attempt to restore the game to the sport. Instead of only pushing for victory, we should try to teach our youth the importance of dedica- tion, sportsmanship and the art of being a good loser. How are we supposed to achieve a world, like Bette Midler put it, with "no guns, no bombs, no disease -and no hun- gry mouths to feed" when we can't even portray the real meaning of a game - that being fun? On that note I would like to con- gratulate the entire coaching staff and Scaforth Midgets. On the ice, you all represented Seaforth well and I am sure the whole town is proud. I only wish that the events surrounding your accomplishment could have been as dignified and rewarding as was your level of play. Well Done. Brian J. Mclady Residents oppose costly 'segregation' of Catholic, public school students Dear Editor, We have recently became aware of the plans of the Huron County Board of Education and the Huron/Perth 'Catholic Board of Education to spend millions of dollars to transform part of Central Huron Secondary School into a Catholic high school. We are against dividing our school which would create a segregated setting! We want our children to continue to have the opportunity to mix with other students from a variety of religious backgrounds and beliefs so that they can develop valuable friendships with neighbours in our communities, learn from each other, and grow up to value and respect all other people. This is what we have now in our Secondary Schools and folks, plans arc well underway to spend millions of dollars to pro- mote segregation in our high schools. There is a public meeting planned by parents and students to take place on Tuesday, April 19 - 7:30 p.m. at CHSS. There will be Letters representation from both boards and we will expect clarification and answers around our concerns of segregation, funding, proposed renovations, etc. This letter is a plea to all parents, students teachers, trustees and other interested citizens of Huron County to come out and get the facts and hear all of the pros and cons. Many decisions and plans have already taken place without the knowledge or input of the affected students, teachers and parents. Do you want segregation or our present system of integration in our secondary schools? Wayne & Esther Cantelon RR4 Seaforth Brian Tricbner, Audrey McClennan; Barb Durand; and Dave & Cathy Mustard. Sergeant FROM THE PAGES OF THE HURON EXPOSITOR, APRIL 20, 1894 Mr. John Hart's valuable and stylish driver got badly cut, with some broken glass, while exercising in a vacant lot the other evening. People should be more careful and bury such rubbish, instead of throw- ing it on the street or in their neighbour's lot. s -s i Messrs. Mullett & Jackson have obtained all the necessary tools and equipment for a bicycle repair shop, which they will establish above their hardware store. ••• Mr. E. Dawson, wholesale liquor dealer of this town, got a full car load of bottled ale this week. This docs not look as if Mr. Dawson were afraid of Prohibition in the immediate future. ••• Professor Gustin, the magnetic healer, is at present in town. ••• Messrs. Broadfoot, Box & Com- pany have in their warerooms, in this town, a beautiful six hundred dollar side board. It is well worth seeing. It has been sold to a Montreal firm. safe after reported In the Years Agone APRIL 18, 1919 Lance Corp. W. J. Cleary, of the 47th Battalion, who recently returned from overseas, left this week for Assiniboia, Sask. He was accompanied by his brother, Mr. J. J. Cleary, of Seaforth. ••• Mr. Norman Butcher, of Wingham, who went overseas with the Hurons, but was later trans- ferred to the Cameron Highlanders, is visiting at the home of his cousin, A. A. Naylor. Mr. Russel Best, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Best, of town, who recently returned from overseas, has gone to Toronto, to resume his studies at Osgoode Hall. ••• Barbara Sproat R. N. Arrived home Monday evening after spend- ing over a year and a half in Waco, Texas, and Camp Meade, Baltimore, Maryland, in the Ameri- can Red Cross nursing service. APRIL 21, 1944 One egg that will take a lot of beating was produced on Wednes- day by a Barred Rock hen in the flock of Mr. I. H. Wecdmark, of the Collegiate staff. This egg measured 7Y. times 5 15/16 inches and weighed 93.560 grams. Can you beat it? Mr. and Mrs. Robert Beattie, of Londesboro, have received the glad tidings that their son, Sgt. Leslie Beattie, RCAF, is safely back in England, after being reported miss- ing since February. He was an air gunner in the RCAF. APRIL 17, 1969 There is nothing to prevent princi- pals of arca separate schools from using the strap it was revealed at a meeting of the Huron -Perth separate school board in St. James' Separate School Monday evening. ••• Scaforth council acted Monday night to open West William Street onto Duke Street on a permanent basis thus reversing a decision taken by last year's council and rejecting planning consultants' recommendations for the develop- • • missing ment of the arca. The motion by Deputy -Reeve Cuthill and Reeve Flannery fol- lowed defeat of an earlier motion by councillors Dinsmore and Moggach seeking to have gravel removed from the new kerbs at the end of the street. ««• Seaforth firemen were called to two grass fires Monday afternoon within an hour of each other. The first was at the farm of Russell Bolton in McKillop, the second about the same distance south into Tuckersmith at the farm of Alistair Broadfoot. «•• 1 he annual Variety Night which was presented on Friday was a great success again this year. The drama club performed the play, 'I Never Said A Word - But,' which featured an all -girl cast including: Barbara Bryans, Darlene Elligsen, Margaret Elligsen, Nancy Forrest, Terry Kunz, Beata Malkus and Mary Anne McLean. The staff advisor was Miss Joan Fatten and Jim Rowatt, Cynthia Newnham, Starr Fischer, Doug Phillips, John McGrath, Mary Bewley, Brenda Bewley and Karen McDonald were in charge of the sets.