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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1994-06-29, Page 44—TM* HURON IXPOSITQN, June fl, 14$4 EHuron sitor Your Community Newspaper Since 1860 TERRI-LYNN DALE - General Manager & Advertising Manager MARY MELLOR - Soles PAT ARMES • Office Manager DIANNE McGRATH - Subscriptions TIM CUMNING - Editor • DAVID SCOTT - Reporter UNDA PULLMAN - Typesetter BARB STOREY • Distribution A Burgoyne Community Newspaper SUBSCRIPTION RATES: LOCAL - 28.00 a year, in advance, plus 1.96 G.S.T. SENIORS - 25.00 a year, in advance, plus 1.75 G.S.T. Goderich, Stratford addresses: 28.00 a year, in advance, plus 7.28 po,pgg , plus 2.47 G.S.T Out-Of-Areo addresses: 28.00 o year, in advance, plus 11.44 postage, plus 2.76 G.S.T USA 8 Foreign 28.00 a year in advance, plus 576.00 postage, G.S.T. exempt SUBSCRIPTION RATES: • Published weekly by Signal -Star Publishing at 100 Main 5t., Seaforth. Publication moil registra- tion No 0696 held at Seaforth, Ontario. Advertising is accepted on condition that in the event of o ypographical 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 pod for of the applicable rate. In the event of o typographical error, advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell and moy be withdrawn at any time.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 ond undeliverable copies ore to be sent to The Huron Expositor Wdneaday, June 29, 1994. Editorial and Business Offices - 100 Moire Street, Seaforth Telephone (519) 527-0240 Fax (519) 527-2858 Mailing Address - P.O. Box 69, Seaforth, Ontario, NOK 1W0 Member of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association, Ontario Community Newspapers Association and the Ontario Press Council Editorial Take charge of spending Opinion Canada, land of lost opportunity Canada Day makes me sad. It makes me think of what could have been...the great country Canada could have become. Don't take me the wrong way, Canada is still a great country. I just wonder how long we can limp along with no idea where we're going, arguing with each other, bitter at each other, quarrelling like spoiled children in a sandbox. We are both the luckiest people on earth and the stu- pidest. Despite years of political stability, richness in resources and being named the best place to live in the world...we start telling other parts of the country, "We don't need you." We are even willing to create economic instability and lower our stan- dard of living just to enjoy the childish glee of thumbing our noses at Quebec. Although we already suffer from a minuscule little popula- tion base we are convinced we can tell more than 20 per cent of our population to "go take a hike." Its absurdity would almost be comic if it weren't so tragic. The national celebration of Canada Day didn't alwayl bring out these melancholy feelings. As a young person, I was always proud to see the Cana- dian Maple Leaf. I grew up in the afterglow of Expo '67, with the prospect that the 20th cen- tury would indeed belong to Canada, just as Sir Wilfrid had predicted. Gordon Lightfoot could inspire pride as he sang the epic words of Canadian Railroad Trilogy. In those days one could take a train almost anywhere in Canada and old Sir John A. seemed like he had been a pretty wise son -of -a - gun, after all. The CBC was making exciting "This country has a sickness..." drama like The National Dream, Riel, A Gift to Last. They were stories of our history, of who we were. Canadians seemed prepared to try a grand experiment in cul- tural understanding and linguistic duality. On the world stage Pearson and Trudeau demon- strated that Canada could, at times, be independent from the United States. I lived through the Referendum and I felt sad as I saw the hopes of many Quebeckers crushed when their dream of a nation died. It was my wish then that we would never again have to see another vote like that...yet today, we once more face the prospect of dividing the greatest nation on earth. The railway is just a nostalgic memory. Canadians have decided to embrace the intoler- ance of our southern neighbours and we have become cold to our francophone brothers and sisters. Economic uncertainty has drained the life -blood from our national soul. We turn to slot machines to fund our way to prosperity. We are a nation at war with itself. Our past leaders were the endearing Stanfield, the sym- pathetic Clark, the charismatic Trudeau. Today? The tired Chr6tien, the humourless Man- ning, the cold Bouchard. Politics used to be a passion in this country. Today, we lump our leaders together and say "they're all incompetents and liars." We're wrong when we say that...but there's no arguing with that negative thinking. It's a sickness. Yes, that's what it is. This country has a sickness. We have let the plague of division, the cancer of hate, the MDS of racism, eat away at our national will. We have done a better job of destroying this great country than any external enemy ever could have. Can we end this sickness? I don't see how...it's too deep. One day we will look back and say how could we have let something so beautiful slip away? I would like to wish you Happy Canada Day..; while I still can. Just when things were looking up...interest rates are back on the rise. Is it an aberration, a blip on the economic screen? Does this ..; spell the end of a weak recovery? It's too early to tell whether to hit the panic button. One thing is certain, however...Jean Chretien and his high -flying Liberals have to put the brakes on govemment spending. If it wasn't bad enough the American greenback is dragging down the Canadian Loon...our country is portraying itself as politically instable at the worst time. Economic experts had predicted that Canada was poised to see some of the highest growth in the industrialized world. That seems unlikely now as interest rates accelerate our debt crisis and political infighting makes -Canada look bad to world investors. The new Canadian Prime Minister, and his Finance Minister Paul Martin, have made some controversial spending cuts but they have shown a reluctance to effect the wholesale govemment downsizing which is now required. Higher interest rates could suffocate Canada's prospects for a strong economy. Cutting spending now would send a signal to the world's money lenders that the Canadian economy is on course for stable growth. The Canadian Prime Minister currently enjoys relative popularity and has shown great political maturity by not letting himself be drawn into a no-win unity debate. His moderate, don't -get -excited approach has served him well in the political arena. Unfortunately, in the economic field Canada doesn't need stay -the -course, centrist government. It needs drastic changes to the way govern- ment does business. FIael Make it a happy Canada Day, Jean. Take charge of govemment -Y ,, . ; • spending. - (TBC). This photo of the Seaforth Fire Brigade comes from the programme for the Seaforth Old Boys held in 1924. Seaforth will again be celebrating a Homecoming from August 3-6, 1995. Letters to the Editor Immigrants to Canada should not change Legion traditions Dear Mr. Editor, I feel like 1 should go out and plant a tree today, for I have used pages and pages of paper trying to edit my own thoughts to something 'printable,' expressing my agitation over the turban issue and Legion - bashing. Customs and religion have been with us all our lives and arc part of our Canadian Heritage. Now, we have some folks, who left their country and customs to immigrate to Canada, who are challenging some of our traditions and want us to change • to accommodate them. How dare they? We Canadians are too "O.K., anything to keep you happy" people. It's time to say "No, if you don't like it, too bad!" I do say "Welcome" to new Canadians, enjoy our beautiful country, enjoy our customs and keep your customs if you choose to, but don't step on our toes and admonish us, calling us racist because we want to retain our ways. You are now in Canada. When I was somewhat younger than 1 am now, 1, a Presbyterian, was invited by my Catholic friends into their church, but, "please put a handkerchief on your head." I thought this seemed rather foolish, but in respect to my friends and their church, 1 did it, and I expect those who choose to come to Canada to respect our Canadian ways, whether it be Royal Canadian Legion dress code or allegiance to the Maple Leaf. "While in Rome, do as the Romans do." Who said that? - the Pope? T.B,C., ask a Shriner about his fez. It is an honour and privilege for him to wear it and is as import- ant to him as the turban is to the Sikh. I have been to many Shrine ceremonials and in the event we were going into a Legion Canteen - not a hall - the fez was left in the car. There may be exceptions. T.B.C., you say "Legion hall" in your editorial. The arca in contro- versy is not the Legion hall, it's the canteen or bar arca where only members and guests are permitted. The hall is open to anyone who rents it. Will this become a "rights" issue too, if the branch chooses not to rent to the Holstein calf club to show their calves? Sometimes I think Pierre should have dropped the Human Rights Charter into the Atlantic Ocean. "A move to respect religious traditions of others would be her- alded by many," you say. You are right, I agree we should accept and respect other religious beliefs, but this isn't about religious freedom, this is about respect for the Royal Canadian Legion. The Legion is not a religious order, although many lessons are learned there and many blessings said. If a Sikh chooses to have the privilege of being a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, he can apply and if he meets the member- ship requirements and can in good conscience pledge to uphold the bylaws of the branch, only his own beliefs would prevent him from becoming a member. I think it's time to say "Whose rights are being trampled on now?" Recently, I've heard two people say "Boycott the Legion." What a rid- iculous statement! One was our Minister of Defense, David Callinette. I think he needs to shake his head and get his brain into gear. I don't need to state here the ser- vices and dollars donated to the local community by Branch 8156. , Boycott the Legion"- Get real, David! Yes, T.B.C., I hope the local Legions reflect on the policy that they democratically voted on at Calgary and let their conscience be their guide, not a group who ques- tions the way the Legion respect their fallen comrades. Be proud Canadians - support your local Legion. Jean Ross Reunion Summer reading in Seaforth The official arrival of summer signals the beginning of the Huron County Library Summer Reading Program. The 1994 Program will be continuing with last summer's successful theme 'Trade Up To The Book Leagues.' All children ages 5 to 12 are invited to participate. Seaforth Branch Library - Tues. July 5 and 19, Aug. 9 and 16 at 2 p.m.; Brussels Branch Library - Thurs. June 30 to Aug. 18, 4 p.m.; Clinton Branch Library - Fri. July? to Aug. 19, 10:30 a.m. To fit in with the sports theme, various branches wilt award, children with Author Trading Card. - when they read a certain number books. Similar to baseball cardtl, author cards contain the audio?* photograph, vital stai1 ' - afld list of his or her moat ' Some branches will special draws for The program is Huron County a Challenge Summer'` Errant Departmenxperiencet ofGBmpidygl4nl Immigration Canada, Visit your local public libtilcjr for more 'details. 1 ---ll Priest thanks people of local area Fr. J. Henry Cassano expresses his thanks: Sincere thanks for all your prayers and love. In one of the letters that I received, from a very dear friend of mine, he said, "It is not easy for priests to move from one Parish to another, starting all over again making new friends." It seems to me that we priests are getting used to such moves, making new friends. As for myself, 1 can truly say that wherever I went or had been assigned by my Bishop, I always found out the majority of people were warmhearted and accepted me, despite all my weaknesses. 1 have a great love for all people - Catholics and Non - Catholics alike. Letters Many a time I feel disappointed with myself, for many things I intended to do, but for some reason I failed to do. But 1 never give up. I try all over and all over again. To me, that's what counts mostly - our good intentions, to try and try again, at all times. I am leaving with mixed feelings. I could sense the trust that many of you put in me. I am a priest for all people's service. I boast of being a service to you - the people of "Thank you..,for so many things." Seaforth and surrounding areas. Let me share something that I said 13 years ago, on my 25th anniversary of my priesthood. "Thank God for you (Catholics and Non -Catholics) and for your gentle- ness and love and thank God for calling me to live as His minister. Where else could we be able to speak to one another as we do and have people hungry for what we have to say! Praise God for direct- ing me to this beautiful ministry." If I needed some proof of His love forme - here it is -tobc totally surrounded with so much beauty, of honest, concerned and caring people of Seaforth and surrounding areas. Thank you once again for so many things - for the privilege of sharing your lives - for letting me be a part of your families - for accepting and loving me as your brother. My life is much richer and fuller because of you. Everywhere I turned I found love and friendship and I will always be grateful for it. I know that I am a better priest because of you, which took care of me, protected me and most of all never stopped loving me. God bless you and protect you always. Your Priest & Friend, Fr. Henry Seaforth cricket team badly beaten FROM THE PAGES OF THE HURON EXPOSITOR, JULY 6, 1894 Mr. Fred Clarkson and Mr. Otto Groff have laid aside the pedagogue's birch for the summer and are home for the holidays. eec Mr. Will Bethune arrived home last week from a trip to Duluth on the steamer 'United Empire.' ••• Our cricketers went down to Stratford on Monday to play a match with the club of that town and were badly beaten. At Goderich the Beavers won in the lacrosse match in the easiest possible man- ner. JULY 4, 1919 Mr. William Rihn, the well- known farmer and stock man of this township, took a sample of flax grown on his farm, to the Canada Flax Mills, Seaforth, on June 2A. Mr. S. T. Holmes, Undertaker, has secured the services of a first- class motor hearse to be used at any time when desired, ••• Pte. O. McCormick arrived home from overseas on Monday night. ••• Mr. James Gillespie, son of Mr. and Mrs. Neil Gillespie, Louisa Street, was first in the Katour list in In the Years Agone the 2nd year Civil engineering course at the School of Practical Science, Toronto. ••• Pte. Harold Deem returned to Toronto this week to undergo treat- ment at the military hospital. ••• Rev. Mr. Scott, who has just returned from overseas, was a Peat at the home of Mr. John Scott, Roxboro, this week. JULY 7, 1944 lister M. Janet, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David McConnell, of Dublin, made her final profession of religious vows on Sunday in the chapel of the Maryknooll Sisters' Motherhouse in Maryknooll, N. Y. ••• Letters were received by the Seaforth Overseas Committee from these local boys in the Armed Ser- vices: Don Dale, H. A. Whittaker, K. T. Adams, Stewart Geddes, F. C. Grieve, Evan Rennie, P. B. Bannon, D. Hoggarth, Glen Smith, Cleave Coombs, MGeorge Crich. • • Stewart Love, son of Mr. and work rectae rLova, Thckersmith, last dis- charge I�+� �'�militia dudes. He enlisted with the R.C.R.'s at London, In September, 1939, train- ing there and also at Camp Borden. He went overseas the following summer and trained in England in a Motor Transport Corps. Mr. and Mrs. James A. Nichol, of Exeter, were officially notified that their second son, L. Cpl. Gordon Ivan Nichol, died in France on June 1 cause of death being yet unknown. He was in his 25th year, L. -Cpl. Nichol was born at Bluevale, and in 1921 moved with his parents to Grey Township, where he received his primary education and his high school edu- cation in Brussels. In June, 1941 he enlisted and in November of that year went overseas. Surviving are three brothers overseas: Alvin, in Italy, and Wilfred and Lloyd in France, and one brother, Arnold, at home. ••• Sgt. Kenneth Keating, RCAF, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Keating, Seaforth, received his wings as an air bomber at the graduation exer- cises held at No. 4 O.S., Crumlin, on Friday, June 30th. JULY 3, 1969 Sale of the Stedman store in Seaforth to Walter Westcrhof of North Bay was announced this week. «•• Catherine Phillips, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tony Phillips, recent- ly graduated from Stratford Teacher's College and has accepted a position at St. Francis School in Kitchener. Della M. Wallace, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wallace, RR 4, Seaforth, has recently graduated from Stratford Teachers' College and has accepted a position in Wallaccburg. Mary Anne Philips, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Phillips, has graduated from Stratford Teacher's College and has accepted a teaching posi- tion in Stratford. Gerda Willems, daughter of Mr. John Willems, RR 4 Seaforth, recently graduated from Stratford Teachers' College. She has accepted a position with the Huron -Perth RCSS Board and will teach in Holy Name School, St. Marys. ••• First prize at the Lions Summer Carnival went to The 8th Day, a Seaforth band including Eamic Putman, Allan Carnochan, Silby Jessome, Doug Hildebrand and Paul McNab. .Il 4