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Clinton News-Record, 1977-05-05, Page 4PAGE 4—CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1977 What we think` 75 cents versus $30 It seems rather ironic that at one meetin§, Clinton council can give themselves a pay raise ranging from 50 to,90 per cent, and yet nothelp children from town attend a worthwhile pre- school nursery at a cost of 75 cents per day per child. Council, except three people - Mayor Lobb, and Reeve Macaulay and councillor McKay :-.decided not to help the Tuckersmith-Vanastra Day Care Centre, that in the end will deal a severe blow to town -township relations. We don'ttleny that council nes the pay raise. They work long and hard hours for their small pittance, and when averaged out, they were making less than the minimum wage con- ducting business for a corporation with assets of several million dollars. But what we object to is their at- titude towards the Day Care Centre, and the concept behind it. In this day and age, many families must have both parents out working, and to deny that fact would be dreaming•of things the way they were 20 years ago. A backward step indeed. Beside looking after children all day, the day care centre provides a useful learning experience for pre-school children and they benefit greatly from it Now that Clinton has turned their nose up at Tuckersmith, how do they expect the township, or for that matter, any other township to co-operate on any other area project such as recreation? We have put municipal relations back three years in just one night. $20 million waste Ontario Premier Bill Davis' call for a provincial election on June 9 is one colossal' mistake, in our minds. We just went to the polls 18 months ago to elect a government and already We are being asked to vote again, and for no good reason,, Davis says he needs a majority to run Ontario properly, but as far as we can see, minority government in this province was the best thing that happened in years. For once, the Tories, who have reigned for 33 years, were accountable to the people each and every day, and not just on election day only once every four years. Davis talks about restraint, and then just because the opinion polls show he is up in popularity, he wants to throw away $20 million dollars, many of them our tax dollars, on a frivolous pursuit of power. We hope the Ontario voters see Mr. Davis for what he is, and on June 9 show their dislike of the Conservatives' kindergarten act. Sugar and Spice/By Bill Smiley Womens lib Some perspicacious readers ' of this column, I'm sure, have detected from time to time, a whiff, a mere essence, of what the Women's Lib movement, in its love for inaccurate epithets, has termed male chauvinism. There is usually a pig thrown in there too, for added effect, although what a pig has to do with either maleness or chauvinism is a mystery to me. Maleness is a matter of plumbing. Chauvinism in its true meaning, is supernationalism to the point of idiocy. Pigs can also be female, and I've met some lady pigs. Therefore, as people say when they're trying to stall for time, the slam "male, chauvinist pig" leaves me , completely unmoved, even a little scornful. If you look carefully you can see a definite possibility that if I wasn't careful my lip would curl, ever so slightly. Perhaps, you're thinking "Oh, here we go again; one of those looks into the murky depths of Smiley's mind. And just when we think he's committed himself to something, hell slide out from under, and tell us he really loves women, and thinks the Liberation movement is the greatest for- ward step for humanity in 10 zillion years." Well, you're wrong. I've just spent a weekend with my daughter, who has read about 800 books on Women's Lib, and comes out with such unadulterated and misinformed garbage about men and women that I have to fight back, in -the interests of truth and objectivity. I emerge from these sessions sore and raw and bleeding, but by George, I still have my heels dug in as she tries to drag me into the 21st century. To put it very bluntly and briefly, she makes me sick. She blurts out all sorts of hairy and half -formed generalizations, which I'm supposed to accept as gospel. For example. She says, airily, "Women have been oppressed all through history." This is just after I've fed one of her kids, and got the other one off to sleep by reading him six books of fairy tales. She is lying on a couch watching television, and she and her mother are drinking tea and eating cherry cake and cheese, prepared and brought,*o them by guess who. Her mother, who is about as oppressed as Attila the Hun, nods sagely. I blow up. "Crap!" I get so mad that I'm reduced to this kind of language. Poor show. "Come on, Dad. You know perfectly well that women have never been allowed to make the crucial decisions, that they've never had control of the purse strings." "Now just a minute there, you rotten kid, Just hbld it right there, Miss Smartass. My father was never allowed to make—a crucial decision in his life. My mother made them all. And he came home and forked over his pittance to my mother and she ran the whole show, financially." "That's right, Kim" commented my wife, who changes sides as it suits her. "Your Dad is the same. He can't make a decision, and if I didn't look after the money, we'd be in' the poorhouse. I even have to make out the income tax, because he'S so stupid. One year he did it, and he was out 4'2,000 which we had to pay." This kind of support I don't need. For- tunately, Kim, like every other turkey painted into a corner, rounded on her mother,, "Why didn't you get a job when we were children?" she queried, for no par- ticular reason, except to hassle her mother into a sense of inferiority. "Because I didn't need one. I was married to a man who worked 60 hours a week to provide a living for his wife and children, of whom you were one and don't you forget it. And we had a lot less then than you have now." This was one of those big swipes women can make which simultaneously take a crack at the daughter's husband, remind her that she's been a burden, establish the fact that we coped better than she does, and tries to get me on her side, two against one. It didn't work. I've been at this in- ternecine warfare too long to choose up sides. I like guerilla warfare better, sntpping from the weeds.. The old lady went on to show that she'd had jobs: doctor's receptionist; kin- dergarten teacher; church organist; pro tern editor, in which she covered a murder - suicide case. Kim was getting a little desperate'. "Yabbut, Mom, that was the old days. Look at you now. You're just a housewife." This is supposed to be the crushing epithet, the one that makes you put your head in your hands and weep, "You're right. I've never been fulfilled." But the Old Lady's getting tough, too. She retorted: "Yes! And that's exactly what I want to ,be. I like my sewing. I enjoy cooking gourmet meals. My piano students are a pleasure. Your Dad has lots of in- surance." , Kim'was fairly speechless, but blazing inside. Something had gone wrong with the whole discussion. "But how can you? I'm going to...No man is going to...They try to...You have to..." }3y this time the two oppressed women were talking so loudly and angrily that I couldn't ever hear, on the late sports news, whether the Leafs, bless their erratic souls, had won or lost. 1 tiptoed off to bed; on .my way checking that the sons of the slave mother and the grandsons of the downtrodden grannie were properly covered for the night, and dreaming of the sweet days when they could revenge themselves on those two women who were trying to destroy them by making them into little gentlemen. Member, Ontario Weekly Newspaper Association The Clinton News -Record Is published each Thursday at P.O. Box 39, Clinton, Ontario, Canada, NOM ILO. It is registered as second class mall by the post office under the permit number 0817. The News -Record incorporated in 1924 the Huron News -Record, founded In 1881, and the Clinton New Kra, founded In 1805. Total press run 3,100. Clinton News -Record i CNA Member Canadian Community Newspaper Association Display advertising rates available on request, Ask for Rate Card No. 7 effective Oct. 1, lift. General Mifiagcr • J. 'Howard Aitken Editor+,James E. Fitzgerald Advertising Director - Gary L. Heist, News editor -Shelley McPhee Office Manager - Margaret Gibb Circulation - Freda Mcleod ,Accounting • Marian Willson -t Subscription,ltates: Canada - $12 per year U.S.A. - $15.50 Other -$f8 Single Copy • 25c :r fr n'r'fl:•i•:;•4 rj: : `a�r�� .: � n � r. •oo.. o. 'aria . •`,:... ���� r ' ...,��.� �•. ��%�/'••,-'::�� "1'm trying to decide between an offer from the unemploymentcployment insurance commission and one from the welfare department." Odds 'n' ends -- by Elaine Townshend Almost stumped When I woke up this morning, I felt ambitious. I couldn't drive anywhere, because my car was in the garage. The- sky hesky threatened rain, and when I opened the window, the air felt damp. The weather didn't encourage walking. "This is my chance!" I thought to myself. "If I want to go away for a few days in May, I'll have to write some extra columns in April, and today is the day I'll start." After breakfast, I sat down at my typewriter. The only sound was the hum of the kitchen clock. From the window, I noticed the street was almost deserted, and nothing was happening to distract my attention. The morning seemed to be a perfect time for me to concentrate on writing. What happened? Nothing! I stared at the typewriter for 20 minutes, but no ideas came. Suddenly, I remembered the advice in the writers' manual: "If you have trouble starting to write, jot down anything that comes into your mind - a shopping list, a letter, anything to start ideas flowing on paper." I began listing the groceries that I needed, but then I asked myself "Dummy, why are you wasting ink on a grocery list? You can't go shopping today, -and you never -remember to take the list anyway." My stack of unanswered letters presented a more worthwhile plan, but after writing three letters, I still had no ideas for a column. Thus I switched to the theory: "A change is as good as a rest." 1 hemmed a skirt that had been waiting for three weeks and that I probably won't wear until July. While I sewed, I listened to lively music, hoping the beat would stimulate a flow of thought. It didn't. During lunch, I watched .two game shows on TV to take my mind off my problem ; perhaps, I had been con- centrating too hard. I even washed my breakfast and lunch dishes, thus straying from my firm belief that dishes should be done only once a day. Occasionally, when the phone rings, I'm irritated because it causes an in- terruption. I'm sure you've all had similar experiences. However, today I welcomed the friendly ring, and I chatted longer than was necessary. During the conversation, the blank sheet of paper in the typewriter stared at me. Around three o'clock, I remembered the pile of dirty clothes in the closet, and being a stern conservationist, I hurried to finish the laundry before four. After supper, I relaxed in front of the television until eight o'clock. Then I decided the foolishness had to end. "You've got to get down to business and write something before the whole day is wasted," I told myself firmly. "But first I need another cup of coffee." I finally resumed my position in front of the typewriter with the sheet of blank -'"paper staring defiantly back at me. Just when I considered giving up, I recalled another tidbit of advice from the manual: "Write what you feel." n. It is now nine o'clock, and I'm writing a column abournit being able to write a column. From' our early files . • • • • • • l0 YEARS AGO May 1, 196 The teenagers of the area . showed up the adults at the Red Cross Blood Donor's Clinic on May t0. Of 182 students who offered to give their blood, only ten were rejected. In the evening only 62 adults showed up at CHSS to give blood, and most of these were previous donors. In all, 214 pints of blood were taken. Bayfield plans to improve its arena by adding washrooms, dressing rooms, a large committee room, increase the skating area and install kitchen facilities. The roller skating committee has provided over 100 pairs of skates, a refreshement booth 'and purchased a record player for music. It is proposed to raise $15,000 solely through 15ublic subscription to help with the costs. Volunteer labour by men of all trades and an anticipated grant 'will con- tribute greatly in keeping ,costs down. :'5 YEARS AGO May I, 1952 Mayor G.W. Nott called a special meeting -on April 28 to discuss the proposal of financing a new public school. The school board presented a resolution to the town council proposing a $310,000 debenture for the con- struction of the school. It will he payable with an interest rate of five percent per an- num over a period of 20 years After some discussion between the board and the council, Reeve W.J. Miller and Alderman C.W. Draper were appointed to work with the boy -,d on the school project. Clinton District Collegiate Institute also hopes for some construction work. The growing student body has shown a need for an addition onto the school. ,The 180 students are now bing crowded and an ad- dition would include a storage room for caretakers' equipment, lockers, washrooms, dressing rooms and administration offices. At. the present time, the caretaker has little cleaning equipment and the students must all share four cloak rooms. Students must pass through the dressing rooms to reach the washrooms and the school has insufficient space to conduct projects and labratory experiments. The present office is the headquarters for the prin- cipal, secretary, file cabinets, telephone booth as well as the cloak, room for' the seven men teachers. A native of Usborne Township was featured speaker at the 16th annual Farmer's Night in Clinton. Sponsored by the Lions Club, the Rt. Hon. J.G. Gardiner, Canada's Minister of Agriculture spoke on agricultural surplus and the country's relations with the United States. He gave a clear and concise picture on the agricultural problems facing Canada, including: foot and mouth disease in cattle, the close of the American market, the loss of the United Kingdom market and the crisis facing the cheese producer. Martins Department Store in Clinton has summer dresses in stock. This largest selection in Huron County is priced from $3.95 to $6.95, and are all guaranteed washable. 511 YEARS AGO May 5, 19= According to the latest reports, there will be no .,liquor stores in Huron County. However with the prevalence of cars, a "dry" area won't mean as much as it did fifteen or twenty years ago. There hasn't been any announcement as to when the sale of liquor will begin, but the city stores will be the first established since they contain a higher percentage of thirsty people. This will definitely mean something to the temperance people. Departmental examinations will begin on June '20 and will conclude on July 5. Subjects in tht middle and upper school exams include literature, chemistry, geometry, British history, physics, composition, algebra, ancient history, music, French, Latin, Ger- man, Greek and Spanish authors. Harry M. Case was given approval by the town council to use the evaporator property for a term of ten years as a free tourist camp. The council also approved a fire station for Little England. 5 YEARS AGO -May 2, 1902 A recent rise in meat prices is being felt across the country. In Toronto not long ago, sirloin steak of the tenderest kind could be bought for 15 cents. Now it costs 20 cents and the customer must not complain if he finds:ae has lugged home a bit of bone. Round steak was 12 cents and now costs 17 cents and prime ribs are no longer under 16 cents. June 26, Coronation Day is to be made a public holiday. It is said that this may be permanent, but Victoria Day should suffice for, the time. With Dominion Day four days later, this would disturb business too much to meet with the general approval. 100Y ' RS AGO ay 3, I8;; Last e ening , many eyes Force Dear Editor: The present furore in Canada over the purchase of aircraft for the armed forces brings to mind the fact that in Bible prophecy the struggle for supremacy between the "king of the north" and the "icing of the .,south" is outlined. The prophecy notes that the "king of the north" worships "the god of for- tresses that -is, military might based on scientific technology. - Daniel 11:36-43 The current struggle for supremacy between the What you think .Trust were turned towards the sky to view a streak of light that was drawn, like a comet, clear across the sky, from east to west, bearing nor- thward. The aurora borealis was light in the north, but this arch was completely separate from those lights. It was no doubt part of the northern lights, but it was a strange phenomenon. Peter Grant, of hay fork fame, left for New York, on Tuesday, with the intention of placing his invention on the market in time for the har- vesting operations in the Eastern States. C. Cartwright of Stratford, will be. at the Commercial Hotel, Clinton, the first Thursday and Friday of every month. He will insert teeth in the latest style and teeth with exposed nerves will be treated, filled and made as good as sound ones. Communist forces led by the Soviet Union and , the democratic "forces led' by the United States parallels that prophecy. And in recent months many have suggested that the Soviet Union is in the process of surpassing• the United States in.a number of vital military categories. "Parade" magazine's "Intelligence Report" makes this comment: "The new edition of `Jane' All the World's Aircraft', published in London, claims the Soviet Union is vastly superior to America in military aviation. Minister upset with Hydro Energy Minister James Taylor said last week he is upset by Ontario Hydra's proposal to increase the wholesale cost of electricity by- 11.3 per cent and called on members of the public who share his concern to make their views known to the Ontario Energy Board. "I will be sending the proposal to the Board as a matter of course in June," Mr. Taylor said. "That's the place the kind of close scrutiny I want will occur. That's the place where any increase will have to be justified. For myself, I thirik it's a most inappropriate time to be considering any rate in- crease, given our present economic circumstances and the fact that many people are having a difficult enough time as it is. "The Ontario Energy Board will be holding public hearings on this proposal. And, of course, there would be no increase from this proposal in any event until 1978," he said. Dear Editor: After attending the Board of Education meeting on April 25th, I was appalled to Bink . that members. of the oard, —;a11 , principals, teachers, and most trustees would be in favour of the controversial books being taught in the High Schools: All evening the teachers, principals and board members were referred to as "professionals" and "responsible" people and parents were urged to "trust" the teachers. How can you trust teachers who unanimously agreed that these authors were so great and loved and their writings were of great value? With the exception of one or two trustees, not one person permitted to speak, spoke against these books. If these authors are so great, why do they have to resort to such blasphemous and filthy language to make their point? What kind of minds do they have? Many stated that you ,have to trust your children. Why should they be subjected to language like that in the first place? Is this a place of learning? If these books are educational requirements, then where is education heading? Joan Cornish, Clinton Kinettes Dear Editor: The follow,.ng letter was received from Carol Bowker, president of the Clinton Kinette Club. a Dear Carol: It was with great pleasure that I read the wonderful record of the Kinette Club of Clinton in a recent edition of the Bastion Bulletin, published by the Kinette Club of Nanaimo. b .;, hearty congratulations - 1 am familiar with Clinton since I used to spend my 4 summer holidays there as a teen -ager -that would be 60 to 65 years ago. At that time my uncle, Dr. C.W. Thompson was mayor. In looking over the list of Past Presidents of the Clinton Kinettes, I noticed the name, Alice Rumball. . The name Rumball brought back rich memories of my early childhood in Hamilton, Ontario. A young lady, Mary Rands who married a Mr. Rumball years later, looked after me. I have called on her more than once in Clinton. If Alice happens to be related - through marriage, I would love to hear from her. I am still active in Kin and have a record of 35 years perfect attendance, one of the three survivors of the original club. Kinettes are an integral part of Kin. Without the Kinettes, Kin would not have survived, as they, too, have made sacrifices comparable to that of Kin., With every good wish for a richly rewarding year. Sincerely in Kin, Trevor Thompson, Hon. Governor, District 5, Founding Member of the As`sociation, Hon. Kinette of the Nanaimo Club, B.C. J.W.S. Taylor, respected editor of `Jane's' says there is great doubt that the U.S. can match the Soviet Union in conventional warfare at this time. Regardless of the relative milijary position of these two "kings", it is apparent that the prophecy of Daniel is undergoing fulfillment at this time. It accurately foretold that the Communist "king of the north" would be deter- mined to develop its military potential as a means of in- fluencing world affairs. It remains to be seen to what extent this "king" will be successful in doing so before God brings the entire system of things to its end. - Daniel 2:44; 11:44 A.S.V. Something to think about, eh? C.F. Barney, Clinton News -Record readers are encouraged to express their opinions in letters to the editor, however, such opinions do not necessarily represent the opinion3 of the News - Record. Pseudonyms May be used by letter writers, but no letter will be published unless it can .be verified by phone. • 0 • i