No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1978-03-30, Page 4PAGE 4—CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978 What we think 1111111I1111111111111111111111NI10110111111111111111116010111111 Hostages in Huron Hostage taking has come to Huron County. We have 4,500 of them - young, in- nocent and extremely vulnerable. Our secondary school sons and daughters are being held, not at knife-point but at pen -point, by the approximately 273 teachers of our five high schools. The ransom to the onlooker is hard to un- derstand and for the Huron County School Board, harder to pay. To the watchful eye of every y con- cerned parent, what started out as a mere rift between the powerholders of education has now widened into a chasm almost too deep to bridge. It is certainly not "trivia" as one spokesperson for the OSS F T referred to it this week. Meanwhile, it seems arlesson in life to see the valiant efforts of these young students endeavouring to find a way to succeed while their educated elders squabble over mickey mouse issues. As it nowAseems crystal clear that neither side will9 ive, then it should become as clear to the ministry of education that this is its cue to step on to stage and quickly p�t an end to this hostaetakin9 dra before the graduation year of 1978 becomes a tragic memory for the high school youth of Huron County. — by Peggy Gibb This is freedom? 0' The majority of Canadians probably do not realize the extent of police powers in this country. For example, there are 945 RCMP officers in Canada who possess blanket search warrants allowing them to enter anyone's home at any time if they think there may be something illega! going on. The officers keep this power usually for the duration of their careers, once obtained from a court, and unlike regular search warrants, once issued, the officer does not have to show anyone grounds for suspicion before he enters private property. He can use force if the resident refuses entry. There have been a number of in- stances in recent years where this special writ of assistance has been abused. Innocent Canadians have suffered the embarrassment, even terror of middle -of -the -night house searches. A year' ago, federal justice minister Ron Basford told the House of Com- mons that there were too many of these special warrants around and that !le was concerned about their' abuse. Most observers felt that Basford was preparing to do away with such wide - sweeping unnecessary police powers, but apparently the minister has changed his mind. Instead of legislating them out of existence, he is proposing some ambiguous "safeguards" which so far have not been specified. These "safeguards" may come in the form of allowing courts to use some discretion in issuing the warrants, but they would probably do nothing to erase the frightening kind of power which almost 1,000 officers in this country now have. Canada is considered a free nation by its inhabitants and the majority of nations in the world. The question is - how "free" are we in reality when federal police may enter our homes at any time, regardless of whether there are reasone grounds or not? While the government maintains that blanket warrants are an effective tool in fighting crime, are they worth the price of jeopardizing individual freedom? The Soviet Union thinks so. Nazi Germany felt that same way. The statement, "It became necessary to destroy the city in order to save it", comes to mind. — from the St. Marys Journal -Argus Sugar and Spicc/By Bill Smiler Adiea big brother If you missed a column recently, it was because my big brother died, and between making arrangements, phoning family, and emotional exhaustion, I didn't have much heart for turning out a column, the first time I've missed in about 25 years. . It's not that I went around weeping and tearing my hair. V don't do that in the Smiley family, although I've nothing against it. It's just that when one of your immediate family goes, it makes a gap in your own life, whether you were close or not. And it's also a reminder of your own mortality. My big brother was five years older, and, naturally, something of a hero for me at times. He got all the good looks in the family: six feet tall, blond curly hair, strong white teeth, a great physique. He was a top athlete in high school. He passed, kicked and ran on the football team, and set a high jump record that lasted for some years. So you can imagine that little brother often basked in reflected glory. Because of the age dirference, he hung around with a different crowd, but he was kind to me, and did for me a lot of things fathers are supposed to do with their sons. Like playing catch, showing me how to stick -handle a puck, letting me help gather sap and make syrup, and one glorious day about this time of year, allowing me to fire two shots at a tree with his .22. I was about 10 and it was some big deal. He had a strange sort of life, because he was a combination of doer and dreamer. He was a young man in the latter part of the Depression, and it was a bad time to be a young man, in some ways. His first job was in a bank, at a miserable pittance. He was like a young bear in a cage. With some kindred spirits, he left the bank, they bought a Model T, and with a few dollars each, they headed north. He went into hard -rock mining and within a year was a shift boss, making big money for the times. He liked the hard rough work and play of miners. I remember the first time he came home from the north, for Christmas, huge, hearty, laughing, with generous presents for all, and to the horror of his young brother, whiskey: on his breath. Funny, that memory. He was never much of a drinker. Came the war, and he joined early, ob- taining a commission in the Engineers. He went overseas with the body of young Canadians who were to spend the next three or four years training and frustrated in damp old England. Next time I saw him, he was almost dead. I had just arrived in England, a young sprogue of a pilot, and was informed that big brother had been blown up by a land mine. I went to the hospital, as I did again more than 30 years later, and found him in rough shape. The shrapnel from the mine had almost cut him in two, and he was still picking bits of it out of his skull and body just before he died. But the medics patched him up -=and within months he was out squiring the nurses around the local pubs, minus one eye, but very much alive. The three Smiley brothers got together fairly often for weekend leaves in London. To the disgust of my little brother and I, big brother would try to organize everything for us, treat us with paternal pride, and try to keep us from sowing too many wild oats, which we were only too keen to do. A year after the war, he and I got married, within a few weeks of each other, and our wives struck up a close friendship. Then I was off to the dull safety of university and he was off on a series of bizarre and adventurous jobs. First it was away up to Port Radium on Great Bear Lake, to mine pitchblende for radium. Then he worked as a construction boss for some quasi -government agency, in Southern Ontario. Next he bou.ght a well- driller's rig and got into that. Turn to page 7 Clinton NewsRecoi'd ABC •\� j::.ti•: �: � �•••{; f•}:.�f..1��;J �;.�N:• f4;}l. if .!� "What's the April 1st postage increase going to be for — the delivery or the storage?" Odds 'n' ends - by Elaine Townshend Still looking I know I was disorganized, but I didn't realize how badly until I began cleaning my filing cabinet, which contains copies of my columns and stories and ideas and information for future topics. I didn't tackle the job because I was suddenly siezed by a streak of ambition or by an attack of spring cleaning fever, but simply because I couldn't put it off any longer. The cabinet sits conveniently near the desk and the telephone ensuring that information is at my fingertips when I want it. But, in recent weeks, finding a certain item in a hurry had become difficult, if not impossible. My foolproof system of filing everything alphabetically had failed and I knew why. Usually I filed a column or story, ac- cording to the first letter in the first word of the title. But sometimes if the story was about a person, I used thg first letter in his or her last name and occasionally the first letter in his or her first name. Therefore, a story with a title beginning with the letter "A" might end up in the "V" section or the "k" section, depending on my mood. I paid for my inconsistency. When needing an article for reference I looked in the most logical places first, then in the less logical ones and finally in the most unlikely places. Inevitably I rummaged through the whole drawer proving time and time again a frustrating fact of life: If you start looking at the front, what you want is at the back; if you start at the back, what you want is at the front and if you start in the middle, you go the wrong] way. By the time I found what I was looking for, I was too rushed or too angry to figure out where it belonged. I just shoved it into the miscellaneous file and when one miscellaneous file over- . flowed, I began another one. It was a vicious circle. One night last week I decided enough was enough and I attacked the confusion with- a vengeance. One file led to another; one drawer led to another, and one cubby-hole led, to another. For three evenings and one morning, I doggedly sorted and filed and after each session my fireplace blazed with useless and out -dated information. I found some interesting things though - carbon copies of stories and columns I had given up hope of ever seeing again, old letters I can't remember answering and family pictures taken at Christmas that I hadn't seen since New Years 1977. I packed some correspondence into a box in the storeroom "to be dealt with later," and the rest of the material I neatly and systematically filed back into the cabinet. Now I can slide the drawers open smoothly without fear of loose papers flipping out at me or bulging files jamming the drawers. There is a place for everything and everything is in its_ place. But I still can't find anything. .From our early files . • • • 5 YEARS AGO March 29, 1973 According to the Toronto Star and Contemporary News Service, former Huron MPP Charlie MacNaughton will become chairman of the Ontario Racing Commission next week. A nominating committee was appointed by the Huron County Board of Education at its meeting on Monday night to bring in a nomination to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Jack Rid- dell. Mr. Riddell, the newly elected provincial member of parliament for the riding of Huron, along with Clarence McDonald, represented the Town of Exeter and the Townships of Usborne and Stephen on the Huron Board. In other business the board received resignations from two public school principals and a secondary school vice principal. T. Stewart Beatties, principal of Wingham Public School since 1942; J. A. (Bert) Gray, principal of Clinton Public School since 1956 and Morley C. Sanders, vice- principal of South Huron District High School at Exeter, all retire on August 31. This is it. The final weekend of hockey and skating will close the Clinton Community Centre for another year. Next Monday, the ice will be melting, putting the end to hundreds of hours of hockey, skating and figure skating that 'is e tradition in Clinton during the winter months. Miss Betty Moss of Auburn was guest at a bridal shower at the home of Mrs. Paul Moss of Goderich. Miss Doris Nay9or read the address of congratulations and gifts were presented by Heather Maclnnis, Sandra Maclnnis, Ousan McClinchey, Lorraine M'cClin- chey and Nancy Moss. Miss Betty thanked her relatives for the gifts and lunc>rsivas served by Mrs. Paul Moss and Mrs. John Moss. 10 YEARS AGO .1,14 March 28, 1968 The two remaining men on the Clinton section of the Canadian National Railways, each with 45 years service, retired last Thursday. Stewart Taylor, section foreman and Wilfred Jervis, sectionman, both 65, will be replaced by two former Clinton residents, Terry Elliott and Tom Deeves. The night previous to the men's retirement someone broke into their "shanty" to fit it with some appropriate decorations, When Mr. Taylor and Mr. Jervis arrived for work they found their jigger bearing the placard "Last Patrol - Stu and Wilf, 1923-1968." The placard remained on the car for the last patrol to the east and west ends of their section. It was then removed and placed in the waiting room of the Clinton Depot. Diane Murphy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Murphy of Clinton seems to be having a ball in the surf and sunshine down Bermuda way. She is enjoying the first of five 1968 College Weeks sponsored by the Ber- muda government. Paintings by Mrs. Henry Young, a Clinton artist, are on display in the Clinton Public Library and will remain'for two weeks. Librarian Mrs. William Blacker reports that similar displays by different area artists will be shown at the library throughout the year. One of the few remainpng en- signs of the now defunct Royal Canadian Air Force was presented to the Clinton branch of the Canadian Legion. Stewart Freeman, branch 140 president, accepted the ensign from Colonel E. W. Ryan. The Canadian Forces Base Clinton has previously presented ensigns to Legion branches in Windsor and Sarnia. With the unification of Canadian armed forces the old RCAF ensign has become un - functional. 25 YEARS AGO April 2, 1953 March had its own little share of highdriay traffic accidents, perhaps most memorable "-of events in the motorist's memory was the frantic rush to get licences to drive. However, important in its own way, was the decision - by the Ontario Legislature to boost the minimum age of drivers from 15 to 16. This is to combat the in- creasing numbers of accidents involving young drivers and an attempt to cut down on the total number of accidents in the province. Tough luck kids but no doubt you'll have a better chance to live to be grown up and other folks probably have a better chance at longevity too. Notice: I take this opportunity of informing you that 1 will not be able to plough any gardens this spring. Thanking you for your patronage in the past, Bob Elliott. Mrs. David Dewar has sold her attractive home and farm on the north side of the Bayfield River to Alf Scotchmer Jr., with the ex- ception of a lot east of the orchard which she has retained. Mr. and Mrs. Alf Scotchmer Jr.' have decided to retire from the summer tourist business (originally owned by W. A. Mustard) which they purchased from J. Finch and Son in the spring of 1948 and operated successfully since that time. They expect to move to their new home in the late spring or early summer when they have disposed of their present home and business. 50 YEARS AGO March 29. 192R This doesn't seem to be much of a sap year. Maple syrup will not be a drug on the market this year. - Mr. J. T. McKnight has sold his farm in Goderich Township and is having a sale of his stock, etc., together, has purchased the residence of Mr. A. J. Grigg, Victoria Street. Closing a long, active and useful life James Walkinshaw passed to his reward on,,Siinday, being a few months past his 90th birthday. He is sur- vived by his wife and three daughters, Miss Luella of Toronto and Misses Ida and Ruth at home. Monday night's storm did considrable damage to telephone and Hydro wires, although the latter service here was unin- terrupted. The Goderich Township Telephone System suffered somewhat and com- munication with certain circuits was cut off, until new poles could be secured. The council chamber and the chief constable's office are being re -decorated and the council chamber will probably be ready for the meeting on Monday evening. Mr. D. Kay has the contract. 75 YEARS AGO T April 9, 1903 The Mases Mains, who have been engaged in dressmaking for some time, have decided to retire. They have built up a good business but a change has ren- dered imperative owing to the ill health of Miss Mains. They will take up their abode with their brother George of the Hullett- Wawanosh boundary and it is hoped that the rest will com- pletely restore Miss Mains to good health. Our local butchers are living up to a time honored custom of having an Easter display. The stocks are large and a better quality of meats will not be seen anywhere. At eight o'clock on Thursday evening it was noticed that a fire was raging in the attic of Mrs. John Steep's house. Mrs. Steep was absent at the time so those who first saw the fire or the smoke had to break in the door. An unfortunate accident oc- curred as hose reel No. 2 was starting for the fire, the reel and Mr. Harvey Davis' team colliding at the corner of the town hall. Mr. C. H. Carter was knocked over the reel, rendered un- conscious and so badly injured that he has since been confined to his house. For a while it was feared that he was hurt in- ternally, but, fortunately, such is not the case. One of the horses was struck by the tongue or wheel of the reel , had some of its ribs broken and a hole knocked in its side through which its entrails protruded. It was not at first noticed how badly the horse was injured and the team was about to be driven off with the engine when the sad condition of the poor brute was seen. Two vets patched up the wounds as best as they cduld but the horse has since had'tto be despatched. On Tuesday morning the spirit of James McCaughey, eldest son of Mr. Juhn J. McCaughey of the Commercial Hotel took its "flight. He had been ill for months, but bore his suffering with fortitude beyond his years, he was only nineteen.. 100 YEARS AGO April4, 1878 On Tuesday it took four horses to draw two tons of iron up the hill towards the Base Line. Mr. W. Holmes of Londesboro has sold his brick house to Dr. Rose for $1,500 cash, possession to be given the 1st of June. The authorities of many towns are considering the propriety of passing a wide tire bylaw, such as has been adopted in Hamilton, for the protection of their streets from being cut up by heavy loads. Such a bylaw for this town would cause a great saving in the wear and tear of the streets. Counterfeit fifty cent pieces are numerous in some portions of the Western country. Look out for them. What with eggs at 7 and 8 cents per doz., potatoes at 20 and 25 per bush., and other articles equally low, no one need complain of being unable to live tolerably well. Miss Helen McLeod of Rodgerville has completed a quilt, made all by herself, which contains 2,311 pieces, exclusive of lining. A very melancholy case of sudden death from poisoning occurred at Brussels on Wed- nesday. Four children of Mrs. Whitling, while out playing on the roadside, ate some wild parsnips. Two of them; ,aged respectively seven and eleven years died very soon after. The other two will recover. What you think 1111iII1111II11111IIIIIIIIIhII11111111I11111111III1I1111111111IIuIi Relatives Dear Editor: I am interested in securing as much Information as possible about my ancestors, and would like to hear from anv Stevens or Mannings who may have information re these branches of my family. My great-grandmother was Alice Stevens. She was born in approximately 1833, somewhere in Ontario ac- cording to the census lists.Alk Sheat least one brother had , James, 5 years younger than herself. In 1850, Alice Stevens married Lawrence Manning in Colborne township. At this time, her brother James, was also living in Colborne with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Morrish. Later he got married and continued living in Colborne. Lawrence and Alice Manning retured to Clinton in approximately 1891. James Stevens also moved to Clinton, and was living there at the time of Lawrence Manning's death in 1908. What I am trying to find out is where, in Ontario, James and Alice Stevens were born, who their parents were. Also were Ami they related to the Morrishes? Perhaps some of James Stevens' descendants are living in your area and can answer some of these questions. I don't know when or where James Stevens died, and was buried, but presume it would be at Clinton not long after 1908. Alice Stevens' husband, Lawrence Manning, was born at Bradworthy, Devonshire, Oct. 28, 1821. He came to Canada, apparently in the 1830's settling originally at Darlington, then moving to Colborne township some time before 1850. There were at least two other Manning men a bit older than him in Colborne township in the mid,- nineteenth id-nineteenth centruy, Francis and William. I am fairly sure Francis was Lawrence's brother, and possibly William was also. Lawrence and Francis's mother was Margaret. At the time of the 1861 census, she was a 72 -year old widow living with Francis. I don't know when she died. Perhaps there are Mannings amongst your readers who have further information about this family. I shall look forward to hearing from some of your readers Sincerely, Donald A. McKenzie, 246 Holmwood Ave., Ottawa, K 1S 2P9 Special Dear Editor: I would like to thank the people of .your area for the fine support we received from them at our recent Arthritis T.V. Special held on March 12th over CKNX Wingham. The public were most generous in their pledges toward Arthritis Research. I know all those who watched our program were thrilled with the excellent talent from all across the viewing area who helped to make the 1978 Special the most successful one we have yet produced, raising $16,831.00. Our appreciation to the Volunteers who manned the phones, taking pledges and passing them along to the studio. Unfortunately, we were unable to get all the pledges on the air and wish to express our regrets to those whose pledges were not read. Pledges are still being received at Box 999, Wingham and cheques should be made payable to the Arthritis Society. (Mrs.) Betty Janke Field Representative Bluewater Region, Walkerton Campaign Dear Editor: The Canadian Cancer Society is embarking on its annual campaign for funds. April is Cancer Month and your much needed support is solicited. The Society's only sources of income are voluntary contributions and legacies. A successful campaign will enable the Society to continue its program of Service and Education and to expand the vital efforts of Research in order to control and even- tually conquer cancer. The Ontario Division has an ob- jective of $7,800.000 for 197R Turn to page 7 • •