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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1974-06-13, Page 4NE ADVAACETI Who pays the bill? The extensive damage suffered by the Lower Town dam in Wingham a few weeks ago, when flood -level waters washed away a large section of the structure, has brought to light several interesting and so far unan- swered questions—interesting not only in Wingham but in most towns and townships in Western Ontario where waterways are man- aged by conservation authorities. The most pressing question is, who is to pay for repairs? The conservation authority is likely to contend that its funding does not provide for major undertakings of this sort; that its role is, for the most part, to act as guardian of the river valleys. The municipa- lities in which such dams are located will, quite possibly, feel that they ceased to be re- sponsible for the dams and ponds when the conservation authority took over a few years back. In Wingham's case the appropriate' ministry at Queen's Park is going to be asked for guidance. One member of the Wingham council suggested that the dam be completely re- moved and the adjoining parkland be improved right down to the edge of the re- sulting stream, which would be somewhere out in the. centre ,of the present millpond area. The many persons who have worked so hard and effectively for the past' ten or 15 years to develop the parkway won't be very happy with that suggestion, forthe broad waters of the pond provided the focal point for most of the park project. In addition, some $80,000 were spent on the removal of silt from the pond not too long ago -75 per cent of which was provided by a provincial government grant. The reason given for the grant structure at that time was that there was, and still should be, considerable fear that the general water table in Western Ontario is dropping rapidly and that the seepage from sizeable ponds is an important factor in the replacement of water supplies which we are using up so quickly. Still another reason for reconstruction of the dam is its importance as a flood control facility. We have listened to many argu- ments on this particular score from persons who do not fully understand the principles involved, some of them contending that the storage capacity of the millponds is ineffec- tive. Nevertheless, many millions of dollars have been spent in recent years on the con- struction of control dams for this very pur- pose. Mitchell and Wildwood on the Thames River are examples. It is, of course, too early in the dis- cussions to determine with any clarity just what level of authority should pay for the re- pairs needed at Wingham, but it is a situa- tion which could be faced by many smaller communities along the course of the Maitland and Saugeen Rivers. Although the problem lies solely within present scope of the various Ontario authori- ties, whether provincial government, local municipality or conservation authority, there is good ' reason to believe that the federal government might be asked to con- tribute as well. If you take the trouble to read the lists of grants which are being handed out under the Local Improvement Plan you will find that many less worthy projects have received generous assistance.. Let's keep it simple Several times recently we have heard brief . comments from those who have travelled on American highways about the fact that there is much less traffic on the roads in the States than there used to be. Ap- 44,0 parently the reduced speed limits, the short- age and high price of gasoline have really done something to American travelling habits. Whether or not our neighbors are seri- ously or permanently altering their way of living remains tb be seen, but even in Cana- da, where we have felt no sting from the fuel shortage, there is some evidence that a good many `pebple'' 'are thinking in •new terms about) what .H fakes to keep them happy. Note, for example, how many people have taken up gardening --some for the first time and many after turning their gardens into green grass a decade or so ago. Seed com- panies have experienced unprecedented sales this year, reportedly more than double those of last year. Some of the larger cities have opened community gardens, where urban residents can rent a small plot of land for the season and spend their leisure raising flowers and vegetables. In the prosperous years since the -war many folks who had been previously forced by circumstances to live frugally, found that their finances permitted what they thought was a more enjoyable way of life.'The gar- den was no longer very important to them economically and it took up a lot of time that might otherwise be spent on long weekend trips in the family car. However, with rising prices and so much talk of food shortages a lot of us have begun to recall the matchless flavor of beans fresh off the vine or corn picked just in time to plunge into the pot. Something we had entirely forgotten was the serenity of a summer evening spent putter- ing around the garden or the flowerbecls in- stead of rushing off to a drive-in theatre.' More home, owners, foo, are doing their own repair'work—painting, a bit of carpen- try, building a rustic fence. Perhaps home is gradually returning to the status it had lost while we were so busy elsewhere. Arid, perhaps quite a few of us will live longer if we return to the less hectic ways of spending our free time. A good thing, too, for we have always wondered what would happen to the North American society when the work week gets tapered down to three day\$. We could well have committed hari-kari with the weapon of leisure time. A great place to go Just to get away from 'politics and in- flation for a few moments, you might like to hear about a really great place to eat. Last week on a trip to Toronto we happened across a restaurant in which we had a meal ten or 12 years ago. Recalling vaguely that the food was good, we popped in for a quick lunch—and, as it turned out, a refreshing experience in good food and hospitality. ' The place is Ciccone's, on King Street near Bathurst and the presiding genius is Mary Ciccone, who is sometimes the cook, sometimes a waitress and always the host- ess. For openers at that lunch her daughter happened to take the order and started things off with mushroom soup—not the kind that comes sliding thickly out of a can, but made right on the premises, steaming hot and full of fresh vegetables, chunks of chicken and mushrooms. Encouraged by the quality of the soup we ordered liver and bacon -,a decision that is always risky, for nothing can be worse if badly handled. This time, however, it was sheer delight. With a crisp salad and several other dishes the tab came to a little over $2—a miracle by present-day Toronto stan- dards. Dinner that everting and lunch the next day were equally. rewarding and compara- tively inexpensive. Talking with the hostess we learned that she even has a garden out back of her attractive restaurant so that she will have ingredients as fresh as possible. Free advertisements don't come easily to us but we thought this time there should be an exception. Great places to eat aren't all that easy to find. However, we ill slip in one more suggestion. If you happeh to be in the Yonge-Bloor area try Manny's Delicatessen for delicious eating. Doesn't sound impres- sive, but our choice there is Jewish foods, cooked just right and the fast, courteous service of the staff. If takes all kinds, right? Some safety valve Taking the witness stand at the inquiry into violence in the game of hockey, Clarence Campbell, president of the Nation- al Hockey League sounded off once more. Fighting, he said, is the players' best safety valve. This remark, of course, implies that if the players didn't fight they would do some- thing worse. Like what? Slit each other's throats perhaps?. The general public and particularly the kids who want to play the game are being bullied by a small sector of fanatical adults who believe that all's fair in hockey, no matter who gets hurt—and that does not in- clude the hundreds of devoted coaches and managers who are seriously trying to teach youngsters not only the skills of the game, but the good sportsmanship and good physi- cal conditioning which should be inherent in hockey. Given the present mania for winning hockey teams we feel sorry for the boy who honestly is not interested—perhaps because he is a good student and reserr'ts the time that hockey requires. He -is branded as some sort of drop-out or coward. Hockey is a great game—but we have certainty built it out of all proportion. THE WINGHAM ADVANCE -TIMES Published at Wingham, Ontario, by Wenger Bros. Limitsd Barry Wenger, President Robert 0. Wenger, Secretary -Treasurer Member Audit Bureau of Circulations Member -- 'Canadian Community Newspapers Assoc. Ontario Weekly Newspaper$• Assoc. Subscription $10.00 per year. Six months $5.25 To United States $12.50 Second Cla:s Mail Registration No. 0821 Return postage guaranteed A page editorial opinion Items from Our 41d Files JUNE 1927 W. A. Galbraith, J. J. McGee, G. L. Brackenbury, Dr. G. H. Ross, J. W. McKibbon and T. MeK. Smith were elected officers of the Wingham Lodge, No. 286, A. F. and A. M. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario has been advised by the executive committee of the Huron County Social Service Council that Huron County pects that they will be recognized by the Board as `dry' territory and that no attempt will be made to establish liquor stores in this county, contrary to the expressed will of the people as shown by large majorities on several oc- casions. A pretty wedding took place June 1 when Annie Emily Arm- strong and Johnston Conn were united in the holy bonds of ma- trimony. Wingham High School took top honors at the annual inter -school meet held in Drayton, at which schools from Arthur, Harriston, Listowel, Mount Forest, Wing - ham, Clifford, Palmerston and Drayton competed. Wingham was superior over all the other schools in all track and field events. Nancy Taylor and Will Brawley won individual honors by taking the junior champion- ships. John McEwen last week sold his proPerty in Lower Wingham to Mr. Laidlaw of Blyth who in- tend to establish a black fox ranch. The Young People of the West- field United Church presented the. church with .a communion table, table linen and, bread trays. John Heuston of Wroxeter is building a very attractive brick bungalow at the corner on the main road, that will add very much to the appearance of the place. Wilbert Galloway has part of the contract. Members of East Wawanosh Council passed.a by-law to enter into an agreement with the Hydro -Electric Power Com mission of Ontario, after requests were made by a number of rate- payers on the southern boundary in the vicinity of Auburn, for elec- trical service in the district. 0-0-0 JUNE 19391 ' Y , ,.: r� t '10 MHthe' £bnti nleeHrig:'of (basil London Conference of the' United • Church held in London, Rev. J. F. Anderson was elected as chair- man of the Christian Education committee. • Among those who graduated from '. Western University -this year, receiving their diplomas at the convocation June 7, are Miss June Buchanan of town, Miss Jean Lane of Wroxeter and James McGill of East Wawanosh. All received their B.A. degree. R. John Currie, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Currie, returned home on Sunday, having attended the first year course in enbalming at the Banting Institute, Toronto. The second annual Public School Open Night was a great success with the number at- th tending double that of last year. th An added feature this year was a ed school orchestra composed of c Donna Buchanan and Joyce Walker, pianists; Elizabeth. Hare and Isabel' MacLean, violinists; Jack Ludwig, drum and traps; ti Craig Armstrong trumpet It was a great sight to see the 1,180 school children entrain here for Stratford to see the .Kim and Queen. However, they earn home very disappointed ea they did not see Their Majesties. The train sped past the children and the King and Queen were not on the rear platform. It appears now that the test of cattle in Huron County for T.B. restricted area purpose may not be -made in 1939. This is becausse nine other counties have not had the initial test conducted al- though they had been established restricted areas previous to Huron. The Whitechurch community extends congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas O'Malley who were married in St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church on Sat- urday morning. Mr. and Mrs.. Thomas Grant have moved from their home near Wroxeter to their re- tirement home in Brussels. Mr. Harold Grant will reside on the home farm. 0 0 0 «lin& IVNAl 4nwg the receiving hen ra d� at the woca, e tion. of t Uni l ,ty' of Western Ontarion�[N�(wa*,s�±� i r° 1e��x*n�d�e\r Nimnw �# tz h . who eom. pled his terra as moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada only a few days pre. viousiy, Dr. A. E. Hall, president and vice-chancellor r of the • Uni* versity, conferred the degree of doctor of laws on the ex- miaderator. G. W. Cruickshank has sold his home on Catherine Street to Don Kennedy of Arnprior who will bring his family to town shortly, Mr. Kennedy has been named assistant .general manager of the Western Foundry. Mr. Cruick- shank intends to build a new home on Victoria Street. David Michael Slower, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Slosser, receiv- ed a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University. of Western On- tario convocation. A number of new homes will be built in Wingham this summer. Richard Kilpatrick, who is em- ployed as cost accountant at Wingham Building Products Ltd., has purchased a lot from Ernie Lewis on ,Francis Street. Mrs. Fred Crump has purchased a lot immediately west of the for- mer Crompton Jewellery store. Another new addition to the Berry Patch will come into being when Jack Gorrie builds a new hone. James D. Shynkar, a former teacher at the Wingham Public School, was one of six candidates to be presented for the ministry . at a special ' service in Wesley United Church, London. He has been chosen as minister at Sandy Lake. JUNE 1949 The Wingham Recreation Council last week received 'and accepted the resignation of W. G. `Sam' Burton, director since Oc- tober 1, 1946, who has accepted a similar position with a much larger scope at Sarnia. A pleasant evening was spent at the home of Mrs. Doug Fry when a number of the girls on the staff and wives of ,CKNX per- sonnel, gathered to honor Mrs. John Langridge who recently came from England as a bride. John Armitage, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Armitage, has been' successful in passing his.first pre=' dental year at Toronto Uni- versity. Last week S. J. Walker pur- chased the residence of Mrs. Dorothy McTavish, corner of Patrick and. Edward Streets. He will take possession June 15 and intends converting it into a mod- ern funeral home. At the regular meeting of Town Council, the Public School Board requested additional policing at the noonThour when children are leaving school. The council decided to station a town employ- ee at the three main corners ,on Josephine -Street -and ;requested the BoMfl fits-1seli6t 1 corner. Milton Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. M: Brown of town, was suc- cessful in passing his third year general arts course at Toronto University. Charles Hopper has purchased the general store business of Jack Wilson, Belgrave..He takes pos- session on June 15. Rev. J. R. Watt of Manitoba has been appointed to the Gorrie United Church to succeed Rev. G. G. Howse who goes to Alvinston. Miss Doris Shiell of White- church commenced work in the office at the United Farmers Co - Operative, Wingham. Joseph A. Higgins, principal of e Fordwich Public School for e past seven years, has resign - and has been engaged as prin- ipal of the Drumbo Public School. At the meeting of Turnberry Township Council, the .resign- on of Clerk W. R. Cruikshank was accepted. District . Commissioner, Scouter Clarence Haddock of Palmerston, presented a Boy Scout Charter to Alex Graham of Gorrie, on the formation of a. new troop in' Wroxeter-Gorrie. John Sinnamon is Cub Master and Lloyd Townsend is Scout Master. The former Cosens residence on the a corner of Minnie. and Pat- rick Streets has been sold to Bert Johnston. • f!: When the picture was taken, Qherlie'a left eye was swollen and the next day it was bl*vk and Clue. All because of one Qf those inevitable things that happen to active small fellows when they climb adventurously high and fall off. Charlie is 4, slim, small for his age e and good-looking with dark eyes and brown hair. He is in good health but slightly awkward physically because his co-ordination is not the best. - Charlie is below average in ability and will. need special education later on. Now, however., he attends a rgular nursery school where he fits in well. He mixes happily With the other children and takes part w all�.grou�p activities with enthusia#rn, He is a chatty child but mostly in single words since he cannot yet put a sentence together,. Charlie sometimes gives the impression that he doesn't un- derstand what is. being said to him but his foster mother feels he is just trying her out. She has no trouble when she invites him firmly to sit on his little chair and listen. He isa good sleeper and amiably eats everything offered to him. An affectionate, smiling youngster, Charlie is friendly and trusting, not at all shy. He loves energetic outdoor play and is glad of good weather so he can ride his tricycle. Charlie welcomes any opportunity to go for a drive. He likes the rabbits and cats belonging to his foster family. Charlie needs loving, firm consistent parents who .will ap- preciate his winning personality and not worry over his limited ability. To jnquire about adopting Charlie, please 'write to Today's Child, Minisiry of Community and Social Services, Box 8.88, HE'S FRIENDLY AND HAPPY Senior Citizens week. observed The province of Ontario is cele- brating Senior Citizens' Week from June 16 -June 22. Since the process of aging takes place in all people beginning with conception, at a varying rate, each of us needs to be concerned long before the age of 65 with aging. Older persons usually re- main active even with an ac- cumulation of chronic conditions and show outstanding ability to cope and adapt in spite of handi- caps. The most common conditions occurring in the process of aging are arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, impaired vision, impaired hearing and diabetes. All except arthritis may vary' in the order in which they occur but arthritis is still the chief condi- tion occurring among the aged. • ' Also older persons experience . .0,, `e throughout province many losses during life but in the older person these losses are compounded --loss of spouse, job (retirement), and often with these 'goes self esteem. Beoatrse of our mobile society, parents and children no longer. live close together and increasing numbers of older people are living alone. These people require supportive services in the community. From 1964 to 1967 a survey sponsored by the Huron County Health Unit was made of persons over age 65 living in Huron County to determine the health needs of this age group. A - per- centage of 11.4 of the population of Huron County was comprised of people 65 years of age and over. The average for Canada was 7.7 per cent. Experience had shown and the findings of this survey among other things "Sony fella:, your kettle's been recalled. showed the need for recognition that aging persons wish to remain in their own homes and communities as long as. possible. Since that time several services for the aged have been instituted in the' county to facilitate this. The Huron County Home Care program was begun ,to provide nursing care by the Victorian Order of *Nurses, physiotherapy, and homemaking in the ' home where practical, to prevent ad- mission to hospital or to facilitate early discharge from hospital. While this service is available to persons of any age it has been particularly helpful to the elderly.- Of the 351 persons ad- mitted to the Home Care pro- gram in 1973, 187 or over 50 per cent of these' perms were over the age of 65. Several towns have organized a "Meals on Wheels" service' where volunteers deliver a hot meal prepared by the local hospital daily for a minimal charge. Wingham has had this service since June 1, 1970. In Wingham several of the volun- teer drivers and co-ordinators are senior citizens. For the past year or more, Huron County Health Unit has sponsored Adult Health Guidance Clinics in each of the towns. In Wingham these at present are held on a bimonthly basis. The following services are provided: toenail clipping, anaemia screen- ing, blood pressure, urinalysis, hearing testing, as well as an opportunity to discuss health problems with a Public Health Nurse. These clinics are in no way intended to take the place of regular medical supervision by the family doctor but rather, offer an opportunity for health screening to those not receiving regular medical supervision. On June 25, . a special Adult 'Health Guidance Clinic spin cored by Huron County Health Unit will be held in Gorrie United Church from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and on June 17 a speciaLadult Health Guidance Clinic will be held in Dungannon United Church from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Volunteer drivers are available for the above clinics for anyone requiring transportation. For further information regarding any of the above, call (toll free) 1-800-265-4485, Goderich, or the Wingham Branch Office of the Health Unit at 867.2 (a.m.).