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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1975-12-24, Page 4;t • E ADVAAC :v . ' ��1 " : '� •'Q '`,s ti, ' '\Vt�ti'ti '�+.., : v.: �'hT� ' y •., . k, '4"y� .�'"�'�{'�'•. "� itis ti.'`'`�! MM'.11�1t� •'1 � \S \\K ''{.���� � v. '\i� '1'�.'LS1� .:•-.,'A`r:.L '•S m.ti•••%-t• V."4:.'•'`1 Traditions of Christmas The traditions which have been with os Over the centuries are largely dying out—and in some cases that is as it should be. Traditions have a way of defying com- mon sense when they are observed long past the time in which they had meaning. Think, for instance, of the traditional Uniform of British (and Canadian) naval ratings. "Middy" collars, which were useful at one time to protect sailors' shirts against the tar in which their pig tails were coated; trouSers without pockets or even the con- venience of a front -opening fly. Traditions die slowly within our reli- gious observances, although the past decade has witnessed more change than the previous ten centuries. Guitar accompani- ments and religious music set to modern tempos are examples of these changes, as is the use of English in Roman Catholic serv- ices. But the acceptance of women into the priesthood of the various denominations is bucking one of the strongest traditions of all . However, there are . many traditions which are good -'the ones which preserve valued, observances that have been close to the hearts of men, women and, particularly, children, for countless years. Among the more ancient and most loved are those tradi- tions Which surround the celebration of the birth of .the Christ. Child. We are all, of course, familiar with the tradition of the Christmas tree; the exchanging of gifts and the singirig -of the old hymns: and carols, many of which date back several hundred years. Our grandparents often observed Christ- mas traditions which were peculiar to their own families or villages -little ceremonies, which had gone unchanged throughout suc- ceeding generations because families were larger and more closely -knit in those times. In our own family there were some rather peculiar customs at 'Christmas time, but as youngsters we had only contempt for the other kids whose families celebrated Christmas in the more usual ways. One ex- ample was xamplewas the Christmas "pies'—and think- ing back, that had to be the greatest rip-off to which a child was ever subjected, but we loved it. Some great-aunt introduced this e time and trouble of putting up and decora real tree. Instead, the largest clothes basket in the house was Tined with a clean white sheet and all the gifts were piled into it in the days preceding. the festive event, and not a kid in thectan ever dared to so much as pick up drie-bait l for an exploratory 'shave: 9 V On Cliristrriar �hOrning all theArnot iers and fathers, aunts and uncles aid dozens of childrengathered round and grandfather solemnly opened the Bible to read the story of the Saviour's birth Then he led us in a prayer of humble thanksgiving for the gifts of Ged which our presents would represent. Only after that long and solemn ceremony was the sheet laid aside and the distribution began. There was no mad rush, with the children grabbing and opening their gifts. Each parcel was selected by grandad and all gaited in tense expectation until the recipi- ent had opened his or her gift. Consequently the ceremony could last tor three or four hours. There was no problem about how to spend the balance of the day. A late after- noon dinner wound upthe event—and we thought it was wonderful. In fact we felt sorry for the poor kids who only had a Christmas tree and knew nothing about a Christmas pie. Another Christmas tradition was the supper dish which was always served on Christmas Eve. Invariably it consisted of • one dish, called "frumarty"—and that one dish was all we needed. Frumarty had been a tradition with our English ancestors: from time immemorial and no one had any idea of its significance. In early December our mill - owning grandfather would bring home_a few pounds of doubly -cleaned wheat and two or three days before Christmas grandma would fill a gallon crock with the whole grain, add enough water to prevent burning and then put it into the oven of the big, black, coal - burning range. There it slowly swelled and baked until it was ready for supper on the night before Christmas. Served in porridge bowls and, liberally covered with brown sugar and Jersey cream, we thought it a feast fit for the gods. And boy! Did it ever fill small stomachs! Mind you, we had to keep on chewing away at the five or six pounds left over for the next several weeks—but we didn't Complain. Father's family were Scottish in their yuletide traditions, which meant that the chief point of celebration was a tremendous dinner—but that wasn't really anything unusual, for their everyday meals would have staggered a lumberjack. The big cele- bration of the year was actually at New Year's, as was the custom in the Scotland they had left years before. These unique old customs are dying, iving way to the pressures of faster ways of i`""""' -».,M • more readily -exchanged 'ideas. To most of us•,;fir, the re -awakening of. our sense of brother • • p d the renewal of family affections is still y eal. Perhaps as.—that of ,e.athat;,is,the true miracle of- Ch no Matter how t I;; ebr ted,.I in! beasts 'still swat to the expresion, and generosity. Its fullness and joy have sur- vived nearly. 2,000 years of worldliness and greed, so it is safe to believe it will still have meaning for a longtime to come. alking the tightrope Most Canadians appear to be accepting extensive government controls over in- creases in both prices and wages with resig- nation. Organized labor's shrill cries that the rich would escape unscathed have been left with a hollow ring after last week's an- nouncement' by the prime minister that sharp restrictions will be placed on big busi- ness, politicians and upper level civil serv- ants. Despite the odds against it, restraint may indeed become popular with the majority of •our countrymen. Acceptance of unusual restraints and controls has been made possible onlybe- cause most of us were nearing the stage of desperation in the face ot runaway inflation. Any alternative ,seems acceptable at pres- ent. Granted that we must submit to the in- trusion of government into many phases of our private lives, we must remain keenly aware of the grave danger . which will threaten our democratic institutions as long as these controls remain in effect. The situation can only be likened to the wartime years, when personal freedoms had to be sacrificed in the cause of survival. We should remember, too, that those war years wit- nessed some deep and lasting injustices because government and its officials had been granted powers far beyond those nor- mally acceptable in our part of the world. One shameful example was the wholesale robbery of Japanese -Canadians on the Paci- fic coast—a crime for which no Canadian government has ever been called to account. Prime Minister Trudeau is probably correct in his assertion that the present en- forced restraints will be useless unless they can be continued for several years—and therein lies the great danger. After the passage of those years Canadians be so acclimatized to government controls that it will be too late to revert to our customary freedoms? This column has, on several previous occasions, referred to the dangers created by unlimited spending, out of which eventually arises the need for leaders tough enough to enforce a return to more balanced economic conditions. We have witnessed, within past weeks, the emergence, and our acceptance, of this element of toughness in our leaders—a very necessary characteris- tic at present, but one which must be per- mitted only as long as the crisis continues. We have placed powerful weapons in their hands. We must be watchful that those weapons are removed at the proper time. Thank you everyone! Christmas is a suitable time to look back over the year and recall the blessings we have enjoyed. A time to give thanks. We would like to say Merry Christmas and thank you to the hundreds of people who have made the editor's task not only possible, but enjoyable. We are thinking first of our family, certainly of our loyal staff and correspondents, and the dozens of people who contribute in one way or another to the production of this newspaper. Without these loyal and friendly folks our task would be im- possible. Have a good Christmas! THE WINGHAM ADVANCE -TIMES Published at Wingham, Ontario, by Wenger Bros. Limited Barry Wenger, President Robfft O. Wenger, Secretary -Treasurer • Member Audit Bureau of Circulations Member — Canadian Community Newspapers Assoc.. Subscription $10.00 per year. Six months $5.25 Letters to the Editor Editor, Advance -Times Dear Sir: As of late the Brussels Minor Hockey Association has run into a very touchy political situation, which has become highly explo- sive. Some readers may be aware of this, but as a very concerned citizen of the village, I would like to make my comments public. A group fo self-appointed citikens supposedly interested in the betterment of minor hockey n We town; voted after; regis{t1 t 49B -flees 1 ad:, Pept ;r, f detain anyone playing in his,fiv ,, with any category, -not, be allow advance to the next grouping. "• ' 'dently four of those that voted forty: • hada sons of their own who in their second- year with thheeams. Therefore they were alio ,., oto advance according to the When -this rule was challenged by a parent concerned with the Ontario Weekly Newspapers Assoc. To United States $20.00 restrictions the group had put ; n his child, the friction began. The player in question had already signed in this group the two previous years, which indicates his capability. According to the rule as stated he was third year and therefore eligible to play with the older age group. When this was brought to the • associations attention, ' it was learned from one of the members the rule was )made specifically to keerV 4hi.14 tone' sbild - -,from ad- vancing in tl,<<org_a.ati,gt4 Little, did the executive realize that .two ,other boys in, Brussels, also in their first compulsory year of play, would be of high enough quality to play up., for another team in the organization. The executive realized this one boy couldn't be kept down if the other two were allowed to ad- nce. One of the boys was con- fr while school hours were TODAY'S C BY HELEN ALLEN Kirk, with the dimpled chin, is seven, an engaging youngstr doing well despite a handicap. He has such limitedivision that he is classed as legally blind. Yet he loves books (if they have big print), enjoys television and says his favorite subject in school is printing. Kirk is not expected to excel academically and because of his lack of sight will require special education. But he is a delightful youngster, fun to be with and interesting to talk to. He has a good memory and a real sense of humor. , Mechanically inclined, Kirk prefers toys which can be taken apart and put together again. He likes playing outdoors, enjoys camping and is proud of having learned to swim. Kirk needs parents who will understand his, difficulties. will make sure he gets the care and the education he requires, and yet will treat him so far as possible as a normal child. To inquire about adopting Kirk, please write to Today's Child, Ministry of Community and Social Services. Box 888, Station K, Tot onto M4P 2H2. In your letter tell something of your present family and your way of life. For general adoption information, contact your local Children's Aid Society. in effect, He was told he may be suspended if he continued to play up. Is a person with authority in school affairs allowed to extend it this far . from school matters during hours? • After this the association had another meeting. This time resignations were handed in and the remaining members cast votes as to whether or not the two older boys be allowed to advance. Cs ,,you, iroagine these people deciding that even though ,both boys, who are ,are same age, • be judged differently?' One was given the OK to play and one was told he couldn't. These boys.are of equal capabili- ties and enthusiasm, yet the one Who was refused is incidently a brother of the younger boy whose hockey development is being limited by these people. Is there some reason behind these deci- sions? Are some of the members of the BMHA taking advantage of the younger boys' situation to assert authority over some other case that they can't control? These people that seem so cruel and unfair in the eyes of these children; ' are they the type of people this town has to depend on to guide our children in recrea- tion? Do you want your children o follow the examples set by t' • se people? Granted they ar ' 't all in favor of this rule, but the _? • atest majority are. It is the less ones that cause a situatio ike this to come into being. Cheryl McCutcheon Dear Sir: We have enjoy als over the ye right to the point an is. Okay, my point is ' 's. I am still confused on . the ' ow -Calf Stabilization Program a would like to be enlightened if ng on my interpretation. Farms in our area have varied ide . r on how it is going to work. We have 40 beef cows ' ith calves, so last August we got\ e contract, studied it very caref ' ly and decided not to sign it as e were to sign for five years an \it was stated that the governm:,�t could change their end of the b gain from time to time. We sent the contract and a letter back to Mr. Pullen at t; e Huron County office at Clint He was kind enough to forwar • I it to Bernard McCabe, Econo w is Branch, Parliament Buildi , s, Toronto. He in turn sent a 1 er on Sept. 8 explaining that this as not the usual type contract and could understand my co ern, but said we would not los :. f we cared to sign as the gove1 ent would pay $2 in for $1 pal; by the beef producer. Now this sounds lik/'a typical government inf'latien, . achine at work and they have ousands of them. You shove ' one dollar, pull out two doll •• , then wonder in a year or why it is only worth one ::' in. He al,, ated at the end of five yea .� e program would balance o r o tiffs two -to -one ratio. Now the London Free Press on Dec. your editori- as they are ell it like it Second Class Mail Registration No. 0021 Return postage guaranteed HE HAS AN EYE PROBLEM 13, Agriculture Minister William Newman states that farmers en- rolled in the cow -calf program will be given $77,19 per cow to compensate for low market prices in 1975. NOW what I think that some of the farmers may not know is that at a 2 to 1 ratio out of that $77.19 per cow the farmer put in $5,c,the government put in $10. Now who . World of Wonders by Robertson in the heck put in the other $62.19 Davies and will the farmer not have to This novel is the superb conclu- pay this.baoktitto the fund In the., : •sion to Davies' three part master- next .. : year ,r:,; :;piece. An. one how.. erywho has ane farmer �tLOUr • N �� not read 'Fifth Busuiess or The area who is going to collect his money and go out of the cow -calf Manticore will enjoy the third business as it still is not paying book as a memorable novel that. - stands strongly on its own feet. In even with government helpand I cit the story is taken up by Magnus an. believe him as we are losing much more than our cost of.Eisengrim, the world-famous �� magician who began. life as an production on our herd., ' unhappy child named Paul Now he has only paid in $s per cow. Will he have to return $62.19 Dempster in Deptford, Ontario, per cow out of his cheque which as he relates the story of his life he receives for $77.19? and how he was miraculously There must be a lot of farmers catapulted into the world of the who find this as confusing as .I do theatre. as about , 50 per cent of those The Goldsmith's Wife by Jean eligible did not sign the contract Plaidy ' and some that did have told me Humble mercer's daughter, they will stay only as long as it goldsmith's wife, King's favour - pays off — one year, two years or ite publiclyProclaimed harlot' whatever. Can they really do this p or did they- read the contract prisoner and beggarwoman, the wrong?story of beautiful Jane Shore is It would be nice to hear someone of amazing contrasts set answers from the Agri- culture Department. against the colourful, dangerous• background of 'fifteenth-centuryGlen Van Camp. London. .RR 4, Brussels ry New ►► ' by Fred Euringert"Alice Munro al, Inthis lotalh iinuttat story Ilectt there are $ semen by writers well know i and those w Work is new to Via.. The backgroundstake na from Mee Ma<nrora,Wnl Ontario to HorwoOdli West Indies 'and fron>< Manitoba to Kingstote. This year relatively few of the stories have love or marriage at the centre but rather they are about men and women confronting their natural and social environments. Beautiful Just: by. Lillian Beek - with The author continues her Story of life in the Hebrides a ong_her old frietds: beachcombing;, poul- try raising and calf'rearing while. at the same time trying to evade complicity in the schemes of the deceptively ingenuous Hector. But in this book she also writes of the young people; of the animals; and of the strange experience of a stalker and a lonely ghost. Changing Places by David Lodge In this wildly funny novel a sar- donic eye is focused on the world of the professional academic and on the foibles and pretensions of two societies, English and American at the mid -point of change when two, professors of 1 English take part in the annual exchange posting. The Patriots by G. W. Target What drives Irish terrorists to plant bombs in the streets of Lon- don? This novel attempts to answer that question as it looks at the love of an Irish girl for her father, the legends she was broughtup with, the bitterness of life and death in Belfast, the mur- derous events which made her violent, the methods of the terrorists and the methods of the Special Branch who hunt them down. • What's new at Huronview? The Goderich Salvation Army visited the Home on Sunday afternoon, members of the band playing in each of the sitting roods, assisted by a group of young people singing carols. The residents were presented with gifts of fruit by members of the corps which was greatly appre- ciated. Mrs. Finkbeiner led the Sunday evening song service sponsored by the Christian Women's Club of South Huron. Three new residents were welt comed to the Home at Monday's program; Mrs. Broughton of Auburn; Ray Henderson, Sea - forth and George Feagan, Goder- ich. The Goderich Township Women's Institute volunteers assisted with the afternoon's activities with music provided by Mrs. Molly Cox, Mrs. Maitland Driver and Norman Speir. Seventy Grade 1,2,3 students from the Clinton Public School entertained on Tuesday after- noon with their part of the annual School Christmas concert. The program was directed by five teachers, Miss Johnston, Mrs. Andrews, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jewett, Mrs. Allen and the princi- pal, Mr. Taylor. Doug McKellar was emcee for the afternoon and introduced songs by the primary and junior choirs: two plays, "Frosty the Snowman", "A Plot to Kidnap Santa Claus" and a Christmas Message. Mrs. Bucha- nan expressed the appreciation of the residents. . A group of young people, "The Calvinettes", sang carols through the Home on Tuesday evening and presented gifts to some of the residents Who don't have immediate relatives. Thirty grade seven students of the Robertson Public School, Goderich, presented a Christmas concert on Wednesday afternoon. David Kemp directed the pro- gram and accompanied the stu- dents for the Singing of several Christmas carols. The poetry part of the program included all of the students, each one taking a part of the verses. Mrs. Doak, who is a great-grandmother of a pupil at Robertson School, thanked all those taking part on behalf of the residents. THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS .. And There's No Place Like Home For Christmas Fire Hazards. Keep that tree Im- mersed in water. Check those strings of lights for frayed insula- tion and possible short circuits. Clear away discarded gift wrap- pings promptly. And don't smoke near the tree. Keep light bulbs and fixtures clean. Almost unnoticed layers of dust will lower lighting levels. 4• • • N•