The Goderich Signal-Star, 1974-12-12, Page 2PAGE 2•--•GQDERICH SIONAL-STAR,• THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1974
EDITQRIAL. COMM.ENT
Strictly for hunters
Hunters and taunting are in the news - .
these days. Signal -Star Letters to the
Editor have carried a dispute between
conservationafists and hunters; • last
week's issue contained a story about the
small number of. deer tikin during the
recent deer hunting season; and this
week's newspaper has a story in which
naturalists charge that Hon.. William
Stewart is„ grandstanding” concerning
his announcement that •the wolf bounty
may be re -instituted in the province.
A chat this week with Roy Bellanger
from the Ministry' of Natural Resources
in Wingham netted some interesting -
ad Asn ,deer„ hun-
ting and wolf bounties were a point or
hot debate at county council sessions
last January and February.
Despite the fact that Ministry
• spokesmen visiting county. council last
winter told the members that Huron
County had a high population of deer
(one Ministry official. suggested the
county could be supporting as many ,as
3,000 deer) only about 100 deer were
taken by 1,100 hunters this fall. But ac-
cording to Mr. Belanger, that does not .
mean .the Ministry was wrong` in its
estimate of the deer population in
Huron. The Ministry believes.that the wet
weather during the recent deer season
may have discouraged many hunters
who were not what one could call
dedicated to the sport. Bad for the hun-
ters, good for the deer, was his com-
ment.
Whether. or not the Ministry will ask
county council to consider another deer
season iri 1975 has yet to be determined
but it certainly does appear the
Ministry could do just that. If such is the
case, it is to be hoped that the Ministry
can produce conclusive proof that the
total deer population in Hu.ron will not
be threatened; that county council will
take into consideration the number of
serious hunters in Huron, perhaps
restricting the season to only Huron
residents; and that hunters will
recognize the season as a privilege to
be pursued with all the sportsmanship
- and good citizenship one can muster:.
Wolves coyotes as they are called
locally — are still a question for debate.
But after comparing the current. program
of compensating farmers for livestock
lost to coyotes to Mr. Stewart's solution
of paying a bounty on all wolves taken
. by hunters, itwould appear that to main-
tain the balance of nature, compen-
sation for coyote -slaughtered animals
seems, to be the most sensible.
•
4,4
Mr. .Stewart has charged that some
conservationalistswould rather "hear a
wolf howl in the moonlight than have
.food on their tables". This is a strong
and somewhat foolish statement coming
from the Ontario . Agriculture Minister,
especially since even conservationalists-
are not opposed to trapping or shooting
those coyotes which are the blood-
hungry profit cheaters.
Mr. Bellanger said that in 1974, there
have been six claims for compensation
in Huron after animals were found killed
by coyotes all six sheep and all six in
West Wawanosh. Whenever a farmer
makes a claim for compensation, he
catch the culprits. This is successful too,
according to Mr. Bellanger. Traps are
set on'the farm where the kill took place
and the guilty coyotes are soon brought
to a sure —' if painful -- death.
Sometimes, hunters, are dispatched and
in one case, according to Mr. Bellanger,
wool _found in the stomach of the dead
coyote was proof' that justice had -been
served.
This is one bit of legislation which ap-
pears to satisfy all sides — the farmers
who are repaid for their'losses; the con-
servationalists who abhore wanton wolf
hunting; and the hunters and trappers
who can use all their skills to catch the •
harmful packs of coyotes who prey on ,
farmers' flocks and herds. Last week one morning as I They chose the latter. and I sin- things considered, Canada's
* * * was having my coffee, I heard a cicely doubt khat either of `them population will likely expand
And finally,. Mr. Bellanger has some news broadcast which brought is sorry. at an extremely, slow rate bet -
advice for persons who do not wish hun- Mme: to my feet in a hurry. It was I recall before the birth of ween now and 1986. The pace
rt at anytilde for any an announcement that in India, one of the children, I was - . of increase will, in fact, be the
firs on, their propertyAlthoughslowest since the period 1871 -
it will soon be a crime to give - talking to the mother.
e was delighted at the
reason_ as well as for headstrong hun- birth to more than two She had many children already 1891. ,.
tics who show little concern for the
h f landowners.
75 ,YEARS AGO
The London receivers of our
Canadian apples are not
pleased with our packing
methods. They complained
recently and sharply about the
dishonest practices of Canadian
apple pickers. They claim that „t
fruit barrels are picked • in such
a way that the' outside layers
are fresh crisp apples but the
remainder of the fruit is
nothing short of trash. The
Englishmen claim that they
despise above all other things
the practice of being . cheated
under a fair appearance and
threatened that.if these
dishonest . methods continue
that the Canadian businessmen
are taking the shortest and
most direct route to ruin.
The recklessness of one
Yankee editor has come to this
paper's attention of late and we
have every reason to believe
that the man risks being t9rn
limb from limb before New
S e is....at. .present-
promoting a voting con e.
his paper's columns to; :decide
who is the,, most popular old
maid in Sycamore. •His paper
will present the one who has
•the most votes by Christmas
with five dollars.. In our
opinion the editor ought to
marry the winner.
Navigation is closed for the
season at; this port.
Santa Claus appears.to have
called early on some of the
residents of Goderich. The ,
people have awakened in the
•morning to find gifts of food-
stuff' on their porches but their '
happiness ha's usually been cut
short by the appearance of the
good constable. In all cases' the
articles had been reported
tpissing by neighbors of the sur-
prised people.
50 YEARS AGO
At. the Tuesday°,.meeting of
the Goderich Town Council,
councillor. Turner called atten-
tion to- the dangerous practice
of children coasting down har-
bor hill and'Saltford 'Hill. With
autos coming up 'these ,hills, as
well as, other traffic, the prac-
tice is very dangerous.:° He
suggested posting up warning
signs. Councillor Lee 'strongly
backed up •what Mr. Turner P
..had .said and moved .thatewhr-
. Bing signs be placed at the top ,
of both hills forbidding
coasting. The motion was
• carried. :. ._ ., .
. The_new community hall for
the town . of Goderich now
requires only the favorable vote
of the rate . payers at the
municipal elections to become a
reality. Last January a
plebiscite 'on the, question of a
new municipal building for the
town disclosed a , majority of
those who voted as irt\ favor of
steps being taken to that effect.
and thus council prepared
•
plans and • costs for the new
structure. It is to be three
stressed stories. high with a full
foremost commands. What will this mean in the I've forgotten for this mtsfor- basement and will be construc-
As the mother of three long „run? I'm not well enough
lance of The Hunter in our en- g but they refer
vironment and urged we con- tune, ted of stone and concrete so to
children, I can vouch for the informed about such mattersdiy airingly to the' hapless •
servation cranks to "reassess pbe fireproof.
fact that even in Canada where but off -hand T d predict that our position" and to open our animal as.being "soft-fleshed;"The Christmas 'season is
the standardly living is high, the fess than changes may be „so-called minds." Rainbow trout are shot stun- upon us and the little doubt
r
costly a family l any size is a Tess than desirable in the Mr. d. mins objection to ned, speared or snagged as they hat anyone had that it would
costly item. While families yearsof distant future. photographing wildlife, rather spawn. not be a • merry one was
six.,,,lo ten were popular Here's do you think? I think the ground -hog hun-
a o now .families generally wrhat the Bank has' to than killing •or wounding, it d'temoved this week when'.
seems to be that ".pictures are ter who stops his car, leans on a carollers began patrolling the
tend to be smaller. Because of say 'about population trends •
not very nourishing,and liable fence post and blazes away on a streets in search of he
an
improved birth control methods here: to cause severe abdominal flat trajectory into a stony field audience. oe. The youngsters
and the high • cost of living, "Canada is . Moving toward TM deserves the hottest spot in our paraded the Square after
families of four are now an "older population, says the , pain. `Chfis'tian hell.'
E pt in primitive areas;' school and sang many happy
•
L 5111 nE�,P MONEY IN THE SuGPR �OW�-- Tilt SUG4R ,. T KEEP IN TvIE 3M
DEAR READERS
children. i,, fact, parents - _ ..--
third or subsequent child will prospect of another. She was so
wishes. o
be liable o a happy about her pregnancy she growth, the Review says tat
Hunters who ignore signs posted by pp population towards the faster-
.
for ,this. offence. was absolutely radiant. family size a ears . at
land owners regarding hunting restric- I know full -well there are Now while I'm ready to ad- stabilizing at, two children. growing ,economic regions of
tions May be,charged under the Fish and. the country will continue. On -
y 9 many, many people who sub- mit that not all families are as F
Game Act or, more simply, with petty • scribe' to the theory„ that.: two content or as well cared for as "The current fertility rate in tario's share of the population
' trespassing.' All it takes is for the land ' children are ample 'for any, • this particular family is, I still Canada is slightly under two• will thus increase significantly,
1 are the shudder to think of •p h but this wtll while .that owner.�.:..t 1 h It tell vufe legtslating
ting an unwanted hunter. The imaximut•
a r ch • ifdree'n theyhouTd" arlrr'� dla is a long wavol to be sure
`Surveying specific aspects of
• bl t fine or it nrison-
i Shirley 1. Keller
expected to go up and peak
again in 1981.
"Net migration (immigration
minus emigration) will be
about 60,000 per year through
1986, implying a share of the
total projected population in-
crease of about 18 per cent.
"The Review also concludes
that the movement of Canada's
'family. These people J ossibility • Birt ,s,per woman,it of the Atlantic
o call the local detachment of .4.something as Quebec wiil
over the next Provinces and
. the Ontario Provincial Police 'upon ,aha , coupleK a f
r4 ab •c
On Spot- .. same peop e w n will • ., likely increase o
t if a desires imnre l� spot—
TA as .:havin 'babies. In der4ade. In fact, fact, thr#�hii�th rate: is decline."
youngsters who have no` family ... there are many problems in -
fine under the Fish and Game Act is
$1,090. . upon which to depend'. India because of the size of the
Hunters should take particular note'of I understand, too, why these" population. But still there's. '
their trapping and hunting , licences people feel as they do. They something inhumane about
Pp g believe that in a hungry world calling it a crime .to become
which stipulate that permission from the where millions starve every. pregnant ,after one has given
land owner should be obtained before
year, it is time to, ,all a halt to birth to two children..
moving onto a private property. War- the numbers of children which
nings are there also, said Mr. Bellanger, are being born.
regarding the need to I e when one looks
TSon life as • a matter of sur -Then this
* * *
EAR EDITOR:
observe No , suppose, use bottles to check their aim,
week I received a leaving the splinters. for a
uA not her opcn�on
Trespassing Signs whenever they are vival, then one is apt to feel communique from.the Bank of r child's bare foot to find. You
posted. this way. But believe it or not, Montreal; reporting that • are .constantly finding °dead or
ci ulat'ion is Dear Editor:' dying coons in traps bya trout -
Courteous hunters won't get. into there are men and women who.Canada's p p w g P•
trespassing hassles; discourteousones see giving birth as one of life's generally older now than it has I feel I should reply to Terry • creek. Sometimes all the trap
deserve 1O be discovered
44
and charged. greatest" blessings:
and a ever been ... even 'without any contains is a bloody foot
B 's letter � of last week
suer,
fulfillment of one •of God's special laws wherehet d the impor trappers have a 'special term
There just aren't enough
people named George
Holly, mistletoe, twinkling lights,
mysterious packages, carollers,
laughter, blood shortage. . . .
Blood shortage? Unfortunately, yes.
Because people are extra busy with
holly,' mistletoe, etc. they tend to post-
T""'pone their visit to 'a Red Cross blood
donor clinic until after the holidays.
But urgent surgery can't be post-
poned. And nobody can tell an accident
to wait three 'weeks. Fewer donors plus
increased needs means a, blood shor-
tage.
There is only, one way to prevent, it.
Persuade more donors to take that half
hour of time necessary to make a blood
- 6'
donation. Tell' them how important it is.
Tell them one blood donation can help
as many 'as, five people back to health.
Ask them to share the joy of life.
Hqw do you combat their "1'm too
busy; lets George do it" attitude?, Maybe .
by telling people that in this vast and
vibrant nation of ours, there just,aren't
enough people named George..A volun-
tary blood transfusion service needs
volunteers --of all names.
Scome Tom and Dick and Harry;
come Jane and Alice and Mary, come
Prancer and Dancer and Donner and
Vixen --GEORGE NEEDS HELP!
Give blood this holiday season'.
the Cobalt!)
SIGNAL -STAR
—0— The County Town Newspaper of Huron —0 --
pounded In 1648 -and published every Thursday at Goderich. Ontario Member of the CWNA and OWNA.
Advertising rates on request. Subseriptlons payable in advance $10,00 In Canada, 511.50 in all coun-
tries other than Canada, single copies 25 Cents. Second class mail Registration Number 07,16. Adver-
tising is accepted on the condition tnat, in the event of typograpmcai error, the adverbs+ng space oc-
cupied by the erroneous Item, together with reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for
but the balance of the advertiaefnent will be paid for at the applicable rate In the event of a
typographical a jror advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or service may not be sold
Advertising le merely an otter to sell, olid may be withdrawn at any time The Signal -Star Is not respon-
alble for the Toss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts or photos.
Business and Editorial Office
-:_. ;TELEPHONE 5244331
area dodo 519
Mailing Address: •
iS,f1. SOX' 220, Goderich
Second,. plats Mall registration .number* -0115
Published by Signal -St ttrrPrubiishing Ltd
ROBERT G. SHRIER—president and publisher
SHIRLEY J. KELLER editor
JEFF SEb0oN ,editorial staff •
EDWARD. J. Byf1SKl'—advertising managers
representative
DAVE R. rN'Ik,LIAA�aidvartising represen
thought to he large by most Bank 'of Montreal Business crap dies not need to feed him But I won't go on. Our Verses to late shoppers before
people. Review for December. self h hunting:;' What the Editor likes short letters and breaking off for supper. Tlme'en-
Even{ so, there do remain "Changes in the age structure average hunter spends on ar- our coniferous pulp -woods, too, en-
tertainment was not over
people. - well adjusted, in- of the population will feature a g should be conserved. The Om -
t
ro ortion of elderlythough since the group reap-
telligent, responsible people - growing pmament, ammunition, travel, petc., could keep his family on a piste list is available can peared after the dinner hour
who think of marriage • as a people, and significantly fewer meat ration comprised entirely- demand. , and carried on until well after
framework within which the in the under -20 group. For over 25 years we have at -
trends of' T-bone steak, with athe nine o'clock bell.,
prime function is to procreate. '"`Tracing populationenerous donation left for' the tempted to operate a wild life
more of a crime to prevent figures drawn from a Statistics
To these people, it would he over the next decade, based on World Hunger Organization. preserve. Our fields and woods 5 TEARS .AGO
Let's face it - man hunts have always been open to the Town Council last week ap-
birth than to have as many Canada study, the Review because. he enjoys killing.I'm public,• signs reading "Unarmed proved a proposal presented by
children as came along because notes that by 1986, 32 per. cent against killingforpleasure -'lie ,� • Visitors Welcome.". ouncillor Paul Carroll to
of the union of man and wife. It of the population will be under gA neighbour, Bruce McClin- g
these people I am par- the age of 20 compared with 39 it humans or animals. g designate the :South Beach area
isi for p p With hundreds,of species of chey, who has tried to operate a as a municipal park. A bylaw is
titularly concerned now that it pe" cent thaay. animals completely eliminated wild goose sanctuary for about to be drafted designating the
appears apparent that even the "Fully half the population, and over fifty now on the"en the same pend, recently surra- area as a park under the Parks
personal choice of whether or on the other hand, will be 30 or d ere
not to have children seems to over. • '
be threatened by well-meaning "The decline in the number
•
lawmakers. of young people," the, Review
The family about which I'm says, "carries with it significant
thinking ' now is a marvel. implications, among the most
There are 12 children won- important being the relative
derful kids who would he a .shift in expenditure patterns
credit to any community. The away from goods and services
boys are tall and straight, hard oriented primarily for the
working. and depend'ahle, The young, and the continued sof-
-girls are pretty and feminine •.. fining in demand for education
clever and talented to boot. .
The parents are ordinary "As the number of retired
people. He's a farmer with a people grows,' working members
part time job. She's a retired of the population may have to
nurse whoill►:s now content to he bear a greater cost for the sop -
a wife and mother. A happier port of the ederly, especially as
family you won't find the purchasing power of their
. anywhere. pensions and savings are
a This man and woman hada eroded by inflation.
'choice .,. they could have a nor- "Also, as the relative number•
mal sized family and with same of children orad teenagers
lurk ' a. beautiful home and declines, a higher proportion of
money in. the bank ... or they young adults will sustain a
could have as many children as strong demand for cars and
nature provided them and find other durables, as well as a
their wealth in the joys and tip higher, standard of housing.
heartbreak of raising a family. "The Review notes,.tbat, all
ang.
Mr. ,Bauer, rationaliize they are wrote that the only thing his Carroll stressed the proposal
culling a herd by killing off the conservation work had taught had nothing to do with setting
d the sleekest. Nature, him "for certain", was that land aside for trailers, as was
on when he Councillor
d" list, sportsmen, like med uthe . ituat Assistance Act.
•
au
not the gun and bow-toters,,, "just as soon as you attempt to included in a previous motion
UC:
erase the old, the sick, and the keep something alive on your lost in council, but was brought
crippled. farm, someone else will attempt 'about by •a concern for the .
Mr. Bauer paints a glowing to find a way to kill it." future of the town's beaches,
picture of the idyllic hunter and Mr. McClinchey is still at- He said the zoning •of the har-
farmer's friend. I agree that tempting through the courts, to -bor area was commercial and
such people exist, I even know collect for geese, killed and he could predict development.
'a few. What we always seem to wounded two years ago when in that area that would jeopar•
-
encounter is the other 99.2% hunters jumped, his sanctuary dire the future of town beaches.
who ignore signs, flatten fences, fence and blazed away. The new sub -station of the
open gates, as they sneak in No, Mr. Bauer, the hunter Goderich Public Utilities Com -
and start to slaughter. and -the nature -lover can never mision located irt-; Industrial
Wood -ducks, and geese lured be compatable. I agree that park was officially opened on'
farmponds to nest are cameras do not make
to
good .December 2 and has been
dispatched. A marsh -hawk eating. But the camera hunter named the W.J. Mills sub -
nesting on top of an abandoned show far more skill than the station in honor of the man
muskrat house -is wounded, her killer and work much cloy r to who has served on the local
nest robbed. Opening day of their prey. They have air the utility for the past 16 years•
duck -season finds a Blue Heron- pleasure of. roughing it, their The project was constructed 'by
standing with a shattered pictures are a pei'inerit employees of the PUC at a
wing; dead and wounded gulls record of their hunt and source saving of several thfsuaand
litter the beach near a duck- of pleasure. They leave the , dollars over the normalblind at Black's Point. woods clean and unsullied, procedure of hiring outside con -
Other "sportsmen simply (cotttinue'd on page 3) sltructittn work.