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Clinton News-Record, 1987-07-02, Page 4Page 4—CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 1987 The Clinton Neems-Record Is published each Wednesday at P.O. Boa 39, Clinton, Ontario, Canada. 190M 11.0. Telt 482-3443. Subscription Rote: Canada -921.00 Sr. Citizen . 610.00 per year U.S.A. foreign 140.00 per year 19 1s registered as second class mall by the post office under the permit number 0817. The News -Record Incorporated In 1924 theHuron News -Record, founded In 1001, and The Clinton News Era, founded In 1067. Total press runs 3,700. Incorporating THE BLYTH STANDARD) r. e ANNE NARLIKO - Editor FREDA McLEOD - Office Manager SHELLEY McPHEE HAIST - Reporter DAVID EMSLIE - Reporter GAYLE KING - Advertising LAUREL MITCHELL - Circulation/Classified GARY HAIST - General Manager eA MEMBER MEMBER BLUE 9 UBON AWARD 1987 Display advertising rates available on request. Ask for Rate Card No. 13 effective Oc• 'ober 1,1934. That will strike produce? The almost daily pictures on our TV screens and in the newspapers of posties confronting strikebreakers, of violence and threats of violence by the striking letter carriers, of police retaliation to protect non-union workers, are, to say the least disturbing. And the failure of the govern- ment of Canada to appoint a mediator in the Canada Post -Letter Carriers Union dispute suggests that the witnessing during the past two weeks will continue. There is probably not a whole lot of public sympathy for the striking let- ter carriers. The main stroke against them is that they are incredibly well paid for the work that they do. At an average wage of $13.43 an hour for work which is essentially unskilled, Canadian letter carriers earn more than many, many people earn for holding down considerably more demanding jobs. Although the current strike at Canada Post is about job security rather than wages, the uncompromising stance of the letter car- riers combined with their relatively privileged status, does not make their cause exactly a cause celebre for most Canadians. The violent tac- tics being employed by the unionists in trying to prevent replacement workers from being brought in by Canada Post is also reprehensible to most people. There are historical reasons for the privileged position of the letter car- riers, not the least of which is that postal workers belong to a powerful trade union which has managed to extract a very good deal from the Canadian Government. But the real questions which Canada Post shareholders (that is, the public) should be asking is: What is at the root of this present confrontation and how could it have been avoided'? Posing these questions immediately involves the Mulroney govern- ment, a government which is determined to have Canada Post wipe out its $184 -million operational deficit by March next year. In other words, the federal government has put the screws to Canada Post and Canada Post is putting the screws to its postal workers. Part of this debt - reduction plan, we have already seen, is the replacement of usual mail delivery by "super mail boxes" and the phasing out of some smaller, rural post offices. There's a solid argument to be made that in a country the size of Canada with a relatively small and dispersed population we should not expect our postal service to break even. But even if one doesn't buy that argument, would it not have been wiser in the interests of improved postal service and improved management -labor relations, to attempt a slower transition to a break-even situation? It is interesting to note that a committee, commissioned by the govern- ment and under the chairmanship of Alan Marchment, president of Guaranty Trust, recommended in November 1985 that Canada Post be given until 1990 to cut its deficit to zero. The Mulroney government rejects that recommendation and decided instead that the corporation should achieve self-sufficiency by March 1988. So far, in its haste to cut Canada Post's operating costs, the govern- ment has angered numerous rural communities by closing or threatening to close smaller post offices; now it is causing antagonism between Canada Post and its employees which is likely to linger on for years. The whole Thing is a sorry affair and one which seems likely to get uglier before it is somehow resolved. By digging in its heels on the March deadline, the government may be able one day to boast that it has what it takes to break the power of the letter carriers' union. But can we expect improved postal service from embittered employees? Or will we be left with poorer service at higher cost to the mail user? (St. Mary's Journal Argus) CPH membership canvass was successful Dear Editor: On behalf of the Auxiliary to the Clinton Public Hospital, I would like to express my thanks to the people of Clinton and surroun- ding communities for the support given to us during our 1987 membership campaign. A special thank you to the area captains – a`rea I Kirsty Harrett; area II Leona Lowton; area IIi Ruth Bond; area iV Rachael .Johnson; Bayfield Kathleen Siert- sema, and those who spent many hours canvassing. Although our canvass is not quite com- plete we have raised a total of $1,158 to date consisting of fees and donations from area organizations. If you have not received your He's irresistable 1--le's cuddley, he's cute, he's energetic and he's irresistable. He's also very demanding, loves to eat just about anything and is starting to think he's a backhoe. Yes, I guess that sums up my newly adopted companion, Molson. Molson is a 12 -week-old, part Golden Retriever and part Cocker Spaniel, who fits the description of his species to a T - he's as playful as a puppy, extremely mischievous and tires quickly, but not as quickly as I do. When Colin and I first got the little fellow, he was nothing more than a furball. He was round with short, stubby legs, floppy ears, sad eyes and the only sound he could make was a whimper. Now, four weeks later, he's doubled in size, has long legs and can bark as well as whimper. He's lost a lot of his "puppy look" but his sad Cocker Spaniel eyes aren't quite as lonesome looking as they were before. This little gold and white creature stole my heart from the moment I laid eyes on him, partially because of his sad eyes and partially because he took an instant liking to me as well. How can you possibly give so- meone (or something) heck when it looks so sad and would follow you to the end of the earth? For this reason, whatever Molson'c litil, membership card please contact me at 482-7392. Thank you again for your continued support. Sincerely. .Joyce Hilderley Convenor Hospital Auxiliary Membership Canvass Canvass was a success Dear Editor: The Fund Raising Committee of Clinton Public Hospital has had a very successful canvass of households in the area served by the hospital. Approximately $90,000 was donated in this canvass. The people of the area should be proud of their response to this appeal. The committee thanks the donors for their response. The canvassers and area captains have worked hard and faithfully to make the donations possible. To those more than 200 willing volunteers, the hospital, through its fund raising committee says Thank you for an exceptional effort. We are getting close to our goal. A little additional push from any who may have been missed or any who can offer additional help will put us over the top. Contributions may be made at the hospital or at the Fund Raising Office - 69 Victoria St. in Clinton bet- ween 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. Businesses in Clinton and area were con- tacted by letters in the winter but no can- vass has been made. Many owners and/or managers have contributed at home. Others are asked to make their contributions to the hospital or the fund raising office. So we say thanks to all who have par- ticipated. Sincerely, Al ,Jewson, Canvass Co-ordinator heart desired was all right with ane. In other words, the guy was well on his way to being spoiled rotten. The only people that saved him were Colin and my mother. Colin and I agreed that we would like to get a dog sometime down the road and that it would definitely not be a house dog. Well, "down the road" came sooner than we ex- pected (saying we could have Molson was a moment of temporary insanity Colin claims) and with him being so small and cuddley, I didn't mind him in the house. Colin agreed that the little guy was cute and cuddley, but there was no way he was going to clean up his messes in the house - outside would be okay, but not in the house. Needless to say, Colin was the one who purchased the dog chain and my mom and him plotted how they were going to get Molson used to being outside. After several loving spankings from mom, Molson became accustom to the out- doors during the day. However, at night he was brought in (by me) and given run of the kitchen and mud room. Located just off the kitchen is a bathroom and this is the place Molson chose to sleep - wrapped around the bottom of the toilet. Well, all of this changed last week. Molson no longer sleeps in the house and has really come to enjoy the outdoors, or so it would seem as he doesn't cry or bark at night. And during the day. he lounges around the backyard, soaking up the sun. Ah, a dog's life! After soaking up the sun, Molson also likes to soak up the water. It is when the sprinkler is turned on that his Golden Retriever characteristics come out. Upon spotting the sprinkler sending the cold water onto the lawn, Molson quickly runs to it, positions his body over and holes and laps up the water spraying out of the un- covered holes. Now to passersby this looks great, but for Colin and myself, it gets a little messy. The dog is smart. He knows he's wet and he also knows people don't exactly enjoy having this wet, furry creature jumping at their bare legs or on their pants, so what does he do - exactly that. The first time is okay, but when you see him head back towards the sprinkler and then, dripping wet, come joyfully bounding your way, you try to firmly say, "No Molson. Down Molson," but your firm voice breaks with laughter and the other person giggles and thanks Molson for not choosing him. This little dog of ours is a handful at times, and when people say it's just like having a kid, they're not that far off. But just like kids, they are a lot of fun too. After all, dogs are said to be man's (or woman's) best friend. SUMMER HOME BY ANNE NA R EJK O EEIRLY FILES 5 years ago June 30, 1982 Cela Sioman Earns Provincial Citizenship Medal - One of Clinton's most prominent citizens, Cela Sioman is in Toronto today. June 30, to receive the provincial Medal for Good Citizenship from Premier William Davis. The Clinton octogenarian is one of 13 On- tario people being honored this year with the award in recognition of outstanding con- tributions to society. Clinton Public Hospital Ends Year in The Red - Inflation, increaser wages and greater expenses has left the Clinton Public Hospital in the red this year with a $97,609 deficit. At the hospital's annual meeting on June 28, board members learned that in 1981 the hospital operated with the budget of $2,207,537, and unlike the year previous, did not finish with a surplus. Mother And Daughter Win Rose Show - Despite a wet and dreary month, roses managed to survive the poor weather condi- tions and on Friday the best of the colorful flowers filled the Clinton Town Hall for the Horticultural Society's Annual Rose Show. Catherine Bennett of Clinton showed the Champion Rose and won a special cash award donated by the Clinton Bank of Mon- treal. She also won a cash award, donated by Marg (Counter for the best yellow peace rose. Her daughter Fiona, for the second year in a row, showed the best arrangement of wayside flowers,. 10 years ago June 30, 1977 Town Drops Taxes 7 Mills - Despite an in- crease in the county levy of some $8,000 and an increase in the education levies of over $42,000, the Town of Clinton was able to decrease ,its taxes this year. The 1977 budget, which was passed last Thursday night at the council's regular meeting, will have an average public school residential supporter with a $3,000 assess- ment paying $22 less in taxes than he did in 1976 or a total of $506. Area RainfalTStill Spotty - Lack of rainfall this spring and so far this summer is plagu- ing area farmers, but depending on where one lives, the moisture situation could range I._., ..el from good to nearly critical. With one exception on June 2, the only rainfall received in Huron County has been of a very localized nature, with one farm getting a good shower while the one next door doesn't see a drop. Council To Clean Up Act - Clinton Council will be run with more order in the future. The move was made at the council's regular meeting last Thursday evening. "Maybe I should use the gavel more often," said Mayor Harold Lobb after he received the motion for the following changes: to stand when speaking, no smok- ing, time limit on speaking, only one person speaks at a time and council is to address the mayor as Your Worship or Mr. Mayor. 25 years ago June 28, 1%2 Taxes Are Slow Reports Collector -- Receipts of tax money in the tax collector's office in Clinton has been unusually slow this spring, reports clerk John Livermore. Deadline for the first installment is June 30. The office will remain open all day Satur- day, from 9 to 12 and from 1 to 5 p.m. to ac- commodate those who have left payment to the last minute. Effects Of Increased Tariffs Upon 4 Clin- ton industries - Prime Minister John Diefen- baker addressed the nation Monday night, explaining steps taken by the government to halt the flow of dollars from Canada, and the resultant depressing of the value of the Canadian dollar. Included in the measures already an- nounced is a fixed band rate of six per cent tariff surcharges of from five to 15 per cent on imported goods. Sewage Disposal Plant Requires More Repairs - Clinton Public Utilities Commis- sion is continuing the job of repairing the sewage disposal plant, and getting it into perfect running order. In operation since 1946, some sections of pipe and parts of the metal work are found to be corroded. Job at hand now is the cleaning of the digester. "It holds as much sludge as the standpipe holds water," reported manager Jabez Rands on Monday night to council. 50 years ago July 1, 1937 Night Constable Aids Visitors Get Rooms - One of those cases where the night constable of a small town is obliged to act as night clerk for the hotels as one of his multitudinous duties, had a sequel in Goderich police court last Thursday, when F.E. Deyus, of Windsor, was brought from that city to answer a charge of jumping a $4.50 night's lodging bill. He was one of four of a fishing party en route North, which on May 12. after mid- night, helped themselves on the advice of Chief Constable Fremlin to rooms in the Rattenbury Hotel, it was alleged in court, leaving at 5 a.m. without settling up. Kincardine Victim Of Theft Makes Fair Offer - "With malice toward none" may be said of Ben McCue as of Abraham Lincoln. Recently someone borrowed Ben's bicycle from in front of R. Ross and Sons' block without undergoing the formality of asking permission. Ben makes a fair offer. Whoever took the bicycle might as well come and get the pant clip, he claims, as, at present, he has no use for it. 75 years ago July 4, 1912 Fire At The Normandie - Fire broke out at the Hotel Normandie about three o'clock last Friday morning and but for its early discovery by Mr. Gabe Elliott, who as a liveryman has to keep all sorts of hours and noticed smoke issuing from the building as he was returning home, the hotel would in all probability have been completely gutted, if not entirely destroyed. On arousing the inmates, Gabe rang the alarm bell and the brigade quickly respond- ed and under the direction of Chief Downs two lines of hose were laid and soon the flames were under subjection. Clever Clinton Girls - When the Model school opens in September instruction in art to the teachers -in -training will be given by Miss Lucille Grant, in Physical Culture by Miss May Rance and in Music by Miss Cleta Ford. It is gratifying to know that when any special subjects are required to be added to the curriculum of our schools we have citizens of our own who are quite capable of handling them.