The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1980-04-30, Page 28PAGE 8A,,AGOpERICIfSIGN4le:ST4R1 WBDISMSDAt_AF!RTI.. 30, 1980 WIF tATli WOODEN •Thirteen -year-old Doug LonnSbnry's knowledge Ot provincial politics is elrIOII.g.k to. put most adults thane. But then, most adults dqn't have the op- portunity to sit in the provincial Legislature every day for six weeks as a page. Doug, the son of Lloyd and Kay Lounsbury, returned 'to Goderich on April 18 from his government assignment in Toronto. Doug first heard about pages last December when he saw a television show at school that featured them. "I thought it looked interesting and I decided to be one." First -he -phoned- MPP -- Jack Riddell's headquarter' and his secretary told Doug that he would have to send a letter to Mr. Riddell telling him about himself and why he wanted to be a page. Riddell wrote back and advised him to send a letter to the Speaker of the House, the Hon. John E. Stokes. The page supervisor then sent Doug an ap- plication to fill out. The qualifications were to be in Grades 7 or 8, have at Presbytery hears about well digging Well digging-, -in the Sudan by a Sebringville clergyman highlighted 'division and committee reports at Huron -Perth Presbytery last week. The meeting was held at• chairman Maurice Francis' church, Thamesview United. The Rev. Bruce Eaton, a specialist in well digging with simple equipment, visually described his operations in the Sudan in late 1979. ---7---Itelrad-been-ei1gage-d by Harvard University to lead a team of technicians in this part of Africa. Four of seven wells were in various stages of completion when Eaton returned after an ex- tension of his leave granted by ' the Sebringville • congregation. Delays in progress.. He remains a consultant to the project: The Huron -Perth minister has resigned his pastorate as of June 30. He plans to freelance full time to pursue his ex- pertise in developing countries. The Rev. Harley Moore, Grand Bend, chairman of, the Education and Students' committee introduced Miss Kathryn Edighoffer, Mitchell United, as a candidate for ordination and David Duncan, St. Johns Stratford as an intended candidate. Both addressed the court. The Rev. Alun Thomas' call ,..to the Bayfield charge was approved. Mr. Thomas from Wares, has served the charge for the past two years as an ordained supply. Approval of transfer to Qualicum Beach, B.C., was given to the Rev. Michael Bolger of Monkton, It was announced that Tom Mantle had resigned as manager of the presbytery resource centre in Mitchell. He had held that position since its inception in October 1976. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mantle were thanked for their fine contribution. The work of the Rev. George Cox, resigning communications officer of London Conference was also recognized. GUARANTEED INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES 1 5 vzio BRUCE ERSKINE 86 North 524-9555 Louribui....y another page in history least an 8Q per cent average, and be able to provide your own place to live in Toronto. Doug'i average was 91 per cent. "A couple of weeks later I got a phone call and they told me I had the job." Doug arranged to stay with his uncle in North York and it was all set. A page's life is a busy one. It is easy to un- derstand why one of the qualifications is a high average because the pages only have five how's of schooling a week. "We had Math, English, History, and French," explains Doug. "And boy, am I behind in Science and Geography back at Robertson." There is a wide range of ---duttes—that-a -page must perform. First thing in the morning, Doug would help put together port- folios of Hansards, bills, white papers, etc. and deliver them to all the members' offices. After half an hour of ping pong, 45 minutes of school and an hour -arid -a -half lunch it is time to get dressed. The pages wear black shoes, black socks, blacks pants, a white shirt with a stiff collar, a bow tie, vest, suspenders, and jacket, all black. "Those collars really killed you," complains Doug. Before the members enter the House, the pages place Hansards and various notices on their desks and then the opening ceremonies begin. _After that, question period begins and that is when Doug "really worked up a sweat," delivering messages, filling water pitchers, getting papers, and cashing cheques for members. t And then comes the "lorfg boring speeches," when petitions and reports are made, bills introduced, and motions passed. By suppertime, there are about half a dozen members left when the House adjourns He also said that twice a week on Tuesday's and DurSdays,, the "House" sits from 8 until 11 "There are five pages who work during this time. I worked two night duties," he added. During this time speeches are usually made. One page also has to work conimittee. This is where all of the big tips are given' out, if you're lucky enough to get a message." Doug learned a lot about the personalities of politicians during his time, as a page and is confident about making . some predictions. He In his 'working duds', Doug Lounsbury poses with MPP Jack Riddell in the Speaker's office at Queen's Park on his last day of work as a page boy in the Ontario Legislature. Doug spent six weeks in Toronto delivering messages, pouring water, and running errands for members. • sho PEAT E CENTRE r of values! OMPARE! ita 4 Cu, FT. $4.9 LARGE 18 LITRE POTTING SOI $1.79E A BAG AUSTRIAN PINE APPROX. 24" SIZE $6. 9SIEA. APPROX. 3 FT. WHITE SPRUCE 10.95EA. EXTRA ZEHRS SAVINGS HIGHWAY 8 GODERICH GARDEN CENTRE HOURS MON & TUES 9-6 PM WED FRI 9-9 PM SAT 8 30 6 P M 4. // THE ABOVE SPECIAL PRICES IN EFFECT TILL CLOSING MAY 6 doesn't think that William Davis is going to last much longer as Premier, "He never says a thing in the House. I never had any contact with him because he never accepted messages or a,nything." Doug was very im- pressed with Liberal leader Stuart Smith, however. "He's going all the time and he's very nice too. He stopped me in the corridor and wished me good luck and thanked me for being a page." He feels Bette Stephenson, Minister 0 Education, is "going to get shot down over the asbestos thing. You can really see the strain on her face." Doug liked Stephenson, though, and was somewhat her pet. "I was the only one she would let bring her water," he says proudly. All in ell, Doug feels his experience was wor- thwhile and when asked if he is going to be a politician when he grows up, he answers, con- fidently, "Probably." Nestled in Bemniller. Ont.. just 7 km. east of ;oderich on Huron County Road 1. just off High- way $ Phone 524-2191. WELCOMES YOU AFTERNOON TEA 2:30 to 4:30 7 DAYS A WEEK Com, visit our unusual country resort for Tea today! We've prepared buttered' toast, freshly made scones, home made jam. Devon cream, cake, biscuits and Earl Grey tea for the occasion. Relax and enjoy as we serve you in front of an open hearth log fire in one of our two lounges. (reservations not required) 00 just ty per person • MS A gift of memory is the richest present you can give -- The annual Mother's Day commemorative spoon is the perfect remembrance for this special occasion Available in Silver plate Beautifully gift boxed ONLY $4 5-0 ALSO - Mother's Day China Bells and China Roses &pike OPEN 10-5:30 DAILY SUMMER HOURS BEGINNING MAY 1 10 A.M. - 9 P.AA. it PRICES. EFFECTIVE UNTIL MAY 3 FRU IG WilreDIFIR IIE "Well Worth Looking For" JIOUTV-AKEE.PING GooD MAKES GOOD SENSE Abeavitil mouth si.arts with good dental care WE RESERVE THE RIGHT c;ittAttdtart pootal rk,,octailon TO LIMIT QUANTITIES sate dentaire WAYA D DENTAL FOSS ,ct•zs DENTAL FLOSS 100 YDS. WAXED OR UNWAXED * S,4e9 ,:oderma, ol DP, Trecimj Co TOOTHBRUSH DELUXE NYLON BRISTLE s I. ,, . • ... ... ....... SiONA ... . .. ............... 2/89' ALBERTO VO 5 HAIR SPRAY 4OOm 1m96 OAV6EFI ERASER z MATE ERASABLE -INK PEN 1.57 ERASABLE.INK REFILL AND REPLACEMENT ERASER 970 JOHNSON'S - BABY BATH 240 m12.37 014#•-ifik. BABY SHAMPOO 500 ml1m39 """ogifillOi SHAMPOO:, OOMULA, P4t0II,414 mAister than* TM OPEN ALL DAY WED. 14 SHOPPERS SQUARE DON'T FORGET MOM -MAY 11th PHARMACY 524- 7241