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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1977-03-03, Page 4PAGE 4+GUDERICH SIGNAI,STAR, THURSDAY, MARCH 3 197 Time for honesty Recent word that the Huron County Board of Education will be involved with the Ontario government in a study to determine how the people of this county really feel about all aspects of education here is good news. All that remains now is for all participants in .the study to be objective and honest. There is a nagging fear however, that the study will not show exactly what the people feet. It has happened before. A few years ago, Dr. Ted Hadwen of the University of Guelph conducted a study of the county ratepayers' reaction to Huron County Council. Most laymen would have bet the outcome would have shown the average citizen in the county was - disillusioned with county government. Instead, when the results were in, it was reported that the people of Huron County have great admiration for county council, implicit faith in their county elected, officials and a strong allegiance to the current system of government. Studies of the opinions of people are affected by many factors - the kinds of people interviewed, the type of questions asked and the way in which questions are phrased, the attitudes of the interviewers and perhaps most important, the frankness and truth- fulness of those interviewed. Very often, people neglect to express their real feelings during an interview because of an uneasiness about how that opinion might be used against them. Needless to say, such fear is groundless and yet Mr. and Mrs. Joe Citizen from RR 3 Huron County are apt to be much more agreeable and pleasant during a recorded survey session, than chatting over the fence to the neighbors. What is truth in that case? There is indeed, much general satisfaction with the quality of education received by students in Huron County, from the elementary level through secondary school. There is much general commendation for the teachers in the•system, too. There may even be considerable approval of the county _system of education and the concept of a central administration office. But there are pockets of dissatisfaction - such as remoteness of board members and administration, methods of decision-making, the growing education versus the seeming absence of improvements. These are the types of problems it is hoped the survey will pinpoint, along with some concept of the aspirations of Huron County citizens where education for their children is concerned. One more word of caution. The evaluation of the educational system in Huron; should not become a pre- election salve designed to soothe old wounds for the moment. It therefore behooves all those persons involved in the study to be intent upon getting to the bottom of hostilities and dissatisfactions here in Huron County so that relationships between the Huron County Board of Education and the, taxpayers of Huron can improve along with the quality of education for the future. - SJK Inside Trudeau Canadians in Goderich and area are watching the developments in Quebec with, interest - but definitely from the sidelines. It is almost like viewing a movie drama - seeing the plot unfold, forming opinions and attitudes and then being totally helpless to alter the outcome cr. events. Those who saw Rene Levesque's appearance on Wall Street have mixed emotions - depending on pre -conceived ideas about Quebec in general and the French in particular. Some called it a triumph. Others dubbed,it a failure. But practically everyone agreed it was a masterful attempt on the part of the Quebec Prime Minister to take the first step toward independence and separatism. 'Just last week, the Prime Minister of Canada went to Washington and successfully charmed government officials ihere. Pierre Elliott Trudeau told them exactly what they wanted to, hear - that Canada, the USA's friendly neighbor to the north, would remain unified and strong. He repaired whatever damage might have been caused by Levesque's golden oratory and returned home to a nation that was generally proud of their sophisticated, somber statesman. But Trudeau is a Quebecer, you say. What does Trudeau really believe? How does he really see Quebec's future when he is among his own? In late January, Trudeau was at home - in Quebec City. He made, another speech which should be, to Canadians, as important if not more important than the speech made to Congress. In that speech, Mr. Trudeau said (in part) : - "Like the adolescent who can't forever wonder if he is going to be a fireman or a politician, or a businessman, at a certain point he has to make a clear choice. You can't be everything, just as you can't want federalism and separatism at the same time. I might even say, although it's not what I came here to talk about, it's not at alt sure that you can want in - A dependence and association at the same time. We have to consider clear choices. "We know family life causes problems, and difficulties, and that doesn't mean .tjiat we are going to abolish families. Democracy raises problems and difficulties. Freedom itself causes some funny problems and difficulties, starting with sin and crime. If there was no freedom, we wouldn't be bothered by sin and crime. Just the same, it's not worth abolishing freedom. "Now we have to think, in"an in=" dependent Quebec, wewouldn't speak Tess English, we would have to speak more because Quebec as part of Canada means that we can require that Ottawa reply to us in French, that they operate in French, that they give to the minorities, the French minorities in other provinces. "And when you have a Canadian government, you can have Ministers, Members of Parliament, you can have generals in the army, you can have heads of administration, deputy - ministers, who are French Canadian and who can speak to us and work in French. You might even from time to time have Prime Ministers or Governor Generals. "But in an independent Quebec, then, of course, the rest of North America is not going to start talking French more in order to communicate with this new country. It is the new country that would have to speak more English than now. "There is a crisis in Quebec. There is one in Canada. It's a great danger, but it is also our chance to affirm ourselves as Quebecers, and as Canadians too if you like, because we can be both, _I think. Others can think differently. But let's stop talking and agonizing about our political future. Let's be grown up enough ato either choose to be a Quebecer or Canadian or- to be both. I hope that in the near future that we can say if clearly that ' we want to be Canadian, and that we -are worthy to be Canadian." — Si K Zije iobttrttIj SIGNAL -STAR -0— The County Town Nowspeper of Huron --0— Founded in 10411 and published every Thursday at Goderich, Ontario. Member of the CWNA and OWNA. Advertising rates on request. Subscriptlnna payable In advance $12.00 In Canada, 115.50 to U.S.A., 120.00 to all other countries, single copies 25 cents. Display advertising rates available on request. Please ask for ;tote Card No. 7 effective Oct, 1, 1970. Second ctsles mall Registration Number 0710. Advertising is accepted on the con- dition that, In the event of typographkal error, the advertising space occupled by the erroneous item, together with reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for but Ike balance et the advertisement will be paid for et the applicable rate, fn the event of a typographical error advertising goods or services at a *rang price. goods or service may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell. and maybe withdrawn at any time. The Signal -Star la not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manascrlpts or photos. Business and Editorial Office • ...TELEPHONE 524-11331 area code sr Published by Signal -Star Publishing Ltd. ROBERT G. SHRIER — president and publisher SHIRLEY J. KELLER a. editor - EDWARD J. BYRSKI stelyettising manager Mailing Address: P.Of BOX 220, Goderich SS Mail reglistration num r-016. Winding way By Dave Sykes BY SHIRLEY J. KELLER Not iong ago, I wrote an editorial about a matter which hit Huron County Council. That was the debate - not too hot it must be ad- mitted - about the kinds of books which are in public libraries for people to read. It was Bayfield Reeve Ed Oddliefson , who was most concerned about the "filth" in , literature (?) these days, and he said so for the world to hear. In the editorial which I wrote, I acknowledged that„,,, "filth" and "obscenity',!-IiVI and television, are offensive to many people. I neglected to mention that such Ihings are most embarrassing for me because, I suppose, I was taught that some things are private and personal and should be kept that way. What I did say in the editorial was that the best defense against such things was a good offense - and I stated that by teaching one's DEAR READERS children what it means to live a clean, moral and decent life, they will be much less influenced by the filth and obscenity with which they are to be confronted in this modern worlcl. Some people commented on that editorial to me, saying that they were personally surprised that I would take. such a stand. They felt that I would be the one person who would stand up against filth and obscenity. Some even went so far as to say they thought I really hadn't written ttie eptorial because it just diorirt :01.rxid" like rue. Perhaps those people will be more pleased by the stand take /against profanity which was the topic of discussion around this office a week or so ago., The subject came up again after the movie "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" was halted mid -showing in South Huron District High School in Exeter. In an interview with the Exeter Times -Advocate, the principal of the school, Joe Wooden said he was told people had been offended by the language and said he really couldn't understand why since not many people seem to be "concerned" about such things today. Well, Mr. Wooden, here is one poor soul from the middle -ages who is concerned crusader for less profanity id our everyday conversation not to mention books, radio'', television, movies. About the last movie te, which rI 'subjected ,rnys (apart from Df§ney productions and the like) was Soldier Blue. That movie as I recall, had an excellent story to tell but thelanguage in that movie was absolotely in- tplerable . as far as I was concerned. Every time the words "Jesus Christ" were uttered along with an assortment of other references to my Lord and Saviour, it was like a knife piercing throtigh me. There were other choice four letter word§ in the dialogue, but the ones which left me cold were the ones which in my dic- tionary are classed as "profanity" - utterances which show irreverence to God. I realiie that among you, dear readers, there will be people who will be muttering things like "self-righteous broad" under their breath about now, but I tell you in complete openness and frankness that I don't par- ticularly care what those Jal *Jut me in pis from %eat section of people that the kind of language to which I just referred is hateful and up- setting to more than the fanatic§ and backwoods do- gooders usually associated with this type of complaint. Many readers will be well aware of a move afoot by the major religious denominations in the world to curb the use of profanity as ikell as pornography today's literature and forms. May I please stat views here on such actio abhor profani am admittedly embar by pornography, I am posed to censorship. It been my experience that something is forbidd becomes all the more triguing and interesting One ' young person whom I was spea recently made the com that pornography profanity in books, Apo.. on television will " course" like everything -The tide, will turn ag naturally and without unless something is trodubed to prolong lifetime. That somet . could be censorship, person felt. I am not opposed, how to working openly positively toward cha attitudes about profanity Last fall, the Presbyt ht 11, al 11. e see fo mt ons s ar Wrong stream Dear Editor, Regarding the story about the electricity generation at Benmiller in last week's Signal -Star I believe that if you check you will find that the "Mighty Maitland" has yet to be put to work and that it is Sh,arp's Creek that produces the water power as has been the case since the mills were established by the Yours truly, Glenn McMichael Country Fair Dear -Editor, The year 1977 is hopefully so DEAR EDITOR going to be the most out- former residents, relatives standing one in the history of and friends that Goderich is our town. Each week your not only the prettiest town in Jubilee 3 committee meets to Canada but also the one with plan ways and means to make the most hospitality. your birthday party and mine The "Country Fair" is to be one long to be remembered. a replica of -fairs in bygone The "Country Fair" 'is but. days and is to be held in the one -small part in the calendar Goderich Memorial Arena of eventi, but nevertheless is July 7-8-9. We would like all one which cannot take place schools, church groups, without the support of men's and women's service" everyone in our town .young clubs„ clubs and and old alike. All the events organizations of any kind plus are planned by a few individuals to participate. dedicated citizens and are goint to be put on for the - benefit of all. This is our 150th InDay so let's become involved. Involvement creates more interest and without each of you doing your part we can't carry on. Let us show our Would someone care , to organize a quilting bee? And has anyone a butter making outfit they could operate and show us how butter used to be made! How about making a quilt special for the event? While you are in the sewing mood how about some old fashioned costumes?We'd like a fashion parade of these for men, women and children provided -we have enough entries. We would also like to see flowers and vegetable shows etc.; and for those of you young or old who have a special hobby why not display it? There will be a baby contest and a cup for the Jubilee 3 baby. There will also be a freckle contest, prizes for best decorated bike, doll and buggy and wagon, all these for the children along with a pet show and a fish pond and' balloon board. How about that kids? And for you older ones how about a pie eating contest? You can see now why we need help and quickly such judges and folk to org the above events and oh your ideas. We are planning spe entertainment each dayal with all the displa Everyone from Yo children to senior citizens asked to please become volved. An editorial by Mrs F Russo in last week's Si also worthy of your sideration and needs som to act on her ideas. D hesitate to call her agreeing with an fclea do get it accomplished and you know -tempus fugit' Please let us hear from right away. We can reached by writing to Box (continued on page rtc sio ran Col de io, rsta s in rou ng e po stop behil rgat Wer for t ntly, of i ges Engt ratis 50 YEARS AGO The big thaw last week interfered seriously with boat building operations on the island as much of the timbsr being used is being brought into town from Wawanosh and Stanley. The present state of the roads is. such that half loads cannot be moved any distance either by sleigh or wagon. Weather permitting the Berlin and Goderich hockey teams will play an exhibition match the West Street arena next Tuesday evening. The Berliners have been defeated but once in three years and with the close of the hockey season it should en- sure a crowded house, Mayor Cameron, Major Beck and Editor -' Admiral McGillicudy travelled to Toronto to engineer a bill tO, ineoapprate the Huron, Rruce and Middlesex Railway, that was to be considered bY the Legislatures ,RailvOay Corrimittee. It, was decided that the company shodid haVe, poWer to build in Huron Bruce and Grey: 25 YEARS AGO Queen Eliiabeth and her Consort, the Duke of Edin. burgh, hive cut short their commenWealth visit to fly to Grear Britain where the new Up the dutlea Of her late father l(ing George QUein's."11On;.Printe Charles, whe aVer three years Ord ia ,the new het " The Industrial= COM isifiOns rieun did that 'Coalolder4tiO0„:Aibeing Oren to the possibility of im- plementing a town .plan for Goderich with zoning bylaws. The subject was discuSsed with a view to prOviding orderly expansion of the community:" when expected hneerwe.industries begin locating 5 YEARS AGO The Wilding of. a' regional workshop for retarded Adulta „near Clinton ,comprising the retarded for •Gocie`rIch: and EXeter Was1 'vetoed by the Goderich group. Paul Carroll, fund rat campaign chairman for project said that gr corn muni cation proble because of the infor structure of the Godt Association was the It reason the concept of regional workshop turned down. Ron MeIntosh of Gode one of the organizers ot cable television systett, Goderich was gran;•,d "hearing hy die Con Radio and. Television mission • in Niagara. r April 11 ent the p in du un qer of Mats uatior oness