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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1978-11-23, Page 4PAGE 4--GODERI.GH SIGNAL -STAR, TKUI SDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1978 *CNA Go.deric`h SIGNAL STAR The County Town Newspaper of Huron Founded In 1040 and published every Thursday at Goderich. Ontario. Member of the CWNA and OWNA. Advertising rates on request. Subscriptions payable in advance '14.50 in Canada. '35.00 to U.S.A., '33.00 to all other countries. single copies 35'. Display advertising was available on request. Please ask for pato Cord No. 0 effective Oct. 1. 1974. Second class mall Registration Number 0714. Advertising 1s accepted on thecondition that In the event of typographical error. the advertising space .occupied by the =erroneous Item. together with reasonable allowance for signature. will not be charged for but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of o typographical error advertising goods or services at a wrong price. goods or service may not be sold. Advertising Is merely on offer to sell. and may be withdrawn at any limo. The Signal -Star 1s not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts or photos. Business and Editorial Office TELEPHONE 524-8331 area code 519 40A, Published by Signal -Star Publishing' Ltd. ROBERT G. SHRIER — president and publisher SHIRLEY J. KELLER — editor DONALD M. HUBICK - advertising manager Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 220, Industrial Park, Goderich Second class mail registration number — 0716 Need more information Early in December, Huron County Council will have its inaugural session for the 1979-80 council. Goderich's representatives this year will be Reeve Eileen Palmer and Deputy -reeve Bob Allen. At the outset, people in Goderich should be aware that Goderich's two county council members are in a difficult position. While Goderich has the largest population of any municipality in the county, the town's "clout" at county council is minimal. The Goderich reeve and deputy -reeve have two votes each on matters where a record is kept of "yays" and "nays", but in the main,. Goderich represen- tatives have no more authority than anyone else in the chambers. Even so, Goderich representatives are considered "the enemy by many county councillors. What's more, the Goderich voice is seldom heard in the regular sessions of Huron County Council. There may be several good and valid reasons for this fact, not the least of them being the number of routine business items that are handled at the county level without much active discussion by councillors in'general. To be sure, citizens throughout Huron County are reminded that the performance of county council members in the regular sessions should not be taken as an indication of their performance in the closeted committee sessions. Taxpayers are to take comfort in the fact that lively, free -swinging, hard- hitting discussion is routine when the members are away from the prying eyes of press and public. Be that/as it may, Goderich's county represen- tatives from previous years would be hard-pressed to prove to Goderich ratepayers.the•worth of their involvement at the county level. The people of Goderich don't get any kind of direct report from their county representatives. In the past, it had been suggested that the reeve and - or the deputy reeve prepare the occasional report for town council about what has transpired at the county level which is of special benefit to Goderich...or what has an important' bearing on decisions to be made by town council. But in recent years, even that kind of com- munication hasn't been expected of the county reps. And none has been volunteered. It seems high time then, that Goderich's representatives to county counil begin to visibly demonstrate to the people of Goderich their viewpoint on county affairs and to communicate their reaction to county decisions. Perhaps a written report on a'monthly basis to town council would be in order'. It could even be that. the Goderich reeve or deputy -reeve would like to ac- cept an offer from Signal -Star to utilize free space once a month to get their opinions about county matters across to the ratepayers in Goderich. Maybe Goderich's elected county representatives have some better suggestions. The fact remains that the average citizen in Goderich doesn't know what the Goderich representatives are doing at county council; he doesn't understand. what he gets for the dollars he puts into the county coffers every year; and he doesn't comprehend the natural and very necessary ties between Goderich and , Huron County. Surely it is up to the county representatives from Goderich to ,try to get the message to the people here starting this term of office.—SJK Team work essential A story in. The Vancouver Sun in late October pointed out it is up to parents to know the basics about the schools their children attend. Simple .. basics, really. Like what the rules are at school about being late and using the library equipment and going outdoors at _recess. Like who your child's principal is and what he -she is really feeling beneath the rough exterior. Like what your son or daughter should be learning this year in the various courses of instruction being taught. Probably most Goderich and area parents are at a real advantage when it comes to sorting out this kind of information. But it is very likely surprising the numbers of parents who really couldn't care less about such things and make little or no effort to learn about the school's personnel and programs. Educators know the value to children who come from homes where parents rally care about their children and their progress at school. That's why parents get regular irfvitations toattend the school and to see first hand what's going on in the classroom where their sons and daughters spend so many hours out of each school day. Bravo It is a tip of the community hat this week to the GDCI junior and senior football squads who have once again brought honor to their school and to this school district by winning the league cham- pionships. For the seniors, the record shows an outstanding aggregate score 474-0 in regular season and playoff games. Not one team scored on the senior Vikings from the time the regular season got underway until the final whistle ended the last playoff contest. The closest score all year was against Stratford Central when the scoreboard showed 53 for the Vikings and nothing for Stratford team. The junior Vikings had only 41 points scored against them in seven regular season games. In all, the juniors tallied 270 points against their op- ponents, making their win truly decisive as well. GDCI football teams have a reputation for being tough and well trained to take advantage in every situation. Topnotch football action is now traditional at the Goderich high school. But in recent years, a growing school spirit is evidence of the fact that the whole atmosphere at GDCI is healthy and happy. Undoubtedly, the success of the Viking football squad -has had something to do with the pride of students and staff at the local high school. And that, in turn, spills over intothe community. - Weli°done, men. May the glory you have brought to Goderich be maintained by future football squads who *fit call GD I horrte:--- SJI' 1, That's why many schools send home regular news letters with their students — letters which include vital information about school rules, hours, teachers, holidays, special projects and courses of study. And that's why staff members welcome questions from parents about the curriculum or about their children's progress in relation to it anytime of the year. And parents should know their rights, too. They should know how to go about making a formal complaint to the school. Or that they can withdraw their children from programs which offend their values. Or that they should be drawn into any crisis which is developing between the teachers and their children ... or their children and other students. Teachers also know the importance of parents who send children to school after they have had plenty of sleep, good food, proper medical and dental care as well as encouragement from home to listen and learn while at school. They know the need for a quiet, comfortable place to do homework as well as those gentle reminders from mom and dad to get the work done. And teachers couldn't put a price on the words of praise which parents give to kids and which sends youngsters into the classroom with a more positive, co-operative mind. There's so much truth in the Vancouver Sun story which tells parents that schools are only as ef- fective as the homes from which the children come. It really is essential that home and school work together toward a common goal. —SJK Snowmobile Safety Do you know these faces? Check Tid Bits for the answers BY SHIRLEY J. KELLER I know there are mixed feelings throughout Canada about the monarchy. Some Canadians feel no special allegiance to Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II while others enjoy the relationship Canada has with the British throne. I `fall into the 'latter category. All my life I have been fascinated by' the Royal Family and while I'm not the type who would stand in line for hours tb' catch a glimpse of the queen as she rides by on her way to the airport, I do take an active interest in her career and in the lives of her children. Last week, one of those children - Charles Philip Arthur George Mount- batten -Windsor - had a birthday. Prince Charles turned 30 and once again, everyone began to speculate about Charles' future both as a .king and as a husband for, some fortunate•young woman. , Of special interest to the press in Britain and around the world, was the party planned by Queen Elizabeth for her son. Apparently 350 friends of the eligible prince had been invited to a party at Buckingham Palace. Columnists were keeping their eyes peeled for a clue among the guests about a possible matrimonial choice for the prince. Seems like many of them have it narrowed down to the pretty daughter of the Duke of Wellington, Lady Jane Wellesley. Aside from•the fact that she has been one of Charles' companions. in the past, o she is an Anglican. That fact alone makes her a prime candidate as Charles' future wife. It's probably DEAR •READE..R5 more important than a royal upbringing which would enable a future queen to carry off the round of regal duties that will inevitably fall to Charles' bride. + + + But all this makes just so much idle chit-chat. Charles doesn't appear to be wearing his heart .on his sleeve for anyone. But like his handsome father, Charles is a man's man with a passion for the sea, a love for athletic pursuits and a keen sense of humor. What's more, Charles makes headlines from time' to time when he openly speaks his mind about rather insignificant , things that suddenly become major con- tentious issues just because a member of the royal family said them. That's why I got such a personal charge out of a story in a daily newspaper I read about a chance remark Charles made at a press awards luncheon in London, England jut before his birthday. Seems that young Charles bantered the press a bit about the way newspapers carry so much bad news. Said the prince, "Why don't they, for a change, tell us how many jumbo jets landed safely at Heathrow Airport?" +++ . Well, as a special gift to the prince on his .30th birthday, The Sunday Times gave Charles his wish. In a full front-page column of "good news" Charles learned: "Some 12,200 babies were delivered last week; 92 percent of the first cluss mail was delivered on time; ,it's • been 25 years since a cow died from respiratory trouble in the fog at Smithfield. "The government got 176 million pounds of tax revenue last week from British Petroleum's Forties field; some 8,000 couples got married and, thanks to National Tree Planting Week, could buy a seed for a Douglas fir which will grow to 60 feet in time for their golden wedding anniversaries. "British Rail .carried two million passengers last week, 88 per cent of whom said they arrived within 10 minutes of schedule; no banks collapsed; Canterbury Cathedral conducted services in its 798th year; Big Ben was telling the right time above the Houses of Parliament, which resumed its 306th session since 1213." +++ And so with the Sunday Times as a guide, I would like to dedicate the,rest of Dear Readers to Prince Charles in a kind of belated birthday tribute. For, you know, there is lots of good news in Goderich, too.. And every once in a while somebody gets the same notion as Prince Charles .... that only good news would make better reading. So here we go. Now let me see. . Last week in Goderich, the leaf sucker went through the streets of town . vacuuming up all the leaves that had been swept to the curb and disposing of them without so much as a puff of smoke. Recent rains have washed away the -last bits of sand and grime from the sidewalk construction on The Square, and the new interlocking bricks are looking redder than previously. Three hundred and forty-six cups of tea and four hundred and fifty- two cups of coffee were served at ladies' social Mir gatherings in .Goderich last,week. School attendance was a remarkable 97 per cent on Friday last week. Not one traffic death oc- curred in Goderich last week. All the churches in Goderich held regular worship services on Sunday and already this week, indications are that worship services will be held again this coming Sunday. The clock in Court House Square struck the hour, the half hour and the quarter hour again last week. Highway 8 to Clinton was open ,to traffic. Fire did not claim any public buildings or cause any death or injury in Goderich last week. The wind storm -last Friday did not cause any major damage. No boats went down in Goderich harbor and every airplane landing at Sky Harbor did so safely. The stores in Goderich were open for business every business day last week and' already this week, the stores appear to be open for business. Banks, too, are welcoming customers. Anyone wanting to buy gas for their cars can get as, much as is needed at any of the town's service stations. Television and radio programs were available to citizens last week and again th'is week. Garbage pickup will be on schedule this week and the PUC is not expecting any interruption in hydro or water service. The Goderich Pollution Control Plant continues to operate daily. -' Town hall is accepting Canadian money at par for municipal taxes. Not one ratepayer last week was refused the, right to pay his property tax account before ,the deadline date. + + + There's probably much more "good news" around town' that could have been published here, but since Prince Charles doesn't know many of the Goderich citizens personally there makes no sense to go into individual "good news" items. But I could report some bright spots. For in- stance, last week at my home there was enough food to feed all those persons who sat around our diningroom table. The furnace was working without a hitch, the clothes dryer dried any and all laundry I put in, the windows on the southern extremity of the house were washed clean by the rain and • the car started every morning without fail. I am certain that Prince Charles isn't the only person who will enjoy reading this "good news" from The Prettiest Town in Canada. You know, it's true. All this good news does give one a lift and I'm par- ticularly proud to be able to say, "You read it first in the Signal -Star." Happy birthday Prince Charles. Write a letter to the editor right now! LOOKING BACK Douse smokes before checking fue 75 YEARS AGO The iron railings at the post office steps have been completed during the past week by Jas. A. Strachan. Dr. J. L., Turnbull is now in New York on his periodical visit to the large hospitals. A hydrant at St. Patrick's ward school which required repairs, owing to being tampered with by boys, occasioned some discussion at the public school trustees meeting on Monday. Nearly every seat in the assembly room was occupied at the annual commencement exer- cises at the collegiate Institute last Friday evening with' Principal Strang presiding. In all probability the steamer Manitou will be the last boat to enter Goderich harbor this year. Jas. Wilson has had a hot water systeth of heating installed in his store. This improvement is in line with his progressive business policy. John Knox, having gone out of the implement agency business, his son Will has taken it over and is conducting it at the old stand on Newgate Street. The Inland Printer, the great printing trades journal published AT Chicago, in its December number has eight pic- tures from R. R. Sallows' photographs. They are views and studies in and about Goderich., 25 YEARS AGO The Goderich plant of Purity Flour Mills Ltd., long known locally as the "Big Mill" entail a definite program of expansion. Subject of controversy for the past couple of weeks, operation of the Goderich Memorial Arena got another going over at the nomination meeting last Friday night in the town hall as the largest crowd in two decades , jammed the auditorium to watch the "fireworks". Goderich's municipal election narrowed down to battles for the posts -of mayor and deputy -reeve when qualification time ended on Saturday night. Nominations for mayor are J. E. Huckins, thayor. for the past three years and Charin M. Rober- tson, a town councillor for the past two years. In the fight for deputy -reeve will be Joseph Allaire and John Vincent. Present indications are - that town council will operate within the budget set down early this year. According to a financial statement, the assessment roll for 1953 sets the total assessment at $7,008,621 with $5,076,956 liable for all taxation. 5 YEARS AGO Reiresentatives of several service clubs, town council, the Board of Education, the Legion and the Recreation Committee met Tuesday evening to seriously discuss the feasibility of constructing ai large Recreation Complex which would be located in Goderich. Reports indicate that the immediate Goderich and Clinton areas were shaken about noon on Tuesday by a mild ear- thquake. Last Friday; Goderich businessman Sam Gerofsky opened his new 6,000 square foot retail outlet, Gerrards, on the Square. Corporal Gary Taylor began his duties with the O.P,P., Goderich detach- ment, effective November 12. He replaces Sergeant Bruce Wheeler on the local staff. Officially Monday morning, the doors of the new Signal -Star plant in Industrial' Park on High- way 21 in the south of Goderich were opened to the public for business..