HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1979-11-22, Page 4PAGE 4—GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1979
Godericht
SIGNAL-STAR
The County Town Newspaper of Huron
founded In 1641 and published every Thursday at Goderich, Ontario. Member o6she CCNA
and OWNA. Advertising roles on request. Subscriptions payable In advance .16 00 in
Conodo, '35.00 to U.S.A.. 75.00 to all other countries, single copies 35'. DIsploy odverilsing
rotes available on request. Please ask for Rote Cord No. • effective S-pl. 1. 1170, Second
doss moll Registration Number 0710. Advertising Is accepted on the condition that In the
event of typographical error. Ihe-odvertising'spocooccupied by the erroneous 11•m,
together with reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for but the balance
of the advertisement will be paid for al the applicable rate. In the event of a
Iypographlcol error advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or service may
not be sold. Advertising Is merely on oiler to sell, and may be withdrawn at any time. Th-
Signol.Star Is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts or photos.
Published by Signal -.Star Publishing Ltd.
ROBERT G. SHRIER — president and publisher
SHIR.LEY J. KELLER — editor
DONALD M. HUBICK -advertising manager
Mailing Address:
P.O. BOX 220, Industrial Park, Goderich
Second class mail registration number — 0716
Business and Editorial Office
TELEPHORE .524.8331
area code 519
Good for all
MacKay Hall is to be a senior citizens' centre.
Hooray. Senior citizens need love too,
Being a senior citizen these days can mean many
things. It can mean retirement and relaxation or
loneliness and frustration. It can mean card games
and bus trips or it can mean meals for one and
evenings alone by the television. It can mean time
for family and friends or it can mean separation
from children and rejection by acquaintances.
Growing old can be exciting and fulfilling, or it
can discouraging and empty.
Much of it, depends on how the community views
people in the golden years. If the needs of seniors
are understood and met, many of the other not -so -
pleasant problems of aging will seem less
significant.
A senior citizens' centre will be a welcome ad-
dition to the municipality - and a nice complement.
to the senior citizens' housing project which is
already planned.
Anyone who expects to be a senior citizen at some
time in the future should get behind the project with
whatever support he or she can muster. - SJK
Emergency cover
The recent derailment of a freight train hauling
tank cars containing propane, chlorine,. caustic
soda, butane and toluene which resulted in the
evacuation of the entire city of Mississauga, has
many thinking people shaking in their shoes. '-
Did that train or one like it pass through Goderich
— or Auburn? -Could that incident `or one like it -have
happened right here in Huron County? What kind of..
emergency services are available 'in 'this area to
handle that -kind of a crisis?
While it is true that evacuating the town of
Goderich and environs wouldn't pose near the
problem it would to evacuate the population of
Mississauga, there's no doubt there would be a need
for some fast decisions and some quick_ emergency
planning. Could we cope?
Fortunately in Goderich, hospital officials here
are' working now on an 'updated emergency
measures scheme in case of a disaster. That's more
than some communities can boast. It's. more than
Woodstock had Vhen a devastating tornado struck
there this summer.
And Goderich hospital officials realize that to be
useful, an emergency measures scheme must be
kept up=to-date. It's easy for such things to grow
useless if someone isn't constantly on top of the
situation - keeping contacts fresh, keeping,
telephone number current, keeping communication'
open, keeping principals informed.
This newspaper would urge all major industries
in Goderich, all schools, all churches, all
businessmen, all •politicians, all service clubs, all
municipal employees, to be aware of the need for a
constant interchange of information and ideas to
keep the " people of this community as safe as
possible in the face of a disa'sterr.
This newspaper,alsourges the people of Goderich '75 YEARS AGO take it to pieces and ' Elmer Cranston
and area to be ready and willing to serve in any way rebuild it in the township. Montreal Street.
His many friends and
Thanks
Dear Editor,
Just a brief note to
publicly acknowldge the
excellent manner in
'which the Goderich Fire
Department responded to
a fire at our home
recently.
These gantlemen used
complete discretion in
keeping damage to a
minimum. Cleanup after
the fire was an added plus
by them and the overall
manner in the way they
performed under fire was
commendable.
Our sincere ap-
preciation to all the
fellows on the Goderich
Fire Department.
Ron and Gail Allin
and boys
A few facts
Dear Editor,
Your thought-
provoking article "Dear
Readers" of November
15, concluding with:
"Let's be certain we're
all talking about the same
thing when we discuss
SEAR EDITOR
Christianity," brings to
mind certain facts, as
follows.
You state:
"Christianity is tied in to
Jesus Christ -and, his_
teachings."
First of all, Jesus
Christ taught I that the
Hebrew Scriptures were
:the truth', (John ,17:17).
Certain religious
organizations labelling
themselves "Christian"
have published
statements that the first
eleven chapters -of the
Hebrew Scriptures are
'folk -lore and myth'.
Where 'does that place
them?
1 6 : 3,16,1725,26,27,28;
John 17:1)
It is not about time that
"Christians" began to
face the facts? Even the
Revised Standard version
of the Bible reveals that
"the faithful and true
witness" was "the
beginning of God's
creation", the footnote at
Revelation 3:14 referring
to Proverbs 8:22 where it
reads: "The LORD
created me at the
beginning of his way."
These are only a few of
the facts available to
thinking people today
that are causing the
"exodus from
traditional religion.
Sincerely yours,
'C.F. Barney
Nestle official retaliates.
Dear Editor:
Our records indicate
that your publication has
carried an article in the
past dealing with the
complex •issue of infant
nutrition in the Third
World.
This subject was
Another organization examined recently, by the
labelling themselves World Health
"Christian" has Organization at a special
puhlished the statement, meeting in Geneva, and I
"If Jesus Christ is not am pleased to advise you,
God, then the Church is that my compnay's'
guilty:: of 'substituting a current policies are
creature in God's totally consistent with the
place'." All this despite recommendations issued
the fact that Jesus is by the World Health
reported to have con- Organization_ at the
sistently referred to his conclusion of this
Father as God. (John meeting.
14:!;. 31: John 15:1, 21; Nestle has pledged its
John immediate support in the
OOKI
necessary, to keep this communication network
l public In general will
be glad' to learn that
alive and alert It isn't th' thatwill t k ' the pu �h
whole lot of time on anyone's part, but it will
require dedication to the cause and understanding
of the system.
As well, the people of Goderich and area should
be pressing the provincial government to enact
proper legislation governing the transportation of
deadly chemicals and potentially dangerous sub-
stances, either by rail, by highway, by air or by
water. ..
• And, perhaps community officials` should have"
•some tog a a e a
some knowledge of the materials which are passing
through area . municipalities from time to time.
Surely then some kind of specific planning could be
done to cover the situations which could arise from.
known hazards in the district. •
Emergency measures planning is just that -
planning measures in case of an emergency. If
there is some indication of the kind of emergency to
be faced, planning the measures:- in case of that
emergency should be much simpler. - SJK
Should you join?
There has already been some snow in this
community and there is little doubt that more will I
fall on the area very soon now. Snow is synonymous
with winter in this region, and with the snow comes
all kinds of winter outdoor activities and new
dangers for unwary people.
One of the newest forms of outdoor activity in the
winter is snowmobiling. The number of
snowmobilers has increased dramatically over the
years. What's more, the size and scopeof these
snow machines has also increased.
It's no wonder then, that in the winter of 1979-80
the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Com-
munications is expecting increased hazards for
snowmobilers and is warning early to "put safety
first when they take to the snowdrifts this season".
Last season, 38 Ontario residents were killed in
snowmobiling accidents. That represents more
than twice the number of persons killed in
snowmobile mishaps the previous -season despite
the fact that collisions involving snowmobiles were.
down 4.1 percent from 803 in 1977-78 to 770 1astyear:
An additional seven snowmobile drivers and one
passenger drowned when they drove their vehicles
into open water or broke through thin ice.
The Ministry is now encouraging snowmobilers,
particularly beginners and especially youngsters,
to take a driver training course now beingoffered
by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
(OFSC).
If anyone in The Signal -Star readership is in-
terested in locating snowmobile clubs which offer
these driver training courses, simply contact the
OFSC 'Driving Training Office, RR I, Jordan
Station, Ontario. LOR ISO.
It sounds like a sensible idea that -could save
somebody's life and limb...maybe yours. - SJK
•
25 YEARS AGO 5 YEARS AGO
Jonathan, Miller, the Possibility of ' an
genial Boniface and all election for a least one
round ,good citizen,has post on town council
reopened his livery on loomed this week with the
East Street. announcement by
Robert Elliott, the -Deputy-Reeve Joe Allaire
area's Apple, king,. says . that, he Wciuld oppose
he has -shipped 14,000 Reeve J. H. Graham for
barrels this season, 10.000 the Reeveship. Mean-
to Glasgow with ..the, -.while-no-.indication''-has
balance . going to 'been given yet whether
Liverpool. Aberdeen and there. Will he a fight ,for
Hamburg. ;' the mayoralty and other
The dance/given by the
Harriiony ;' Club on
1lranskg1v,ing night was a
decided _success, the
at ten da n,ce,_.-being large
and thio.' music - the
Blackstone Orchestra) of
the befit.
Thyre wa i a largely
attended sleeting of the
recently organized Rifle
As,'ociatiun in ,the town
h.,ill Monday evening.
;Messrs. E':.C. Attrill and
;Fred Davis were absent
'during the past week and
improvers of stock will be
pleased to learn that,
while away, ` the gen-
tlenlen purchased a most
valuable ($3,000) Per-
cheron stallion. It will he
shipped from Chicago
Stock Yards to Goderich
on December 3. •
,This time last year the
skating rink was doing a
big business and there
had been a few days
pretty fair sleighing. A
great contrast to the
November Weather of
190.
Jno. F. Andrews has
purchased the barn on -
Lighthouse Street, on the
one-time Grace property,
from Robert Orr and will
council posts. -
1'he new bridge over.
the Maitland River at
Auburn may he opened to
traffic early next month,
the Huron County Road
Committee told 'County
Council here Tuesday.
The G.D,'C.I. team won
the Huron County
Secondary Schools rugby
title this year. The leant.
went through the year's
schedule without a kiss.
1 verj. ti Ole Huron
('ounty had a regular
,t5 il)n this vear-, it was
held in a different place.
Its chambers in the court
house were destroyed hy,
fire in F=ebruary.
County Council is ex-
pected to give approval
today ,to' a by-law which
would increase the rates
for inmates at the Huron
County Home in Clinton
from $35 per month to $60.
Huron County Pioneer
Museum had a record
year in, 1954 with 10,706
visitors recorded up to
last weekend.
Mr. Edward J. Stiles of
Toronto has purchased
the funeral home and
underti'king business of
preparation of an in-
ternational marketing
code that will serve as a
model for individual
governments in the Third
World. In the meantime,
where there may be need
for further clarification
of the recent guidelines,
Nestle intends to adopt
the most stringent
measures to avoid any
practice that could be
interpreted as in-
consistent.
Following is a
statement by M.E.
Hansen,' 'president of
Nestle Canada Ltd., that
covers the subject in
greater detail:
"I am pleased to an-
nounce that the parent
Nestle company in
Switzerland has endorsed
the statement issued
October 12th by the World
Health Organization and
UNICEF' on the
marketing and
distribution of infant food
products.
"The statement was
issued by WHO -UNICEF
following a four day
meeting in Geneva in
-which 150 representatives
from industry, govern-
ments, the medical
profession, and consumer
groups participated: A
major element of the
Nestle terminated con-
sumer advertising and
direct consumer
promotion of such
products in July, 1978.
"The WHO -UNICEF
statement further an-
nounced the organization
of a process by which
WHO -UNICEF will
develop an international
code of marketing which
will also serve as a model
for governments to adopt.
Nestle has already en-
couraged and co-
•' operated in the formation
of codes of conduct in
several countries and will
continue to do so.
" In announcing
Nestle's support of the
WHO -UNICEF
statement, I would like to
point out that Nestle
participated in the
Geneva meeting together
with other members of
the International Council
of Infant Food Industries
(ICIFI), whose members
account for 85 per cent of
the sales of baby foods in
the Third World.
"ICLFI's, paresident,
Ian Barter, described the
Geneva meeting as "a
constructive and im-
portant landmark in the
battle against malnu-
trition'. He also pledged
the industry's deter,
on
Plans for- future in-
dustrial and residential
development for
Goderich were unveiled
to town" council 'last
Wednesday. Municipal
Planning Consultants
Company Limited
presented four alter-
native,- r°'co'ncepts ' for
development south .of
Blake Street where most
of the undeveloped lands
in the town are situated.
One i,million dollars,
recently made available
to Dominion Roads
Machinery- Co. Ltd., can
be used only to assist
foreign customers to
purchase, DRMCO
equipment.
Bulldozers are at work
on shopping plaza sites in
and near Goderich. This
week both Suncciast and
Rockledge developing
companies were busy
with site preparations.
Robert Welch, Attorney
General for Ontario, said
he'd made an extensive
review of the ad-
ministration of_justicc in
Huron County ,and;" 'had
decided, there was no
justification, for the
request for an inquiry
into it. He was replying to
questions from Murray
Gaunt, Huron -.Bruce
MPP and Jack R.iddcll,
Huron MPP..,
Canada may he sending
white beans to needy
countries in lieu of grain,
fo!!owing a suggestion in
the House of Commons by
R.E. McKinley, MP for
Huron -Middlesex.
statement ` was 'a
recommended ban of all
sales promotion _and
promotional advertising
to the public of breast-
milk' substitute"' and
supplement products.
mination to cooperate
with' WHO in establishing
the more detailed in-
ternational ..code of
conduct.
"The Nestle parent
Turn to page 18 •
e the editor
Everybody wants to be an editor. So here's your
chance. '
Signal -Star Editor Shirley J.Keller invites you,
the-r,ea.der, to have your say in the final edition for
1979 on December 27.
Needed are editorials, columns, stories and
feature. items about the year just past.
Maybe it will be a review of your club in 1979.
- Maybe it will he your impressions of Goderich
town council, township council or county council for
1979.
Maybe it will be a roundup of the baseball season
or the new records set at the golf club.
"Maybe it will be your impressions of provincial
affair-s'or federal matters,
Maybe it will a viewpoint on the energy crunch,
the problems of inflation. the severe unemployment
throughout the country, the national unity question.
Maybe it will he something funny. Something sad. •
Something warm. Something human. Something
serious. Something wonderful.
Whatever it is you would like to see in The Signal
Star's final edition for 1979, write it down and send it
along with your name and' address and telephone
number before Wednesday. December 12 to: I Want
To Be An Editor, The. Signal -Star, Box 22,0,
Indus.trial Park, Goderich. N7A 4B6.
All submissions must he identifiable by the editor
although pen names may he used for publication.
All submissions will he judged by the editorial staff •
of The Signal -Star for their suitability for
publication. All will become the property of The
Signal -Star but not all will necessarily appear in
print.
Come on. readers. Get involved in this special
wrap-up edition for 1979. Indulge your urge to tell it
like it is. Be an editor and become a leader.
DEAD
REALE
BY SHIRLEY J.KELLER
I had to smile this week when a
communication came in from Herbert
A.Epp, MPP for Waterloo North about
the equalization factors. Epp is the
municipal affairs critic for the Ontario
Liberal Caucus.
The title of the communication was
"The ABCs of Equalization Factors (or
what everyone wants to know about
equalization factors - but is afraid to
ask).
I said aloud,"Boy, I hope this is as
simple as ABC. It would have to be for
me to understand what the provincial
government is trying to do to taxes
through these equalization factors."
So when all wasquiet, 1 sat down to
read the five pages set out by Mr. Epp.
I learned that equalization factors
are -the numbers used to determine°how°
much money municipalities, and school
hoards obtain in grants ,from the
province, and to calculate how costs
are shared between municipalities for
both county services and for education.
The equalization factors become
important, I also learned, in dcrfer-
mining 'how much to give to each
, miinicipal ilty. To do this, the worth of a
municipality must he known to
government - how rich or poor it is
compared to all the other
municipalities.
According to Epp, each municipality
can he said to be worth the total value
of all its property, which is the
assessment upon which property taxes
are levied.
And, in order to compare the
assessment base of all municipalities -
which currently varies from one to
another - an equalized assessment'
must he calculated for each.
And, _wonders of wonders, the ratio of
the municipality's 'local assessment to
its equalized asessment 'is the
equalization factor. Simple isn't it?
You need an example you say? Well,
if a municipality's current assessment
were $1 million, and its market 'v'alue
assessment were $4 million, then its.
equalization factor would he 25 per-
cent.
The significance of the factor, Of
course, is that the higher the factor, the
Tess money that municipality or school
board receives from the province since
it is seen to he relatively wealthy.
Similarly, the higher the factor; the
greater the municipality's share' of
costs for county or regional services,
including education.
Then there's this little footnote: "It
should he noted that the actual use of.,
the factors for the calculation of grants
and apportionment between
municipalities in regions and counties,
together with apportionment of the
school levy, is more complicated than
the above suggests."
I learned that historically, individual
assessments have varied a great deal -
some being too high, some being too
low. Generally speaking, commercial
and industrial sectors were over -
assessed; residential and farmland
sectors were under -assessed.
I also learned that inflation has hit
real estate, making some property -
such as in rural areas - escalate in
price at a faster pace than in the cities.
in many areas, to be, truthful, these
values have been distorted by city folk
paying "fancy prices" for farms or
, cottages.
The newest set of factors were
puhlished on July 14,1979. In general,
after figuring the impact on provincial
properties, it showed that larger urban
centres would gain while smaller
township would lose.
So on October 12, the province an-
nounced that the new factors would be
modified. The danger of drastic hikes
in property taxes seems to have been
removed for the immediate future.
Epp criticises this "one-year stop-
gap" solution. He claims that neither
the government nor the taxpayers
know how much the various promises
designed to "cushion the blow will
cost.
What's more, Epp says, "The
scheme, as modified, is so complex
that less than a handful of people in this
provinceare able to understand it. It
makes a mockery of one of the original
objectives of property tax reform,
namely to make the system clearer to
the public."
So there you have it readers. The
ABCs of equalizationl factors. Another
example of goverment at work.
tr-