Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1984-07-18, Page 4A page of editorial opinion July 18, 1984 BLUE RIBBON AWARD inIjann abbance®time9 Published at Wini;harn, Ontario, P.O, Bu% 340 - SIO(: 2W0 b� Well ;cr Bra- limited 13arrWenger. President Henn Hess. t.duur Member• Audrt Bureau uI Member -- ( anadian CommunitN Netispaper Asu'°x• Subscriptions 12(1.(1) per dear Second (lass Mail Registration No. 1)821 Robert O Wenger. Sec. I' was Audre\ ( urne. AJ%ertsurg Manager ( irculattuns Ontario( onnnunitl Nellspaper Assoc. Sir months ti l l 50 Return lstage euurantceil A slippery deal Oaths and curses are considered by most of us to constitute a transgression of the third commandment, which de- crees,that we shall not take the name of the Lord in vain. There are, however, other ways, considerably more deliberate, in which this same law can be broken. Rex Humbard, the television evangelist who has an audience of millions, re- cently mailed out 300,000 cellophane packages of salad oil with a message for the gullible. The faithful were com- manded to select their largest bank notes ( or write and sign the largest possible cheque), daub some of the "holy" oil on the money and send it to who else? — Mr. Humbard. The message also promised that the giver's remaining funds would thus be blessed and would multiply. The Good News Bible, one of the more recent translations of the St.- James t:James text, words the third command- ment thus: "Do not use my name for evil purposes, for I, the Lord your God, will punish anyone who misuses my name." Perheps Mr. Humbard does not agree that the purpose for which he used the name of God was evil — but the blatant trickery involved does not appear, to be the work of a modern-day saint, What is the reason? The Ontario government's minis- try of Consumer and Commercial Re- lations rs about to investigate the rea- sons for a sharp increase in the retail price of gasoline: In the Kitchener - Waterloo area, for example, prices in excess of 50 cents per litre have been noted. There is ample reason for both the provincial and the federal government to, provide some answers about gas. prices. The Ontario government is a 25 per cent shareholder in Suncor and the federal government is the sole owner of Petro Canada. As the taxpayers who have to foot the bill for these monstrous investments we would like to believe that we should ,be blessed by declining prices of our own products. While the provincial investigators are at it, they might also try to find out why gas prices in this area are almost always several cents higher than those for the same product in Stratford and points farther east. As consumers, we would have no bearing whatsoever on the price of gasoline. There is a tremendous over- supply of gas in the world at present. Time after time we have witnessed "gas wars" in which the price at the pumps fell to bargain basement levels as the oil companies tried in vain to sell off the surplus fuels in their storage tanks. Why, then, the necessity to jump right back to the ever -higher, prices as soon as the wars of gas pumps are over? Here's one solution Canada should increase its armed forces by at least 100,000 men and women. The nation needs young people in its army, navy and air force and those same young people desperately need jobs. - All right. We can hear the screams of protest right away. Peace— not war. Bread - not bullets. Rampant peace protesters fail to include realism in their vision of Cart- ada's future. Our military forces as well as military equipment have been allowed to shrink and deteriorate to the point where Canada is an international joke in terms of defence. If, by ill chance the Western World found itself –at war — even though against its wishes — Canada would be immediate- ly occupied by American forces. The United States would have no choice, since attacks by air on this continent would come directly across Canada territory. If the Canadian armed forces were maintained at even reasonable levels, they would be responsible, perhaps with American assistance and equip- ment, for military operations within our own borders. The greatest single benefit of an enlarged enlistment program would accrue to the young men and women themselves. Thousands of young people need employment, which the armed forces would provide. In addition, to- day's soldiers, sailors and airmen are taught highly marketable skills which would be the foundation for well-paid employment upon retirement from the forces. Above all, military training is the finest possible way for young people to learn the disciplines which almost in- variably turn them into useful adults. Many-Offe difficulties in which young people find themselves as unemployed civilians arise from the plain need for action and direction, both of which are supplied by military training. Do we really expect any Canadian government to heed the advice we have offered? No. Of course not. As a plank in any political platform increased militarism, no matter how good the purpose, is just not saleable. The party which proposed it would be shot down in flames. It a sound solution to one of our major problems which will not be applied until we stand at the gates of disaster. Voting in the dark Although many Canadians have been insistent that a federal election as soon as possible was a necessity, -we doubt that the decision to call a vote for September 4th is a wise one. With Parliament in recess all summer, the voters will have no opportunity to judge for themselves how the two major parties will shape up after the election of their new leaders. Had Mr. -Turner chosen to run in a by-election and win a seat in the House we would have a much better opportunity to gauge his potentials as a national leader. Now it appears likely that the lead- ers, including Mr. Broadbent of the NOP will opt for a series of nationally - televised debates in order to inform the voters of their intentions for the future of the nation. -• If you can recall the first of the great TV debates more than 20 years ago you will also realize the trem- endous influence such an exchange of views can have on the public. On that occasion John F. Kennedy won election over Richard Nixon without even going to the polls. As It turned out in later years, the American people did make the right choice, but it ,was the tele- vision impression which made the de- cision, rather than the political magni- tued of the leaders at that time. Mr. Turner has the right appear- ance but is a poor public speaker unless he is delivering a prepared addr i Brian 11 CiTroney is, on .the other hand', very smooth at quick and witty re- joinders. Neither Turner's choppy de- livery nor Mulroney's smooth tongue have much to do with how either one of these men would guide the affairs of the nation. News items from Old Files JULY 1937 Lloyd G. Henderson, M. Ferrol] Higgins and Myrtle A. Yuill were successful in passing the examinations at the Stratford Normal School. Lloyd will teach at Lakelet 'next term and Miss Higgins at SS No. 1, Morris. R. S. McGee is acting as caretaker at the Wingham Post Office. He commenced his duties on Monday. At the recent examinations of the Toronto Conservatory of Music the following pupils in piano of Mrs. G. C. Hanna were successful: Grade 1, Joyce Walker; Grade 2, Marjorie French and Donald Lloyd; Grade 4, George Lloyd. The marriage of Adeline Verna, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Brecken- ridge, Gienannan, to Albert Bacon, son of Mr, and Mrs. Robert Bacon of Wingham, took place in . St. Paul's Anglican Church. They will reside at Glenannan. Rev. J. H. Geoghegan has been appointed rector at' Ridgetown and will leave Lucknow the end of August after a five-year pastorate in the Lucknow parish. The Towland Construction Company started paving operations south of Wingham on Highway No. 4 on Thursday. The latest polls show Liberals and Conservatives again quite close in per- centages of popularity. The quick elec- tion is an obvious attempt to allow the Liberals to capitalize on the after -glow of the leadership convention. The Great Debate will not be a very realistic way to decide our future. Another way to'doit Want to go to college? Haven't got the money? Too bad. There's a kid in Mayfield Kentucky, who found a better way. He won a $10,000 scholarship by blowing the biggest bubble in a gum - chewing contest. Who says hot air won't get you any place? Thanks for cable service Dear Editor, I wish to thank Barry Wenger and Country Cable, as it was through Mr. Wenger's effort that Country Cable was put into Wingham United Church where several met and viewed "Canada We Stand On Guard for Thee" live from Ottawa; People's . Church, Toronto, and Fraserview Assembly, Vancouver, with David Mainse, host of 100 Huntley Street, Toronto. I thank you. Mary Stapleton Wingham Dundas plans homecoming JULY 1949 The Grade VIII pupil in Wingham Public School, who for proficiency during the past year won the Wingham Lions Scholarship valued at $25., was Miss Helen ' Machan. Last Friday .evening 14 Wingham bowlers attended the Mixed. Doubles at Lucknow. Miss Mary Johnston and W. B. McCool won second prize. Elmer Wilkinson, who recently received a contract for decorating a large church in Chatham, left with his workmen on Monday to commence the work. It is expected thatabout six weeks will be necessary to complete the contract. The banns were announced in Sacred Heart Church of the approaching marriage of Kathleen Frances Brophy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brophy, Wingham, and George C. King, Teeswater, son of Mrs. King and the late George King. The wedding will take place on August 6. - Wroxeter, residents con- gratulate Shirley McMichael who passed Grade 4 piano and Winnifred Munro, Grade 1 piano, Royal Conservatory of Music examinations. Their teacher is Mrs. Lyle Brothers. JULY 1960 Workmen have erected scaffolding at the front of the Gurney building, corner of Josephine and Victoria, with the Red Front Grocery on the ground floor. Repairs are being made to the window cornices and the fancy cappings on the front wall. At the 4-H Achievement Day held in Wroxeter, Miss Yvonne Sparling was. awarded the annual bus trip to Eastern Ontario, the St. Lawrence Seaway and Montreal, which will be for a week in August. The trip is a reward for good work in the 4-H club courses. Kate Aitken, well-known writer and speaker from Dear Editor, _ We are writing to invite any interested people and especially former Dundas, Ontario, residents to return to Dundas the week of Aug. 6 to 12 for a Home Corning Week to celebrate Ontario's Bicentennial. Our committee plans many events to interest you, such as a band concert, a sports night reunion and dance, a walking tour of the town, a slide -tape show, entertainment for children and many others. Most important of all, though, is getting together with friends, renewing old acquaintances and getting caught up on the news. So why not plan your holidays to coincide with our Home Coming Week and come home to Dundas? For , more information, contact the Bicentennial Committee, 10 Market Street South, Dundas L9H 5G4. Victoria Reed Dundas Streetsville gave ner grandchildren a motor trip to Bluevale where they enjoyed seeing through the old mill and viewing, the Maitland and its surroun- dings. They called on Miss Mary Duff and Mrs. M. L. Aitken. JULY 1970 A new business will open in Wingham • about mid- September. Firestone , Stores, a' division of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company of Canada, will take over the McClure Motors building on' Josephine Street South. William Connell, son of . Mrs. W. M. Connell of Wingham, has won the first prize in the feature filen category of the American Association of Agricultural College Editors' competi- tion. He is a photographer for the, Ontario Department of Agriculture and Food at the University of Guelph. In cooperation with, the Ontario Provincial Depart- ment of Health, Huron Coun- ty Board off Health and Huron County Medical Soci- ety are carrying out an in- - tensive investigation into the practicability of a compre- hensive Home Care program in Huron County. Good news for this com- munity is the announcement that William A. (Al) Watson 'of Guelph has purchased the Queens Hotel property and has commenced an ex- tensive program • of renovation. The building has been vacant for months and had fallen into a state of neglect. The wedding of Gordon Ross Campbell of Brussels and Sharon Grace Rintoul of Whitechurch was solemnized in Chalmers Presbyterian Church, Whitechurch, on Saturday afternoon. Melvin Mathers -of Morris Township sold his farm on the second line of Morris and has been building a home on the Leonard James farm on m' Highway 4. New Books In the Library POSSESSIONS by Judith Michael From the author of the best-selling Deceptions comes this tale of a woman who discovers, after 10 years of marriage, that her husband has been living a double life. She is left to cope with two children, no job and no clues to his whereabouts. Unknowingly part of the, affluent Hayward family, she soon becomes entangled in its feuds and fortunes, but eventually realizes the most valuable possession of all is a family which offers love, trust and a place to belong. THE NEED TO KNOW by William Haggard Dere is the latest Col. Charles Russel novel with the usual fascinating plot. Alone with.a long-time friend when he suddenly dies, Russel becomes the focus of CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION --Willie Vander- woude, president of the Wingham and District Associa- tion for the Mentally Retarded, accepts a plaque and scroll frcm Ken Foxtq► of the Wingham Scout troop. The presentation was made to thank the AMR for the donation of the building which has become the ne Scout House. inordinate interest and wild speculation on the part of France and America. His well -ordered routine is shattered as the plot unfolds and his protege in Security is hard -pissed to protect his former chief . C. FRED'S STORY — A DOG'S LIFE by C. Fred Bush This is an inside look at the life and family of an im- portant dog, C. Fred Bush, by the, dog. It chronicles his life from his puppy days in Texas and Washington to China, Maine and eventually his most recent home, the vice president's house. It is an enchanting memoir from the unique perspective of a goldencocker spaniel (slightly edited by his mistress) . SPOTLIGHT—% ANNIE Reit of Walton is Morris Township's bicentennial medal • nominee. Mrs. Reid has been invoived with 4-H, the Red Cross, the Women's Institute and the United Church and always has taken a keen interest in the affairs of her community. Annie Reid is Morris' bicentennial nominee By Margaret Arbuckle Morris Township's nominee for a bicentennial medal, Annie Reid of Walton, was shocked when she received word that she had been nominated by council. But she•really shouldn't have been too surprised, since she is a prime example of the community- - minded sort of person who is nominated. She was born in Grey Township where her father farmed on the 16th concession, near Moncrieff. The former Annie McTaggart,she was an only child. Mrs. Reid got her earliest education at a one - room school in Grey and then went on to "con- °tinuation" or high schools in Brussels and later in • Seaforth. - By the time Mrs. Reid was attending teacher's college in Stratford, her family had moved to Seaforth. After graduating from teacher's college, Mrs. Reid taught for several years at -schools in Stanley and East Wawanosh townships. Mrs. Reid's parents took Up residence in Walton and on her weekends=home from teaching she met a young Walton -area farmer, Nelson Reid. They married in 1933 and like any good young wife back in those days, she quit teaching to stay home and help her husband on their McKillop Township farm.. They had a mixed farming operation with cows, chickens and pigs and she helped with chores and drove the tractor for her husband. She also had a big garden in the summer and often fed up to 20 hungry men at meals during the haying and threshing seasons. Even though she was busy on the farm, Mrs. Reid still took the time to work for her community. She was involved with the first 4-11 clubs organized in the Walton area in 1941 and '42. Another wartime project was working for the Red Cross, either by, canvassing the outlying area for donations or making up packages to be sent to the men overseas. Among her other interests are the Women's In- stitute, the United Church and the UCW, as well as the Brussels Horticultural Society. She has led adult courses in sewing and quilting too. Mrs. Reid is renowned as a local histo,y expert and has worked on the WI's Tweedsmuir history book. And when her church and the Institute were writing up their histories earlier this year for the new county -atlas, it was Mrs. Reid they called upon for assistance. The Reids moved to Walton 25 years ago and Mr. Reid ran a gravel trucking business until his retire- ment. Today Mrs. Reid has arthritis in her knees which makes getting around more difficult. But she still has a keen interest in the affairs of the community, and wishes that more people were as enthusiastic. • Bicentennial medal presentations will be made at four centres across Ontario this fall.