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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1985-10-23, Page 9a A page of editoria pinion.. Oct. 23, 1985 � e ingtjain 21bbanee©Mirnett Published at •Wingham, Ontario. P.O. Box 390 - NOG 2W0 by Wenger Bros. Limited Barry Wenger, President Robert O. Wenger, Sec.-Treas. Henry Hess, Editor Audrey Currie, Advertising Manager Member of Audit Bureau of Circulations Meraber `C'anadian Community Newspaper Assoc. Ontario Community Newspaper Assoc. Subscriptions $21.00 per year Six months $12.50 $23.00 beyond 40 -mile zone Second Class Mail Registration No. 0821 TODAY'S CHILD Return postage guaranteed An inside job Last Wednesday evening about 90 members of the Wingham business community — owners and employees — listened to a speaker from Hamilton who said, "Success is an inside job". Sponsored jointly by the Wingham Business Association and The Ad- vance -Times, Frank Thompson, presi- dent of Corporate Motivation Systems, emphasizedthe power of positive thinking. Thompson's message centred on the achievements which are possible for virtually every person who sets clear "goals and spares no effort to reach them. The philosophy is not a new one by any means. In fact it has possibly been shared by every out- standing leader the world has ever known. For most of us, however, the hum -drum of daily existence, particul- arly in small communities, tends to blind us to the capabilities of the indiv- idual. Admittedly, life in a small com- munity may seem stultifying to some degree, but exactly the opposite should be true. In a large city or a large cor- poration the individual tends to become buried in the mass of humanity where individual initiative is less noticeable. Not so in small places where those people who seek to enhance their own abilities are more obvious, the road to success may be more easily recog- nized. It was clear from the response, by his audience that Mr. Thompson's re- marks stirred some new and interest- ing thoughts. The Jays came close Last week this column spoke in hopeful terms about the possibility that the Toronto Blue Jays might play their way into the World Series. As everyone now knows, they didn't make it. Facing a determined squad from .. Kansas City, the Jays went down swinging as the Royals took the final game with a fifth win and advanced to meet the St. Louis Cardinals. Analysts credit the Toronto Toss to a young team a bit too eager, which Teff too many runners stranded on base in the final games. Whatever the reason, the general response from Blue Jay fans has been; "Next Year!" In this country, where we can find few subjects of national interest on which we can agree, the fate of the Blue Jays assumed the proportions of an all - Canadian effort. Canadians from all provinces found their blood stirred to a faster pace by the possibility that a Canadian teammight get into the World Series — despite the fact that there was not one native Canadian on the team. For the first timein the his- tory of baseball, a Canadian team had caught the attention of American fans. Baseball, of course, is far from the most important event in current news. But it is a valued counter -point to the tragic, even alarming news which greets us with every. broadcast. In a, world so choked with tragedy and in- justice, there is nothing wrong with sparing a few hours to concentrate on something less threatening. O.K. So next year it's the Blue Jays. Apartheid on trial The meeting of British Common- wealth nations in the Bahamas last week set the stage for widespread ex- pression of opinion on the white gov- ernment in South Africa and its policy of racial discrimination in that coun- try. Canada's prime minister, Brian Mulroney, was generally looked upon as the spokesman for those countries which favor some form of economic sanctions against the Botha regime and its harsh racial laws. British Prime Minister Margaret. Thatcher proved to be the stumbling block for the anti. -Botha delegates. The fact, of course, is that the British econ- omy might suffer drastically as the re- sult of sanctions against South Africa, which is one of Britain's most import- , ant trading partners. That there should be some dis- agreement between the Common- wealth nations is understandable, but —wh-at is surpr ing is fhe amount and - vehemence of defence for apartheid policies on the part of private individ- uals and journalists in this country and abroad. Those who would excuse the inhuman practices of the South African government quote a wide range of rea- sons for permitting the Botha regime to continue unhindered. There is the basic contention that sanctions would be as injurious to the blacks as they would be to the ruling white class in South Africa. Quite a few have argued that there is. no point in punishing South Africa while we ignore equally inhumane governments in other African countries as well as the flouting of human rights by the Soviets. The fallacy of these contentions Ivies in the fact that the nations of the Commonwealth and the United States have virtually no contactor influence with the other nations, of Africa. As far )i as the Soviets are concerned, any men- tion of human rights on their part elicits a flat "mind your own busi- ness," and we are certainly in no posi- tion to argue. Items from Old Files OCTOBER 1938 Misses Hazel Wilson, Ruth Wheeler and Eileen Galbraith and Rev. J. F. Anderson attended the meetings of the United Church Young .People of the London conference last weekend at London. James and Stewart Campbell, Alvin Mundell and Arnold Jeffray, all of Glenannan, attended the International Plowing Match at Barrie last week. The annual meeting off the Wingham General Hospital Association was held last Friday evening in the council chambers. The following were elected directors for 1938-39: J. W. McKibbon, Herbert Campbell, R. S. • Hetherington, R. H. Lloyd, Alf Lockridge and W. W. Armstrong. Other board members are Wingham 'Reeve F. L. Davidson, Councillor Walter VanWyck and Dr. R. L. Stewart. W. 1-1., Rfbtoul, local con- tractor, has been awarded the contract for building an addition to the Clinton Post Office and Customs House. OCTOBER 1951 Wingham Town Council, at the suggestion of Mayor ' Gurney, decided Monday, evening to form a poilice committee. The mayor is automatically head of the committee as chief magistrate and Reeve Johnson and Councillor Carmichael were selected to fill the other two vacancies. Public is invited to health care forum Dear Editor, This is an open letter to all community groups, agencies and health service provid- ers. You are invited to par- ticipate in a public forum entitled "Planning for (Health in Huron County" sponsored by the Huron County Community Services Council on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Clinton Town Hall starting at 8:00 p.m. The agenda will include two presentations which are It is true, of course, that if South - Africa were to immediately announce total political and legal freedom for its blacks the result might well be a blood t bath in which the white population would be all but annihilated. The stern- r er and more cruel the suppression in 1 t the meantime, the worse will be the fate awaiting the whites ■ intended to provide an over- view of health planning in Ontario and Huron County specifically. Opportunities will be provided for input. Suggestions and opinions offered by those in at- tendance will be included in a summary report to be prepared by the community services council and sub- mitted to the Minister of Health. ` You are urged to attend. Paul Carroll, Clinton Support the efforts The committee will mee once a month. Miss Lesley Mae Wall was one of the procession of scholarship -winning students last week at Con- vocation Hall, University of Toronto. Miss Wall won the Joseph Wesley McCallum Scholarship and the Ann Howe Reeve prize. An estimated 850 people sat down to a turkey dinner and all the trimmings at the Belgrave Community Centre last Wednesday evening. Bob Carbery of CKNX was master of ceremonies. Among the local performers were Clark Johnston, who sang a solo and Clifford Coultes, who gave a reading Mr. and Mrs..Russell Gaunt of Whitechurch and their two children attended anniversary services in Wingham on Sunday and visited later at the home of her father, David Currie. OCTOBER 1961 Mrs. Owen King, president of the Catholic Women's League and Mrs. George Skinn, first vice president, received a large number of ladies at the annual CWL tea held in the Legion Horne last Wednesday afternoon. Mrs. Don Adams of Wingham was the winner in the draw for 25 silver dollars. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Templeman of Gorrie were honored by friends and neighbors last Friday night at a presentation in the' community hall. Carol Robinson read the address t and Robert Hastie and Donald Irwin presented the newlyweds .with an electric washing machine. OCTOBER -1971 Murray Gaunt, the Liberal incumbent for the provincial riding of Huron -Bruce,' led in every one of the 110 polls in last Thursday's election. The final count , showed Mr: Gaunt with 11,962 votes; Progressive Conservative - Party candidate Lou Boyce with 3,661 and Dr. Milne, the New Democratic Party candidate, with 2,172. In spite of Mr. Gaunt's over- whelming. victory, the. Liberals were defeated provincially and the PC government of Premier William Davis returned. The Chalmers Children of • the Church met recently at Whitechurch for their October meeting. President Lori Purdon gave the call to worship, Barry. Elliott read the scripture and Rhonda Gibson gave the prayer. Ivan Gardner of Wingham has been ace'laimed vice president. of the Western Ontario Athletic Association at the group's annual meeting held at the Canadian Legion Hall here last Wednesday evening. Joan Leishman, a Grade 8 student at the East Wawanosh Public School, recently was elected president of the student's council. Barry Burchill is vice president, Cameron Cook is treasurer and Murray Irwin is secretary • of our service clubs Dear Editor, Brussels and Grey Town - Let us think of the many ship, we want to pay our fine facilities our Village of share and I know of no better Brussels has, with thanks system of equality for all going to the efforts of our than our -taxes. Our senior service clubs. These clubs citizens, of whom I shall soon continually strive to improve be a member, are given a he way of life in our com- large tax rebate each year. I munity. The Lions Club has a wonder how long the working ecord of 40 years of service. people can afford this item. t has managed to bring Now is an.opportune time to ogether three municipal- give our children and their ities — the Townships of children something_back MorFis and Grey and the return. Village of Brussels — in To' the service clubs many of its projects. The . general and the Lions Club latest endeavor is erecting a' particular, thank you for a swimming pool and 1 of your efforts. Our door heartily congratulate them open to your new challeng for taking on this project. and we will support We live in the midst of it you all. We have seen the beauty every way we can. of the ball park enhanced by Bruce McCall the efforts of the Optimist Brussels w Club The South government in Rhodesia recognized the inevitable and began a gradual relaxation of its repressive rules well before total freedom was provided for its black population. The switch -over was relatively peaceful. Many whites in South Africa are opposed to the repressive measures of the Botha government, but so far their protests have gone unanswered. Apologists for apartheid in this country are far outnumbered by those humanists who are shocked that an ap- parently "civilized" state continues to brutalize an entire black population. One for the road Premier David Peterson may have been imbibing some wishfulelection thinking when_be_brewed-.upthe-- idea of extending beer and wine sales to On- tario's variety and grocery stores, says The Exeter Times -Advocate. The response has been akin to a giant hang -over and Peterson should be convinced of, the sober truth that the majority of Ontario residents are very cool to the idea. Before allowing the suggestion to brew any further, le premier should put a cork in it and not allow it to further ferment his delicate position with the voters. it's an idea whose time has not yet come, and like a good wine, should not be exposed to unnecessary airing. 1n the---Jose1yhrne SfFeeT 5aT park down the main street to 1n the Zehrs Plaza. 1n We have several bands, 11 the Canadettes and about 20 is floats confirmed so far, but e we would like to see more in.involvement by the local merchants,. schools, chur, ches and service- clubs. We will soon be contacting as. More floats needed for Santa Claus parade sometimes have. He BY JUDITH ADAMS This healthy baby is Thomas. He's eleven months old, and seems to have a wonderfully contented disposition. That's not to say Thomas is placid, for he complains too, but he's very sociable with people he gets to know and enjoys new experi- ences and people. Thomas needs adopt- ing parents. It would be excellent if they had one or two older chil- dren at least, who would spend time with him and add to the important stimulation his parents will need 'to give him. Right now Thomas is in an infant stimulation program which is carried out by his foster mother,. and he's also the centre of attention for his three foster brothers and sis- ter. Born with Down's Syndrome, . Thomas has delays in mental and physical development that inevitably go with that condition. But he's been so well stimulated -that he tends to be meeting normal mile- stones, at least physically. He sat up at 51/2 to 6 months, can pull himself up to standing, and has a lot of dexterity with toys.. He needs to wear those glasses because of focusing problem,s but he'd much rather pull them off and chew on them. The trick is to see that Thomas'has plenty of things to hold onto so he'll forget to pull of his glasses. Thomas does really well for a child with Down's Syndrome. He was lucky enough to escape. the upper respi- ratory and heart prob- lems Down's children Dear Editor, The Wingham Optimist Club is moving full steam ahead with plans for our Santa Claus Parade, but we are still looking for more local participation. The parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 14, and will run from We have seen a play- ground put into place by the Lions Club and have enjoyed the laughter of the children. We have seen parents and rand grandparents use it as an excellent way of entertaining their offspring. We have seen additions made to the. buildings at the playground as a joint effort of the Optimist and Lions Clubs: Who can oppose this kind of generosity of giving over 40 year -s? Now the Lions Club has taken on a pew challenge, the swimming pool, giving all children the opportunity of learning to swim and possibly saving a life. Think about it! As a taxpayer in both many local groups and in- dividuals as possible to make this Santa Claus Parade a' huge success and an annual event in Wingham. We would also like to thank those local industries and businesses that have already donated cash, trucks fl and equipment to this effort. Anyone wanting to take part in the parade or offer assis- tance can contact Optimist Dick Elliott at 357-1108 or Optimist Bill Henderson Jr; at 357-3762. We are'hoping to make this a reall "commun- ity" project in Wingham. John Chippa, President Wingham Optimist Club has had surgery on one eye for strabismus and it may be that he won't need surgery on the other one which may correct itself. At any rate he'll need to wear his glasses until he's about seven, doctors oats t h i n„k Hilo -, o r the focusing problem to be corrected. After that another assessment will -show whether he can go without glasses entirely or will need different ones. The sooner Thomas finds his adopting family the better it will be for him, though Thomas's foster family will certainly, miss him. He relates really well to them, both to the mother and father in the family, and after the first few weeks of adjusting his workers think he'll be able to relate well to a perma- nent adopting family. If you think you may he that family, please write to Today's Child;Ministry of Community and Social Services, Box 888, Station K, Toronto. Describe your resent family and terests as fully as ossihle, and include our telephone num- r. eatty promises change Solicitor general Perrin Beatty has promised that The Young Offenders Act will be overhauled to alter some of the sections which have been causing difficulty for police, social workers and young people themselves. Speaking in the , Commons last week, Beatty said that changes will be delayed until all concerned parties have been heard. He has -previously acknowledged problems with the act, but has said that changes might be made in its administration rather than by legislative action. Even Liberal Robert Kaplan, who was solicitor general when the act was drafted, has been calling for changes. Police chiefs from across the country • have criticized the law for hampering their efforts to deal with children and juvenile crime. They say that restric- tions which prevent thein from naming. young offenders could threaten public safety where a dangerous juvenile of- fender is on the loose. The most contentious section of the act delcares that everyone older than 11 years and younger than 18 years is to be regarded as a juvenile for legal pur- poses. Previously the legally recogniz- ed juvenile age varied from province to province. The act, introduced in 1981 affer 20 years of study, was proclaimed in 1984 after winning unanimous approval in the Commons. in p y be