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The Wingham Advance-Times, 1985-12-11, Page 6THE A•DVAACE ehe mutant 'Abbanee©Mirrheg Published at Wingham, Ontario, P.O. Box 390 - NOG 2W0 by Wenger Bros. Limited Barry Wenger, President Robert 0. Wenger, Sec.-Treas. Henry Hes, Editor Audrey Currie, Advertising Manager Member of Audit Bureau of Circulations Member—Canadian 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 Return postage guaranteed Fairness to whom? Members of Huron County Council did the cautious thing in passing on to their successors the responsibility for making a decision on a proposal which would dramatically increase the sal- aries of many of the county's depart- ment heads. The courageous thing would have been for councillors to have taken a stand, stating kindly but firmly that at this time and in these economic circumstances the proposed Increases are wrong. No doubt an argument can be made that the higher pay — in some cases up to 27 per cent higher over three years — is justified in order to bring these per- sons up to the salaries they might re- ceive if they did the same job in an- other county. Warden Paul Steckle, for example, argued that fairness requires approving the increases. Such arguments are commonly en- countered in affairs of this kind and, in the main, they are hollow. No one is saying these people should be made to endure financial hardship, and they are not. Even at today's salary scale the lowest -paid receives over $34,000, ranging up to more than $57,000 at the top of the scale. The question is whether the ratepayers of Huron Coun- ty can and should pay them a,great deal more. The problem here, as in all public- sedor wage disputes, is that the public purse is presumed to be bottomless. It is not. It also is assumed that all em- ployees can and should be paid the same as all others doing a similar job. Teachers compete with teachers in other counties; police with their count- erparts on other forces, and so on — and the taxpayer is expected to pick up the tab and keep his mouth shut. In the private sector it is generally understood that employees o mailer or less profitable firms w In general be paid ,less than their c unterparts in large industries; that ose in rural areas will earn less tha in the cities. All wages and salaries must also meet the acid test of that final arbitrator: the "bottom line", profitability. This is something that not even the powerful demands of organized labor have been able to ignore for long. It is about time that some similar mechanism be introduced into public - sector wage settlements. Why, after all, should public employees be im- mune to the economic forces which govern the earning power of those who must pay their wages? How many rate- payers in Huron County can expect to see their earnings increase by $10,000 (the amount proposed for many of the department heads) over the next three years? There is something that county counci I lors — and their counterparts on police commissions, school boards and local councils — would do well to keep in mind: when they start talking about fairness, make sure they also remem- ber to be fair to those who must pay the bills. Opening the door. With its decisioo open the doors of its committee meetings to the public, Huron County Council appears to have embarked on a new era of openness. Until now, ordinary citizens and members of the media — who have no special rights when it comes to closed meetings — were permitted to attend only those meetings of council as a whole. The committees, where de- cisions are hammered out and much of the real work is done, preferred to op- erate behind a cloak of secrecy, emerging only to present their formal reports to the council. Now, for the first time, the public will have an opportunity to gain some insight into the real workings of the council. County councillors are to be con- gratulated for recognizing that mem- bers of the public have a right to know not only what is being done on their be- half, but also how and why it is being done. Hopefully other municipal coun- cils — which still continue to do the bulk of their work behind closed doors, will take note and follow the county's example. Dreaming up enemies During his recent meeting with So- viet leader Gorbachev, President Rea- gan proposed one solution to the prob- lems and differences which exist between "'the two super powers. Reagan believes that massive "cultural ex- changes" would go a long way toward better understanding and mutual co- operation. He believes- that people -to - people exchanges with the Soviets would lead to a vastly improved rela- tionship between Americans and Rus- sians. With that idea we agree whole- heartedly. However, : the American president is also quoted as saying, Just think how easy his task and mine would be at these meetings if suddenly there were a threat to the world from some other species from another planet outside the universe." Why, we wonder, do most humans always assume that possible visitors from outer space would, of necessity, be our enemies? President Reagan must be a keen observer of the kinds of tos with which our children have been fascinated for several years past. Mil- - "'lio'ns of dollars will be spent this Christmas on a new generation of space -oriented playthings, almost all of which pre -suppose that Any possible in- habitants of other planets would be bent on the destruction of Earth and its people. Since it is most unlikely that any of us alive today will ever come face-to- face with an interplanetary traveller, why not start by supposing that any such visitors will be creatures of superior intelligence whose civilization is so much older and wiser than our own that war and brutality have long been forgotten? If such creatures are smart enough to get here from away out there, they would possibly be far too bright to believe there is anything to be gained by killing off a collection of earthlings. Here's a good idea A group of elementary school stu- dents in Grey County have embarked on a noveTexercrse in human relMrons — and they love it. The program, called "Adopt -a -grandparent" has been such a success that most of the students have decided to continue visiting their new grandparents even after comple- tion of the six-week course. The students, from Grades 7 and 8, played games, wrote letters, watched television with and did various chores for the seniors. The teacher in charge said the program was tried at just one county school last year, but she hopes it will spread to other schools. Contact between .children and people of the grandparent age have been drastically curtailed in this age of smaller homes and distant occupa- tions. The presence and influence of grandparents in a child's life can be one of tremendous value and pleasure, for the older generation as well as the younger. This column commentedrecently on the "granny flats" project which is being tried in some of the larger centres, whereby grandparents may occupy a small back -yard apartment close to the younger generation, which makes equally good sense. There is usually a warm relation- ship between older people and children, a d the experience of knowing one an- ther better is of very real value. A page editorial opini n Dec. 1 `i , 1985 AIF THEY 0,4( BEER CORA/El? 5T0'EO, DAD, CAN WE SE7- UP 07 -AND -QR/ 7mE LAWN NT UA)/9E/' ?" Items from Old Files DECEMBER 1938 In election results in West Wawanosh Township, Thomas Webster, with 437 votes, defeated Cairn Ait- cheson and Albert Gannie. The following have been elected for the Students' Council of Wingham Public School for December: Grade 8, Notlma Brown, Lloyd Mundy; Grade 7, Ileen Morris, Donald Campbell; Grade 6; Margaret Anus; Grade 5, Tommy Lockridge. Robert McMurray of Belgrave was elected County Master of North Huron County Loyal Orange Lodge, succeeding A. D. Smith of Bluevale. Other officers include Robert Wallace, Raymond Brown, Thomas A. Grasby and Graham Wray. Peter W. Scott, who has been reeve of East, Wawanosh for seven years, was defeated at Monday's election by Raymond R. Redmond who has had five years' council experience. The three members of council, J. Dustan Beecroft, Harvey Black and Lewis Ruddy, were again returned to office. Assistant Comm. Spittal and Assistant Scout Master George King visited Teeswater and organized •a new Scout Troop of 34 boys. This brings the total strength of the Huron District up to 300. Mrs. Alex Mowbray . was elected president of the Women's Missionary Society of Knox Presbyterian Church, Bluevale, for a . second term. Vice presidents are Mrs. J. R. Greig and Mrs. Harry Elliott. Mrs. Walter Smillie is secretary and Mrs. R. F. Garniss is treasurer. DECEMBER 1951 The new memorial chimes at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Wingham, were dedicated Sunday by Miss Helen Inglis, grand -niece of the donor, and Rev. A. Nimmo. The dedication took the form of the unveiling of a plaque which will be mounted on the wall at the rear of the church where it may be seen by all. Wingham Lodge No. ,286, AF & AM, held election of officers. D. W. Jeffs is the Worshipful Master and his supporting officers are H. A. Mitchell, W. H. Smith, A. M. Peebles and. H_... L. Sher- bondy. Signs of spring: last week two children were spotted walking along the main street of Wroxeter in their bare feet and carrying their rubber boots. Marianne Doig of Ford- wich was .awarded the Rotary Club trophy for school championship, in public speaking at the Listowel District High School commencement exercises. She was also senior girls' winner. Westfield residents con- gratulate Bill Taylor who was awarded a wrist watch for high marks in the Junior ,Calf Club. Mrs. J. C. McBurney was elected president of the WMS of Knox Presbyterian Church, Belgrave. Vice presidents are Miss Mason and Mrs. G. Nicholson; treasurer is Mrs. Leitch and secretary is .Mrs. Bruce. DECEMBER 1961 Joseph McGill was elected Master of Wingham Lodge No. 286, AF & AM, when members met for 'election of officers. Others named to top positions were George Guest, Alex Robertson, Gordon Leggatt, Archie Peebles and Howard Sherbondy. At the local fire brigade's annual Christmas banquet, Chief Jim Carr presented Stewart Cowan and Morris Swanson with plaques in honor of their long years of service to the brigade. Mr. Cowan served for 23 years and is now retired. Mr. Swanson has been with the department for 21 years. Miss Pat Harris of Ford- wich, a student at Stratford Teachers' College, was teaching last week at Kir- ton's School, north of Wroxeter. Road men from Hanover were in the village of Whitechurch to put the water pipes across the highway under the road to the home of Tom Morrison. Hugh Simp- son has most of the pipes placed across the lawns at the different homes now. Fifteen Certified Nursing Assistants from centres as far south as Sarnia and as' far north as Owen- Sound received graduation honors at the nurses' residence of Wingham General Hospital. The proficiency award went to Miss Doris Maitland of RR 1, Mooretown, and Miss Marilyn Helm of RR 4, Glamis, was valedictorian.. The new bridge on County Road 16, two miles east of No. 4 Highway, was opened to traffic last week when the approaches were completed. The structure is of rein- forced concrete and replaces an old iron bridge over the Maitland River. DECEMBER 1971 Mr. and Mrs. Merrill Cantelon and family of Diagonal Road moved last week to their new home at Amberley. Dr. and Mrs. Clark and family are to move soon from Newfound- land and Dr. Clark will open an office in the former office of Dr. W.A. Crawford. Private Tom Walker, son of Mr: and Mrs. Elmer Walker, left for CFRS Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, where he will commence his basic training in the RCAF. The Wingham area fire department will have a two - frequency two-way radio communications system as Hitting in minor hockey is a regressive move Dear Editor, This letter is written to request the sdpport of your newspaper and its reader- ship to address a concern held by many parents of minor hockey players. - Recent rule changes sanctioned by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and the Canadian Amateur Hooke y Ass-oc is t i -o -n h a -v e - introduced permissive body contact to the PeeWee age group. This follows an earlier change which sanc- tioned a similar regressive step for -Bantams; Many parents and eoaches see this as a regressive move. The requisites for being an effective hockey player seem to place brute strength as a priority over skating skills, stick -handling and teamwork. Wide dif- ferences in the physical size and development of this age group also create a signifi- cant safety hazard. When the pre -pubescent four -footer collides with the gangling six-footer, the results are not amusing. As this season of minor hockey unfolds, the games I'm watching verify growing aggression and negative competition. it's not "cute"; it's "sick"! The rules -should be changed. If parents will join me and others who are voicing similar displeasure, they will be changed. You can help by urging concerned parents and others to: — contact their minor hockey association president; — write to their local news- paper to publicize their concern; — call their local radio call- in show; -write to their MPP; -write to the OMHA president at 1425 Bishop Street, Unit 6, Cambridge, Ontario, N1R6J9; —write to the CAHA president at National Office, 333 River Road, Vanier, Ontario, KIL8H9; —contact their local hockey coach about imme- diate abuses of physical a aggression; and --call me in Seaforth to add their names to a brief for submission to the OMHA. I am convinced, through contacts made during the last month, that a majority of parents want these regressive rule changes removed. it's an error to assume that nothing can be done. Let's take some positive action to initiate some con- structive change on behalf of our children! Paul Carroll Sea forth soon as it can be installed. The system calls for a base station, installations in three trucks and transmitting antennae. Total cost of $4,470.61 will be shared by Wingham, Turnberry, Howick, East Wawanosh and Morris. The grand champion bull at the Western Ontario Hereford Zone fall show and sale was an animal shown by Heber J. L. Eady and Sons of Dungannon. Gordon Melvin was given a birthday cake at the inter- club meeting of Teeswater and Wingham Lions to mark the \ 86th birthday of the Teestater charter member. cl bro "fir$; Nelson and O ,ht �4Under oo4 Aof, 1 n! Wingham, members of the North Huron Corn Club, were awarded prizes at the county 441 night held at Seaforth. ROMAN IC ROOMS by the Editorsft House & Garden From the splendor of a chandelier -lit dining room to the sensuality of a secluded bedroom, this magnificent book illustrates the many and varied ways in which romance permeates interior design. There are rooms from Britain, the United States, Italy, France, Germany and Australia from which to draw in- spiration. YOUR COLOR AT HOME by Lauren Smith and Rose Gilbert Delve into this book and learn just how important your own seasonal color can enhance the decoration and furnishings of your rooms. THE NEW JOY OF PHOTOGRAPHY by the Editors of Eastman Kodak Company This book is updated to included the latest technol- ogical advances in cameras, lenses and filters to name a few. It is an indispensable book for anyone with a camera. THREE FROM GALILEE by Marjorie Holmes A sequel to Two from Galilee, this story dares to deal with those "lost years" of Jesus's young manhood, the ages of 12 to 30, not even mentioned in the Bible. The characters and background are vividly recreated and the whole subject treated with reverence. PRESS COUNCIL The Advance -Times is a member of the Ontario Press Council which will consider written com- plaints about the publica- tion of news, opinions and advertising. If a com- plaint can't be resolved With' ',the' nevv5{9hper, it should be sent to the On- tario Press Council, 151 Slater St., Suite 708, Ot- tawa, Ont. KIP 5H3. TODAY'S CHILD BY JUDITH ADAMS Andy is a gorgeous little imp witha lot to give some special family who adopts him. He'll be five this sum- mer, and is small for his age because he was born prematurely. He is a bright, alert child, curious about every- thing and extremely active. He's also very. responsive and loving, and needs parents who are as demonstrative as he is. For Andy, life holds only two major prob- lems: his hearing is seriously impaired, and he can be hyperactive. With medication con- trolling this, Andy is a pleasant, affectionate boy to be with. He plays well, concen- trates and stays with tasks, and gets along well with other children and adults. However, when he doesn't respond to the medica- tion, Andy's quite a handful. His concentra- tion goes and he's com- pulsively active and needs a lot of supervi- sion. It is suspected there may be some connection between - certain foods he eats and his hyperactivity, and once this can be established Andy will have a much better time of it. -Earlier in his life, Andy received infant stimulation and attended a nursery pro- gram for developmen- tal assistance. His fos- ter mother is teaching him sign language and he will qualify for enrollment in a school for deaf chidlren or a program for the hear- ing impaired in an inte- grated school.. He. wears bilateral hearing aids and would seem to have only slight hear- ing ability, so he will need .intervention at various stages of his life to help him in learning, and this kind of help is available to children like Andy in Ontario. A family who can give Andy the one-to- one attention he needs and work patiently with the demands his hyperactivity can prod- uce will make all the difference in this little boy's life. If you think you may be that family, please write to Today's Child, Ministry of Community and Social Ser'ices, Box 888, Station K, Toronto. Describe your present family as fully as you can to help Andy's social workers choose the most appropriate home for him. include your telephone number in the letter. New Books in the Lihrarl' ROMAN IC ROOMS by the Editorsft House & Garden From the splendor of a chandelier -lit dining room to the sensuality of a secluded bedroom, this magnificent book illustrates the many and varied ways in which romance permeates interior design. There are rooms from Britain, the United States, Italy, France, Germany and Australia from which to draw in- spiration. YOUR COLOR AT HOME by Lauren Smith and Rose Gilbert Delve into this book and learn just how important your own seasonal color can enhance the decoration and furnishings of your rooms. THE NEW JOY OF PHOTOGRAPHY by the Editors of Eastman Kodak Company This book is updated to included the latest technol- ogical advances in cameras, lenses and filters to name a few. It is an indispensable book for anyone with a camera. THREE FROM GALILEE by Marjorie Holmes A sequel to Two from Galilee, this story dares to deal with those "lost years" of Jesus's young manhood, the ages of 12 to 30, not even mentioned in the Bible. The characters and background are vividly recreated and the whole subject treated with reverence. PRESS COUNCIL The Advance -Times is a member of the Ontario Press Council which will consider written com- plaints about the publica- tion of news, opinions and advertising. If a com- plaint can't be resolved With' ',the' nevv5{9hper, it should be sent to the On- tario Press Council, 151 Slater St., Suite 708, Ot- tawa, Ont. KIP 5H3. TODAY'S CHILD BY JUDITH ADAMS Andy is a gorgeous little imp witha lot to give some special family who adopts him. He'll be five this sum- mer, and is small for his age because he was born prematurely. He is a bright, alert child, curious about every- thing and extremely active. He's also very. responsive and loving, and needs parents who are as demonstrative as he is. For Andy, life holds only two major prob- lems: his hearing is seriously impaired, and he can be hyperactive. With medication con- trolling this, Andy is a pleasant, affectionate boy to be with. He plays well, concen- trates and stays with tasks, and gets along well with other children and adults. However, when he doesn't respond to the medica- tion, Andy's quite a handful. His concentra- tion goes and he's com- pulsively active and needs a lot of supervi- sion. It is suspected there may be some connection between - certain foods he eats and his hyperactivity, and once this can be established Andy will have a much better time of it. -Earlier in his life, Andy received infant stimulation and attended a nursery pro- gram for developmen- tal assistance. His fos- ter mother is teaching him sign language and he will qualify for enrollment in a school for deaf chidlren or a program for the hear- ing impaired in an inte- grated school.. He. wears bilateral hearing aids and would seem to have only slight hear- ing ability, so he will need .intervention at various stages of his life to help him in learning, and this kind of help is available to children like Andy in Ontario. A family who can give Andy the one-to- one attention he needs and work patiently with the demands his hyperactivity can prod- uce will make all the difference in this little boy's life. If you think you may be that family, please write to Today's Child, Ministry of Community and Social Ser'ices, Box 888, Station K, Toronto. Describe your present family as fully as you can to help Andy's social workers choose the most appropriate home for him. include your telephone number in the letter.