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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1984-04-18, Page 5prig. owf:Io. am bbance-aCinne0 Published at %Ingham, Ontario, P.O. Bu' 390 • Nolo j�V1'tl . _ Wenger Bros. Limited • Robert l) Wenger. Sec. Treas. AWN) Currie. Athcrtising Manager 4, Barr. Wenger. President 1-10 1.1 Hess. Editor Member Audit Bureau of ( ovulations Member — Canadian (ontmunit} Newspaper Assoc. Ontario( omnrtuutNewspaper Assoc. Subscriptions 520.00 ler ',car Second (lass Mail Registration No. 0821 Sis months SI I 5 Return postage p!uaraineotl Proceed with caution While members of the Wingham police committee are to be compli- mented on their obvious dedication to conserving the taxpayers' money, they cannot afford to ignore the message re- cently delivered by the chief of police. In warning Town Council that the com- mittee's style of budget -slashing could poison an already -strained relationship with the police department, the chief did not appear to be making a threat. Rather, he was serving notice of a serious concern. - There are grounds for his com- plaint. In its zeal, the police committee has strayed dangerously close to over- stepping the boundary between setting policy, which is its proper domain, and directing operations, which is the re- sponsibility e- sponsibiliity of the chief. The committee has the right to establish a budget it be- lieves is adequate to provide the level of service it desires. If it deliberately attempts to tailor budgetary Items in such a way as to force changes in the way the department operates, how- ever, it is treading on thin ice. It is true some predecessors were overly generous in settlements with the police, awarding frills which boosted costs without improving protection, and this may be a factor in the com- mittee's thinking. Certainly it is hard to be critical of any honest attempt to trim fat from budgets which grow larger every year. Still, it would be un- wise to try to recoup past giveaways by a too-zealous'shaving of operational or capital budgets. Chief Robert Wittig was hired by the town to run its police department and from all accounts — especially In light of the unpleasant experiences of some other communities — he Is doing an outstanding job. His opinions about what Is needed to run his department should be respected and, unless there is good reason, councillors should be cau- tious about interfering. The short-term gain of a few dollars on the bottom line could easily be wiped out if the effect were to create a lasting rift between council and the chief. School bus safety At a recent meeting of the Huron - Bruce NDP Riding Association in Rip- ley one of the resolutions which emerg- ed addressed a concern which has been mentioned several times in this col- umn. Passing unanimously, the resolu- tion read: "Be it resolved that the ONDP renew its call to improve the safety standards for school buses and request an immediate amendment to the Highway Traffic Act to make seat belts mandatory on all seats, standard- ize bumper heights, and make a 50 km -h zone during school busing hours,. one-half km in either direction, wher- ever school buses make a left-hand turn onto a highway." The law requiring use of seat belts in passenger vehicles has been in force Search reg / Thlet j're atil plugged info the aarrle sap Mote s for several years, and accident statis- tics have long since proven the effec- tiveness of this particular safety pre- caution. Yet we have never been able to learn why school buses have been ex- empted' from the regulations. School buses are no more exempt from the possibility of serious accident than are any other vehicles on the road and travelling as they do with loads of up to 40 children, the death and accident rate would be tragic should such a mishap occur. The fact ,that .,few injuries have been sustained in school buses so far is a tribute to the care with which most drivers have met•their responsibilities. Why, then, are authorities so hestitant to provide for that extra measure of safety which seatbelts would provide? Debt beyond reason Ontario Hydro has announced it will seek an average increase of 9.1 per cent in its wholesale power rates to municipalities for the coming year — a percentage considerably higher than government standards of restraint should permit. Such an increase would come chiefly out of the pockets of con- sumers who must pay for the neces- sities bf life out of incomes held down to minimal increases. In a news release dated April 10 Ontario Hydro explains that without the 9.1 rate jump, the corporation would find itself short by some $349 million of the money needed to pay its costs of operation. Another paragraph in the news re- lease •states, "The main factors contri- buting to the additional revenue re- quirement are continued inflation, the retubing of Pickering Units 1 and 2, and new generating units coming on line." There is no mention, nuwever, of Hydro's costs for interest on borrowed money - some $18 billion at present and estimated by some observers to in- crease to $40. billion by 1992. The in- terest on $18 billion, even at the banks' prime rate of 11.5 per cent amounts to something over $2 billion a year or about $5.5 million a day. No doubt this horrendous load of debt and its resultant service charges can be explained as unavoidable costs to assure adequate supplies of energy for the future. Nevertheless there are many knowledgeable experts who say that w,e already have more than enough generating capacity. Is it not time for the establishment of an outside audit of Hydro's total fi- nancial and expansion policies. The utility is owned by the people of Ontario — and they are told little or nothing about the inner secrets of their own corporation's operations. Health act becomes law Over the past several months there as been a tremendous furore over the Canada Health Act — legislation which would penalize Individual provinces, dollar -for -dollar, if they permitted sur- charges by doctors or user fees by hos- pitals. The federal government de- clared that every dollar charged to pa- tients would be deducted from federal grants to the provinces. Well, the act was passed last week. There were no disenting votes in the House of Commons, regardless of party or geographical representation. It was unanimous. The meaning of that decision Is clear. Canadians want a universal health care protection plan, and they want all Canadians to get the same benefits at the same cost. This column has frequently ack- nowledged the fact that doctors de- serve to be well paid for their services. . Theirs Is a unique profession, requiring dedication, long hours and, at times, the awesome responsibility for de- cisions Which mean life or death for a patient. Nevertheless, there is no justice whatever in a system under which the people of one community re - r ceive health care for the price of their OHIP premiums and those in a com- munity only a few miles away must pay an additional fee for the same, service. Had this variation of charges been permitted to continue the entire health coverage- plan was doomed. Last week's unanimous vote is the answer. Jobs, for the willing We hear a lot these days about the numbers of unemployed young people ,— and those tales are certainly not ex- aggerated. However, we might suggest that there is some work available right now for those who have the time and the muscle. . In all small communities there are many home owners who are too old to get out with the rake and clean up the debris which winter has Teff on their properties: They.could use, and In most cases would be willing' to pay for some help with their lawns and gardens. Items from Old Fil APRIL 1937 One of the county's best known doctors, James Benson Whitely, M.D., of Goderich, died after a four- day illness with pneumonia in his 82nd year. The annual meeting of Wingham Post No. 180, Canadian Legion, was held in the Legion rooms and Kenneth Weaver was elected president. Vice presidents are George Williams, J. H. Currie and P. Harris. Secretary is H. Browne and treasurer H. E. Isard. A large red truck was standing in front of Hanna's Garage and decked out as it was with ladders and other contraptions, many mistook it for a fire truck. It turned out to be Reeve Davidson's new drilling outfit which he had just received and mounted on a truck. The Selrite Store will in the near future change the location of their store. They have leased a portion of the Mills Block, formerly the Peacock Cafe. At, a meeting of the shareholder"s` of the Wingham Hospital 'Co. Limited, the shareholders surrendered their shares to the Wingham General Hospital and an association was formed tq- ca the operation of the ospital as a community affair. A plaque will be erected at the hospital in memory of the late Dr..J, P,,Kennedy who was very;T tctive in the founding of thehospital. . Bud Wakeford, formerly of Sudbury, has accepted a New Books in the Library II FOODS THAT FIGHT CAN- CER by Patricia Hausman. A definitive book which pulls together all the latest information in this health - finding breakthrough, show- ing what now seems most advisable to set in order to protect oneself from the pos- sibility of cancer. Certain cooking methods trigger the formation of carcinogens in food, while others don't. There are many tips for a delicious diet, along with tested recipes. 60 PLUS — PLANNING IT, LIVING IT, LOVING IT by -Allan Fromme "The magic of making 60 plus, the best time of our life, is in our heads. It's how we look at aging and what we do about it that will make the difference between languish- ing and living. The sooner we refresh our outlooks the bet- ter." Thus Dr. Dromme in- troduces us to a most inspir- ing book on all that can still be achieved and enj oyed without becoming trapped in the past or overwhelmed by the present. ST. PETER'S BANKER by Luigi Difonzo This is the true story of the scandal that shook the foundations of the Vatican when, in March of 1980, Michele Sindona, the "Pope's banker", was convicted of fraud, misap- propriation of bank fund:, and perjury. The machina- tions of international bank- ing are explored, showing how Sindona used his power and relationship with the Mafia, the Freemasons and the Christian Democrats to fill the Vatican coffers. It reads like a ' novel but it really happened. Seniors' Day Centre News By Pam Williams Last Thursday we at- tended the Belmore Maple Syrup Festival and especially enjoyed the pancakes and maple syrup, sausages and all the special entertainment. There even were a few people who did well at the bingo game ,or won a prize from the lucky draws. The day trip provided a change of scenery from our ordinary program. This week at the centre we will have Peter Chandler, a violin maker, as our guest speaker Wednesday. The day centre opened offically April 17, 1979, and five years later we still are providing a social and recreational program for the homebound elderly. We will celebrate this week but there will be further celebrations in June, coinciding with Our' annual meeting. There will be an Easter dance and social gathering Thursday from`" -3 p.m. A potpourri of entertainment will be supplied, so dust off your Easter bonnet or cap and join us Thursday af- ternoon. Next Tuesday afternoon, April 24, Connie Jamieson, manager at the Jack Reavie Vocational Centre, will be our guest speaker at 1:30 p.m. She will explain what goes Non at the vocational centre and what services it provides for the community. The hospital auxiliary will be setting upt for the semi- annual rummage sale next Thursday for the sale next Friday. There will be no program at the centre next Thursday. The next foot clinic will be Tuesday May 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. Please ,call the centre for an appointment. A thought for this week is something' that Hillel, the Elder, said in 70 13. C., "If I am not for myself, who is for me? And being for myself only, what am I?' If not now, when? Hav& a Happy Easter. position with the R. A. Spotton Memorial Shop. Mr. and Mrs. Wakeford are residing on Edward Street. APRIL 1949 At the annual meeting of the Catholic Women's League of Sacred Heart Church, Wingham, Mrs. Chris Newman was returned as president. Her supporting officers are Mrs. Michael McPhail, Mrs. James St. Marie, Mrs. Pete MacDon- ald, Mrs. Tom Rafferty and Mrs. Joe Fitzpatrick. Cecil Cook has purchased,: a tobacco business and poolroom at Orangeville and will move there soon. His residence on Leopold Street has been purchased by Stafford Bateson. Mr. and Mrs. James Doig - •9f Drayton moved into their newly purchased home in the ,village of Wroxeter. It is like corning home to Mrs. Doig, the former Edythe Gowdy, who before her marriage lived north of the village. John Campbell and family of London moved to the John Hyndman house on the sixth concession of Howick Township. Mr. Campbell recently purchased the mill from Don Campbell. Mrs. Ernest Casemore was installed as president of the Whitechurch Women's Institute at the annual meeting of the group. Her vice presidents are Mrs. James McInnis and Mrs. Russell Gaunt. Morley T. Somers, who has been manager of the Wingham office of the Hydro Electric Commission, has been transferred to Barrie. Irvin W. Merrick from the Barrie regional. office, replaces Mr. Somers as manager of the Wingham area. APRIL 1960 It has been announced that Ross Hamilton has been appointed Wingham representative to the Huron County Committee for World Refugee Year. A campaign will be held in May and it is estimated that a Minimum. of $1.00-- per family will be needed in order to reach the goal set for the county. Workmen are preparing to pour the foundation for a new home on the corner of Leopold and Alfred Streets. The house is being erected by Cecil Merkley. Pour candidates received the Red Cross degree, the highest degree in the Orange Order, at a meeting in the council chamber. All are members of the Wingham Preceptory 797. They are George Baird, John Ward, William Irwin and John McInnis. Miss Wilma Winkel of Fordwich, who is attending Teachers' College, Stratford, and is a graduate of Norwell High School, has secured a school in Kitchener with duties to commence in September: At .the annual meeting of 'the Belniore WUmen's Institute, Mrs. David Eadie was re-elected president. Vice presidents are Mrs. Fred Doubledee and Mrs. Elmer Jaffray. Mrs. W. Johann is secretary and Mrs. John Rutherford treasurer. Bob Thomas, who has been employed at CKNX radio for some time, has accepted a position with the radio station in his home town, Cornwall. APRIL 1970 Mrs. Kay Gregg was initiated into the mem- bership of the Wingham Business and Professional Women's Club. She was introduced by Mrs. Jean Rintoul and officially welcomed by Mrs. Kae Forgie and Mrs. Adelaide Ahara. A letter from Dr. G. P. A. Evans, director of the Huron County Health Unit, was discussed at the meeting of the board of the Wingham and District Hospital. The doctor outlined a proposed comprehensive Home Care Program by which com- petent nurses, acting under a doctor's supervision, would call at homes where patients could be attended without need for hospital care. At a meeting of the Wingham Salvation Army Home League, Mrs. Harold Tanner was presented with luggage prior to her leaving to take up residence in Alberta. A former resident of Belgrave, James F. Coultes, who has been assistant farm manager at, the Burwash Industrial Farm, has been transferred to the Butch Industrial Farm at Brant- ford. - Dave MacDonald has sold his Whitechurch home to Alex Verbeek. Cardiff is named ic"u ag. critic *4440009.000000 4444444444444•4404•44014444•4 An Easter resolution Dear Editor, Your readers might be interested in an idea that would make Easter '84 a real landmark in their lives. We all know about New Year's resolutions. I'm suggesting that we make Easter resolutions. Because Easter speaks to us of renewed life and a second chance, it just seems this is an excellent time to take stock of ourselves and possibly set a new course for our lives. In our mind's eye when we visit that empty tomb and come away certain of a life beyond this one, then we are released from self - concern and free to make unselfish, life-giving resolu- tions — resolutions that will change other people's lives. May 1 suggest that your readers consider the plight of the destitute blind in the developing world. These helpless ones are forced to live out their lives in darkness and under the most deplorable conditions because they simply can't afford the $25 that it costs for a sight restoring, cataract operation. If any of your readers would like to make an Easter resolution to restore someone's life by restoring their sight, then I suggest they make a tax-deductable donation to Operation Eyesight Universal, P.O. Box 123, Calgary, Alberta, Opposition Leader Brian Mulroney announced April 6 that Murray Cardiff, Member of Parliament for Huron -Bruce, will become deputy critic for agriculture, replacing Gary Gurbin. Mr. Cardiff was previously deputy ^Critic, Ministry of State for Finance. Mr. Cardiff will continue to play an active role on the standing committee for finance, trade and economic affairs and looks forward to continuing work on that committee as he feels that the economic problems facing Canadians should be a first priority for any member of Parliament. At the same time his new role as deputy critic for agriculture will expand his responsibilities with regards 'to the agricultural sector and he is greatly looking forward to the new experience. Mr. Cardiff has been a member of the agricultural caucus of the Conservative party as well as the agricultural standing committee since his election to the House i'N1960. T2P 2H6. Operation Eyesight is a small Canadian charity, started 20 years ago When Dr. Ben Gullison, a medical missionary to India was moved by the plight of the destitute, incurable blind. He inspired a small group of Canadian businessmen to form an organization that would give sight and new life to these helpless ones. I can speak with en- thusiasm about Operation Eyesight because I'm a registered nurse who has visited many of its projects in India. I was literally over- whelmed by how much g k d this organization does and today I still wonder at the dedication of the Indian medical staff as it performs surgery and does follow-up work under some of the most difficult conditions that you could imagine. If any of your readers do make a resolution to give someone his sight as a way of celebrating Easter, they would be interested in knowing this $25 covers medicine, injections, hospital care, food, follow-up examinations and glasses in addition to surgical costs. I never realized that a few dollars could do so much good, work so hard and go so far. Lois Horan Vancouver, B.C. Baiiey g resi g nation T. is cause for regret Dear Editor, decent person and one who It was with regret that we firmly believes in the work learned of Mrs. Pat Bailey's ethic, • resignation from. town Thank you Mrs, Bailey. r' , '' ia, ' . , Yb ursilfigh lavet thUt Goat Like so many others web for much of the time take our councillors for granted. We cast our votes, grumble a bit and then we more or less forget about them until the next election comes along. Mrs. Bailey is to be congratulated for her sin- cerity and for her un- compromising sense of what is right, not always a com- fortable or popular road to travel. And, whether we agree with her or not, I think we have to admire her dedication. It can't have been easy to learn all the rules and regulations for governing our town and to attend the many committee meetings etc., but she managed to do it all besides helping to run a large family business. Being the lone woman councillor must have had its difficult moments too, that takes courage! But it is to her credit that in her three and one-half years of serv- ice, she remained true to herself. We've lost an ad- mirable council member, a times that no one really cared. But a lot of us did. We appreciate all your hard work in our behalf. Have a rest and please try again, won't you? Catherine E. Forsyth and Bill Forsyth Wingham Diabetes Assoc. says thank you Dear Editor, On behalf of the Canadian. Diabetes Association I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped in our 1984 annual appeal. Those who canvassed did a fantastic job and those who contributed helped to make this year'scampaign a complete success. Thank you again. With the help of people like you diabetes will someday be cured. Sheila Bauer National Appea. Chairpersor TODAY'S CHILD BY JUDITH ADAMS This tiny little girl is laiie, 51/2 months old and small for her age. Claire was born with Down's Syndrome, which always brings with it slow develop- ment mentally and physically. She's an appealing little girl, quite fragile in appear- ance with brown hair and big, dark eyes. Until recently, Claire used to be content to sleep all day, waking only to be fed. Now d she's becoming much more alert and respon- sive, smiling and recognizing voices. She seems to be bright and high -functioning despite Down's Syn- drome and not very behind in her motor skill, language and cog- nition. Claire has an enlarged heart which could be a fairly seri- ous px oblem requiring surgery later, so adopt- ing parents will need to be able to accept that problem when they welcome her into their family. There is a "right ventricular hypertrophy" or nar- rowed right ventrical in llgr heart, and further investigation will be necessary. It's thought that her tiny size, related to a reluctance to take much of her bottle at a time, may be linked to her heart condition. • 'ro inquire about adopting Claire, please write to Today's Child, Ministry of Community & Social "Ser'vice, Box 888, Station K, Toronto, describing your family and 'wa '. of life