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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1984-05-23, Page 4Mje mob= 21bbance4i meo Puhlishvd at %'inghan). Ontario. P.O. Box 390 -. VW; 2W0 I)) Wenger Brut. Limited Bohert 0 ) Wenger. Si.i::1 r(;a.. Audra. Currie. Adi.eru.ing Mtutager Mimher Audit Bureau of ( trcuJaiions Member — ( anadian (unununit) Nosspaiicr Assoc. Ontario (ununun0 Not.paper Assoc Barr) Wenger. President Hem) Hess. Editor Subscriptions S!O.00 per )car Second (law. Mail Registration N. 08.21 Woman of influence "The twenty-fourth of May Is the Queen's birthday. If you don't give us a holiday We'll all run away." Those were the words of a childish little verse which originated in Vic- torian England when holidays, were very few and far between for the ap- prentices in the sweat shops. Strange that the birthday of a monarch who died 83 years ago should still be observed in a world which has completely changed since her time. Victoria, during her reign of more than 60 years, had a tremendous influ- ence on her countrymen ,and her colonies. She came to the throne on the death of her uncle, King William IV, at a time when upper class English morals were at a very low ebb. The wealth of the nation was held almost exclusively by privileged ,landowners and the merchant class. Gambling, womanizing and riotous living were widespread habits in the upper classes. The young queen, however, was the daughter of a stern German princess who raised Victoria with rigorous moral standards. The queen's early marriage to Prince Albert, a young Si moults wI 1 50 Return postage guaranteed man of rigid principles determined, once and for all, a very different style of life for those who were dependent on the court for advantage. In fact, the effects of the Victorian attitude are still felt in most areas where Britain once ruled. It is only within the past 25 years that a new code of moral ethics has broken through the Victorian standards. Whether for bet- ter or worse remains to be seen. The old queen was certainly not guilt -stricken by the hopeless plight of thousands of her subjects who had be- come victims of the industrial revolu- tion and sweated their lives out in fac- tories and mines, but those conditions existed all over the western world dur- ingher reign. It was these same social inequalities which gave birth to trade unions and eventually to socialism and communism. In the 150 ,years since Victoria's reign commenced the world has changed totally, but that much time is too short a period in which to assess the consequences of her' influence. Cer- tainly, however, she did have a pro- found effect on the course of history. Theprivileged few Conservative MP Jack Ellis, his party's Treasury Board critic, says it's time to crack down on members of parliament who don't pay their bills. MPs and senators who eat at the parliamentary restaurant have, been told they must pay cash, all because a few deadbeats have not honored their credit p.ivileges. Some of these fellows have also run . up pretty big telephone bills, even though all MPs have access to a government telephone line which allows them to call anywhere in Can- ada at any time of day free of charge. Members of parliament have a non-taxable expense allowance of $1,470. A meal in the parliamentary restaurant Which might include vichys- soice, fiddleheads, salad, steak, coffee and French pastries, costs only $4.20, half to one-third the price for a similar meal in a good restaurant. Yet it costs the taxpayers of the country $5.5 mil- lion in subsidy to operate the restaur- ant in the parliament buildings. Are they really worth all the pampering they get? RNAs have proven worth Recently the association of regis- tered nurses called for the eventual abolition of registered nursing assist- ants in our hospitals, leaving bedside care entirely in the hands of the RNs. All credit to the registered nurses who serve us. Most of them are dedi- cated and skilled in their profession and society would be in deep trouble if, they disappeared from the scene. But let's not forget the tremendously valu- able service and nursing assistants have provided over the years. There have been times when RNs were scarce that it would have been all but impos- sible to keep smaller hospitals oper- ating without the services of the nurs- ing, assistants. Nor is there any reason to get rid of nursing assistants, whose rate of pay is considerably lower than the rate paid to RNs. The assistants perform many of the tasks which do not require the skills of full-fledged nurses, a perfectly logical, way to provide good health care at somewhat less than top cost. The annual bill for health care is already nearing the point 'of impos- sibility. We cannot afford to sacrifice any opportunity to keep those mounting costs within our ability to pay. Multiculturism has limits A few years ago the editor of this paper had a bright idea. Since one member of our staff was fluent in the Dutch language we persuaded him to write a weekly column in his native tongue. Mind you it was a real head- ache for the English -only typesetters — but we persisted until we began to get phone calls. The calls came in from Dutch -born residents of our coverage area who resented the appearance of a portion of the paper in their native tongue. Without exception the mes- sages were the same: "We're Can- adians now. We don't need a column in Dutch." -There has been much .. public discussion recently about multicultur- alism. Politicians, particularly those with an eye on a coming election, are loud in their support for recognition of whatever cultural minority has a siz- able block of votes In their own ridings. We must recognize the Portugese Can- adians, the Vietnamese, the Ukrain- ians, etc. Of course we must recognize them. Most of them are good people and good Canadians. But that is the point. Can- ada cannot survive as a unified nation until and unless all these newcomers become truly Canadians — in language as well as in citizenship. We have all seen the divisive conse- quences of being a two -language na- tion. Because the founding races, whose history goes back several cen- turies, were both French and English speaking, we obviously have an obliga- tion to provide for both. But it is an im- possible task to spread those same con- siderations for culture and language over the dozens of groups of new Can- adians who have been admitted to the benefits of Canadianism. New laws are in the making which would make it illegal for an employer to discriminate against people of other races and tongues. There seems to be very little consideration of the fact that employers must have the right to de- cide which applicant has the needed skills or knowledge to do the best job, regardless of race or color. Tolerance for racial newcomers, great. But for goodness sake let's not make such a big thing of multicultur- alism that becoming a true Canadian is no longer necessary. editorial opinion Items from Old Files MAY 19:17 Huron Chapter No. 89, Order of the Eastern Star, held a banquet in honor of Mrs. J. A. Fox, retiring Deputy District Grand Matron of District No. 8. It is eight years since a member of the local chapter has been a D.D.G.M. Following the banquet Miss Beatrice Joynt was installed as Worthy Matron of the Order. A drowning accident was narrowly averted when Arthur Horne, eight-year-old son of Albert Horne, fell into the river at the dam. Fred, -_ older brother of Arthur, was present at the time and pulled the young lad out before he sank. Harold King of 'Gorii6 has secured a position as clerk in Stephen's and Ashton's store in the village. Mr. and . Mrs. P. S. MacEwen of Wroxeter have .purchased the Musgrove home in Bluevale and will move there soon. Ernest S. Lewis of Brampton has purchased the greenhouses and florist business formerly operated by the lateJ. M. Graham and will take possession May 24. John P. McKibben suc- cessfully passed his Toronto University examinations in connection withl'the Ontario College of Pharmacy. MAY 1449 ' At Southampton the Bruce Liberals selected Donald B. Blue of Ripley; a -prominent auctioneer of the district, as their candidate. The Huron - Perth. Liberals selected as their candidate Andy McLean, editor of the Huron Expositor, Seaforth. Miss,Bernice Norman and Mrs.` Jame C'alOd'at tertained at thelatter s home on Shuter Street in honor of Miss Ruth McGuire, bride- elect of this month. About 40 friends were present: ev. David' Perrie of Leamington, a • former 'Sham solution' to parking problem Dear Editor, The proposed lease of Sacred Heart Church lawn to Wingham and District Hospital is a sham solution to a rather congested' parking situation. Most of us prefer very convenient parking. CKNX once made arrangements to use the Sacred Heart parking lot, but found that staff parked within a few steps of the front door in- stead. The Sacred Heart lawn is too far away to be a sensible solution for hospital parking. The Hospital Board has talked for years about pur- chasing property to solve the parking problem. Now is the time to develop a permanent solution by land purchase or even appropriation. No band-aid, stop -gap solutions should be used, since tem- porary arrangements often become permanent. Wingham Town Council shoulcL refuse to issue a buildilfg permit until the Hospital Board presents a more acceptable proposal for parking. Dan Webster Wingham Kinsmen club needs members Dear Editor, Is it possible that one of Wingham's oldest service organizations could be having membership problems? Yes, it is! For a number of reasons, the Kins- men Club of Wingham is suffering from low mem- bership. While the activities Thanks for the coverage Dear Editor, The executive and members of Maitland Presbyterial Society of the WMS, Presbyterian church would like to thank you for the splendid coverage — write-up and pictures — at the occasion of the annual meeting of the Hamilton and London Synodical Society of the WMS, which was held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church on April 24 and 25. It was very much ap- preciated. A. Bregman RR 3, Teeswater and enthusiasm of the Club have not wavered over the years, the membership has and, unfortunately, is now at a low ebb. If any of your readers are young men who live or work in Wingham and are in- terested in the welfare and improvement of this com- munity, they would likely be excellent Kinsmen mem- bers. The Kinette Club of Wingham is a similar organization whose mem- bership consists of the spouses of Kinsmen. That Club is also in need of new members. If any of your readers have any interest in such a service organization or wish further information about the Kins- men Club of Wingham 'and its activities, we would appreciate their contacting President-elect Bob Hewines at 357-3467 or Kinsman Dave Hewitson at 357-1661 (business). Thank you. Andy McBride Kinsmen Club of Wingham Wingham boy, son of the late Dr. David Perrie, will of- ficiate at the re -opening and dedication services at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church on June 5. MAY 1900 E. S. •"Ted" Gauley commenced duties with the Ontario Rural Hydro in Owen Sound this week. Ted "has been transferred there from the local crew. Mr. and Mrs. Ceorge • Hotchkiss of Wingham an- nounce the engagement of their eldest daughter, Mary Margaret,,. • to•. ' John McNaught Eadie, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Eadie, RR 2, Wingham. The wed- ding it) > akePlaceJune 11. Top winner;• at t'he .13th annual Turnberry Township music festival included Sylvia Martens, Jim Nor- man, Judy Welsh, Tommy Haugh, Elaine Snell, Brian Forsyth, Judy Forsyth; Brian Kerr and Mary Haugh. MAY 1979 Mrs. Marion Scott . was elected president of the Wingham Business and Professional Women's Club. Her supporting officers are Mrs. W. C. Murray, Mrs. Robert Ahara, Mrs. Jim. Gregg, Miss Norma Coutts and Mrs. G. R. Scott. At the Mother and la•Nr�t.. SPOTLIGHT Daughter Banquet of Wingham CGIT, Mrs. Ed Daer conducted a service for four graduates who had attended CGIT for five years: Sally Lou Elliott, Joanne Sutcliffe, "Anne Welwood and Sandra Tiffin. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Chambers of .Wroxeter announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Margaret Leone, to Gordon David Kaster, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Kaster of Wroxeter. The marriage will take place June 13. At a special meeting of Wingham Town Council, the decision was reached to purchase the armoury bolding which' stands. „ iin- mediately east : of the town hall. The town agreed to purchase the building for $4,400. F. E. Madill Secondary School held its second annual Athletic Banquet. Best ath- letes were Jill McPherson and Pete Snow. Most valu= able players in basketball were Doris Coultes . and ''Bruce Ruttan; most improv- ed were Phil Beard and R. Cranston. Cross-country runners honored., were Paul Moffat and Joyce Taylor. Football awards went to Robert Armstrong and Monty Templeman. TODAY'S CHILD BY JUDITH ADAMS This delightful little boy is David. He's 11 months old now, and one of the most charm- ing, responsive babies you could ever hope to meet. David delights in pulling things off tables, rummaging for toys and playing with his busy bos. He is an outgoing, happy child, extremely sociable and alert. David was born with spina bifida, where the spine hasn't completely formed and doesn't connect with the nerves leading to the lower half of the body. It's a little early to know for sure, but it is quite possible David will be confined to a wheel- chair in future, although some children with his condition do walk with the help of braces. David's physical lim- itations don't seem to affect his dispostion one bit. He has a lot of determination, and the other children where' he lives have a wonderful time playing with him. David has a special chair that helps him to sit up, were he spends happy time playing with toys that have a lot of moving parts. He is seen regularly at the Hospital for Sick Children and the Crip- pled Children's Centre, and has daily exercises for his leg muscles. David also has a shunt that drains spinal fluid, and this gives him no problems. The family who adopt David should be people who can continue his impor- tant thereapeutic pro- grams and appreciate him for the interesting and lovable little per- son he is. If you think yours may be that family, please write to Today's Child, Ministry of Com- munity and Social Ser- vice, Box 888, Station K, Toronto. Describe your present family and way of life, and include your telephone, number. 1984 Canada Wide Feature Service limited, THE SINGING IRISHMAN, Clarke Johnston of Belgrave, was well-known as a regular over CKNX radio and Television. He, had a wide variety of rousing Irish, and some Scottish, songs which he performed over CKNX and at local fairs and concerts. Clarke Johnston is known as 'The Singing Irishman' By Margaret Arbuckle "The Singing Irishman" was a familiarcharacter over CKNX radio in its early days and later his fame spread to television on Circle 8 Ranch when the likable rogue, Clarke Johnston of Belgrave, started appearing. Those days seem to be over for Mr. Johnston. It's not that he doesn't love to entertain still, but it's just that he doesn't have much chance to do so anymore, except for the odd engagement at nursing home;. and the like. Born in 1912 and raised on the ninth concession of East Wawanosh, Mr. Johnston moved to the house where he still resides today when he was about six years old. - The Johnston family was of sturdy pioneer stock, but after the work was ddne they would sit around and sing the favorite old songs their ancestors brought from Ireland and Scotland. It.was at the knees of his grandmothers Johnston and Geddes that young Clarke learned the rollicking songs and the lilting ballads of the old country. When Mr. Johnston was 14 years old, "Doc" Cruickshank was starting his fledging radio station in Wingham and was on the lookout for talented local performers to sing on air. One of the people he contacted was the young singer from Belgrave. After the. two had met and struck up an agreement, Mr. Cruickshank asked Mr. Johnston, "Do you sing more Irish songs than Scottish ones?" Mr. Johnston replied, "Yes", so the name the "The Singing Irishman" was born and it has stayed with him ever since. The old radio station was in an upstairs bedroom at the Brunswick Hotel, where the Knechtel's store is today. Once those first quarters became too cramped, the station was moved to the town hall, then to the present location of Kids World and Wingham Travel -Agency, then to the old high school and finally to its present location. Mr. Johnston said he went right along, every step of the way. He has many fond memories of those early days on the air. He also traveled with "The Ranch Boys" and emcee Johnny Brent to "every little place in Ontario" with the old Barn Dance crew. Many the right he spent in the Wingham jail, not because he was misbehaving, but because he could not get home due to stormy weather. With the advent of television, "The Singing Irish- man" became a regular guest on Circle 8 Ranch. He would don his kilt for the Robert Burns Day show or grab his genuine Irish shillelagh and green vest for St. Patrick's Day. But his trademark has long .been the tattered green beret he wears jauntily over one eye. Cora Robertson, a Barn Dance and Circle 8 Ranch alumna, rescued the cap from the garbage one day and it has been Mr. Johnston's pride and joy ever since. Among his favorite songs are "The Same Old Shillelagh", "An Irishman's Dream" and "The Laughing Song". He also did some step dancing in his day. In addition to performing on radio, television and with the Barn Dance crew, Mr. Johnston also sang at local concerts and fall fairs. One night which stands out in his mind is the time when he was at a dance at Langside and met a young woman by the name of Ardyss Brown. His many charms were not lost on her and they married in 1943. Today they have two grown daughters. Mr. Johnston farmed and worked for the county during his working career, but now he is retired. He rents his farmland out and still lives in the house in 'which he has spent the past 66 years. His performing engagements seem to be getting fewer and fewer. Circle 8 Ranch has been off the air for several years and all the radio stations play Top Ten hits supplied by the major record companies. People just aren't very interested in hearing the old songs anymore either, he said, and it is a pity because the songs he used to sing were, in his opinion, among the most beautiful ever written.