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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1984-06-06, Page 4June 6, 1984 e afltbrincr-t inlet( Published et Whisks% Ontario. PeGeB390 • NO(. :1W0 b %neer Woe LionitiO Bane Wenger. President Hato Hese Editor • Robert 0. Wenger. See. Treas. Audre% Currie. Athertising. Manager Member Audit Bureau of Circulations Member — ( nadian Communit Nespaper Assoc. Ontario( ommunit Newspaper Assoc. Subscriptions S20.00 per year Second Class Mail Registration No. 0821 Six months S11.50 Return postage guaranteed No need for kick -backs It is time members of the Huron County Council took a closer look at policies permitting the county clerk - treasurer and his deputy to pocket "finger's fees" for investing money from the estates of residents at Huron - view, the county home for the aged. The practice, which last year earned each man a tidy $4,000, Is not il- legal, and it appears to have been con- doned by a succession of county coun- cillors for at least the past dozen years. That does not, however, make it any less dubiods or distasteful. For a start, by what right do county employees merit a finder's fee for in- vesting money to which they have ac- cess purely by virtue of their positions? It is not as though they had to go out and drum up the business or people came begging them to handle their money. Huronview residents are re- quired to place their assets In a trust fund when they enter the home and the proceeds from that fund are used to help pay for their stay. The investing of monies in the fund Is clearly the re- sponsibility of the county, a duty to be assigned to whichever of its employees it considers best able to handle the lob. A second problem with such an ar- rangement is its Obvious potential for conflict of interest between what is best for the investing agent and what is best for the owner of the money. Suppose, for example, the agent were presented with a choice between two investments, one of which offered a higher rate of in- terest while the other offered a prem- ium on his commission. Which would he choose? Or suppose• a financial in- stitution, on shaky ground, offered a handsome inducement to attract in- vestments and later went belly -up? It has happened. County Cou ci is not fulfilling its trust to Huronvie residents or to Th long, long Forty years ago today the greatest military action in the history of the world took place. Thousands upon thousands of Allied soldiers splashed into the cold sea water and started their long, deadly walk to the beaches of Normandy. Although the eventual success of that operation freed the con- tinent of Europe from slavery and op- pression, many of the young men, with Canadians in the lead, would remem- ber in later years the waiting in train- ing camps for the landing orders which all knew must come sooner or later. For men who have been trained to a superb state of readiness for battle, the wait for action becomes almost in- tolerable. They have been readied physically and mentally for what they know may be their last day on earth and the need for action is with them day and night. The soldiers, sailors and airmen were not the only ones who waited. Wives and mothers, sons and daugh- ters, brothers and sisters at home were equally aware that Fortress Europe must be stormed and that their loved Huron County ratepayers, who must pick up the tab for any shortfalls, by permitting such a situation to exist. And by extending the practice to in- clude the investment of county reserve funds, it is simply aggravating the problem. Suggesting this arrangement saves money by quoting exorbitant fees trust companies would charge to administer the fund is nothing but a red herring. Other public employees also are en- trusted with investing money on behalf of their employers, and they manage to do it without demanding a kickback. At Wingham and District Hospital, for ex- ample, the treasurer is responsible f regularly investing substantial sums from the hospital's various accounts. This is accepted as part of his duties and the question of a commission has not been raised. Certainly, at salaries of $e6,000 and $39,000 respectively, the county clerk and deputy can scarcely claim they need the commissions to enable them to eke out a living. They are already being well paid for their efforts and should they prefer to resign to make their living as investment counsellors there would be no shortage of appli- cants for the vacancies. In any case, if they merit additional remuneration for their work on behalf of Huronview this should be considered by County Councii in its salary reviews. Any finder's fees should, in turn, go directly Into county coffers. The practice of accepting kick- backs, so rife with potential for abuse, should never have been permitted to develop. Since it has, it should be halt- ed immediately. If county councillors are unable to see anything wrong with the arrangement, then clearly it is time to take a closer look at the people we are sending to manage the county busi- ness. wait ones would be in those fateful lines of battle. Millions of bitterly oppressed Eu- ropeans from Norway to Greece waited and prayed for the invasion which would spell the end of Nazi tyranny. Russian leaders and Soviet troops waited less patiently for the second front which would ease the burden of cruel occupation. End of the waiting came on June 6, 1944 and it claimed the lives of thou- sands of young men, despite the fact that the invasion plans were the most carefully prepared and executed mili- tary manoeuvre of all time. The vast German defenses could not be breach- ed without tremendous human sacri- fice. Though 40 years have passed since that fateful day, it is well that we recall what happened then and that the story of the brave men who saved civilization should be told to our children and grandchildren. These young people live in a free world because an entire gen- eration offered their lives for those who were to come after. Added safety factor Have you noticed the number of cars on the highway which are running with headlights turned on, even in day- light hours? Safety -conscious drivers are adopting a practice which has been proven to save lives and decrease In- juries in the Scandinavian countries. Multi -vehicle collisions have been reduced by as much as 20 per cent in the countries where daytime lights have been 'made mandatory. The Can- adian Transport Department believes that 200 deaths and 2,500 personal in- juries might be averted and property damage reduced by $200 million if the same regulations were applied here. It has been suggested that automatic running lights will be required on all new cars by 1986. Headlight's on such vehicles would be turned on atito- matically during daylight hours. Well, why not? It doesn't cost one cent extra to drive with lights on so why not start right now? Big mouth — big foot Some people never learn to think before they talk. ' Prize blooper the past week came from Eugene Whelan, Canada's min- ister of agriculture and a candidate for the leadership of the Liberal party. Questioned about why he has adopted his famous green cowboy hat as a permanent trademark, Whelan said It keeps his head warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Then he added that the hot summer sun cooks one's brains. According to this expert on human behaviour, Africans don't wear hats and that's why they have such a low I.Q. Later he tried to soften the blow by stating that he really did know the African sub -level I.Q. is caused by malnutrition. Now that's the sort of diplomacy we really need in a Canadian leader. The liar's punishment Is not in the least that he Is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else. --George Bernard Shaw TODAY'S CHILD BY JUDITH ADAMS Andre is a charming ten -year-old boy who endears everyone to him with his affection- ate nature. He loves to talk and has a terrific sense of humour, so people just naturally gravitate to him. Andre was born with Down's Syndrome and is devel- oping at a borderline rate. He's in good health but proneto colds and an occasional eye infection that clears up easily with medication. Andre is an indepen- dent fellow who wants to do things for him- self. He takes pride in his appearance, ties his shoelaces, brushes his teeth and washes with very little prompting. He is in a special class in the regular school system and his teacher Items from Old Files JUNE 1937 Miss Muriel C. McDonald has resigned from the High School staff, having ac- cepted a , position at Newmarket High School. Miss McDonald has been on the staff of the local school for five years as teacher of mathematics. Gordon Stonehouse of Belgrave successfully passed the Faculty of Medicine (Doctor of Medicine) examinations at Western University, London. Thomas Gilmour was elected' Worshirital Mater of Wingham Lodge No. 280'AF & AM at the annual meeting held in the Masonic Temple. His supporting officers in- clude Fred Fuller, Walter VanWyck, T. H. Gibson, W. A. Galbraith and H. L. Sherbondy. D. A. Arbuckle, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Arbuckle, who has been attending Osgoode Hall, Toronto, passed his third year examinations with honors, also winning the Clara Brett Martin Memorial Scholar- ship. In a simple ceremony at BuckinghatiOalaeniNeVIIN. Chamber became Prime: MiniSter of Britain. Former Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin tendered his resignation and retired to the House of Lords. Mr. and Mrs. George Doubledee and daughter Lena have moved into the town of Wingham from Concession A, Howick, and are residing in the Davis house on Centre Street. JUNE 1949 George Gammage, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Gam - mage, has joined the staff at the Dominion Bank and commences his duties on, June 1, • Jim Hall, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Hall, has, been successful in securing first . . THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY of the Allied invasion of France, better known as D -Day, is being celebrated all over the world today, June 6. George Tervit Jr. of Wingham, first on the left, participated in that great invasion and is joining other members of the 1 9th Army Field Regiment this month in Europe at anniversary services commemorating D -Day. class honors in his first year pre -medical at Toronto University. The Wingham Fire Department named Jim Carr as its chief at the monthly meeting. Ross Orvis is Lieutenant, David Crothers is Captain and William Bain will serve the group as secretary. JUNE 1960 A group representing the Wingham District High School won the Dr. B. N. Corrin Trophy in a Bible quiz at the Tri -County Youth For Christ banquet. Members of the team were Thelma Dobson, Lois Sinclair, Laurie Stuckey and Lynn Stuckey. Miss Stuckey was also crowned Queen at the banquet. Miss Marie Brown of Fordwich was elected president of the Huron Deanery Young People of the Anglican Church, suc- ceeding Pat Deyell of Wingham. Murray Alcock is vice president, Yvonne Pollard of Brussels is secretary and Ted Worm - worth of Wingham is treasurer. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Bride have purchased the home in Fordwich formerly owned by Mr. and Mrs. William Davis of Toronto. JUNE 1970 Beginning June 1, a province -wide assessment is being conducted for a new provincial census. Last week a training session was held for Huron County enum- erators. Attending from ,this area were Mrs. Roger West and Mrs. George Thomas who are in charge of the town of Wingham; and Mrs. Jack McBurney and E. E. Walker who will work in Turnberry Township. Twenty graduates of the Wingham and District Hospital's Training Centre received their pins and awards at a ceremony Friday. Receiving special awards were Janet Elliott of RR 2, Bluevale, Robert Arbuckle of Fergus, Dona Sprung of Owen Sound and Janice Wall, Lucknow. Class valedictorian was Onia Robbins of Hanover. Among new teachers hired by the Huron County Board of Education are Miss Brenda Bradley, East Wawanosh; Miss Donna Malick and Miss Georgina Scheurman, Howick Cen- tral; Dale Matthies, Turn - berry and East Wawanosh principal relief; Miss Anne Meyer, Turnberry Central; Richard Orr and Miss Anna- belle Ritchie of Brook- side; David Perrle, 'Brook- side; Miss Jane Robinson, Wingham Public School; and Miss Sheila France, Blyth Public School. Alex Corrigan of RR 1, Bluevale, has been re- elected president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 180. Vice presidents are George Tervit and Bert Morin. Mr. and Mrs. Doug Layton moved into the Crewson LLOYD ELLIOTT of Wingham Is shown, far right, second row, In this 1944 snapshot with Some of his army friends around the time of Allied Invasion of France, or D -Day. People all over the world are celebrating the 40th anniversary of 0 -Day today, June 6, including some local veterans, ilke Mr. Elliott, who have traveled back to where it all happened on the beaches of Normandy in France. Also shown in the photo are Art and George McClure of Blyth, third and fifth 1n -the second row. home on Angus Street on Monday. Whose satellites? Dear Editor, I would like to know to whom the satellites with which we are surrounded belong, and their purpose. My husband and I have been watching them for the past six months. Have also talked to other people who watch them. Maybe our MP for the district could enlighten us. Thank you. Mrs. George Taylor, RR 1, Wingham is pleased with his efforts, for he has shown a lot of improve- ment this year. He answers questions well in class and uses com- plete sentences. His speech is developing nicely but is still not always clear enough. He is acquiring a much larger vocabulary. A father to joke with and at least one older child to be his "buddy" would seem to be a must for Andre in his new adopting home, since he has benefited so much from these relationships in foster care. His foster family are skilled in preparing children for adoption and will help, Andre get used to the big transi- tion. He's a lovable, easy going person. He needs an adopting fam- ily who will truly appreciate him and help him reach his potential through the use of all necessary community resources. To inquire about adopting Andre; please write to Today's Child, Ministry of Community & Social Services, Box 888, Station K, Toronto. Describe your present family and way of life, and your experience with children. Bicentennial tie-in for Junior Citizen program Ontario's Junior Citizen of the Year program takes on a Bicentennial flavor this year with the addition of airline tickets and Bicentennial books to the list of awards. Up to 24 of the 1984 nomin- ees will receive an airline ticket good for any Canadian destination, courtesy of the program's patron, CP Air. The awards program, now in its fourth year, is co-ordin- ated by the 235 member papers of Ontario Commun- ity Newspapers Association (OCNA) and by CP Air. Dur- ing Ontario's Bicentennial year the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation is supporting the program with the gift of a Bicentennial book to each young person nominated in 1984. David Wenger of Mount Forest, chairman of the Jun- ior Citizen Committee said, "We have developed a fan- tastic program to honor the good young people of this province and the added sup- port of the Ministry in mak- ing this a part of the Bicen- tennial celebrations indi- cates 1984 *ill be a truly memorable year for our Junior Citizens." He said in the first three years the program received a total of 428 nominations and "all 428 were certainly deserving candidates for awards." In 1984, organizers hope to bring in a minimum of 250 nominations. "The added incentive of airline tickets and Bicenten- nial books should help us meet our goal," he said. The Junior Citizen pro- gram annually honors up to 12 young people chosen for outstanding contributions- to their communities, courage- ous acts of bravery or re- markable fortitude in over- coming physical limitations. "We are not just looking for the 'super -hero' — we want to recognize those ordinary young people who perform noteworthy deeds in their communities simply as an example of good citizenship or leadership," said Mr. Wenger. The 12 outstanding nomin- ees in 1984 and their families will be guests of Ontario Community Newspapers As- sociation and CP Air at the newspaper group's conven- tion in Toronto next March, when Ontario's Lieutenant Governor the Hon. John B. Aird will make the presenta- tions. The guest of honor will also attend a reception with the Lieutenant Governor in his Queen's Park suite. Each recipient will receive a fam- ily portrait with the Lieuten- ant Governor, a plaque and lapel pin and a CP Air ticket. An additional 12 nominees will receive an airline ticket and a certificate, to be pre- sented in their community by the publisher or Junior Citizen co-ordinator of the community newspaper re- sponsible for the monination. "This award program. give§ some tangible recogni- tion to the province's 'quiet celebrities' — the young people who exemplify such values as courage, ingen- uity, resourcefulness, initia- tive, leadership, fortitude and selfless performance," said Gordon Clauws of Dres- den, President of Ontario Community Newspapers As- sociation. Individuals or groups, boys and girls between the ages of six and 18 can be nominated by citizens through their community newspaper or nominations can be submitted directly to Ontario Community News- papers Association at Box 451, Oakville, L6J 5A8, tele- phone 1-800-268-5054. Nomin- ation forms are available at all member newspapers, lo- cal schools and the Ontario Community Newspapers As- sociation office. A final deadline for 1984 nominations will be estab- lished this fall. Meanwhile, organizers urged citizens to get their nominations in right away. The spring dead- line is June 20. Co-ordinator for the Wing- -ham area is Barry Wenger at The Advance -Times, 357- 2320.