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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWingham Advance-Times, 1980-04-02, Page 4‘• :.T1111 "%Dila-110E TI NN\ There are no easy answers Members of Wingham Town Council face a tough decision when they gather next Monday night to decide the fate of the Cruickshank Park apartment projec4no they follow the public opinion so clearly expressed last week and look for a new site, thus possibly providing the Ontario Housing Corporation with an excuse to cancel the project? Or do they overrule the recommendation of the planning board, take their lumps and allow the On- tario Municipal Board to decide the ques- tion at the hearing which Is sure to follow? Councils have the power to overrule planning board recommendations by a two-thirds majority vote, and this Is as It should be since councillors are the people's elected representatives and must bear final responsibility for decisions. However they should have good reasons to go against the advice of bodies they have set up to assist them, even more so when it is supported by the overwhelming con- sensus of opinion at a public meeting. Most of the 60 or so persons who at- tended the meeting last week left little doubt how they felt about an apartment going into the park: they didn't like It. Unfortunately there is no telling how the majority of town residents feel about the project since they didn't come. There may be many people who support it, but they didn't attend or didn't speak out. It is an unfortunate aspect of such meetings, that when there are strong feel- ings on one side of an issue, others who disagree but don't feel so strongly can be intimidated and discouraged from speak- ing out. That could have been the case Wednesday night, for despite the efforts of the chairman, who did a good job on a dif- ficult position, a few people, some inter- ested only in heckling, dominated the meeting and the mayor was not permitted even to have his side of the story heard without ihterruption. How easily we for- get that the right of democratic fr speech applies equally to those with whQtn we disagree. We have not and do not always agree with Mayor Walden, but we give him full marks for initiative and vigorous leader- ship. He is a man who cares about his town and does what he believes Is right, and we have yet to hear that he has acted selfishly or abused his position. He sat quietly while his critics had their say last week, and It 's to their discredit that they would not extend him the same courtesy. If, as appears likely, council goes along with the recommendation of its planning board, where does that leave the proposed housing? It would be a shame to ape the project because of a disagree- ment over as location, and the best way to avoid this would be to find a suitable alternative site and offer it to Ontario Housing. The old Lloyd factory plot has often been mentioned as a good location, - with the only drawback being the price of the land. This obstacle could be removed if a third party purchased the land and agreed to sell Ontario Housing only as much as it needs for the apartment build- ing. Although the Town of Wingham is probably not In a position to undertake such a financial commitment on its own, if it could draw support from the surround- ing townships the deal might be possible. Ali sides stand to gain through such an ar- rangement, since the apartments would provide housing for senior citizens from the surrounding rural areas as well as the town. It would also be a good exercise in cooperation for mutual benefit between Wingham and its neighbors. It could work and there's nothing to lose by trying, since it should be easy to sell any land left over to a private developer. Divided we flop Given the results of the federal elec- tion, it was not surprising to learn that a couple of Saskatchewan politicians have declared their intention of trying to throw Western Canada into the arms of the United States. Douglas Christie and Dick Colvete former MPPs, have made their declaration of separatism. VW' no government members west of Manitoba, many people in the Canadian West obviously feel that the country's Liberal regime, cannot represent their sector of the nation. Quebec separatists want to form an all -but independent state — an under- standable attitude when culture, creed and language are considered. But western Canada has less valid reasons for talking Of separation . and a far less valid ob- jective. What, other than a possible great- er financial security, would Canadians of any sort derive from joining the United States? WOuld ,Canadian ' parents be heppy with the passage of draft regulations? Would Canadian mothers and fathers have been happy to see their sons shipped • off to Yletnam .10 fight an impossible and unjust war? Would Canadians welcome a role in the grievous racial problems which will beset Americans for generations to odome? Would Canadians be overjoyed to find their own natural resources such as natural gas, crude oll and fresh water, forcibly shared with 200 million new ael- low-countrymen? Surely we have come too far along the road of independence to willingly meld ourselves into a society which, though very similar to our own on the surface, also includes some very fundamental,dif- fere*ei-,: . f.: • The temporary frustration created by lack of political representation are far outweighed by the promising future which lies before western Canadians. Given suf- ficient time it is highly possible that the West will dominate the rest of the country by the mere fact of possessing those re- sources which the East so badly needs. Indeed, the next few decades may well see Ontario as thearea which Would have the most to gain from close alliance with the United States. Hopefully we will retain sufficient sense of balance to prefer our own way Of life. •"Frustrated though Westerners may be at the moment, it would be difficult to believe that any great number of them are prepared to support disgruntled poli- ticians who would betray their country. karefertortetety la le the radicals who make the most noise. Those Who ifortiiiie faith In their national heritage are never as vocal. There is nothing wrong with Canada that cannot be cured by good, solid, loyal Canadians. We need the nukes Although the Porter Commission, which has been studying Ontario's electrical energy needs and problems, has been at the task for five long years, it is generally Conceded that it has been a thoroughly fair -and useful study. The first of its many volumes of reports has been made public and its findings are worthy of consideration. One of the most important conclu- sions is that we do need nuclear gener- ating capacity for several years to come — despite the protests and outcry of the very active opponents of this form of energy. The Porter Commission's ex- haustive study has indicated that we do not need to charge ahead with unlimited construction projects on ever more nu- merous nuclear plants, and it does insist that assessment of the hazards involved must be countered by the most stringent of safety procedures. The report also concludes that solar energy in marketable quantities is still some years in the future — perhaps 20 or 30 years down the road. In the meantime, with virtually all of the province's water power already in use, and with coal-fired generators posing serious environmental problem, nuclear energy is the most ac- ceptable alternative available at the present time and in the middle future. The near -catastrophe at Three Mile Island a year ago rightly aroused the public to the possible dangers of nuclear plants. It is true, also, that the same inci- dent alerted both politicians and scientists to the need for a swift improvement in safety precautions and upgraded training of operating personnel. As with every great advance which has been made available to mankind the first need is to learn how to control the new tools of pro- gress. Without fire we would still be living in caves — but no one can deny the danger that fire poses to everyone who enjoys its benefits. As further volumes of the Porter re- port are made public it will be interesting to learn more on this vital subject. THE WINGHAM ADVANCE -TIMES Published at Wingham. Ontario, by Wenger Oros Limited Barry Wenger. President Robert 0 Wenger. See -Treas Member Audit Bureau of Circillat ions Member — Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc Subscription $15.00 per year Second Class Mail Registration No 0821 A page of editorial opinion " "' • • , ;:f • . . • Wednesday •: • . . ........ News Items from Old Files APRIL 1933 At the regular meeting of Wingham Town Counci it was decided to apply calcium chloride on all town streets this year to control dust. Any person not satisfied with the calcium chloride may apply oil at his own expense with the sanction of the street com- mittee. The Huron Presbytery met in the Presbyterian Church, Belgrave, to induct Rev. T. W. Mills into the four -point charge of Belgrave, Auburn, Smith's Hill and Blyth. Miss Beryl Townsend of the Bell Telephone staff of Wind- • sor has, taken the position left vacant by -the resignation of Mien Janet Cowan. • ' Mr. and Mrs. Clarkson Martin have moved into their new home on Frances Street, The rains of last week have made the roads in this district. in very bad condition for travel. The Listowel road and the road to Lucknow are in very poor condition. Cars going to Toronto must go by Walkerton and to get ,to Clinton one has to go by Goderich. Ontario Weekly Newspaper Assoc Six months 18.00 Ret urn post age qua ran t eed At the annual meeting of the Retail Merchants' Association it was decided that the Wednesday half holiday will be observed again this year from May to October. Officers of the association include P. Y. Smith, George Williams, H. E. Isard and Ed Williams. Clarence White of Wroxeter intends to go to Clifford this week to open a garage. APRIL 1945 The Progressive Con- servative Association for the 'provincial riding of Huron - Bruce will hold 'an open convention next week for the purpose of choosing a cane' didate for the forthcoming provinceaPelection. John' W. Hanna preWelltly represents Huron -Bruce . in the Legislature. ' The chairman of the Wingham Hospital Board has announced that the, contractor for the new wing will be here this week with the architect and it is expected that he will start work on the project in about two weeks. Councillor Elmer Wilkinson has purchased the MacDonald TODAY'S CHIL BY HELEN ALLEN Noommimmommum Success is important to Paul, and he' Works hard at whatever he does. It pays off, for Paul is now doing well in Grade 3, after spending two years in special education classes. At 8 years old, this sturdy freckled youngster has had to overcome a few difficulties, but that black eye wasn't won in a fight, just in an accident. Paul is still basically quiet and shy but after working on the problem he has developed confidence to play with other children, and he's now making up for lost time. He is interested in lots of things, loves stories, enjoys mtisic, and likes working on crafts. He's an affectionate boy and welcomes a big hug from the grown-ups he knows and likes. Parents for Paul must have the time to be attentive and recognize his need for support and reassurance that he is loved as their own son. He has a 6 -year-old sister who is very close to him, so the ideal family would be able to adopt Paul now and welcome his young sister later on when she is ready. To Inquire about.adopting Paul, please write to Today's Child, Ministry of Community and Social Service, Box 888, Station K, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2112. In your letter tell something of your present family and your way of life. , • , ""°4/,'4 • • elected president of the Wingham Curling Club, replacing A. D. MacWilliam. Other officers include Stewart Scott, Harold Thomas, H. P. Carmichael, J. H. Cr,awford and H. L. Sherbondy. At the monthly meeting of the'Women's Missionary Society of the Whitechurch United Church, Mrs. Thomas Moore was presented with a cup and saucer in remem- brance of her many year of service as superintendent of the Mission Band APRIL 1966 ")Wingham Council approved a plan to send a delegation to Tore,n to to meat with representatives of the Ontario Municipal Board in regard to financing for the proposed addition to the public school The delegation will include Mayor Miller, Clerk William Renwick, board chairman William Harris and board Block. This is one of the largest, 'real estate deals transacted here in some time. We have had many reports concerning the early season this year but here is one for the book. On Saturday, Mrs. W. J. Adams cut enough asparagus to make a meal. This must be a record for this community. Mr. and Mrs. R. H. McKinnon, Bluevale, an- nounce the engagement of their only daughter, Marguerite Isabel, to John King MacTavish, son of Mr. and Mrs. James MacTavish, Bluevale. At a meeting of the Health and Hospital committee of County Council, it was decided to implement a school public health nursing plan within the county: Pilot Officer TeL Moran, missing overseas for the past 13 months, has now been declared 'presumed dead', according to information received by 'his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Moran, Culross Township. Ted enlisted in February 1942. APRIL 1956 Doreen E.- Machan, 18 -year- old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Machan of town, has been elected to represent Wingham District High School . in the School Queen's Club •SponatifedbY the -LiSiiilon Five- Press. At .the regular meeting of Wingham Branch 180 of the Royal Canadian Legion., a letter of resignation was received from Clarence Ohm,, president of the club, who has resigned his position to join the Canadian Army. Vice president John Pattison now moveto the presidency and Dick ttintridge will be vice ' president. Miss Berva Gallaher of Wroxeter hasbeen engaged to teach during the coming year at Bluevale School. She is a student at Stratford Teachers' College. The annual meeting of the Fordwich Women's Institute was held with. Mrs. Clare Harris re-elected president. Vice presidents are Mrs. C. Gibson and Mrs. A. Demerling. Secretary - treasurer is Mrs. S. Bride. Dr. W. A. Crawford was member Roy Bennett. Walden Brothers Limited of Wingham, well-known- transport operators, have purchased the J. N. Hicks Transport Co. of Teviotdale. This will provide the Wingham line with a license to haul full loads into 15 communities in that district. Linda Mahood, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Mahood of Teeswater, , is in serious condition in Victoria Hospital, London, following a car ac- cident in that city. Hundreds of friends in this area hopefully await word of her improvement.. The closing meeting of the Wingham Curling Club was, held, the highlight being the naming of three life members to the club, Jim Murray, Frank McCormick and Arthur Wilson, in honor of their support and enthusiasm over many years. A public outcry against a decision of council last month to remove two spruce trees in front of the town hall, has caused the town fathers to rescind the motion. They also decided to again have the main street flower pots planted, despite a suggestion from the Business Association that the flowers be replaced with flag brackets. congratulations on tourney Dear Eglitore On behalf of the Brussels Midget team I would like to congratulate everyone con, nected with the Midget tournament for a job well done. Not often is a tour- nament this size kept on time and run so smoothly. To the ladies who fed us, thank you. As this was the first year for the D division we are proud to be the winners. A special thank you to Russell Zurbrigg for the trophies he presented to us. It was a great way to finish the season. • Ken Higgins Captain, Brussels MUSEUM MUSINGS The year 1997 is remem- bered as one in which much building was done in Wing - ham, in the commercial, in- dustrial and residential field. Josephine St, received six new stores and a new bank build- ing. Unfortunately one of the new stores had to be built to replace the Hanna store that was completely destroyed by fire during a raging blizzard on Feb. 2 of that year. The fire started on the second floor at the west end. The stock from the lower floor was removed and the frame store to the south was saved. The new store was built by W. 11. Rim- toul and A. Schaefer. It was opened for business on Octo- ber 17, 1907, It is now the head- quarters for Cameron Whole- sale. George McKenzie an- nounced early in the year that he would build two stores north of the two he then owned. This white brick block houses the barber shop and the restaurant today. Im- mediately to the north John Wilson V. S. cleared hi lot to make way for three stores. His old office was, moved across the street beside the church until his new building was ready. It was then moved to the rear of the north end of the new block and is still there. e The house and barber shop were moved to Francis St. across from the public school. William Nicholson had the contract to build the red brick Wilson Block. Provision for the IOOF hall was made on the second floor. The lodge, had lost their hall over the Mason Block the year before. They had temporary quarters over T. A. Mills' feed store until the Wilson Block was ready. The Bank of Commerce had come to Wingham in 1906 and bought the A. E. Smith private bank located in- what is Stain - tons today. The bank wanted a larger ,more central location, , so the property leased' by A. M. Crawford for his peol room was purchased. After the buildings were moved, off a contract was let to. William Nicholson for $11,000 to build a new bank building. The doots, windows, hardware and fit- tings were supplied by the bank so the cost was abtAt $20,000. Twenty years later after the Bank of Commerce had left it for the Bank , of Hamilton building, it was offered to the town for $3,000. It is now the Medical Centre. Two small boilers at the Bell factory were replaced with a large one and Walter Green built an eighty foot brick smokestack for it. This was a landmark on Josephine Street for many years. Walker & Clegg built a four storey addi- tion to the rear of their fac- tory. As a result they in- creased the number of em- ployees, while employment at the other factories was de- creasing. There were twenty or more houses built as well. Walter Green built five identical white brick houses on the north end of Leopold St. W. D. Pringle of the tannery had a house built at 278 Leopold. Another fine house was built that year at 48 Jolui St. E. by Frank J. Hill. There were also houses built by Sam Bennett of the planing mill and other builders. The Post Office was finally finished and opened to the public on January 23, with the grand opening held in the town hall on May 31. On January 24 the new Wingham Hospital was opened. It had been made out of the twenty-two room Webster houss-, on Carling Terrace. Down 11-e street the new Wingham High School was opened for its first full year on September 5. Truly, the ;ear 1907 was a good year for expansion in Wingham New Books in the Library A RIGHT HONOURABLE. LADY by Judy La Marsh The first woman prime minister in Canada's history is about to take office. For Kathleen Marshall, tall, elegant and highly competent, the future holds nothing but promise — until she is sum--,. moiled to'"Waghiligliiii- and' accused by 'the president of the United States of secretly dealing with the communists and imperilling Western security. Judy La. Marsh has written a chilling account of political deception and in- ternational intrigue, alive with realism. TILLY • TROTTER by Catherine Cookson Almost 16, Tilly Trotter .was tall for her age. She was happy enough living with her grand- parents in a cottage on the edge of the Sopwith estate, only a few miles from the bustling Tyneside towns of County Durham. Testing • times lay ahead for her, often hard to' endure and even bringing her the undeserved taint of being suspected of The eyes have it According to The Petrol la Advertiser - Topic, twelve hockey players were legally blinded last season, compared to eight in the previous season. The figures come from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). The most disturbing fact about it is that none of the players iplured was wearing a face protector. The youngest eye -loss victim was 19 years old and the rest were in their 20s and 30s. The younger players are forced by their leagues to wear face protectors, but the older play- ers are playing pick-up hockey and are not required to wear masks. The result Is more In luries to older players. The CSA has published standards for face protectors and tests to certify thern. So far the program Is voluntary, which means that non-certif led masks can be sold alongside the certified ones. The wise hockey player should buy and wear a CSA certified hockey mask. People must be encouraged very strongly to look for the seal of approval before buying. Statistics show that the masks are 1 witchcraft. This is the first 430, a trilogy of novels. DINAH! by Bruce Cassidy; Here is the story of Dinah, ofi her earlier hardships, her struggles against religious prejudice, poliomyelitis and; physical unattractiveness and! a father who did' little to en -j COttage" ' her , aTribitibri' " ' become an entertainer. More importantly, however, it is the story of Dinah Shore's struggle to be accepted as a star and a woman; a celebrity and a mother. CREEK MARYS BLOOD by Dee Alexander Brown This novel is a powerful, beautifully wrought and ultimately tragic saga about ° four generations of Americati, Indian life. The proud and, beautiful Creek Mary,. daughter of a Muskogee chief, was the matriarch of a familyi of warriors, hunters, traders and even some Christian ' converts who fought in the! American Re'voliition, the Warl Of 1812, on both sides of the: Civil War and against thei hated Blue Blueoats. , 1 the only answer to eye injuries. Last year there were 42 such incidents, 53 the year before and In 1974 and 1975, before the face protectors were commonly used, there were' 253 eye injuries and 42 eyes lost. Goaltenders really take a beating when it comes to having their sight dam- aged. Over the last three seasons 12 goalies had their eyes hurt and of those, five were legJy blinded In one of them. The methcids to prevent these trag- edies are available to everyone who plays the sport and everything must be done to educate the public to keep players, young and old, as safely equipped s possible. The statiettes Mr dental irlerrit are equally shocking. It lest !eel eeteugh to keep our young people from intentionally hurting each other through rough play. That is being taken care Of through a greater public concern with violence in all sports. Sportsminded people owe it to themselves and to their children to get them the best equipment possible. 1 1'