Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutWingham Advance-Times, 1980-07-16, Page 4DVAAC £ No easy solution Huron Cofinty's controversial by- law which seeks to control the whole- sale cutting of trees is not an easy one to administer. With the excellent inten- tion of preserving an extremely valu- able natural resource, It is neverthe- less a law which Is bound to Intrude upon the touchy area of personal freedom. Most property owners feel that what they do with their own prop- erty is their own business. Statements from members of the bylaw committee would Indicate that they are anxious to make their de clsions as fair as possible, but it is In- evitable that property owners will not always agree. Take the case of George Underwood, aTurnberry Township land owner, whowants to cut six and a half acres of trees, but has offered to reforest 9.3 acres In return. He naturally feels that In doing so he would be more than fulfilling the spirit of the law. Y Sensible plan In the Owen Sound area a group of students is conducting a survey — study of the region and its residents Which` -should prove to be of real and practical value. Sponsored by the local fire depart- ment, the students are systematically recording information aimed at more efficient fire protection in the district.` They are carefully listing the location, access routes, water availability and other pertinent information so that when a fire call is to be answered a quick look Into the facts on file will tell the firemen exactly how to get to the blaze and what to expect when they ar- rive. The fact file will be of particular value when farm properties are in danger. Each property will be assigned a number which will be posted on the owner's mail box. The person who phones in the alarm will be asked at once for the property number and the corresponding file at the fire hall will be instantly available with the neces- TI N,; �.;ti,.....,..;\}`'",`2tti::;t;,o::::'a::>V';'�y}:�'• >. .,..n.,�t The matter of trees and who has the right to kill them has troubled us for some time. Here in our own town we have seen dozens of beautiful trees cut down during the past ten years. Many of them were obviously In a dangerous state of decay but some perfectly sound and healthy trees were also felled. The fact that a tree grows on one's own property does not mean the owner is the only person who can enjoy Its beauty. That tree is a part of the land- scape which his neighbors also appre- ciate. The entire appearance of a town is affected when trees are removed for trivial reasons. Take a look at Edward Street if you want to see something bare and naked. It is true, of course that the town has been replacing the older trees with young ones, but It takes many, many years to replace the beauty which has been removed. Some trees have to go. They age and they dle, but let's spare the healthy ones as long as possible. sary information. The files will also be made avail- able to the ambulance service in the area, thus speeding delivery of a vital health service. On more than one occasion we have seen the fire trucks take off in answer to an alarm, Without being absolutely sure of their destination. All too fre- quently the person who phones In a fire call is the owner or occupant of the en- dangered property and is understand- ably excited. When the caller shouts, "Bill Smith's house 'is on fire!" the firemen may well be left wondering whether the blaze is on the.lOth Line or the Sixth Concession — or indeed which township is to be their destination. Fortunately, in most cases, the In- formation is hardly as vague as we have suggested, but in many instances the information provided by the caller is less than adequate. Under the new system being developed at Owen Sound much of the confusion will be elimin- ated and probably a significant number of fire losses will be prevented. It really can be done As the weary victims of ever -high- er taxes,i most of us have become fatal- istic about the whole affair. We seem to have resigned ourselves to the evident facts of life— taxes have nowhere to go but up. Well, take heart. Ontario's minis- ter of correctional services, Gordon Walker, is a man of, imagination. He b`I6e :e that rrPintalning thr province's prisons and inmates must necessarily cost more every year. Faced with a request from his staff for an additional two orthree million dol- lars at budget time, Mr. Walker said no. In fact the minister sharpened his pencil, and put into effect a new set of guidelines which resulted in savings of $6.8 million in a 12 -month period. One of the largest expenditures for the cor- rectional services department is for Going too far The Canadian Federation of Inde- pendent Business is protesting in the strongest possible terms against the latest proposed rate Increases by Bell Canada, says the Morrisburg Leader. The federation warns that thls time Bell has gone too far, and is complain- ing strongly to the Canadian Radio - Television and Telecommunications Commission, the regulatory body which can either accord or refuse ap- proval of the telephone rates. Bell has proposed an increase in residential telephone rates of 23 per cent, but a whopping 35 per cent for !t Is tI,e fed etron's cialrre that Bell's business rates are already seriously out of line and that the new proposals would only intensify the existing inequity. Supporting its vehement protest of ,the latest proposals for rate hikes, the federation quotes some interesting food — so Mr. Walker instructed his buyers to shop like thrifty housewives. When the price of turkeys dropped the prison buyers loaded_ their freezers with turkeys. The prisoners had to eat a lot of turkey for a while, but what's so bad about that. Expensive imported orange juice was removed from prison meals and Canadian apple juice was the Tess expensive substitute. Thank goodness we still have a few people In government who can accept the idea that sound business sense — even ordinary common sense, should apply to public spending, just as it does to the spending of individuals. It would be interesting indeed to know how many billions of dollars might be saved if efficiency became the watchword In the operations of all our governments . . . all the way up from minicipal bodies to federal gov- ernment. figures: in Toronto and Montreal, for example, Bell charges residential cus- tomers 58.55 a month, but the business rate is 31 per cent higher at $27.35. In comparison, the corresponding rates in Regina are $6.20 residential, 514.85 business, or 23 per cent higher. In Edmonton businesses are charged S17.95 or 28 per cent higher. The differ- ential is much, much lower in the United States, and in Britain the rate hike from residential to business Is only 18 per cent. More and more Bell Canada cus- tomers are becoming fed up with the constantly skyrocketing rates for a service which seems to be going steadily in the opposite .direction — down! More and more hard-headed businessmen are becoming convinced that private (competitive) enterprise could and would provide a superior service at far lower cost. THE WINGHAM ADVANCE -TIMES Published at Wingham, Ontario, hr Wenger Bros Limited Barry Wenger, President Member Audit Bureau of Circulations Robert ( r Wenger Sec 'rreas Member Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc Subscription $15.00 per year Second Class Mail Regisirat um No usi Ont arm Weekly Newspaper Assoc Six months $8 00 n 'row age tluarant eed A page c edition°, '';.•,.v"i'. ,•:''ta•{ rtijti}t.ci„4�( "' �: � � � �{• • ' :\� av .� ti�t•:2•}.., •�•h.;. 'bh '°?;•-.'.+'>'`. ,,cam ..>.+ _ .}, ,j�� ���`r'• ., 4 \. 4 . r•, ,rte, PUTTING PRACTICE—Ed Deer coaches Joey Walker in the art of putting as part of a junior golfing Terry Daer and Scott Neil are also picking up Some program being offered at the Wingham Golf Club. pointers. Confidefltiaiity bylaw defendbd Dear Editor, Your editorial of July 2 entitled `Sudden need for caution' is, in this writer's opinion, somewhat mis- leading with regard to the procedures under which the Wingham , and District Hospital Board operates. Contt'a , ; tp 9a�e'"Istate= ment,, members of last year's hospital board were free, as in the past, to discuss and report any matters raised and conducted in the open session. As you agree, it is necessary to discuss certain matters in con- fidence and these are han- dled by appropriate com- mittees. However there were times when it was felt all members of the board shohld be briefed on specific facts and confidential matters shared; consequently it was necessary, for the entire. board to move into com- mittee of the whole and take action on such issues. There- fore, to ensure accuracy in statements regarding board policies and positions, spokesmen' have been des' to speak on of- ficial matters. The bylaws which you have attacked in the `editor[m proved,<by the fitilt'ario ` ' Hospital Association and the Ontario Medical Association in February, 1979, and are recommended to all boards by the Ontario Hospital Association to simply' for- malize common sense procedures. It is interesting to ,note that the new printing of the Prototype Hospital Bylaws, dated September, 1979, includes these amend- ments, which are: a) Every governor, officer and employee of the Cor- poration shall respect the confidentiality 'of matters brought before the Board, keeping in mind that TODAY'S CHILD BY HELEN ALLEN Ag11111111.11111111111MMINIM Those shining blue eyes don't miss much, and at nine months of age tiny William is alert to everything that happpeens around him. Born with Down's Syndrome, Wil- liam'wfll be below average as he grows, but he is off to a good start and doesn't have the health problems Down's children often have, except the occasional chest infec- tioih. An affectionate little armful who loves to be cuddled. William hardly ever cries except to be picked up. He, sleeps, and eats well, and sits well with support. He has a good strong back. Parents for William should understand his condition and appreciate him for his sunny disposition. It would be best if there are special education facilities where they live, and a sheltered workshop for later in William's life. To inquire about adopting William, , please write to Today's Child, Ministry of Community and Social Ser- vices, Box 888, Station K, Torontc, Ontario M4P 2H2. In your letter tell something of your present family and your way of life. Toronto Sun Syndicate alert to a'varythheer unauthorized statements could adversely affect the interests of the Corporation. b) The Board shall give authority to one or more governors, officers or em- ployees of the Corporation to make statements to the press Or public about mat ters ":Ought befog-4,�, ie"; ,, Boar .1... • . You should also . realize that due to the restrictions by ti p rn inistr , public ex- pecta.tions aed inged politic' envir an, nt.in which 1 etiitals; are low functioning, greater demands responsi- bilities are imposed on the trustees than ever before. May I also bring to your attention the fact that a great many hospital boards in Ontario exclude the press from their meetings and communications are made by prepared news releases. Hopefully the newly elected board will choose to continue the practice of the previous board by extending to the press the privilege of at- tending its meetings. Hospital trustees do not ave a glorious position. It j . as become increasingly demanding and complex, and as a result trustees need all the more support front those they represent. They must be permitted to do the job with a minimum of public interference and hopefully receive some verbal r nitron for their grave concern is that tis- ourour community becomes more supportive of the trustees, the job will be looked upon as a 'thankless' one. In the July 2 coverage of the inaugural meeting as printed in The Advance= Times, it confirms the fact that many experienced hospital board members have chosen not to continue serving and executive positions are being avoided like a 'hot potato'. In the past two years the "'Iva has loat more than half its ex- perienced . trustees because they chose not to be re- elected. This should tell us something! Bora Milosevic Past Chairman Wingham er District Hospital Board • 1'! r, l ..' f'AN R PUEStIOflS PLIC pole rental rise Dear Editor, I wish to question the completeness of your paper's recent report of an increase in PUC pole rental rates to Country Cable Ltd. While it is clear that the new pole rental rate will be $8.04, an increase of 157.65 per cent from the 1979 rate of $5.10, it is unclear how such a figure was derived or what its ultimate impact will be. The impression I received from reading your story was that if rates had been in- creased gradually from 1976 only seven per cent would be required this year to reach $8.10. Where does this figure of seven per cent come from? An increase in rates of seven per Gent annually from 1976 would have made pole rental rates $5.39 in 1977, $5.77 in 1978, $6.17 in 1979 and $6.60 this year. To reach the new rate of $8.10 per pole an average annual increase of between 10 and 11 per cent per year would be required. Although I'm not questioning the fact that these rates may be necessary to offset higher costs, I would like to know: a) how many poles are in- volved; b) how much, revenue our local PUC has lost by not reviewing this charge annually; c) how much revenue will be added to the PUC's 'accumulated net revenue', which in 1979 amounted to $1,446,843., for hydro and $530,219 for water- works; d) how much 1, as a cable customer, will be asked to pay for this in- creased charge. All of my gve4ionsare left unanswered in your pr.ticle. If mistakes and o11111519ns continue to be'madee by local government and your paper which cast misleading light on local persons, and situa- tions, it can only be a matter of time before these mistakes become expensive. An expense we shall all pay. Michael D. Chappell, CET Editor's Note: The story in question was the report of a meeting of 'the Wingham Public Utilities Commission, and the figures quoted were those discussed at" the meeting: If they , are misleading, we appreciate Mr. Chappell's calling this to our attention. However R\ should be pointed out the total increase is 57.65 per cent, not 157.65 as he calculates. It is not always possible for a reporter to - provide a detailed analysis of all the figures' cited at every meeting he or she attends, nor is it practical in every case to attempt to answer every question which might arise as a result of some action. Nevertheless Mr. Chappell's comments are well taken and his figures regarding the net revenue accumulated by the PUC are. extremely interesting. If correct, they would seem to indicate the utility owes its customers a sizeable reduction in rates. New. Books Library.: EASTWIND—WESTWIND by James Nordhoff Breaking through the most impenetrable security system in the world; an eerie, menacing voice delivers an ultimatum to the president of the United States: Reposition sub- marines to launch a missile strike on Russia, or San Francisco dies. This is a , terrifying tale of espionage by a suspense writer l'of. unusual power. THE DELPHINIUM GIRL by Mark Smith The Delphinium Girl of the title is" Sarah Keville, a young woman, housewife and mother, who' has never thought of what she might be because she has a lifetime ahead of her in which to become the interesting, eccentric grande dame she envisions herself as in old age- Suddenly she is caught in the . grip of a mysterious illness, which forces her to come to terms with herself and the limitations of her character. THE GOLD CREW by Thomas N. Scortia It was the most dangerous test since the first.A-bemb. Aboard the mammoth sub- marine Alaska on patrol and cut off from contact with the outside world, the crew was deliberately and systemat- ic ail wing lcd +to bailileve that Russia had attacked the United States. Would the crew follow standing orders and fire the Alaska's mis- siles in retaliation? It was a psychological test probing the ability of flesh and blood to perform under the ulti- mate stress. News Items from Old Files JULY 1933 Dr. Mary Cosens left town last week for Iowa City, Iowa, to take a position in the State Children's Hospital in that city. The residents along the Shore of Lake Huron received an unexpected thrill when a fleet of Italian planes, 24 in all, changed their course from Montreal to avoid a storm and headed to Chicago following Lake Huron from Southampton to Port Huron. The planes covered the 6100 miles from Orbetello, Italy, to Chicago in 47 and a half hours: Two more towns in this district, Lucknow and Brussels, will have the service of only one bank in the future. J. W. Bushfield and Dr. and Mrs. H. W. Colbourne are among the local people visiting the Chicago World's Fair. JULY 1945 Wingham lost another of its businessmen by death when Ezra Zurbrigg passed away last week in hospital following an illness of ten weeks. Mr. Zurbrigg, who was in his 63rd year, had conducted a photographic business here for the past 26 years. James Smith of Lucknow, who is employed at the Fry and Blackhall factory, has purchased the Buchanan residence on Carling Terrace. Miss Lillian Darling has completed her secretarial course in Canada Business College, Toronto, and has accepted a position in the office of CKNX. Neighbors and friends gathered at Currie's School to honor one of the boys of that community, Pte. Alvin Currie, who leaves this week on the first step 'in his training for duty in the Pacific. He will train fn Kentucky. Public testimony to .40 years of service as local. physician was shown to Dr. B. C. Weir of Auburn at a gathering in his honor. Almost 2,000 people were present. Dr. Weir spoke of the many changes during his years iri Auburn, stating that when he came in 1905 there were doctors at Belgrave, Whitechurch, Dungannon and Londesboro, and 'today all these communities are without a medical man. JULY 1956 Harold Shorty' Brooks and Nancy Elliott, both of Wingham, were successful in gaining figure skating awards at the Stratford Summer Skating School. Ruth Webb and her sister, Lois Ann, both graduates of Wingham District High School, are to begin their teaching careers this fall at Brantford. They are daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey. Webb, RR 1, Lucknow'. Within the next few weeks motorists using the highway between Wingham and Blyth will find driving smooth sailing again. Workmen began laying a new surface this week and it should make a big improvement on this road. G. W. Tiffin of Western Foundry Co. Ltd., was named a director when the Canadian Institute of Stove and Furnace Manufacturers held its annual meeting in Quebec City. Fordwich welcomes Mr. and Mrs. C. Jacobson , of Beattie, Saskatchewan, who have bought the farm for- merly owned by Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Cooper, the latter having left for their new home in Atwood. A high class shipment of Canadian Holsteins has been sent to the Recife region of Brazil, the first time that Canadian Holsteins have gone to this part of Brazil. JULY 1966 Peter Thompson, formerly of Orangeville and associated for the past stix Years with Cardinal Funeral Home, Toronto, is now associated with' R. A. Currie and Son Funeral Home in Wingham. Mr. and Mrs. John Walters have purchased the house on the corner of John and Frances Streets, formerly owned by Mrs. Hilda Han- nenburg. The new owners are installing a new beating system and remodelling the apartments. James Graham, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Graham of Gorrie, leaves today for Quebec City as an exchange student. He will spend two weeks in Quebec. Const. William Stevenson of Otterville has been posted to the Wingham detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police. He recently joined the OPP and completed his training in Toronto two weeks ago. Miss Marjorie Kieffer, daughter of Mr, and Mrs. Oscar Kieffer of RR 1, Wingham, left for her new position as 'dietitian in Nanaimo Regional Hospital, Vancouver Island. The,home of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Breckenridge, Bluevale, was decorated with flowers for the wedding of their daughter, Brenda, to Donald William Perrie, son of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Perrie of Brussels.