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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1983-02-02, Page 4i E AD Qije === In bam bbanee-timeti Published at Wingham, Ontario, by Wenger Bros. limited ,Barry Wenger, President Henry Hess, editor Robert O. Wenger, Sec.-Treas. • Arudrey Currie, Advertising Manager - Member Audit Bureau of Circulations Member — Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc. Subscriptions $20.00 per year Second Class Mail Registration No. 0821 Ontario Community Newspaper Assoc. Six months $11.50 Return postage guaranteed They come ...and they go! In the forty -odd years since the outbreak of World War 1 I the world has seen many leaders come and go. They have ranged all the way from the truly great ones, Churchill and Roosevelt, to the small and the mean — Richard Nixon. The ingredients of great leader- ship are complex and very rare. Discussing this very subject a few years age with an old friend who had observed the political scene at first hand on two continents, he clung to the belief that, above all else, personal toughness was the common denomin- ator of survivors in the game of leader- ship. Whether _Joe Clark, once prime minister of Canada, lacked that essen- tial toughness in his relationship with members of his caucus we will perhaps never know. In any case the net results of the meeting of Progressive Conser- vative delegates in Winnipeg last week has left their leader in a 'lame duck" position, at least until the nominating convention which must inevitably fol- low within a few months. Before that convention can be called and either Clark or another candidate elected, the Liberals have ample time to call a federal election and trample roughshod over a disor- ganized PC party. • The Canadian process by which party leaders are elected and thus be- come potential prime ministers, . al- though apparently democratic, is, to say the least, inefficient. From the moment of his election as leader of his party, Joe Clark has never had the full support of all party members. Com- pare his record for a moment with that of Pierre Elliott Trudeau who elicits either deep-seated anger from his poli- tical opponents or unswerving loyalty from his party followers. If there are complainers and dissidents at upper party levels they seldom voice their criticisms in public. It may be argued that the Liberals have a better -Organized and smoother party machine. If that is the case it is regrettable that this country may never enjoy the blessings of an un- hampered and outspoken group of poli- ticians in control of our affairs. One of Canada's greatest needs is government free of hosts of friends and hangers-on,, each enjoying the rewards of party loyalty. We need a new sort of govern- ment in which the welfare of Canada and its people comes before the pursuit and perpetuation of power. Whether or not the Conservatives under Joe Clark could provide that idyl is state we do not know, but their chances of doing so have been drastically, -educed by the Winnipeg meeting. Makes little difference Back about 10 years ago, the oil- producing nations awakened to the fact that by pulling together they could get just about any price they wanted for their product. How right they were! In fact, it was the sudden and drastic in- crease in energy costs which precipi- tated the spiral of inflation in which we found ourselves helpless prisoners. Over the years, however, condi- tions have altered. The OPEC oil wells poured out that black gold, but the consumer nations started to curtail their consumption. The cars got smaller, the: homes were insulated and the domestic sources of the user na- tions were developed. Now there is a glut of oil on world markets and the OPEC countries have fallen into dis- agreement. Meeting in Geneva last week they failed to agree on a floor price and the rebels, Libya and Vene- zuela in the lead, will cut prices to take business away from their fellow -OPEC nations. Ten years ago such a situation would have seen most Canadians and Americans jumping for joy in the streets. But not today. So much money has been invested in the development of Canadian and British oil wells that a falling world price spells disaster for Changing way Peter C. Newman, writing in Maclean's Magazine, predicts that, "Pay -TV will ultimately not only change the way we entertain ourselves but the way we earn our living and, eventually, the way we exist as in- dividuals and as families." The ramifications and implications of the changes we face with the development of new electronic tech- nology are so far-reaching that very few laymen (and women) can visualize the realities of the next 20 years. New- man cites a few of the developments climbing over the horizon. Late -model television receivers are already equip- ped with slots for over eighty channels, awaiting the programs and informt-- tionwhich will soon be available. In addition to the one, two, or three pay- TV channels which become available to many viewers this month will be three new "tiers" to be added next year. They will include a Canadian all -news outlet, a special sports channel and a stereo music station. Two-way chan- nels will soon be available, for such services as burglar and fire alarms and medical alerts. Nor do the possibilities of two-way television cease with entertainment and services. Already in the testing stages are business channels which will permit such things as shopping and banking for customers who do not want to leave their homes for such mundane chores. Meanwhile the battle rages over the possibility that erotic movies rrray appear on the TV screen. That is a problem which will resolve itself through the practical expediency of marketability. If the vast majority of Canadian viewers are so opposed to nudity in their living rooms it will not domestic investors. Thus it would appear that western business moguls are no smarter than their Arab coun- terparts. Neither of them seem to know how to gauge a long-term investment. We have heard and read a great deal about the sad plight of both the OPEC nations and the Canadian oil companies, but there hasn't .been: a - 'word. about the retired couple down the street who find it difficult to pay for the furnace oil they need at -present prices. Somehow the price of oil in Canada just has to be maintained, despite the fact that every item we buy has to bear its share of transportation costs. - The avowed intention of Mr. Tru- deau and his wizards is to beat infla- tion, yet the prime source inflation Iles with, those governrnent-regulated costs about which the average citizen can do nothing. These include, in addition to gasoline and heating oil, postage, elec- tricity, income taxes, sales taxes and, above all, the, mounting costs of susten- ance for the unemployed who have lost their jobs because of killingly-high in- terest rates. Yes, indeed, the monster on com- panies must be protected, but isn't it about time somebody thought of pro- tecting the men and women and chil- dren of the nation? of life sell. Its producers will be forced to market a more acceptable form of entertainment. Strangely enough there has been no outcry about the promise of more and better boxing matches on TV. In our books the obscenity presented by pictures of two human beings earning big money for the express purpose of beating one another into insensibility far outreaches nudity and sensuality. Over 100 of them have died of their in- juries. That reference to boxing, as an obscenity will bring forth more cries of protest. It will be argued that if the fighters are willing and the viewers are pleased, no one has the right to say them nay. Precisely the same argu- ment applies to nudity. It all boils down to the question of who is qualified to censor the sights and sounds available in the new electronic world? The only acceptable censor is the viewer himself or herself. He or she must make the decision according to the edits of conscience. As parents, of course, they should have the right to decide what their under -age children may see and means will be provided for them to do so. At long intervals throughout hu- man history mankind has discovered the means to change life patterns for all time. The discovery, perhaps by ac- cident, that fire could be useful as well as destructive was one of them. The first man to use the chopped -off end of a log as a wheel also changed his world. Invention of the printing press left an Impact which has grown in importance every year of the 500 since that day. Television, the medium which, so far, has been confined to merely entertain- ing and informing, has suddenly taken its place with those other earth -shaking developments. A page of editorial opinion Items from. Old Files FEBRUARY 1936 The Bluevale and Wingham Creameries are each installing refrigeration for accommodation of their customers for meat storage. It is expected the installation will be completed by March 1. Henry Johnson, fifth line of Morris, has rented his farm to Robert . McMurray ' who will take possession the middle of March. About five o'clock Tuesday afternoon, Lane's School, at the junction of the ninth of Turnberry and the Wroxeter Gravel; took fire andwas completely burned to the ground. This -was a fine brick school and will be a great loss to this section. Cause of the fire is unknown. Mrs. Howard Sherbondy took over the dining room and restaurant at the Queen's Hotel. Meals and luncheons will be served as usual and she will also cater for banquets, parties, teas, etc. Prime Minister Mackenzie King will have 179 sup- porters in Parliament which opens today. The Con- servatives have the largest group in Opposition, 39, under the leadership of Mr. Bennett. Petitions have been cir- culated in Lucknow and largely signed to have the road from Wingham to Amberley kept open. Huron County is responsible for the road from Atringgham to Luilcnowe tthill rude County for ount - for the road from Lucknow to Amberley. The Wingham Town Council opened its meeting. with two minutes' silence in memory of our late beloved Sovereign, King George V. Best wishes were also ex- •.•••••••••••••••••••••••:••• OWeAd -1/ Eiteop ............................ shank you for support of skaters Dear Editor, On behalf of the Wingham Figure Skating Club, I would like to thank Wingham and the surrounding com- munities for their excellent response in raising funds for Curtis and Mark Moore to cotllpete at the Canadian Figure Skating Cham- pionships. A special thank-vou to the Wingham Legion, CKNX TV and Radio and The Wingham Advance -Times. We are close to realizing our goal of $1,000. Don't miss your opportunity to see these talented young people skate at the Wingham Figure Skating Club's annual carnival Feb. 18. Donations can still be made at that time. Dianne Simpson Secretary Wingham Figure Skating Club Centre appreciates support from town Dear Editor, The board of directors of the Wingham and Area Day Centre for the Homebound wishes to acknowledge to the community the many efforts of renovations to the Armouries building over the past year. The 1981-82 council and in particular Tom Miller, property chairman, need to be commended for the cooperation received in sanding and varnishing the hardwood floor, renovations to the Kitchen -office area, roof repairs, insulation of the building, new doors and various other changes. The centre appreciates its usage agreement with the town in providing an ideal facility to house the Seniors' Day Centre. The community is fortunate to have a centre providing social and recreation programs for area seniors, which has been made possible by the ex- cellent cooperation and efforts the 1981-82 council showed. Thanks again. Rita C. Rice Director Invitation to homecoming Dear Editor, . From July 28 to Aug. 1, the town of Nanton, Alberta, will be celebrating its 80th birth- day. With great anticipation, we would like to extend a 'cordial invitation to all one- time residents, family or friends of the Nanton -Park- land area to attend our homecoming. To preregister, send names, address and phone number, with the type of accommodation required, estimated date of arrival and period of residency in the Nanton area to me at Nanton Homecoming '83, P. 0. Boca 711, Nanton, Alberta, TOL IRO. Myrna E. Secretary-'treasureMcRaer Nanton. Alberta pressed for his successor, His Most Gracious Majesty King Edward VIII. FEBRUARY 1948 The 26th_annual meeting of the Wingham Horticultural Society saw officers elected for the coming year. Mrs. Dr. George Ross was named president with vice presidents Mrs. D. Crompton and Mr§. E. Snell. Secretary is Mrs. E. J. Nash and treasurer W. A. Galbraith. The - council of the Township of East Wawanosh appointed R. H. Thompson, a former reeve, as clerk and Alex .McBurney.treasumr ., A pleasant . item of business at the regular meeting of Wingham . AF & AM No. 286, G.R.C., was the presentation of a 50 -year jewel to George C. Olver. Mr. Olver joined. the Order in 1893 and was Worshipful Master -in 1919. Convening in the Legion Hall, Wingham Branch 180, Canadian Legion, installed Dr. A. W. Irwin as president for 1948. Vice presidents are DeWitt Miller, John Currie and Jack Bateson. A prominent Wingham businessman, James Donald Rae, died suddenly of a heart attack at his store He was in his 66th year. A good crowd turned out for the Howick Lions Club. annual ice carnival. Miss Eleanore Stephens of Gorrie was chosen Queen of the Carnival and Jimmy Wylie of Wroxeter was -King of the Carnival. Other winners in the children's costume classes included Evelyn Stephens, Billie Keil, Ferne Cook and Bobby Strong. Bobby Black was the best performing clown. The annual meeting of Wroxeter Telephone Com- pany Ltd. was held, with President John L. MacEwen presiding. During the year 19 new phones were installed, making a total of 407 sub. scribers. Mr. MacEwen was returned as president with Fred Doubledee vice president. Directors are Knowlston Hueston and Leslie Douglas. FEBRUARY 1959 Two outstanding students at the Wingham District High School have been selected School Queen and School Leader for this year. They are Marianne McKibbon, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. W. A. McKibbon of Wingham, and Peter Nasmith, son of Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Nasmith, also of Wingham. Town officials, faced with the fact that before long the snow will have to be removed from the main drag again, are said to be con- templating a trial run with a new and faster type of loading equipment. Loss was estimated at over $25,000 following a roaring fire that levelled the large barn of Robert Carter in East Wawanosh Township three miles north of Blyth. Cattle, implements and a quantity of hay and grain were lost in the blaze. .,Berry r Door Co. Ltd shipped a van load of doors by Walden Bros. Transport to Winnipeg last week. This is the first time the company has used a truck for such a long haul. The Belgrave School Fair board held its annual meeting and elected Norman Coultes president. Vice presidents are Edgar Wightman. and ... Stanley Black. • At the annual meeting of the Calvin -Brick United Church, it was "decided, to gather names for inscription` on two plaques to be placed in the church in remem- brance of the pioneer members who labored on behalf of the Presbyterian and Methodist churches in thiscommunity. FEBRUARY 1969 Wingham council passed a bylaw which will allow sporting events to be held between the hours of 1:30 and 6 p.m. Sundays. The bylaw was passed at town council's February meeting and members noted that sports events are allowed in most other neighboring towns on Sundays. Two British doctors arrived recently to set up practice with Dr. R. D. Wilkens at the Wingham Medical Centre. Dr. J. D. Hughes is from Yorkshire, England and Dr. W. T. Harrett comes to Wingham from Porthcaul, Wales. James W. Coulter, a Wingham-area native, was appointed superintendent of Huron County schools at a school board meeting held last week. Mr. Coulter assumes the position April 1. Town council members were informed in a letter at the council meeting that the Department of Highways is reducing the speed limit to 45 mph on the new section of Highway 86 near the town. Ron Lee, representing brother John, appeared before town council to request that members send a letterto the Liquor License Board recommending a dining lounge license for Lee's Restaurant. Sally Crawford, daughter of Mr-. and Mrs. J. H. Crawford of Alfred Street in Wingham and a graduate of psychiatric nursing, was among 200 to receive diplomas from President F. C. Jorgenson at the winter term convocation held on the weekend at the Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Toronto. Turnberry 'voters ap- proved the sale of liquor in licensed . dining lounges in the township after a plebiscite held lash Wed- nesday. The vote was 176 for and 67 opposed. New Books in the l ibrar y THE FAIREST ONE OF ALL, by Pamela Hill This is the story of Hor- ?ense M,vwini !luckless of Mazarin, one of the nieces of the famous Cardinal and heir to all his wealth. Married unhappily and persecuted by her mad husband, she traveled from country to country in search of peace. Kings, princes and dukes were enslaved by her, but she preferred to have a child by an Italian coachman. Her reckless habits left her at last in poverty in London, *here the one man who really loved her stayed with her until she died. PERPETUAL MOTION by Graeme Gibson Set in Ontario in the late 19th century, at a time when the passenger pigeon is fading fast and the machine age is coming into its own, this novel chronicles the fortunes of settler Robert Fraser. Driven by the idea of inventing a perpetual motion machine which would run on the same energy that moves the planets, he neglects and destroys both his family and the nature around him until finally his overbearing rationality becomes a kind of tragic lunacy. DIAMONDS by Tasman Beattie When a car bomb explodes one busy morning in Lon- don's street of diamonds, Hatton Garden, everyone assumes the murdered man inside it was African diamond dealer Muammar Aziz. Aziz, however, is very much alive and quickly goes into hiding, frightened for his life — until he realizes that the world believes him to be dead. Inspired by his official 'assassination', Aziz is free to put into practice a scheme he has been hatching for many years, his plan for the biggest diamond robbery in history. What's new at Huronview? Friday afternoon we had a successful bingo party. To the winners went an extra treat, as , prizes were packages of freshly -baked muffins, together with oranges and bananas. The new playing cards are ex- cellent and have done away. with the chips. Friday evening we had another visit from evangelist Lionel, Reeves and his wife. They presented an hour of worship in song. Mrs. Reeves sang a lovely solo and, accompanied by guitar, they both sang some faniiliar gospel numbers. In his message, Mr. Reeves told us that God is present" every- . , �whert anal „dsees_ rand. -.knows . _ , every -thing we say and do,. just as he knows every sparrow that falls to the ground. Wie will have this worship song service every Friday evening, and all are welcome to attend. Due to the outbreak of flu, chapel services on Sunday were canceled. as were all programs for the week: Delores Howatt held the winning ticket on the hand- knit afghan. The draw took place Monday at noon. Pearl McFarlane drew the lucky ticket. We are, hoping the flu will soon clear up and pro- grams and general activities will be back to normal. We extend our sympathy to the family of the late Winnifred ' Fraser, who passed away at Huronview. PRESS COUNCIL The Advance -Times is a member of the Ontario 'Press Council which will OOnSider . _written__..com-'• plaints about the publica- tion of news, ,opinions and advertising. If a com- plaint can't be resolved with the newspaper, it should be sent to the On- tario Press Council, 151 Slater St., Suite 708, Ot- tawa, Ont. K1 P 5H3. TODAY'S CHILD BY JUDITH ADAMS People who know Suzanne well say she has a way of lighting up a' room full of people. This happy-go-lucky six-year-old has a sunny, affectionate disposition that makes her very loveable. Born with Down's Syndrome, she has been slow to develop as Down's children always are. She used to have a full head of strawberry blonde hair and it has been gradually thinning out until it finally all came out in the past year. It's not clear why, but it doesn't seem to bother Suzanne, who seems to have few feelings of frustration with her handicap or anything else. This fall she has been attending a school for handi- capped children where she is learning everyday skills and , behavior and interacting a great deal with..other children, which she loves. She's an irrepressible little girl who takes great delight in life. She needs special parents who are,able to care for her and love her: To inquire about adopting Suzanne, please write to Today's Child, Ministry of Community and Social Ser- vices, Box 888, Station K, Toronto, Ontario M4P 211'2. In your letter tell something of your present family and!your way of life. A