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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1976-05-13, Page 11THE i1DVAi10E �TIMES A a 9 e of editorial. opinion Thursday, May, 13, %.ax.L#cGG�ir [......,. , >�. .:...�,1��ltf�i• %i •/ i �� ...::��. hr::a,. X:.,..././:.:�:.!!;;;;•{.:::;+i `. ,. ! 1..... . f.. �` � J�� . f�; .�:.: �///j/{�� ..r/jfjy%/j/j�yy/f�/jJy/y� i..1i f:/�.�... �`f/f/+E��/%+ .. .....:::.i � ......:: 4� ....:.i:i%G?�:::::::: .% ..:: '.. ............. j:i%�{l%if���/I//f///J�/���j�f///.•����n�%%%'+!/i%lT�/I/Rt O Community -wide problem Wingham has joined some 35 other Western Ontario communities faced with a dilemma over continued use of arena facili- ties. Although the ministry of labor hds not yet "lowered the boom", an engineer's study indicates that unless extensive repairs are made to the arena before next winter the building will be ordered closed. At a meeting of interested citizens last week the problem was outlined.by Don Ken- nedy, chairman of the Recreation and Community Centres Board. He made no at- tempt to recommend what course of action should be taken, simply bringing those pres- ent up to date on the situation. First result of that meeting was the formation of a commit- tee to represent most of the organizations in the community which are interested in Wing - ham and its future development. That com- mittee will undertake the task of informing the public and coming to a decision about what must be done. Briefly, the engineer's report indicates three possible courses of action: make tem- porary repairs which would keep the facility open for a few more years (hopefully) at a minimum of $50,000; extensive repairs which would make the arena usable for a longer period at a cost of, perhaps, 5200,000— or go for an entirely new arena, in a more suitable location, with regulation size ice surface and modern auxiliary facilities, at an unknown figure, probably in the range of half a Million dollars. The decision is a difficult one. We have no intention of suggesting in what direction the committee shoyld move. Marry factors are involved and these people must be free to consider all aspects of the question. One point is clear, however, that a good arena has become a necessary part of a progres- sive community. For those of us who are past the hockey -playing age, it may seem that the costs involved are exhorbitant, but so, too, are the costs of schools and hospitals. All of them have a place in the development of our young people and we cannot shirk the task of providing for them. Indeed, the arena is much more than a hockey palace. It is a true community centre around which so much of a town's activity must pivot. The dollar will decide It is unlikely that you are any better in- formed about the rights and wrongs of oil pricing than we are. If the premiers of ten provinces and the prime minister of the country can be as far away from agreement on the question as they are, the ordinary lay- man could scarcely be considered an expert. That we will be stuck with sharply higher prices for gasoline, heating oil and natural gas seems to be a foregone conclusion. Since those increases seem inevitable the question arises about the validity of price and wage controls as they are being enforced by the federal Anti-inflation Board. Controls, universally enforced, appeared last fall as the only course of action to halt an inflation rate which threatened to get completely out of hand and bring about all the ills of an eco- nomic depression. However, one cannot help wondering just how long controls can be imposed when the biggest costs Canadians have to meet out of their pay checks are per- mitted to soar at rates many times those permissable for other products. Hydro has already been granted a 22 per cent increase in its wholesale rates and will no doubt be back for more within months. -. The crude oil price increases will probably exceed 25 per cent this year, with more to ' come. The place occupied by energy costs in the economy are far from trivial. As they contifte-to rise, so also does the cost of vir- tually every commodity we must purchase over the counter and every service required by our homes and businesses. Add to the energy factor the continued rise in govern- ment spending and the private citizen or small businessman is faced with a dilemma to which there may be no logical answer. Prime reason for the demanded increase in the price of crude oil is the big corpora- tions' need for vast sums of money to con- tinue exploration for new sources of crude. It is impossible for the average person to agree or disagree with this position. We have no way of knowing how much the big companies had previously stashed away for this very purpose or, in fact, how much of every dollar we pay for their products is surplus to actual costs. It is clear, however, that with the ever - higher price of fossil fuels we come closer to the point at which there will be viable alter- natives. Technology would long since have developed methods of employing the bound- less energy of the sun and the wind except for the fact that oil and natural gas were so much cheaper: As the dollar gap closes the capital cost of research and development in new areas of energy production will be ever More acceptable and the day will probably come, sooner than we think, when we won't 'be tied to the oil producers for survival. Provided our governments can be dis- cerning enough to forbid control of these new processes to the corporate giants we will be laughing at the oil men—Arab and Canadian alike. The power of d' Any person who lives in or close to the farming community must be deeply sympa- thetic for the position in which dairy farmers have found themselves. Demonstrations in Toronto, a Harriston man giving milk away, a mass meeting of angry producers at At- wood—all are symptomatic of a serious im- balance on farm policy. The real grabber in the situation is that only a couple of years ago the provincial government was urging producers to enlarge their dairy herds and their milking and holding equipment so higher quotas of industrial milk could be achieved. At a very high cost many producers have done just that. They have borrowed the money and worked like slaves to meet their commit- ments, only to be told two years later by the federal authority that quotas must be slashed by 15 per cent. For many dairy farmers who are still carrying the load of debt and interest pay- ments the cut in quotas could spell bank- ruptcy. A dairy cow isn't any ordinary piece ictation of production equipment which can be put under dust covers for a couple of years. It has to be fed and tended. If it isn't showing a profit the owner can't keep it around very long. The situation which is causing industrial milk producers so much grief is a clear illus- tration of the hazards involved in the entire quota system of managing agricultural pro- duction. Quotas may be just fine'for the man who has the money to purchase them and to meet the investments which are obviously good business when markets are expanding —but they provide a tragic trap when the re- verse is true. No one in his right mind questions the need for some sort of stabilizing influence so that Canadian food production can remain a profitable means of livelihood fctr those who work the land, but it seems patently clear that some far reaching revisions must be made to prevent a recurrence of this plan- ning blunder. Belts needed in buses The unfortunate accident last week near Exeter which found a school bus plunging into a roadside creek, resulting in injuries to the driver and several youngsters, should tell us something. The published reason for the accident was that one of the young pas- sengers momentarily distracted the driver and she lost control of the big vehicle. With all the fuss and furore over com pulsory use of seat belts in private passenger vehicles; has it ever occurred to you that the first place seat belt use should have been or dered was in school buses? Why not? School buses provide far less protection for passengers than ordinary cars. When a bus rolls over there is a great deal more room for passengers to bounce around. There are, as well, many times the number of passengers to be injured compared with the average car . It would appear to be a simple rule of safety that every child should be belted in and that penalties should be severe for those who dare to unbuckle while the vehicle is on the road. Certainly a driver could not be easily distracted by a youngster if she or he could be assured that none could leave their seats. And, come to think of it, why are' seat belts not mandatory on public buses as well? A bit like the old goose and gander deal, don't you think? THE WINGHAM ADVANWIMES Published at Wingham, Ontario, by Wenger Bros. Limited Barry Wenger, President Robert O. Wenger, Secretary -Treasurer Member Audit Bureau of Circulations Member — Canadian Community Newspapers Assoc. Ontario Weekly Newspapers Assoc Subscription $10.00 per year. Six months $5.25 To United States $20.00 Second Class Mail Registration No. 0821 Return postage guaranteed "Double-parking. eh Letters to the Editor New Books in the Library Kingston: Celebrate This City by Joan Finnigan The photographs, and drawings in this book are an expression of affection not just for the city and its environs but for its populace over the genera- tions. The lavish illustrations from past and present include stately old residences, events, social luminaries, familiar land- scapes and of course, Sir John A. Macdonald's homes. They reflect the unique atmosphere of a city that has played a significant role in the history of Canada. The Sorrowing Wind by Mary Pearce In this final volume of the trilogy, Mary Pearce brings together the characters from Apple Tree Lean Down and Jack Mercybright to conclude a fascinating saga of English coun- try life. For orphaned Tom Maddox, son of a murderer, and Betony Lzzard, the young school teacher with whose family he has grown up, life as they have known it comes to an end with the out- break of war in 1914. The deep t' th t 1i:nks APPRECIATE would take if over the half mil- NiOT SUBSIDIZING in in some way to remove the g y emo ton a these two is the central thread of the story. CONCERN lion. Exactly how many students are involved? Does this also in- RURAL PEOPLE logs ani release the water. It sort of looked as though they couldn't elude their transportation costs? RR2, Lucknow care less. Guide to Offal's Dyke Path by Chris Wright Dear Editor: This is our first letter to the What specific parts of the county school system do they Advance Times, I notice in The Advance -Times that Huron County is to have its If you planning a walking P' guideboo paper but we feel we have to come , from? Why are these students so Wingham Dear Editor: own ensign. g I am sure they would four of Wales this for o you. The Offal's, Dyke Path speak out, especially after the presentation of a cheque for P q different from the other students Just a comment on Mr. Wild's be ashamed to have one flying runs throughout the entire 170- 170 - 581.00 by people who by general attending facilities within the Huron county system? Is the statement "We can't o on subsi- g over the mess at what was the Gerrie Community Park and with mile length of Wales from Che Presta consensus are supposed to dislike opo Huron county system lacking, dizing these people." I believe the International Plowing Match stow to tyn .The route is divided into sections of a �, We have found out differently. and if so, in what particular re- that the coaches, managers, and service clubs that coming up in Huron County in 19781 am sure the county will also ,each day's walk and it passes through The Senior Citizens have shown spects" drive ri n teams are doing the subsi be ashamed to have this spec- varied landscapesof great sceni their concern by being the first to One other aspect of this parti- g• tacle which is just a. few miles beauty and hitric interest.c respond to our call for help. They went all out and organized a card" cular paragraph which disturbed me was the fact that a course in our family, ` o As for key and one Y playing from where the match is being held and also only about 15 miles Inheritors of Earth by G. Eklund party at no cost to us, yet gave us Graphic Arts is being run at the figure skating so — we bought from the Bruce County match and P. Anderson all the profit. We are learning to Beal Technical school. They also booster tickets, paid our way in to this 1976, when many people will `�� Richmond and his wife respect our elderly le and P� y run this course at the Community Y 50-60 games (most of the time) th Passing through our village on Anna are Superiors, members of will not forget them when they when Colleges. That is to say, Fan- drove our turn, and attended the way north. a race of mutant humans, all of call on us. shawe College, Conestoga Col fi ure skatin g g them orphans, who possess We had also a favorable lege and I believe many of the I like to think that we contri- I am also sure that the Huron strange mental abilities includ- response from our service clubs. others. Therefore, I must assume buted something to minor sports County Historical Society must ing the capacity to receive the In, co-operation with the local that there is a duplication of ef- in the town even though we don't be ashamed to see one of the deeper thoughts and feelings of Kinettes we will have a garage fort. That is to say, the Graphic live there. The arena was very county's historical institutions other men. The Superiors exist in sale on May 29th. The Lions Club Arts course is being run free of seldom so crowded that we had to that provided power for one of fearful secrecy, convinced that will help us with a food booth and charge to the student at the Beal ask town residents to move to let Huron's oldest feed and flournormal humans would try to the dunking machine at the an- Technical School in London, but us in. mills in such a state of disrepair. destroy them if their secret were nual "Frolic s Da ". We are not Y there are also other students who I might add we really enjoyed The MVCA and its manage- known. Their plans are to engineer a global war from which asking for a handout and are finish their normal high school the winter. Yours truly, ment must surely be ashamed to the Superiors alone will emerge g willing to work for what we need, but, we cannot do it without the ci rriculum then go to a Com- munit College and a for tui- W. J. Kinahan drive through the village and g g with power. However, other un - help of the adults. We are far tion, books, transportation, etc., ''Gorrie Conservation Area, from perfect but we do try. and take this course. Where is the Established by the MVCA. Please don't blame us all if a few fairness to the student and the AN ANNIVERSARY Managed in cooperation with the of the teenagers are destructive. taxpayer? Do we have two stand- TO $E ASHAMED OF Gorrie Community Club" and be - Maybe they will grow up if they ards here? Has there been any vond see the washed out ruins of see us grow to be a respected or- follow-up on the students who Dear Sir: the dam. ganization. have graduated from the Beal When we think of anniversaries The Community Club helped THE WEEK S NEWS_12 ®� The newly formed "Junior Citi- Technical school Graphic Arts we usually think of pleasurable establish the park but ever since zen Consultants" are trying hard course; that is, exactly how occasions such as birthdays, its takeover has the Authority in many ways to get us on our many have employment in this weddings, etc. but two years ago ever consulted any one .pr any Dr. Harry Parrott, Ontario's feet. field of endeavour? on May 17, 1974 the dam on the organization in the community minister of colleges and univer- Please help us feel wanted so Frankly, I think some very un- 'Maitland River in Gorrie was about anything that has taken sities, has announced that fees we may do our part to make popular but realistic decisions washed out. About 30 years ago a place.in the conservation area? for students from other countries Wingham a better place to live. must be made. If there are stu- park was established and main- In fact, one year ago at the an- entering provincial universities Yours truly, dents who must attend other tanned by the Gorrie Community nual meeting in Brussels when will be more than doubled at the The Wingham Educational institutions, for why I Club. Over the nears it became a the Senior Citizens presented a first of next year. A student who Junior Citizens. can not perceive, then let them Very popular picnic ground and resolution asking that the park be has been paying 5585 will be either move to that particular lo- was used almost every day dur- put back in a condition similar to charged $1,500. Since the an - SEE$ NEED FOR cality, take the course after their irig the summer months by what it was when the Authority nouncement there has been con - normal secondary school training groups from far and near. It took it over, we were told that siderable protest, the objectors UNPOPULAR DECISIONS � nay all expenses themselves. served the needs of people from they couldn't consider it unless it Pointing to the fact that many of Editor, tea, i agree this is an unpopular inland areas and made it un- came through the township rep- the "foreign" students come Wingham Advance -Times, decision, but the hour is 23.59 on necessary to drive miles for a resentative. it never mentioned from improverished third world Wingham, Ontario. the 24 hour clock. Either we start recreation playground or forthe Gerrie Community Club as countries or from nations receiv- Dear Sir: tc m9ke unpalatable decisions or swimming facilities. the sign would indicate. This year ing Canadian development aid. In regard to your most inform- w•e sink in this education life boat. Then the MVCA took over and we had a petition signed by 99 per 0-0-0 ative article on the front page of We are told that next year or bought the property and did some cent of the people contacted in the Fifty students from Denmark, the 29th of April issue of the Ad late this year the cost of our fuel work on the dam, which was an village and vicinity to present at French Guyana, Switzerland, vance-Times; "Huron Board heating oil will go to $1.00 per gal- engineering blunder. This was the annual meeting but our rep- France, Trinidad, Finland, Italy, holds for 1976 to 28.7 per cent.'' Ion. I am sure if this is so all tax- approved by the Dept. of Natural resentative was somewhere in Japan and the United States will Frankly I can not see much payers will need whatever sav- Resources and the MVCA Logs the sunny south end since our arrive in Stratford in early July "holding", to me it reads as a rise rags can be garnered from cuts were placed in parts of the dam to treatment the year previous, it to begin a four-week stay in West - of approximately one third over elsewhere. Let us hope the Huron retain the water, but with no was not done ern Ontario, guests of the area last years costs. County Board included this in facilities to remove them in case Lions Clubs. Most of them will In the article to which I am re their budget. of an emergency This is what in the "Lucknow Sentinel" spend two weeks with host ferning, the paragraph which The time has arrived when we came happened. The flood c. The o197t t March l. 6 a report of a meet- families and later will camp at caught my attention and gave me can no longer stand for costly du- 11\ t A was notified of the im- ing between East and West Marys. Wildwood Lake near St. Mar Y cause to write this letter was. plication or cater to those who Pending danger They came and Wawanosh Councils and the Canadian students will also visit "Goderich councillor Elsa must at all costs be different in looked at it and left and the 'MVCA officials at Belgrave was other countries under the pro- Haydon asked about an expends their demands on the education people in the village saw the dam held February 12 to discuss the gram. lure of $458,500. for tuition fees system. Education is a privilege washed out and it remains that East West Waw•anosh Park, and I 0--0-0 and was told this was the amount riot to be treated lightly There way two years after quote. ''The Authority members An Owen Sound man was fined paid by Huron to other school are many places where it is non- The people in the Dept of assured the Council members in $1,Mo in provincial court after he boards for tuition fees for stu existent. Natural Resources should he attendance. that the park, if was convicted of selling two rain - dents not able to find their re In conclusion i would like° to ashamed of the engineering plans taken over by them would be bow trout to a second man who quired subjects locally. John point out a very unpalatable truth they approved to have the dam operated according to an agree- turned out to be a conservation Cochrane said among these stir- and that is; Political decisions left in such a way that there was ment setting out the conditions officer with the ministry of na- dents were a half dozen taking are not made on the basis of the no method in which the logs could which the township wanted. The tural resources. graphic arts and other courses at objective facts in themselves. in he moved in the case of an emer Authority will not take over the 0--0-0 Beal Technical School in i,on accordance with the line of their gene} And the representatives park and dictate how it should be A sociologist from the Univer- don." movement and development, de (local) of the Authority should operated The township must be city of Lethbridge says that the Firstly, i question that astro visions are made in order ''to also he ashamed to think that satisfied." I sincerely hope they results of a nation-wide survey he nomical amount of money, "Four avoid unfavourable publicity" in they too, approved these plans keep their promise. This hasn't conducted shows that only 32 per hundred and fifty-eight thousand, order "to 4quare accounts" with that led to the wash out been our experience cent of Canadians regularly at - five -hundred dollars". That X in the opposite group, or as a The management of the MVCA We may be different in that the tend religious services, although amount is getting awfully close to favour to one's relatives or should also he ashamed that they Authority owns the property in over 70 per cent were brought up one half million dollars, in fact friends. _ at least didn't make any attempt Gorrie, but to say that they are in homes where religious obeery the interest on ift' for one year Bertrand P Morin, CD to keep it from happening by try- co-operating with the Gorrie ance was a part of family life 0