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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1977-05-11, Page 4Page 4 Citizens News. May 11, 1977 "Remember when H2 0 used to mean hydrogen and oxygen — now it's hydrogen and oil." Dear Editor: I am writing in response to the letter pertaining to the ladies' softball_ registration printed in last week's issue of the Citizens News. First of all I wish to make very clear that I did not barge in on the meeting uninvited. As rec director when asked to organize the ladies' softball league I in- formed the league executive that if they ever ran into any dif- ficulties they could feel free to call upon me at any time for advice. And at this particular meeting, I was so asked. In order to keep the ball league strong when we first organized we decided to go with the drafting system — which means for every new player to be put on a list and drafted by each of the teams. This is the same way the men's league operates. This drafting system keeps each team even and does not let one particular team build up with all good talent. I realize the Bluewater team would not be stacked with ex- perienced players. But the point is this. What would prevent a team of 14 talented players, from out of the league, trying to join the league next year? Pertaining to the profane language used, it was not because the team is from the Bluewater, but referred to a remark when they were asked why they did not want to go on the draft list and answered, 'we come from the Bluewater and we would all drive Able, not willing Manpower minister Bud Cullen last week indicated that workers from outside Canada would again have to be used to complete the seasonal chore of harvesting Canada's fruit and vegetable crops. That's rather odd in view of this nation's frightening unemployment figures. Surely there are enough people among those ranks who could undertake the work and thereby reduce the unemploy- ment figures and the staggering costs associated with them. However, Mr. Cullen did indicate that those who were "willing and able" would be employed. No doubt the key word there is "willing". There are many people in this nation, in assessing their contribution to the federal treasury, who feel that "willing" should not be one of the considerations. As long as those drawing unemployment insurance benefits are "able", let them do the work. together to all of the games', which, by the way, is a distance of only five miles. I have tried to organize dif- ferent sports activities so that everyone in the community and surrounding area can participate and enjoy. I am sorry if people received a bad impression of the ball meeting and hope that it does not put a damper on any other sports enjoyed in the village of Zurich. Yours truly, Jerry Rader Dear Editor: In answer to the letter from the "Bluewater Ball Players" which appeared in last week's paper, we, the Ladies Softball League of Zurich wish to clarify a few points. First of all if these ladies feel that they have been mistreated they should direct their anger and comments not to Jerry Rader and particularly not to the town of Zurich. Jerry has always attended our meetings and has been asked to attend. We. the ladies take full responsibility for what happened at the meeting. If we have offended anyone we are very sorry but the league has been established for four years and we have always followed the rules which were agreed upon at the onset of the league. These rules state that any new players will be drafted at the beginning of each season. We did not feel that we could make an exception even though it was the Bluewater. To all ladies we hope this letter will clarify a few facts. We all want a town and sports we are proud to speak about. Zurich Ladies Softball Players Laura A. Overholt FIRST WITH LOCAL NEWS Published Each Wednesday By J.W. Eedy Publications Ltd. Member: Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association Ottfario Weekly Newspapers Association (DA Manager - Betty O'Brien News Editor - Cathy McKinley Second Class Mail Registration Number 1385 Subscription Rates: $7.00 per year in advance in Canada $18.00 per year outside Canada Single copies 20¢ See.the 11 ht The Huron County Board of Health has finally seen the light. They are urging the immediate designation of non- smoking areas in public places. This means in this county you may soon be able to go out to dinner in your favorite dining room and enjoy your meal to the uamost without hav- ing it ruined by the inconsiderate bumkin at the next table who lights a cigarette and spoils your entire meal. The board noted in its recommendation that 58% of the population are now non-smokers and being the majority it is time they had their rights recognized. The Board stated there is growing pressure for legislation and governmental directives to designate non-smoking areas in airplanes, restaurants, stores and other public places. No longer would non-smokers have to suffer the physical discomfort of inhaling the smoke from someone else's cigarette, or put up with the clinging disgusting odor of cigarette smoke on their clothing after attendingany public function. In the United States government legislation in some areas provides fines of $5 to $25 for smoking in public areas, nothing drastic, just enough to let everyone know the law is, can and will be enforced. In the long run, I do not believe a fine in any amount will do as much good at forcing smokers to recognize the rights of others as a strong public opinion against them. Let's not be afraid to speak out, to say what we think, and if necessary to insist the obstinate person who insists on polluting your air do his dirty work somewhere else. Ban smoking in your car, in your home and insist those blowing smoke in your direction no matter where you are cease. Unless, of course, you are in their car or their home. In those places the smoker has every right to smoke. If he or she want to reek of stale tobacco smoke, have rather ob- noxious breath and cough, hack and spew like so many smokers seem to, then let them. They have a right to decide their future, but they do not have the right to'decide mine and I refuse to stand by and let them make me suffer for their filthy habit. Non-smokers, stand up for your rights, you are finally being heard. We think so often we are doing everything we can to keep our children safe. We don't let them play with matches, scissors or knives; we put our medicines and cleaning agents where they can't get at them; we don't let them play on the road. But there is one danger to our children most of us seem to ignore, yet it has a potential to and does kill a lot of children. How many times have you seen a father or mother driv- ing the family car with a young child standing on the front seat beside him or her? This is the most dangerous place possible for a child to ride. If there is an accident, or even if there is a close call, the chances are that child will fly head first out the front windshield and be seriously hurt if not killed. You don't have to be going very fast and you may think you could be fast enough to hold the child back, but the odds are not in your favor. In New South Wales State in Australia, they have done something about ending such gross negligence on the part of parents. In regulations introduced March 1 of this year, it is compulsory for children between the ages of six months and eight years to wear safety belts or other forms of restraint in motor vehicles fitted with them. In many cases our cars are not equipped for children's safety features, but in New South Wales they dealt with this problem as well. In vehicles not fitted with child restraints a child must ride in the back seat or on an adult's lap. The fines for disobeying are stiff and may be collected on the spot by police officers. It would not be hard for the parents in this area to at least give their children a fighting chance at survival in case of an accident. We may not have as wide a range of of- ficially approved children's safety aids as are available in Australia, but we most certainly can insist our children ride in the back seat or on the lap of an adult in the car other than the driver. If it saves one life, it would be worth it. The children may not like it at first, but they'll get used to it, and they just may grow up to appreciate those extra measures you took to protect their lives.