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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1976-05-05, Page 4Page 4 -Citizens News, May 5176 "Happy - Whoops - Mother's Day Mum !" ditoriI Comment Care Although the weather for the past week has hardly been balmy, spring cleaning fever seems to have struck residents of Zurich, Hay Township and the area. On Saturday, a steady stream of cars, trucks, tractors and wagons was seen heading for the Hay Township dump. Here at the Citizens News, the "bug" must have bitten us as well. Two full loads of accumulated useless material had gather- ed over the winter months and was hauled off to the dump in an open truck, as most of the garbage taken to the dump is. We were disturbed by the departure of some of our load before we reached the specified dumping area as it required stopping and picking up that which was taken off into the ditches lining the roads. trash E ! We were fortunate in that we had passen- gers to keep an eye out for any of our load flying off but some people, it would seem, were not. The Hay Township dump itself is in pretty good shape but the amount of garbage spotted along the highway from town and then down the concession left something to be desired. Hopefully, the misplaced garbage was not seen by those taking it to the dump as it would be only right to expect one losing part of a load to stop and pick it up from the roadside. • Those taking material to the dump should make sure their load is secured properly (not like ours) and even then to have some- one keeping an eye to the rear in case it comes loose and blows off their truck. them no end? Workers at the Douglas Point nuclear power project have done more harm to the public image of organized labor than can be corrected in a whole generation. Working on a project which pays such high wages that the economies of several small communities have been badly disrupted, scarcely a week goes by that some union or other is not on strike at the Point, disrupting the work they are supposed to be completing and interfer- ing with other groups who, at the moment, -Are willing to get on with the job. Reasons for work stoppages have ranged from a demand that the employer supply boots and overalls, to inter -union squabbles over control of various work areas. we Wage rates for most workers on the pro- ject have, from the beginning, been so high that some industries in the hereby towns have been forced to close in the face of un- reachable pay demands by their own work- ers. Rents have sky -rocketed and nearby municipalities have been bled white to pro- vide educational and recreational facilities. The unending union disputes at the Point have provided ample demonstration that meeting ever higher wage demands is not the answer to peace between labor and management. It appears that the more they get the more they demand. Employees on the gigantic project Dave given the lie to the claim that labor unions exist to right injustice and to protect the downtrodden slaves of big business. one mayy or another "It's an ill wind."...and the good that may come out of the recent hikes in the Huron school levies is that it will provide local ratepayers with a clearer indication of education costs. Main reason cited by the board for the increase was the withdrawal of some grant support from the Ontario government. That support was not withdrawn until some commitments had already been undertaken by the board and they could make no further cuts. That budget is up by $2,330,150 over last year and this year's total expenditures are listed at $18,428,354. That's an astro- nomical figure and perhaps many people didn't realize the costs were climbing so high because in the past the government has been increasing grants. They still pick up 71 percent of the costs. However, that money still comes out of the pockets of Ontario residents, one way or another, although the pinch never appears as great when it comes indirectly. Perhaps, then, it is good to have more of our education costs coming directly from the taxpayer. He'll start asking more quest- ions about how his money is spent and will demand a fair return on his investment in education. Ontario residents have been short- changed in that regard in some instances in recent years and obviously it's time for some real soul-searching. Board members too will have to sharpen their pencils when they know the people they represent can't afford the continuing spiral. The Inst Word by Ted Rowcliffe Those who read about the plans for the study of a down- town core redevelopment in last week's Citizens News will be interested to learn that the project is "go" so far. A provincial grant which will cover half the cost of the study is being applied for with the assistance of the village since the province only grants funds under the plan in quest- ion to the municipality. In addition, the village has indicat- ed that it will assume a portion of the cost, about an eighth of the total, since it involves many aspects which are the muni- cipality's responsibility such as sidewalks, streets and parks. At this point it is not certain exactly where the remaining three eighths will be coming from (four from the province, one from the village, leaves three). The Chamber of Com- merce and the Zurich Businessmen will be looked to for some funding. The plan, which will be drafted by Nick Hill of Goderich, will not be a "redevelopment" in the strictest sense. In the main, it would consist mainly of a few good coats of paint with some colour co-ordination and ideas to bring out the best aspects of each building. Where there is little to work with, more drastic steps might be advised. Cost of any work to be done on private property will be the responsibility of the property owner unless any further provincial or federal funding can be found, and in these times of tight government money, it's not likely. The proposed plan has already been the subject of much discussion around the village and it has been pointed out that the plan will simply be a co-ordinated suggestion. If the owner of a building has plans for his own property which don't coincide with the plan, he can do just as he pleases but it is hoped that it will appeal to all. e Golden Glimpses BLUE WATER PEST HOME It seems as though the weather can't get the snow and cold weather out of its system. I suppose we were spoiled by the very warn Easter week. We hope that our readers are keeping my mind the Ladies Auxiliary Daffodil Tea and Bake Sale to be held at the Home from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. a week from Saturday, May • 15th. No doubt the ladies would appreciate donations of baking. There will not be a table 'for bazaar items this time, but a programme of entertainment has been arrang- ed. On Thursday evening the Ladies of the Zurich Mennonite Church visited and provided a musical programme. Group singing was enjoyed as well as duets by Miss Wendy and Jane Oesch. Following the programme, refreshments were served. On Friday afternoon the Resid- ents enjoyed a bus tour down Mount Carmel way over to Lury and back by Exeter. Everyone is quite enthusiastic about the rides after being confined indoors so much all winter. Bingo was played on Friday evening followed by refresh- ments. The Sunday evening chapel service was conducted by Rev. Harley Moore of the Grand Bend United Church. The Residents appreciated having the choir members present. Miss Idella Gable presided at the organ dur- ing the service. ,1Tatyikgh d'ef,e/r/A. Hic:w70 Published Each Wednesday By Huron -Middlesex Publishers Ltd. Second Class Mail Registration Number 1385 Member: +CNA Canadian Weekly. Newspapers Association Ontario Weekly Newspapers Association Subscription Rates: $6.00 per year in advance in Canada; $8.00 in United States and Foreign; single copies 204'