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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Blyth Standard, 1974-12-23, Page 1the . _1111, .�i. ,�)':+y3/�''yfr ;' ,.N? r�rgfA'rr .,f 'v1.3jr,/yy anda i:iiii'ii'i'ii'niriiiriiriYriii',•'ii7i',•i ) BLYTH, ONTARIO ii iiiiiiiiiiiii,µ,4,44.4:4,44µ PRICE: 20 CENTS VOLUME 84 • NO, 51 MIL MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1974. Memorial Hall, Blyth, Ontario .613114a5 ood tidings .of comfort and joy.. . to all our cherished friends and neighbors. We hope the season's warmth fills your house and hearth with rekindled feelings of peace and brotherhood. Rejoice ... be happy! Share the Christmas spirit! PG. 2. THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. This 'n' That Post Office deserves a lot of credit At the Standard we received a rather large parcel the other day. Down on one corner was something that confirmed what we'd wondered about for a long time. There was a large bird dropping giving rise to the fact the post office really does use pigeons. This one obviously felt it had to leave its own stamp on the parcel. *** The poor people at the post office have to take a lot of kidding like that at times. The honest hard working postal workers like the staff at the Blyth office must get a little fed up with it: especially at times like now when they're up to their armpits in Christmas mail. The Blyth Post Office and The Standard have to work closely together to get you your paper every week and so we'd like to say thanks to Bill, Marcella and the staff for another year of hard work. *** If there was a gift we could give Blyth this Christmas it might be a carillon of bells in one of the church steeples in the village. Nothing sounds much nicer in a small town like ours than the sweet sounds of Christmas bells floating across the snowy streets. The next issue of The Standard will reach readers as usual on Thursday, January 2, In order to do so, however, the issue will 1 1 218 JOSEPHINE ST. WINGHAM ONTARIO 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 REID & PETERSON Chartered Accountants TEL. 357.1522 Chiropractic Associates Health Centre Wingham, Ontario R. Bray, D.C. D. Lee, D.C. . Phone 357.1224 Find a running mate. PaRT/(IPacrion have to be printed early on Tuesday, December 31. Anyone having material for that issue is asked to have it at The Standard office on Monday, and preferably on Monday by noon. Your help will be appreciated. *** After many weeks of day and night effort to get The Standard and its sister publication Village Squire out on time during the Christmas rush, the staff here will be taking a welcome week off to catch up on some sleep this week. The office will be closed until December 30. Anyone who has news or other information for The Standard is asked to drop it in the' mail See you after the holidays. Another name for Christmas in England is "Boxing Day." Came from the Custom of Old English servants going around on Decem- ber 26 with earthen boxes to collect their Xmas gifts in the form of money... *** In Puerto Rico, children at Xmas time - instead of hanging up stockings - put boxes on the roof... Mal 1111 HAD YOUR PUMP, ,� CHECKED LA TEL Y? AVOID MID—WINTER GRIP BRING YOUR PUMPTO Pg00 MINOR REPAIRS OR SERVICE PUMP / • MAJOR OVERHAUL ON *AVAILABLE ALL MAKES OF PUMPS IN EMERGENCY FAST EFFICIENT • SERVICE AT REASONABLE RATES C. H. EPPS`MANUFACTURING LTD. HIGHWAY 8, ONE MILE EAST OF CLINTON ,mmo PHONE 41123418 / 411 • BUSINESS DIRECTORY TOM DUIZER Plumbing & Heating Oil Burner Sales - Service Installation and Motor Repair Mycr's Pressure Systems & Water Conditioning Equipment Sheet Metal Work LONDESBORO* ONT. PHONE BLYTH 523.4359 MERRY CIIR1STMAS To Alt We've asked Santa to deliver good cheer, / happy times, and our heartiest wishes to show our appreciation for you loyal friendship and continued patronage( Ho! Good :wishes for #.he New Year 5c/$1.00 Store Blyth" Bill, Doris & Debbie UCO BELGRAVE �� coop YOUR FARM SUPPLY CENTRE Feed, Bulk Delivery or Bagged Fertilizer, Custom. Blending, Bulk Spread, Farm Fuels, 24 hour Home Heat Service, Hardware, Appliances, Feeding and Watering Equipment, Work Clothing and Boots. 887.6453 357.2711 NESBIT ELECTRIC KIRKTON & BLYTH Specializing in: • Farm Installation • Farm Ventilation Installation • Residential • Magnate Generators • Commercial • Mix Mill Sales & Service • Pole Line Construction BLYTH DAVID NESBIT, KIRKTON 523-9595 LICENCED ELECTRICIAN 229-8222 N.T. DALE SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SERVICE CLINTON PHONE COLLECT 482-3320 Fred Lawrence Electrical Contractor HOME, FARM AND COMMERCIAL WIRING PHONE AUBURN 526.7'505 ELLIOTT INSURANCE J.E. LONGSTAFF AGENCY Optometrist BLYTH ONT. 20 Isaac Street - Clinton Phones: Office .523.4481; Res. 523.4323 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS INSURANCES IN ALL BRANCHES At Clinton, Monday only J.C. WARD C.A. LARRY'S Fire Windstorm Court and Other Bonds 9:00-5:30 R.E. UPTIGROVE C.A.' Automobile Burglary Plate Glass At Seaforth, Tues., Wed., RADIO & TV. 'Liability - All Kinds Life Guarantee Thurs. & Fri. LISTOWEL ONT. SALES & SERVICE Inland Transportation Accident & Sickness All Risks Furs, Jewelr 9:00.5:30 291.3040 BP - SUPERTEST GENERAL Kr,PA1RS OF ALL TYPES Griffith's Supertest BLYTH 523-4501 USE CllRIfMAS SEALS WARD & UPTIGROVE • LYLE YOUNGBLUT OIL BURNER SALES & SERVICE "Your Oil Heating Contractor' BLYTH ONTARIO PHONE 523.9585 ELLIOTT REAL ESTATE AGENCY Gordon Elliott, Broker R. John Elliott, Salesman PHONES: Blyth Oftiec 523-4481 Res. 523.4522 or 523.4323 WANTED: Listings on Farms, 1 -lames .tnc1 Businesses DOREEN'S BEAUTY SHOPPE STYLING TINTING CUTTING & COLD WAVES a DOREEN McCALLUM Phone Blyth 523-4511 Gt OPEN MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 0 BLYTH 523.9640 [ELECTROHOMEI Blyth man mysteriously missing As this issue of The Standard goes to press late Friday afternoon there has still be no sign of a missing Blyth man, Robert Wallace, 77, of Blyth disappeared sometime Wednes- day evening while he was delivery a car load of turkeys to Pine River from Blyth, He made the stop at Pine River but never arrived home, News of his disappearance first reached Blyth residents on Thursday morning. On Friday, members of the Blyth fire department and other local volunteers spent the day searching for some sign of Mr. Wallace or his car. There was no sign of either at press time. Hullett Central students visit museum An interesting visit to the Huron County Pioneer Museum, in Goderich, was taken on Wednesday, December 11 by the grade eight class, accompanied by Mr. MacLennan. They are studying about pioneers in their history class and they are particularly interested in the pioneer way of life and the progress of the early settlers. At the museum, many old fashioned machines, tools, items for daily tasks and personal belongings of the pioneers were viewed and discussed. This trip was very beneficial to the members of the class because it will help them complete their history projects, CHRISTMAS CONCERT • The annual Christmas Concert at Hullett Central School was held on Wednesday, December 18, at 8:00 p.m. The gaily -decorated auditorium was completely filled with parents, friends and neigh- bours. The grade five class warmly welcomed the audience with a song that began their "Mini Concert". They presented a play entitled "The Merry Maidens" and a skit followed. They finished their presentation with another story. Next, the grade two pupils exhibited their talent in a play called "Santa Was Sos Tired." "Bargains For Christmas" was the play the grade one students staged and then they sang and played with their rhythm band instruments, "The Fat, Fat Man". Kindergarten classes one and two then presented their plays of "Little Red Riding Hood's Christmas Tree" and "Mother Goose's Christmas." A play "Santa and the Stow -away," by the grade four pupils preceded grade three's "Christmas Story. An operetta entitled "Sit -Down Stike in Santaville" was the last number presented. The case was the students of grades six, seven and eight. This musical comedy was about the workers in Santa's Village going on strike. But soon the Cristmas Spirit made them realize how silly they were • to betray Santa Claus and ' they returned to their work. The audience enjoyed the result of the hard wok of the teachers and pupils. CHRISTMAS DANCE The grade seven and eight Christmas dance was held on December 19. Prizes were awared for the elimination and spot dances. Everyone was dressed up and all enjoyed the evening. SKATING All students of Hullett Central School went skating at the Clinton Arena on Friday, December 20, the last day of school. Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely during the afternoon of fun, but only too soon it was time to leave for home on the buses. In spite of the coldness, everyone had a gay time, LONDESBORO NEWS Bureau editor: MRS. BERT SHOBBROOK Agricultural Tidbits New legislation will give farmers an even break WITH ADRIAN VOS We are pleased to note that the Ontario government at last is listening to farmers' complaints that, while the erection of livestock buildings is limited in regard of distance to dwellings, no limit is placed on the erection of dwellings in relation to distance to livestock buildings. Some farmers were limited in expansion of their operations because someone sold a piece of land the buyer put up a house, and then started complaining about the good country air not being agreeable with his city nostrils. Change is on the way. The Ontario Government• is drafting legislation to make a house subject to the same regulations as a livestock unit. It took a long time, as is usual with govern- ments, but many a farmer will feel more secure in the knowledge that his livelihood is no longer threatened by this kind of intrusion. ***** Some rather, interesting perusal of Statistics Canada figures on disposable income and on food purchasing wete done by the OFA research department. It shows that in 1960 the food purchased across our country was 21.6 percent of disposable income. This percentage dropped steadily to its lowest point in 1971 when it was 17.4 percent. After this it began rising to 18.2 percent in 1973, still well below 'all years before 1968. It costs more to eat in a restaurant than to eat at home. Yet the money spent to eat out rose from 15 percent to 18 percent of the disposable income. Gives one pause to think a bit doesn't it? ***** All the clamour to keep up with the cost of inflation is not really fair. If the cost of food for one person increases by 10 percent this means that the pensioners' cost of living increases by nearly 100 percent, all the ten percent for that is where this disposable income goes. For a member of parliament who makes $18,000 his food costs will go up the same 10 percent but this applies only to, say $6,000 of his income, or three and one third of one percent. That's quite a difference. Laplanders have - close ties with reindeer There are today some, 30,000 Laplanders of which approximately two - thirds live in Norway, one third in Sweden, and smaller num- bers in Finland and Russia. Lapps are closely asso- ciated with reindeer, on which they have depended for a large part of their livelihood since prehistoric times. The early Lapp religion was shamanistic, featuring a priest, or shaman who divined the secrets of good hunting, fishing, reindeer grazing, and other matters of importance to the people, while in a state of trance. Beautifully decorated "mag- ic drums" were a means of inducing the trances and are characteristic of early Lapp culture, 11:19 y"you find fulfillment of that special serenity ..Contentment that means so rriuch tg4veryone as jwe celebrate His b},rth. Our sincere thanks to you Tom, Marjorie Dui,/ & Family PLUMBING & HEATING LONDESBORO THE BLYTH STANDARD DECEMBER 23, 1974, PG. 3. Londesboro Hullett Central School was filled to capacity on Wednesday night when the pupils presented their Christmas concert. It was under the direction of music supervisors Mrs. Allen Bosman and Mrs. Tom Cronin, the principal Mr. McLellan and the teachers, Rev. McDonald was guest speaker at the Women's Institute dinner meeting held in the Agricultural Board Rooms, Clinton on Thursday noon. Mr. and Mrs, Allen Shaddick met their son Corporal and Mrs. Richard Shaddick of Edmonton, Alberta at Toronto Airport on Thursday. They will be spending the holidays with his parents and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Scott, Scaforth. The 1st Londesboro Club Pack held their Christmas party on Thursday evening with Rev. McDonald and Ray McNichol as leaders. The boys enjoyed an evening of games and fun and closed by receiving some Christ- mas treats. Friends are glad to see Mr. Tom Beatty has returned home on Thursday after spending the past Bethlehem focus of Christmas It is customary in the United States to celebrate the birth of Jesus on De- cember 25th, the date ob- served by the Roman Cath- olic Church and most Prot- estant denominations, but not all Christian faiths ad- here to that date. In Bethlehem, Christ's birthplace, the Roman cele- bration begins on Christmas Eve, December 24th, high- lighted by the traditional Midnight Mass, and contin- ues on Christmas Day. The Greek Orthodox Church, however, observes January 7 as Christmas Day, mark- ing the occasion with simi- lar ceremonies, January 18th and 19th are the dates for the observance in the Armenian Church. The three- faiths have their own churches and chapels within the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem and each observes Christ- mas on its own day with services in the Grotto of the Nativity at the exact spot where, it is believed, Jesus was born, personals two weeks in Clinton hospital and five weeks in London Victoria Hospital. The Board of Stewards of the United church met on Monday night and set up the Budget for 1975. J f2 159'M5 GREEpll1g5 ay the llidiy light of the'ChristmQ season brighten r- your spirits and spy its peace to / yo if r hearts. Ou( hanks to you"ll. r /THOMPSON'S GENERAL ,STORE BiIVand Dorothy f Sottiaux r` r. - Our best wishes ariss Irom our/homestead to Yours .. . / warm greetings for health, happiness and good times throughtt the holiday season. We're grateful for your generous. patronage and friendshi / Rdford's Garage Ltd. ,F 1 ,�` Londesboro PG. 4. THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. Editorials The damage has been done The bill to raise the salaries of Members of Parliament by 50 percent has been stalled, A revised bill, the politicians say, will change the amount of payment to a method that will be more suitable for the people of Canada. The problem is, the damage has already been done. No matter how the M.P.s back track now, they will be able to do little to re-establish the faith of people of the nation had in them. The withdrawal of the bill shows not so much that the Members came to their senses, but that they got caught trying to pull a fast one. While they should be giving us an example of moral restraint in wages, they have instead given us the impression that you try to get away with as much as possible, and only back down if you get caught. Like the example of Richard Nixon who cheated on his taxes and led to widespread cheating by other Americans who said "if the President can do it why shouldn't 1?", our M.P.s have given an example for the rest of us to take everything we can get. How bad will inflation now get because of this foolish act? We can only hope that the people of Canada have niore sense than their leaders. Time to start paying the freight it was perhaps unfortunate that the fight at the Ontario Municipal Board hearing in Ripley over the issuing of debentures for the new Ripley -Huron township recreation complex look place during the Christmas season. There was certainly nothing very charitable about the opposition of the organized cottage owners from Huron township. The opposition heard from the cottage .owners at the 0.M.13. hearings vas just one more manifestation of the feeling many cottage owners have had for a long time. Why, they say, when we live at our cottage only a few weeks each year, do we have to pay a full share of taxes for things like the upkeep of roads, snowplowing and recreation. Looking at it strictly from their point of view, you might agree. Yet these are people who also ..akc without giving much to their part -tithe community. Their taxes are relatively small when compared to the benefit they derive from their "country place". They are people who are willing to spend several thousand dollar's on buying a second home. They are willing to spend many hours each year driving to and from the cottage. They will spend many dollars .ach year on gasoline to travel those many miles from their home city to the country. Yet they object to paying a few dollars extra to help benefit the people who live there year-round. These are people who would be unhappy if they didn't have towns near, their cottage to provide their. shopping needs, yet they resent being asked to help provide the needs of the people who run those towns. The Ontario Municipal Board agreed that these parttime residents should be expected to share the costs of running a year-round community, but the argument and the resentment goes on. Hopefully, some day soon, both summer and year-round residents will be on the same side, not pitted against one another. Where's the peace and goodwill Ours is not a world of peace and goodwill among men. In Africa, rival races of blacks and whites struggle—in the open and in secret, with and without violence ---for dominance. In the Middle East, great powers escalate each other's armament bids. Fighting has become so commonplace in some places that newspapers hardly report it any more: Viet Nam, Northern Ireland, Cyprus ... And the repression of an entire continent is ignored - in South America an unofficial alliance of military regimes tightens the screws on a hundred million poor. And in Bangladesh and India and who knows how many more centres of suffering, millions more die the slow agony of starvation. There seems to be something incongruous about celebrating Giristmas in such a world. For Christmas speaks of kindness and love, peace and goodwill. Yet we should remember that the first Chrismtas was not a peaceful one. The baby Jesus was born into a world of tyranny, of hate, of vicious dictators and treacherous politicians. In an effort to destroy that child, a pitiless Herod slaughtered all the children in Bethlehem. Nor was the life of Jesus particularly peaceful. He was always under suspicion, always under attack. His life was a conflict with forces of evil, forces which eventually brought him to the Cross. So in celebrating Christmas, we should see in the one called Christ a challenge, not only to the Herods and Pilates of 2,000 years ago, but to those of every day, of e•;ery nation. That was the hope, of Christmas then. It is still the hope, of Christmas today. But we need to work harder to realize that hope. -Huron Expositor standard KEITH &. JILL ROULSTON Co -Publishers Published every Wednesday bt Queen St., Blyth, Ontario. Subscription rates [in advance] • Canada, $8.00 Outside Canada. $'10. Single copies: 20 CENTS Authorized as second class mail by Canada Post Office. Registration number 1319 Box 10, Blyth, Ontario. Telephone 523.9646 •v. ;est wishes and a very special thanks to all our friends. From Management, Staff and Correspondents of The Blyth Standard As others see it Dangerously slim defense Professional soldiers in this country are not the only ones who arc deeply concerned about the continuing cutbacks in our armed forces. The squeeze on defense spending has been going on for several years, in fact since the days of 'he Diefenbaker admini- stration, and the recent news that Canada would dispense with all tank forces and training is certainly disquieting. To brand Canadians as military -minded would be absurd, It would be difficult to find any nation on earth less interested in another war -but that is not the point. We live in a,big, country which provides living space Tor only a sparse population -an 'open invitation to the have-not nations of the world. And a big country;.._ with a great deal .of open space, takes a lot of defending in time of need. The current pacifist attitude has been maintained on the premise that the once -feared enmity of the Soviet Union has diminished to a sound safety level and that therefore there is no danger of military action in the immediate future. How blind can we be? Canada has, within the past decade,' -added immeasurably to the threat of nuclear war by providing India with a nuclear reactor, supposedly for peaceful purposes. It was with shock that our leaders realized India has used our technology to make a nuclear bomb. Despite that chilling knowledge, negotiations are still in progress to make the same lethal weapons available to two of the most undependable nations on the globe • Argentina and South Korea. Our nuclear salesmen are determined to prove our investment that in es ment in the heavy water process was a sound one by selling product abroad, Israel is believed to possess the knowhow and the materials to make nuclear weapons, and only a fool would believe that they•will never be pushed hard enough by their Arab neighbours to use the ultimate weapon. For that matter, how long will it be until billions in oil money and a stranglehold on the European economy will enforce Arab demands for the bomb as well? The danger to our civilization does not lie in Russia, where personal knowledge of war and its consequences provide a safe- guard. The probability of world- wide horror unleashed lies with those small nations which have everything to gain and little to lose by the use of nuclear weapons. What a time to decide that adequate defense forces are too expensive for a country as large as ours! THE LiSTOWEL BANNER ,THE TWO CHRISTMASES Decrying the commercialism of Christmas has become a popular conversational sport. The door is hardly, shut on Thanksgiving before the big stores start ushering in Christmas. The decorations g o up, sale fever sets in and the rush and the panic begin to build. Take away the Santa Claus parade, the rivalry to have the best display,of outdoor lights, the biggest turkey, the 'most lavish presents and what is there left of Christmas anymore? Those Three Wise Men certain- ly didn't know what they started that night so long agol They brought their most treasured possessions, gold, oils and spices, commodities of great importance in the trading economy of the day. They gave their best as an act of worship.Whatever W teve happened to that idea? Or to the Christ's mass of early centuries? Or the celebrations surrounding the Bishop of Asia Minor, Saint Nicholas, patron of sailors? Imported to the North American continent by the Dutch, the venerable ecclesiastic became Santa Claus and his day was marked as a children's holiday. The changing times have brought us a long way from those celebrations and from the unsophisticated family fun which marked the yule season of 50 years ago when there were skating parties, taffy pulls, carolling and parlour games. Sometimes it seems as though Christmas has degenerated into a grab and grasp season of overspending, overeating and credit buying, an excess of tasteless, frenetic ugliness. But sometimes the decrying of commercialism is just a cop-out from the whole Christmas scene by those too uncaring or insensitive to explore and redis- cover Christmas as the happy, sharing experience it was meant to be. Christmas in the NOW? Differ- ent for sure, but is that all bad? It's up to us which of the two Christmases we celebrate. ZURICH CITIZENS NEWS *** Lights are put in windows on Xmas Eve for a reason. To guide the Christ Child wandering over the world. *** In the Philippines, Christmas is known as Santo Nino, and children sing carols and parade through the streets behind a band,,, *** The Christmas tree traces its origin to Germany... Past Christmases in Blyth Christmas is a time of remembering, and with that in mind we dug into the old tiles this week to sec what Christmas in Blyth was like in days gone by. Back in 1938 Blyth residents were discussing the possibility of a nice Christmas present particularly when compared to today's high energy prices, A Mr. Martin was in town to from the Ontario Hydro Commission to discuss the possibility of lowering Hydro rates with the local Hydro commission. People in those days with the Great Depression still having its effects, were every bit as cost conscious as we are today. Ken Whitemore, editor of The Standard told of a very economi- cal Christmas card that someone had sent out. They had taken an attractive sample of Wallpaper and folded it so the border ran along the top and had typewritten on the front "Season's Greetings." Inside was type- written a verse of greeting. Ken was also pitying the poor turkeys and geese. Christmas is a time of great joy for human, he said, but for these birds it was just "one big pain in the neck." Speaking of turkeys and geese, lent During/the seasptS of Ch iktnnas may joy and ace be yodrs, War9/ appreciation to a i' B. J. FABRICS Blyth food prices of the day will bring back nice memories of Christ- mases past. Sines Grocery was offering mincemeat at two pounds for 25c, Your Christmas tea was only 25 cents for a half pound. A.L. Kernick had (just imagine) 10 pounds of Redpath sugar for 52 cents, You could get a four pound box of chocolates for 85 cents. Your Christmas cards crone three for a nickel at Wettlaufer's or you could get children's slippers for 49 cents or grey of brown spats for $1,00. Or for the lady on your list there were pyjamas or gowns for $1.95 or panties, bloomers or vests for 59 cents. Over at C.T. Dobbyn Hardware you could buy a Westclox electric clock for $5,95 or bread boxes from 89c to $I.25. if you were looking for some holiday entertainment, the Roxy Theatre in Clinton had The Adventures of Toni Sawyer in technicolor starring Jackie Moran, Victor Jory raid Ann Gillis. Jackie Cooper and Irene Rich starred in That Certain Age at the Capital in Goderich. The ,tones Family starred in Borrow- ing Trouble at the Regent Theatre in Seaforth. And what were people earning to enjoy that Christmas? Well one of those familiar ads promising the good life for salesmen told salesman that if they weren't earning $3.00 a day they couldn't afford to miss this opportunity, It said some salesmen working for this company earned $18•$50 a week. By 1945, the memories of the Great Depression' had grown a little dimmer. .t was a happy Christmas indeed because many Blyth boys were coming home to enjoy their first Canadian Christ- mas in many years. The war was over, the nation could get back to normal. A weekly column on the front page of The Standard reported those returning. Among those coming home for Christmas in 1945 were Pte. Harry Browne, Flt. Sgt. Joe Marks, Pte. Bob Govier, Pte. Elmer Schultz, Pte. Percy Harrington, Gnr. Harvey Garniss, Flt. Lieut, Layton Bray and L. Cpl. 1. J. Materna. While the soldiers returned home, the trial of the men they had fought to bring down went to. The Standard featured a picture of such Nazi leaders as Goering, Hess, von Ribbentrop and Keitel at the Nuremberg trials. , In local news, Mr. George Radford had purchased two snow plows, one for a truck and one for this bulldozer and was busy plowing roads in Grey and F71.714 , rzsimas Jredtznqs May your homes and hearts be filled wit ' 'eace and c �tentmeni/ Thanik ,for Your alty tptoyr t Robbie, Carole & . Decorati'tIgLawrie THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. PG, 5. Blyth residents have worked hard to give the village a festive look for the holidays. Many homes, such as this one of R.W. Madill's are beautifully decorated. --staff photo. Goderich townships. The paper reported that there had been no snowplowing in Blyth as yet but "Mr. Radford did the plowing last year and the work was so satisfactory that the sante system will probably be followed this year." Robert Watt was using a new coal conveyor at this coal business which helped load a large load of coal in just four minutes, The electrical conveyor had been built buy Mr. Radford. The Standard announced that the quota of Star Weeklies had just been increased and anyone who wanted one should get his name in. There was a fire in the chimney at the post office on Christmas eve caused some considerable concern and smoke damage to the Post Office and to the Tasker residence which adjoined it. Harvey McCallum at the butcher shop was selling your Christmas turkey for 47 cents a pound for Grade "A" or chickens at 38 cents a pound. Olive McGill had wool hose for sale for Christmas giving at 75 cents to $1,00. Or you could give a tie priced from comb and mirror sets from $2,50 to $8,00. Or leather bill folds from $1.00. to $4.25. Christmas in Connecticut was on at the Capital Theatre in Goderich starring Barbara Stanwyk, Dennis Morgan and Sydney Greesnstrcet. A Thous- and and one Nights starring Cornet Wilde, Evelyn Keyes and Phil Silvers was a both the Roxy in Wingham and the Regent in Seaforth. In Wingham The Lyceum was showing Anchors Aweigh with Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly and Kathryn Grayson, adverts: ed as a "musical master- piece." • Under Oliver Cromwell's regime.,.in 1644, the observance of Christmas in Engla.id was forbidden by an act of Parlianient. Humphrey, Road Superintendent George Humphrey was appointed Road Superintendent of West Wawanosh township at a special meeting of counil on Dec. 7. Mr. Humphrey, who has been grader operator for some time and will continue these duties for a six-month probationary period. There were three other applicants for the position. The regular meeting of council was held on the third of December. At the meeting George Joynt was present to discuss problems encountered in the construction and function of the Forster Drainage Works. meatit ste e The spirit of the s(ason is all around, May yon , and those close t you, enjoy/ail the warmth ,d good feelings`'that go with this holiday. )We're gratefrrl, fdr your loyalty. /Bly,. th,Meat Market ,Don & Lenore Srimgeour and Staff STOP - SHOP & SAVE SNELL'S GROCERY FOR MORE BARGAINS THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR FEATURING ESE PLUS MANY MORE IN•STQRiSPECIALS UP TO DECEMTEI(31st. HOSTESS / POTATO CHIPS REG. 89co179C PEPSI, GINGER/ALE,LEMON LIMEOR /' ORANGE 1/ 3 F0R.-19C PLU$fDEPOSiTS COCA+COLA ,.HEINZ SWEET PICKLES 32 oz. MAPLE LEAF CANNED -/ OCEAN SPRAY WHOLE 14 OZ. CRANBERRY SAUCE 55c GREENGiANT 12 OZ."-" CORN N I B L ETS%- 3 FOR $1.00' �TOKELYS ' GREEN PEAS 14 oz. 3 FOR $1.00 OCEAN SPRAY/FRESH FROZEN j,-- CR'ANBERRIES),LB. BAG 39c 26 OZ. BOTTLES 89c STARTING DEC. 27th TOUGH UNTIL DEC. 31st. PLUS DEPOSITS r GRADE A [ANY IZE WE HAVE LEFT1 EFT) T U R KEY S PER LB. 6 79c SAVE f 1:111THER 10e PER LB.: WITH A GROCERY ORDER OFF20.00 OR OVER 9e ONE % /GRADE A V C 1 MINCEMEAT 28 OZ. $1.39' TURKEY PER LB, FOR 59c PG. 6. THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. Telling the Christmas story Taking part in the re-enactment of the Christmas story at Blyth McClinchcy, Sharon Campbell, Todd MacDonald, Michael Public School Christmas program were: [front row left to right] Glousher, Cathy DeBoer, Lisa MacDot:ald and Susie Walsh. Todd Van Vliet, Scott Machan, Donald Good, [back row], Susan Succulent and special festive pork for Christmas You can be sure your `festive dinner will be a winner when you star boneless roast pork mysteri- ously marbled with fragrant herbs. A seasoning trick with a gourmet touch sure to please everyone. Remember that the cut of meat and the way it is prepared determines the amount to buy. For boneless pork cuts allow one-third to one-half pound per serving. A super pate, :made from pork liver will win rounds of applause as a starter. Pate -Royale, if there is any left over, is excellent for sandwiches, open -face or regular. Good tasting and an excellent source of iron for the lunch box crowd. Co-star oven -browned potatoes and buttered broccoli with your Festive Roast Pork. Cranberry - orange relish makes a perfect condiment. Luscious Apricot Grape Tart for dessert is a pretty pleasant way to end your feast. You'll have the kind of meal your family and friends will remember. Spectacular to see, succulent to taste and surprising- ly easy to fix. FESTIVE ROAST PORK 1 pork roast, 4-6 pounds, boned rolled (loin, shoulder butt or fresh leg) 1 clove garlic 2 teaspoons fennel seed 1 teaspoons dill seed 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon salt " 1 teaspoon pepper - 11/2 cups finely chopped parsley OR 'h cup parsley flakes Basting sauce: Syrup from 19 ounce -can apricot halves '/4 cup oil s Untie roast; open flat. Cut two or three lengthwise slashes along the thickest part to within 11/2 inches of outer edge. Chop and crush garlic clove, fennel and dill seeds together; thoroughly blend with brown sugar, thyme, salt and pepper. Rub mixture into pork fronp one end to the other • and into slashes. Cover with parsley to make inside of roast look like a "green lawn". Roll as before and tie firmly at 2-3 inch intervals into original shape. Place pork roast fat side up on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer into centre of meat. Roast uncovered in 325 degree F. oven, allowing. 35 minutes per pound; baste every 20 minutes during last hour of cooking. Pork is done when thermometer reads 170 degrees internal temperature. Let 'roast stand on warm platter about 15 minutes to make carving easier:. Makes 8-12 servings. Serve this handsome roast hot or cold for a sit-down dinner or for a serve -yourself buffet. PATE ROYALE 1 pound pork liver 4 cups water '/: teaspoon salt 1 bay leaf 3-4 peppercorns '/a cup gin OR 'A cup orange juice 5 anchovy fillets 1 clove garlic 1 (8 -ounce) package cream cheese '/4 pound butter 1/2 teaspoon salt 'h teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon pepper Cut pork liver into narrow strips. Bring water, salt, bay leaf and peppercorns to a .boil in a saucepan. Drop in liver strips; simmer 4-5 minutes. Pour gin into blender; add garlic clove, anchovy fillets and hot liver strips, one ata time; blend at medium speed until smooth. Cool. Gradually add pieces of cream cheese and chunks of butter; blend. Add salt and seasonings; blend until smooth. Spoon into rinsed (do not dry) 3 cup mold or container. Cover, chill and store in refrigera- tor (will keep up to six days). Makes 3 cups smooth pate. Serve piled into raw mushroom caps, celery sticks or on fresh crusty bread. Pate Royale is also great made without a blender - only differ- ence, a coarser texture. Chop and thoroughly mash hot liver strips, garlic clove and anchovy fillets (with fork on wooden board). Blend with gin until as smooth as possible. Cream remaining in- gredients together; blend in liver mixture and beat until pate is smooth and evenly coloured, APRICOT GRAPE TART 1 baked, shallow 8" pie shell '/ cup apricot jam 1 (19 -ounce) can apricot halves 1 bunch seedless grapes (1 cup) whipped cream or dessert topping Spread bottom of pie shell with Merry Christmas 9n the spiriNaf the season —w" hope everybody has the happiest of holidays whereve '\you spend it[ .. Your kind patronage is\appreciated. . GoMn.gs Sunoco Blyth I tablespoon jam. Drain apricots, reserving the syrup (to use as basting sauce for pork). Place apricots, cut side down in pie shell. Cut grapes in half. Fill in gaps between apricots with grapes. Warm remaining jam to melt; spread over apricots and grapes. Chill. To serve garnish with lightly sweetened whipped cream. Makes 6 servings. More plants A tree may be the focal point of your living room this Christmas, but azaleas, poinsettias and other growing things make particularly appropriate Christmas decora- tions. The azalea, a shrubby ever- green, produces flowers in Christmassy shades of red, white and lavender, as well as pink. "It does best in an east window at a temperature of 55 to 60 degrees F," says Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food horticultur- ist, D.M, Sangster, He recom- mends that the plant receive a thorough watering at frequent intervals. From early December, poin- settias in a wide color range of red, dark red, pink, and white, should be available at your garden or flower center, Keep your poinsettia in a well -lighted spot at about 65 degrees F. Its bottom leaves may yellow and fall if it is in a drafy location or if its roots are allowed to dry out. Red or pink blooming Reiger begonias last for weeks in moist, well -drained soil. Keep them at 70 degrees during the day and not lower than 55 degrees F, at night. The cyclamen,. with its red, white, pink, or mauve flowers, requires frequent watering and plenty of light.. If it is .,kept at about 65 degrees F during the day and 50 degrees F at night -and fertilized sparingly a few weeks after it has been purchased, it should last for several months after Christmas. For an unusual touch to your Christmas decorations, try a kalanchoe. \A short plant, with groups of tiny, red flowers, it ntay need water as often as three tinies a week, and docs best at 70 degrees F. oto us CLtmos may the spiritual peace of this Christmas enter into°your lives. It's a ti, time of joy.... a time to wish every�ne the happiness and contentment of that`Holy night long ago. Thanks. George- Radford Construction., Ltd. Blyth THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. PG. 7. Italy celebrates festivities representing many origins The celebration of Christy'. in Italy, perhaps more than kt /any other country, illustrates the multiple origins of the festivities we observe in modern times, Christmas in Italy is primarily a religious festival, highlighted by the Christmas No ena, a series of church services on nine nights preceding Christmas and culmin- ating in a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, A feature of the observance is the display, usually from Christ- mas Eve to Epiphany (January 6) of the creche of Persepio (the word means manger or stable), a Nativity scene with more or less elaborate landscaping and figures of sheep, cattle, and shepherds, as well as Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child, At Epiphany, figures of the Three Kings with their retinues, bringing gifts to the Child, are added, These Nativity scenes originat- ed in the thirteenth century with Saint F .ancis of Assisi, who decided to make the Christmas Eve Mass a re-enactment of ti, s birth of Christ, and for many centuries they remained essen- tially an ecclesiastical presenta- tion, with local churches vying for the most decorative creche, In more recent times, Nativity scenes have moved into private homes as well. In the early years of the Christian faith, persecution made public observation of Christmas impractical, and it was not until several hundred years had passed that the birth of Christ was given an official date for celebration. It is by no means certain that December 25th is the actual anniversary of the birth of Jesus, but it was an appropriate date for the observance, It coincided with the Winter Solstice celebrations of long standing throughout the northern world, with the Roman Saturnalia, and with the Jewish Hannukah, Festival of Lights, providing a firm historical base, familiar to everyone in the then -known world, for a major festival. It is not surprising, therefore, that many customs derived from earlier celebrations have become a part of the Christmas observ- Shepherds for a night The grade one and two students at Blyth Public School took part in a re-enactment of the Christmas story as part of the school Christmas program. Serving as shepherds were [front row, left to right], Patrick Hulley, Robbie McDougall and Johhny Lourenco, [back], Jeffery Roetcisoender, Richard Snell, Teddy Drake, Jeffrey Sippel, Ken Whitmore and Tom Balky. ance in Italy. The coming of the Winter Solstice, marking the beginning of longer days,. was observed in pre -Christian times by the decoration of houses with greens, and this custom, taking on added significance as a symbol of the rebirth of hope in the coming of Christ, is observed in Italy with sprigs of holly and mistletoe, Similarly, the seasonal ,giving of gifts, already traditional in the Roman custom of giving branches picked in the grove of the good- ness Strenia was appropriately converted to the giving of "Strenne," Christmas or New Year's presents, following the later tradition of the gifts of the Magi 'to the Christ•Child and symbolizing the gifts to mankind brought by Jesus' birth. The Christmas tree, which originated in Germany, has come slowly into popularity in Italy, especially in the north, but it had its forerunner, especially around Florence, in the Ceppi, or Christmas pyramids, composed of shelves of various sizes fixed to a pole. (The word "ccppo" means tree trunk and, by usage, a Christmas gift). On the shelves were placed decorations of greens and small toys and presents. it is possible that the ccppo may have been a replacement for • [9it fcomintOthe/HurOfl M Chapel in Aub/urn in 19,4 OUR LAST GREA�,1` SERVICE IN 1974 Sunday,December�29 ` f,r WITH REV./SHILLIN TON ./ Canadian secreta‘r of the Andes Eyq ngellcal Mission held pulsing engagements In South America during July and August 1974. Presently hpdd of Christian Mlssiods Education Services i(nd a lecturer In Missions at EmManuel Bible College./Now Rev. Shlllington Is'i PG. 8. THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. Donnybrook U.C.W. donates to Children's Aid BY MRS. CHARLES JEFFERSON The December meeting of the U,C,W, was held Tuesday even- ing at the home of Mrs, John Hildebrand with a good attend- ance. Mrs, William Hardy and Mrs. Ernest Snowden were in charge and the theme was Christmas, The meeting was opened with the hymn "While Shepherds watched their flocks by night." Mrs. Hardy read the first scripture Isaiah 9: 6-7 then after a carol was sung she led in prayer. Mrs. Snowden read the second scrip- ture Luke 2: 1.7 then after the carol, she read the third scripture Luke 2: 8-20. "Silent Night" was sung and Mrs, Hardy gave the first meditation "It is His Day." A carol was sung and Mrs. Snowden gave the second medita- tion followed by a carol. Mrs. Hardy gave the third meditation followed by a carol. Mrs. Snowden gave a reading "Make this Day Christ's Day" and also read a poem "Christmas Joy" then another carol was sung, The topic was "Yuletide customs" each member reading the custom of a different European country. A carol was sung. Mrs. Ray Hanna conducted the • business. Mrs, Edward Robinson gave the scale of cards report which netted the society a suns of $58.45, An invitation was receiv- ed from the Auburn U.C.W. Donations of $25,00 to Children's Md and $25.00 to Bangladesh -were made. Birthday money was received from some of the members. The offering was received and after singing "Hark the herald angels sing." Mrs. Snowden closed the meeting with prayer, Lunch was served by the hostess assisted by Mrs. Edward Robinson and Mrs. Hilliard Jefferson. A child dreams of Christmas ...striped candy canes...mysteri- ous packages hidden away—rein- deer landing on a snowy roof...a red felt stocking hung on the mantlepiece...a tree twinkling with magic colours...a midnight sky dancing with stars... Every child dreams at Christ- mas time, and as we grow old we cherish the dreams of our childhood as much as the reality of this sacred season. But there are some children who dare not dream of Christmas. They have been hurt and disappointed so much in their short lives, that they are afraid to hope. These are the children of poverty-stricken families, of broken homes, and institutions. 111, frightened, un- happy children. Must they go without Christmas this year, while others have so much? Not if The Salvation Arniy can help it. in countless ways The Arniy of the helping hand brings the joys of Christmas to children too often forgotten. Small things...a stocking filled with candy canes...a new doll...a warn smile—can make the day glow with happiness for a child. Salvationists not only provide these things, but also work to reunite families, obtain• jobs for fathers, and help parents to cop with emotional problems. ice ■ / TownshIpof Worris r` � W. Elston -/Reeve/ James Mair ; Deputy Reeve Robert Crosbie -/Councillor Tom Miller - CotUncillor Sam Pletch - Cquncillor It's been our pleasure to serve you in the past and we look forward to your continued friendship. Best Christmas wishes. Triple K Restaurant Keith, Kay and Ken J Safety tips offered for burning log 'there is nothing like a fireplace with a brightly burning log fire to add cheery warmth to a cold winter day. If the firclog is manufactured (wax/wood), follow all the in- structions on its wrapper then sit back, relax and enjoy the warm glow. It will burn for two or three hours without special attention. Wax/wood firelogs, compress- ed sawdust and wax, give off as much heat as two or three hardwood logs. This intense heat must not be ignored, Only one log at a time should be burned, Two or more will increase the heat intensity beyond a safe limit and start a chimney fire. Never poke or break a burning log. 1t creates a greater burning surface and results in an intense heat flare-up. Leave the wrapper on the log and let it burn away. Never add a wax/wood firelog to an already existing fire. Wait until the present fire is almost out then put in the new log and ignite it, Don't wait for the red ashes of the old fire to start the new one. The heat of the ashes niay be hot enough to vaporize the new log before it ignites itself, filling the fireplace area and chimney flue with enough vapor to cause a serious explosion and possible serious fire, Whether you use wax/wood logs or natural firewood, observe these basic safety precautions: •Start with an open damper and clean flue. *Use the right 'size of log for the fireplace ---small logs produc- ing lower heat arc acceptable for small, free-standing fire- places but follow the instruc- tions on the wrapper of the wax/wood log. *Place the log at the back of the fireplace, preferably on a grate. •To extinguish in an emergency, douse the fire with sand, water or chemical fire extinguisher. Do not break the log apart as this tends to spread the fire. •Never leave children unattended near a fire. "Xmas" got its origin from "X", an abbreviation of Christ deriving from the Greek letter X (ch) beginning His name... GRTIGS hap y...hoiy ho iday to you, / May it, be rich in pease. Warm thcinks, OSS ANDERSON HARDWARE & ECECTRiC Belgrave o The season's warm glow is filling the air with happiness and cheer, laughter and joy. And as we celebrate this special time, we want to/take a moment to thank you for your valued patronage and good friendship. U.C.O. BELGRAVE BeI'rave After 7 years, rain returns to Niger After seven years in the Niger, the rains have returned, The Niger flows strongly once more, But while the dying is over, the hardship is still a reality. When the rains ceased, the people turned to their graincries. This was their way as they knew well how to make their crops last for the dry season, For a second and yet a third year the rains did not come. Their reserves now gone, the children began to die --before long the cattle, sheep, goats and even the mightly camel died. Entire male populations of tribes succumbed too when they stayed to tend the starving animals and sent their families to camps. With them died a way of life. Niger, a country with two populations• -the sedentary 'people filling the 9,000 small towns and villages that line the green underbelly of the country and the wandering nomads shifting daily from campsite to campsite. For the sedentary, the drought meant hardship and sometimes death—for the nomads the effect was far more damaging. Herds of cattle and goats, camels and horses, symbols of wealth accum- ulated over generations, were lost. It will take generations to regain the worldly goods that have been lost. Life expectancy is 40-45 and more than 47 percent of the population is under 15 so time will run out. This was the problem facing the League of Red Cross Societies when asked by the Government of Niger to assist by providing medical -nutritional teams. The national Societies responded from Britain, Denmark, Canada, Belgium, France, Norway, Ice- land and the United States. For the team members sent to the Niger, names like Dakoro, Ayorou, Tera, Tchin-Tabaraden N'Guigmi and Hamdallaye> be- came more than dots . 'on a map --they became their home away from home for the next six months. In the Red Cross towns, base operations were begun to aid in the nutritional rehabilitation of children" with 5-10 percent of the children in , the Niger being involved., The second goal is malnutrition prevention involving 40 percent of the population. Food supplements are provided for 60 percent of the people and preventative medical and hygene measures are provided for all. Yet with all of the Red Cross involvement the surface is only being scratched, The population being serviced by Red Cross is approximately 100,000 yet there are 4,000,000 persons living in Niger, other agencies and the government arc providing other assistance programs. The Red Cross program concentrates on feeding children under the age of 10, pregnant women and nursing mothers. The remaining people with whom Red Cross is working arc on the supplementary feeding program, Foreign Red Cross teams have been in Niger for almost four' months and fortunately during that time the August rains have permitted considerable acres of millet and sorghum to ripen in the 90 degree F. sunshine. Crops are being harvested and the graincries beginning to fill again but the dry season will be back in a few weeks so it is a race against time --will the harvest be sufficient to sustain the popula- tion over the next dry period. While the Red Cross participation has been one of "crises" basis, there is a long -ranged program being developed to create a better understanding of the need of nutrition and hygene--this will be carried on by the Nigerians themselves once the Red Cross volunteers and staff return to their homes. In the meantime, the emergency feeding program goes on. Each day the landrovers leave the operations bases and begin their long and difficult trips through the bush to the camps -- sometimes over difficult and even wash-out roads until they finally come to the welcome sight of the Red Cross emblem marking the feeding station in a cluster of straw huts or tents. Team work in a camp begins with measuring the arriving children for height, weight, arm circumference and age, and separating those requiring differ- ent feeding programs. Clinical cases of malnutrition are directed. to the nearest medical centre. Supplementary meals for severe cases of malnutrition, involving some 5-10 percent of the child population, consist'§ of a porridge made from boiled water, Red Palm oil with its calories and Vitamin A, corn, soya and milk. This is fed four or five times a day until the recipients are strong enough to join the complimentary feeding program. This program or porridge, Red Palm oil, fish powder and millet The delightful holiday season is hero! May you enjoy every moment yith family and ftiends in true contentment. r ... and we wish ffjou the best of gifts:/ peace on earth good will toward men! R>E/(BoW"MckiIy • M.P. for Huron•Middlesez when added to their regular meals provides a balanced dict. Young local men and women have been appointed by the Government to carry on the program after foreign Red Cross teams leave Niger; they are known as "auxilliaries" and are now being trained and supervised by the foreign Red Cross teams. These people, who speak the local dialects, will be in a position to reinforce the need to boil drinking and cooking water, make the "bouille" (porridge), feed the smaller children several times a day and so underline the need for a balanced diet. The current nutritional and hygenic practices have been traditional for perhaps 2,000 years --it will take a long time to rehabilitate such thinking. At the present time the Sahclian drought, at least for Niger, appears to be over. The land, which was barren, wind- swept sand but three months ago is green and gold with ripening millet and sorghum --but the rehabilitation work goes on. In the night the laughter of the children playing and the music of the molo fills the air. The dying has ended in Niger and life slowly returns to its normal cycle. Magic of the Magi Believed to have occult powers, the Wise Men were called Magi, the root of our words magic and magician. Magi were held to be magicians or soothsayers. They were also ancient priests who travelled far away to many lands in order to establish a following. THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. PG. 9. n this YuletYde, we wish or you and yours an abundance of Christmas cheer, topped off/with an extra helping of,peace and love. Thanks, all. Hamm's'Garage and H1n'(m's Car Sales Blyth Bong ago, three,' kings offered/gifts as 'gestures/6f goodwill./ Please/ccept our ' gift . to wish you and your € Mily a / warm, wonderful Christmas. Thanks toll. A. Mannings & Sons, and' Staff Blyth PG. 10. THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. WALTON NEWS editor �ti11�S AI.i\N N1((.AI 1 Large attendance at Christmas concert The annual Sunday School Christmas Concert was held in the basement of Duff's United Church, Walton on Sunday, December 15, at 8 p.m. There was a good attendance. All enjoyed the numbers by the Kindergarten Class under the leadership of Mrs. Bill humphries and teacher Joan Bennett. They were: welcome speech by Dwayne Achilles; recitations by Donna Godkin, Sherry Hoegy, and Craig Smith; chorus, "He'll be coming down the Chimney"; recitations by Billy Galutzen, Craig Hackwell, Kim Fritz, Kristen Docken and Benny Hoegy; chorus, "Away in a Manger," followed by a duet, "It is no secret what God can do," by Cathy and Brian McGavin. Primary I and II sang, "The Bible tells me so" accompanied by Mrs, Ray Huether at the piano followed by recitations by Jeff McGavin and Tim Fritz, Teachers are Mrs. Don McDonald and Miss Carol Wilber. A piano solo was given by Cheryl Fraser. The Primary Class members presented "Christmas Ifs" with recitations by: Jeff McGavin, Gary Godkin, Joyanne Van Vliet, Susie Hickson, Lori Smith, Blaine Hackwell, Darlene Gulutzen, Tim Fritz, Darryl Hoegy, Cheryl Smith, Sandra Sholdice, Darryl Smith, and Christine Achilles. Sandra Sholdice and Christine Achilles entertained with step dancing number followed by solos by John Huether, "The Railroad comes through the middle of the House" and "Holly, Jolly Christ- mas." Mrs. R. Huether was pianist. The Junior Class with teachers, 8es \Wth.5 \fA. CMsnas 1� �. . ; J4oliday wishes to all.. With cheery thanks. BLYTH L3EAUTY BAR Ann Hollinger Mrs. Joyce Van Vliet and Miss Janice Houston presented a skit: "You can't keep a good man down". The players were: Danny Achilles, Peter Bennett, Grey Humphries, Jeanne McDonald, Cathy McGavin, Murray Sholdice, Elaine Dennis, Ron Godkin, John Huether, Neil Mitchell, Janette Rock, Peggy Humphries, Bruce Godkin, Brian McGavin, Cheryl Fraser, Kevin Smith . and Patricia Hackwell. Mrs. Bill Humphries accompani- ed at the piano. This was followed by Elaine Dennis playing a piano solo. Lost and Found Group present- ed a skit: "Santa on Trial." The cast was: Santa, Verna Flood; Mr, Merchant, Jean Docken; Judge, Ruthie Thamer; Jimmy Jones, Carolyn McClure; Mrs. Motherly, Peggy Humphries; Spirit of Christmas, Carolyn McClure; Scrooge, Janet Flood; Miss Crank, Mary Alice Ryan; and Clerk, Cheryl Fraser, Mrs: Helen Craig and Mrs. Jean Docken are the leaders, Jeanne McDonald and Janette Rock each did their step dancing number. The Intermediate Class presented the play, "The Story of the First Christmas," Narratoir was Jim McDonald; and singers, Janis Van Vliet, Dianne Godkin, Laura Dennis, Nanci Bennett, Jeff Hackwell, Steven Huether, Bob Leeming, Doug Mitchell, Pam Hackwell and Ruthie Thamer. The pianists were Dianne Godkin and Laura Dennis, Their teachers are Murray Laura Walton and Mr, and Mrs, Douglas Fraser, RR 2, Blyth and Mr, and Mrs. Len Archambault, RR 1, Auburn are holidaying this week in Nassau. Miss Cheryl Fraser is spending this week at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Emerson Mitchell. Congratulations to Mr, and Mrs. Bruce Clark on the arrival of their son on Monday, December 16 at the Listowel Hospital. Miss Lynne McDonald, nurse - in -training at the Woodstock hospital spent the past weekend at the home of her parents, Mr, and Mrs. Alvin McDonald. Mr. John Davies of London also visited at the same home. Several families from this area are spending the Holiday Festive Dennis, Their teachers are Murray Dennis and Howard Hackwell, The audience joined along with the Christmas Carols. Rev. Docken thanked the teachers and children who had put so much into making this concert such a success. Then a happy Santa Claus arrived and distributed bags of candies to all the girls and boys. Jelly salad good for Christmas menu PINEAPPLE CARROT SALAD 12 oz. can crushed pineapple 1 pkg. orange jelly powder 'A cup sugar 1 pt. whipping cream (or dream whip) 1/8 tsp. salt 2 tablespoons orange juice 1 cup finely grated carrot Drain pineapple and add water to make 1'/2 cups of liquid. Heat to boiling point. Add jelly powder and mix until dissolved. Add sugar, salt to mixture. Child until almost thickened. Add pineapple and carrots, whip cream and fold into jelly mixture. Pour into mould. Chill until well set. We're joining then \carolers in their Heartfelt refrain: Peaca,on earth , good will toward me to all, To all, our special tliatilcs. Merry Chri.stmas and\\a Happy New Year \ from the Staff of ainadian Imperial Bank...of Commerce\,, Blyth., Ont. area personals Season in Florida. At the Women's Institute Christmas meeting this week, it was decided that the card parties would begin on the first Friday evening of the New Year. The hostesses will be: Mrs. Ken McDonald, Mrs. Earl Watson, Mrs. Norman Schade and Mrs, Stuart Humphries. It is my pleasure to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Happy New Year. 11 would be greatly appreciated if all readers would call in their holiday guests. M /�/ 5 - fir/ OfkanN6s Maklit your family bolicy to enjoy'to the utmost .. . eery moment of4he holiday. We wish to extend to you our thanks. ,EIIiptt Insurance / Agency Gordon & John and Staff `Ring the bells with Christmas cheer, a.1\,e take a moment \� to send all of you our warmest wishes for a happy holichy,and much gratitude for your loyal`support. It's been a pleasure to serve you. CRAWFORD MOTORS CHRYS[fR DODGE P1410UJH WINGHAM ONTARIO 3'57-3862 THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. PG. 11. Different countries use paintings to tell Christmas story What does Christmas mean to you? How would you represent Christmas on a postage stamp? With the issue each year of stamps to honour the Christmas festival from many countries throughout the world it becomes increasingly difficult for postal administrations to be original, Look at your mail over the next few weeks and see how many countries use famous paintings to tell the Christmas story. The British Post Office . has used a varicty,of devices to relate the message of Christmas, Paintings by children, children's Word toys, famous paintings, stained glass windows, angels, even an interpretation of the carol 'Good / / A A / / King Weceslas', and more, have 1 v �'a n g e r been used in the quest for originality. One fact which does emerge is that whatever the has choice of motif, it is likely to upset What has the British Post meaningssome people, Office used as the theme for their Christmas stamps this year? The The Bible tells us that the answer is the scenes which were newly-born'..Christ-child was depicted by medieval craftsmen "wrapped in swaddling clothes on the bosses on church roofs. and laid in a manger," a word The four stamps feature the derived from the French Nativity, the Adoration of the "mangeoir" or frame to hold Magi, and the Virgin and Child. animal feed. The four values used for the It is interesting that the other stamps - 3'/p, 4'/:p, 8p and 10p • common English word for a represent the basic first and. cattle -feeder, crib, which is second class inland letter rates derived from the German krippe, and the basic airmail rates. The also means a baby's bed. stamps have been designed by Even the french word creche, the Peter Hatch Partnership, this which is often used to describe being the first time Mr. Hatch has the nativity scene displayed in designed stamps for the British churches, homes, and other Post Office. Printing is in places at Christmastime, has the photogravure by Harrison and 'double meaning of "mangeoir" Sons Ltd., and as is usual with and'a public shelter for the care of British special issues, the three infants. high values have an all-over phosphor coating to activate the automatic letter facing equip- ment, As 31/2p pays the basic second-class letter rate, this stamp has only one phosphor band, The machinery is able to detect items bearing this value as being second class. The design of the 31/2p stamp shows the Adoration of the Magi, taken from a roof boss in the nave of York Minster, This particular boss is dated about 1355. A boss in the South Transept Chapel of the Church of St. Helen at Norwich, which dates from about 1480, has been used as the basis for the 4'/p stamp, The design in this case features the Nativity. Both the 8p and lop stamps show the Virgin and Child as the basis of their designs, On the 8p stamp the scene is taken from the Chapel of the Church of Ottery St. Mary, Devon, the boss in question dating from about 1350. A roof boss, thought to date from 1224 in the East End of the Lady Chapel in Worcester Cathedral has been used for the 10p design. These four stamps, which arc colorful, and yet offer an unusual approach to the question of Christmas stamps, are due for release on November 27. On the same day a special pictorial air letter form with a Christmas motif is being issued by the British Post Office. Ithas been designed by Peter Gauld, and features three famous Christ- mas carols. The front panel shows 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', the back panel features 'While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night', while the stamp depicts 'We Three Kings of Orient Arc'. The air letter, which bears a 6p stamp, will sell at 7p. As usual the British Post Office is providing two special pictorial .1 GREETIN$ f at/CIIRJSTMAS Seasonal excitement is in the air as spirits mount. To all our good patrons'go,;sincere thanks. HowsOfl. & Howson L1L Blyth handstamps which can be found on first day covers of the Christmas stamps. These special handstamps were in use at the Philatelic Bureau in Edinburgh, and at Bethleham in Wales, and were both based on the centre roof boss at Winchester Cathedral. Whether one collects Great Britain stamps, or stamps with the Christmas theme, this new series will make an excellent addition to the collection. HURON DEA)YSTOCK REMOVAL .CLINTON We pick tfp all far stock free,,, of charge. Three ir cks for fast, effici9 t serviceeven da week ,. y - 24 hours a day. CALL 482-,8811 call us first, you w n t have t call anyonefelse. ••••••/.••••••• Due to�decreases' in meat prices we are u able to accept any co Iect calls as f/ December 16�' 1974. We/are sortY if this' is / /an inconvenience to ou but in or er to 'enable us' to conti ti Yu to serve as we have in/he past we must cut ou operating expenses. During this joyous holiday we would like to express sinee ` thoughts that•this sho -'Id be a blessed seas for all, To aII' the Residentswe serve 1}` our warmest gratitude l / e BIyth ViIIage"/ Council . Robbie Lawrie, Reeve; Councillors, Jolifn Manning, Mac Brooks, Bill Howson LarryWalsh Clerk -Treasurer ' , 1 PG. 12. THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23. 1974. Angelic students? Though they may not always be angelic students, these students of Blyth Public School were angels for the Christrnas program at the school on Wednesday night. The students are (front row, left to right), Sonja Johnston, Darlene Holmes and Lisa Logue; (back)Lynn MacDonald, Lori Logue, Pauline Webster, Nancy Snell, Sharon Brown, Sandra Doer and Christa Walden. Try Russian food at your The cold war is rapidly melting, and whether or not you take an interest in affairs of state, you can capitalize on this state of affairs by serving Russian Zakouski. In fact, it could make your holiday party the standout of the season. "Zakouski" means an appetizer course and at a fancy party, Russians might serve as many as a dozen or more tidbits, along with a festive beverage. Vodka mixed into a colorful fruit Good uses for your cards In most cases, Christmas cards become waste paper. Before you consign this year's- cards to the trash can, consider removing per- sonal messages from them and turning them over to a church or other group whose members devote their time to creating attractive scrap -books with the cards. Many beautiful and col- orful cards, carefully se- lected and arranged in these inexpensive and easy - to -make scrap -books, pro- vide hours of enjoyment to older people and others whose activity is curtailed for one reason or another. You might enjoy making a scrap -book for yourself. Whatever the case, the second life given these Christmas and greeting cards can be rewarding and useful. punch would be right in step at this party. You can duplicate the zakouski by serving bits of meat, fish or vegetables in any piquant sauce; the taste that predominates is tart. Fillets of herring are found at the zakouski in just about' any form; plain, salted, pickled, smoked or dilled. Also in keeping are bits of pickled vegetables, such as cauliflower or mushrooms; or vegetables you've marinated in oil and vinegar dressing. Home Economists offer another tempter - piroushki - and they're not too difficult to make. In this updated version of the, recipe. skinless franks are ground, mixed with seasonings and for a shortcut, baked in refrigerator biscuit foldovers. BRAUNSCHWEIGER PATE (About 11/2 cups) 'h lb. branschweiger 1 tbsp. lemon juice ' 1 pkg. (3 ozs.) Cream cheese 1 tbsp, minced onion '/ tsp. sage 1 hard cooked egg Mash together braunschweiger and cream cheese. Stir in lemon juice, minced onion, and sage. Pack firmly into a small mixing bowl and chill. At serving time, turn out on pretty plate and garnish with chopped egg white and sieved egg yolk. PIROUSHKI 3 cans refrigerator biscuits Filling: '/z lb. skinless franks, ground We're delivering our season's greetings right to your door. The merriest Christmas from our house to yours. For your loyal, friendly patronage, our gratitude. Sparling's _ Propane Co. Ltd. Blyth party % cup ground chicken or other cooked meat V3 cup tomato soup '/ tbsp. prepared mustard '1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp. milk. Separate refrigerator biscuits and roll each to %-inch thickness. For filling combine ground franks, ground cooked meat, soup and mustard. Place'/: tablespoon piroushki filling in center of each biscuit. Fold over to form half circles. Press the edges together with a fork. Transfer to an oiled shallow pan. Brush with the egg yolk -milk mixture and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve hot. Yields 36 pieces. On the eve of our'Savior's birthday we wish you inner peace . true joy. To our many patrons, "thanks." Ray and Alma Madill / As the shepherds kept`their vigil at night, rj ourSaviorwas born..Let us rejoice as we celebrate His glorious comi6g. Sincere thanks to all. From all of us at: The i ld till Out In the country, my(o; of the hill, one mile south of )yth Your goverithi�nt's position ongotiationsyvii(h the Civil Assocjation of Ontario. The Governmeyft"of Ontario has offer,' he CSAO an average 20% pay increase over year and is prepared to go to arbitration2CSAO leadership s refused this offer cid also refuses to g,to arbitration. We believe; as your government,we have offered a,fair and reasonable contract. / For almost three -months now the Government',of Ontario has been trying to negotiate a new collec- tive agreement with the Civil Service Association or Ontario covering some 19,000 civil servants in .the Operational Services Category. / With less than two weeks' negotiating time left before the current contract expires and the CSAO threatening an illegal strike on ,J(tnuary 1st if' it doesn't have a new agreement by then, we thought it was time to let you, the taxpayers of Ontario, know directly how and where/things stand. After all, it is your tax dollars that will he used to pay for any wage settlement we make with these employees. And it is your services that will he threatened with di{uption if the CSAO carries out its threat of an illegal walkout. The government has tried to negoti f ,in good faith. The CSAO fiat served its demands on the, overn- ment on September 27th. The Associatt6n told us then it wanted a 611/2 per cent wage iperease in a one-year cdntract for 1975. That didn't seem to government negotiators to be a serious or realistic demand oft which to base negotiations and we began aeries of meetings with CSAO representatives1to try and discover where the real bargaining area lay. We met twice/` in October and again far two days early in" November. •During those meetings` we set forth our counter- proposals. First, we suggested a two-year,contract with wage increases of 10 to 16 per cent in the first year and 8 per cent in the second,••; Despite written assurance that this/was a negotia- ble offer, the QSAO leadership insisted on taking it to its membership and, on that/basis, on getting a mandate for1an illegal strike if'there was no agree- ment by Jainuary 1st. The CSAO membership, vote took two weeks and it wasn't until December 2nd and 3rd that we were a le to sit down,again with Association rep- resent Lives. At these meetings, as they had from the outset, CSAO' negotiators refused to move from their initial demand for a 61'/2 per cent wage increase—an increase that would cost you, the taxpayers I Ontario, almost $100 million in additional Wge bills in 1975. Given this situation, government negotiators decide4/a major .move was necessary. Since the, CSAO had been insisting that the government' make an offer it could take. back to its member-. / ship, on December 3rd our re iresentatives put their full mandate on the bargaining table. The government has made a fair and reasonablewage offer. The offer tabled by/government negotiators on December 3rd represented a considerable move from our initi- ('position. In recognition of the uncertainties wised by Canada's current intJa? tionary climate, we proposed a one -year -contract which would allow both sides to returnXo the bargaining table in 12 months when/we ,could review the economic situation at that time. For the 1.2 months of 1975, we/proposed wage ,increases averaging 20 per cyft, for the 19,000 employees involved. The increases actually ranged from 15 to 23 per cent, depending on the employee group involved, but mpre than 80 per cent of the civil servants would receive 20 per cent or more. The cost to the/faxpayers of these increases would he $32..7,million in 1975. The governnfent made this proposal in a sincere attempt t rbe fair and reasonable with its employ- ees, wljrle, at the same time, recognizing its wider resporfsibilities to the taxpayers and }f econon of ouj'province. Our research, based on surveys of more than 120 employers in Ontario, ip�dicated //that our wage levels would be compejitive with those paid elsewhere in the province f6r compara- • ble work. In fact, the 20 per cent ir) ease for one year compared with an average annual increase of 14.5 per cent in contracts signed'in recent months by private employers in Onta io. The government isliving to improve the collective baTr ining system. Concurrently, but sep efrom the actual wage negotiations, govergqient representatives have been discussing w��'th the CSAO and other em- ployee organiza ions possible changes in the Crown Emplo ees Collective Bargaining Act which govern. collective bargaining for public servants, / would agree on t choice of a neutral third person as chairman/This amendment responds direc j to one offik major demands made by the CSAO in its canipaign against the Act. (2),,Similar changes would be made to crnsure full ,a d equal employee representation n the Public Service Grievance Board and th Ontario Public Service Labor Relations Tribynal, the other two major bodies established un er the Act. (3) If these amendment( accepted bythe Legislature, employ (henceforth would bable to bargain on sueVmatters as promotions, de- motions, transfers; layoffs and the classification and job evalua i6n system. Under the present law, all of these tut considered management's prerog- ative. The/proposed amendments also provide an opport�fty, short of actual bargaining, for em- ployearepresentatives to discuss and review with the employer the governing principles of the merit Su§tem, training and development, appraisal and per annuation. The government wants a settlement— but it must be prepared for an illegal strike. During recent days, there has been one new devel- .opment, On December 13th the CSAO, for the first time, formally dropped its demand for p-6 I per cent wage increase and said, instead, itanted a 41 per cent hike for 1,975. At the time'fhis state- ment was prepared the governmep t'had replied that it could not in all responibility accept a demand of that magnitude. The government, for its,prt, remains ready to negotiate seriously and//in good faith within the framework of its Decethher 3rd proposal. We have already offered to sibmit the issue to an arbitra- tion board to be . of upon the basis of the proposed amendments t the Crown Employees Collective Bargaining A t. In the myientime, since January 1st isn't far away,' On December 5th the Hon. Eric Winkler, Chair- the g ernment has had to formulate contingency plank rn the event the CSAO leadership persists man of/the Management Board, introduced the in galling an illegal strike. We hope that doesn't government's proposed amendments in the Legis- happen, We expect that our employees won't 'attire, The Bill recommends a number of changes, /break the law. But if they do, we are determined to in the Act, including three highly significant ones: / meet our responsibility to maintain those services (1) It proposes a revision in the method of up` you rightfully expect to receive from yourgovern- ,pointing arbitration boards (the ultimate recourse ment. under the law to settle differences) to ensure'that the makeup of these boards does not appear to favor either side. Under the proposed change, the employee agent and the employer each would name one member to the board and they, in turn, Onta do Governmnt of Management Board We believe we have been fair and reasonable with our employees and responsible to you as taxpayers and to the economy of our province. PG. 14, THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974, A "SILVESTERKLAUS" of Canton Appenzell-Ausserhoden, Eastern Switzerland, such as this one is among the most striking of the figures which clang bells and wear mag. nificent headdresses and masks as they frolic around in large or small groups demanding money from onlookers. Wearing artists headgear often resembling filigree work or depicting houses or entire landscapes, their name, "Silvesterklaus," is an allusion to St. Nicholas. Photo courtesy Swiss National Tourist Office. Tips to make Yule brighter The Christmas card made from a photograph of chil- dren or family group is highly popular as a means of bringing a sense of to- getherness to relatives and friends when geographical separation makes the real thing impossible. The best time for such pictures, naturally, is when presents are being opened and the family group is together, sharing and show- ing their joy in Christmas surprises, A good second opportu- nity may be found when the family is gathered at the table for Christmas dinner. Other possibilities include "stockings hung by the chimney with care" and children playing, indoors or out, with new ,gifts. Whatever subject you choose, better do it today — tomorrow may be too late to capture the best "shots" to share with others. . Chridril\eid reek**\.„ Ra p p y voll.e.(sing out in a chorus o f swarm wishes, It's beee»at pl?ttsure serving you. DONALD G. IVES\ RR 2, Blyth "Christkindli" reappears at, holy season Christmas has a unique signifi- cance in the German and French speaking regions of Switzerland because the "Christkindli," or Christ Child, is believe to'walk on earth during this season. Instead of Santa Claus, the "Christkindli," represented as a beautiful, radiant, angel -like be- ing with wings carrying a magic wand and wearing a shining crown, distributes Christmas gifts and Christmas trees glittering with fanciful decorations. Although the "Christkindli" is commonly believed to personify the Christ -Child, he is sometimes represented as an angel bearing a light or a star just as an angel heralded the birth of Christ at Bethlehem. On the other hand, the "Christkindli" has some of the characteristics of a sprite, a suggested by the wand and the wings, which can be. linked to pre -Christian beliefs. Some sug- gest he may stem from the pagan custom of representing the New Year as a radiant and beautiful child. Like Santa, the "Christkindli" also arrives in a sleigh . awn by reindeer, so there would appear to be some intermingling of Christmas legends here. St. Nicholas is represented in several ways in different parts of Switzerland. In some, he is called Father Christmas and comes with his wife, Lucy (representing St. Lucy whose feast day is December 31) to distribute gifts. He wears the traditional Santa Claus costume, while Lucy wears a round cap over her long braids, a laced bodice and a fancy apron. In the central part of Switzer- ., land, St. Nicholas is represented more realistically in his bishop's regalia complete with mitre and crosier. On St. Nicholas' Day, which falls on December 6, there is a magnificent parade in which white bearded masqueraders, clothed in long white shirts, carry huge three-foot mitre -shaped lanterns over their heads. These lanterns arc perforated in intri- cate religious designs, similar to church windows, and when the candelight shines through them, as their bearers execute a stately dance, they are an impressive sight indeed. In the village of Urnaesch in the Canton of Appenzell, the men and boys go "Santa Clausing." Some wear red Santa Claus costumes with jingling bells while others, dressed and masked as "ladies," wear enormous, elaborate picutre hats decorated with panoramas of As we celebrate the birth of o r L , rel let's giv thanks for the blessing shown us/Special thanks, patrons. ' ADD JUTZI/ /AND THSTAFFf RASE'FACT6TRJ/ VANAS7FiA O(J LET Alpine scenes. Starting early in the day on New Year's Eve, the group proceeds through the village with an unusual hopscotch gait, stopping at each. farm to share their merriment and par- take of refreshments. When darkness falls, they all head for the Valley to pursue their New Year revelry. ST. NICK RESTORED When Queen Victoria married German Prince Al- bert, Christmas visits of St. Nicholas (and the gift- giving) came batik to Eng- land, three centuries after Henry VIII had banned the traditions when he broke away from the Catholic faith and formed the Church of England. Yes, there really was a St. Nicholas. He was the beloved Bishop of the Greek Church of Myra, and he lived in Asia Minor during the .early part of the 4th century... 101 RITMM EIEETINU tidings of ,comfort and joy ...", ,May you and yours enjoy this wonderful ( season; and all the little thiggs that makeit so special. Than,s'so much. Falconer/Bros. Arnold and Bruce . Joyods CI1R1 5t MAS CDay Our holiday be fille - v�y/ith peace and serenity: the quiet contentme � a which comes from within. Our special thanks to the patrons/we serve for putting / f their trust `in us. Clark Upholstry Russ, Marion and David Cook Art on the wall This impromtue art was created on the wall of Blyth 5c to $1.00 store on Thursday night by an unknown youngster taking advantage of the heavy snowfall. Preparations for a pioneer style Christmas Black Creek Pioneer Village recaptures the spirit of Christ- mases of early Ontario. From November 23rd to Janu- ary 5th, Village staff demonstrate how settlers, prior to Confedera- tion, prepared and observed the Yule. The Village houses display the simple decorations of the period -• wreaths of evergreen boughs, garlands of cranberries and popcorn and the traditional kissing balls, The kitchens are filled with the aromas of freshly baked fancy breads, cakes, mincemeat and puddings, For the early settlers, Christ- mas, in addition to being a religious event, was a welcomed break in an otherwise busy and spartan life style, The settlers observed Christ- mas in many different ways. For some it was strictly a holy occasion -- a time to praise the Nativity. For others it was a time to visit with friends and make merry. The homes at Black Creek are decorated to reflect these traditions and rituals as well as the ethnic origins and degree of prosperity of the original house- holders. The earliest home, Daniel Stong's first house, built in 1816, is representative of Pennsylvania German life, Decorations are simple. A small evergreen, decorated with dyed fleece and apples, is found in the kitchen with a few homemade .presents -- warm mittens, socks and small toys •- beneath the tree. Christmas dinner is plain but included some special treats. Here visitors will see demonstra- tions of ope hearth cooking. The second Daniel Stong house was built in 1832 and reflects the improved prosperity of the household. Members of the Evangelic Church, they didn't believe in frivolity. The holiday celebration was still a family affair. The traditional evergreen tree contains more elaborate decoartions - fancy, cut cookies and garlands of popcorn and cranberries. A few token presents which would have been bought at the local store, have been added to the list of homemade gifts. In place of Christmas stockings, plates would have been filled with fruits, nuts and cookies set out on Christmas Eve for the children. At Half Way House, `•, as 1850 inn, a centrepiece on the dining room table, bowls of nuts and fruits and a kissing ball in the hall recalls the welcome extended to travellers. The Catholic background of the Daniel Flynns' is reflected in the small creche of straw, and the lighted candle in th`e, parlor window, Inexpensive toys, were purchased at the local store for the children along with embroid- ery wool for the lady of the house. Burwick House, with its lavish swags of evergreen and berries, indicate the British background and prosperity of the original householders. Gifts are more novel and in some instances quite elegant. They would have come from the larger shops of Toronto. Food preparations are elaborate with cakes made of spices, and candied and imported fruits -- dates, figs, oranges and lemons graced the family table. The Mackenzie Home has been decorated to reflect the 1867 period. Christmas trees were becoming increasingly popular. There is a combination of homemade and stere bought decorations on the Christmas tree as well as store bought gifts, By the mid 1850's the Santa Claus tradition was observed and a stocking has been hung from the bed. Special Christmas treats are displayed in the kitchen, includ- ing almond paste fashioned into fruit shapes, The pulpit of Fisherville Church is decorated with cedar boughs. Carolers stroll the Village streets singing selections of carols between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekends, The Village is open weekdays from 9:30 a,m, to 4:00 p.m. and on weekends from 10:00 a.m, to 4:30 p.m. The Village will be closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day only. A pleasant spot to stop for lunch or tea is the restaurant in Half Way House. The restaurant is fully licensed and will feature a special "Christmas Dinner" (by reservation only) on the following Sundays in December: the 1st, 8th and 15th. For reservations phone 636-4713, Black Creek, located at Jane Street and Steeles Avenue in Northwest Metro Toronto, is administered by The Metropoli- tan Toronto and Region Conser- vation Authority. For further information contact 630-9780. Return to home living is becoming trend Christmas novelties, glass ornaments and tinsel deco- rations, from America and abroad, will enjoy great popularity during the 1974 Yuletide season, People are celebrating with more non -electrical decorations, such as orna- ments made from house- hold items, glass decor which reflects the usual home lighting, and candles, homemade or bought. The trend represents a return to home living, a more provincial way of life. This resurgence of a coun- try -type lifestyle and fam- ily togetherness becomes most obvious during the holidays. We -'wish for you a„•Holiday filled with ,--lots of. "good . old fashioned cheer" and thank you for your patronage'". this merry time of year! Merryr,,c4 istmas! r S RADIO and TV SALES &SERVICE M"ELECTROHOME •..anroladyneeof,,cell,nr• r QUEEN STREET�`9LYTH,ONT. • P 523.9b40 THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. PG. 15. Italian foods vary at Christmas Feasting is an integral part of the Christmas celebration, symbolizing not only rejoicing at the coming of Christ but, also, the spirit of sharing and brotherly love which is characteristic of the season. Like so many other aspects of Christmas, it is a blend of Christian` and pre -Christian traditions, strongly influenced by local customs. In Italy the dishes of the Christmas feast vary widely depending on the region. In the north, for example, the meal may begin with cappelletti ("little hats") stuffed with meat or tortellini, a sort of ravioli, followed by a main dish of meat, which may be anything from roast turkey with chestnut stuffing to zampone, a pork sausage packed in a pig's leg smothered with lentils. In the area around Rome, the traditional dish of Christmas Eve is "capitone," a large female eel, roasted, baked, or fried, following •eligious tradition which pre- ibes a meatless dinner on �llristmas Eve, the Vigilia, or Christmas vigil, In accordance with this tradition, the Roman fish market, held the night of December 23rd, is a peculiar feature of the Christmas observ- ance, In the south of Italy, the feasting usually begins with macaroni with meat and tomato sauce, followed by chicken or meat in jelly. Particularly characteristic of Christmas feasting in all regions arc sweets: fruitcakes of various types (panettone) and other sweets in which nuts and honey figure prominently. The Christmas season coin- cides with the lengthening day and the beginning of the New Year, and from ancient times nuts have been a symbol of fertility and a promise of the next year's harvest, also representing hope for increase in herds and flocks, and the family, as well. The use of honey, the most common sweet- ener in ancient Rome, was a traditional way of conveying the wish that the new year mgiht be as sweet as the gift. ':: Ga .,��. � D lr:i lug, 'it..'Is t rti L j 9t's tirre-for family feasting tim(for us to say than�cl s -for patron- izing our establish!perit, Happy Holiday! Grandview Lunch ,-Bob & Fran McClinchey nd ay your hearth and home be blessed with Christmas riches -e; health, happiness, joy.and peace! Thanks for your patronage. Iola Bailey Real .,Estate " l Clinton PG. 16. THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. Letters to "Santa" overflow mailbox THE MOST FA11ous RESIDENT in the town of Santa Claus, Indiana, population 300, is Santa Claus himself who re- ceives well over 100,000 letters annually from children across the country and around the world, As Santa Claus in costume and Jim Yellig out of it, a 42 -year career has been devoted to making sure letters are answered. There's something special about Santa Claus in a small southern Indiana town where the famous Christmaslegend has become somewhat of any every- day reality. This town with a population of about 300 year-round residents, and a family of deer, is the jolly old gent's namesake home - Santa' Claus, Indiana - as well as the home of hs helpers, and the location of his overflowing mail box. A unique landmark at Santa Claus is the U.S. Post Office near the intersection of Indiana high- ways 162 and 245, and next to the entrance to Santa Claus Land, There is nowhere in the world where you can find a post office like this one. Its architecture is that of a stone -fronted fairyland castle in design and while the community has but slightly more than 300 year-round residents this post office each year is flooded with about four million pieces of mail. The bulk of all this mail comes around Christmas time to receive the cherished Santa Claus postmark. Still others arrive addressed simply to "Santa Claus, 47579," Letters addressed to "Santa Claus" represent the tens of thousands of children's "want lists" that foretell visions of Christmas morning, promise cookies and milk, and extend best wishes to Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph. And, to the delight of children everywhere, all of these letters receive an answer from Santa Claus. This unique practice dates back Christmas trees for ecology Many people believe that the cutting of trees for Christmas "robs" nature and destroys a portion of our forests each year, but the truth Is that nearly three-quarters of such trees are raised specifically to be cut at Christmastime. Most of the remainder are "thinnings" - young trees cut in forests to improve the growth opportunities for other trees. Forestry experts and nursery- men point out that young, growing trees give off more oxygen and absorb more carbon. dioxide than mature ones, so that the cultivation of Christmas trees actually helps the ecology. In contrast, they say, the manufac- ture of artificial trees uses up valuable energy and natural resources, which are not recover- able, After Christmas, discarded trees can be used in various ways to benefit the environment, Even if you live in a city, ecologists suggest, you can help by getting in touch with a local conservation organization or commercial nursery. to the late 1920s when Robert L. Ripley popularized the town by featuring it in an article in his "Believe It Or Not" column. After the article appeared, mail began to mushroom, especially letters addressed to "Santa Claus." Tourists with children also started to arrive and make visits to the post office with their Christmas mail, following in the steps of Ripley who also sent his Christmas cards through the office here as proof that there was indeed a Santa Claus - as verified by the postmark, For over 40 years, children have met Santa himself, played by Raymond Joseph "Jim" Yellig. Besides taking up the role of Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Post Office in the early 1930s, Yellig also embarked on a project that now involves much of the community of the Santa Claus, Ind, area, He noticed that the incoming letters were being stored away because there were too many for the postmaster of the day to answer and took pen in hand, along with his wife, to make sure children who cared enough about Santa Claus were answered, We would like to _t. ank all our customers,for . their patron- age atron-age during the past year. And ‘,,to---ivish everyone a Haps Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. The BoWes.FamiIy-- Bo Eledtronic Shoc BI rth,.-Ontario I�lilllb�,5ldi� i h7.} 8 i i ..A �da5;546 w7di.aki:6ifWl,i+, tliOWA v 41 7L'e1,01. A4 7:p;�Il7ld;l;l;� {177L' II):. , N A iii I J TS for a Christ7(as filled with happy moments shared with loved ones. Thanks to,.ali Iyth PriIn' .ly Doug, Lorna, Kenny -&-lane Whitmore .1 1�VS Christmas Peace and 'serenity . . love and brotherhood .Weyours ...and reiain with you all �..__-....._--.w through the holiday s. Thanks for your kind generosity. Lloyd & (4e.an- Tasker J • -Christmas Grecti t this time o'f the year w realize, more hail' ever, just how much it mean to have the friendship/and confidenc,/of folks like ou. ! f Without you we cold not prosper a 'd grow.. And so, as w conve our "Season's Greetings" may we a press the f ling that is with us at all ti' es a dsa .... simply"Thank//" ,� y but ... Yo,4x . Harv, Deatnrj,a'& Staff at SneII's'Groceries THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. PG. 17. First Christmas carols appeared during 16th century The first carols were dance songs, or ring songs, sung by villagers around a Maypole, or to celebrate other festive occasions throughout the year, during the Middle Ages. Later they became more exclusively associated with Christmas. Thc world "carol" derives from the Greek and Latin word "choraules" meaning "chorus." The phrase, "Christmas Carols" first appeared. during the 16th century in England in little songbooks printed by Wynken dc Work and Richard Kele. Dance carols - Best examples of these rounds or ring dances arc still to be found in Sweden where people dance around the tree singing many rollicking songs. Elsewhere, dance carols are merely sung, although many of the tunes are known to inspire dancing feet. Shepherd carols, of and about the shepherds to whom the angels appeared, and their coming to the stable with humble gifts are the most human and appealing accounts of Christ's birth. They were sung to accompany the vivid portrayals of this scene in the medieval "mystery" plays, which were common in England as well as all other European countries. Best known today is the tradition- al English carols, "While Shep- herds Watched." Lullaby carols were among the earliest Christmas songs and like all cradle songs have a rocking, lilting rhythm and a simple melody. "Cradle rocking" carols or "Kindclwiegen" were a part of the church ritual in Germany and Austria. A good example of this type of carol is the 16th century English carol, "What Child Is This?" which was sung to the 16th century dance tune, "Green - sleeves." Another is the 19th century American anonymous carol, "Away In A Manger." One of the most beautiful of all lullaby carols is the "Coventry Carol," which was a part of one of the English medieval "mysteries." It is sung by a group of women, portraying Bethlehem mothers just before Herod's soldiers slaughter their babies. Carols of the Magi - The arrival of the Magi with precious gifts for the Christ Child is the most picturesque and colorful part of all Christmas pageants. The Magi songs all tell this rich, spiritual story. Among the most familiar of these to Americans is "We Three Kings," the words and music for which were written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr. in the 19th Climate key to time of holy birth The evidence that the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem took place in the dry season, that is, before the onset of winter, depends to some extent on what we know about the climate ofPalestine today, which, scholars believe, is not very different from what it was during the time of Jesus. The annual mean temperature is a pleasant enough 62.8 degrees Fahrenheit, with a range from a high of 112 degrees to a low in winter of only 12 degrees. While the lowland plains, nearer the Mediterranean Sea, receive heavy rains from Novem- ber to April, winter in the hills can bring biting frost, bitter winds and even snow. Nazareth, the city of Jesus, was a town of some note in southern Galilee, near the western edge of the fertile plain of Esdraelon. This area provides more clues to the time of the journey for scholars who look to the still fertile and well -watered hills of Galilee and into the less favored hill country of Judea, where the cultivation of grains, olives and vines tended .to give way to the grazing of sheep, especially in the dry season. century. Nativity carols • There arc many varieties of These, The first hymns in honor of the Nativity were written in Latin during the Sth century, when Christmas was fully established as one of the great church feasts, It was not until the 13th century, when St. Francis of Assisi inspired his friends to write in their native tongue, that Nativity Songs were written for the people, to sing, From Italy, these Nativity Songs spread throughout all Europe. Two of the most familiar of these to us are: "Joy To The World," written by Isaac Watts in the 17th century and the 18th century German "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) by Joseph Mohr. The original musical called for a guitar accompaniment. Legendary carols spring from the folklore of people throughout the world inspired by supersti- tions and pre -Christian beliefs. One thing they have in common is that they all tell a story. Most well known of these is the traditional English "i Saw Three Ships," "Thc Boar's Head Carol" both from the Middle Ages, the latter of which is still sung at Christmas dinner at Queens College, Oxford, as the boar's head is ceremoniously brought in. "Good King Wences- las," written by J. M. Neale in the 19th century is about a fervent Christian Duke of Bohemia. Carols of custom deal with pre -Christmas customs that have become attached to Christmas celebrations. For example, the yule log and mistle toe of England go back to the Druids. Decking the halls with boughs of holly and evergreen come from the Hebrews, Egyptians, Romans 'and other ancient peoples, for whom the evergreens were symbolic of lift triumphant over death. Thc wreath came origin- ally from the ivy crown worn by Romans in Bacchanalian Jtt in arestings' 610Oisfies from us to yot wi hour thanks for letting -us serve ryou..Happy Holidays -to our friends! Walsh's Barber Shop Blyth festivals, "Wassail" was the Anglo-Saxon drinking pledge, "Wats-Hael" which means "Be in health" and which was part of Early Saxon feasts, "0 Tannenbaum" (0 Christ- mas Tree) the traditional German carol goes back to the early days of wandering tribes, who would always leave a grove ,of trees in the middle of the land they cleared. Carols for the twelve days • During the 6th century, the 12 days from Nativity to Epiphany were declared a festive season, celebrated in medieval England by many gay customs including, jousts, banquets, caroling and "mumming," which originally was a sort of pantomime dance performed by masked and costumed groups: Best known of these carols are the traditional English "God Rest Ye Merry," and "The Twelve Days of Christmas," which is based on an old French rhyme and chant. a ce.5o y May the many blessings of Christmas dwell with us ... always. Paul Kerrigan .r, MorrAis'Taylor Neil Josling Anstett Ken rJosling ierrlgan Fu.eis Clinton 482-9653 4 9 C At this Glorious and,Holy time, we wish for all mankind the great gifts of peace' and joy, .faith and love, May our spirits be uplifted, ancirour hearts filled with,happiness and contentment; as we cherish an W the glorious message and meaning of Christmas. For the confide �e and loyalty of those whom we are privileged to serve, we wish to✓bxpress deepest graptude. THE MANAGEMENT a d STAFF of / O al n ORIGINAL OLD MILL IN BLYTH At The Railway Tracks I Jw ii Old 110 .1('011 1011' WOOL LEATHER PRODUCU An Aut!»nllc Old Mat gOra r.11 pLpo KI:N� PG. 18. THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. Christmas in Guyana BY INDRANI SINGH CONESTOGA JOURNALISM STUDENT Five years ago in Guyana everybody started buying their Christmas gifts, etc. from mid November. Starting early Decem- ber blinking Christmas lights went on and decorated synthetic pine trees were set up in various houses owned by people of Christian, Moslem, Hindu and other religions. Everybody celebrated Christ- mas. It was a time to make more money, have a few days off to drink, eat lavish food, munch on B.C. apples (they're banned now) and grapes. It was a time to eat walnuts and almond nuts and party as much as you wanted and not feel guilty about the extrava- gance of it all, even though for the first few weeks after Christmas one had to tighten their belt to make up for that previous extravagance. Stores were open later than usual and finally on Christmas Eve night they looked like human jungles. Prices were supposedly lower with the original and cut prices in red and white or black and white. Teenagers congregated outside of the biggest and.most expensive store, talking, laughing, smoking and occasionally strolling over the the hotel obliquely away, for a few drinks. After the stores were closed young and old began celebrating Enmities were forgotten, people were happy greeting each other with "Merry Christmas". Christmas Day was spent at home, families got together for the day to drink and eat a variety of foods ranging from baked turkey to chicken curry. Streets were practically empty except for those who, holiday or no holiday, , plod on to different destinations, or ply the streets for their daily bread. People visited their friends on Boxing Day to have a few drinks and then be on their way to other friends. Some made their way downtown window shopping and to admire the decorated streets with lighted trees. Not to be forgotten were the muggers who seemed to be everywhere and knew that people walked around with more money than usual. Suddenly Christmas was over and it was time for the breadwinners to return to their various jobs but also preparations were started for New Year's eve, Dressmakers were swamped with orders and material for stylish gowns, hairstylists were booked heavily, On New Year's eve couples, dressed in their fineries made their way to dance halls, clubs, hotels and homes to celebrate and drink their way to midnight when everybody went wild kissing each other and shouting "Happy New Year". Parties gained momentum and continued until daybreak and some way past that. New Year's day was spent quietly with a little drinking here and there, Celebrations were over. It was a new year but the next day life continued as usual. Today, cost of living has risen over 200 percent, unemployment is high and not many people celebrate the Christmas holidays like yesteryear. Merry? Christmas Christmas can be a joyous time of year. It can cause happy wonder to shine in the eyes of a little boy or girl. It can bring great joy into a child's life. It can awaken faith. But unfortunately for some children, Christmas this year may be a disappointment. It may be looking in store windows at toys their parents can't afford to buy --or suffering for lack of adequate clothing --or simply experiencing a feeling of utter aloneness. This need not be; for The Salvation Army, on your behalf reaches out to such children and makes possible for them the thrill of opening gifts, the treat of enjoying a special holiday dinner, the warm felling of wearing new clothes. Yes, The Salvation Army knows many, many troubled people, both young and old. It tries to make Christmas happy and meaningful by providing friendship and material assist- ance for the less fortunate in communities - all across Canada - fathers who will spend this Christmas behind prison bars OG wish is that th1s season be/filled with inner peace for you a d- yours. JACK RIDDELL ' MPP FOR HURO /EONE & JACK RIDDELL/ & FAMILY 1,E RY Santa Claus is to say we wish you well in every w And we appre y! iate being able 71serve you ... Tanks! Jerry & Marie. Heffron We hope your good friendship will continu ''throu hout the years. SlabA4e,,,,,- � g Go&!.HaMw a r e Gene and Nan ° 1.22? EgiEgLIUAfl f . May we take thisiiime to send you all our brightest greetings for the Yuletide ,j season, an / our since thanks for/(jour kind support. Blyth Huron Tractor Ltd. / Eketer Gary/Smaglinski Phil Massey Earl long Harry)f'/irlters Harley Zeehvisen THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. K. 19. f .-) cui1 Chunk q 0u Just off the press in time for Christmas is the new history of Auburn, published by the Auburn Women's Institute. Looking at some of the first copies are the members of the committee in charge of compiling and publishing the history (left to right], Celia Taylor, curator .of the village Tweedsmuir History; Bernice Wants quick With the snowmobile season just beginning, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture is urging speedy passage of Bill 161, the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act. Farmers have been living under the threat that they may be liable if a trespassing snow- mobilcr is injured, Gordon Hill, president of the Ontario Federa- tion of Agriculture, said today. The new legislation, introduced in the Ontario Legislature early this month, is a tough piece of legislation that deserves to be passed, Hill says. OFA strongly advocated such protection before the Legisla- ture's Select Committee on motorized snow vehicles and all -terrain vehicles. "We hope the Bill won't be watered down on second reading which is expected next week," Hill says. Under Bill 161 a snowmobilcr will be required to obtain written permission from the owner or occupier of . private property before he enters that property. Failure to obtain__written permis- sion will represent a provincial offence of trespass in the absence of any lawful excuse. Upon request of the property owner or occupier the snowmobile operator 1 1 ur-very est"�wishes to fol all round tout' W. Warm gratitude. AUBUB.N HA DWO E E & 'Trommer Anderson; Marian Haggitt, president; Frances Clark, Elva Slraughan, Art Youngblut and Eleanor Bradnock. The book is available from any member of the committee, from Andersons or Slaters store in Auburn or from Blyth Printing in Blyth, printers of the book.—staff photo. passage will be required to stop, identify himself, and produce his licence as well as written permission to cross the property. "From now on a snowmobilcr had better know where he is at all times," Hill says. "The old excuse of saying he did not know he was on private property, won't wash any longer." Celebrate. 60th anniversary Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Rollinson of Auburn who celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on December 30, 1974. Mr. Rollinson was post master at Auburn for 30 years. Seer BOdyShop Maxine's Snack Bar message, we gree f our friends and, patrons(Thanks so much! 4,4 nYtt Robinsons ./ 3enraLstofe Ross & Marg 3111 WOMEN Fred --Lawrence Electric Auburn 526-7505 } e Iflay you/and yours be greatly blessed by the spiritual radiance of Christmas. For your valued:pafronage we express sincere Yuletinme thanks, Ar-thur's Fuheral Home Auburn We hope you njoy n leGer thi Y, S /t its wonderful 'season has to offer. Thank you, friends. Slater s.-Greneral Store jr Bob & Bess 3143_ PG. 20, THE BLYTH STANDARD DECEMBER 23, 1974. Can keep plants for several years Don't be hasty in throwing out the plant you got for Christmas. With proper care it could be around for several years, advises A.R. Buckley, a horticultural expert with Canada Agriculture's Plant Research Institute here. Some plants cannot be rejuven- ated and should be discarded after flowering. But some others, give the proper attention, will go on giving pleasure for many Yule seasons. Mr. Buckley offers some pointers on the care of some of the most popular Christmas plants having a long -life poten- tial. Poinsettias are old favorites and newer varieties have extend- ed the color range from the traditional red to include salmon, pink, pink, creamy white, white, and marbled pink and white. New and fairly new varieties include Mikkel Pink, Ecke, White, Gay Rochrod, and the Hegg family of poinsettias -- Marble Hegg, Pink Hegg, Dark Red Hegg, and Annette Hegg, To preserve a poinsettia for future Christmases, keep it well watered until the leaves drop and then move it to the basement. Discontinue watering for the next few months. In April, the stents should be cut back to six inches, the plant brought upstairs to a bright room and watering resumed. In June, the pot should be set into the soil in a shady corner of the garden and the plant kept watered throughout the summet. Bring. the plant back indoors before the first autumn frost. Don't overexpose it to artificial Tight; it could retard blooming. Azaleas, also popular at this time of year, differ from Ideas for left -over turkey Most of us have visions of Christmas dinner with a big turkey, lots of vegetables and all the trimmings. But after the third or fourth day in a row of eating turkey, the joy of Christmas dinner wears a little thin. Left -over turkey doesn't have to be a problem. There are many ways to use up the Christmas turkey. With some recipes, you can even disguise the turkey so your family will never realize they're finishing the last of the Christmas dinner. The Ht -over turkey will be easier to handle if you do a few simple chores right after the Christmas dinner. The first thing is to take the stuffing out of the turkey. The stuffing can spoil quickly if it's left inthe carcass. You can wrap the stuffing and keep it in 'the refrigerator for a couple of days or in the freezer for a month. Finding a place in the refrigerator for the turkey can be a problem. One way to beat it is to take all the meat off the bones. The turkey, meat will keep in the refrigerator for three or four days. But you can freeze it and it'll keep for a month. And if you cover it with broth, it'll be good for three months. So, if you think your family has had enough turkey for a while, just freeze the turkey and bring it out later. But it's a good idea to, plan what you want to do with your left -over turkey before you package it. You shouldn't refrigerate the cooked turkey for a few days and then freeze it. After you have the turkey meat all packaged and in the refrigera- ` tor, you can use the carcass to make soup. You can use the meat in many ways. For example, you • can put finely diced turkey in a cheese sauce and use it to fill crepes or think pancakes.. poinsettias in the care needed to ensure a long and colorful life. The soil in an azalea pot should never be allowed 10 dry out and a good soaking is required daily even during the winter, And don't rush your potted azalea to the basement after it has finished flowering; instead, give it a place in a sunny window for the winter, In the spring, set the pot in garden soil and keep the azalea plant watered during the summer. It should be Icft outdoors until after a few heavy frosts in the late autumn. Potted chrysanthemums also rate high in popularity as Christmas plants. After they have finished flowering, water them sparingly and keep them in basement windows for dividing and planting outdoors in the spring. The mums should be dug up, potted and brought indoors in the fall. It is important that (hey be placed in an indoors location that is protected from artitial light. This is (0 assure the longer periods of darkness needed at this point for Clower development. OUR MAIL ORDER SERVICE/I8 �'f 2 A>C1,71E ASYOIR wilily/ ` ,7- .rE1ireon, p-()RucS,/' I)RU(� tiUNfRIES �. A WrERIN RY .M DICINES,, / 'Guess what's in. our hrlrage? It's filled to the brim ivijh New Year cheer f tour. us ... wishes/for peace, your happiness and good health, prosperity. Lyle/Y/oungblttt_\3� and Fam-ily� • • e wish you all the joy the season has / /, to give. Peace. Happined Contentment. / May they be yours to remember warmly for / many a Christmas.,Ciur heartfelt gratitude. // < Sparlung,'s Hardware ,r /r Grant &'Pat Spading and Staff The heart goes home on Christmas BY W. G. STRONG Christmas celebrations arc usually highlights in the life of Christmas anywhere and are looked forward to with keen anticipation by young and old alike. Christmas celebrates an event centuries old when a Jewis infant in a smelly, dusty stable behind a second or third-rate inn in the little town of Bethlehem was born. His boyhood years were spent in the plain home of a carpenter, 1 -Ie learned his father's trade and, after his father's death, probably earned just enough to feed, clothe and house His mother, brothers and sisters. Later 1 -le left the modest security of the carpenter's bench to become an itinerant preacher and teacher with nowhere to lay His head, dependent on His friends for food and shelter when He was ori the road with His disciples, His lifestyle prepared Him for a ministry which the world has never been able to forget. His training in the school of hard knocks made Hint sensitive to the needs and sufferings of His fellowmen, The poor, the lonely, the unloved, the unwanted, the alienated • all found in Him a Friend who would listen to their lot and do all He could for them. He never lost the common touch and His car was always ready to listen. His hands to heal and soothe. He once said, "1 came not to be ministered unto but tc. minister." The gospels are the witness to 1 -tis sacrificing dedica- tion to' the needy of His day and many have been touched by the challenge of His life from the' crude manger in David's city to the cruel cross on lonely Golgatha's hill. Each has enriched the world by his or her style of servanthood. At Christmas the world needs those who will help spread their gifts for the needy of the human family. Sir Harry Lauder preach- ed this brand of caring for others and gave us this typical exarnple; "1 was sittin' in the gloamin' and a man passed the window. He was the lamplighter., he pushed his pole into the lamp, lighted it and passed on to another. Now 1 could na' see him but 1 knew where he was by the lights as they broke down the street until he had left a beautiful avenue of lights. Ye're a lamplighter. They'll know where ye've been by the light ye leave. The first burst of light in this dark world was lit by Hint who said, '1 am the light of the World,' Ye're in His succession. Be careful how ye bear yersels." CHERISHED The elderly who live with their cherished memories like to tell of their own yesterdays and recall those christmases in the days of long ago. To them the golden past lisplayed the real spirit of Christmas -peace, contentment, gentleness, friendliness, neigh- bourliness. Back in those' days when Christmas was so simple but so meaningful, town -folk and country -folk alike were knitted more closely together into a community especially on Christ- mas eve when the snow was soft and sparkled in the light of lamp and latern. The silence was broken only by the chiming of the bells in the village steeples and the mellow jingling of sleigh bells as friends gathered, in local churches to celebrate the Infant's birthday in a gentle way. Christmas eve services were more a part of the celebration then than they are today. As we reflect upon the true meaning of .Christmas with its warm, nostalgic feeling, 'we sometimes, long for those dear days of .yesteryears. It must have been grand way back when grandpa was a boy for he delights to reminisce and have us stroll down Memory's Lane with him. He recalls the log cabins and the old-fashioned frame houses once occupied by his boyhood 'chums and their steady, God-fearing parents: They were pioneers, a happy and devoted people whose joy was found in family circles and community groups. Surrounded by farms, the village had grown from a wilderness to a friendly meeting -place where the men took time to visit at the general store to discuss farming, the state of the weather, local politics or exchange bits of idle gossip while the womenfolk shopped for the nieagr•e necessities. Rural life had a charm about it that moved along with the slow pace of the season. People lived through the springtime of youth, the summer of adulthood, the autumn of middle-aged to the wintertide of life. The tranquility of country life shaped and moulded the staunch character of those folk. They helped each other in times of joy and when sorrow struck because they could do no less, Cicero wrote, "Memory is a treasury and guardian of all things. "Remem- brances embellish life. What pleasant memories are evoked all through life by the sigh of a bayly decorated tree, the aroma of plum -pudding, the recitation of the Christmas story first learned. in childhood at a another's knee. - HEART GOES HOME Somehow the heart goes home on Christmas Eve, silently across a continent or sea. The heart will leave the glitter of a city street and find a way, by some deep and timeless urge, to a little cottage by a lonely country road and, even if the little cottage may have long disappeared, one fondly remembers the greetings of friends, the simple words of welcome, the strong handclasps, the seniles of tLaderness upon the faces. Christmas meant the hushed awe of a moonlit sky; the gentle journey across the snow - filled roads to grandfather's; the music of sleigh bells; the friendly lights from frosted window - squares; the , soft silhouette of chimney smoke; the tantalizing aroma of freshly popped corn; the heaping bowls of nuts, pepper- mint sticks, twisted candy -bits, home-made, big round oranges and shiny red apples from the cool cellar bins, In the front parlor stood the festive Christmas tree glittering with silver tinsel in gay festoons; the ruby -red cranberry chains mid the cedar boughs; the red aper bell hanging from the chandelier. After the stockings had been hung by the chimney with care, it was off upstairs to the chilly bedroom ' with iis warmed feather bed. After a feigned sleep it was downstairs at an early hour to retrieve the Eve bulging footwear hiding mysteri- ous gifts, After a country breakfast, it seemed ages before the Christmas dinner was served; turkey with chestnut stuffing, cranberry sauce, steaming bowls of fragrant, garden -grown vege- tables, homemade pickles, relish- es, grandma's fruit cake, assorted tarts and cookies, mincemeat pie and apple cider, All this and much more was what Christmas meant long ago. Those senior citizens who live with cherishes. memories realize that Christmas is truly a remembering time, a time to reflect on the true meaning of the occasion. UNIQUE Surely our lives arc better because 'of Christmas, It is an unique season when we forget about being proud and ar•ibitious and selfish and tend to become generous and unselfish. Our hearts seem to fill with love and friendliness. Our thoughts of self give wav to concern for others, it is a time of giving, of kindness; of friendliness. It is a time when nnen., share with others their blessings and bounites, It is an occasion to think end to i' ank. This combination of thinking and thanking is a -rare attribute. The former indicates that one should not be forcgetful of past favours; the latter expresses gratitude for those favours, . Love came down at Christmas. Love abides in the conviction that there is an absolute dif'f'erence between people and things and that people ought never to be treated as things. Love abides in the attitude of respect toward each other human being of whatever colour or- creed. Love abides in the doing unto others as we would that they should do unto us even more in the doing unto them even though they do not unto us. Love has truly come to abide when we love those who may not love us in return. A story is told about a man who felt that Christmas was merely an occasion for feasting and spend- ing too much on presents. He had grown away from the feeling of Christmas and had forgotten that Christmas is the time when love has more meaning than at any other season of the year - love for our neighbours, love for our fellowmen, love for our friends and for the strangers whom we meet. This fact was brought home to him suddenly when he passed the fence surround a Children's Hone on his homeward way on' -;. Christmas Eve. A pale face peered through the railings, then a hand appeared and a piece of crumpled paper fluttered to the We want you, ovar valued customers, t6._..7 know that it's a great delight -- to wishu a happy holiday. Your" pat 6nage is ; rulyi pprecipted, Doreen's Beautyjhoppe Doreen, Janice, Dorothy & Wanda THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. PG. 21. ground. By the time the man had reached the spot, the child was gone but he picked it up and found it was a love letter, Carefully printed with coloured pencils, red words, "Whoever you." Christmas letter and green, find is world. to the were this -i God's the love love - "The earth has grown old with its burden of care But at Christmas it is always young; The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair And its soul, full of music, breaks on the air the song of forth When CIIfl0 „ the angels May the bright Chrigt►nas star lead you to peace . brotherhood, Our thanks. Blyth Inn Hotel Ann & Harry is - =�� 1 to i 1 { • • w 3 re's how to construct .----a--happy holiday—be merry and light! Osl;--hest~ to you and yours. --Our thanks. B rooks ,Coiistruction Mac Bienda, Brent . & Nicole Happy New Year May each orus follow A his/own star to t� . �• f i peace and joy! '4" Thank you all. Watiace / urkey Pro� ucts/ Piet and Ann k einsma and Staff Blyth and Clinton s Its PG. 22. THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. MegOVOSSIMOSAW Ot/N40alt ::V,:;1MI6XKkl�r•.;.r,,: •i� tr�. i'i� Classified Rates Effective June 26, 1974 • WORD COUNT Charges are based on the number of words. Sets of numerals as for serial numbers, street numbers, phone numbers or prices count as one word per set. Words joined by hyphens count as separate words. SEMI•DISPLAY 5 cents per word, minimum charge of $1.25, Box numbers to this office will be charged 50 cents per insertion. Births, marriages, engagements, deaths are free of charge. DISPLAY '$1.40 per column inch, after 10 consecutive insertions with no changes, $1.00 per column inch. 25c DISCOUNT FOR CASH PAYMENT ON OR BEFORE MONDAY NOON OF WEEK FOLLOWING FINAL INSERTION Deadline for classified ads is Tuesday noon PHONE 523.9646 For Sale MUSCOVY DUCKS hoavy roosters. 5.3-9586. ADDRESS LABELS 1,000 ONLY $3.50 printed with any name, address and postal code. J. D. Enterprise, 15A Easton St Cambridge N1R 1G3. BO/0 K YOUR RILL AND TOWER REQUIREMENTS NOW ON'T W T':! [FREE MATES] t• Notice Notice NOT -INCE - Residents of Blyth,,and rthe-Township .oMullertrt ,,The dump✓will b e P closed on/Wedesday,,,.Dec. 25, 1974and Wednesday, Jan. 1,1,-1975. �•. / L.B. Walsh, Clare Vincent, �1� Clerk. // Clerk. 3 At Your Service SEPTIC TANK CLEANING SERVICE All work guaranteed. Twenty years experience. Phone Louis Blake, RR 2, Brussels, 887-6800. 27-tfn . CONCRETE WORK' • Expert chimney and roofing re- pairs; 'specializing in stabling. Don Ives, Phone Brussels, 887-9024. tfn FURNITURE REFINISHING and restoring. Quality work and prompt service. Free estimates. Phone . E. Niblock, Auburn, 526-7272. 49-eow ********,t*** ART'S NDSCAPING And NU ' MY 1.6 BENNETT ' . E., 'GOD JSI ICH PHONE 524.' 26 mple e la rp scapi ' g servi and suppli OPEN DAYS A ' EEK *41'44** ¥**At* s AADIOani1V SALES &SERVICE QUEEN MEET. A4•G 523 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 i BROAD� C TON' C TON' C PET gEt TRE •Wall wall ins allations or ,B -Ell G, ales Service 1 t'allatio Barn �anen BTA Feeders • 'tabling • mples own in your ome ree est mates teed instaallll ons aCcla se'ccarpet re's 9gfor sfery rooEp'in the home. "Q city you can tru t" From BA & MUTCH ORNITURE LIM ED Phone 48 SOS, Clinton 8111111111111111111111111 i IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII11111IIIIIlllBili FREE STIMATES Do FREE‘ R. 2, BLVD/ ne Brussels 887.9024 A Lasting Christina I keep a part of Christmas For it helps to add a glow, To the January darkness And the February snow. If March is cold and blustery And though April brings us rain, The peace and warmth of Christmas With its happiness remain .. . Holy journey "And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed ..." So begins the Bible story of the birth of Christ in Saint Luke's Gospel. "All the world," of course, meant the Roman Empire of the time, and the "taxation" referred ' to was basically an "enrollment," according to biblical scholars, a census, leading ultimately to a land .tax; so it was decreed that "All went to be taxed, every one into his own city." And so, Saint Luke goes on to tell us, "Joseph also went up from Gailiee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child." The Bible gives us little more than those bare facts about the journey which ended at a manger outside Bethlehem. It has re- mained for biblical scholars and archaeologists to try to fill in the details as best they can from facts known or guessed about the Palestine of that time and from other indirect evidence in the Bible itself. Although Joseph was a Judaean by Ancestry, he lived and piled his trade as carpenter some 70 miles to the north in Nazareth in Galilee, where Jesus spent his early years, thus becoming identified as Jesus of Nazareth. There was a good road leading southward from Nazareth to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, for this was no "backwoods" area but one traversed by merchants and their caravans as well as functionaries of the Roman Empire, all following in the footsteps of invaders and travellers of many years. A journey of some 70 miles over mostly hilly country without a car might give many of us pause today, particularly in view of Mary's condition. According to tradition, Mary rode a good part S by Garnett Ann Schultz There's a beauty when it's Christmas All the world is different then, There's no place for petty hatred In the hearts and minds of men. That is why my heart is happy And my mind can hold a dream, For I keep a part of Christmas With its peace and joy supreme. Reprinted by permission from GUIDEPOSTS MAGAZINE, Copyright 1974 by Guideposts Associates, Inc,, Carmel, N. Y. Bill Buchanan and fancily would like to wish friends and neigh- bours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Yearl 51-1 p Seasons Greetings to relatives, friends and neighbours in the Blyth arca, Art and Dorothy Heard and family. 51 -Ip Seasons Greetings to all my friends. Sincerely, Elsie Sco made by decree of the way on an ass,a common beast of burden and one certainly more appropriate to the task than either camel or horse, even had these been available to Joseph. A journey of that distance, with Joseph walking and leading the ass, would be bound to consume several days, so it is likely that the travellers made provision for spending some nights along the way and, also, carried sufficient food and water in case supplies were not always available. Although Nazareth was a fair-sized town, it was reported to have had only one good source of water, known today as Mary's Well, from which it would have been prudent to obtain a "canteen" before setting out on a journey. Wells and springs were to be found infrequently in the hills, particularly toward the end of the dry season, which historians believed was the most likely period for the trip of Mary and Joseph. As to food, there would have been no problem in procuring rations of bread, olives, and other provisions for the journey from an area as rich in agriculture as Galilee. Arrival at their destination in Bethlehem did not bring an end to "roughing it" for the travellers, for there were so many who had preceded them that "there was no room for them at the inn." Therefore, this predicament lead Mary and Joseph to the manger, a cattle shelter outside Bethlehem which symbolizes the birth of Jesus. *** The pennsylvania Dutch name for Santa Claus is - Pilznickel... *** There actually is a town of Santa Claus - in Indiana. *** The man who set December 25 as the date of Christ's birth was Pope Julius. The time he set it: 340 A.D. *** The inhabitants of Alaska carry a star around with them when they go from place to place on Christmas Eve singing carols... *** Before the 5th Century A.D., there was no general consensus of opinion as to when Christmas should fall on the calendar. Among the dates considered: January 5, March 25, and December 25... •4/1141 We're 6ping, t is will be aybrm, happy holi a ter! . filled with 6ts of cheer Our gratitude for your k' d sup • -t Jim and Thelma Wilson 6 EmgIlles Beautie Gal, classified Very Good for type and judged 1972 Essex County Grand Champion Holstein, was purchased by Harry and Ed. Franken, Auburn [second right and halterj for $5,200. at the recent Morriafton Holstein Dispersal held at Shore Sales Arena Thursday, Nov. 21, in Glanworth. Beaune Gal is sired by Houckhall Mark who is rate a Superior Type sire. She has a 4 lactation average of 161 percent BCA for milk and 156 percent BCA for fat. Shown with Beautie Gal are Jim and Lynn Morris of Morriafton Farm, Comber; and Mrs. Harry Franken, Auburn. Arctic reindeer flourish crucial to mans survival Reindeer flourish in large numbers near the Arctic Circle in Europe, Asia, and North America. Norway, Sweden, Fin- land, Russia, and Alaska are all places where herds of at least semi -domesticated reindeer are accustomed to working with man, particularly the Laplanders. The reindeer provides a vital source of food, clothing, and even transportation for many peoples living on the edge of the arctic world, Among other things, reindeer milk is as rich as the cream of cow's milk, although available in much small quanti- ties. The reindeer provides a vital source of food, clothing and even transportation for many .people living on the edge of the arctic world, Among other things, reindeer milk is as rich as the cream of cow's milk, although available in much small quanti- ties. There are several species of reindeer in North America, where it is called the caribou, ranging from the woodland species, which is found in wild northern woods, through the barren ground caribou, which is the slightly larger but close cousin of the European reindeer, to the Peary caribou, living north of the Arctic Circle. The present domesticated rein- deer of Europe and Asia, where it can be found in single herds of up to 30,000, is a d.3cendant of the barren ground species of those regions and has been successfully introduced into Alaska as a stock arinnai. These tante reindeer are gentle and easily handled. Reindeer and caribou feed primarily on mosses and lichens in the subarctic regions, a type of fodder which takes time to replenish itself, As a result, reindeer and those who depend on them for a livelihood are nomadic and have no permanent home, since they must move at frequent intervals to find an adequate food supply. Because of the Arctic habitat, near his North Pole headquarters, reindeer provide an ideal means of transportation for Santa Claus, but he can hardly claim a first for using them: cave paintings and bones found in prehistoric sites in Europe are evidence that the reindeer has been more or less domesticated since the time of the COMING EVENTS EUCHRE AND DANCE IN THE Belgrave W.I. Hall Friday, December 27, 1974 at 8 p.m, • Music by The Blenders, Lunch will be served. Admission $1.25; Public school, 75c. Sponsored by the Belgrave Women's lnsti Everyone welcome, NEW BINGO, CLINTON LEGION HALL, 8:30 p.m. December 26. Admission, $1.00, each. Three Share -tire -Wealth games. One jackpot for $200 in 59 calls or less or guaranteed $25 consolation. One call and $10 added'weekly if not waon. tfn CAHS BINGO, SEAFORTH LEGION HALL, Friday Dec. 27, 1974 at 8:15 sharp. 15 regular games for $10.00 each; three specials for $25,00 each and a $75.00 Jackpot to go each week, Admission, $1,00; extra card.. 25c each or 7 for $1.00. (Children under 16 not permitted). Pro; ceeds for Welfare Work. Sponsor- ed by Branch 156, Seaforth Royal Canadian Legion. tfn TEENS' DANCE, FRIDAY, December 27, Music by Bill Lucas, Dancing 9.12, Admission $1.00. Sponsored by B Recreation Committee. Path,&vcrL) NEW YEAR'S EVE DANCE IN Auburn Community Memorial Hall. Good music, hats, horns and smorgasbord 'at midnight. $6.00 per couple. Order tickets in advance, Phone 526.7294 or me�mbe�r of Hall Board, (y' ,�nzz, . �lJ i '� Cl+�-{`�/J igi N0 ` 91.111� �1►•A1►� 80?s, 28', CluS.)-, 'St M'ichaeF ��'s Cat holis. C,Jii u rch CONFESSIONS: Dec. 29, Friday `Commu ! ai Penance . Dec. 3, Monday - Confession MASS cavemen. But Santa Claus might qualify as an early supporter of women's equality, since the reindeer or carbiou is unique among the deer family in that the females as well as the males grow antlers. Both sexes shed their antlers in the spring, like other deer. *** France has no Santa Claus only Pere Noel... *** In Austria on Christmas, the people bake two big loaves of bread. One typifies the Old Testament; the other, the New Testament.,. THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974. PG. 23. Holidays without TB in the toddling stages of the twentieth century. tuberculosis was a mass killer. The White Plague, as TB was called, took much of the joy out of giving thanks. When the century was only four years old, nationwide Christmas Seal organizations formed to fight the White Plague. People who bought Christmas Seals support- ed the first voluntary health agency dedicated to combat a specific disease. The rest is history. By amid -century, the discovery of specific drugs to treat --and cure --the disease turned the situation upside down. For the first time, the possibility existed to eliminate TB from the face of the globe. Yet is the seventies, 'I'B is still a killer, albeit a crippled one, The number of people dying from the disease dwindles ever downward. in 1972 in Canada 280 people died from the disease. Only the victims arc different. Today TB is a disease of the elderly and the poor, of the residents of crowded inner cities, Indian Reservations, and underdeveloped rural regions as well as amongst Indians. Today's TB victims are the people who receive the poorest health care. People who are beset by crushing economic and social burdens. If people who have TB illness faithfully take their medication, they can be cured of the disease. USE CHRISTMAS SE BIy,thLionS f`Bingo SATURDAY NI�aHT7 8:30_p. Blyth Mt'noriaI H all, 7 32,JACKPOT $150 IN 60 CALLS SU4 RE•THE-WEALTjj�-- R1D REGULAR GMES I'HE E WILL BE 0-i1 GO ON DEC. 8. MJRR CHRISTMAS! Dec. 24 - Clintof 12 midnight` c eded byCarols - a 11Pre e :30p.m, Dec. 5 - 9 a.m. -(Blyth 11 a.m. - Clinton ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND If they are infected with T13 germs, they can take drugs to prevent the disease from develop- ing at all, Before the end of the century, even the poor and the elderly may be able to celebrate Holidays without TB, Contributions to Christmas Seals help toward that goal. Answer your Christmas Seal letter today. Christmas Seals light TB, emphysema, and air pollution. It's a matter of life and breath, • • • • • 'rI( ATSE• • WINGIIAM, WHAPHONE 35/ 1610 •• •SHOWING 6 BIG DAYS t • • • cured., Dec. 25 to Mon. 30th • •hows Daily at 1;00 6-9:001-iii.1 6 A little SQUIRT--- • makes a big SPLASH: it • The Loveable Bug's beck doln' his thing/ • ,• • i• ••• M � • • • • • • • • 0 • • • a ; TECHNICOLOR' 0 • .._,,,/IN t„*0 Alt. H$M •HAYESs�J,�ERRY POWERS McIHTIRE WYHH I • • •••iiitia41111 1•• • • THEATRE CLOSED • TUES.. DEC. 91x1 •••••••••••• 1111 • Stort Ve , Jan. 1st • • One corp 'motel:, how 7:30 p. m II • '4 `til '�4YJLM' ,..,....tl1• �`if �: • • � IJ,�t.►. 1il\I111111111drIt11111.'NI)t� ••••••••••••• • 1• • • • • 1 • • Special Avjnourtcemerit it'K Christi -n ReformdChdrc, NEW YE 'S �v� QGD i�.• EVE SERVICE 8 p.m. SCRIPT RE READING:1i(EVELATI N 20. 1-3 S MON: "IN QU ET REFLE ION” NEW YEAR' DAY SERVICE 1030 a. SCRIPTURE READING: L 13. 20-21 SERMON: "THE END ... AND THE BEGINNING" ARENA S.CHtDULE Dec. 23 10-12 (Bantam Practice 5-6:30 Peewee Exhibition Game 7-8:30 Atom Game Midget Game Christian Relotined Chufch lV BroombaCh Public/Skating Blyth' Girls Brooiuball Belgrave Girls Broomball Belgrave lnfermediate Bantam, Practice \idget Practice Foren Family Skai ing Peewee Game t:alvinettes Minor Sports Public Skating 'Qom Practice Junior Broombatl f Cadets 1 Christian'Reformed,, 8:30-10 10.11 24 7:30-11:30 26 2-4 7-8 8-9 9-11 27 ' 10-12 .r 1-2:30/ 3-5:/ 7.8:30 28 ,'8:30-10:30 / a.m. J� 2-4 4:30.6 ' 8-9' 29 9.11 30 , 2.4 Publrtf Skating r' 5.6:30 Peewee Practice 8:30-10 , Midget Gante 31 10.11 Christian/Reformed 2.4; rPubc'Skating Jan 2 ,,7130.11:30 Broomball niic Skating 4:30-5:30 roomball• .- 7.8 Blyth G[rls'13roombull 8-9 • !vice Girls Broomball 9-11 Belgrave Intermediates 2-4 �� PG. 24, THE BLYTH STANDARD, DECEMBER 23, 1974, Christmas program Among those taking part in the Blyth Public School Christmas program were Cathy Falconer and Darren Richmond.—staff photo. Behind the scenes Christmas is still a time of love BY KEITH ROULSTON You can talk all you want about the commercialism of Christmas, but when I see the pretty lights strung around town and the tinsel and the trees, I get a warm feeling I wouldn't want to do without. People grumble about how much it costs them to buy presents and so on, but I think that many people are just doing it because it's part of the game: just like we grumble about the snow in winter but would miss it if we didn't have it around. On the whole, people give gifts because they want to, not because they have to. Maybe they get carried away now and then, and spend too much money, but they mean well, and those who are always trying to make them feel guilty are doing people a . disservice. Take away the tinsel and lights and you still have the most important things in Christ- . mas: the love that makes people want to give gifts. If we didn't have the love, we wouldn't have the extravagant Christmases we have. Without that love, like, Scrooge, we'd keep everything to ourselves. Qh, certainly, everything about Christmas isn't good. I heard a merchaAt say one day that he hasn't enjoyed Christmas since he went into business several years ago. He's so tired by the time the Christmas rush is over, that he just can't enjoy the big day itself. And it's sad to think that while we're glutting ourselves with turkey and dressing and cran- berry ` sauce and Christmas pudding and candies and....well Morris council meets Morris Township council held a meeting on Dec. 14. Present was Robert Charter, chairman of the East Wawanosh Recreation, Parks and Commun- ity Centre Board. He discussed recreation matters with the council. William Stevenson was present to discuss a proposal for a nursery centre at the Belgrave school. Council voted a grant of $25.00 to the Canadian Mental Health Association. It also endorsed a resolution from the town of Seaforth about the provincial government's policies on waste disposal. General accounts of $91,276.21 were approved for payment. you name it....people on the other side of the world are starving. Perhaps even sadder is the feeling of frustration that many people here in Canada feel about the situation. Were these starving people just next door, I have no doubt that nearly every Canadian would be anxious to share some of our surplus with them. But these are people thousands of miles away, in a different country with different customs. Sonic of the food we could give they will not eat because of religious beliefs. In some countries, the food we send will never get to the hungry because crooked government officials will take it and sell it on the blackmarket. There are trans- portation problems to deal with. And there is the horrible feeling that millions are starving and what can one little individual do about it. Canadians, I'm convinced, really do care about these things. Especially at Christmas, *** Driving around town the other night, I noticed all the beautifully decorated homes. Driving home 1 noticed one that wasn't: ours. i in M a rf� / ay peace a'nd ove be w'f h you. 1 really envy those organized people who get ready for Christ- mas so early. Around our place, we're so worried about just making to Christmas that we never get around to Christmas preparations until the last minute. When this issue of the newspaper goes in the mail, for instance, I'll finally get around to thinking about Christmas. While some businesses are always beautifully decorated from about December 1 on, our office usually looks like Scrooge's cellar. Everybody is always so busy tryingto squeeze two hour's work into one that it isn't until the final hours of the last publication before Christmas, that the Christ- mas spirit begins to catch on, This I would like to change, Being the only man in an office full of women, for instance, 1 think it would be a great idea to pin up some mistletoes some- where. But then probably none of the girls would be desperate enough to kiss this ugly puss mistletoe or no. But at least there's one good point: we won't have to waste time taking down the office decorations after the new year, Than for your fe support. G�vr-n. Gy,'r and Shelby Griffiths B.P. Blyth ay ypd Christmas sparkle f with jd aughter, lease accept Oue ,thanks. .. inid we wish yol! fte peace on earth, ggod will Thanks for yowl kindness he best of gif towar nen! ap loyalty. 7kedie/:a/ aft Ladies& 191slits Wear Blyth, Ont. Phone 523-4351 PRItiMATI,01( instruction f r9 the Municipal Cooj cil, I / ioclaim hursd. y, D c. • -holiday as OXIN'3 D and resin tfully request the citizen and busing smen tO7derve the a basion. Bobblf Lar,I// Reeve`, Village of 1.lyth I I,