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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1985-12-18, Page 2y AHuron xposltor SINCE 1860, SERVING THE COMMUNITY FIRST *CNA BLUE RIBBON AWARD 1985 Incorporating Brttswls haat 10 Main Street 527-0240 Published in SEAFORTH, ONTARIO Every Wednesday morning ED BYRSKI, General Manager HEATHER McILWRAITH, Editor The Expositor Is brought to you each week by the efforts of: Pal Armes, Bessie Broome, Marlene Charters, Joan Guichelaar, Anne Hutt, Joanne Jewitt, Stephanie Levesque, Dianne McGrath, Lois McLlwain, Bob/McMillan, Cathy Malady and Patrick Rabin. Member Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc. Ontario Community Newspaper Association Ontario Press Council Commtreonwealth Presss Union International Press Institute Subscription rates: Canada $20.00 a. year (in advance) Outside Canada $60.00 a year (In advance) Single Copies - 50 cents each SEAFORTH, ONTARIO, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1985 Second class mail registration Number 0696 Sale is wise The sale of de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited to the Boeing Company ,may not have been such a bad move, as members of the opposition political sector are trying to lead Canadians to believe. Instead Canadian taxpayers, workers and nationalists can all be thankful the federal government has found a buyer for the money losing Crown corporation. According to a Gallup Poll, conducted some 18 months ago, it was found 57 per cent of decided Canadians, a two -to -one margin - agreed the federal government should sell all Crown corporations that perform functions that could be done by the free enterprise sector. The Hon. Robert de Cotret, President of the Treasury Board and chairman of the Ministerial Task Force on Privatization, said "privatization will strengthen the ability of commercially oriented Crown corporations to compete in the marketplace. Privatization will ensure that maximum benefits flow to Canadians in terms of jobs and new investment, while reducing as far as possible the risks and cost taxpayers face when supporting companies that properly belong in the private sector. The sale indicates the government's privatization program is progressing in an orderly and business like manner." rhe agreement between the government and Boeing provides for the sale of de Havilland at a price of $155 million, which includes $90 million in cash upon closing and a repayable note of $65 million. This note will be discharged either through payments over a period of time, or through the purchase of up to $325 million in Canadian goods and services for purposes unrelated to current de Havilland or Boeing of Canada products. Boeing is also committed to a substantial investment to upgrade and further develop the existing Downsview, Ontario facilities and de Havilland product lines. It has been said the de Havilland sale provides an exciting opportunity for Canada to become a major player in the world aerospace industry. The sale of de Havilland to Boeing has been structured to safeguard Canadian technology and ensure continued research and development at de Havifiend. Besides providing job security at its Downsview plant, which currently has a workforce of 4,500, there will be additional opportunities for sub -contracting companies, creating new employment coast to coast in Canada. So Canadian workers should welcome the sale to Boeing because there's a good chance with its technical and management expertise, de Havilland will start to make money while producing a useful, desirable product, And taxpayers can be thankful they won't be asked to continue giving subsidies to de Havilland on top of the $700 million they've already spent. Even nationalists can be happy over the sale of de Havilland. Until 1974 de Havilland was owned by a foreign company. Since then it has been owned by the Canadian government and has been virtually a fiscal sinkhole. Now, it is being sold to another foreign company. But Canada Is being made stronger through this sale. With the benefits of Boeing's management, couple with de Havilland's worldwide reputation in the field of commuter aircraft, the sale should prove to be a wise decision. — H.M. E___n_EAT SOCKS by Heather McIlwraith Is equality good? Oftentimes fights are started without much thought given to the long term effects that will result One such fight recently, is the battle to have legislation passed that would allow females the opportunity to play on male sports teams. Do these people who are fighting to have this legislation passed realize what impact the legislation could have on female sports down the road? Such legisla- tion today could mean the eventual demise of women's sports. The entire argument has to do with the introduction of human rights into sports and a number of sporting organizations are scared about the repercussions of such an introduc- tion They say girls sports should be separate from boys sports, and a mixed sports league introduced if the two genders want to play on the same team. Boys' teams shouldn't be getting charged with discrimination under the human rights code, anymore than the W omen's Institute should be because it is designed for women. And the argument is valid. if legislation is passed that will allow girls to play on boys teams, then legislation should also be passed to allow boys to play on girls teams. And if this exchange is permitted wholesale. the girls are going to be the eventual losers. his command knowledge as children most girls develop faster than boys. But while a female may be able to compete on par with a male during her early years she may not always be able to. At some time the two genders eventually level out, then the majority of the males surpass their female' counterparts in both muscular strength and size (although there are exceptions). And if 10 years down the road, the child is no longer able to compete at the same calibre as the males, and this legislation promoting equality has already been passed, there may be no option for the female but to back out of sports altogether. Because by this time the female team will have disappeared. But why will it have disappeared? if. for example, there are two teams, one male and one female, and an exchange of players is permitted at a young age and legislation passed to allow it, why would that exchange not continue amongst the older aged teams. In other words. a pitcher for a mans' fastball team is finding he's not getting a lot of playing time, and decides he doesn't want to waste his time sitting on the bench. So, instead he decides he will try out for the female equivalent team in the area. Chances are the male is likely going to be able to throw the ball harder and prove a better asset for the team. then say, the original female pitcher. And since the lob of the coach is to choose a team based on the capabilities of the players. he choses the male pitcher, over the female. As a result more and more male players may opt to try out for the female league where they know they will probably see more time on the competitive surface, than they would had they stayed and competed amongst themselves for a few, limited positions in the mens' league. And if that takes place you could end up with a situation where a female championship tournament hosts teams that may be carrying more than 50 per cent male members. So, in effect, the push by the females for the right to play with the boys that is being made now does not appear in the best interests of the people who are actually doing the pushing. For the sake of one or two females today, who for some reason or another are able to compete on an equal basis, such legislation could only work to disintegrate an entity that women have been fighting and struggling to create for years -- women's sports, And it's something various boards of education and various women's sports organizatidhs in the province are looking very seriously at right now. It is an issue that should be investigated because there will be serious repercussions. WHAT CHILD iS THIS? — St. James school students act,out the From left: Monica Ryan, Janice' Rodney, Karen Nigh, Mike Etue nativity scene during a dress rehearsal for the school's ChrlvSt.i3 as and an unidentified shepherd. Raftis photo concert held Tuesday evening at Seaforth District High Sch000i -. Christmas, a time for reflection So it's Christmas once again and therefore time for reflection. it's time to try and put a little perspective into an insanely chaotic world. This year I haven't detected the enthusi- asm or real excitement Christmas usually brings. The kids are thrilled, of course, but the cold. hard reality of the real world has succeeded in jading many of us as we grow older. It's a world infested with war, famine, flood, earthquake, greed, terrorism, murder, unemployment and human despair. As unpleasant as it is, after the holiest day ends, it's back to grim reality. I find any messages from politicians that preach about peace, love and brotherhood extremely hypocritical when the same men mould huge, rapacious, over fed war machines and at the same time cut deeply into social funding for those less fortunate. Billions have gone into missiles and other killing devices when one small fraction of that money would be enough to feed thousands of hungry people for years. It's also time to think about the struggling farmer, It will not be a merry Christmas when you know the business you have sweated and CORNUCOPIA by David Broome a., torn your guts out for is going down the t . ' es. it's time to think about the unemployed and how grim their Christmas is going to be. It makes me ill when a Michael Wilson giggles in glee and takes the credit when unemployment drops a minute degree and you know his policies have absolutely nothing to do with it. It's also time for us to quit feeling guilty) about what we, as Canadians, have accom-I Iplished. Canadians are not and should not be considered the saviors of the world's lproblems. If we have more than we need it's) impottant we do contribute to those that suffer - both domestic and international. Christmas is one small pin prick on the calendar yet it miraculously brings out the absolute best in virtually all of us. More than a few people over the years have said Christmas should last 365 days of the year. Sadly, though, it is just a Pollyanna thought It's also time le reflect on the true meaning of this day and it's difficult with the neverending flood of sickening commercial ism, that seems to grow worse every year. Whether you like to admit it or not, the real reasons for this day have been forgotten by many. . Since time began we have had upheaval in the world. One day won't change it A thousand like days won't change anything but if we start now and work on it, it can he done. Alastair Sim starred in a 1951 movie that, at the time, was attacked unmercifully by the critics. That move, "A Christmas Carol" is today regarded as a true classic ft is a gem of a film everyone should see If you get a chance, watch it. it just might change your perspective. Joy of giving sometimeslost Of all the lists being made for ('hnstmas the gift buying list that mothers make is probably the most thought out, the most often revised, and the most difficult to complete Mothers are often harnessed with the gift buying that originally was equated with the "joy of giving " How times have changed The joy of giving can often become a heart wrenching and worrisome chore that can cause a great deal of anxiety for many mums it is even more worrisome in these days of high unemployment, job insecurity. and reduced cash flow Not only does a mother have to do the majority of the shopping she has to accomplish the gift buying within budget limitations divided among members of the family Unfortunately with the commerciali- zation of Christmas has come the cash evaluation of almost every gift. The result is that many mothers in their attempt to keep the kids equal become hung up on the dollar value of each child's presents. it is ridiculous to say money is not important. Thal is only true if one is fortunate enough to be on an unlimited budget. If mums could go out and buy gifts without looking at price tags they would have no difficulty checking off those on the list. On a budget It's a more demanding chore as mum's try to make several people happy on X amount of dollars. Mothers never want to show favoritism and this is an honorable desire. it can often be carried too far. it is very difficult to divide $200 among four children. It's not just a matter of simple division even if you do decide to spend $50 on each child Some HERE'S THE BEEF by Carolanne Doig children will be happy with things that are inexpensive, while another child may have a wish for something just over the magic line 'drawn by the budget This line can come between the gift giver and the gift receiver I think the line should be adjustable to a certain extent For one thing young children don't know the dollar value of many items and older children are mature enough to accept differences Children know the gifts they receive on Christmas morning were chosen with care and love and i have never yel Seen members of the family tallying up the estimated value of the items they were given Certainly gifts are sometimes revered that arc obviously expensive but i doubt they are received with any more gratefulness than the inexpensive little things we all need and enjoy ft is a well known fact that the handmade scarf or birdfeeder and little things like bubble bath or socks cyan give pleasure long after more expensive items are shelved I remember when we were small mum and clad said we played more with the hie hoses many of the gifts came in than the gifts themselves Mums are not the onl,• ones saddled with this dilemma of purchase power Many large families draw names at Christmas and put a maximum amount an the Purchase In help cut ovists it seems imam people my to gel the mast expensive item for their money and are more worried about spending exactly the maximum than choosing a suitable gift They are afraid the book Suzy really would like is net enough because it's only $15 and in -spite of purchasing the perfect gift. they spend the last two days before Christmas trying to find something for Suzy worth an additional $In It is really a silly way to do it because often the pi'rsen purchasing the gift and the person receiving it measure the value of things diflcjrentlanyway Measurngeersihing by ils coal is certainly not in the spirit of the season I have decided to get off the "let's make everyone equal" band wagon and decided In get on the "let's make everyone happy" one St,nnng as it bin a budget is a neces,ii for all of us but i think the total budge) at gift pnrrhasing time is more important than tieing to stay V. several rnnirhudgr'ts tier all them are no budget limitations on Ilir happineSS snit con give someon Sri all you mums out there teanng around town Irving to spend those last fest dollars to keep the kids equal. relax. it's the little gills fmm the heart that count mnsi Christmas past more memorable Ah. Christmas! Ugh. Christmas! Aggh, Christmas! One's enthusiasm seems to drain as one grows older. i don't mind the first carols beginning before the Grey Cup game. i don't mind a big turkey dinner, after eating frozen turkey dinners all yeari enjoy a Christmas tree, if somebody else will pick it up, make the dam thing stand up and decorate it. i love a big fire in the fireplace, if somebody else will fetch the wood from the cellar Otherwise, it's about as exciting as Iabbiur Day And you don't have to sweep out the needles on that holiday However, there are remembrances of Christmas pasts And some of them are great ones Mychildhood Christmases were all anyone could want, although during the Depression. gifts were pretty scanty. But there was always an apple, an orange, and some nuts in the stocking Maybe a book under the tree. But usually a new set of long -johns. i remember a Christmas at an RAF' station in North Wales. We rookie officers were introduced to an old custom: the officers served dinner to the "other ranks " W e did it with a certain elan, considering that all the W AAFs were giggling and trying to pinch or pat our bums as we weaved, and i mean weaved, among the tables. W e had fortified ourselves before the meal. Some officers were so well fortified that they slept through the officers' dinner in the mess afterwards I remember another in prison camp. We had saved and scrounged from the last Red Cross parcels to get through. it began, as i recall, with cocktails (potato whiskey), went through creamed salmon on toast and wound up with a vast cake, unleavened, made of ground Graham wafers, chocolate, and dried milk, beaten with water. Anyway, we lay around and groaned, for the last time in six months. SUGAR AND SPICE by Bill Smiley Another Christmas dinner was in a sanitorium. That was a real gasser Luke- warm turkey, lukewarm everything. and five other guys coughing their guts out However. we got our plum pudding. which looked suspiciously like the usual tapioca pudding. -ith a sprig of holly. or pine needles. on top Then it was great Christmas dinners at Granny's, for a few years Five hours frantic preparation in the kitchen. one hour to eat. then the women hack in the kitchen for two hours, washing up. while the men stretched out like pythons, just fed Jolly good However, these great dinners were not without incidents On one occasion. my hmther-in-law and f went in on a television set for the folks on the farm With great secrecy. we put it on a toboggan, and slid it 200 yards up the snowy lane ao the house We hoisted the great box into the kitchen. Kim, about three, said, "i hope you like the TB, Gran " The whole clandestine surprise busted by a kid. Anyway. (:ran liked it On another occasion. my wife decided to do the honors. it was the first real home we'd had half a house She spat and polished, even the stoves, and invited her parents and a favorite aunt for the big i'hnstmas dinner She was like a whirling dervish, making gravy, bashing potatoes, while 1 stood around being helpful. Finally, she handed me the platter With the turkey on it. I headed for the table, and the dang turkey you know how slippery they are - slid right off the platter and onto the fresh -polished floor I have never been closer to death. However, everyone was great. and they had a good turkey dinner, except for Tiny Tim yours truly who spent the rest of the dinner washing the floor Another big flop was the time we invited (;ran and Grandad out to a hotel for ('hnstmas dinner Gran was a hit past the getting of a gargantuan meal It was my idea, last of the hig.time spenders We all got dressed up. which we didn't do at the farm The dinner was third rate. and we were all embarrassed, even the kids Limp cool turkey. dressing made front old running - shoes. gravy from a can The only. thing i could think of was. ''well. no dishes to do " This cheery note was greeted by stony silence last two years. haven't been sn had Auntie ins invited us all for ('hnstmas dinner. and it was the good old style Last year. after about thirty seconds dialogue, we agreed to go out to a restaurant, and it turned out to be'first rate No turkey. but all you could eat My grandhnvs put away about twice as much as any adult My only real regret is for the time my mother cooked a great turkey dinner, to he served about three o'clock My o Ider brother and sister and a friend went out skiing and arrived home at five. full of themselves. My kid brother and i sneaked off to the matinee, and arrived home, guilty. about the same time My mother didn't say a word. but the dinner was ruined, and I've never felt so guilty since. 1