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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1956-03-01, Page 2THE TIMESADVOCATE, EXETER, ONTARIO, THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH 1, 1»S4 Jottings By J.M.S. WIMHI♦ This Journal shall always fight for progress, reform ana public welfare, never be afraid to at­ tack wrong, never belong to any political party, never be satisfied with merely printing npw&. Retired Folks Enjoy The Sun THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH 1, 1956 Increase Returns Huron Seed Fair Boosts Quality The estimate by C. H. Kingsbury, fieldman of the field crops branch of the Ontario Department of Agriculture, that Huron farmers could increase their re­ Action of the federal department of public works in disregarding Exeter Council’s request for reconsideration of plans for the addition to the local post office makes one wonder who is working for whom in this so-called democratic system. When elected representatives start getting the heave-ho from public servants, the situation is out of hand. The department has already called for tenders and is proceeding with pre­ parations for construction and hasn’t even yet officially informed council that it doesn’t plan to reconsider its original proposal for enlarging the facilities. Council requested a review of the plans in December after copies were bor­ rowed from the postmaster to see what was being proposed. Although council members admitted they weren’t .con­ struction experts, they questioned the value of the changes being made for the estimated cost of $50,000. Not wanting to raise a squabble, council decided to appoint a representa­ tive to discuss the plans with the depart­ ment. Reeve William McKenzie and Huron MP Elston Cardiff went to Toron­ to for the purpose. It was a wasted trip. The department wrote Cardiff telling him the plans had already been approved and estimates passed in the House. In view of this ’’the department is reluctant to make any changes now or during con­ struction.” The issue is not that the department didn’t change its plans to suit council; it’s simply that the department didn’t even give the council’s request considera­ tion. As a matter of fact, the department didn’t extend to the town even courtesy attention. The town was never consulted; the plans weren’t submitted for approv­ al; the department didn’t even make an offer to go over the proposal with council. Obviously, council isn’t going to raise any strong objection over the treat­ ment it’s received. That’s because they’re afraid the department might cancel the work. So there you have the rather ironical situation of public servants holding the whip over the people they’re working for. It’s a nice spot to be in. Cleanest South Huron Hospital received a de­ served tribute Friday when Hon. Paul Martin, federal minister of health and welfare, praised the hospital as the 'cleanest he has ever seen. Considering. Mr. Martin’s position •and the fact that he has toured nearly ■400 hospitals across the dominion, this is indeed the most authoritative compli­ ment, the hospital staff could receive. Miss Claypole and her “team” can take a bow. Let's Work Towards • An expanded industrial promo­ tion program in Exeter and in Huron County. • Completion of the Riverview Park development. • A business promotion organiza­ tion among Exeter merchants. • A parking lot close to Main Street • Removal of unsightly dumps in Exeter and Biddulph which are visible from heavily-travelled highways. • A town plan for Exeter. turns 25 percent by improving the seed, they use should be incentive enough to attract record attendance at Huron County’s annual seed fair this weekend. Mr. Kingsbury’s comment, of course, was based on the 1955 seed drill survey which showed that even though Huron is among the top producing counties in the province, the quality of the seed that’s sown isn’t good. He and other agriculture officials are urging farmers to sow better quality to reap a bigger harvest. Huron is far from being near the top when it comes to standard of seed. County with the best quality had 73 per­ cent of all samples grade No. 1; Huron’s percentage was just a little of half. Of 11 counties surveyed in 1955, Huron stood seventh. A greater interest in the seed fair and in the activities of the Huron Soil and Crop Improvement Association could help to remedy this situation. Democratic The Huron County Hog Producer who wrote to several newspapers last week branding as undemocratic the me­ thod by which directors are elected to the county producers’ association is wrong in his accusation. Although there may be an argument over the merit of the election system, there can be no complaint that it wasn’t adopted in a fair and democratic way. We know because we helped count the votes. Here’s what the fuss is about: direc­ tors to the producers’ association have been elected for a number of years at the annual meetings of township federa­ tions. Each township appoints one direc­ tor to the board and four are chosen “at large” at the annual meeting of the hog producers. At this year’s meeting, a number of producers objected to that system of be elected by hog producers only. This, in members of the federation aren’t hog producers and that the directors should elected be hog producers only. This, in our opinion, is an important point. It does not seem right that the director of one organization should be elected at a meeting of another group, no matter how closely the two may be affiliated. Nevertheless, the supporters of this system believed it to be best because the directors are elected at the township level, where it is much closer to the in­ dividual producer, rather than at the county level. This argument has some merit, too. However, the final decision rested with the hog producers themselves and, with capable Ag Rep Gerry Montgomery conducting the meeting, the producers voted overwhelmingly in favor of carry­ ing on with the present system. Even though the letter-writing hog producer doesn't like the system of elec­ tion, he should be man enough to* admit that producers had every opportunity to change it if they wished to. Because the majority did not agree with him doesn’t indicate the system is undemocratic. On the other hand, we think hog producers might take a long, hard look at their system before voting on it again. While the election is done at the town­ ship federation meetings in good faith, it must be admitted it would be practic­ ally impossible to hold a hog producers’ meeting and election during the federa­ tion’s program for the evening. In all fairness, we must agree with those who advocate that the directors be elected by the hog producers themselves at the an­ nual meeting when the hog marketing system is being discussed. I doubt if there is anywhere in the world where, in a single day, you do see a? many people well up in years as you do here in ;St. Petersburg, Florida. The same thing, in a lesser degree, might be said of almost any city in this land of sunshine, tropical plants and friendly peo­ ple.The secret is not hard to find. The greater part of those who come here are retired couples or single gentlemen or ladies. Up- north in a colder climate they would altogether likely be shut up indoors during the winter months. Down here in the sunshine you find them hut almost every day sitting on the green benches or enjoying the many attractions that the city has to offer. Every­ one lives in the open except those from affliction, who are confined to their rooms. The young people come for a short holiday, move from one scenic spot to another and re­ turn to their homes. But many of retired years come to Florida at the beginning of winter stay until April, Record Tourist Crowd The height of the season when rentals are the highest is from the last week of January to the middle of March. During that time accommodation is at a pre­ mium but there are still many homes and motels with signs signifying that rooms and effi­ ciency apartments are still avail­ able. The tourist accommodations have greatly increased in the last few years. At the present time St. Peters­ burg is enjoying an all-tim^ high for tourists and crowds are every­ where in evidence. There are at­ tractions for all classes of peo­ ple. For those who enjoy quiet and sunshine are the green benches particularly on 'Central Ave, I was down this morning and there seemed to be thousands watching the crowds go by or shopping. At Mirror Dake there are 107 shuffle board courts, the largest in the world, and the enthusiasts begin to gather there at 8.30 a.m. There were over 4Q0 playing at one time this afternoon and many were standing around awaiting their turn. After playing three games the players must leave one court and then go in search Of another, The morning ball games at­ tract huge crowds. There is usu­ ally an afternoon .concert in the park. Races Are Popular The dog races at Derby Lane and the horse racing at Sunshine Park draw large crowds. One fol- lower was telling me that during the first six or seven races there was a congeston around the wickets where the bets are placed but dwindled considerably for the last few races, evidence that the betters had panted with their greenbacks in vain hopes for get- rich-quick money. The big attraction in the even­ ing is" the million dollar pier where community singing of the old popular songs is greatly en­ joyed. The old boys and girls who were good singers or dancers in their prime get great enjoy­ ment in again performing for the public. The last time I was there an old boy over 80 sang, and he sang well, while another about the same age did some step danc­ ing. Many play cards as they listen to the music and there is always a number of checker play­ ers on hand, 8V2xH—Ordinary 16 Lb. and Heavier 20 Lb. Available in Following Quantities 100, 250, 500 and l,0Q0 The Times-Advocate The Peep Show Plan Play Festival | The semi-monthly meeting of fifty percent of the profits. Tick-, the Players’ Guild was, held on " ets are fifty cents; seats will not Feb. 21 in the town jail. At that time, a small group heard the financial result of “No Rhyme Nor Reason”. Subsequen­ tly the secretary read the dir­ ector’s report with valuable sug­ gestions for future productions. The date of the next meeting was set for March 12. The even­ ing concluded with an excellent lunch. The One-Act Festival, which has three entries, will be held on March 28 at 8:30 p.m. in the high school. The Hospital Auxili­ ary will sponsor the evening for be reserved. Arrangements have been com­ pleted for Professor Bu’okley to adjudicate the entries. He is on the U.W.O., and has considerable dramatic experience. The public will be invited to attend the criticism of the plays. Those who are sincerely inter­ ested in learning about drama are enthusiastically invited to re­ main. During the next few weeks, each director will present, in this column, a few comments on the play he is producing. Happy Journey Exeter &btaocate Timm Rrtabllshcd 1878 Amalgamated 1984 Advocate Established 1881 Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario A* Independent Newspaper Devoted to the Interests of the Town Of Exeter and District Authorized as (Second Class Mall, Post Office Department, Ottawa Member of the Canadian Weekly Newspaper Association Member of the Ontario Division of the CWNA Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations 10S3 All>Canada insurance Federation National Safety Award 19SS Ontario Safety Dengue Award 19B4 Winner of the E. F.- Stephenson Memorial Trophy for Best Front Page Among Ontario Weekly Newspapers Paid-in-Advance Circulation as of September 30, 1955—2,734 SUBSCRIPTION BATES Canada (In advance) *0.00 per year •— U.S.A, (in advance) $4.00 per year Published by The Exeter Times-Advocate Limited MERRY MENAGERIE . By Walt Disney “Right! You can’t teach an OLD dog new tricks—or a STUPID YOUNG one!” tiiiiiimiiiiiiiiitminiiiiiiimiiiiiiimitiHiHiiiiniiiiiiiimiiiiitiiiiiiiitiii* As the "TIMES" Go By 50 YEARS AGO Rev. Dr. Willoughby of Brant­ ford dropped, dead of .heart fail­ ure in the pulpit, of the Methodist (Church at (Blenheim. 'Only a few years since lie was a much loved and respected pastor of James Street Methodist church. The business ability of Mr. H. Eilber MPP for South Huron is being recognized in the House as is shown by the fact that he has been placed on each of the most Important committees:-Ag­ ricultural and 'Colonization, (Pub­ lic Accounts, Railways and Muni­ cipal. Dr. D. A. Anderson has dis­ posed of 'his fine dwelling on Al­ bert St, to Mr. Jas. Walters of town. - Messrs. Popplestone and (Gardi­ ner who has been carrying on a general store business here for over three years, yesterday closed the store having purchased a business In Bly th. Public (School Inspector, John E. Tom is at present paying his semi-yearly visit to the schools in this neighborhood. 25 YEARS AGO A letter was received from John Walker now on missionary work in China in which he said that conditions in China are much more hopeful than they have been for some time.A story-telling contest under the auspices of the Women’s Institute was held in James St. United Church. Mrs. G. Ether- ington, president, opened the meeting. Mrs, Geo. Layton was convener of the story telling. The prize winners in Miss R. (Creech’s primary room were Norma, Wilson, Lois Clark and Annie Mason; Miss M. E. Prfd- ham’s room; Florence SOuthcott, Marlon Elliott, Audrey Sims; Miss M. Rowe's room; Richard iStanbury, Boris Payne Philippa Harness; Miss M, Horton’s room; Elaine <Stanbury„ Jack Brlntnell, Dorothy Traquair. Rev. E. L. Vivian was formal­ ly Inducted as rector of Trivltt Memorial church, on Monday, Mr, and Mrs. G66. Frayne were honored by about sixty friends in Frayne’s Hall in view of their recent marriage. 15 YEARS AGO iDr. W. E. Weekes of. town >has4 been called to Active Service with the Royal 'Canadian Army Medical iCorps,.- The London Badminton Club will visit the Exeter club Friday night. Dr. R. H. Taylor of Dashwood addressed the Shipka Home and School club on Citizenship on Wednesday evening. Main St. United Church adopt­ ed their new order of service on Sunday with service as usual at 11 a.m. followed by Sunday School service. Blenheim High School hockey team of which Jack. Moise is a member played an exhibition game with the local school team on Saturday. Grades 7 and 8 of the Public School held a' sale of candy on Saturday realizing $15 which is to be sent to the Toronto Star War Victims’ Fund. 10 YEARS AGO Mr. O. E. McCarter of the Exe­ ter Frozen Food Locker has dis­ posed of his business to Mr. Leonard McKnight. Anderson, Mt. Pleasant and Kirkton congregation assembled at Kirkton United Church to wel­ come iCapt. Alex Rapson, Mrs. Rapson and family 'back to Kirk­ ton. Capt. Rapson served as chap­ lain overseas some, three years. Tpr. W. H. Ryckman was In London this week receiving his discharge from the Canadian army, having served for two and a half years,Andrew Bierllng after five years with the Canadian forces In Canada and overseas, has re­ sumed his position with JonCil & May, ,. ,Ray Frayne-after several years with the RJd.A.F. has resumed his position with (Snell Bros. & Co.Louis Blake Dutt of Wel­ land -Was guest speaker at Exeter Dions Farmers’ night. The Happy Journey is a come­ dy written by the contemporary dramatist, Thornton Wilder. Be­ cause he is interested in experi­ mental theatre, this play will seem unusual in many ways. First, there -is a virtual lack of setting and costume. Four chairs represent a car; these and a couch are all 'the stage proper­ ties. Hand properties include only a hat for one character. iSecond, all action is done in- pantomime. Arthur plays mar­ bles, but there are no marbles. His sister talks to her girl friends, but there are no .girl friends. Imaginary luggage is carried down imaginary steps to the imaginary car. Third, the audience is brought into close contact, with the actors. Ma Kirkby opens an invisible window to speak directly to her friends—the audience. She is ans­ wered in the bass voice of the Sitage Manager who stands on the side of the stage throughout the play. Reveals Character These unusual devices are for one purpose. Wilder wanted to reveal the interesting character of Ma Kirby. All else is subdued to that intention. - As a result, the loving charm of this woman stands out above all else in the play. The author felt that ex­ cessive staging and costuming would detract from her character and divert the attention of the audience. The Happy Journey taxes the imagination of the audience as well as the cast. The little play is a gentle comedy concerned with the revelation of a family, particularly the mother, Ma Kir­ by. So unusual and unorthodox will be the -presentation 'that, most of the audience will not realize the play is over when the curtain falls. Indeed, they will ‘await act two! The excellent cast includes many familiar people. Ma Kirby will be played by Marjorie Dilkes; Pa Kirby by Jim Crock­ er; Arthur by Jim Carter; Carol­ ine -by Jane Farrow; Beulah -by Janice Hamilton; and the ever­ present stage m an a ger by Dwayne Tinney. Don’t miss it! I News Of Your I LIBRARY By MRS. J.M.S. Winners of the Governor-Gen­ eral’s Awards for Canadian litera­ ture * for 1955 announced last week included for academic non­ fiction—John A. MacDonald, the Old Chieftain, by Donald G. Creighton and for fiction—/The Sixth of June by Lionel Shapiro. Canadians should be proud of the winners of these awards. Each year there have been good books but for consistently high quality and importance the 1955 group is unique. We have allready reviewed Donald Creighton’s two books on John A. MacDonald in our column. In 1953 the author won the'’s--Governor-Generar3 a- ward for academic nOn-flctioh for, John A. MacDonald, The Young Politician. The same a- ward is now conferred for the second volume of the same bio­ graphy which appeared in 1955. The Sixth Of June Lionel Shapiro’s The 'Sixth of June which wins the award for fiction is the fruit of three year’s intensive research and planning. Of this, he says ”It is the book I have have been planning to write ever since I landed oh D- Day as a war correspondent”. Born in Montreal, 1908, Shap­ iro attended McGill University graduating with honors in psy­ chology. In 1941 he went to England as war correspondent —Please Turn to Page 3 For the victims of disaster, wherever it strikes • •» for the maintenance of Outpost Hospitals in Canada*s remote areas ... for the extension of free blood transfusion services .;, and for the many other ways in which the Red Cross serves the Canadian people.;; YOUR help "is essential. YOUR share is giving. Friday, March 16 - 5-6 p.m. Donations May Be Sent Directly To EXETER LIONS CLUB c/o DR, E. S, STEINER EXETER, Ontario