Loading...
The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1974-12-19, Page 21Every year you have someone on your list for whom it is difficult to buy. You don't know their size or their color preference or their likes and dislikes. Well, don't despair. YEAREND CLEAgrouping RANCE ecial SUITINGS COATINGS Wools and Wool filen'ais - 1/2 PRICE Sheepskin Fun Fur Fabric Reg. 8.98 1/2 PRICE DOUBLEKNITS Special grouping 100% polyester, yarn-dyed and printed 1/2 PRICE SUPREME CRIMPLENE .98 60" 100% polyester 4.98 Main St., Exeter Mon. - Thurs., Sat, 9 — 5:30 rib dhajtk) IMO CHARGER Friday 9---9 Open Wednesday 1111111= • • • • • • • • • • • • • • I.• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • '41 • • 0 • Union presents storm warning Amur GFTS PROVINCIAL AWARDS — At Saturday's Perth 4-H Achievement Day at Kirkton provincial honours were presented to girls completing a dozen projects. Back, Joanne Paton, Peggy Simpson, Linda Marshall and Diane Gibson. Front, Lauree Kane, Dianne Miller and Mary Jane Templeman. T-A photo Santa visits percent pay increase is unrealistic and inflationary, and must surely be recognized as an initial bargaining stance adopted by the government employees. It is the feeling of the Official Opposition that there should not be interference at this stage with the negotiations between the representatives of the workers, that is the executive of the Civil Service Association, and the Management Board of the Province, which has the responsibility to bargain for the management side. If the atmosphere of bitterness surrounding the Crown Employees' Collective Bargaining Act, is dispelled by the passage of new legislation, the salary demand will un- doubtedly be modified by negotiations in the coming months, The alternative is heightened confrontation and resistance on both sides of the bargaining table, and eventually an illegal strike which will cause hardship to citizens and tax- payers in every part of the Province. The Minister of Transportation and Communication introduced a Bill entitled, An Act to amend the Highway Traffic Act. This Bill deals with 9 subjects of legislation four of which are of significant importance to the motoring public of this Province, They are amendments relating to the operation of school buses, mandatory driving licence suspensions of conviction under the criminal code for offences involving the operation of a motor vehicle, delegation of powers to municipalities and the regulation of motor assisted bicycles. The school bus provisions are amended to require the school bus stopping law to apply to all highways regardless of speed limit. Pageant highlight at Crediton established immediately before relations with the 60,000 govern- ment employees deteriorate further, to redraft the law governing Crown Employees contract negotiations, The new legislation should establish free and open negotiations in all areas dealing with salary and working conditions for Provincial em- ployees. The new law must recognize, however, that certain employees of the government perform essential services, which they cannot be permitted to withdraw by means pf a strike or a walkout. Specifically, police protection and certain other services such as the basic care of patients in psychiatric hospitals, should be recognized by reasonable people as essential, The joint committee should determine which other categories of employees, if any, would endanger the health or safety of the community at large if they were to withdraw their services and should provide for an efficient and fair arbitration procedure for these employees. There is no way, however, that any essential characteristic can be associated with the people who work for example in the liquor stores or many of the government offices, whose services, while important to a community are not so essential that their with- drawal would endanger health or safety. During the last two years elected representatives have had experiences at the Federal, Provincial and Municipal levels with strikes in the public service area. There have been illegal strikes among the fire fighters at airports and by some hospital workers in this Province and in other jurisdictions. Obviously the solution is not simply to put those people breaking the law, as it presently is, in jail. It must be recognized that if the laws are so constructed that broad categories of people find themselves unable to obey them, then we do not have the proper solution to the problems, that our laws are designed to solve problems that have been with us in the past and are growing in intensity and scope day by day. This view is apparently shared and gift distribution. Afterwards there will be a party for the girls at Zion United Church, After school Friday, December 20, the Explorers will visit senior citizens of the area for carolling Under these provisions there is an onus on the school bus driver to activate the signals as prescribed. Motorists following a school bus must stop whenever school bus signal lights are flashing and motorist meeting the bus must similarly stop except when on a highway divided by a physical barrier or an unpaved strip of ground. These provisions also prohibit the use of chrome yellow paint on buses other than school buses. The driver licence suspension provisions prescribe a man- datory three month suspension for all first offences and a mandatory six months suspen- sion for every subsequent con- viction within a five year period. In furtherance to the policy of delegating greater powers to the municipalities the Bill contains provisions which will eliminate the need for approval by the Minister of Municipal bylaws regulating and governing traffic with the exception of those relating to connecting links in the installation of traffic lights. Provision is made for bylaws to be filed by the Ministry and for the repeal of bylaws which are inconsistent with the Highway Traffic Act. An amendment providing a reduction from 50 to 20 percent in Ontario's Land Speculation Tax was given third reading in the Legislature. Revenue Minister, Arthur Meen, said the tax would lose its immediate impact by being only 20 percent of the amount of speculative gains rather than a very substantial healthy and significant 50 per- cent. The amendment rose out of the Federal Government's refusal to allow the Provincial tax for Federal Income tax purposes. Those who have paid the full 50 percent will receive refunds plus 7 percent interest. By JACK R (DP E LL M.P.P. The decision made September 21st, by the Civil Service Association of Ontario, to demand a 61,5 percent wage increase this year and to strike if that demand is not met by December 31st, is a storm warning that cannot be ignored. Civil Service strikes were outlawed more than 2 years ago but there will be a dislocating protracted and acrimonious strike anyway unless the Government acts promptly, decisively and in good faith to restore order and reason to its labour management relations. Clearly the Provincial em- ployees are not deterred by the fact that their strike would be illegal and in fact the compulsory arbitration aspect .of the Government's heavy handed and insensitive bargaining procedure has intensified their current militancy. If the Government acts now to modify its restrictive Crown Employees' Collective Bargaining Act,.then a strike can be avoided. Otherwise an illegal strike appears inevitable. Leader of the Official Opposition, Robert Nixon, believes that the present statute which became law on May 30, 1972, is unnecessarily restrictive. The Liberal Party opposed it when it was put through the Legislature and Mr. Nixon said during the debates that he believed it is wrong in principle and that anyone who supports it will regret it. It is now apparent that the legislation is self defeating - that rather than preventing strikes it has engendered a bitterness and frustration within the Civil Service that threatens to provoke a strike. The arbitration provisions which leave a 2 to 1 built-in majority favouring the Govern- ment and the exclusions of almost all conditions of em- ployment except salary are two aNgs,„tkt ,T.41*. be, corrected before useful negotiations can continue, Mr. Nixon suggested that a joint committee of MPP's and representatives of the Civil Service Association should be Staffa girls receive achievement awards by Senator Carl Goldenberg, who was recently appointed by the Davis Government as mediator in the Toronto Transit Com- mission labour dispute. He wrote last year that "compulsory ar- bitration will not in itself eliminate strikes. In Australia where it has been in effect for many years, there are many more strikes and walkouts an- nually than in Canada, Its ex- perience shows that compulsory arbitration does not prevent strikes; it only makes them illegal." Surely the Government's ob- jective must be to prevent strikes not simply to make them illegal, In the present circumstances, it appears that a Civil Service strike cannot be prevented unless the law is changed to provide greater freedom of negotiation and to restrict compulsory ar- bitration to employees whose services are essential. The composition of the Arbitration Board which as presently established, is seen to be weighted in favour of the Government, is an additional problem. The procedure which allows the government to appoint one member and the Chairman of the three-man Board reinforces, in the view of the employees and many objective observers, the impression that the legislation as it now stands is fraught with problems and possibilities for unfairness and injustice. At the upcoming session of the Legislature the government must bring forward new legislation as developed by the joint committee of MPP's and Civil Service representatives that will correct this situation and also make it possible to negotiate with provincial employees in a free and open manner in all areas dealing with salary and working conditions. Once again emphasis must be placed on the fact that certain employees perform essential services and must be so regulated' but the general categories of employment must have access to free negoitation if we are ever to restore some harmony and co-operation to labour-management relations in the Provincial Civil Service. • The present advertising campaign by the Civil Service Association has emphasized this aspect even more than the financial issue, and it is Mr. Nixon's belief shared by the members of his Caucus that it would be impossible for any •••-.., reasonable negotiations to take ".. 'place on salaries and wages until the ill-feelings related to the method of negotiation are dealt with. In the opinion of the Official Opposition, the demand for a 61.5 I A surprise party was held Sunday evening at the home of Mr, & Mrs. Lorne Elliott honouring them on their thirty- fifth wedding anniversary. Attending the event were: Mr. & Mrs. Frank Elliott and boys, Mr, & Mrs. Larry Elliott and boys, Mr. & Mrs. Glen Elliott and girls Mr. Wilfred Elliott. -1 Mr. f& Mrs. Duncan Scott and family spent the weekend at Niagara Falls. Quite a number from this community attended the Christmas concert at Mitchell District High School on Sunday evening. ri •It% qrit.; ri -Catn43:roleif cti By MRS. J. TEMPLEMAN STAFFA Achievement Day for the 4-H Homemaking club project "a world of food in Canada" was held Saturday at the Kirkton Community Hall, Staffa No. 1 club presented a demonstration "An apple a day" with Jane Ross and Ruth Har- burn participating. Staffa No, 3 club set up an exhibit entitled "Come dine with the Pennsylvania Dutch" with Joanne Robinson the com- mentator. Ruth Harburn Staffa No. 1 club received her county honours for successfully completing six homemaker clubs. Carol Miller Staffa No. 3, Deanne Miller and Mary Jane Templeman, Staffa No. 1, received their provincial honours for successfully com- pleting twelve homemaker clubs. Mrs. Ross Balfour, a leader of Staffa No. 3 club was presented with a leadership certificate for 5 years of 4-H leadership. evit Wilk MAIN ST, JEWELLER EXETER n By MRS. RENA CALDWELL Mr. Keith Lovell returned home from hospital last week. Mrs. W. L. Mellis has returned from a month's holiday in Florida. Mr. Sr Mrs. Arnold Gackstetter, Guelph visited last Saturday with Mr. & Mrs. Harold Jones. Personals Wanda and Michelle Martyn, Russeldale visited for several days with her grandparents Mr. & Mrs. John Templeman and family. So You've Left the Tough Ones Until the End ain! By MISS ELLA MORLOCK CREDITON Sunday Charles Nienkirchen, Kitchener, was in charge of4the morning service at Zion United Church. He spoke on the three- fold significance of Christmas - the eternal glory of Christ, His humiliation and His exaltation. Mr. & Mrs. Nienkirchen sang several numbers, Mr. Nienkir- chen accompanying the singing on the piano. Flowers in the church were from the funeral of Henry Pfaff. Sunday evening the Sunday School presented its annual Christmas concert, a pageant "Pause to Remember the Promise", written and produced by Reg Finkbeiner. Scenery, painted by Mary Ellen Schlenker, showed in turn a modern street scene, Bethlehem and the starry sky above the shepherds. As two shoppers, Barbara Ratz and Paul Fydenchuk, discussed the promise inherent in Christ- mas, the drama of the birth of Christ was portrayed on the stage - prophets, shepherds, angels, Mary and Joseph, the inn keepers, Herod, the Wise Men, all appearing. The entire Sunday School was involved. Mrs. Lyle Little was piano accompanist, Doris Schwartz soloist. The congregation also took part, joining in the carol singing of the choir. At the close of the program Harry Schroeder, superin- tendent, moved a vote of thanks and appreciation to Reg Fink- beiner. The congregation then moved downstairs for the distribution of gifts and a time of fellowship. Next Sunday Calvin Fahrner, Toronto, will conduct the service at Zion United Church. Men's Club Sunday afternoon the Crediton and District Men's Social Club staged a Christmas party for the children in the Community Centre. Harvey Hodgins, president, was master of ceremonies, Three comic films were shown and Christmas carol records played. Santa Claus arrived to distribute candy bags to the one hundred children present. Kerry Lynne Mahoney, Shawn Whelan and Glenn Layman were weekend guests of Mr. & Mrs. Sam King. Mr. & Mrs. Sylvester Wuerth have returned home after spending two weeks with Mrs. Doris Baxter of Lefroy By MRS. HEBER DAVIS Service was held in St. Patrick's church at two o'clock Sunday for the first service since having it re-decorated. Rev. R. Savary conducted the service. Mr. & Mrs. Robt. Steele London provided special music in the absence of the organist. Flowers on the altar were in remem- brance of the late Tom Quinton. The church was attractive with the Christmas decorations. Personals Mr, & Mrs. Heber Davis were Wednesday dinner guests with Mr. & Mrs. Cleve Pullman and had Mr, & Mrs. T. Knox-Leek, London and Mr. & Mrs. Earl Atkinson as their guests Sunday. Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Davis were guests at the wedding and reception for Mr. & Mrs. Mark Atkinson on Saturday. Heather and Michael were guests at the reception. Mr. & Mrs. Fred Dobbs were guests Saturday night at the Northridge Public School Christmas party at the down town Holiday Inn, London, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Dobbs and Mr, & Mrs, Hugh Davis were guests Sunday evening at the annual Shillelagh Christreas party, Lucan. & Mrs. Heber Davis visited their aunt, Mrs. Norma Coleman and Mr, & Mrs. Ivan Needham Saturday afternoon and were dinner guests With Mr, & Mrs. narl Atkinson. Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Davis Were Sunday guests with their daughter Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Love and Payann, Varna, May We Suggest C.CORACCOICOMI FOR HER • cheese dishes • fondue sets • cups 8, saucers • necklaces • rings • watches • serving frays • ornamental glaqware • punch bowls • jewel boxes • silverware • pottery • costume jewellery • wall plaques • Hummel and Moulton figures FOR HIM • beer steins • travelling bar cases • rings watches • binoculars • tuff links • tie tacks • ash trays • carving sets • ice buckets • pen sets • lighters • barometers • carving boards • clocks jewel boxes ns SANTA ARRIVES IN STYLE — The Exeter firemen enjoying their an- nual Christitat party Sunday heard of Santa's arrival over their fire radio and made a quick dash with the fire equipment van to pick up the lolly fellow, Above, Santa is being greeted by chief Gary Middleton and driver red Wells. T.A photo e vzolzijoutivAtimingwommozolArliwornotototijmotinfirt,