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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1977-11-17, Page 4It would appear rather straight forward that, if the present clerk is retiring in a few months, a person of similar abilities and training be hired. However, Exeter council would do well to seriously consider the role that will be played by such a person in light of their present needs as well as those of the future. Perhaps it is time that they considered whether a form of "town manager" system could be initiated, with that person under- taking some of the work now handled by in- dividual members of council. Under such a system, the ad- ministrator is given broader powers than have been bestowed upon the position in the past, and therefore some different abilities may be required by the candidates for the job. A review of the job description would be appropriate at this time when a change is being made in personnel, because judg- ing from the enviable record of the past, the person hired may be around for a con- siderable time and obviously should be chosen with the needs of the foreseeable future in mind. Clerk Eric Carscadden provided some rather startling information for Exeter council last week when he reported that if none of the town employees was sick during the current year, the cost to the town for built-up sick leave would be $9,290. That's based on the current rate of pay, of course, so it is difficult to estimate what the actual cost would be at the time of the employee's retirement when that sick pay has to be paid out at his pay scale at that time. However, the frightening aspect is that the sick pay benefits are accruing at an alarming rate and none of that money is be- ing set aside to meet the obligation when it arrives. If several employees retired at ap- proximately the same time, it would place a considerable burden on the budget. The executive committee has been ask- ed to look into the matter and bring a recommendation back to council. It is a matter that many public bodies are in- vestigating as it represents thousands and thousands of dollars. To envision the con- sequences, just start •adding up that $9,290 per year. The basic principle of sick pay is com- mendable. Employees are protected from lose of income when they become However, the problem arises when those who are not ill are allowed to "bank" that time and receive a cash payment at the end of their employment. The reasoning behind that is that employees who are not sick should be able to accumulate time. Otherwise, it is feared, people would decide that they may as well report sick and get their regular pay. In short, it's a policy aimed at keeping them honest or, in ,effect, rewarding those who maintain good health., That is not the intent of a sick pay scheme and the accumulation of the costs suggests that changes are required. Assess position Jumping into the fire Noe! 4 Times-Acivocale, November 17, 1977 weN61,9.610c. Changes required ". . . I said, don't you think there's too much sex on TV?" This is age of the young This has been the age of the young. Rock music, drugs, dropouts, dirty denim, unisex, swinging singles, discos, and now punk, rock. You name it and we've been assaulted by it. It all began with the Beatles, I reckon, this adulation of youth. And now it's The Fonz, a por- trayal of a young hood, that gets the headlines. To be over 40, in the last couple of decades, has been just this. side of being dead, as the media, the entertainment world and business, salivated over youth. Well, it's kind of nice to see that a lot of the old timers are still in pitching, despite' the deluge of juvenilia. It was a bit of a jolt to hear of the sudden death of Bing Crosby recently, at age 74. But the Old Crooner was still giving some class to the shoddy world of show biz right up to the end. Octogenarian John Diefen- baker has published another book of his memoirs, Haven't read it yet, but it's said to be as delight- fully malicious and wrong- headed as the first volumes. Morley Callaghan, well into his 70's, recently published a new novel, to critical acclaim. Callaghan, one of our finest writers, isn't getting older, he's getting better. Ignored or sneered at for years by fellow Canadians, he just kept hacking away at his vocation of being a first-class writer, Just finished a novel, The In- truders, by Hugh Garner, and although parts of it are bad, when the dialogue becomes polemical, he still has that sure touch of realism, an ear for the talk of ordinary people, and the ability to tell a good story. Garner is no chicken either. Must be in his 60's, about half way. Scott Young, another cracking good writer, has abandoned a daily column of trivia, with which even he was becoming bored, and has gone back to writing what he does best — honest sports stories. He's over 60. Pierre Trudeau is not yet an ancient combattant, but he had his 58th recently, and is certainly no pushover for the young blood- thirsty wolves in the political pack, as anyone who watched the opening of Parliament could see. And how about the Queen. She is no teenager, and she's begin- ning to show it, but when it com- es to poise and grace and charm, very few of the young chicks can hold a candle to her, One of my colleagues, a former officer in the German Ar- my, is into his 60's, but could out- ski, out-swim and out-walk most of the staff members 30 years younger. I have another friend, about 70, who could out-think, out-drink and out-swear 98 per cent of men in their 20s. My father-in-law was a little disappointed to learn this year that a by-law had been passed stating that retirement was com- pulsory at 65, and he'd lose one of his jobs, He's 85 and is quite bewildered when he hears talk of young fellas in their early 60s who can hardly wait to retire. Played golf with an old, gray- haired geezer a few weeks ago. He is retired, but only because of a heavy heart attack. He plays 18 holes a day and then knocks back a few whiskies before dinner. His score was 88, mine was 108. He swims all summer and bowls twice a week in the winter, as Well as working like a navy around his home. I don't really know what I'm getting at here. Maybe I'm just sick of the youth-worship cult to which we've all been exposed (including the young) for far too long. Maybe I'm tired of living on a continent and in a culture in which the very people who were the salt of this country's earth are shuffled off, without honor and without shame into places that are called things like Sunset Rest, Final Heaven — everything but Last Chance Saloon. Maybe I'm fed up with the in- terminable excuses, sloppy ser- vice and half-assed work we receive from so many young peo- ple whose grandparents and parents gave full measure, and believed in such hoary adages as "A job worth doing is worth do- ing well." I sometimes wonder why we are so eager, in this country, to slough off the ,,wealth of ex- perience and wisdom our elders have to offer in our society. Why aren't the older tradesmen used as teachers, at a decent renumeration, to pass on their skills to the half-baked young tradesmen we so often en- counter when we want a job done. There is a crying need for more day-care centres in this country. Why aren't they filled with volunteer grannies, who could love and pet and teach the children, as only they do so well? Nope. It's easier to sweep them under the carpet: into lone- ly rooming houses, nursing homes, senior citizens apartments, or, in extreme. cases, the Senate. We don't want to see wrinkles and white hair and trembling hands and mouths. We want everything to be the way it is on TV. Well, don't try to shuffle this ole boy off, when the time com- es. I intend to go right on being arbitrary and obnoxious. Unless I'm offered a seat in the Senate. 21740MOSONN$ Amalgamated 1924 Exeter council members appear to have a penchant for jumping out of the frying pan into the fire, and their latest move in that direction regarding the proposed shopping centre could result in someone getting "burned". Just who that will be probably won't be known for some time, but there is little doubt that the next few weeks will prove very interesting in this community as the battle wages on over the shopping centre. It will be a very complex situa- tion, no doubt, with council sit- ting squarely in the middle of a battle between the downtown merchants and the shopping cen- tre developer Gerry Sprackman. Council jumped into the proverbial fire last week when they agreed to place a freeze on the • shopping centre site. This followed an earlier decision when they assured the developer that a building permit would be issued as long as he met certain requirements pertaining to that development. • 4, Obviously, the, latest decision appears, to a considerable degree, contrary to that earlier decision and it is in that area that 'the developer can be expected to mount any legal battle which he may deem necessary to protect his interests. * There is now some question among council members as to what was actually approved in that original motion' made at their meeting of October 3 when they met with Sprackman. It is difficult for the writer to draw any conclusions as to council's intent at that time because the motion referred to items which had been discussed behind closed doors with the developer. However, in retrospect, there is little doubt that council made one glaring error, and that was an error which they have made in the past as well. It was the error of making a decision without allowing themselves proper time to consider all the ramifications. Looking back on the account of the open portion of the discussion ' at that time, we note that Coun- cillor Ted Wright suggested it was unfair for council to make a quick decision on the matter, noting that he knew of no other community in which a commer- cial development was given per- mission to proceed in the' matter of only one week. Both Wright and Councillor Derry Boyle argued strenuously to have the matter set over for further study, but they received support only from Councillor Harold Patterson and the deci- sion was made to provide a letter to the developer outlining the conditions he had to meet to Secure a building permit. * * * In a situation of such magnitude, councillors should have secured legal advice prior to making any decisions. They' knew full well that the develop- ment would draw strong opposi- tion from existing merchants. Hardly a month goes by without a hews Story in the daily press about similar situations in ether communities in Western Ontario. In fact, during the past month there was considerable Overage given to the battle in St. Marys where the Ontario Municipal Board was Sitting to determine whether a proposed development in that community Would be viable. The infortnation provided for coutwil by London lawyer George Plakton last week regar- ding their alternatives, and on Which they based their "freeZe" decisien, Was readily available from any solicitor and certainly Should have been secured prior to their original decision on the matter in October. The cost of securing such ad- vice may well be minimal in comparison to what it may now cost to get the issue settled, One can appreciate the reluc- tance of elected officials to ex- pend tax monies on legal fees, but the fact remains that no one on council can be expected to have the expertise required on such controversial and complex developments to make decisions without that type of advice. As individuals, council members would not outline in writing, any intent to another person without seeking the assistance of a lawyer and cer- tainly they should follow the same policy regarding town business. In his letter printed in this newspaper last week, Mayor Bruce Shaw suggested that coun- cil is "extremely limited as to what course of action it might take". He suggests that if the developer conforms to the town's zoning bylaws and if he meets the requirements that have been laid out for him, council is powerless and indeed has no right to stop him. That is correct only to a point. Council's planned action of plac- ing a freeze on the site would point up the fact they have con- siderable power. The fact that they could also require the developer to submit a feasibility study of the impact of such a development before it is ap- proved, suggests they have the right to stop him if the feasibility study shows the development would in fact be detrimental to the community as a whole. Mayor Shaw also outlined eight questidns that should be con- sidered in making a decision if council can either prohibit or at- tract' a shopping mall. The answer to most of the questions Dear Bill P just received a clipping of your tribute to Russ Collingwood. It was a very touching tribute and a very accurate one as well, I must say I was quite sur- prised to read that Russ had retired. I guess I had assumed he would just go on working forever. It is somewhat reassuring to, know that one does not necessarily have to become one of the "high and mighty' in order to be missed and ap- preciated, It seems ,somewhat ironic that the highest com- pliment one can give is to tell someone how much they will be truly missed — yet be unable to say so until they are gone, It is true that Russ Collingwood was not one of the "high and mighty." It is equally true that Huss Collingwood set an example of dedication and service we would all do well to follow. It is very much to your tredieto recognize arid point Out his contribution to his community, ?ours truly V. Fulcher London Thank CM every ' morning when you get up that you have something to do that day which must be done whether you like it or not. Being required to work and doing so to the best of ybur ability will breed in you self- control, diligence, eoritentment, and a hundred other virtues which the idle never know. he listed can not be made by any member of council without a considerable amount of detailed study. For instance, the question of whether existing businesses would.be hurt by such a develop-,,,,, ment is not a value judgement to be made by members of council without a comprehensive study of the area market, In fact, the only information they have at present on which to base such a decision would indicate that the shopping centre' would hurt ex- isting businesses. He also notes that council members must act on what they "believe to be right". The word "believe" carries with it a con- notation of having an opinion, whereas many of the questions he says must be answered can in reality be based on facts and that is always a much safer route. to take than merely an opinion. One of the interesting side issues in the current debate, is that of conflict of interest. Members of council have ex- pressed their opinions on that matter, but again- we suggest they have avenues open to them to seek qualified advice to protect themselves. The appropriate ministry should be contacted, given the facts, and then asked for a rul- ing. That may still be only an opi- nion, knowing civil servants' dis- dain for stating facts, but it would nevertheless be a more qualified opinion than that of council members. Reeve Si Simmons raised the question last week in suggesting that Councillors Boyle, Wright and Patterson may have a con- flict of interest. He should be reminded that as a real estate agent and the owner of a com- mercial enterprise that may be affected by any local develop- ment, he too may have a conflict on the other side of the issue. It is interesting that council members have apparently deem- ed that their local solicitors have a conflict of interest, although it may not be any more direct than that of some council members. It is obviously a matter that they should check out im- mediately. * * * While the foregoing may appear to be a criticism of coun- cil, that is not our sole intent. Hopefully, some of it will be judged to be constructive criticism that will emphasize the need to get professional assistance on items of a con- troversial or complex nature prior to any decision making process being undertaken, This writer believes (and that is an opinion that obviously can not be based on fact) that all members have acted in good faith, regardless of which side of the' issue they haVe aligned themselves. Some honestly made decisions based on their belief that they had no alternative. Others made their decision, not on the basis of knowing they had an alternative, but probably only in the hope that they did. The, feet remains that developments of this nature result in controversy in most On- tario communities, but hopefully we will not lose sight of the fact that people are entitled to their opinions-,.. regardless of how stupid those opinions may appear to be in the eyes of those Who hold differing opinions, But let us not degrade ooraelVet by dragging per- sonalities into the Matter. $5 Years Apo The third boy's Parliament for Seidl) Huren was held, in Exeter Friday and Saturday and wound up with services for boys in the churches on Sunday, Over 60 boys were present representing most of the Sunday schools In South Huron, Mervin Camm was selected as premier and Lyle Stathain as leader of the op- position. IVIr, ,IVIaurice Coe tes ems i taken a position 'as clerk at Heaman's Hardware. Mr, Hamilton, foreman of the Hydro gang who are putting up the lines betWeen Exeter and Crediton narrowly escaped being electrecuted Saturday. They were stringing the wires when one caught in the branch of a tree, and while tightening one of the lines, the wire gave way and touched the high tension wires. The shock knocked Mr. Hamilton about ten feet and his arm was numb for several days. On Saturday afternoon last, Master Ray Pfaff, of Hensall, had the misfortune to have his thumb and index finger severely injured while operating a tile machine. 30 Years Ago After seven years of service, R. R. Pooley resigned from the presidency of the Exeter Branch of the Canadian Legion. An enthusiastic audience heard the concert of London Civic Symphony in James St. Church Thursday evening. The Department of Education has approved the Exeter High School Board's request for a new high school. Approval has been granted to lower the age of enlistment for the RCAF to 17 years. Rev. Kenneth MacLean, pastor of Cavell Presbyterian church for the past three years died in St. Joseph's Hospital, London, on Monday. 20 Years Ago Eieter merchants officially opened the Christmas season this weekend. Featured in the up- coming weeks will be four Saturday afternoon shows for Many students who study a foreign language are usually interested in doing so because of a desire to develop an ability to communicate With others who speak that language whether it be French or Spanish. There is also very often an interest in learning about the customs and everyday activities associated with the people who speak the language. If we think about some of the words that we know and use in our regular` conversation we might be surprised to find out that our knowledge of French and Spanish is greater than we would have imagined. We talk about going to the premiere of a film or a play and we express our appreciation of a fine performance by our ap- plause and shouts of Encore, encore. A young lady who is engaged talks about her fiance whom she is meeting at the cafe. Many people enjoy French cuisine at a good restaurant where they are met by the maitre d'atel who is careful to give every help to the clientele, Mysterious strangers in novels have a rendez-vous and nations are said to discuss detente in world relations while at home the government tries to avoid an impasse in labour negotiations. We can read about these oc- currences and other affaires in our newspaper while relaxing in our chaise longue out on our patios. A visit to a nearby plaza provides us with examples of haute couture and our fellow shoppers are likely to be wearing gauchos and even the odd poncho, After our excursion we may need to have a siesta before sitting down to enjoy a tortilla and some tacos. Later on we can join our fellow aficionados and munch on some fritos as we watch the football game, These are just a few of the words of FrenCh and Spanish origin which occur in our con- versations and we can find many words of Latin derivation such as aquarium and education just to mention a couple. At the Secondary level we try to develop in the students ah in- terest in improving their ability to communicate in both French and Spanish. The basic struc- tures in both languageS as well as necessary vocabulary are provided by means of audio- visual and teach prepared presentations in the classroom. The program aims at developing the listening, speaking, understanding and writing skills of the students and they are given opportunities in children staged at the Lyric theatre, public school carol singing and jackpot draws totaling $600, paPorriclipionsewdafilood cosetonstx8090I,odwarnaact. cording to the Ausable Authority. The estimate includes con- struction of a 1,000 foot earth fill dam across the valley north of Parkhill, a concrete spillway, a diversion channel for flood waters, the purchase of 700 acres of land and engineering costs. Over 700 people attended the bingo and variety show staged by Huron Park council on the station Wednesday night. A party of hunters including George Hess, Hensel), Don Shepherd, Grand Bend, Elzar Mousseau, Kippen, Jim Parkins, John Robinson and Leroy O'Brien, both of Zurich and R. Grenier, Grand Bend, returned home Friday from a hunting expedition on Manitoulin Island with their full quota of deer, one each and three foxes, 15 Years Ago RCAF station Centralia of- ficially opened its new $70,000 fire ball last week. It features an automatic fire detection panel which codes key information to the crews as soon as a call comes in. Most of the work has been completed on Grand Bend's new dial telephone system and cutover has been scheduled for mid-December. Workmen are busy putting the finishing touches on some of the intricate wiring and are making test calls to the 600 subscribers. Mark Bender, Varna and Jane Horton, Hensall, have won Huron County scholarships at the Unversity of Western Ontario. One of the successful area hunters was Arthur Cunningham, Ciandeboye, who returned from Greenock swamp in Bruce County with a 300 pound, nine- point buck. A' feeder shed on the farm of John Berendsen, No. 83 highway in Usborne was destroyed last week, along with a load or two of hay. An abutting machinery shed was saved. class to practise these skills in the form of Presentations describing various everyday activities, Along with the oral com- munication we try to develop another type of communication namely that of the com- munication of ideas and at- titudes. This aspect of language study has great importance in oursociety in Canada which has two founding cultures. It is through lack of knowledge of each other's culture and customs that harmful stereotypes and misleading myths have come into existence and have caused serious misunderstandings in the past. It has been noted that there are more similarities than dif- ferences to be found in each of the two cultures. Human nature is basically the same, it is only peoples' customs that are different Since opportunities for prac- tising their foreign language skills are generally not readily available in their own com- munities, the Modern Language Dept. provides an opportunity in the form of a field trip to Quebec and this year has applied to the Exchange program set up by the Federal Government, to arrange an exchange between the senior students of this school and those of a high school in Quebec. There also exist other programs through which the interested student can improve his or her ability in speaking French, The Federal Govern- ment has been offering bursaries to cover the cost of tuition, board and lodging to students who wish to improve their French in the summer. These bursaries are usually available at universities in Quebec and students from this school have taken advantage of this help as recently as last summer. Other organizations such as the Canadian Council of Christiana and Jews and Visites Inter- provincials also arrange ex- change for students during the summer months. French was introduced to the grade 3 level at the public schools six years ago and this has im- proved the Oral ability of the students who now continue their studies at high school, This haS made it possible to integrate the French program between bah levels so that the program done by the students at the grade 9 level in high school is a con- tin nation of the same program la grades /.gt8and which in a couple years will be continuous from the grade 6 level, With the increasing op- - Please turn to Page 5 eCNA ORNAVSMOMMSONSORIETINMEAMMESISM,,,,,,, Titres Established 1873 araNni1V,MOZZ • . , wa,;t5,24;z71" avv, 4M","ZeiVagamed SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND C.W.N.A., 0.W.N.A. CLASS 'A' and ABC Published by J. W. Eedy Publications Limited LORNE EEDY, PUBLISHER Editor — Bill Batten Advocate Established 1881 MORMOVAVNATOWZ104.0. dvocatel Assistant Editor — Rost- Haugh Advertising Manager — Jim Beckett Plant Manager — 001 Weekley Composition Manager — Harry DeVries Business Manager — Dick Jongkind Phalle 235-1331 Published Eath Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Class Mali Regisfr6tron Number 0386 Paid in Ativente Circulation September 30, 1975 5,409 CCNA urut MBSON AWARD 197a SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $11.00 Per Year; USA $22.00 feMW -WON ;.M.ZSIVAIZZAK Comment from.., *oath f)urott 11)iiitritt *id Othoot By DAMIAN SOLOMON