Huron Expositor, 2006-07-19, Page 5Opinion
Thq Huron Expositor ' July 19, 2006 Page 5
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Farmers who persist against the odds will
vindicated in the end, says writer
To the Editor,
To all the guys (and gals) who keep putting a
crop in the ground despite the odds being
stacked against them. To all those whose aver-
age day is twice as long as that of most and for
those who find their hopes and equipment get-
ting rustier by the day; yet somehow keep.
going.
You keep doing it to preserve a way of life
that you're not even sure people appreciate
enough to make it worth saving.
Where old school values are seemingly too old
to be relevant in a constantly changing world.
Although you're running on empty, the
thoughts of better days for yourself and your
family drive you on.
I can assure you that in this world where peo-
ple are increasingly superficial and fast paced,
you will be vindicated in the end. You'll be vin-
dicated when people realize that vices - shop-
ping, sex, drugs, power and image- will never
give you a lasting sense of deeper satisfaction.
It is a feeling of satisfaction I have yet to find
in an office high rise, but, is so readily available
to those willing to shed their pretences and pull
on a pair of cover-alls.
For that reason I can assure you that your
sacrifices and strength in the face of uncertain-
ty will be what others look to, and embrace,
when the tables are turned.
Those forced to sell the farm have absolutely
nothing to be ashamed of; putting up a fight for
a single day in an up -hill battle against an
invisible enemy takes more guts and courage
than many people will be required of in a life-
time.
This struggle against low commodity prices is
far bigger than any one person.
But this does little to soften the biting
hypocrisy of it all. Hard-working families losing
their livelihoods - often justified by the bureau-
cratic disclaimer that they must not have been
efficient enough while not too far away gov-
ernments desperately try to curb gun and gang
violence.
Admittedly this may be soft comfort from a
be
guy who doesn't have a life -time of farming
experience. I'm simply from a small town with a.
few years' experience milking cows and family
roots in agriculture; but I can tell you a few
things I know for certain.
I can say for certain that in the country the
stars really are brighter, the air cleaner, the
grass greener, the people and friendships more
genuine, the steaks thicker and life richer.
While governments work to save agriculture,
you are the ones who actually make it happen.
Milton Luap
Toronto, ON
Girls' band coverage disappointing
•
To the Editor,
It was very disappointing not to read one
word about our marching band.
These girls work hard, marching in the rain
or snow as ambassadors for Seaforth.
They went to Calgary to march in the
Stampede parade and by the way, they finished
third.
They lost their funding so the girls really
worked hard to raise the money for the trip.
There was lots of funding given to fix the pool
which is open three months; the girls parade for
• 10 months. Seaforth should be real proud of
these girls and give them a little recognition for
their work.
The London Free Press put in a nice article
and picture of them. Their home town paper
said nothing.
It would be great if the B.I.A. made an annu-
al donation to help keep the band going. Every
store could make a pledge to them.
It's a proud feeling to be in Toronto for the big
Santa Claus parade and hear the announcer
say, "Here comes the Seaforth All Girls '.
Marching Band."
The band has been marching 50 years. Let's
help keep them going.
Audrey Robson, Seaforth
Tbm Wilbee ends 33 -year career of winding
post office clock when works installed in 1981
JULY 15, 1881
William Grassie lost a valuable
cow last week. She was running at
large on Thursday night and some
person struck her on the leg with a
stone, breaking it and injuring her
so that she had to be killed.
We notice that Alfred Brewer of
Seaforth and late of Lee's Mills,
Varna has been engaged at the
Hensall grist mill.
There will be a cricket match
played here on Monday next, com-
mencing at 3 o'clock between the
New Hamburg and Seaforth clubs.
Thos. McFadden of McKillop
began cutting his fall wheat on
Tuesday last. He says it is well
filled and in all a splendid crop.
Jacob Smith of Egmondville got
sunstruck on Tuesday while mow-
ing hay, but did not feel the effects
of it severely until Wednesday. He
is getting better.
JULY 20, 1906
Mary Beattie, daughter of Mr.
John Beattie of Seaforth distin-
guished herself at the recent exam-
inations at the Canada Business
college, Hamilton. She passed her
final examination in shorthand
with honors, winning a diploma
and gold medal.
Thos. Archibald of McKillop,
recently sold to Norman
Kernathan, of Benmiller, a two
year old filly for which he received
the handsome sum of $200.
Dr. F.J. Burrows of Seaforth, has
been appointed examiner of
Clinical Medicine for the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of
Ontario. The many friend of the
doctor will congratulate him on hi
preferment.
JULY 17, 1931
Mrs. R Cameron and little Bobbie
of Hensall, spent a few days with
relatives in Varna last week.
In a recent fiddler's contest held
at Grand Bend, William Hyde, who
lives about half a mile south of
Hensall, won first prize in the fid-
dler's class of not under 65 years
He was accompanied by Effie Bell,
of his home, on the guitar, the prize
being a fine silver cup.
On Wednesday morning during
one of the most terrific electric
storms ever to visit this district the
barn on the farm of Daniel
Machan, 14th line McKillop town-
ship was destroyed by fire at 7
o'clock that morning. The driving
shed was also consumed.
JULY 20, 1956
An enthusiastic meeting was held
in Walton Public School Monday
evening with the section well rep-
resented to make plans for the
Morris township Centennial to be
held August 4, 5 and 6.
The largest crowd in Seaforth in
many years with the exception of
the Civic holiday crowd at the
Seaforth Old Boys last summer cel-
ebrated the 266th anniversary of
the Battle of the Boyne here
Saturday. The attendance was esti-
mated at more than 8,000.
Denny Harkness of Hensall, visit-
ed a few days with his grandpar-
ents, Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Cooper
and Mr. and Mrs. Bud Cooper and
family of Toronto visited a day last
week at his parents' home in
Kippen.
JULY 15, 1981
Seaforth council has scheduled a
special meeting for later this
month when an attempt will be
made to determine the future of
the Seaforth community arena.
Derk Maat, an engineer, told coun-
cil earlier this month that the
arena wold be unsafe under winter
conditions.
A 21 -year-old Seaforth man,
Daniel John Nash, died early
Saturday morning in Tuckersmith
lbwnship as the result of a single
vehicle accident. At 2:15 a.m.,
while driving his truck on
Concession 5-6 about five kilometre
southwest of Seaforth, he lost con-
trol of his vehicle and it rolled over
into the ditch.
For 33 years, Tom Wilbee has
climbed to the top of the building
where the Post Office is to wind the
clock every week. However, as of
this week, the manual winding
mechanism of the clock will be
replaced by electric works.
August .7 will be a busy day for
Johnny Nielsen. Once he is fin-
ished competing in the Ontario
Senior competition in. Ottawa, the
Seaforth native will be flown to
Thunder Bay to compete in the
Canada Summer Games.