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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-08-12, Page 4PAGE 4--GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 1987 Put a smile on your face. Cheer up. The future looks brighter. International- ly, things are not as bad as they seem. In fact, profound changes are taking place which could favorably alter world politics for many years to come. Mikhail Gorbachev, the new leader of the Soviet Union seems set to drag Russia, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century. He is not pleased with the current state of Soviet affairs, both inter- nationally and internally and he has the will, the energy and the time—he is unlikely to die of a cold in the near future—to do something about it. Gorbachev, 56, is the first Soviet leader born since the revolution of 1917 and may be considered the first of the "new guard". He is changing western percep- tions of what is going on behind the "Iron Curtain", while at the same time loosen- ing the rigid structure of Soviet society. Don't get me wrong, he is no capitalist, but he is at Least benevolant, both to Rus - Newton's Apple Ted Spooner sians and the rest of the world. Here is a short list of the changes he has made which warm my heart. —The first hint of change came when he brought his wife Raisa on official foreign visits. Soviet leaders usually chose travelling companions who were KGB agents, foreign ministers or both. Their wives, if they existed, were completely anonymous. Here is a trivia question: what was name of Chernenko's wife. I am not even sure he was married. Raisa is intelligent, attractive and poised. I hear Nancy Reagan likes her. —It took the Soviets a while to tell us about the Chernobyl disaster, but once we caught wind of it (sorry for the pun ) they provided more informon than we could have hoped for. They ven made it public that gross negligence on the part of reactor scientists caused the disaster. The scientists were given prison sentences, following a trial. In the past, the west would not have seen pictures of the disaster, would not have known the full extent of the problem and those responsible would have been quietly taken somewhere and shot. —He has publicly stated that the state-run Soviet economy with its series of five year plans has not worked and never will. Russian economists have been allowed to debate his plan of limited free enterprise and to attack the Soviet collec- tive system. In the past they would have been quietly taken somewhere and shot. Gorbachev intends to put a few extra rubles in the average Russian's pocket. An analyst with Maclean's magazine remarked that if you take away their 1.7 million men in arms and their nuclear weapons, the Soviets are basically a third world country. —We have seen film of Russian citizens demonstrating in Red Square. While it is remarkable that these peaceful protests took place with no repercussions, it is astonishing western ne7 's services have the video evidence. —A Soviet journalist was allowed to -tour and report on a missile launch site and the report was carried in Western newspapers. The reporter gave few hard details but we now know the name of one of the men whose finger hovers over the "button" and his feelings toward his American counterpart. —The Soviets are making arms control proposals faster than the Americans can reject them, said an international affairs reporter. U.S. has accused the Russians of using arms proposals to improve their public relations profile and to make the Americans look bad. Gorbachev has con- vinced me his efforts concerning arms reductions are sincere. Gorbachev is in the midst of a peaceful purge, one that will see the Soviet Union become a major international force economocally, culturally and socially. Gorbachev is following in the footsteps of Peter the Great who helped introduce a backward Russia to art, science and literature. He will be too busy shaping Russia's future to concern himself with nuclear war and I genuinely believe he wants to get rid of those bombs. Majority of people—myself included— have lived with the fear of nuclear an- nihilation hanging over their heads. This fear has subliminally shaped our percep- tions of the future. An open, enlightened Russia will go a long way towards brightening our horizons. Opinion -_- 'HE NEWS PORT FOR-GODERICH 8z DISTRICT SINCE 1848 the Goderich, SIGNAL -STAR NAL, P.O. BOX 220 HUCKINS ST. INDUSTRIAL PARK GODERICH, ONT. N7A 486 BEST ALL ROUND COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER IN CANADA (CivAaeen Class 35064500) C.C.N.A Batter Newspaper Campertsson 18E4 NOME PUBLISHED BY SIGNAL -STAR PUBLISHING LIMITED Founded in 1648 and published every Wednesday at Goderich, Ontario. Member of the CCNA and OCNA. Subscrip- tions payable in advance $22.00, (Senior Citizens $19.00 privilege card number required) in Canada, 960.00 to U.S.A., 960.00 to all other countries, Single copies 60'. Display, National and Classified advertising rates available on re- quest. Please ask for Rate Card No,.16 effective October 1, 1985. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with the reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for but that balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical -error advertising goods,or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell, and may be withdrawn at any time. The Signal - Star is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduc- ing purposes. General Manager SHIRLEY J. KELLER Editor DAVE SYKES Advertising Manager DON HUBICK FOR BUSINESS OR EDITORIAL OFFICE...please phone (519)524-2614 Second class mail registration number 0716 Member:C A CCNA Inexcuseable actions Awareness of Social Agencies for the Physically Disabled Day was held in Goderich recently.. The one -day event was held, not only to make the disabled aware of the local and county services, but also to make the public more aware of the difficulties faced by persons with disabilities. - In this regard, local dignitaries were invited to participate in an event designed to make them aware of the accessibility for disabled persons in Goderich. Letters inviting dignitaries to attend were sent out well in advance.of the lay. Whi, ere were some negative responses, 11 persons said they would attend. However, on the actual day, only eight representatives of various agencies showed tip. For one hour only, they were asked to put their feet into the shoes of a disabled person and see what faced them op°the streets of Goderich. Representatives from the Goderich Town Council, Huron County Council and the Huron County Planning Department failed to attend, although each had responded positively to the request for their participation. It is inexcuseable that these groups would fail to send at least one representative to an event which could benefit not only them but also the disabled persons in the area. Active partipation in an awareness event is among the best ways anyone can learn even some of the difficuities faced by those with disabilities. Through participation, concerns, voiced by disabled persons could be studied and perhaps acted upon. Although the active participation of the dignitaries lasted only for just over one hour, it was the experiences incurred in that hour which could have been beneficial to those persons who are actually disabled. However, if representatives decline to learn about the problems in town faced on a daily basis by disabled persons, they will be less prepared to do anything in the way of helping the disabled. Perhaps next time, these bodies will at least see fit to fufill their promise and send a representative to the an event. — L.H. 'Environmental alert An environmental alert sounded last month by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment warned one area family in time to head off a potentially dangerous situation. Now, Bayfield summer cottagers Bonnie and Stuart Heath, who live in Kitchener, wants to pass on the alarm to others whose wells contain submersible water pumps which may contain the cancer-causing chemical polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The ministry suspects up to 4,000 of the 460,000 private wells in ontario may have pumps with motors containing the deadly chemical. The Heaths discovered theirs was one of these. Fortunately for both the Heaths and their neighbors, the seal on the pump was discovered to be intact when they removed it. However, it was dangerously close to breaking and releas- ing PCBs into the Heaths' well, surrounding water systems — possibly even the air. PCB contamination of water can lead to contamination of food sources such as crops and livestock. The chemical has a long life and once released, is not easily cleaned up. Elsewhere in this issue of The Signal -Star is a story on the Heath's encounter with PCBs and a list of water pumps which may have motors containing the chemical. It is the respon- sibility of every private well owner to make sure their pump is not among those in danger of polluting the environment. For both their own sake, and their neighbors, residents are advised to consult the list and take the appropriate action should they suspect their pump may contain PCBs. If you have any doubts about the safety of your pump, contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. — P.R. The politicking has begun. With Premier David Peterson's recent announcement of a September 10 Ontario election date, residents of the province have been holding onto their hats for fear someone will errantly cast them into the figurative ring. - As in all campaigns, potelhial voters will be besieged over the coming weeks with rhetoric, rancor, ridicule and regurgitation, as candidates from every party strive to find new promises to make, fake and break. This early in the campaign the -pro- mises ands ements are often of a suspiciouslva,gue nature, as the com- petitors seek a platform that will be palatable to enough voters to get them to Queen's Park. Therefore, as one who has slept through more campaign speeches than those in most other lines of work, I feel duty-bound to offer a translation of the statements and non -statements that we will be. hearing from the candidates bet- ween now and polling day. "I plan to study that issue closely and give serious consideration to the matter." Translation: "What the heck are these people talking about?" "We have made our position on that subject very clear!" Translation: 9 just can't remember if we're for, or against it??" "I promise you that matter will be resolved one way or another in the very near future." Translation: "It's outta thy hands baby!" "Our party has nothing to hide, where Repairs- being made to Harbour Road 25 YEARS AGO August 16, 1962: Extensive repairs are being completed on the caved -in section of North Harbour Road, damaged by sub -fill shifting two weeks ago. Engineers are busy at a nine foot excavation on the east side of the railway installing con- crete drainage tiles designed to carry away the underground seepage. The newly com- pleted road was damaged for a stretch of. 100 yards when the west side of the roadfill slid away during a recent rainy spell. Shifting sub -fill, caused by seepage, was suspected as the source of the trouble. The new paving as well as the cement gutters, parted com- pany, resulting in considerable damage to the section of the roadway. The roadbed has benn repaired and the tile laying is expected to be finished before the end of this week. The Elliot Construction Company, Clinton, is in charge of the excavating. Weekend arrivals at Goderich Harbour in- cluded the SS McCorquodale, at 10 p.m, Fri- day, with a load of grain for the Upper Lakes elevator, and the SS Hagerty, Satur- day at 7 p.m., into load salt at the Sifto dock. Both vessels left port Sunday. A party of Ontario police executives, attending the sixth Zone Conference, held at Goderich, were guests of MacDonald Marine Service, Wednesday evening, for a one-hour cruise in the lake abroad the marine service tug "Donald Bert". The party was arranged by Sergeant Harold Calvert of our local force. Goderich lost 12-4 to The Dominions, of Stratford, in Stratford on Monday evening in the first game of a best of three in- termediate series of the OASA. The second game is to be played in Goderich Saturday evening. A second inning rally clinched the game for Stratford when eight runs were scored on five hits. Going in to the fifth, the score was set at 9-1 for Stratford. Goderich vainly attempted to make a comeback by scoring two runs in the two hits, and an er- ror by Stratford. Gord Walters went for three innings for Goderich before. he was relieved of his pitching duties to go to left field. Carmen Vint then took over the that is concerned." Translation: "We haven't even thought about it." "Under no circumstances, would we take such an action if elected. "- Translation: "The last time we tried it we got buried at the polls."' "Our party does not need to resort to making a campaign issue of our oppo- nent's alleged misconduct." Translation: "Our guy has done things that would make your skin crawl!" "That situation hasitibeen dealt with — it is -behind us and is not at issue in the cur- rent campaign." .Translation, "Tuna?What tuna?" "Yes,. we are in factor Of selling beer and wine in corner store," Translation: "If that doesn't get us the 18 -year-old vote -- nothing will!" LOOKING BACK mound for Goderich. McPhee was the Goderich catcher. 50 YEARS AGO August 13, 1937: Members of the Town Colincil and representative citizens were at the Cana- dian Pacific Railway . Station yesterday morning at 9 o'clock to greet Sir Edward Beatty, president of the CPR, and his party of high railway officials, who had arrived in Goderich by special train at 4 a.m. on a tour of the company's Ontario lines., Other members of -the party were: H.J. I{umprey, vice-president and general manager of Eastern lines; L.B. Unwin, vice-president of finance; Geoe Stephen,' vice-president of traffic; N. McMillan,, general superinten- dent, Ontario division; Arthur Walker, general freight agent; and, W.E. McGill, divisional superintendent. Sir Edward con- versed informally with Mayor MacEwan and others of the local party and a brief tour of the town was made, but was somewhat marred by a heavy downpour of rain. A visit was made to the plant of the Goderich Salt Company and the visitors were shown through the plant. The special train left Goderich at 10 o'clock for Guelph, Galt, Brantford and other Ontario points. Each year, the Goderich Horticultural Society sponsors several flower shows, the main one, held in late summer, being a real get together of the flower lovers of the town. This year, the general flower show is to be held on Friday and Saturday, August 20-21, at MacKay Hall. Anybody who has flowers to exhibit, whether a member of the Sociey or not, is invited to take them to MacKay Hall on Friday. There is no entry fee and there is an extensive list of prizes for the winning exhibits. Everybody is invited also to attend and see the display. from this angle Patrick Raftis "We are not in favor of any free trade deal that will have an negative impact on. this province's economy." The scent of political battle is in the air. The Conservatives of the Huron -Bruce riding announced a nominating convention to be held at Wingham on Thursday evening, August 19, when Leopold Macaulay, one of the provincial party leaders, will speak. South Huron Conservatives will meet at Hensall on Friday evening, the 20th. Among the speakers at this meeting will be A.R. Douglas, K.C., president of the Western On- tario Conservative Association. The Liberals have not yet announced any nominations meetings as yet. 70 YEARS AGO August 16, 1917: The drinking water has rather a bad taste just now and is also a little thick. As far as I know it- has no harmful effects but at the same time it is very unpleasant and everyone would be glad to see it remedied. Here is another improvement that should receive the attention of the town council. I believe some years ago, plans were got out for the building of a new town hall on the site of the one that does duty at present. It is well known that this building is far too small for the town officials to perform their duties in and they are considerably cramped for room. Probably, the present is not the time to urge the council to comrrience building operations but after the war, and in the slack times, which we expect will follow it, the building might well be commenced and find employment for a number of men and also fill a long felt want. Considering the size of this town, it is badly off for a building in which to hold public meetings. As a mat- ter of fact, there is no place at all that would hold a good sized audience. With the building of a new town hall containing a large meeting room, the regrettable state of affairs would be overcome and a lasting benefit conferred on the citizens. If our wor- thy Mayor wants to put a feather in his cap, here is an opportunity for him to do so. Translation: "No. We don't know what Mulroney's up to either." "The media places too much emphasis on the results of public opinion polls." Translation: "We're so far out of it, we'd have to reach up to touch bottom." "Our opponents have run a fair and honorable campaign." Translation: "If they don't screw up soon, we can kiss this one goodbye." "We refuse to sink to their level by responding to those accusations." Translation: "They've got us by the short hairs on that one." And there you have it. A complete guide to the 1987 Ontario provincial elec- tion — or the 1989 Federal election — the the 1937 ... Some things never change. A