The Wingham Advance-Times, 1985-05-22, Page 4TNS
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published at Wingham, Ontario, P.O. Box 390 - NOG 2W0
by Wenger Bros. Limited
Robert O. Wenger, Sec.-Treas.
Audrey Currie, Advertising Manager
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Ontario. Community Newspaper Assoc.
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Henry Hess, Editor
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Looking out for No. 1
At a time when inflation has been
cut to under four per cent and the aver-
age increase in earnings — for those
lucky enough to have a job — is only 2.5
per cent, it is almost beyond belief that
any group of employees would even
think of going on strike to demand a
pay increase of 7.5 per cent.
It is even more incredible when
that group is made up of highly -paid
professionals whose salaries and, work-
ing conditions are already vastly above
the average for the communities in
which they live and work. And, to rup it
in still further, these are public -se dor
workers, whose inflated demands
would be gouged out of the pockets of
people already struggling to get by on
far Tess.
Incredible, but true. The union
representing secondary school teach-
ers in Huron County has asked for a
strike vote later this month to drive
home itsdemand for a pay increase
which would bring the average salary,
including principals, vice principals,
allowances and fringe benefits, to more
than $45,000 a year, an increase of
nearly $4,000. Those salaries, plus
other changes being demanded, would
drive up the cost to the Huron County
Board of Education — which means the
cost to us, the taxpayers, —, .by more
than 12 per cent this year.
The vote has been called because
union negotiators have been unable to
win their demands from the board,
which is offering an increase of four
per cent, the same figure all its other
employee groups including the elemen-
tary teachers have settled for.
It would be nice to think this is just
a misunderstanding, that the rank and
file of teachers in the county are not
aware of what their union, the Ontario
Secondary School Teachers' Federa-
tion, is demanding on their, behalf and
will be as shocked as we were to find
out. There have been indications this
could be at least partially true. How-
ever it is difficult to be very optimistic.
Negotiations have, after all, been
underway for 17 months now and not
once during That time has the fed-
eration budged from its original
demand, even in the face of a fact -find-
er's report last October which indic-
ated 7.5 per cent is far out of line.
There is no doubt the lingering bit-
terness from the previous teachers°
strike seven years ago is at least
partly, and perhaps greatly, to blame
for the stand-off. The federation seems
to view all thee board's actions with
grave suspicion, and the imposing of a
settlement under terms of the Educa-
tion Act earlier this year — even
though it appears the board generally
tried to be scrupulously fair — just ag-
gravated the hostility.
That is unfortunate, but it cannot
be permitted to obscure the real issue:
given current salary levels, today's
economic climate and the standards
which prevail in Huron County, the
board offer of four per cent is not only
fair but generous. To demand more is
utterly irresponsible.
Although the federation attempts
to cloak some of its demands by plead-
ing concern for quality of education, a
close examination of the facts does not
bear this out. A concern for quality of
education would be far more convinc-
ing were the teachers to offer — as did
their counterparts on the separate
school board — to trade their pay in-
crease for additional staff.
It will be the individual teachers
who have the final say when they cast
their ballots next week. When they do,
they should be well aware that if they
reject the board's offer they will have
no public sympathy on their side. There
already exists'a strong undercurrent of
feeling that teachers as a group are
underworked and overpaid. If there is a
strike it would likely be a long and bit-
ter one which would poison relations
between teachers and the publicfor
many years to corse.
It is natural to want more money,
but there is also the question of fairness
and responsibility. It has become un-
fashionable to point it out, but teachers
do hold a position of special trust and in
their work with young people they can
have a powerful effect on their ex-
pectations, beliefs and values. By
setting an example of "take all you can
get and never mind who pays the bill,"
they would be doing all of us a profound
disservice.
Talk about overkill!
You've heard about cases where
the cure is worse than the disease.
Well, last week the Philadelphia -police
force certainly proved the validity of
that observation. -
Residents in the west end of the
city had complained for months about
their hatred and fear of cult members
who had occupied one of the area's
homes. Neighbors protested that loud-
speakers blared all night, that children
were terrorized — and they wanted'
these trouble makers evicted. So the
police finally responded.
After a full day of attack with
water cannons and tear gas the cops
were getting nowhere. The cultists
were still shooting at them from behind
their massive barricades. So, .the de-
cision was made to end the situation
once and for all.
A hel i't:opter dashed across the
rooftops and dropped a bomb on the of-
fenders. Boy, did it work!
Final result: two entire city blocks
burned out, in a fire which consumed
69, -odd homes and left at least 11 people
dead, among them several children.
And the mayor of the city says if he ha
to do it again he would use the same
tactics..,
A touch of independence
The Canadian government has fin-
ally demonstrated that it is not totally
tied to ,_the American apron strings..
Canada will not participate in the trade
embargo against Nicaragua.
Another sign of political caution is
the announcement by the foreign af-
fairs minister, Joe Clark, that no im-
mediate decision will be made in Ot-
tawa about Canadian participation in
And
the American "star wars" research
program.
it would appear that the all-power-
ful
lI-powerful Mulroney government is beginning
to get the message that Canadians are
not yet ready to recklessly pitch in
their future with an American admin-
istration which sees a red flag behind
every bush.
In fact, many Americans are
. iiowing signs of similar mistrust.
now it's Shakespeare
Some of the finest of modern books
have been banned from school class-
rooms during the past few years by
school boards which"have bowed to the
pressure of parents who assume the
role of censors. The latest victim is
none other than William Shakespeare
himself.
The Waterloo Board of Education
has ruled that Shakespeare's "Mer-
chant of Venice" may no longer be.
taught in Grade 9 because the villain of
the play Is Shylock, the Jew. Although
the play reflects the common bigotry of
the age in which it was written, it also
contains the words which, even today,
portray a Jew as a human being like
the rest of us.
mead this: "I am a Jew. Hath not a
Jew eyes? hath not a Jew hands, or-
gans, dimensions, senses, affections,
passions? fed with the same food, hurt
with the same weapons, subject to the
same diseases, healed by the same
means, warmed and cooled by the
same_ winter and summer, as a Chris-
tian is? if you prick us, do we not
bleed? if you tickle us, do we not laugh?
if you poison us, do we not die? and if
you wrong us, shall we not revenge?"
Shakespeare possessed that rich
insight into human nature, with all its
inherent weaknesses, which we should
all hope our children might possess.
Perhaps it is this insight which is lack-
ing in Waterloo County parents and
school trustees.
OWER
OPTICIAN
New Books
in the Library
VIRGIN AND MARTYR by
Andrew Greeley
The story of Cathy Collins,
a rich girl who thinks her
vocation is to be found in a
convent, takes the reader
deep into her thoughts, her
emotions and her very soul.
Her boundless affection,
generosity and religious
fervor lead her to a Lation
American mission station
and a terrifying political
situation of guerrillas,
against a junta government.
After reports of her rape,
torture and death, a statue
has been erected in, her
memory. However the two
men who knew her best are
deeply suspicious and go to
great lengths to uncover the
real, surprising and quite
incredible truth.
BEAR'S TEARS . by Craig
Thomas
This is a sinister, but
subtle, masterpiece froth the
author who gave us Firefox
and Firefox Down. Readers
of those books will
remember Kenneth Aubrey,
head of British Intelligence.
This is his story...could he
possibly all these years have
been a Soviet agent? Better
read and find out.
Items from Our Old Files
MAY 1938
Transport Minister Howe
has informed the mayor of
Toronto that it is anticipated
both Montreal and Toronto
will become terminals of
Trans -Canada Air Lines
before many months of
operation have passed.
Mrs. K. MacLean was
returned as president of the
Maitland Presbyterial
Women's Missionary Society
of the Presbyterian Church.
Among the vice presidents
are Mrs. R. Davidson of
Dungannon, Mrs. H. McGee,
Wingham, and Mrs. D.
Wilkie, Teeswater. Mrs.
John Pollock of Whitechurch
is treasurer.
At the West Bruce Music
Festival held in Kincardine,
Miss Irene Curie of Belmore
was awarded first place in
the Junior solo class. Irene is
a pupil of Miss Johann.
Mr. and Mrs. John
MacDonagh and three little
sons have moved from the
farm on the 10th concession
of Ashfield Township, to the
farm near Zion Church
which he bought from Fred
Ritchie.
Despite the cool breezes a
large number of golfers was
present at' the Alps Golf
Course Victoria Day when
two tournaments were held.
New officers were also
elected. Herbert Campbell is
president, Dr. Johnston and
Roy Thompson vice
presidents, J.R.M. Spittal
secretary and L.R. Black-
wood treasurer.
In several of the
municipalities of this district.
the Highways Department
are bearing down on
motorists. Brakes, wind-
shield wipers, horns and
lights are being inspected
and permits are being asked
for.
MAY 1951
Campbell Brown of Gorrie
has been engaged to teach in
the Bluevale Public School
for the year beginning
September 1.
The hydro men were busy
on the ninth concession of
East Wawanosh on Monday,
changing over from 25 to 60
cycle. This will be a very
welcome change for these
farmers.
Miss Helen Walters of
Culross and Miss Melva
Montgomery of East
Wawanosh, who finished
their commercial course in
Wingham, have taken
positions in Clinton.
At a meeting of the
Wingham Kinsmen Club,
five new . rhembers were
initiated into the club. They
were Warren Callan, Jack
Cook, Len Crawford, Bob
Fletcher and Jack Stevens.
Two Wingham telephone
workers were among 950 Bell
Telephone drivers to receive
safe driving awards for 1950
from the Ontario Safety
League. V. G. McClure won
an award for- seven years
behind the wheel without an
accident and N. W.. o ston
received a two -yea rd.
INDIVIDUAL
WINNERS
from
the
Wingham Public School at the recent Walkerton
Rotary Music Festival are: back, Andrea McBride, third in Grade 1 girls' solo; Amy
Bateman, third in girls 11 and under; Patti Reid, third in girls 12 and under; Tharen
Keil, first in Grade 4 girls' solo and third in flute; centre, Sean Whiteley, second in
Grade 6 boys; Kira Stuckey, first in girls 13 and under, 14 and under and' 15 and
under, first in two Canadian composers, duet and second in Broadway; Kirsten Keil,
second in Grade 6 girls; front, Shannon Simpson, first in girls 8 to 11 piano; Shannon
Robinson, first in 10 and under girls' solo and David Bower, first in boys 9 and under
solo. Absent from the photo are second -place winners Joanne Crawford and "Carolyn
Pike.
Mrs. W. Hodgkinson was
honored by members of St
Pete 's Women's Associa
tip,Lucknow, when she wa
hostess for the May meetin
of that organization. She wa
presented with a cream and
sugar set as a farewell gift,
prior to her moving to
Wingham.
MAY 1961
Work has begun on the
demolition of the United
Church manse on Minnie
Street. Work on the new
manse will begin June 1, to
be ready for occupancy not
later than October 1. In the
meantime the minister will
be residing in a"rented house
on Bristol Terrace.
Bill Hotchkiss, pitcher for
Wingham's softball team
last year, who went to play
for Point Edward several
weeks ago, had 16 strikeouts
and allowed only three hits in
their first encounter with
Sarnia. This looks like a
promising season for the
Point Edward team.
The engagement is an-
nounced of Miss Caroline R.
Wellwood, daughter of the
late Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert
Wellwood, to Arthur J..
"McDonald, son of the late
Mr. and Mrs. James A.
McDonald of Teeswater.
Merle. Gowdy of Wingham
won the Prince of Wales
Scholarship for the highest
marks in academic work and
practice teaching at the
Stratford Teachers' College
this term. In 'the fall Miss
Gowdy will teach with the
Kitchener Board of Educa-
tion.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Salter
have purchased the former
Reynolds home on Leopold
–Streetfrom RalfertMowb
and with their daughter
Debbie moved into one of the
apartments this week.
Earle Terry of London was
adjudicator at the 14th an-
nual Turnberry Music,
Festival. First -place win-
ners included Rosie Powell,
Douglas McBurney, Jackie
. Goldrich, Jimmy Moffat,
- Donna Mundell, Brian
s Forsyth, Betty Hetherington
g and Brian Kerr.
s MAY 1971 •
• At a meeting of Howick
Township Council, it was
decided to request Ontario
Hydro to install one ad-
ditional vapor Streetlight in
Gorrie and move a second
one. Three additional lights
will be requested for For-
dwich.
Ontario Conservatory of
Music pupil, DeWayne
Golley of RR 4, Wingham,
has successfully passed his
Grade II accordion examin-
ation with first class honors.
He is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Glenn Golley:
Seventy-seven Women's
Institute' members met in
Cranbrook for the 69th an-
nual meeting of East Huron
District Women's Institutes.
Mrs. Charles Mathers of
Bluevale was elected the
new president. Mrs. H.
Wallace of RR 2, Clifford,
and Mrs. Malcolm Allan of
Wroxeter are vice
presidents.
At the Wingham CGIT
banquet, four girls gradu-
ated and were presented
with gifts. They- were Patti
Kechnie, Janice McTavish,
Joan Currie and Jeanette
Riley. Inducted as new CGIT
leaders were Mrs, Marvin
Streich, Mrs. Ken. Lawless
and Miss R. Murray..
Miss Mary Ellen Walsh,
daughter of Mr, and Mrs.
Cliff Walsh of Belgrave, has
completed her year of
studies at the Stratford
Teachers' College and ac-
cepted a position with the
ray Middrex County Board.
She will teach near London.
Jim Fitzgeorge has joined
Lloyd Truax Limited as
controller. He is a chartered
accountant, is married and
has a six-year-old daughter,
Sally, and a son Bob, on(
year old.
Floodplain filling
should be opposed
Dear Editor,
The few participants in the
"workshops" conducted by
the advisory committee to
the Wingham council during
the month of February
presented a significant input
into the proposed amend-
ments to the official plan.
Unfortunately the number
of people attending the work-
shops did not adequately
represent the total popula-
tion of the town.
An important issue under
discussion was the further
possible development of the
floodplain area where Zehrs
plaza is located. There are
other possible sites to con-
sider in the area without
further exploitation of flood -
lands, whose waters during
spring flooding constantly
threaten residents ancl,
businesses at the south end
of town.
The current practice 'of
continuous refuse, garbage
and other fill being used to
close in the swampy area
surrounding the Zehrs plaza
should cease forthwith.
The local conservation
authority, along with the
Ministry of • Natural
Resources_ should seriously
reconsider its former ap-
proval of this project. After
all, displacement of water in
this section of town will
present a hazard elsewhere
in the watershed of the
Maitland.
I think it is in the best
interest of all local residents,
the public at large, the•
Environment Ministry and
others in Conservation of
Wetlands in Ontario to voic
their opinion on this ve y
urgent matter.
J.Storozuk
Wingham