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The Wingham Advance-Times, 1985-05-22, Page 5THE ADVAACF Qrie Wingijam fibbanc two 9. Published at Wingham, Ontario, P.O. Box 390 - NOG 2W0 by Wenger Bros. Limited Robert O. Wenger, Sec.-Treas. Audrey Currie, Advertising Manager Barry Wenger, President Henry Hess, Editor Member of Audit Bureau of Circulations Member—Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc. Ontario Community Newspaper Assoc. Subscription $21.00 per year $23.00 beyond 40 -mile zone Second Class Mail Registration No. 0821 Six months $12.50 e) Return postage guaranteed Looking out for No. 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 rub it in still further, these are public -sector workers, whose inflated demands would be gouged out of the pockets of people already struggling to 'get by on far less. 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 its demand 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 - 1 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 the 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 fquallty of education would be far mete 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 public for many years to come. 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 poTice 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 helicopter dashed acrossthe 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 60 -odd homes and left at least 11 people dead, among them several children. And the mayor of the city says if he had to do it again h would use the same tactics. A touch of independence The Canadian government has fin- ally demonstrated that it is not totally tied tg, 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 the American "star wars" research program. It would appear that the all -power- , ful 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. And 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 Clew. 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. Kead this: "I am a Jew. Hath nota 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 mit' 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. T IffiES page : f editorial opinion May 22, 1985 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 from 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 Curle 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 members 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. Johnston received a two-year award. 44, INDIVIDUAL WINNERS from the Wingham Public School at the recent Walkerton Rotary Music Festival are: back, Andrea McBride, third in Grade 1 girls' solo; Arrly 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 Rubinson, 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. Peter's Women's Associa- tion, Lucia -low', when she was hostess for the May meeting of that organization. She was 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 ministerr will be residing in a' rented house on Bristol Terrace. Bill Hotchkiss, pitcher for Wingharri'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 Str-eet-fr-om-RoberMowbr-ay---- 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 Forsyth, Betty Hetherington and Brian Kerr. MAY 1971 At a meeting of Howick Township Council, it was decided to request Ontario Hydro to install one ad- ditional vapor street light 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. lie 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 B. 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 M-iddl-esex---Coun ty-Board------- She willteach 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, one year old. Floodplain should be 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 - ands, whose waters during spring flooding constantly threaten residents and businesses at the south end of town. filling opposed 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 vvatershed 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 voice their opinion on this very urgent platter. J. Storozuk Wingham