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The Wingham Advance-Times, 1979-04-11, Page 4t', f 410r y.Y i,^` •,T"'+�.'�,,r 4:Inr •r � ''+YiR..'M/+4'�I""m,^4\�-ylyy yi 7 "o THE ADVAnCE 11111111111TIMIE-S 100 The Titanic did sink Everybody knew the Titanic was un- employment of nuclear power has been sinkable -- the designer, the builders, the made claw. The Harrisburg accident was a owners and the passengers. Yet, an her graphic confirmation of the story Iine In the maiden voyage the great,ship met with the recent film "The China Syndrome". No U J. She struck an iceberg and wont doubt that movie will attract even larger to the bottom of the North Atlantic. Into the audiences who will see an enactment of the depths she carried almost 1500 of her pas- very problem which was posed at Harris- sen,gers because lifeboats were provided for burg. The film pgrtrays just such a mishap, only 700 people. but carries the idea through to a horrible That tragedy occyy��e,d 67 years ago this conclusion, in which all efforts to cool out the week, April 12, 1912. IXate March, 1979 the runaway nuclear fuel fall. They fuse Into a impossible accident occurred at a nuclear solid mass of such hellfire heat that melts its power plant near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. way through the steel and concrete contain - Despite every assurance to the public that it ment in the floor of the building, on through could never happen, the atomic fuel system the earth's crust and supposedly clear in the generating station ran out of control through the globe to China. and the formation of a giant bubble of hydro- It's a wild and unbelieveable thought — gen in the ceiling of one of the buildings but that is exactly what the engineers and threatened, for a time, to ann)hilate every technicians at Harrisburg were afraid of, form of life in a vast area of the northern short, possibly of its possible destination on United States and possibly In southern Can- the far side of the world. ada. A crisis in the production of energy it The latest of nuclear technologies, like certainly is —matched equally by the crisis the latest of ocean liners, poses threats by a world shortage of crude oil. It is ota!!y foresee. w����Without created unthinkable that we should all be fried by doubt they Harrisburg accident nuclear heat and equally unthinkable that has reinforced immeasurably the claims of we should freeze to death for lack of the protesters who have, for years, been energy to heat our homes and move the nec- screaming about the horrid danger of nu- essities provided by commerce. clear reactors, particularly in populated works and road committee meetings, committee meetings, areas. The issue has suddenly become a Events at Harrisburg will certainly en - political one, rather than an economic ques- force new standards of safety in the handling tion. However, it is not a time for hysteria; it of nuclear power. They will also speed the is a semicolon on the page of progress, a development of alternative sources of power time for careful reassessment of not only our such as the sun and the wind. The biggest technology, but also our priorities. lesson to be learned is that man must never The unimaginable danger inherent in the assume he has all the answers. Very few will weep Freedom for both nations and indivi- duals is a precious state, but one which must be earned and won only by those who are fully aware of its responsibilities. For dec- ades we were told that Britain, France and other European nations were slavemasters because they still had colonies in Africa and Asia. After the second world war Britain led the parade of nations granting freedom to the peoples in their overseas possessions. The consequences, in some cases have been grim. When Britain took the lid off in India there followed a period of bloodshed as Moslems and Indians battled one another and the new nation of Pakistan was formed. Then the Moslems fought one another and Bangladesh emerged. One of the saddest scenarios has beer carried out in the former East African colony of Uganda where a sib -human type named Idi Amin gained control some years ago. The period of his rule was initiated by a heartless expulsion of all Ugandans of Indian descent. From that time on freedom became only a memory for the unhappy people of Uganda. The rest of the world could merely guess that the murders and torturings were the acts of a madman. But, of course neither Britain nor any other western nation could intervene without being branded as invaders and tyrants. Now Mr. Amin is facing his end and it ill probably be a painful one. Rebels in his own country, aided by sympathizers from neiy.:horing Tanzania have swept across Uganda and even at the time of this writing nay wel lave sealed Amin's fate, despite litary aid from Libya. Very fey w'II weep for Amin. He has a recordof ii-3ne (ruelty which leaves him no place of acceptance in the civilized world. Economy out of controll Allen Lambert, who heads the Tor- onto -Dominion Bank, and who acted as chairman of a royal commission on financial management and accountability in the fed- eral government, has some interesting ob- servations. The report of the commission has made sweeping recommendations for changes in the way the government handles its affairs. Whether or not they will be carried out will, no doubt, be considerably influenced by the outcome of the federal election on May 22. The report makes no bones about Its conviction that government spending is all but out of control. It points no finger at in- dividuals, but rather at the weaknesses and shortcomings in the system of controls which government has employed in its day-to-day affairs. The report says the treasury board should be abolished and a management board set up in its place. The first duty of the new board would be in the field of account- ability — to ensure that the government does, indeed, get full and proper value for the money it spends. The management board's second re- sponsibility would be to oversee the employ - ment and performance of all government personnel — to ascertain that employees and supervisors are properly selected for the work they have to do and to continually check on their efficiency and productivity. In other words, the commission's report says what a lot of people on the street have been saying. It's high time to ensure that government operates like an efficient business rather than a sightless octopus with its tentacles pushed needlessly into the flesh of the nation without purpose. Another observation in the Lambert report is that members of parliament must be more critical. They must demand better performance from the people they pay. The new management board should also adopt a sound business practice by annually updat- ing a five-year forecast of its operations and strictly enforcing adherence to budget de- '�cisions. It all sounds like excellent common sense ... the kind of thinking that invariably makes business corporations profitable and successful. Whether or not politicians can be expected to respond to such sound reasoning remains to be seen. We have the calendar The local recreation people and several the information would be carried into 86.9 other groups have launched a commendable per cent of area homes — rather better program by which all individuals and coverage than might be expected from a sign organizations planning public events will in front of the post office or whatever. relay dates and details to the rec. office so As publishers of the community's only that important events will not overlap. The newspaper we get just a little bit despondent intension also appears to be that such a when we find that we are confidently expect - calendar of events be posted up where all ed to report, photograph and write stories and sundry can see what's upcoming in the about every activity in the week and give the community. required space in our paper, only to find that I have been reading with in- adV&tYsing for these same events is always Might we humbly suggest that the best carried elsewhere. If a good newspaper is an place for such a calendar would be In the asset to its community it does require a cer- columns of The Advance -Times? By doing so - ---- tain amount of tangible support. --------------_. THE WINGHAM ADVANCE -TIMES + A Published at Wingham, ontario. by Wenger Brea. Limited Barry Wenger, President Robert 0. Wenger, Sec.-Treas. s Member Audit Bureau of Circulations Member - Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc- Ontario Weekly Newspaper Assoc. Subscription $14.00 peryear Six months $7.50 Second Class Mail Regist>'aom No. 01121 Return postage guaranteed n d A page of editorial opinion TODAY CHILD BY HELEN ALLEN Jerry is a happy, joyful child with no idea that he baa problems. He's as good-looking as he is good-natured, with light brown hair and big blue eyes. Born a healthy, normal baby, Jerry developed menin- gitis at three months. This was followed by a rapid succession of seizures and later he had surgery to relieve pressure on the brain. He has been on anti -convulsant medication ever since. The dosage has recently been cut down with no problems, so it may be that he will have no more seizures. However his development is below average and it is not known how far he will progress. At two -and -a -half, he is just learning to talk and when walking he still wants something to hold onto. He loves to climb though. He knows which buttons and knobs control the radio and television. He is a lovable child who likes people, even strang- ers. Jerry needs a mother anA father who will realize that he may be intellectually limited but will appreciate his sunny disposition. lease write to To inquire about adopting Jerry, p Today's Child, Ministry of Community and Social Ser- vice, Box 888, Station K, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2H2. In your letter tell something of your present family and your way of life. For general adoption information, contact your local Children's Aid Society. .. Wednesday, April 11 FE GOO6.11A0MG AND GOOD-NATURED New Books in the Library STOP AT A WINNER by R. F. Delderfteld This warm and deeply moving novel by one of the most beloved storytellers centres on two Englishmen at war, not so much with the Germans who were the larger more ostensible enemy, but with the authorities, officers, sergeants and all those who stand in the way of a decent English- man's right to poach, steal and enjoy himself sensibly. DRAGON SPOOR by Jack H. Crisp A seemingly inconsequential murder in Marseilles reveals a secret arrangement reaching back to war -ravaged Berlin and leading to only one conclusion: priceless Nazi art treasures were not destroyed in a desperate Allied recovery attempt. Somewhere, some organization waits with this staggering wealth until.... A BORDERLINE CASE by Hugh McLeave This gripping novel of suspense and espionage takes us to the roof of the world in central Asia where a virulent epidemic and Chinese nuclear blasts pose a chilling threat to the survival of the West. Letters't the Edtt r Explains advanta es of communications 's stem9 system Personnel on a full' -time basis. absolutely essential. ing contracting for road sweep- son for this position of public Wingham, Ontario. Which in essence means, whether Eventually, all fire depart- ing, as we have in the past. In works and roads is Reeve Joe Apri15,1979. the policeman is on his beat or in ments will have a similar these days of so called "re- Kerr, who over the years has Wingham Advance Times the cruiser, he will at all times be system. Instead of calling one straint" let's stop and think be- saved our town thousands of Dear Editor, in communication with the cen- band the common frequency (as fore we go on wild spending dollars, due to his knowledge and I have been reading with in- dispatch system, which is do the police), it will be called the sprees. experience in this field. terestral the report in last week's also linked to the Canadian fire marshall's frequency. Getting back to town council, In conclusion, from past ex - Advance -Times statements Police Information Centre Hopefully, I have managed to there is another paint I would like perience on Wingham town coun- made by certain members of made computers. clarify a few points regarding the to raise. In choosing committee cil, I know it takes a great deal of town council, regarding Huron As for the statement by Coun- new Huron County Police Com- chairmen, the most logical way is time and hard work with a feeling County Police Communications cillor Bateson, "It's going to cost munications System. to choose someone, who possibly, of pride and interest in your com- System, of which Wingham is a us a lot of money in a year or two The next point I would like to is most qualified in that parti- munity to do the best job pos- part. It strikes me that Councillor to catch some rubber over in raise regarding the council meet- cular area. sible. It not only involves attend - Goderich." ing report in The Advance -Times To cite an example: the public ing regular meetings, special Bateson, who has been a member This to me proves that Coun- refers to the Wingham town en- works and road committee meetings, committee meetings, of the police committee for years, cillor Bateson has not got a clue gineer. First and foremost, why, should have a chairman who etc., but it also means a great doesn't seem to realize or under- what this new central system is may I ask, does a town of 3,000 understands every aspect bf this deal of homework on your own stand the advantages of such a all about. Wingham Police De- population require the services of department (without any disre- time. Running a town efficiently system. partment as well as every other a town engineer, because, as I spect to the present committee). _ is big business. This new approach to the police police department in the county understand, all major road con- As far as I am concerned Yourstruly, communications system did not will carry on as always, namely, struction, surveying etc., comes (along with many other tax- W. R. (Bill) Harris materialize overnight. All coun- policing their own municipalities. under the jurisdiction of qualified payers) the most qualified ,per- cils within Huron County, in- (2) With this new system there consultants. eluding Wingham, have known about this new pending system will be more.than one frequency Another issue concerns the since 1972, which commenced on their radios. One will be used purchase of a road sweeper, and w n with an information meeting with for all police departments in hiring it out to other municipali- 34 all councils and police commit - Huron County. Another known as ties. How absurd Does Mr. f tees involved, within a 3.5 mile the common frequency, will link Chappell realize that if such a :' radius of Wingham. Chairman all police departments, whether purchase is made with tie idea of a Elmer Bell and a technical ad local police, Ontario Provincial serving other municipalities, a L; visor, Ron Durand of the Ontario Police or "the Canadian Mounted truck would have to be purchased Police Commission, were in Police throughout the Province of to transport this piece of equip - attendance. Ontario. ment, not to mention hiring , The eventual outcome of this (3) Should there be a major another man to operate it? And ? meeting and many subsequent emergency in our area, all police who wants a job that's onlgood e. meetings over the years, was departments can be of assistance for six months of the year?r�. that the provincial grant arrived to one another through the com- I see its also suggested we at was 75 per cent of the installs mon frequency designated on the In - should have a new fire hall. In - tion. on. Operating expenses were to new police communications sys- deed... We are up to our necks be by the municipalities. tem, which again is province- now in debt. Where on earth do Before I list the advantages of wide and beneficial to all. In this they think all this money is a central police communications day and age, as in war -time, it coming from? system, may I point out some of could be a matter of life and As a humble taxpayer, I can the disadvantages of the old death. Good communications are see nothing wrong with continu- system : (1) Even though in the past we have been fortunate in acquiring Thanks from the heart foundation<< efficient private answering serv- , ices, it hasn't always been easy to locate competent people to take Wingham Advance -Times the results. on this horrendous task. it in- Dear Editor, We are grateful to the many £ volves being on duty 24 hours a I would appreciate it if you canvassers who made the time to day, seven days a week, and 52 could print the following letter in help during February. Our weeks in the year. Should the the next issue of The Advance- thanks go too to Bob Middleton,s; present answering service decide Times. who coordinated the Wingham; to give up or retire, I'm sure it On behalf of the Ontario Heart canvass, Debbie Hanula and thety would not be easy to find anyone Foundation I would like to thank students of F. E. Madill Secon- to take on this res nsibilit y all the residents of Wingham and dary School, Muriel Coultes of ' when, in essence it is a night and the surrounding area for their g the Bel rave area and Ethel g day job with no time off and no generous support of this year's McMichael and the Harmony holidays. Heart Fund campaign. Eighty- Unit of Wroxeter. Their com- (2) (2) The Ontario Police Com- three per cent of the money munit spirit and hard work y s P mission has always frowned on raised in Ontario goes toward made the canvass a success. private answering services. research into the prevention and Huron County's total is already (3) Wingham Police Depart- treatment of heart disease, and up 50 per cent over last year and low ment transports local prisoners your response makes it possible the donations are still coming in. - . to the Bruce County jail in Wal- for this important work to con- Thank you. kerton. Therefore, our police tinue. Much of it is carried out at Jane Vincent GRAEME CRAIG, a Walton area farmer, is the Liberal cruiser• when en route, is out of the University of Western On- Area Coordinator candidate in Huron -Bruce riding for the upcoming May 22 touch with any police department tario and all of us benefit from Ontario Heart Foundation federal election. when they drive "out of range" of the Wingham receiver, as Wal- kerton and Bruce County are on a different frequency. Too many chiefs'ion n works (4) A few years ago there was a jail break in,a county (other than pear Editor, fire hall built because he said the with snow this past week? money then why doesn't he put in Huron) and three police depart- This is a letter regarding the old one was too hard to heat. i I called our works department his resignation and let someone ments were involved. The only organization and supervision of wonder if he has ever heard of councillor, Mr. Dave Cameron, else in who will straighten out the way these three departments our town works department. insulation? I don't think the town because I was dissatisfied with working conditions before we end were able to communicate with There are too many chiefs and is saving any money. Perhaps working conditions. He said I up with two foremen on our each other, at that time, was not enough Indians to do the work one good foreman could do the could be replaced. Since he's works department? when the cruisers were parked properly. it appears that it job of these two men. been head of our works depart - side sfide by side and the windows requires 'two men: a com- ment from the first of the year I I have been employed there Y rolled down, because they were missioner, Mr. Chappell, and a A man was hired to plow the have very rarely seen him down over seven years and enjoyed my all on separate, individual fre- town foreman, Mr. Willie, to do streets, which incidentally Mr. at the yard. When Angus work very much, but found it 4uencies. the job of Mr. Whitby, our past Whitby also did, and was laid off Mowbray was our councillor he impossible to work there since Getting back to the advantages town foreman. A commissioner dee to shortage of work, ac- was down quite frequently. He Mr. Whitby has retired. If of the new system, which is fully was hired with a starting salary cording to the commissioner. He took much more interest in our something isn't done soon with approved by the Ontario Police of $19,000 a year plus he was made a very good job of our department than our present the two chiefs we have there we Commission: given a car for transportation. streets when he worked for the councillor has. if Mr. Cameron is are going to run out of Indians as (1) This will have a central dis- Did you notice last week's paper? town, but did you notice how high *too busy to be bothered with well. patch system manned by police 'Rhe commissioner wanted a new our sidewalks and streets were things concerning the taxpayers' Gordon Congram 9 0