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The Wingham Advance-Times, 1979-04-25, Page 132 t. 1:• kIDVil(IC 11�TIMIS .. A page of editorial opinion Wednesday, April 25 /,...,:; .�� /�'• `/001/00 , ..: �i/,/�/'�'�.:..•><�!�ii�ri/'/....,�/y.•f::///�//.•'�,'.•`,`�/•.�,::/%.�/��r�%%.:;,...%i��.�.'%���/�/1/i��/�l%�%i�,G/.�%///�%%����i.. %%.� Shopping mall --yes or no? Faced with a thorny decision, the local planning board has opted for a public meet- ing to make up Its collective mind about, the development of a shopping mall at the high- way Intersection south of town. Those who have given careful thought to the question are caught on the traditional horns of a dilemma. Will a new shopping mall be Injurious to those merchants who presently conduct their businesses on main streets? On the other hand, would a shopping mall add more variety to the mercantile life of the Wingham area and thus attract shop- pers from other centres as has certainly been the case In Goderich, Listowel, Kin- cardine and Hanover? Would the customer - oriented facilities of a mall arrest the out - flow of shoppers from our own community? Although few are ready to say so pub- licly, many of the main street merchants be- lieve that a mall would be generally bene- ficial to the prosperity of the community, basing their thinking on the premise that when more shoppers come to town the added business will be spread along main street as well as the mall. The two existing food stores would be the most likely outlets to suffer from additional competition and none of us want to see them Injured, but with an increased Inflow of shoppers both might well find themselves profiting from the new development. The public will be asked to assist the planning board in Its decision. It Is a subject which deserves careful thought. It's hard to believe The goings-on In the Canadian post office boggle the imagination. We are all too well aware of the horrendous national crises which unionized post office workers have created. Perhaps their activities have directed our attention away from. the dire shortcomings of which post office manage- ment is guilty. Take the case of the Easter Sunday robbery at the Ottawa post office. During the early hours of the morning thieves unhurriedly broke the glass In a rear entry, walked upstairs to the third floor, slashed open dozens of mall bags andVme hours later made off with some $4 million in American Express travellers' cheques. First response to hit the public print was a shout of glee from the P.O. that the thieves had failed to take an additional $50 million In cash and other valuables on the second floor. How comforting! The most amazing angle in the entire scenario was that the post office building had no electronic alarm system and only one guard was on duty, seated at his desk near the front door. Can you believe it? There has been no comment on the liability of the post office to the American Express Company. Amex will certainly be stuck for cash payment on most of the $4 million in cheques as they filter Into the legitimate market all over the world. And since the shipment was accepted for transfer by the post office one would assume that American Express would have every right to demand payment from the post office. And that, of course, means we, the taxpayers wil I do the paying. Michael, you're late Ontario NDP leader Michael Cassidy is horrified that Ontario Industries are bring- ing in skilled labor from abroad while several hundred thousand workers In On- tario are on the unemployment rolls. If Michael thinks this is a new phenomenon he is mistaken. This column has pointed out several times over the past few years that something Is radically wrong with our training system when we cannot provide skilled labor at home. The shortfall in skilled labor runs Into the thousands and industrialists have been scouring western Europe for a long time in a vain effort to meet their needs. Mr. Cassidy Is'right, of course, in his statement that the Ontario government should long since have established an ef- ficient apprenticeship system to meet the need for skilled labor. What he failed to add is that employers can no longer afford on-the-job training at the present minimum wage levels. If the minimum wage is to be continued and, indeed, increased, appren- ticeship training will have to be heavily subsidized by government, as It already is in some trades. Former labor minister Betty Stephenson has also put her finger on another reason for the shortage of skilled workers — and that is the over -emphasis on university education. During the prosperous years since the war parents and teachers have fostered the myth that university education is the only acceptable symbol of real status. Young people have thus been discouraged from training in manual skills. As a consequence we have a sizeable group of unemployed people with BAs, MAs and PhDs who might now be building their own .prosperity and that of the province had they sought a more useful form of training. Industrialists are well aware of the superior grade of skills possessed by immi- grants from England, Germany and Scandi- navia. They have carefully studied the methods of training which produce such ex- cellent workmen. If the Ontario government wants to correct this imbalance it would do well to consult the firms which have hired the newcomers. Government might then learn the practical side of education as well as the theoretical. Some bowlers are sick Can you imagine the embarrassment of some bowlers who recently were thrown out of the East Toronto Holiday Inn because a few of their number ran amock? Four hundred bowlers who had gone to the city to take part in a province -wide tournament were ordered out of the hotel in the middle of the night because some idiotic vandals who were members of their party had gone crazy. Television sets were smashed, furni- ture broken up, ceiling tiles torn loose and light fixtures destroyed. Obviously only a small percentage of the bowlers would have been party to actions so utterly insane. However, we will probably wait in vain to hear of any convictions re- sulting from the fracas. Most hotels include the costs of property damage as a part of their overall expenses and, of course must tack that cost onto the charges they levy on all guests, even the well-behaved. Some of the large Toronto hotels, we understand, keep a warehouse full of used furniture on hand, from which they replace regular furnishings in time for the Grey Cup game. Not long ago we were staying in another Toronto hotel when the fire alarm sounded in the early morning hours. Guests were hustled out of their rooms and one man was injured when his bare foot was caught under a fire door. Security people in the hotel eventually decided that the alarm had been triggered by some fool who held a cigarette lighter under the heat sensor switch on the ceiling of his room. Vandals get away too easily. They should be treated with the same harshness as thieves. We face newp roblems As a ever-increasing portion of our lives purse will pay for only the worst illnesses Is controlled by high technology the prob- and the rest of us can sweat it out? lems of the average citizen are multiplying. segment of the provincial budget. policy of all public hospitals is campaign to protest the closure Over the past -four years, tie that, H a patient has tq;bn Although we ordinary folk are supposed to be Many of our problems stem from our the masters of our own destiny through the own willingness to turn over control of our processes of democratic government, we are affairs to strangers — those people in cen- more and more at the mercy of the "ex- tralized control who then make our decisions perts" who can so easily confuse every Issue for us. Instead of administering the funds we with miles of technical double-talk. provide, as servants of the people, the roles How much do we really know about become reversed and the shareholders in energy Shortage versus nuclear safety? Who this great corporation of freedom find them - among us is actually capable of properly selves hat -in -hand, begging for justice from measuring need against risk? Is It true that their own staff of administrators. we really don't need so many hospital beds Coming generations will need to be or is government simply saying the public very careful In the selection of political leaders. BLUE RIBBON AWARD 1978 THE WINGHAM ADVANCE -TIMES Published at Wingham. Ontario, by Wenger Bros. Limited Barry Wenger, President Robert O. Wenger, Sec.-Treas. Member Audit Bureau of Circulations Member — Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc. Ontario Weekly Newspaper Assoc. Subscription $14.00 per year Second Class Mail Registration No. 0821 Six months 97 % Return postage guaranteed "I sent the postmaster -general a letter protesting the postal rate increase it came back marked `insufficient postage. ' " a ` New Books in the Library THE PIGEON PROJECT by Irving Wailace What would happen if every human being presently on earth could live to the age of 150 — or more? In the remote region of Abkhazia in Soviet Georgia, a distinguished British scientist, a figure of worldwide renown, has triumphantly completed 12 years of ceaseless research and ex- perimentation with the discovery of a substance that will extend the longevity of every human being on earth from an average age of 72 to at least 150. That's how the new novel by Irving Wallace begins. THE RUNNER'S BOOK by Raymond Bridge Whether you run for fitness or pleasure, on country roads or in and around city parks, wearing cutoffs and a sweatshirt or a Bill Blass warmup suit, Raymond Bridge can help you get the most from the sport that has America off and running. FIRST FAMILY by Patrick Anderson This is the suspenseful and intensely human story of a husband and wife who are also America's president and first lady. Tom Painter, struggling with the 'demands of the presidency, is for too long blind to the problems that beset his wife Joanelle in their first months in the White House. Letters to the Ed,or Town commissioner replacing council? Committee receive s letters Dear Editor, council should take a cut in Dear Editor: The statement by Councillor salary considering the fact that As part of the letter writing account for the largest individual. sonnel, I can assure you that the Cameron in The Wingham Ad r. Chappell has been segment of the provincial budget. policy of all public hospitals is campaign to protest the closure Over the past -four years, tie that, H a patient has tq;bn ad- vance -Times regarding the town designated most of their duties. of hospital beds at the Wingham proportion of the budget ac- mitted on the orders of a physi- commissioner's duties looks very Reading Councillor Cameron's and District Hospital, copies of corded the ministry of health has cian, the admission will be ef- impressive, but the taxpayers. the letters to Mr. statement, Mr. Chappell has not sent Timbrell remained stable' — at about 28 fected, even if temporary in - I've talked to over the past week only been assigned most duties of Fere forwarded to the leaders of cents out of every dollar. patient accommodation has to be are not in the least bit taken in by town council, it's also obvious he all the provincial parties, our It is not the intention of the utilized for emergency cases. it. In fact, the most prevalent has been handed the duties of the elected representatives at the ministry of health to decrease the Thank you for writing. I trust quote is: "Who does he think he's town solicitor and clerk- provincial and federal level and level of patient care being my comments have helped to kidding?" To quote the old cliche, treasurer as well. to the executive director of the provided to Ontario residents, allay some of your _ ..., ; ...,. "You can fool some of the people Ontario Hospital Association. but to provide this care in a more As I read thoroughlythe 40 To date I have received replies William G. Davis all the time and you can fool all the people some of the time, but itemized jobs of the town com- P efficient way through the from: Murray Gaunt, MPP rationalization of existing health 0-0-0 you can't fool ALL the people all missioner I am beginning to Huron Bruce; R. E. McKinley, wonder whether we need a MP Huron Middlesex; R. A Hay, services. Utmost consideration is Dear John: the time." council at all, as it's apparent our executive director Ontario being given to both the users and providers of these health services Thank you for sending me a According to Councillor town is being run by one man! The only Hospital Assoc.; S. Smith, leader the as attempts are made to find the copy of your letter to the Ontario Ministry Cameron's resume of the various positions he has not filled are those of police chief and of opposition. Copies of their letters are attached. best manner in which to provide of Health regarding your concern for the duties of the town commissioner, fire chief. May I take this opportunity to the present high quality of health care within limited financial re- mainten- ante of adequate health care for it's obvious Mr. Chappell is being underpaid. Perhaps the town Explain to me, please, why we thank the Wingham Advance- sources. This is not an easy task Wingham and area. I can advise need six councillors, a mayor, a Times for their coverage of this and a great deal of work must You that I have previously reeve and a deputy reeve to issue. Your support and assis- still be done. Witten to the Honourable Dennis administer the police and fire tante is very much appreciated. I appreciate your concerns in Timbrell expressing my concern Centre departments. John H. Mann, Chairman regard to the constraints placed on behalf of the constituents Street Citizen's Action Committee on hospitals and, in fact, all being affected with these bed is going downhill I have heard a quote by a certain member of council: 0-0-0 health care facilities. I would ad- cuts. When a recent health bill was "Some of the old council seem to Dear John: vise that it is essential to arrest the escalating costs of health being debated in the House of Dear Mr. Editor, think that they know more than This acknowledges your letter care in_Ontario. The funds avail- Commons I took the opportunity Just a word of appreciation for the present council." Perhaps it to Mr. Timbrell in regard to able for the health care system of making some remarks on your editorials, which are may helpp y if that present council hospital bed cuts, a co of which p copy have been distributed as health care. Many people are not splendid. I usually read that page member stops to consider that -experience was sent to me. equitably as possible to all hospi- aware that the Federal Govern - first, as well as letters written bI is the best teacher". Thank you for writing and ex tals and related facilities across ment passed a bill three years I served eight years on town pressing your interest and con the province. For quite a number ago that put a limit on the 50 per interested citizens. A letter bN council and throughout that cern in this important matter. years, hospitals have been cent payment that they would Mr. Congram echoes the opinions period I always tried to keep an Murray Gaunt, MPP financed by the government on make to the provinces for health of many other citi, ens, especialk orn mind regarding advice and Huron = Bruce what is called a g lobAl budget care. This bill, that I spoke on, his reference to Mr. Whitby. W,, a perience from experts in 0-0-0 basis. That is, each hospital is was phasing out a program of homeowners on Centre Street various fields. provided with a total annual federal assistance to health pro - owe a debt of gratitude to Mr There's a lot to be learned, i Dear Mr. Mann: financial allocation and it is the grams to the provinces before the Whitby for his prompt attention can assure him, and it's im- This will acknowledge your hsopital's responsibility to utilize previously agreed term had ex - to our appeals. We are sorry he possible to absorb it all in two letter of March 17, in which you the funds for the operation of the p ired I am enclosing a co ng copy of the remarks 1 made on this has retired and wish him and Years. If he would be willingto took issue with health care "cut- various departments of the Dees Mrs. Whitby much happiness m take advice instead of adopting backs" in Ontario via the re- hospital as it deems appropriate, sion. the future. attitude the p g that he is the duction of patient capacity and according o t the goals and Please be assured that i will be saving grace of the town of Wingham it through the curtailment of exist- • priorities which the hospital itself doing everything possible to comply with wishes. Centre Street used to be one of might be for the better. He may ing hospital beds. You enclosed must define. Of course, the your the choice residential streets in learn something if he talks to the copies of 121 letters from people ministry of health is kept in- R. E. McKinley, MP, town. its shady maples, fine old electors of Wingham. in the Wingham area who had formed of major changes in pro- Huron -Middlesex. homes and quiet surroundings written to the Honourable Dennis gram activities 0_0_0 made it especially attractive—so Finally, I am still not con- R. Timbrell, minister of health, Hospitals are the most expen- Dear Mr. Mann, attractive some homeowners vinced (neither is anyone else) that expressing their concern over sive part of our health system. Thank you for sending me waited along time for the op we need a town com- missioner at $19,000 a these bed cuts. As Mr. Timbrell They are, of course, essential for the treatment copies of the letters to the Minis- portunity of settling there. They took pride in their manicured year plus. In point of fact, if town council and i have re- ceived many letters dealing with g t of acute, short term illnesses and injuries but ter of Health b the members of y the Citizens' Action Committee. lawns, clean surroundings and members are taking their jobs seriously and this same matter. we have taken sometimes other levels of care They certainly indicate most sidewalks and beautiful gArdens administering their duties efficiently, in the the liberty of sending substan can be provided more economi clearly the concern felt in your Alas times have changed same conscientious way as some of the tially the same reply to many of the correspondents. in any event, tally by use of lower cost alter- natives. Examples are the estab- community over the threatened Traffic has increased anti ex -council members over the many I would appreciate it if you would lishment of chronic and extended closure of the 14 beds at Wing - ham and District Hospital. sometimes Centre Street seems like Highway 401. Business years, it would be more to their credit. please relay �y comments here care facilities throughout the We share your concern about people park their to the many citizens of the Wing- province and the encouragement whether the degree of constraint cars there all day—sometimes Our town has survived for 100 ham area who joined you in of day surgery and home care which the government is im- across en trances which is a hardship in years without a commissioner, so what has changed so much in the writing. The Ontario government has programs Based on the provincial bed posing on hospitals in the pro - vince is fully justified, and also winter when the resident has to wade through deep snow to to Past two years warrant this been implementing an exdi pen - formula for 1979-80, the Wingham about the manner in which that get the road. Trucks too expenditure? Surely y the primary turf restraint program for the and District Hospital's pitals active bed constraint is being imposed. seem at home there despite our bylaw's concern of town council should be past four years. Annual growth in has been entitlement is 58 beds. This hospital Statistics we have developed Parking on the to save the taxpavers' money expenditure reduced currently operates 82 indicate that not only does On - new town sidewalks is whereverpossible from 15.1 per cent in 1975-76 to 6.9 beds. An allowance of 10 beds in tario have probably the lowest common. The pedestrian just has to take to the Last but per cent in 1978-79 Naturally, all excess of its entitlement is number of beds per thousand road to pass. Now with all these not least the old council never received $40 for services funded by the province have had to share in this re- provided and this hospital's 1979- F10 budget has been adjusted to population of any province in new "chiefs" (as Mr. Congram describes) in our works depart every special meeting they at- tended, straint, including health. reflect the excess 14 beds. This Canada, but also that the average budget increase of 4.5 per cegt ment hopefully we can look for which is one of the first things the However, it is not correct to adjustment has left the hospital may be the lowest being granted some improvement, especiall.% new council voted themselves when they took office imply that health has been more severely affected by this re- with a 1979-80 net ministry liability M $3,1 t 1,013, which is the by any provincial government to for our centennial. in ' January, 1977. straint policy than other serv- same as the 197A-79 allocation, its hospitals. We have raised these points with the government 0 Norma Parker W. R. (Bill) Harris lees. Health expenditures alone Despite the constraints on per- Continued on next pa"