The Wingham Advance-Times, 1979-05-09, Page 4r
M
THE ADV%kn
CIE
. TIMES A page of editorial o inion Wednesday, May 9
...........
p y y
�� J; :.: v v, \ \ v \:'•vivo \`..; v :................
vti:\•{.; �\ \.
The heroes are aging
The picture In last week's Advance -Times
of a group of World War 1 veterans honored
by Legion life memberships carried the
thoughts of this writer back many years.
Looking at the faces of those men we saw not
the signs of age, but rather the memory of
the war veterans of our childhood — young
men, fresh from the trenches of France.
They were full of enthusiasm for life and
preparing themselves for the future.
Our family operated a thriving grist mill in
those years, and each summer for several
years young veterans who were attending
universities were given jobs in the family
business. There were student ministers,
doctors and teachers. Some of them still
carried painful evidence of the crippling
price of war. Some, who boarded at our
home, would awaken in the night from horrid
nightmares; others carried out their jobs
despite the anguish of shattered nerves.
One incident we recall vividly. An uncle
who had spent months in an English hospital
with a shattered spine, was standing in the
office of the mill, talking to father. As the
chopping mill motors were turned on with a
rising whine the uncle leaped from the office
and flattened himself in the dust of the
driveway, despite the fact that he was in his
best clothes. He was obviously embarrassed
when he rose a few moments later to confess
that it wasn't reason, but reflex that made
him hit the dirt. The noise of the machinery
was exactly like the whine of an oncoming
enemy shell.
No doubt every veteran of active service in
World War II has vivid recollections of the
days and weeks he spent in the near -pres-
ence of death. The older veterans, however,
lived, sometimes for years, in the stinking
mud of the trenches — an experience which
very few young people today can even
visualize. They were a heroic band and all
too few of them are left.
Time to fill the gap
The Liberal Opposition in the legislature for a car as well as decent food and lodging.
was all steamed up a couple of weeks ago The educational system has, indeed, pro -
when it was learned that the provincial vided countless millions of dollars worth of
government had sponsored an advertise- new schools and colleges which have offered
ment in British newspapers, seeking skilled training in many fields of endeavour. But
workers for jobs on the new Ford plant at when it becomes evident that we are
Windsor. They contended it was a shame to drastically short of the higher manual skills
bring workers from another country when so it is also obvious that the educational system
manly Canadians are presently unemployed. has failed in this important aspect of career
Yes. it is a shame that we must by-pass training.
Canadians, but the truth of the matter is that Teachers and parents are also partly re -
at present there is no alternative. There is no sponsible. For years university education
sense in blaming either the government or has been touted as the only acceptable status
the prospective employer for the situation. symbol in the new society. As a consequence
We simply do not have enough skilled we have an over -abundance of people with
workers to meet our needs. Several thousand degrees and an under -appreciation of the
are needed if we are to maintain production dignity and worth of skilled labor.
levels and Ford is by no means the only The lack of so k't lled
"Serves him right! Who do those union leaders think they are, thinking they're above the law — us?"
Letters t
the Editor
many s workmen and • •
employer who needs them. women has, doubt, been reflected in our
The finger of blame, of course, should be imbalance off foreign trade. If we could
pointed at the departments of labor and produce more high quality products here our St''11 doubts need for works commissioner Want answers
education which have failed to meet the need exports would obviously be increased. Dear Editor, taking a negative attitude in excess of $40,000. To be really structive, inasmuch as I am a Dear Editor,
in years gone by. High minimum wages Skilled people cannot be trained over night, I read with interest Mr. regarding the town com- beneficial the commissioner "realist". My question is, where I would appreciate it if you
destroyed the apprenticeship system as it certainly not in the few weeks suggested by Mowbray's letter in The Ad- missioner, I wish to inform him I should be able to save the town does all this excessive spending Would print the following open
operated before the days when every young trainee rates of pay under ,the present vance-Times. have never felt more positive. much more, well in excess of his leave the average taxpayer, the letter to the ratepayers of Turn -
man and woman had to make enough money minimum wage regulations. First of all, may I say from I wish to state here, quite salary plus benefits. How does ordinary working man and those berry Township.
personal experience when I was a emphatically, that I have nothing council propose he can ac- on fixed incomes? On two occasions I have been
member of council, Mr. personal against Mr. Chappell complish this feat with all the If you think I am alone in spokesman for a ratepayers'
Mowbray always fulfilled his and never have had. I only aforementioned expenses- plus querying these expenses, try group. On both of these occasions
duties in a most conscientious question the council's decision in many more which possibly we as talking to the taxpayers of council had a legal represen-
manner. Too bad I can't say the creat' the position of a com- tax tative resent. I ask, does council
Surprisinc
f.i y rrrg pos payers are not made aware of Wingham. P edge of 1 alt
same for some of the present missioner. Bud considering the at the moment? However I shall bear in mind - run so close to the eg �r
., . _ .»,_ _.. y
members of town council. fact that at the time Mr. Chappell For instance, the taxpayers o? i1�r' W. Mowbray's explanation of "meq' have to have 1eg11
With all the attention which has been cent for food; 15.7 per cent for shelter; 7 per
With reference to Mr. was hired Mr. Mowbray was Wingham were informed that the the advantages of hiring a town opinion against a ratepayers'
devoted to rising health care costs and the cent for clothing; 12.3 per cent for transpor- M(,wbray's statement that 1 am chairman of the public works town would receive a 90 per cent commissioner, especially when I group which did not have a
cutbacks in spending which are proving so Cation — and only two per cent for medical department, it's only natural that grant for the construction of the receive my tax bill for 1979. This lawyer?
Y rove
he would defend his actions. new main street. In reality how will to me how well the Now again, at the request of the
drastic to smaller centres, Statistics Canada and health services. prove
keep Mowbray decided to resign from cover? Because as I understand well the finance chairman concern, I ask questions con -
has come out with some surprising figures. The provincial government claims, as far It strikes me that when Mr. much does this 90 per cent grant council has budgeted and how ratepayers and due to my own
Help seniors
These statistics are for the year 1976, so it is as we can recall, that 25 per cent of pro- council and Mr. Whitby, the town it only covers the centre 22 feet of (whoever he may be) has kept on cernine a recent land deal:
apparent that all dollar costs have risen in vincial spending is devoted to health care. their own homes foreman, retired, panic ensued. the road, which is classed as top of our financial situation. First, was $1,000 sufficient
the past three years. However, they are ex- That may well be true, but since provincial This could have been highway. I would like council to Finally, how noble of council value for the very particular
pressed in percentages, not dollars. spending meets only a portion of the citizens' near Editor, eliminated b Mr. Joe Kerr being inform the le of Wingham not t -4tve t for the s parcel of land that was sold?
overall needs it does not follow that health This is an open letter to the Y g people P pay pedal Where else in Turnberr
In 1976 Canadians ave u 18.7 service clubs in our town. appointed as chairman, of the how much grant we will receive meetings (except one) incurred y
g p per cent of care demands the same high percentage of y public works committe., again. for the remainder of the con- during the decision making for Township can one buy one acre of
their annual incomes to direct taxes; 16 per the taxpayer's income. As a visiting homemaker I With reference to the "conflict struction, whj6 extends to the hiring a town commissioner. land with access to the road for
have found that elderly people of ipterest", this I cannot store fronts! Plentof ex council membthis amount?
gain much by being able (via y members swallow. I feel, along with other Getting back to Mr. Mowbray's attended special meetings and.Did the reeve not know of the
homecare services) to remain in taxpayers, we are being led "up comment regarding my criticism received no remuneration at all— need for this laneway before the
their own homes. These dear, purchase of the McGill property?
What will be left? the garden path". As far as I am levelled at council, being more and didn't expect any—not even
gentle people contribute much to concerned it's not so much a constructive and not as $40 before tax! Did all council members know
the community where they live; conflict of interest but, in m destructive, in int of fact I feel of the need for this lanewa
Y l� W.R. (Bill) Harris y
they also are able to receive estimation, a biased opinion m comments are before buying The Canadian Radio Television and Tele- winds oft an 8:00 p.m. show is seen by thous- company in the dignity and pride blinded by prejudice. p Y quite con- In respect totthe change of the
communications Commission has granted a are trying
many of whom parents of their own, homes and also If I remember correctly, when road superintendent I have asked
three and a half-year renewal of license to Y g to raise with some standards of remain in touch with their i Chappell was hired it was for the reasons for this change
the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation — if decency as far as language is concerned. lifetime friends by phone or stated in the paper that he would hanks to PUC for which a sense of extreme
the CBC meets very definite requirements There were a few words that many married visits. save the town far more than his lVC'W BOOk.S urgency seemed to exist. This is
for change. couples don't use even to one another. If Very few people visit nursing salary. Dear Editor: demonstrated by the short ad -
Within that time period the national that's old-fashioned, so be it. homes. They feel it is depressing On the surface it appeared a The members of the Wingham in IIID LihrarV vertising period for the position
The principle that enforcing Canadian and so these dear people lose good move, but all I can see over Centennial Committee and all and the quick acceptance of the
broadcasting corporation is to remove most content will provide more funds for conta�-( and hope-�"l(eeping a the past six months are ex- ethers in and around town active only applicant. This extreme
of its foreign programming from the air in Y PP
Canadian artists is great. We recall, how- senior, in the home is also much P in an way with the plans for this urgency seems to indicate
penditures, which are gradually Y Y P g y
prime time. It must be replaced by Canadian ever, that when this principle was originally less expensive than a hospital, mounting. To name a few, which Year's centenary would like to THE BEAUFORT SiSTERS by reasons for change beyond those
programming. Thus most of the American introduced we had to listen to a rash of corny Where beds are at a premium. At as a taxpayer I deem un- take this opportunity to express John Cleary given
entertainment programs with which we are songs on the subject of Canada which were home these elderly people can necessary, they are: the building sincere thanks and appreciation This is the story of four sisters, This same sense of urgency
familiar will disappear. so unartistic they offended the ear as well as eat and sleep when they wish, of a private office for the mayor; to the Wingham Public Utilities the beautiful and willful seems to exist in the disposal of
Now that's fine, as long as Canadians can the mentality. Some of them were so Can- tend their plants and take an extending the clerk -treasurer's Commission and its employees daughters of Lucas Beaufort, the the land. Why was this recut
come up with acceptable replacements — adian that the included the name of every interest in the world around office; providing an office for the for their cooperation in putting richest man in Kansas City. The sale so quickly oachieved?
y them. I have found the courage of u the street banners. theme is about -the dao
and we have little indication that they can. If Province and the territories as well. some of the terminal cases a real commissioner, plus furniture and P well as the dangers as Why could the larger portion
not, nothing will be accomplished. It takes With nine -tenths of our television audience fixtures; also providing the These Overstreet banners are pleasures of being which is now advertised,not be
inspiration. the first real evidence that this rich. more thoroughly little effort to switch the channel selector to living within 150 miles of the American commissioner with a car. ghly advertised and
something better if the Canadian content border it will take more than regulations to Would helping some of these However Mr. Mowbray states it town will have a big party in This is a novel on a large scale, then sold at public auction as is
people whose money is running takes from one to two years to get August. It is our sincere hope that ranging from 1935 to the present most public property?
happens to be drivel. And it follows that if the confine their attention to all -Canadian short not be a valuable project many da from Midwest America to i would ask council for a public
culture. p � fully operational. people will see these Y
Canadian shows are second-rate there will for your clubs? i am sure most of hann,.rs and come and help us Germany, England, Italy,reply to these questions.
It still has to be proved to rile P France and the Bel P Y
be a costly lack of Canadian advertising these seniors have contributed to that by hiring a town coin- � elebrate our big birthday party Belgian Congo, to Jackson Dunkin.
sponsors, so an even greater burden will be your causes through the years missioner it can save the town Wingham reach a thrilling climax in the (Also signed by 15
borne by Canadian taxpayers to support the and making their remaining timeCentennial Committee Middle East.
a y
Makes yougagvery suitable (over a period of two years) well other rat en)
CBC. happy and content would be
Of course we have some able talent in 'Thank You' to
Canada and they may produce some very them. (Some have even offered /
Anybody who won't admit that we have their lives, e.g. Legion mem- `{ „" �•
worthwhile material for our edification. free speech in this country didn't hear a hers. TODAY CHILD y
However, if Saturday night's programming cou le of The selling of ar.
P political broadcasts which were g person's home tx Y
was any sample we can do without It. "Partaired last week. Both the Communist Part seems to many the last step in Michael is a handsome lad, nearly 1z, whose dearest wish
Hers" was Canadian production and It may of Canada and the Marxist-Leninist arty go is to be adopted. A trusting, affectionate youngster, he
life. They have nowhere'to
have been excellent drama, but the view) party back to, no possessions they can has been let down a number of times, but is very ready to
ng were accorded free time to air their views on try again. He will do all he can to make his adoption a
public had to be warned that some parts how best to tear Canada apart. treasure except what will go into success.
might be offensive — as indeed they were. Yes, since they are registered political a three -drawer bedside stand. Black and white in descent, Michael has both Canadian
It's not fashionable nowdays to object to parties they have a right to that free time. and very little privacy. and Mexican ancestors. He is a healthyy boy with black
i am not against nursing curly hair, brown eyes and dark skin. He wears glasses I
lewd expressions made for public consump- Makes you wonder, doesn't it? homesi feel they are necessary for reading and television. There Is good achievement in
in cases where the resident is his background, and Michael himself is an average
disturbed or in need of close student in Grade 8.
medical attention. but some of A friendly, outgoing youngster, he enjoys adult com-
the employees pany and gets on better with younger children than with
JA THE WINGHAM ADVANCE -TIMES plo ees in these places those his own age. He is intelligent and articulate, and
have no training and very little likes nothing better than a Rood conversation about
Published at Wingham. Ontario. by Wenger Bros. Limited sympathy. science or history.
Our homemakers are trained Michael enjoys sports, motorcycles, and fast cars. He
Barry Wenger, President Robert O. Wenger, Sec. -Tress. and are in sympathy with the Ickes reading and loves to have some money of his own to s elderly otherwise why would we spend. He will be a fine son for parents who will Rive him'
Member Audit Bureau of Circulations the love and security he has lacked, and wants so ' 'r
• have chosen this field of work to much.
be in' To inquire about adopting Michael, please write to
Member - Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc Ontario Weekly Newspaper Assoc. I hope this will raise some Today's Child, Ministry of Community and Social Ser -
consciousness to the plight of vice, Box 1388, Station K, Toronto, Ontario M4P 21-12. In
Subscription $14.00 per year Six months $7.50 these people, your letter tell something of your present family and your
Bernice Morland Msv of life.
Second Class Mail Registration No. 0421 Return postage guaranteed Visiting Homemaker
i