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The Huron Expositor, 1988-11-23, Page 2on xpositor iter SINCE 1860, S(ERViNG THE COMMUNITY FIRST Incorpoacoinq The Bru•ser- .'ori ED BYRSKI, Gr aiercl Manager HEATHER McILWRAITH, Editor Published) In Seaforth, Ontario Every Wednesday Morning The Expositor Is brought to you each week by the efforts of: Pat Armes, Nall ..c rnett, Terrl-Lynn Dale, Dianne McGrath and Bob McMillan. Member Canadian Community Newspaper A,soc. Ontario Community Newspaper Association Ontario Press Council Commonwealth Press Union International Press Institute Subscription Rates: Canada `20.00 a year, in advance Senior Citizens - '17.00 a year in advance Outside Canada '60.00 a year, in advance Single Copies - .50 cents each Second class mail registration Number 0696 Wednesday, November 23, 71988 Editorial a, Business Offices - 10 Main Street, Seaforth Telephone (519) 527-0240 ,Aailing Address - P.O. Box 69, Seaforth, Ontario, NOK 1WO If 1 had a hammer, I'd hammer... I don't get the opportunity very often, but this weekend, luck was with me. I finally got the chance to fulfill a lifelong ambition of mine. I got to play carpenter - for real. Now - before you start laughing... I want to assure you that indeed it has always been a deep-seated desire of mine to be a carpenter. For as I ar back as I can remember (and these days that's not as far back as it used to be), I've harbored ambi- tions to make "wood" a mainstay off my life. Whether that's because "carpentry" runs in my blood (my dad is a carpenter by trade), or not, is still up for grabs. But I do know that had Fischer Price had a Junior Carpenter/Handyman kit, as it does today, I would have requested it for Christmas. And, more than likely my parents would have purchased it, if only to rid themselves of the hazard I presented every time I got into my dad's work bench. Not to say I was a bad carpenter. I mean, to my recollection, my workmanship - however shoddy - can still be seen in the far recesses of my parent's home. Whenever I felt there was work that needed doing, I at- tempted to do it - before an expert could be consulted, and before dad even knew it needed doing. I mean, who determined there was a need for shelving in the bathroom vanity, then attempted to fill that need with her own rather rickety construc- SWEATSOCKS by Heather McIlwraith tion from odds and ends of materials. I did, and I'm proud to say that shelf is still in use today, although probably moreso because it is well hidden from public view, than anything else. If given the space, I could recount numerous carpentry projects I've had a hand in (some still standing, some not). When there was a nail to be hammered, I was always there to volunteer for the job. And, if there was no nail, I hung a new one - inciting some pretty interesting reactions from members of my family in the process. I mean, how about dad's reaction when I, on leave from university for a weekend, pro- ceeded to rehang every picture/photograph in the house,. for lack of something more constructive to do with the hammer and nails. (Not to mention his reaction when I subsequently knocked over the phone, then proceeded to take it apart, claiming all the while I was quite capable of restoring it to its original, state.) And how about the chair I attempted to fashion out of broken hockey sticks (as per one dad and I had seen elsewhere), the shelving in the garage, the chicken wire sculpture frame, and the shoe rack? Surely all noteworthy accomplishments? How noteworthy though, I'm not sure. Certainly the fact that my parents have felt compelled to provide me with my own tool box, and continue to furnish me each Christmas with, among other things, the newest and most modem carpentry tool on the market, shows they have some inclina- tion as to my secret ambition. However, the fact that I did not receive any of these tools (at least the more destructive ones) until I was permanently out of their house, might say something entirely different. Whatever the case, it was nice being unleashed among the lumber this weekend. Just how nice, I guess I'll see when the pro- ject's completed. Until then...cross your fingers, and be glad my parents recognized how inept I'd be as a plumber. (Now that's another story! ) Straight talk needed ••••'-• �atolr-� • 7 �:: :aari MINT -- - .]_ i • -1-'—g:117 �;��•o �`,---(((i1� ���� //ice___ A w — y�;i ? 'G— . -- _ The issue of Free Trade did not figure into the federal election as significantly as many people thought it might. With the exception of the east coast, where the Liberal party virtually swept the Conservatives out to sea, there were very few upsets. Mulroney's Progressive Conservatives proceeded to capture seat after seat across the remaining provinces, until they had assured themselves of a majority government. It wasn't however, an easily won race. The issue of free trade, while it did not bring about the demise of the Conservative party, certainly caught the country's eye and the wrath of the opposition leaders. But despite protesta- tions from both Liberal Leader John Turner and NDP Leader Ed Broadbent, that the agreement was not in the best interests of Canadians, Canadians chose to believe otherwise. From all appearances Canadians gave the Mulroney government, and subsequently his free trade agreement, their stamp of approval at the polls. But while that appears to be the case, the pre-election furor caused by apprehension over the free trade deal, should send a clear message to parliament. For all intents and purposes, the majority of Canadians are very poorly informed about the Free Trade Agreement. Most know little about its apparent advantages and disadvantages, and understand even less. Party leaders spent so much time during this election campaign condem- ning one another's actions, and contradicting one another's words, that the facts, when presented, could hardly be construed as believable. That's why now, with the election furor finished and the energy to discredit the opposition spent, Canada's federal government should look at educating Canadians properly about this free trade agreement. Regardless of who or what party is in power, and by what majority, Cana- dians deserve to know the truth about an agreement which could so decidedly affect their future. It is ignorance, not cowardice, that breeds fear in the hearts of mankind. And, ' me for the powers that be to alleviate some of that fear, with a lit- ttr-'rapaht talk SETTERS TO THE EDITOR tiniov replies to threat allegations Dear Editor, This letter is in response to the article in last week's Signal -Star, regarding "Threats Alleged Against Huronview Residents". This article appeared in your paper November, 16th, 1988 as a result of a Huronview employee addressing County Council on November 3rd, 1988. This article stated that these employees were "apparently" not authorized to speak to council by the union. The union does not agree with the implications of this state- ment as reported in this article. Your newspaper acted in an irresponsible man- ner for failing to verify statements before printing this story. As you know, credible journalism relies on the facts. The fact of the matter is, I was not contacted by any media representatives. This letter is written to outline the union's position in this matter. Marilyn Reidy, who addressed the council, is not a representative of the Union, but is a member. In clarification, Mrs. Reidy is not authorized to speak on behalf of the union or its members at large. Mrs. Reidy was acting as a caring in- dividual and citizen who felt that the com- munity and other government officials should know of the affects of staff reduc- tions at Huronview. She was attempting to relay her concerns on what she felt is a problem at the County home. The union cannot stop its members from exercising their civil rights. Authorization or lack of authorization by the union should not be a factor in the support given to the statement made by Mrs. Reidy. For the record, the union does not con- done threats or any other kinds of abuse of Residents. We are also concerned with the affects in the level of care and services provided to these seniors due to the reduc- tion in staffing levels. The union is attempting to settle any disputes through the grievance procedures provided in the Collective Agreement and under the law; however, these things take time and negotiations are ongoing. The union is aware of allegations made and shall make a full investigation of their merits and the concerns of its members in this reeard. We will be taking action as deemed necessary after having discussions with our legal representatives. The union invites the newly elected Com- mittees of Management to meet with SEIU Local 210 staff at Huronview for a full and frank discussion on the situation. Yours truly, Vincent S. Pistor Goderich Area Business Representative Service Employees Union Local 210 Serious drivel not .the only answ This week in The Huron Expositor I am called a immature, drivelling, paraniod. Talk about getting bad press. In one of the letters to the editor received this week it is apparent that one correspon- dent took a dislike (to put it mildly) to the column I wrote last week on wisdom teeth. It was my attempt at being funny, and I see at least one person didn't think it was so cute. So this week I'll write some more serious drivel. I'll not apologize for the column I wrote last week. It wasn't slanderous -and no names were were used. I also won't apologize for the content of the column, and I'll get to the reason why soon. This week I'm going to write a column about writing a column. The letter to the editor about my column uses words like "immature", and "drivel" to describe my work. That comes with the job and you have to bear it, But what does put my back up a bit is the demand for these informed opinions that this space in the paper "deserves." A column is not another editorial. It can be an expressed opinion (informed or not, but let's hope for the former) which is en- tirely the columnist's and doesn't repre- sent the viewpoint of the paper as an editorial does. But it is also the columnist's personal space, which he can use to do r Post office Dentists unappreciative of column Dear Editor, We are beginning to wonder about Iiie ex- tend of the education, knowledge and ex- perience of your journalist, Neil Corbett. Since he has been writing his weekly column he has used trivial dental stories to fill up his column. In Seaforth and surrounding area there are at least five dental offices and it is natural for your readers to assume that your columnist visited one of the offices. We do not want anyone to think that we would extract "wisdom teeth" on a routine visit if no signs of infection have been exhibited, nor would we want anyone to feel that our hands feel like "13 fingers" in their mouth. 11 we were your dentists we would be hor- rified to read that you felt that your teeth were "ripped from your jaw" and we're sure that he or she did not appreciate such comments and it was inconsiderate of you to print them. We presume Mr. Corbett was attempting to be humorous but the readers of The Huron Expositor deserve a well thought out, mature view point in a feature column and not immature drivel exhibiting paranoia. In the future we hope this column will reflect the professionalism that a column such as his deserves. Thomas Drake D.H. Drake NOVEMBER 23, I Mrs. S. Dorrence has purchased the residence of Mr. S. Bennett on Goderich street, and has removed to town to live. Mr. John Hannah has purchased the old Johnston homestead, which adjoins his own. He now owns the three hundred acres, mak- ing a magnificent farm. Mr. E.B. Hollis, the well-known comic vocalist, has formed a first class company, including Mrs. and Miss Sage of Walton, and is billed to give entertainments in many of the neighboring towns. Mr. Harry Strong is travelling agent. Messrs. Hugh Grieve and James Stewart intend opening a Seed, and Flour and Feed store in the premises in Carmichael's block recently vacated by Mr. Watson. The Seaforth Collegiate Institute football club beat the Clinton club in a match in that town on Thanksgiving Day by four goals to one. Mr. Wm. Homey, Winthrop's enterprising wagon maker, has constructed a cider mill and is doing considerable grinding for the farmers of the vicinity. The windows and door of the vacahotel Winthrop seem to indicate that the oung men do not want a place of the kind in their midst. NOVEMBER 28, 1913 Mr. J.F. Daly has leased the store former- ly occupied by Messrs. Chesney and Ar- chibald, and intends having it fitted up for his growing business. The north side will be something a little more creative, or write something more light hearted than the type of news that's in the rest of the paper. It offers readers an insight into who the columnist is and what he is like. In papers which border The Expositor I have seen columns written on mosquitos, trips and holidays, what's on the colum- nist's living room table, and demolition derbies. One of the columns I most enjoyed was in this paper, written by Pat Raftis, and was about his first encounter with an instafit teller. Not earth shaking news on any scale, but sometimes it's the way things are said and not what is said that's important. What I thought about doing with this space when it was first assigned to me was to look for those little interesting news items that you chuckle over. I was going to name the column "Infomaniac" but that idea got vetoed. One interesting news item I heard was of the quest for a safe pop machine. It seems upwards of 10 people have been killed in North America after shaking a pop machine to try and get their money unja,n- med, then having the machine topple over onto them. And all mom used to tell me was pop would rot my teeth (oops, better not mention teeth). If she only knew the real dangers. So, while a column can be on a serious issue, there's nothing to say it has to be. And if you look at the more popular colum- nists, you'll find there is a lot of themselves in their writing, and you'll find many don't take themselves too seriously., In last week's column I attempted to be funny. At least a couple people told me they thought I was. At least a couple peo- ple thought I most certainly wasn't. What I wasn't trying to do was embarrass or in- sult anyone. 1 didn't comment on anyone's competency and I won't - although 1 do have an opinion on my dentist's competen- cy, and I think it's an informed opinion. I will say, however, that he's sensitive towards his patients, and handles them as delicately as possible for as delicately as one can handle a tooth extraction 1. For my part, I do my best, however delicate, or indelicate it may appear, building opens in 1913 IN THE YEARS AGONE from the Archives occupied as a jewellry store and the south half and the rest of the building as an automobile and bicycle ware -room. A good many from town, as well as a large number from McKillop, who were in- terested in the Robert Gordon trial in pro- gress, were in Goderich this week. The new post office was open for business for the first tirne Wednesday morning. It is a handsome building. All that is required now is a telephone. We hope our new post master will have this finishing touch added. The clock on the tower of the new post of- fice building is now giving forth the time of day. The dial is illuminated so the tirne can be seen at night as well as during the day. The warm weather of the past month, while easy on the coal bins and pleasant to the feel, has not been the best for business especially in the dry goods line. They are however, looking forward with expectancy to Christmas and for which they are prepared to furnish the best for their customers. NOVEMBER 25, 1938 Mr. William Gross, a well known man in McKillop Township, was terribly lacerated by a circular saw as he pulled a fellow worker from danger. Work is nearly completed to the addition of the Seaforth Collegiate Institute, and only interior finishing remains to be done. It is at least certain that the building will be open to the public for inspection upon completion. Mr. Thomas Butters has taken over the management of the general hardware in Dublin. Mr. Alvin McNeil former manager, leaves Palmerston in the near future. The committee in charge of the annual Middlesex -Huron Regiment Sergeants' Ball is being held in "D" Company Armouries Friday evening. This is the first military ball to be held in Seaforth for a large number of years. The Canada Company have disposed of all their vacant land in McKillop to avoid overhead expenses, and the nearby farmers have taken advantage and will soon make it fertile land when it is cleared up. Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Oesch have rented the dwelling owned by the Lydia Geiger estate and have moved into it. NOVEMBER 29, 1962 Seaforth's new Snow Queen is Lois Tyn- dall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Tyn- dall of RR4 Seaforth. Announcement of the results of the Snow Queen election was Turn to page 12 •