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WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 1985, PAGE 7 O.L.C. alumnae chaptersvoetmrg votettergsteCeefla Report from Queen's Park By THE HON. GEORGE ASHE, MPP (PC - Durham West) The parliamentary system of government has been successful throughout the centuries because of the one essential difference it has from the congressional approach to governing. The differen- ce is an Official Opposition. I have had the pleasure of talking to a number of constituents in Durham West over the past few weeks, who have commented - quite positively, I might add - on noticing a somewhat different ap- proach I have been taking in this space. In fact, a columnist in one paper has incorrectly suggested it might simply be "sour grapes" (your Liberalism is showing Joan). It's anything but. 1, along with 51 other members of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition have a new role. That role is to en- sure every aspect of government is examined and addressed with the most critical and watchful of eyes. That's what the Opposition is all about. As a member of the government, it was my duty to ensure the constituents in Durham West were ap- prised of all government policy and initiatives. It was my equal responsibility to ensure the gover- nment was a'ware of the concerns of the people we were elected to serve. The government has changed, not through the mandate of the people, but through the agreement of two party leaders. My mandate has obviously changed, as well. The role of the Opposition, as I see it, is not necessary one of obstructionism. In fact, I regard it as one of protectionism. I have a duty to ensure my constituents have the strongest possible represen- tation at Queen's Park - from either government or opposition benches. Currently, it happens to be the latter. As Management Board critic, I will be overseeing government spending. As the member for Durham West, I will be equally vociferous on all actions of the Liberal Government at Queen's Park. And, l'il tell you about what this propped-up government is doing as often as I possibly can. I happen to believe, as do many of you judging by your calls, comments and letters, that the current Liberal government was not elected by the people. It came to power through the desperation of the third party. That is not, in my view, what our Parliamentary System is all about. That is not what the voters decided on May 2. Now, some might call that positioning as one of "sour grapes". I happen to believe it's one of in- disputable fact and paramount importance to our democratic system of government. I will continue to oppose and criticize the formation of any gover- nment not elected by the people. If and when the people of this Province elect a majority of Liberal members, or at least more of them than any other party, to their legislature, l'Il stick to examining their policies and programs, only. Until then, the formation of this government is as key an issue as their actions. I hope, through the good graces of this newspaper, I will be able to continue to offer my comments and views as to what's happening to Queen's Park. Ob- viously, they are somewhat partisan. I would never suggest anything else. Total objectivity, I'l leave to the professional writers and commentators. But, hopefully, my epistles will be fair from that par- tisan perspective. There will be many who will often disagree. There will be those who will always disagree. I wouldn't have it any other way. No one person can always be right and no singular view is healthy for a com- munity, province or nation. I am committed to the defence of every person's right to express their opinions and articulate their convictions. I'm honored to offer mine, here, for your con- ;ideration. By CHARLOTTE GENTLES June was a busy mon- th for the members of the two local alumnae chapters of the former Ontario Ladies' College which is now known as Trafalgar CAstle School. The students were in- volved in the many school closing activities as well as welcoming back former students and graduates during the annual alumnae luncheon. There were more than 30 girls present at the luncheon from all parts of Ontario and Canada. STORY HOUR The Whitby Public Library will hold a story hour for children aged 6 to 9 every Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. from July 5 to 20 in the program room. It will be an afternoon of stories, games and crafts. Registration is limited and begins this week at the children's desk. For more infor- mation call 668-6531. Among the former students in attendance was Janet Montgomery- Moore (maiden name) who currently resides in Bermuda. She was May Queen during the Second World War years. Another former student was guest speaker. Marilyn Smith is the co-producer of the popular musical "Cats" which is now showing in Toronto. She told the alumnae that she produced "Cats" on a challenge from a theatre critic. She was also proud of the fact that the production.- - which costs $240,000 a week - boasts Canadian talent. In fact, only four members of the cast are from outside of the area immediately surroun- ding Toronto. Last month also saw the amalgamation of the two alumnae chapters located in Durham Region. The Castle Chapter and the Cen- tennial Chapter met at the home of Mariyln Broughton in Brooklin and unanimously decided to amalgamate. The new chapter will he called the Castel- Centennial Chapter. The name Castle was retained to com- memorate the "parent" chapter formed 80 years ago and the Centennial commemorates the formation of that chap- ter in 1974, the centen- nial year of Trafalgar Castle school. The executive of the Castle-Centennial chap- ter are: Doris Batty Collins of Whitby, honorary president; Shirley Edwards of Oshawa, president; Susan Holman of Toron- to, first vice-president; second vice-president Betty Brown of Brooklin; Joan Claus of Oshawa, treasurer; Mae Storie of Oshawa, recording secretary; Lynda Kellington of Oshawa, corresponding secretary; and, Charlot- te Gentles of Whitby, public relations. After naming the new executive, the chapter announced that it will hold its annual night of cards on Oct. 2 at the school which is located on Reynolds St. Tickets are available from chapter members. EDITOR'S NOTE: Charlotte Gentles is the public relations director of the Castle-Centennial chapter of the Trafalgar Castle School Alumnae Association. PRO DODGE Your Local Chrysler-Dodge Sales and Service -- tZiàDealer Parts & Service - Thursdays til 9 p.m. WHITBY 209 Dundas St. W. 666-3000