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PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, May 16, 1989 -- 33 M.P. pledges VIA support EEE by Ross Stevenson, M.P. Durham It's no exaggeration to say that Canada grew up around its railways. Rail links were part of the agreement that led to Confedera- tion in 1867. And over the years our railway system has been an almost constant source of controversy. Despite its significance as part of our national heritage, rail passenger service is seldom used by most Canadians today. Airlines are faster and cheaper for long distance travel, and on shorter trips most of us prefer to drive. That's the root of the current tough decisions facing the federal government and VIA Rail. VIA was created 12 years ago when the major railways wanted to drop their money - losing passenger trains. It was felt then the VIA, as a subsidized Crown corporation, could maintain tradi- tional passenger service on a near profitable basis. However, as the recent Budget demonstrated, these subsidies have mounted to such an extent that the whole rationale of VIA must now be re-examined. Since its creation VIA Rail has receiv- ed more than $5 billion of tax payers' money, of which more than $1 billion went for capital im- provements to equipment and facilities. Despite improved passenger use of some routes, things are not getting better. In 1988, VIA's revenues increased by $26 million, but expenses went up $94 million! While other Crown agencies have managed to put themselves on a paying basis since 1984 -- Cdnada Post is a notable example -- that appears to be impossible Team Galley Gators Anderson Chev-Olds Square Boy Pizza Country Lane Realty Sportsland Port Auto Glass A. Oppers Aluminum Port Perry Merchants Port Perry Kinsmen , Seagrave Steel Buildings Forder Insurance Picture Homes SCUGOG MEN'S SLO-PITCH LEAGUE Standings for the week ended May 8 Results of games played May 8: Sportsland 15 Port Perry Kinsmen 10 Port Auto Glass 12 Oppers Aluminum 12 Galley Gators 17 Sportsland 12 Country Lane Realty 11 Forder Insurance 2 Anderson Chev-0lds 30 Picture Homes 11 | W L T F A Gb. 3 0 - 57 22 0 3 0 - 60 27 oo 2 1 - 51 34 4 2 1 - 39 31 41 2 1 - 39 3 -1 1 1 1 30 32 -15 1 1 1 38 4 -15 1 1 - 20 19 -15 1 2 - 28 32 -2 0 2 - 17 39 -25 0 3 - 22 43 3 0 3 - 20 59 3 Port Perry Merchants v Seagrave Steel Buildings (no report) * Horseback Riding by the hour * Guided Trail Rides * Lessons * Horses Boarded, Bought & Sold * Government Licenced (416) 433-2541 (105) 351-2246 OFF DURHAM RD. 6, 15 MINUTES NORTH OF PORT PERRY - SEAGRAVE DON FORDER INSURANCE BROKERS LTD. SELWIN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Guaranteed Investment Certificates SHOPPERS Mortgage and Loan Corporation 3 YEAR - ANNUAL 11V%% .* Wellington Trust mpany 1 YEAR - ANNUAL 12" Wellington WwW Trust Eompany SHORT-TERM 30 to 89 11%% DAYS DAYS 1 134% 90 to 364 -- RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE -- PHONE 985-8411 for VIA in its present form. In our own area there's much understandable public concern about the future of VIA service, which many consider a much preferrable alternative to driving. That's particularly true of the Toronto-Peterborough-Havelock dayliner service, probably the most economically viable of all VIA's trains. This train was cancelled by the previous government as an economy measure, and returned to service after the 1984 election with the understanding that it couldn't be kept if it wasn't used. Anyone who travels on the Toronto-Peterborough-Havelock train knows that most days it vir- tually is filled to capacity. Back in February when the very first reports were heard of possible cuts to VIA, I immediate- ly contacted the federal Minister of Transport to make sure he understood exactly how heavily used and important this train is to our area. Since then I have spoken and written to him on several occasions. As well, I have asked VIA's president, who must make the final decision, for complete statistics on the passenger use, revenue from, and the cost of operating this train. I believe these favourable economic in- dications should be a factor in his decision about its future. My hope is that the economics of this passenger service on the Toronto-Peterborough-Havelock line will justify its survival. Cer- tainly I will continue doing everything I can personally in try- ing to preserve it. For further information about this or any other federal matters, please contact my Constituency Office in Oshawa at 571-5430 or (toll-fre * Zenith 9-6130. Byron F. Hyland Funeral services were held April 29 in Lindsay for Byron Frederick Hyland, a native of Nestleton. Mr. Hyland passed away April 26 in Peterborough Hospi- tal following a brief illness. He was 84. He was born in Cartwright Township, the son of the late Luella and Frederick Hyland. He attended school in Nestleton and Caesarea. He is a former resident of Nestleton and Janet- ville, but lived the last 49 years in Omemee. . His wife, Hazel Maude (nee Blackburn) pre-deceased him. Mr. Hyland was a member of the United Church, the Pro- gessive Conservative Party, Orange Lodge 41, the Cemetery Board and the Senior Citizens Club in Omemee, as well as the Home Guard in Port Hope. He is survived by his chil- dren, Isabel of Oshawa, Ross of Oshawa, Jean of Peterborough, Lorraine of Newmarket, Don- ald of Orono, Glenn and Helen, both in Omemee. He has a brother Clifford of Scarborough, and was pre-deceased by broth- er Arthur of Port Perry. Funeral ~ 'arrangements were by the Mackey Funeral Home in Lindsay, with burial in the EmilyCemetery in Ome- mee. ' Pall bearers were David Ralph, Robert Creed, Gary Creed, David Biglin, Adam Hy- land and Craig Hyland. We take ade ins. i | Willy & Son Small Engine 650 SCUGOG ST., 085-3192 i | PORT PERRY ¥% Save 15% from now until MAY 31st Save now on a Lawn-Boy mower during our Early Bird Special. Equipped with a powerful 2-cycle 4HP rated engine. Choose from push or self-propelled models, rear or side baggers and 19", 20" or 21" cutting widths. Be sure to ask about the Lawn-Boy Protection Plus™ Program and how you can receive up to 4 years warranty. BUY NOW AND SAVE WILLY & SON SMALL ENGINE 650 Scugog Street 985-3192 PORT PERRY, ONT.