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2 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, May 16,1984 SMALL TALK By Donna Fairey No Tax Change for Seniors "Whereas intemperance intemperance is increasing among our citizens, including including our young men and women, causing us to look with horror on the result of Government Government control, both in its effect on moral character character and the thriftless spending of money, with the degredation resulting therefrom - be it resolved that, through our Dominion Board, we petition the Ontario Provincial Government Government that a vote be taken on the temperance temperance issue as soon as possible, entirely dissociated dissociated from party politics." The foregoing was a resolution soundly denouncing denouncing the liquor control system in Ontario Ontario unanimously endorsed endorsed by the Women's Missionary Society at the annual Bay of Ouinte Conference of the United Church held in Peterborough 53 years ago. This is but one of the interesting items gleaned from a section of The Globe newspaper newspaper dated May 2, 1931. The yellowed publication publication was recently pulled from concealment concealment in an ancient blanket box which had long been ignored in a forgotten corner of our basement. While the women of temperance a half century century ago might be appalled appalled at the turns taken by the province's liquor control board in later decades, undoubtedly undoubtedly they would be relieved relieved that authorities have stopped short of permitting the sale of beer in the baseball stands at Exhibition Stadium. Perhaps it was the groundwork cemented by these ladies of temperance temperance which is responsible responsible for a liquor licensing code that many Ontarians over the decades have been moved to call unreasonably unreasonably rigid and archaic. Moreover, the good ladies back then apparently apparently felt as strongly about education as they did about temperance - a conclusion born out by a second resolution adopted by the same church women. They agreed that, "We strongly endorse the action taken by the Trustees' Section of the Ontario Educational Association at their recent recent convention in Toronto Toronto requesting the Dept, of Education to take steps to have temperance temperance taught in the Byline... By Peter Parrott It's about time somebody somebody thought the unthinkable unthinkable and proposed proposed a temporary halt to the Olympic games. The Olympic torch should be placed in storage and not re-kindled re-kindled until the world's political scene stops resembling resembling a squabbling kindergarten class on a bad day. Historically, there's some precedent for this action. Olympics do not \ have an unbroken his- ) tory. Throughout the so- | called "dark ages", the traditional Greek games were suspended and it is only in relatively relatively modern times that we have revived the Olympics. Perhaps we acted too soon. Technology allows Olympic events to be broadcast throughout the world. And with the Olympics attracting such a wide audience, they are bound to become become a forum for individuals individuals and nations trying trying to convey a particular particular political message or even sell a certain brand of track shoes. Needless to say, all of these shennanigans are an insult to the original spirit of the games. During various Olympic Olympic competitions there have been boycotts of one country or another. Of course, the embargo placed on the games by the U.S. and its allies four years ago and the recent actions by the Soviets are most fa mous. Most infamous was, the massacre of the 11 Israeli athletes in Munich during the '72 games. Going back to earlier Olympiads, one might also recall that the Nazis sought to turn Olympic medals into propaganda victories not long before the outbreak outbreak of World War Two. Some have suggested that the only way to jkeep politics out of the Olympics is to hold the games at a single location location within a neutral ' and well-respected country. One idea is to stage the Olympics in Greece, the place where the games were founded. Unfortunately, that solves only part of the problem. It guarantees that no country can use its position as Olympic host for propaganda purposes. But the games could still become become a political soapbox soapbox and the athletes could still be targets of lunatics. Cancelling the Olympics Olympics would be a small setback for international international co-operation. But it seems as though the spirit of the games can live on through worldwide competition among sportsmen. I am not suggesting that athletes shouldn't compete with their colleagues colleagues in other countries. countries. I only suggest they should not be taking part in a single emotionally-charged emotionally-charged extravaganza extravaganza which will attract political extremists extremists and lunatics the way a copper rod attracts attracts lightning. 1 Better to have single ]vorld competitions 'for different sports at various various locations throughout throughout the year. Such events could better serve those very people for whom sports are intended intended -- namely the athletes and spectators. spectators. No doubt these world championships would also be more tightly controlled by the athletes and their international associations. associations. The Olympics are supposed to be a peaceful peaceful gathering of superior athletes who are interested only in . the pursuit of excellence. excellence. That's why we should suspend the competition competition until we are more worthy of such a high ideal. Council Briefs Van Bene Floral Shoppes ... much more than a flower store! 4 STORES « Highway No. 2 • King SI, E„Oshawa • SlrncoaSt.N., Oshawa VAN BELLE" Bowmâ'nîlil. •Trademarks of Van Belle Gardens Lid Newcastle council has given final reading to bylaws bylaws designating three Bowmanville homes as heritage buildings. The houses include the Waltham Cottage, at 49 Division Division St., the Bleakley House, at 99 Church St., and the Ramsay House at 85 High St. All three homes have received received heritage designations designations on the grounds that they are of architectural interest. interest. The Ramsay House was singled out because it is a fine example of renaissance renaissance Revival architecture. The home on 99 Church St. represents an integral part of the nineteenth century streetscape. The house at 49 Division St. forms part of an important group of midnineteenth midnineteenth century dwellings dwellings located at the intersection intersection of Division and Wellington Wellington St. Newcastle council has agreed agreed to pass a resolution lending its support to a bicentennial project sponsored sponsored by the St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Newcastle Village. The parish advised council council that it will be holding a "barn dance" in Clarke Township as a bicentennial event. The dance will feature feature old-time music and participants are asked to dress in costumes of the early days. Town council was advised that the dance is scheduled for June 23. « * « f>, 'I'* • ' i Madeline's * Rattan * Furnishings Discovery Hut Come and discover a line selection of coffees, teas and mother mod ' Baskets unique gifts and crafts. Tergal Sheer 116" width * Wicker Hampers Discover White, Ivory and * Hostess Soaps Great Prices on our quality Champagne * Incense New and Used Clothes $6.99 yd. primary classes of our public schools, it being already taught in the senior classes, and that this education in temperance temperance be continued for two years in high schools and collégiales. collégiales. " The Globe's story further revealed that the women lodged a protest with the federal government against the repeal of the law prohibiting prohibiting the granting of clearance papers to vessels loaded with liquor liquor for importation to the United States, contrary contrary to the laws of the country. To abandon the singular singular topic of temperance, temperance, the newspaper contained a wealth of other captivating reading. reading. A story on the sports page, for instance instance claimed that Babe Ruth "strikes out as a prophet." The article article alleged that the "Babe" predicted George Earnshaw, Philadelphia's great right-hander, was on a downhill run as a top hurler. But, yesterday, stated the story, Earnshaw held the slugging Yankees to three hits and allowed them no runs. The Babe, it appeared, was indeed better at bat than he was at predictions. predictions. And apparently advertisements advertisements were then, as they are today, an integral component of any healthy news-, paper. In a large, one page spread, The Shell Company bragged that they had recently added the famous antiknock antiknock quality of Ethyl. Super-Shell Ethyl is a stride ahead in the gasoline industry, it stated. "It is indeed tomorrow's tomorrow's gasoline - today." The ad, however, however, spared me the pain of revealing the 1931 price at the gas pumps before petrol became liken to liquid gold. Moreover, gasoline wasn't the only commodity, commodity, by today's standards, standards, that came with an attractive price tag. Another ad promoted an 18k white gold wedding wedding band, set with nine fully cut blue-white diamonds at an unbelievable unbelievable cost of $65. For men, there were Eatonia hats at $5 each. For style, quality and value, we believe Eatonia to be the best five dollar hat obtaina ble in Canada from the T. Eaton Company, main floor, Queen Street, Toronto. Little did they know then that men's fedoras were destined destined for a significant drop in favor. Further advertising came from a Toronto dentist - C.A. Risk - who paid for space to tell potential potential customers he specialized in sets of artificial teeth. In view of the nature of his business, business, it might have been advisable for the good dentist to consider consider a name change. Again, in sports, a headline decreed that a former world boxing champion will meet a Canadian contender on May 18,1931. Pete Latzo to box Charlie Belanger, Belanger, stated the lead to the story. A vintage newspaper, it's true, is as intriguing as a box of old family photos. And, in this case, there was double barrelled intrigue. I uncovered uncovered the journal 53 years to the day since it was placed as a liner in, the box by one of my ancestors. ancestors. If it contained a special message designed designed by fate to change my life, I am yet unable to determine what it is. Two members of Newcastle council council have failed in a final attempt to introduce a tax refund program for the town's senior citizens. Councillor Bruce Taylor said at a council session Monday that he still believes the program should be made available for those seniors who choose it. He was referring to a system in which seniors may use the equity in their homes to pay part of their property tax. Any amount rebated to the seniors through this system would become a lien against the property. A tax rebate scheme introduced in East York provides tax relief of $150 per year to seniors who qualify, qualify, but introducing such a program requires a private member's bill passed in the Ontario Legislature. "I feel that we had here a proposal proposal that has some merit," said Councillor Taylor. But Councillor Ivan Hobbs noted that interest charged on the amount deducted from taxes would total 15 per cent compounded. It would be cheaper to borrow the funds, Councillor Councillor Hobbs added. "I can do with out favors of that kind." Councillor Diane Hamre noted that the system is only available as an alternative for those who wished to use it. "If it's there and people choose to use it, they may," she said. She added that there is no intent to use the program as a licence to increase increase taxes. Town Treasurer Kathryn Campbell said that approximately 100 senior citizens took advantage of a $100 tax rebate which the Town of Newcastle put in place for three years. The rebate was discontinued when the province of Ontario introduced introduced a $500 tax reduction for seniors. Mayor Garnet Rickard noted that the greatest need for tax relief is among those who are between 55 and 65 and in need of financial help even though they do not qualify for. benefits available to persons over 65. Town council has voted to take no further action on the proposed rebate rebate to seniors. However, Councillors Councillors Bruce Taylor and Diane Hamre voted against that decision. Should Board Collect Taxes? From Page One castle council and other towns and townships are invited to attend education budget discussions. "I don't think our own attendance has been very good," she added. Councillor Bruce Taylor said he supports the township's conclusion but does not subscribe to other clauses in the resolution. "They're really not thinking of the taxpayers, they're only thinking of their own hides," he said. Both Councillors Taylor and Hamre said they would support the kind of resolution which would clarify the amount of tax dollars required required by boards of education. Councillor Hamre suggested that the town should draft its own resolution resolution on education levies.