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SECTION TWO WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989 sifjt Canadian ^tausmatt Durham Region's Great Family Journal Established 135 years ago in 1854 Also Incorporating The Bowmanvillo News The Newcastle Independent The Orono News Second Class mail registration number 1561 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited 62 King Street West, Bowmanvillo, Ontario L1C 3K9 416-623-3303 Fax 416-623-6161 John M. James Richard A. James Editor - Publisher Associate Publisher Peter Parrott Associate Editor Geo. P. Morris Brian Purdy Donald Bishop Business Mgr. Advertising Mgr. Plant Mgr. All layouts and composition ol advertisements produced by the employees of James Publishing Company Limited are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Subscription Rates Six Months -- $11.00 One Year -- $20.00 Three Years -- $57.00 Five years -- $90.00 Foreign -- $60.00 per year Allhough ovory precaution will be taken to avoid error, The Canadian Statesman accepts advertising In its columns on the understanding that It will not bo liable lor any error In the advertisement published hereunder unless a prool of such advortisoment is requested In writing by the advertiser and returned to The Canadian Statesman business office duly signed by the advenisor and with such error or corrections plainly noted In writing thereon, and In that case if any error so noted is not corroded by The Canadian Statesman its liability shall not exceed such a portion ol the entire cost ol such advertisement as the space occupied by the noted error bears to the whole space occupied by such advertisement. Wh y Not Sell Tritium ? Even the peace movement has been affected by the relatively conservative 1980s. Early in February spokesmen for various groups announced that their efforts toward promoting peace forthwith would be conducted using lobbyists wearing three-piece suits and working the backrooms in Ottawa, a notable departure from the days of sit-ins and psychedelic tee-shirts. If their approach has changed, their misguided strategies have not. An uproar has ensued following the release of à report which suggests that Ontario Hydro is considering the sale of tritium to the United States. An unlikely unlikely topic of discussion, tritium nevertheless nevertheless is making its way into many people's basic vocabulary. The substance is a by-product of the nuclear fission process from which plants like the Darlington Generating Station produce electricity. Unlike many left-overs, this one has real value. value. In fact, Ontario Hydro can sell a year's worth of tritium, a few cupfulls at most, for approximately $70 million. million. The situation appears perfect: Hydro sells its industrial waste for a tidy sum and helps to lower electricity costs here in Ontario. The glitch arises when inquisitive people ask why it is that someone will pay so much for the stuff. Tritium, it turns out, is a crucial ingredient in nuclear nuclear weapons and must be replenished replenished every few decades because it dissipates dissipates in storage. Without replenished tritium supplies, nuclear weapons are nothing more than large paperweights. Tritium also is used for some non-military purposes such as runway lights at airports, but the vast majority of the demand comes from the owners and operators of nuclear weapons. Thus, when Hydro's plan went public, public, the collective blood pressure of the peace movement virtually doubled. Government officials scrambled around promising to sell tritium for peaceful purposes only. Skeptics (rightly) scoffed at such an empty promise. Strangely, some arguments seem to gain credibility in direct proportion to the frequency with which they are made, notwithstanding mounds of evidence evidence available to dispute them. The familiar argument in this case is that we would be "contributing to the arms race" and destabilizing tne world balance balance of power, Recited continually by those opposed to cruise missile testing in Canada, this non sequitur continues to steam along gathering more and more momentum. Assume, for a moment, that we were able to bring the American nuclear nuclear weapons system to its knees by withholding our tritium. Suppose that in 18 months they completely ran out and 90 percent of their nuclear weapons weapons were of no use. Would the balance of power in the world be more or less stable than currently? No one can plausibly argue that world peace will be enhanced by forcing one side to disarm disarm unilaterally. Having only one superpower superpower in our world is infinitely more dangerous than having two. As Canadians, we should stand up and announce that we are supporting the Americans and NATO by selling tritium and by continuing to allow cruise missile testing. If we want to see further reductions in Soviet troops and more reductions in overall nuclear arsenals around the world, our government government officials should stop pandering.to the minority peaceniks by trying to contort every policy and every motive to fit a quixotic world free of all conflict conflict and weaponry: the kind of world that went out with those psychedelic tee-shirts. On the Road to Ruin About once every year, an organization organization known as the Better Roads Coalition Coalition issues a report on the condition of •Ontario's highways. Their message is not an encouraging encouraging one. . For they warn that without improvements improvements in the quantity and quality quality of Ontario's road network, there will be some dire consequences. Inefficiency in businesses, traffic jams, safety hazards and a decline in tourism are among the consequences arising from Ontario's road problems. But the message, according to the Better Better Roads Coalition, may be falling on deaf ears. The group notes that there has been a 33 per cent reduction in road funding funding over the past dozen years, while at the same time there has been an increase increase in vehicle registrations amounting amounting to 72 per cent. In fact, the .Coalition's statistics indicate indicate that Ontario actually takes more out of motorist-related revenues than it puts back into the road system. The comments made by the coalition coalition apply to provincial highways only, but the organization speculates that municipal roads are in no better shape than are the provincial thoroughfares. This viewpoint was reinforced last week when the Good Roads Association Association echoed the concerns of the Coalition Coalition at its annual . convention. The Good Roads Association represents municipalities across Ontario. The Better Roads Coalition also points out our almost total dependency on transportation by road. In Ontario, 94 per cent of all travel is on the highways. highways. From the statistics presented by the coalition, it's pretty clear that something something needs to be done. It seems to us that , there are two courses of action that ought to be followed. followed. Further development of the public transportation network is a must. Lo cally, this would mean the extension of the GO Train system to Oshawa and the development of better parking facilities facilities for GO Transit users. In addition some attention must be paid to re-building deficient roads and adding new routes where needed. Ola habits die hard. And it's obvious obvious that the automobile will continue to be the major means of transportation transportation in North America until well into the next century. So, in addition to the improvements to the public transportation transportation network, it's also time to renovate renovate the decaying system of road transportation. All too frequently, governments spend their money on high-profile needs while neglecting some of the basic basic services required by all of us. It's safe to say that no politician ever had a sewer trunk line named after after him. But names of political figures are occasionally attached to parks, schools, recreation centres, and day care facilities. Understandably, politicians like to take credit for producing health care centres, opera halls, and high-profile projects which are intensively used by a community. But political leaders must not lose sight of the fact that some of the less- heralded projects are of equal importance. importance. People who study history will tell you that sewer and water systems, electrical utilities, roads, and bridges are just as important in the development development of civilizations as cathedrals and shopping centres. Or, perhaps it's more accurate to say that you cannot have one without the other, The public and politicians should be listening to groups such as the Better Roads Coalition. And, better still, they should be taking some action on their recommendations. Otherwise, it will take a major crisis crisis in the highway system to bring about the necessary changes. Letters To The Editor Policy The Statesman encourages readers to express their views through letters to the editor. In fact, lively letters on virtually any topic are among the best-read portions of this newspaper. When writing your letter, please keep in mind the following guidelines: All letters must be signed. We do not print anonymous letters, although we may occasionally withhold the name of the writer if there is a good reason to do so. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Of course, letters ■ must be within the boundaries of good taste and the laws of libel and slander. We believe that your letters arc a valuable contribution to this newspaper, Please let us hear from you. Durham Region's Sheriff Retiring After 31 Years Sheriff Morley Bain; after 31 years of carrying out the orders of the court in Durham Region, has decided to retire. Mr. Bain has had an interesting career as a public servant. Initially, he was reeve of the former Scott Township and also served as a county warden before being appointed sheriff. by Andrea Adair Noticing the large picture of a cowboy on the wall in Morley Bain's office, one wonders if the picture is there because he likes it or because visitors to the sheriffs sheriffs office expect the picture to be there. Not many people know of the sheriffs existence, much less his responsibilities. Naturally, Naturally, when one hears that the Durham Region has its own sheriff, the image of a cowboy sporting a silver star on his chest immediately comes to mind. Mr. Bain, who is handing over the reins of sheriff after 31 years, is quick to point out that there are definite differences between a Canadian Canadian sheriff and the American American counterpart. "We carry on where the court leaves off," Mr. Bain says. Every region and county in Ontario has a sheriff who is responsible for carrying out the orders of the court. Those orders include serving legal documents such as subpoenas and writs and seizure of property. The sheriff's office is also responsible responsible for overseeing security at the Whitby court house and for selecting potential jurors. Mr. Bain explained that 150 people are selected each month as potential jurors from the Region's assessment assessment rolls. He said when people first receive notice that they have been called for jury duty, they sometimes feel that it is an infringement of their rights. But, he says, "I think they realize that it is the duty of a citizen to act as a juror." Over the 31 years he has served as sheriff Mr. Bain "likes to get out in the action." action." In tne process of serving serving subpoenas and executing writs, he has been "threatened "threatened many times with iron bars, baseball bats and butcher knives" by less than willing citizens. He said people who do that are "obstructing a peace officer in his line of duty" and can be charged. Serving the public good has been a trait of Mr. Bain's since first stepping into the public eye at the age of 27 when he was elected elected to serve as a reeve in the former Scott Township. Later, in 1957, he was elected Ontario County warden warden and at age 35 he was the youngest warden ever elected. He eventually was hired as deputy sheriff and appointed appointed sheriff six years later. later. Extensive academic training training isn't a requirement of the position, he said, but some old-fashioned common sense is essential. Every situation a sheriff is involved in is different, he adds. Each one calls for different different approaches. The duties of a sheriff are regulated by the province of Ontario under the Sheriffs Act, which is the basis for the sheriffs authority. The position of sheriff dates back to the days before before William the Conqueror when "Shire Reeves' patrolled patrolled English countryside. The responsibilities of the Shire Reeves included collecting collecting taxes, raising the militia militia and serving royal judges. judges. Being sheriff and overseeing overseeing an office of 30 has been a position he has enjoyed "very much" and is something something Mr. Bain says he is going going to miss. "I've had excellent cooperation cooperation with the legal profession, profession, judiciary and the police police force," he said, adding that he has liked working with people in general. "I'm going to miss that very much," Mr. Bain said. During his time in office he estimates serving about 20,000 writs near his home in the north end of the reion. reion. He has gone through a ozen cars and wore out three briefcases. He expects his duties as sheriff to officially end near the end of March, after a replacement replacement is found. When that time comes, he will be heading home to what he affectionately calls "the ranch" in Zephyr where he plans to raise cattle, play golf and do some fishing. dc by Andrea ■ Adair " -- ■■■*-- -■ Si/ Whenever I hear people people say someone shouldn't be allowed to say something or someone someone should be stopped from writing something, I feel like a hand wraps itself itself around my heart and tightens. Suppression of free speaking, although not a new concept, seems to be making headlines more and more these days and it frightens me. The Salman Rushdie story has been a mainstay mainstay in the press for the past week. The story is about a man who wrote a work of fiction and now has a price on his head because of the contents of that work. Unfortunately, threats haven't ended with him. His publisher, bookstores and even two Canadian cabinet ministers have been threatened because they didn't see the need to ban the novel. I have no desire to read the book but I am grateful for the fact that if I wish to read it, I have the right to do so. I like to think that most of the time I am an intelligent, free-thinking person who would not mistake fiction for fact. I like to believe that most people are intelligent and aren't swayed by others' views unless tney are persuaded by logic rather than by emotion. Unfortunately, I know I am somewhat naive. Some extremists feel people people can't make decisions on their own. Then these extremists insist that their way is the only way and the rest of society must follow suit. In the case of "bookburners" they don't want people reading what they consider consider objectionable material. Three summers ago, a song by the British alternative alternative band "the Cure" attracted tremendous me- Lotto Profits Hit $471 Million The Ontario Lottery Corporation's 1987/88 annual annual report was released February 16, said Tourism Tourism and Recreation Minister Minister Hugh P. O'Neil, the minister responsible for lotteries in Ontario. "Ontario's lotteries raised profits of $471 million million in the year ending March 31, 1988," Mr. O'Neil said. "This brings the 13-year profit total to $2.6 billion. "For the second consecutive consecutive year, Corporation cash sales exceeded the $1 billion mark," Ontario Lottery Corporation Chairman Walter Stoth- ers said. "The $1.25 billion billion total is almost $20 million more than the cash sales from the previous previous year." The report indicates that Lotto 6/49 continued to be the most popular lottery game in 1987/88, with sales reaching $672 million. This was a $38 million increase over the previous fiscal year. This year, the Corporation Corporation expanded the number number of on-line ticket terminals terminals to more than 5,500, making it easier and more convenient to play Lotto 6/49, Lottario and Pick-3 across the province. Instant game sales throughout tne year were $276 million, up $21 million million from 1986/87. Some 79 million prizes were made available, totalling totalling more than $679 million. "With more sales, more prize money and more profits than ever before, fiscal 1987/88 was truly another wining year for Ontario," Mr. O'Neil said. "Lottery profits helped to build, renovate and update update hundreds of fitness, recreation and sports facilities facilities across the prov- March is Busy Month F or Newcastle Libraries The Newcastle Public Library, Library, Bowmanville branch, has an exciting and active month of March in store. There are programs and activities for children and adults alike: entertaining and educational presentations presentations and features, all of which are free of charge. Preschool storytime is 45 minutes of stories, songs, books, and other fun tor boys and girls ages three to five. This occurs every Thursday and Friday during March at 2:45. The only exception exception is during the two school board March breaks. Toddler time begins in mid-April, but registration begins on March 28 at 10:00 a.m. This consists of stories and entertainment for children children from 18 to 35 months old. The program takes place on Fridays and will ntinue until May 19. During March breaks the library will bo in full swing, offering movies, theatre, and puppet shows for 1 children of various ages. On March 14 and March 23 from 2:00 to 3:00 the library presents an hour of animated and live- action features to amuse and delight children ages six and up. A theatrical group, Lilli- put Productions, presents two exciting shows on March 15. The first, Walter Whatsit Wants a Ilome, is ince. Profits supported health research, hospital building and equipment, senior citizen housing as well as arts, heritage, library library and citizenship projects projects and other emerging priorities. "Later this month, the Ontario Lottery Corporation Corporation will turn over its three billionth dollar in profit," Mr. O'Neil said. "From athletes, service club volunteers and the elderly to university research research students and the physically and developmental^ developmental^ handicapped, lottery profits will continue continue to benefit Ontarians throughout the province." The Ontario Lottery Corporation operates six lotteries in the province. dia attention before the group played a concert in Toronto. The controversy arose over a song entitled "Killing "Killing an Arab". In reality, the lyrics did not advocate advocate violence against anyone anyone but actually opposed terrorism. Nevertheless, when the group was playing a concert at the CNE grandstand, Toronto Mayor Art Eggleton banned the group from playing the song. Only a few people realized realized they did play the song in question. It was a little distorted and it wasn't accompanied by lyrics but it was the song all the same and I'm sure the people opposed to it felt smug thinking they had won. But censorship isn't a game. It's an insult to every thinking person in a democratic society who is having his or her right to think threatened. Again in Toronto last week, free speech was being being attacked. This time, the uproar revolved around an article in a newspaper. A Toronto Sun columnist columnist wrote a column critical critical of how some Italian Canadians packed a certain certain political party's meeting to win nominations nominations for their candidates. He then went so far to say they should not be allowed allowed to vote. The column sent shock waves through Toronto, prompting demands for an apology from the columnist columnist and the newspaper. newspaper. Whether the columnist was right or wrong is up to the reader to decide. Personally, I try not to read that particular paper because I don't like its news coverage and the viewpoints it expresses. But rather than demanding demanding an apology for not conforming to my views I don't buy the paper, an option available to every person in a democratic society. society. I'm very much insulted when someone thinks I'm incapable of exercising that option and demands the right to exercise it for me. If Canadians arc really that mindless and unable to make intelligent judgements judgements I suggest we discontinue discontinue educating people people because there is no point in teaching'people who will never be able to properly use the knowledge knowledge they have acquired. This is just as ludicrous ludicrous an idea as demanding demanding an apology from someone for expressing a view that differs from yours. Or banning a song Based on its title alone. Or planning to kill someone someone because you feel maligned. maligned. I'm sure the 18th century century philosopher, Voltaire, Voltaire, would be shocked to know in the 20th century people still have to be reminded reminded of his words. MP Opens New Office Ross Stevenson, MP, has announced the opening opening of his new office in north Oshawa to serve residents of Durham constituency. constituency. The Constituency Office Office is located in Unit 14, 133 Taunton Rd. W., at Somerville. From the Oshawa telephoning area the number is 571-5430. Those in other sections of Durham constituency can call toll-free by asking the Operator for Zenith 9- 6130. The office will be open weekdays from nine a.m. to four p.m. At all other times an answering machine machine takes names and phone numbers and calls are returned as quickly as possible. Mr. Stevenson said his office provides help for Durham constituency residents residents with any problems or questions concerning the federal government and its various programs, services or agencies. The federal Durham constituency takes in the part of Oshawa north of Rossland Rd., the part of Whitby north of Taunton Rd., as well as all of the Town of Newcastle, Scu- gog Township, and Uxbridge Uxbridge Township. The Durham MP reminds reminds those wishing to write to him that no postage postage is required when letters letters are addressed as follows: follows: Ross Stevenson, MP, House of Commons, Ottawa, Ont. K1A 0A6. Dredging Operation Gives Bowmanville a Better Harbour Facility- designed for children from three to six. The second production, production, Melody, So So Mys- terioso, caters to children from six to ten. Puppets will perform The Three Little Pigs and other stories for children ages four and over on March 16 and March 22, both at 2:00 p.m. On March 21 Ivan the Great, a magician of unparalleled unparalleled ability, will perform from 2:30 to 3:30. Adults will be interested to know that the library is honouring the National Film Board in March with numerous numerous presentations of NFB works. Beginning today and running every Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. various various films will highlight a wide range of topics from Chinn, to Australia, to some of Canada's own points of interest. interest. There is no film on March 22. Registration begins today (Wednesday, March 1,) for a presentation on Friday, March 3 from 2:00 to 4:30 and 6:00 to 8:30 by a representative representative from Revenue Canada about income tax preparation. Near the end of the month, on March 29, a representative representative from SWEAP (Solid Waste Environmental Assessment Plan) will offer a visual presentation on the vast issue of waste disposal. A discussion will follow. r-Sppll ' ' V- - 5;> *• " ■ -.w-/ ;ir Port Darlington Marina owner Irv Gill stands alongside the harbour checking the progress of the dredging operation which is currently under way. The harbour opening will be restored to a 12 foot depth when the job is done sometime later in March. When the snow melts and the warm weather returns, Port Darlington Marina will be back in operation, "safe and alive again," according to owner Irv Gill. Irv has spent much of February supervising the dredging of the harbour. "It's emergency dredging. It's been getting shallower for years, but last year with the low water the depth was down to two feet at some points," he said. A large backhoe and an even larger drag line are working in tandem at the harbour, digging out roughly 10 feet of pure sand which has washeci into the mouth from the west. When the dredging is complete the harbour will be 12 feet deep. "The lateral drift is west to cast," Irv explains. His plan is to dump the sand removed removed from the harbour over the easternmost breaker breaker wall and then lot it wash along the quarter-mile beach, restoring the area to its former beauty. By sometime sometime this coming summer tiie public beach will have a lovely sand cover for swimmers swimmers and suntanners to enjoy. enjoy. Phase Two of the project will commence after the spring fish run. Irv will have the creek dredged to a depth of seven feet up from the lake past the marina, The current work is being subsidized by the Burlington branch of Small Craft Harbours, Harbours, a government agency. But Irv points out that he is paying tne lion's share of the cost, The entrance to the harbour harbour was so shallow last year that the marina lost Business because sonic boats could not negotiate their way in. "They'll all come back this year though," Mr. Gill says.