WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980, PAGE 17 Betwee n IYou and Me SÇBv RUTI O The need for energyv "If you walk between a wise man and a foollsh one, you should learn from themn both." It bas been said that the atomic age is one of fear but it cant also be said that the atomic age can be an age of hope. We have plenty of knowledge but do we choose to use it? Not always. For a solution to the energy problem, ail types of energy sucb as petroleuni, coal, solar, geothermal and nuclear reac- ors are not enough. They will bave to be properly combined aqd a great part of the solution lies in balance. -Maybe, when creative imagination cornes into play and defines wbat the basic and real needs are and then determine the problems, we wil find a solution to, the energy crisis. Sometimes a crisis, often a terrible one such as tbe World War II make our judgements and priorities differ. People generally gather strengtb both in body and mmnd in imes of, strife and great difficulties that must be overcome. 'Great difficulties may be at our doorstep, approacbing slowly but at any given moment ready to almost to submerge us. We must be optimistic being sure, that somebow we will ov -ercome any hazard which stands in our way. We have to be aware for difficulties and not bide our heads in the sand. After the last global conflict started in 1939 it became im- perative to speed Up arrns production and all essential ser- vices, whicb was done with a great deal of success. This gave rise to the need for additional electric power stations which were made available in record time. No bolds barred, everything was geared to urgency and witb good resuits. Despite early and many warnings, such action was not taken until it became imperative. Are we not reacbing this stage here with our energy crisis? A suggestion was made to the provincial goverrnment almost a year ago recommending electrification of the railways par- tlcularly in dense traffic areas thus conserving hugb quan- tities of diesel fuel. This would make use 0f capital whicb is already invested in power stations and power station construc- tion wbich bas been slowed down because the demand for elec- trie energy bas not increased at the rate which was predicted in the planning stages. Money already invested in sucb projects witb minimal or no return on the investment become costly because of high in- terest rates. The use of electric power rather than diesel fuel for railways would provide substanial savings of the latter. In addition such .an operation would provide many jobs and a boost to industry. Dreadful fears are abroad about anything pertaining to tbe word nuclear. I know because I bave also shuddered after the bombing of Hiroshima. But I read, listen to specialists, some, of wbom I know well, and realize I arn totally ignorant of 50 many hings pertaining to this subject. A person is not apt to be bit by ligbtning but it can bappen. Anytbing is possible. A few examples of hings that can bap- pen, and compare the figures before you make Loo many judgements. For example, the risk of fatality in a motor vehicle accident is 1 in 4,000. The same risk for air travel is 1 in 100,000. However, the risk of fatality in an accident at any of the more than 100 nuclear reator plants is one in five million. This is pretty good safety record. It is highly improbable that more than one safeguard would fail at one ime. No reac- tor is allowed to operate unless ail the safeguards are in good condition. Year after year reactors become more safe; this is bard on the pockeL book but not on people. Tbe fear seenis to be of a catastropic nature; fears of hundreds of jeople alI being smittend down at once. So far even with the years behind us of research and development nothing catastropic bas happened nor is iL apt too; so many built in safeguards. 1 bave always wondered about eartb tremors of earthquakes in relation to nuclear stations. Buildings have cavities and, therefore, sometimes crumble and fail. A reactor bas no cavities, so other than being shaken iL will no doubt remain as is. Maybe the only man made structure safer than a reactor would be the pyramids. As for disposing of waste great hougbt and research are being done and a choice bas to be made while the details are worked out. I LACAC heritage plaque contest c ti The Whitby Local Ar- hitectural Conservation Advisory Committee LACAC) will institute a program of presenting plaques to the owners of heritage buildings in the town. The LACAC have decîded o allow the public to par- icipate in the field of heritage conservation by opening a competition for the design of this heritage. plaque. The competition will be open to all residents of the :own of Whitby and entries are to be drawn full scale, the maximum dimension to be no larger than 12 inches. Design must include the Town of Whity crest, the words "Town of Whity" and IlHeritage Building" and an area where the name of the building and relevant infor- mation totalling ap- proximately 25 words can be incorporated. The deadline for receiving entries bas been extended until October 31, 1980. Winners of the competion will receive a prîze of $100 from the LACAC and the winning design will be used as the hasis for the heritage plaque. A second and third prize of $50 and $25 each will be awarded. Entries should be sent along with the entrants name, address and phone num ber to: Whitby.LACAC c/o Town of M . by Planning Departinent Whitby Municipal Builg 575 Rossland Road à st Whitby, Ontario LUN 2M8 Phone Number 668-5803 Tough new laws will deter trespassing. Ho e'ehepn tepntet.o For nearly 150 years Ontario lias had a law making iL an offence to enter property where entry is prohibited. But now new legisiation - The Trespass to Property Act-has toughened up the law to protect your rights. Trespassers can now be fined up to $1,000. In addition, they can be ordered to pay for damages they have caused. An important part of the legisiation designates premises where entry is prohibited without notice. These include your gardens, orchards, vineyards, land under cultivation, woodlots and fenced land. Where notice must be given to prohibit entry, you may use red markings on gates, trees or fences. Yellow markings may be used Lo caution that only certain activities may be permissible. It is the responsibilhty of the visitor to find out what you permit. LAND USED FOR RECREATION In the past, there was a great deal of confusion regarding your responsibility Lo people you allow on your land. Consequently many farmers and rural landholders would not allow recreational activities on their properties. Now another new act -The Occupiersý Liability Act- reduces your responsi- bility. In a nutshell, the law assumes that those who take their recreation on most rural land without paying a fée will take care for their own safety. A special system has been devised to allow you Lo easily indicate which activities you will allow on your property. A sign naming or graphically representing an activity (for example, hiking) indicates that the activity is permitted. The same kind of sign with an oblique stroke through it means that you prohibit the activity. These new laws are part %-- of a continuing program to streamline our legislation. By clarifying your rights, Lhey afford you greater protection from trespass and also reduce your /I liability mîhen you make Q. land available for recreational purposes.- For full details, obtain a copy of this free pamphlet. It's available at many supermarkets and liquor stores, or write to: Communications Branch Ministry of the Attorney General, 18 King Street East - Toronto, Ontario M5C les Mnistry of the ~ Attorney General Onitario Hon. R. Roy McMurtry Minister 1 WH ITBY THEATRE YOUTH G ROU WiII HoId AUDITIONS For "'A CH RISTMAS CAROL"Y TO BE DIRECTED BY GARVIN FARR ATTHE CENTENNIAL BUILDING THEATRE Centre St. S., Whltby Oct 4.1Oa.m. Required age range 8-1 8 yrs approx ENTRY TO THEATRE BY STAGE DOOR, WEST SIDE 0F BUILDING