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INTERMEDIATE . Navy yeterans O. H. A. HOCKEY BRADSII‘ORD 2 THE LIBERAL, Richmond Hill, Thursday, Feb. 2, 1950 351.13. SMITH, M.P., Publisher 3 Improperly used, they can become a 1 tool of those who would use them for their ' own preferment, political or otherwise â€" x a sounding board for the trumpetings of E‘those who are much more interested in -(their own advancement than in the good of ;.-their area. We have every reason to believe that the newly formed Doncaster Ratepayers’ Association will fall into the first category. Thehard-headed common sense which re- fused to let those present be stampeded, during the early moments of their inaug- ural meeting, into a choice of leadership Ratepayers’ associations can fall into two distinct classes. Conscientiously, honestly administered, they an be a power for good in a district and play an exceed- ingly valuable part in promoting the wel- fare of a community and its citizens. Spurred by high, yet practical idealism, they can form a worth-while part of our democratic processes. ' Once again this truly versatile disâ€" trict, which seems to be able to win awards in almost any form of human en- This paper has in the past paid trib- ute to those who drop everything else when the call comes and go out and do a job for their fellow-citizens â€" a job, it might be mentioned, which contains mbre than a minimum of personal risk. It feels that this tribute should be repeated after the events of the last few days and that the attenion of all citizens should be rawn, in a most forceful manner, to the There's an unbalanced sense of humor which makes a certain type of movie- goers â€" let’s call them “movie morons" â€"- a pest to those who go to the theatre for amusement and relaxation and who are entithgd» to get what they pay for. The news that the directors of the Richmond Hill Horticultural Society have placed the “must” sign on the beautifica- tion of the north and south entrances to the village is good. Removal of the old radial tracks provides an opportunity to carry out a civic improvement which is sadly needed and which we believe con- stitutes one of the best forms of advertis- ing that the village can have. lut'he meriâ€"wihor get $2.00 every time {hey attend a fire within the corporation’s lim- i‘gz and $1.50 for each fire they go to out- sn e. When a fire like the recent one in Thornhill comes along â€" a duty which re- quired nearly twelve hourg' attendance by local men in some cases â€" the remun- eration received by the fire-fighters works out to the hourly rate mentioned at the beginning of this editorial. Fortunately Our firemen are not in the job for the money that’s in it. Impelled by a strong sense of duty and an outstand- ing civic consciousness they give their services irrespective of the financial re- ward involved. This “sense of humour” is demon- strated by howling, screaming, stomping and whistling at anything which happens to cross the screen and which appeals to the so-called “wit” of the pests in ques- tion. Their main interest in going to the theatre, apparently is not in the entertain- ment provided by the pictures but in see- ing which one of the exhibitionists can at- tract most attention to himself or herself. What they seem to forget is that oth- ers who seek amusement are entitled to consideration and, having paid for a com- fortable seat, are entitled to its use, minus kicking at the back of it and the shouting, whistling and running conversations of ill- mannered neighbours. ' Quieter in their demonstrations, but still nevertheless a pest, are those ardent lovers who have mistaken the movie seats We have stated previously â€" and re- peat â€"â€" that the Hill is, first and last -â€" a. residential community. While we need Protection at thirteen cents per man- hour seems pretty cheap. Yet, in one sense, that is exactly what is being given to Richmond Hill district residents. It getting to be almost a weekly habit â€" this business of having to write an editorial complimenting someone in the district on an outstanding achievement. But it’s a habit that we’re mighty glad to have the opportunity of formng. The contributors at that rate are the members of Richmond Hill’s fire_ brigade “WELL DONCASTER RA TEPA YERS’ ASSOCIATION An Independent Weekly â€" Established 1878 Subscription Rate, $2.00 per year; To the United States $2.50 Member Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association DONE!” GOOD ADVERTISING WHAT â€" AGAIN???? MOVIE MANNERS’ acne iiher'al FIREMEN AND PHONE GIRLS Telephone, Richmond Hill 9 The Doncaster Ratepayers’ Assoc- iation is by no means a minority group. The exceedingyl good attendnce, the evi- dent desire of most of those present for the good of ach other and the cmmunity, mark R as an organization which can be of distinct value if it continues along sane, progressive lines. We have little doubt but that it will â€"- and we wish it “good luck” in its ef- forts. for a park bench. Even though We admit that “young love must have its day” we still believe that those who go to the mov- _ies prefer to see this sort of thing on the screen rather than on the seats immed- iately in front of them. While on the subject of “movie manners” it wouldn’t be proper to end this little lecture without some reference to the closing of the program, when our National Anthem is played. The first bars of “God Save the King” seem to be the cue for many people to start putting coats and hats on. Others just make a mad dash for the nearest exit. Here, it seems to us, is an opportunity for our older pe0ple to set an example to the younger generation and to put across the idea that our Nat- ional Anthem, voicing those sentiments for which We stand, is entitled to more than a little respect. The task is not a light one. During the week in which Thornhill suffered its disastrous blaze the Hill’s firefighters an- swered five calls in just a fraction over seventy-two hours. While mentioning the Thornhill fire we feel that it is only fitting that tribute should be paid to another group of public servants â€" the girls who operate the tel- ephone service. The behaviour of those representatives of the Bell Telephone Company who faced grave danger while the fire was in progress â€" the willing co- operation of those who, while off duty, turned to and gave a hand, deserves the utmost in the way of commendation. It was in no small measure due to their ef- forts that the disaster did not assume even greater proportions. which was not their own, indicated a real ability to think things out clearly. The constructive thought given to community problems during the course of that gather- ing was encouraging to witness. Undoubtedly the problems of the Don- caster district are great. They concern many fundamental things â€" among them being roads in connection with which the word “disgraceful” would be a mild under~ statement. Many thousands, even tens of thous- ands, of those who are looking for new home sites pass through Richmond Hill every year. The lodging in their minds of the fact that the village is a clean, pretty and attractive place to consider as a future home is all-important, The work propos- ed by the Horticultural Society will go far in accomplishing that purpose. public service which is being given cheer- fully, undemandingly, by the village’s firemen. There is a military award which, in its citation, speaks of “devotion over and above the call of duty.” That devotion was shown by both our firemen and our telephone operators re- cently. It is, as a matter of fact, shown all the time. Believing that it should be publicly acknowledged, it is with pride and gratitude that we say to both groups, in the words of that famous Navy signal â€"- “WELL DONE.” There is plénty of room for improve- ment 1n many thmgs but In few more so than in our “mov1e manners.” “Peace -â€" perfect peace 1" Let’s have some in our theatres. and should do,_everything- possible to en- courage light industry of a desirable type. we still maintain that the encouragement of a good type of citizen to settle in the village is of primary importance. ‘ deavour from astronomy to bowling, is in the news. So, without further ado â€"- congratulations to Mrs. Warwick of Hunt’s Lane, whose cats won top honours in the International show at Buffalo â€" to George Paterson of Richmond Hill, who won a Pontiac car in the Kiwanis Club Safety Contest â€"â€" to Ruth Gibson of White Ridge Farm: winner of a scholar- ship at Northern Vocational School. F. J. PICKING, Managing Editor . This opposition is evidently caused by. certain individuals who think if they can obstruct and bloék the building of this, hall by any means, they could arrange to divert the funds subscribed in good faith for a community hall, to the construction of an artificial ice plant for the village arena. There recently appears to have been some opposition developed by individuals in the village to the Lions Club project of the building of the first unit of the community centre, in the form of a commun- ity hall, to be fully paid forgind presented to the village. The ar- chitect’s plans for this hall have been approved and construction planned to start this spring. Dear Mr. Editor (lst) It should always be re- membered that the proposed Com- munity Hall has, from the begin- ning, been considered as only a unit in a complete community centre, part of which we already have, in the skating and curling rinks, and playing fields, in our park, and the rest of which would ultimately provide complete fac- ilities for the cultural and recre- ational activities of the commun- ty, both in and out of doors. The official title of the appeal for funds from which came much of the money now on hand was: “Richmond Hill and District Com~ munity Centre Appeal." Surely this picture fully explains the de- sire to have the proposed hall er- ected in the park. (2nd) The Community Hall Board has, with the approval of council, been working for almost two years on plans. We were just about ready to announce them to the public and had hoped to begin work this Spring. Now where do we go from here. Dear Mr. Editor: This project began in the Spring of 1948, just two years ago, and the chief change during those two years has been a steady increase in population, which increases the need for a Community Hall. The assembly hall in the Public School has been completed but it does not meet the need. It is too small, has no kitchen facilities, and is only available evenings. Mention is made of enlargEd accommodation to be provided in the new addition to the High School. There will be no auditorium in this building, only an enlarged Gymnasium is provided, which the enlarged school population will undoubted- ly occupy most of the time. The only change I can see which ad- versely affects the need for a Community Hall is the change in some men’s minds. Paul E. Angle, Chairman Community Hall Board These funds are in the possess- ion of the community hall commis- sion, appointed by the village council, the women’s institute, the veterans’ association, and the Lions club. These funds can be used only for the building of a community hall. It would appear therefore that it would be not only illegal but a breach of faith should an attempt be made by anyone to divert these funds for any other purpose. I do not intend to be facetious when I say that it is an astonish- ing experience to have a munic- ipality refuse (as, according to your report our council intends to do) to accept a building, val- ued at $35,000.00 to $40,000.00 free of cost to the taxpayers, and without any strings attached. One does not often encounter such an experience. And still the wonder grows. Two years ago our council passed a by-law setting up a Board to build and operate a Community Hall, for which it now indicates it will refuse a permit to build. It is said that conditions have changed since this project began so that what was needed then is not needed now. Let us see. Most astonishing of all the re- cent developments, is the sugges- tion that the Community Hall Board be convinced that there are more worthy projects than a Com- munity Hall, and that the money available, he used for. some other purpose. This board was created for one purpose o‘nly, and the mon- ey now available was collected for the specific punpose of bu' ding a Community Hall, and I or one will not even entertain the sug- gestion that this money be used for any other purpose. Finally Mr. Editor, there are two important features I would point out to your readers. Dear Mr. Editor: Many of our citizens must have thought it a bit odd ’when they read the press reports of the special meeting called by council to dis- cuss the Community Hall project, and noted that only those in op- position were heard. The reeve and councillors were well aware that many citizens â€" genuinely interested in the progreSS and wel- fare of our village â€" had spent a Yours truly, T. Lamb, Richmond Hill‘ “Dear Mr. Editor” (c) If the annual fair on the 24th of May is not‘ to further de- generate into a cheap carnival with the great majority of the ‘take’ leaving the village in the pockets of small time gamblers, a. decent building is needed in the park where displays of local schools, merchants and manufac- turers could be housed. (d) The dignity that follows public ownership of premises de- voted (primarily) to public use and not at the pleasure of any body with prior responsibilities, is something that should not be lightly passed over. (e) The present trend, thank goodness, is to more community living and less to selfish indivi- dual activity. Ths trend calls for a centre â€"- a hub from which ra- diates ideas and programs, enter- tainment and education, and which draws together our common pur- poses. Following my letter in your col- umn of last week’s issue, I had many expressions of agreement with my suggestions regarding the installation of artificial ice in the Richmond Hill Arena. The possi- bility of making this project a reality naturally depends on our ability to finance it. The Village has coming back to it this year a sizeable capital return of approx- imately $10,000.00 realized from :the sale of the effects of the North York Radial line. Would it not be a good idea to apply this mon- ey to the cost of installing artific- ial ice? I think that it would be an ex- cellent use to put the money to es- pecially as the general finances of the Village are in excellent condi- tion and backed by a reasonable reserve. The possibility of mak- ing it a profitable utility would be much enhanced by the smaller amount of money to be raised by borrowing or otherwise. Yours truly, If the council persist in their present attitude, and the Hall is not built, it means that the citizens of Richmond Hill will lose some $26,000, which is now available. Does that sound like common sense to the taxpayers? The funds now on hand could not be used for any other purpose without the consent of those who contributed. Artificial .ice in our arena certainly would be desirable, and I heartily endorse the plan for obtaining same as outlined in aJetter to the Liberal by Mr. Ken Tomln. It is unfor- tunate that the council does not this year have the benefit of Mr. Tomlin’s advice. I would like to commend the younger group led by Mr. Harold Mills, who appear to have the interests of our youth at heart, where hockey and sport is concerned, just as have those who envisioned a community lfall, where many other needs of our young people would be met. Very truly yours, (b) A Community hall would be available to any local organi- zation on a strictly first come first served basis. (a) A strictly ‘neutfal’ meeting place is a necessity. A11 present halls are controlled by groups whose policies could possibly be at variance with the aims or pur- poses of any prospective users. Dear Mr. Editor: It is my contention that a Com- munity Hall is a “must” f0:- Richmond Hill for the following reasons: One can only come to the con- clusion that some of the council were interested only in publicising the views of those opposed to this project, and consequently a distort- ed picture of the undertaking ap- peared 'in last week’s columns of The Liberal. It must have amazed the people throughout this district (eSpecially those wh‘ do not re- side in the village) many of whom contributed generously to the fund. I hope that you will be able to give as much prominence to the ‘positive’ opinions of your read- ers as was given to the negative reports displayed in your issue of January 26 concerning a very ob- viously ‘rigged’ Council meeting. Dear Mr. Editor: Several other letters regarding the Community Hall question have been received. We regret that space prohibits their publication. The foregoing letters have been chosen as representative of a number received. EDITOR. great deal of time formulating plans, obtaining contributions, etc. for this project, yet none of these were invited to the meeting. Would it not have been common courtesy to invite the members of the Rich- mond Hill Community Hall Board â€" which board was appointed by the council to administer this fund -â€" and allow them to state their views? Editor’s Note Yours truly, Douglas Boyd, - Richmond Hill R. D. Little, Richmond Hill K. W. Tomlin In 1886 George Matheson, now almost completely blind, was call- ed to St. Bernard’s Church, Edin- burgh. In May of that year he began his work as minister to that congregation, and remained for thirteen years. It was a very large congregation. There were nearly fifteen hundred members, in addition to hundreds of others who were simply attendants. Dr. -Matheson resolved that he would not only preach to his people, but would visit them in their homes. His sister was deep- 'ly attached to him, and accom- panied him wherever he went. Be- fore he had been six months at Ed- inburgh he had visited six hun- dred families, besides calling up- on the sick, the aged, the infirm and the dying. In addition to all this he was preparing sermons of rare quality and working in close sympathy with all the associations of his church. The visits he made upon his people were occasions long to be remembered. He was so warm-hearted and full of sym- pathy, that every person he met realized that it was no formal vis- it. Dr. Matheson kept up this method .of visitation throughout his whole ministry; yet he made a determined effort to keep in close touch with then. all, he suc- ceeded much better than most men would have done-who had perfect vision. In addition to his preaching and visiting, he was the author of many fine books. In 1882 he pub- lished a book of meditations with the title “My Aspirations.” The success of this book was instan- taneous, and in a very short time the entire edition was sold out, and several other editions follow- ed. Later he published many other volumes, among them many “Moments on the Mount,” “Voices of the Spirit,” “Marching in Sil- ence," “Times of Refreshing.” “Ichves for Quiet Hours.” and “Rests by the River." His books proved helpful to thousands of people. From every part of the world letters came from people whose lives had been greatly blessed by reading the works of the blind author. Great numbers of people, around whose lives heavy clouds had gathered, had the-ii hearts strengthened, and ‘their faith in God renewed, as The failure of his eyesight was gradual. For several years he could see fairly well. During the greater part of his school-life he could read and write by using powerful eye-glasses and large type. He was permitted to sit near the window so that he might get the full benefit of the sun- light. In spite of the serious dif- ficulties which faced him during those years, George Matheson took high standing, in his class. He managed to learn French, Ger- man, Latin and Greek, and in some subjects he led his class. The reading of biography is the most inspiring of all. I have. just re-read the life of the blind Scotc tish preacher, Rev. George Math- eson. This remarkable man â€" preacher, author, hymn-writer and above all, valiant soul â€"â€" first saw the light in Glasgow, March 27, 1842. His great hymn: “0 Love that will not let me go" has been translated into a score of languages and is known and loved througout the whole world. The popularity of this hymn has to some extent obscured his great gifts as a preacher of unusual power and a writer of devotional books, rich in original thought and in spiritual insight. HE SAW THE RAINBOW One of the most striking pictures of the recent Thorn- hill fire is the one shown above, which illustrates the blaze at its height. It was taken at the instant the front of the T’e-t-rolane Corporation offices and show rooms was falling. Richmond Hill Arena February 8th8-30 p.m. Our quotation today is a stan~ 28. from Matheson’s famous hymn: “0 joy, that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to Thee: I trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the premise is not vain That morn shall tearless be.” they read George Mdtheson’s books. In 1882 he wrote his famous hymn, now known the world over, “0 Love, that will not let me go.” It would 'be impossible to téll just what this hymn has meant to thousands of people. The hymn is now found in most hymnals and has become a great favorite. George Matheson gives the fol- lowing account of‘ how he came to write it: “The hymn was com- posed in the manse of Innellan on the evening of the 6th of June, 1882. I was at that time alone. It was the day of my sister’s mar- riage, and the rest of the family were staying over in Glasgow. Something had happened to me, which was known only to myself, and whidh caused me the most severe mental suffering. It was the quickest bit of work I ever did in my, life. I had the impression of having it dctated to me by some inward voice rather than of working it out myself. I am quite sure that the whole work was completed in five minutes and equally sure that it never receiv- at my hands any retouching or correction." AFTERNMN DR.AREHEH’WALLAEE for it. Does your advertisement in The Liberal need “dressing up?” Would an illustration or decorative effect help to draw attention to what you are offering to the public, or emphasize the character of your business and the service which you give? If so The Liberal’s advertising department can give you some effective help. The purchase of 3. “Hammond Caster” â€" one of the most modâ€" cm of its type of equipmentâ€" has made it poss- ible to provide this extra service for advertisers at an extremely low rate â€" a rate far below what could be secured if you had to go outside A wide range of line drawings, illustrations, slogans, messages in this fast, up-toâ€"date service is now availabie. We’ll be glad to give you de‘ tails if you will telphone us. The Liberal RICHMOND HILL 9 WANT “EYE APPEAL” Mr. ADVERTISER huuuumullillllllli Guaranteed new and used Singer Sewing Machines. New machines $89.50 and up. Repairs to all makes. 48-Hour Service Singer Sewing Machiné â€"â€" Co. â€"â€" omwmooom JAMES J. WALL 102 Main St., Newmarket Phone 1075 We solve your deep and SBfilIow well pressure system troubles. Agent for DELCO PUMPS AND Arcoflame 0i) Burner Cement Septic Tanks Phones King 94r22 Aurora 46J OAK RIDGES, ONT. Plumbing & Heating Contractor .DAILY SERVICE TO All. CANADIAN AND U,S.A. POINT! .CNARI’ERED BUSES OFFER IDEAL SERVICE Fol All GROUP ‘I’lAVEl VICKI“ AND INIORMAMN A. L Roberts, Radial Station Phone 177 By Bus