W. S. COOK, Editor The transitional period from ele- mentary to secondary education is one of the most important phases in the life of every young Canadian. It seems only ï¬tting that this juncture is a suitable spot for graduation cere- monies! In past years, entrance -cer- tiï¬cates have reached the successful students through such an unostenta- tious medium as the mail. Surely the value and seriousness of this important step in education is worthy of more recognition than this. Recent news clippings show that schools in the Township School Area No. 1 Markham and Vaughan, as well as those in the King and‘ Oak Ridges areas are quickly taking up the chall- enging opportunity to impress upon Walter F. Koerber of the Jarvis School for Boys recently gave a word of caution to those who are entrusted to care for mentally retarded children at the ï¬rst Canadian Conference on reading .held at the University of Tor- onto recently. He asserts that these children can be taught to read if allow- ed to mature sufficiently ï¬rst. They should be neither hurried nor permitâ€" ted to vegetate, but givena program of suitable activities. Although the term “mentally retarded child†covers quite a number of categories, Mr. Koerber’s advice is relevant in many instances. It is interesting to note the new trend in elementary schools with re- gards to holding of graduation cere- monies. For many years the tradition- al graduation festivities have been restricted to the high school and univ- ersity levels. However, recent items in The Liberal have indicated that the trend is towards graduation ceremon- ies for public school students too. A“... -v- .v., w- The Club has requested council for the establishment of a Recreation Com: mittee which would- qualify it to re. ceive one-third of its yearly expendi- tures in the form of a grant from the provincial government. Such a prop- osition, which will involve no expendi- ture by the village, would be a boost for the club which is in the initial stages of organization. It has been suggested that three members of council serve on the committee with two other members who will probably be appointed from “Backward†and “mentally retard- ed" children have been the subject of much study throughout North Amer- ica in recent years. This interest ar- ises partly from the fact that the cans- es of apparent slowness and dullness can often be identiï¬ed and remedial action taken. Then, too. people nowa- days are less apt to regard the retard- ed child as an embarrassment or a nuis- ance. With a franker, more tolerant view of mental handicaps and deï¬c- iencies has come a greater desire for intelligent treatment. The formation of Richmond Hill Track and Field Club is another step in the direction of organized sport in the village which is looking forward to the eventuality of a systematic sports pro- gram _for its boys and girls. ~A..A _ 21 IA.- CAVENUE 5-2211 THORNHILI} ‘ SAND GRAVEL CRUSHED STONE LOAM FILL Convenient Monthly Payment Plan Available NEW EQUIPMENT ‘ WAR ON MUD AND POT HOLES! - - - - - THE LIBERAL, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Thursday, July 28, 1955 Subscription Rate $2.50 per Why not let us call and survey your requirements? “Authorized as second HAVE YOUR DRIVEWAY PAVED! THE COST IS SURPRISINGLY LOW ON ASPHALT PAVING Teaching The Mentally Retarded An Indepéndent Weekly: Established 1878 umwunyo )n Rate $2.50 per year; to the United States $3.00; 5c single copy Member Audit Bureau of Circulations Member Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association J. E. SMITH, M.P., Publisher L. W. REID Tithe liberal New Trend In SCHOO'S EXPERIENCED STAFF Organized Sports Telephone TUrner 4-1261 . tnd class triail, Post Ofl'ice Department, Ottawa†It is hoped the establishment of such 3 Recreation Committee will not be put aside but will be used to boost as well 'as co-ordinate sports activities. .._ ~.._r~v It is a trend which has érown up in this area in a comparatively short time but one which has done much to foster an enthusiasm for and an inter- est in public schools. In the past, the business of creating alma-mater loyâ€" alties andinterests has been left en. tirely to high schools and universities, leaving the elementary schools more or less out of the picture. The inaugurâ€" ation of grade school graduation exer‘ cises has done a great deal to raise, this most important level of education up to the position of respect and hon. our it deserves. I ‘ Actual Public School graduation ceremonies held in recent.weeks in this area have included the presentation of diplomas, school year pins, banquets and in many events the presentation of awards and scholarships. In several of the communities, particularly in the Langstaff-Thornhill area, Home and School Associations have been to a. great extent responsible for the rising importance of public school graduation exercises and the presentation of schol- arships. 1 Among those termed “retardedâ€, some are congenitally incapable of mental growth, though they may be trained to a certain extent. Others are not without learning capacity, despite low intelligence quotients. Still others are potentially capable enough â€"- even bright â€" but are backward be- cause of causes that can be dealt with once they are known. The trouble may, for example, be an unrecognized short- sightedness. the service clubs. Having the backing of the village in such an undertaking will give addit- ional incentive to the club which has undertaken an ambitious program by its practices and meets which arevheld, four nights weekly. The discouragement which, in past years, has been felt by sponsors of sport because of lack of support should not be allowed to 'creep further into or- ganizations which are run by those interestedin seeing the children of the community get a, broader training in the sports ï¬eld. .. ‘ Students the importance of education in our complex society. In Montreal recently, the National Association for Mental Health was told that commonly used . eyesight tests may not reveal all defects. Mr. Fred- erick Brown, a Long Island teacher in special classes for the backward, has discovered short-sighted children; who had become balky and aggressive be- cause they were put down as mentally retarded. Once properglasses were supplied, they moved ahead in their studies and their dispositions improv- ed. In all these cases, impatience and haste can do only harm. The individual should be studied thoroughly and treatment should be adjusted to his as- certained needs. WORK GUARANTEED ALVERNA SMITH, Associate Editor human! UDIT UREAU Editorial Comment VISIT OUR SHOWROOM Carrville Rd. & Yonge St. Richvale Iron Works We also make RAILINGS â€"â€" inside & out JULY 28, 1927 The citizens of Richmond Hill are 'up in arms against the present condition of the water supply. The taste is such that it is almost impossible to use it. and as many as canvare look- ing to wells for a drinking supply. OCTOBER 5. 1903 At the Newmarket Fair last week, Mr. W. Trench acted as judge of carriages, agricultur- a1 implements and mechanics manufactures. and Mr. A. 5, Russell, Warden of the county, ï¬lled a similar position in jud- glng heavy horses. Mr. J. A. E. Switzer and Mr. Geo. McDonald represented Richmond Hill Council of Tem. plars at the Temperance Con- vention in Toronto. Elgin Mills Athletic Associa- tion advertised a Garden Party for August 10, featuring a tug- of-war between Markham and Vaughan, a softball game be- tween Maple and Elgin Mills. the Elgin Mills Concert Band, and a dance in the pavilion. Excerpts from the ï¬les of The Liberal Home paper of the Richmond' Hill district since 1878 Three young men from Lan- sing were arrested last week charged with starting a Metro- politan ley. car down the hill at York Mills and causing mal. icious damage to the .property. They were taken before Mr. Wingï¬eld, J.P., and committed for trial. Richmond Tailors took over the business of the Langstaï¬ Cleaners last week. Richmond Hill farm com- mando group has been active this week. Members of the pitchfork brigade who worked on several district farms in. eluded Wes Middleton. Rus- sell Lynett, Bob Moodie, John Martin, Lauder Glass, George Agar, Lloyd Foote, Bud Jones‘ and Carl French. Mr. T. F. Boynton of Victoria Square carried off six prizes in the large breeds of swine at Newmarket Fair. George Dewsbury of Vandorf has been appointed constable for Whitchurch Twp. Other members of the force are Chief Constable Robert Windson and Constable R. Yake. Richmond Hill council called for tenders for construction of a pump houSe at the site of the new well. Some delay has been caused in pump installation through scarcity of materials and necessity for priority or‘ ders. ~ JULY 23. 1942 ,North Yonge Radials rolled up an operating proï¬t of $8.- 291.40 for the months of April, May and June, 1942, a new high record. Residents of North Yonge Street district sent a complaint to the City of Toronto against the practice of jail farm pris- oners riding on the Metropoli- tan Street Cars. JULY 30. 1942 More than 300 pheasants have been released in Vaugh. an Twp. JULY 31, 1902 The personnel of the Rich- mond Hill rink taking part in the lacrosse game at Aurora on Saturday in a downpour of rain was Goode. Michael, Har- rison, Trench. Newton, Sims, McKenzie, Trench. Glover. Campbell, Clifford and Elston. Geo. Sims shhed with unusual brilliancy and put up the best game of the day. Chas. Sanderson and Mr. Hendrick of Headford and John Weldrick. East York, were among the farmers who had their barns struck by lightning during the severe storm over the week-end. Mr. Robert Shaw of Glanford was engaged by the High School Board to ï¬ll the vacan- cy .caused by the resignation of Mr. Glass, ‘mathematics and‘ science master. The old saying “Out of the mouths of babes,†has given a local family a laugh the other day. The young lad of the family has recently been ex. tending his vocabulary in an- ticipation of entering the fourth grade. A few days ago, the parents, who were going out for a short visit, were cautioned by the lad, “Don’t be long, I might get lousy.†Both amusement and consternation was caused by this comment. “What do you mean," the mother ques- tioned. a little concerned. “Oh you know,†the boy explained. correct pronunciation o f “drowsy†is now firmly im- planted in his enterprising young mind. “lousy â€" it‘s like 'getting surf of tired‘. We presume that the correct pronunciation o f SAVE 50% Way Back When ORNAMENTAL IRON FURNITURE INSIDE & OUT Budget Plan THE SEED OF THE CHURCH Nearly seventeen centuries ago. Augustine, one of the fa- thers of the early Christian Church. after witnessing at; ï¬rst hand. the bitter persecu- tions suffered bravely by early believers, said: “The blood of the Martyrs is the seed of the Church." The Church grew as persecutions increased in‘ severity. He was in an upper room when they arrived, and he went down and talked with them. While they marvelled at his courage and great age he quiet. non‘ Among the earliest Christian martyrs was Polycarp, who was born of Christian parents ab- out the year 70 AD. He.was a disciple of St. John and lov- ed to repeat his words as he remembered them. Polycarp had a follower named Irenaeus, and it is from him we learn the facts about Polycarp’s martyr. dom. The savage mobs called for Polycarp, now 86 years of age. and still leader of the church at Smyrna. His friends led him away from the city to a little farm where he passed the time in prayer. His pursuers went out as if against a thief._ Polycarp could have escaped. but he refused, saying: “The will of the Lord be done." Dear Sir : At the great Pagan festivals feelings against Christians were frequently aroused In the city of Smyrna, where the aged Polyearp was leader of the loyal band of ChristYS fol- lowers. eleven Christians were thrown to the wild beasts dur- ing the annual games. A few. not many. recanted when they were faced with death; the courage of others made a deep impression upon the multitudes who demanded their death. One brave young man named Germanicus, so far from being unnerved, dragged the reluc- tant lion to him and this fur- ther excited the populace in their lust for blood. We would like to express our appreciation and thank all those who were in charge of the Daily Vocational Bible School, which was conducted under. the supervision of the Rev. A. A. Chote. at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Richmond Hill, recent-1y. Our three .children thorough- ly enjoyed the Bible Hour, Handcrafts and Recreation provided so kindly by the many women who acted as Leaders and who gave much time and thought to their young pupils. Yours sincerely, Mrs. Hal Robertson. Elgin Mills Re: Unionville Satellite Village Dear Mr. Editor Since the Markham Town- ship Planning Board set the seal of its approval “in prin- ciple" on the Victoria Gardens Subdivision abutting the Police Village of Unionville, specula- tion has been rife in the Villâ€" age, and property values have taken an alarming drop. Looked at closely by a tax- payer in the Poli'ce Village it- self, it provides a sorry future foi- this charming little com- munity. ’ The total revenue collected in the village is in the neigh- bourhood of 4,000 dollars yearly. Out of this magniï¬cent sum the Village Trustees main- tain all the side streets. trees. the Main Road, the bridge by the Planing Mill, storm sewers, half of the Pomander Road. street lights, and 25 per cent of the Fire Department, and also contribute to the Com- munity Centre. the Library and various other activities. Should Council approve 'the plans for the Victoria Gardens Subdivision and the debentures be approved by the Municipal Board the ratepayers of the Police Village of Unionville will ï¬nd themselves with a road to keep in repair over which the necessary construc. tion materials for 400 homes, roads, sewers. commercial as- Surely even the present Mun- icipal Board would not consid- er the issuing of debentures to cover the installation of sew- ers and water and the necess- ary repairs to the streets, at a reported increase of 50 mills in the tax rate. nor could the Trustees maintain these ser- vices. Commends Vacation Bible School Dear Mister Editor F. L. LOWRIE R.O. OPTOMETRIST be at The Northern Building, 31 Yonge St. North WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3 From 9.30 am. to 12 noon and the lst and 3rd Wednesday of each month Broken Lenses Replaced Optical Repairs Prescriptions for Glasses Filled Home Off. 3242 Yonge Street Opp. Park Theatre HU. 8-8949 EYES EXAMINED GLASSES FITTED 1y talked with them and had food and drink set before them. His request to be allowed to pray was granted. For two hours he prayed earnestly, re- membering all that ever had dealings with him including those who had come to arrest him. Even these men were deeply touched by his brave gentle spirit and regretted that it had befallen to them to assail so good a man. He was led back to Smyrna. where excited crowds awaited his arrival. The High Sherifl" and others pleaded with him to renounce Christ and declare: “Caesar is Lord †At ï¬rst he made no answer. but when they persisted, he said: "I do not intend to do as you advise me.†This so angered them that they threw him from their car- riage and bruised his shins. He was then brought into the stadium, where a vast crowd shouted: “Polycarp is taken." The Proconsul gave him a last chance.“You are a very old man," he said, “and a few words can save your life. Re- cent and your life will be spar- ed. Curse Christ and I will set you free." It was then that the aged man uttered words which have been repeat- ed for 18 centuries: “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has never done me wrong; how can I blas- pheme my King and Saviour?†They bound him without nail- ing him. and while the ï¬re was being prepared beneath him he prayed: “I thank Thee, Lord, that Thou didst deem me wor- thy of this day and hour. that I should take my part among the numbers of the martyrs in the cup of Thy Christ to the resurrection of life eternal.†The flames made a sort of arch around him, and for a while his body was not scorch- ed. This angered the pagan spectators. who demanded that a slaughterer take his life by a dagger thrust. And in this manner the aged man’s life ended on earth. but his memory had been a benediction down through the ages. Sessment, water pumping sta- tion and sewerage disposal sys- tem have been trucked, and also the materials for seven more subdivisions etc. to be constructed north of the vill- age. At the present time all nor- mal. healthy growth in the ar- ea is being help up. Repairs and reconstruction are being kept at a minimum, which is in itself an unhealthy sign. Prop.‘ ery values will further depre- ciate to the point that many ï¬ne old homes housing one family will be sold to accom- modate three or four families. which will cause a school. health and police problem sec- ond to none in the county, es- pecially as more than 30% of the residences in the Police village are equipped with only very rudimentary forms of san- itation. The sewerage treatment plant is not to be located in the new subdivision as these places depreciate property values, but will be located on the creek below the railway bridge. Ev- ery heavy rainfall causes a flood in this area, which could spread pollution over a wide area, and will certainly curtail any decent development to the east. ' 'Those people who have been sold a bill of goods on free sewers and water in the vill- age should take a close look at the total cost before they con- tract for more than they ex~ pect. Wmm1um1mmnumumummmlmmn ' Our quotation today is by Rev. Dr F. W. Camp- bell: ,According to recent press re- leases the‘ subdividers have en- listed the approval of both the school and village trustees on behalf of their project, as well as the patronage of a number of prominent people. few of whom pay taxes in the Village. However, Council has stated publicly that they gain the ap- proval of such Boards before proceeding with any such de- velopments. so no doubt this matter will be attended to be- fore further negotiations are undertaken. ’ The school population in the new development will be taken care of in_ the new .14-room schoolhouse, ï¬nanced by a much depreciated Provincial grant, due to the increase in population in the school sec- tion. $400.00 a lot from the subdividers and the rest from the ratepayers in the Union- ville Public School section. Another million dollar High school is, of course, inevitable. Emmmnmnmmmmmmuummunmnumumï¬ â€œPrecept at its high- est perfection falls far short of example." Unionville Property Owner AIR-CONDITIONED For Your Comfort PLEASE NOTE: During July and August Matinee Every Wednesday at 2 p.m. Telephone TUrner 4-1212 FRIDAY, SATURDAY â€" JUL Y 29, 30 ' WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY â€"- AUG. 3, 4 After Sunday Midnite â€" July 31, 12.05 MONDAY, TUESDAY.â€"AUG. 1, 2 Show Times 7 and 9 p.m. Continuous from 6 p.m. Saturdays and Holidays FREE PARKING REAR 0F THEATRE Matinee Monday 2 pm. Adult Entertainment