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Page 2 Cassiar Courier January 1984

PG’S on the move

President John McNish of the Skeena Federal
Progressive Conservative Association stated that
the Riding Constitution is under review with a
proposal to make it possible to hold nomination
meetings in various parts of the riding. If the
change is approved, meetings will be held in the
larger centres of the riding on successive nights.
Consideration is being given to the practicality of
an advance poll by mail ballot from places like
Cassiar and the Queen Charlotte Islands.

McNish stated that the nomination meeting
will probably be held about April Ist and it is ex-
pected that several candidates will seek the P.C.

‘ Nomination.

Mr. McNish also announced the appointment
of Jim Wasyk as Party Organizer for the Riding.
Mr. Wasyk has been active in the riding for sever-
al years and was.a delegate to the leadership con-
vention in Ottawa. His responsibility will be to
develop the membership and activities throughout
the riding. Members and others who wish to assist
in the next election campaign should contact Mr.
Wasyk at Box 1092, Prince Rupert. Telephone
624-5066.

Community Club
= Mecting

The Community Club Executive held a public
meeting on Monday Sth December. The primary
reason for holding the meeting was to discuss the
financial statement for the first nine months of
the 1983 fiscal year.

Once again the meeting was poorly attended
which must be disheartening for the executive
who have made an effort to keep the public well
informed.

The executive was pleased to report that the
deficit for the first nine months of 1983 was sub-
stantially reduced from the same time period in
1982. A breakdown of the financial report was
made and the members were able to ask questions
and to offer suggestions for ways in which to
make further reductions.

One concern brought up by the membership
was that in some areas a charge was made for the
use of equipment and facilities while in other
areas no charge was made. Two examples were
the use of badminton racquets and the use of
the weight room. John Wong explained that the
people who use the weight room had volunteered
a lot of time to fix up the room and to maintain
it. Since it was mainly the youth who use the
racquets, they didn’t feel it fair to charge them
for that use, but a deposit was required in case of
damage.

The membership commended the executive
on their efforts in reducing the deficit. However,
concern was expressed over the amount of money
being spent on the Simmons Lake Project in this
time of restraint and whether or not it will ever
be a paying concern when completed. While the
concept of the project is great the practicality of
it is questionable.

The relationship of the Curling Club with the
Community Club was discussed. Mr. Periard stat-
ed that although the building is owned by the
Community Club, no rent is charged because the
building is maintained by the Curling Club. How-
ever in the eventuality of the Community Club
being charged for the power to the Curling Club,
the executive would review the situation.

The status of negotiations was brought up.
Since it is a fairly sensitive issue too many, details
were not available. However the C.C.C. had made

what they consider a final and firm offer which
had been rejected. The matter was being taken to
mediation.

THANK YOU

A big THANK YOU to John Nuyens of Department of
Human Resources, Cassiar is indeed fortunate to have
such a person as John. Fort Nelson Special Services to
Children have found it a pleasure to work in this area and
John has helped in so many ways. Thanks again John.
Marlene Fanning, Co-ordinator,
Special Services to Children

A frustrated parent’s view

Having read Ms. Mallory’s article “Reflections”, I feel
I must write and give another frustrated parent’s view of
the matter.

To begin with — Ms. Mallory is disconcerted by the
angry comments from parents when the teachers were on
strike. I, too, was an angry parent. While I respect the
teachers right to do what they feel is necessary — I do not
have to accept what they do is right. In my opinion, the
teachers were the most outraged group in the province
when the Government forced a five day closure of schools
earlier this year. It seems to me that their outrage was a
little hypocritical when they see fit to withdraw their ser-
vices primarily as a protest against educational cuts. I, too,
am concerned about cuts in the system, but two ‘wrongs’
do not make a right.

I also listened to the vocal anonymous parent from
Cassiar. I think her comments deserve a little explanation.

I understood her comments to mean that she would listen .

to the radio to see what was happening, I don’t recall that
she was listening to be more well informed on the issues—
she would have had a long wait if she was relying on CBC
to keep her informed. I was also listening for information
on the radio, but for a reason. When our children went to
Snowridge Elementary here in Cassiar on the morning of
the 8th, it was to find the school not open (and this was
after being told on the radio that it would be open that
morning). The students who crossed the picket line were
told to go home and listen to the radio, and watch the lo-
cal TV channel for news on what would happen the fol-
lowing days of the strike. Maybe the frustrated mother

was waiting to hear if her children would be allowed into

the school the following day.

I’m all in favor of teachers making a decent wage but
to say they deserve it because they have spent five years
and more. at university is an unrealistic statement. Many
people, e.g. nurses, have spent years at university training
and are, in fact, paid considerably less than most teachers,
Then, of course, the extra courses, if they are credit
courses, also benefit the teachers since their salaries are
based on their qualifications, as well as years of exper-
ience.

I think it’s admirable that in the north teachers donate

much of their time doing volunteer work in the commun-
ity - but so do many other community members. Here in
Cassiar there are two service clubs who do a great deal
for people in and outside the community. There are also.
many parents and other community minded citizens who
do a good deal of voluntary work. It’s a well known fact
that volunteers everywhere, not only in the North, rarely
get the recognition they deserve.

The whole situation was highly emotional through-
out the province. Of course, in small towns this is always
worse since everyone knows everyone else. Ms. Mallory
should not take comments made~in anger too much to
heart. As she said — there are many good teachers and I
think that they do receive recognition from most of the
parents fortunate enough to have children in their classes.
On the other hand,.if the teachers choose to stand up for
their principles, then they must expect some kind of re-
action. Presumably, they respect the rights of others to
have their own opinions.

Sincerely,
Kerry Jones.

Bouquets for Muriel

Recently a friend of mine returned from Alaska.
While up there he purchased a copy of your paper “The
Cassiar Courier’’. It was the July 1983 edition. In your
paper was a poem whose caption read ‘‘Poem by Muriel’”.
| was so taken | copied it down before | returned the
paper to my friend. | am an elderly man and | know | will
never get a chance to get to Alaska so | enjoy the poem
that much more. She got so much feeling and depth | had
the feeling | was there myself. | think a girl with this
much talent and willing to share it with the people should
at least know she is being fully appreciated. So if she is
one of your writers or at least known by you maybe you ~
could send along my thanks and hope it will help to keep
her using her gift. | also would be only fair to express my
pleasure at reading your paper. |.must admit | went
through the paper two or three times so | wouldn't miss
any of the joy of reading it. Keep up the good work.

From aman who enjoys good writing.
Yours,

Burton Comer

Ipswich. Mass.

U.S.A.

Hae ik:

Arts & Crafts Dilemma

We have 3500 square feet of space composed of a
dark room, a kitchen, a work room and a display

room. We have electricity, plumbing and heating.
We have advertised, put up posters, offered cours-

es, we have asked for suggestions, we have fund-

raised etc..We have TRIED. We have ended up

with little support or encouragement . The only -

thing we have had is criticism.

We have held no courses because less than a
dozen people signed up for them. At this time we
cannot afford to bring people in to teach courses
at a cost of $225 a day plus travelling expenses,
to teach two people some art or craft.

Many people think it is too expensive to pay

$20 or $30 to take a course and also pay for their

supplies. Obviously these people are not all that
interested in anything that might improve them-
selves or their outlook on life.

DO THE PEOPLE IN CASSIAR WANT AN
ARTS AND CRAFTS CENTRE?

At this time I think not. The executive will be
considering closing the building down for the
winter - the cost of heating a building just to keep
it accessible to the public (?) is not worth insom-
nia for those responsible for paying the bills.

In the meantime, I am_ grateful to those who
have shown interest. I would also like to thank
Gary Periard for the treat of a fondue dinner held

in October, John Shepherd and Tim Walters for .

an elegant evening of dining on French Cuisine

- and all the people who volunteered time and en-

ergy for sewing, setting up and cleaning up. You
were all great and a boost to our spirits.

We will be in contact with those people who
showed interest in the courses and make every
effort to provide the instruction they have de-
sired.

Linda Andrews.

President of the Arts & Crafts Society.

Note to the Courier Staff: I hope you will print
this though it lacks “Positivity”. May God help
the people in this town when they have to move
“outside” and face the real world and there will
not be a company to support them.

Christmas Spirit?

I would like to thank the person or persons
that were responsible for the undecorating of
my house on Zimmerman Street on Monday,
December Sth.

All the outdoor bulbs along my fence, to the
tune of seventy one in all were stolen or broken,
and this little cost was in the neighbourhood of
thirty dollars.

Task that those responsible enjoy their ach-
ievement over the Xmas Holiday, as I am sure
that it will be very little, with a mind that small,

to have to destroy or steal another person’s pro-

perty.

Is it possible that their reasoning is all turned
around, and that the spirit of Xmas is better to
take than to receive.

G. Periard. —
Cassiar. B.C.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING cont’d from Page 1

The Educational Committee and the Business Com-
mittee gave their reports. Notable points were: —

a) Procedure for the 3 day make-up was not decided—
the board would hand down a decision after they had re-
ceived some input from the S.T.A.

_b) A set of guidelines was adopted for use in the case
of future withdrawals.

c) The C.E.P. report was accepted —Mr. Best will take
it to be presented to the Ministry.

d) The Board and the S.T.A. had reached an agree-
ment on a new contract, subject to the Board obtaining
exemption from Bill 3.

This is just. an outline report of the meeting. Anyone
requiring more information may obtain a copy of the
minutes from the School Board Office on request. Any-
one requiring further information on any subject related
to Education, should contact the School Board Office or
their local School Trustee who will look into the matter.

-CASSIAR

a

Bits & Pieces

A certain male chauvinist mine manager discovered re-
cently that locking car keys in the car is not a hazard that
can be attributed solely to women. What a bruise to his

ego!!!

Bill Z. has been sitting in the semi-darkness of his office
for so long that he was fairly dazzled by the bright city
lights. Seems he attended the wrong course recently.
That’s not so bad but we hear it took him 2 days to find

out!!!

We hear Gary Periard will not be taking the bus home
from the New Years Dance. Apparently everyone refused
to get off after the Fireman’s Ball—at least not till the bus
stopped at Gary’s house, Must have been quite a party.

Several people were stopped on the way home from the
Ball—it’s just the local R.C.M.P. doing their job!

Rumour has it that Jeff was limping—not because of an
accident the previous night but because Roger B’s car
door fell on his foot. Needless to say Roger’s story is a
little different.

Seems Gary’s weren’t the only light bulbs stolen recently.-
Several people had their outdoor Christmas lights taken
the same evening—what happened to that old fashioned
thing called Christmas Spirit?

Apparantly it’s not altogether dead. One Cassiar resident
was lucky enough to have his lost wallet (containing quite
a bit of money) returned. The honesty of the finder is
commendable.

The Annual Christmas Tea was as usual a great success.
The ladies of both the Anglican and Catholic Churches
did an admirable job once again. Everyone left feeling full
‘of Christmas spirit. This will be the last tea for Hilda Voss
and Anne Massin who were residents of Cassiar when this
tradition began, 17 years ago. Joan Habjan said a special
goodbye to them and also to Mary Tomashewski who is
also retiring soon.

Santa would like to thank David for his present. He
thought the cookies were lovely even though his tummy is
now a little bigger! He also says thank you to Eli.

A miracle happened at 107 Connell, Saturday night. Din-
ner for eight miraculously made it to the table after John
C. hijacked a passing millwright and ordered him to cut up
the potatoes and Jeff H. demonstrated he could carve a
goose after observing only one post mortem. The gravy
was really superb after being served in the plant fertilizer
cup. J.L. wishes to hire those two for monthly dinners
(look out Gary).

After the French Dinner Bill N. went home with 1 pair
brand new brown hush puppies and ONE PAIR BLACK
HIGH HEELS!!!! Did you find it hard to drive Bill?

Ladies you'll know you’re in the right toilet when you
find a typewriter there. Men you definitely made a mis-
take if there’s one in yours. Maybe the most inspiration
for the Creative Writing Course at the Arts and Crafts
Centre is the loo!!!

That's not the only strange washroom story. We hear that
a certain Teen Club President keeps the Jukebox in the
men’s washroom at the club—now how do the girls get to
choose a record!

Scary moment—when you discover that the cardboard
box moving across the road has a child under it. Parents,
watch your kids, drivers DO NOT RUN OVER BOXES!!!

Visiting Cathy Murtagh, a long time friend, Enid Williams,
who hails from Ontario.

Goodbye to David Wong in Mill Projects who was suppos-
ed to bring in a Christmas tree for 215 Smith before he
left!

A Welsh treat—Keith Taylor introduced faggots, (can we
print this in a family newspaper?) mushy peas and chips at
the Curling Club’s Friday night dinner, recently. Peter
Cartwright (and others) called for more. :

Congratulations to our curlers, Ciril Habjan, Bruce Leckie,
Scott Smith and Rolf Voss who won the A event in a re-
cent Whitehorse competition. Must have been the support
from the cheering section, led by Oliver and Colleen
Leckie that helped them toward their win.

Was that really some Swiss yodelling we heard at Bunk-
house 152 late one recent Saturday night?

Pat got Hyderized and he barfed! What a Wimp!!!
WEL COME TO:—

Rick Zemenchik and Cindy who have returned to Cassiar
from. Edmonton: ~ © + .2.

FAREWELL TO:—

Greg Hanson who has returned home to join wife and
family.

Eugene and Margaret Puritch and daughter Amanda who
have moved to Timmins, Ontario.

Joe Perdue who is rejoining his wife and family in
Winnipeg.

BORN TO:—

Dete and David Rattray, a daughter, Rachel, 8 lbs 2 02. on —
December 3rd, 1983 in the Fort St. John Hospital.

Len and Erika Creyke are pleased to announce thebirth
of their daughter Shanna Lynn, on November 4th, 1983,
7 lbs. 9 02., in the Langley Memorial Hospital.

Chris and Louise Creyke are please to announce the birth
of their daughter, Christina Amber on November 27th,
1983, 7 lbs. 9 oz., in the Whitehorse General Hospital.

Obituary

Cassiar and Erickson Gold Mine were saddened to hear of
the sudden accidental death of Maurice Melancon, when
his car went off the road 10 km. from Canada Tungsten.
Maurice was well known in the area, and worked off and
on at Erickson Gold Mines for the past couple of years.

He was originally from Val D’or, Quebec, and came to the
Yukon in the early 60’s. He married and settled into
Mayo, Yukon, and worked at United Keno Hill Mines at
Elsa. A couple of years ago, he hired on with Canada
Tungsten, N.W.T., and moved his family there. He is
survived by his wife Irene, six children, and two grand
children. Our deepest sympathy to the family.

Scouting By Pat Waldera

The Cassiar Scouts’ Christmas party held on Sunday
afternoon, December 11th, was a big success. Sliding,
snow hockey and treats for everyone were the order of
the day. Naturally Santa was also present. The Christmas
tree sale was postponed from December 10th to the 17th
because of the cold weather. The Scouts calendar sale was
also held this past month. Beavers met each Monday and
made Christmas presents for their parents. All Beavers,
Cubs and Scouts wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Teen Club By Robert Best

The new Teen Club executive for 1983/84 includes,
Robert Best, President, Julie Walters, Secretary-Treasurer,
Elizabeth Gwilliams and Peter Frank, Fund Raising Com-
mittee and John Snyder, Harry Meers and Shawn Penno,
Directors.

The major projects for the next few months include
redecoration of the Teén Club and the installation of a
new stereo and grill for a more pleasant atmosphere and
better service.

Our Christmas Dance was a great success, but plans
for future dances have been set aside due to the careless
abuse of our Teen Club rules.

To make the rest of this year a continued success we
all will need the full co-operation of the entire Teen Club,
executive and members. Any suggestions or ideas contrib-
uted to us will be greatly appreciated.

Farewell

Employees (most of us!) from the Personnel Dept. gather-

ed for a pot luck supper to bid~ farewell to Joe Perdue,
Personnel Manager, who is leaving to return to Winnipeg.
A great party starring John Cavanagh on guitar-by-
firelight finally ended at 4:30 in the morning (sometime
thereabouts when the fire alarm went off!!)

PR rar apt ere nmr orana trenbiarer rs Comer ea Co TS RS

OLT AGENCIES
General INSURANCE Broker

164 Elliott (Marvel Travel)
TUESDAYS 10am. to 5p.m

For appointment call 778 - 7220

‘Camper, Vacation, Trailer, Tenant Content:
Mobile Home, Homeowner, Commercial

January 1984 Cassiar Courier Page 3

OUR TOWN

1 Like to Live In A Little Town
Where The Trees Meet Across
The Street,
Where You Wave Your Hand
and Say ‘Hello’
To Everyone You Meet.
| Like To Stand For A Moment
Outside The Grocery Store
And Listen To The Friendly -
Gossip of The Folks That
Live Next Door.
For Life Is Interwoven
With The Friends We Learn
To Know,
And We Hear Their
Joys and Sorrows As We
Daily Come and Go.
So / like to Live In A Little
Town,
| Care No More To Roam,
For Every House In A Little Town
ls More Than A House,
It’s Home.

When Your Best Friend
Becomes Your Wif e

Forty years ago

as I look back in time,

the world was then in turmoil

and your name was changed to mine.

Perhaps it was your laughter,

or your smile that caught my eye.
IT only know how quickly

those wonderous days went by.

How then do I thank-you

for lingering with me?

For your love and understanding;
and at times your sympathy.

I should advise a young man,

starting out on life.......

Marriage is a union

when your best friend becomes your wife.

Muriel -

MINOR HOCKEY

Minor Hockey held a Toy Bingo November 26th.
The community support was very good and the children:
enjoyed the evening playing bingo. A draw was also made
that evening for a side of beef which was won by Eric
Stump and a Texas Mickey which was won by Pat
Lanphear. A special thank you to Woody and Pauline
Woodrow for their help with the Toy Bingo.

Watson Lake came in for the day on November 26th.
Three teams were involved, the Novices, the Atoms and
the Peewees.

The Atoms are planning a trip to Penticton for a
Tournament, December 716th to 19th. Other teams are
planning trips to Ft. St. John and Prince George in the
New Year.

A special thank you to W.S.T.V. for donating’a set of
team uniforms. \

J

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