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Laugh even if jokes on you There have been reports from various pari of the county of testimonial dinners being held CVelP DUCK to honor local police departments By January 1 they become amalgamated into a regional force Aurora held its dinner a couple of weeks ago Two former mayors attended Their terms of office went back 10 and 20 years and they regaled us with many humorous ancedotes i a Harry Squibb a town employee of many years was also honored at the dinner on the occasion of his retirement Harry was a volunteer fireman for many years He was also deputized as a special con stable when the need arose He recalled how they didnt have a hat to fit him and the council wouldnt buy him a new one They couldnt afford it But the story that conjured up the funniest picture in my mind was told by Sergeant Jim Kroehter Big Jim next to Chief Bill the officer with the longest years of service Jim told how they didnt have a ear when be first joined the force Council couldnt see its way clear to provide that kind of thing So he bought him self a bicycle to use on his rounds and go out on calls I could see the scene unfold before me the station door is thrown open and Jim charges out clips stretched to grab the handlebars and the other leg raised to leap astride the vehicle and away the call for the law only to come to a sudden dramatic halt frozen in suspended animation as legs and hands encounter space where the bicycle should have been Theyd lifted it and bidden it on me Jim told us couldnt help thinking as I laughed with the rest how time filters rage and exasperation from memory leaving nothing but humor to be enjoyed over and over again Nowadays youth do not steal police cars They grow their hair long and compose songs like Handlebar Hank and the Cloud Squad Lets hope that 10 or years from now they too will be able to sit down to a dinner with the police and laugh their mutual escapades Its a good thing to remind ourselves now and again that things should not be taken so seriously Like you dont have to shy away from reality to be able to laugh Reality can be pretty entertaining Some of the worst situations that develop can hold the elements of comedy Richmond Hill Councillor Don made a comment the other week during the discussion on salaries The public can express their feelings in the next election and if youre lucky you wont get elected To the uninitiated it may have seemed a facetious remark It wasnt Theres a Dons bouse this year His fathers eyes sparkle every lime he is mentioned He was looking forward to spending more time at home watching him grow In stead he submitted to pressure to offer bis services again as a regional councillor Nine of bis fellowcouncillors are mayors the highest rank a community can award Vet by win ning it they became targets in a shooting gallery At their meetings they face a battery of representation from six county newspapers Their most casual comments are liable to be picked up and blazed across the headlines Some of the new members have made a commitment that their municipal councils will be involved in regional decisions It cant be done Even if time permitted prior discussion at the local level arguments submitted at the regional council must heard and the vote must be that of the regional alone Take the question of the location of police headquarters Newmarket has mentioned as a probable location Richmond Hill and Aurora councils immediately put in a clamorous bid The regional councillors will be expected to carry the battle to the region But its not the council that will make the decision Its the police commission And they are free of political liabilities The decision will be made on the basis of economy and practicality The politicians be obliged to act out the charade Im not making fun It will be tough on the new members when they find out how nimbly they have to leap to stay out of The only consolation they have is that there 16 of them in the same boat together igh Regional decisions may not always seem compatible with individual munici pal interests And the wind will chill A few weeks before the election a subse quently defeated candidate commented This may be a good year to lose When this term is over things will be in such a mess theyll be able to walk in off the streets and get elected to the regional council My Christmas message to the council is kindly The elements are against you Your only chance to deny the pessimists is to do a good job That way we all benefit Trust each other Never look the humor in a situation even if the joke you Bend to the oars together Bring us safely Hydro urges care with lights This when Ihc annual festival Christmas lights the streets offices plants and homes in many coun tries around the world Probably he most frequent accident arises lt cracked insulation and expert or you may he weathering the ry possibility of el- One reason for lie e good reputation enjoyed by the outdoor and indoor lighting Putting indoor sets the house can result electrical si Canadas electrical Indus- to try to make home try Is the establishment of repairs to lowcost Christ- the seal on equipment lights Splicing or tap- which means it has passed wiring isnt the tests by the Canadian ways a saving If the set is Standards Assoc in first class condition use final note be sure again It it calls for home turn out the Christmas going to bed Safety means jolly holiday for everyone TORONTO Safety in the borne can en sure the whole family en joys a merry Christmas suggests the Ontario De partment of Agriculture and Food offers The department THE TREE Cut about one inch off the trunk and place securely in wa terfilled container Keep tree away from fireplaces heaters aad entrances to avoid possible fire hazards Refill container regularly ligfcU Never use electric lights on metal trees They immediately be come live if the string shortcircuits Turn off all tree lights before leaving the house DECORATIONS Use noncombustibles such as glass or other flame-re- materials GIFTS Hake sure all toys carry a Can adian Standard Association label of approval PRESCRIPTIONS CALLED FOR AND DELIVERED BEST DRUGSTORE