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Editorials Information-honestly, openly and freely shared- is the hallmark of democracy A very dull race DO YOU GET the feeling that the Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership race has been a rather dull exercise? None of the four candidates has really seemed to be able to ignite much excitement among the people of Ontario. Part of the reason may be a lack of interest in the race on the part of the population. The Tory party, though, has not provided much opportunity for interest to develop. The man whose job the four candidates seek said several months ago in response to an Opposition suggestion that he is lulling the province to sleep that "I was not elected by the voters to be exciting.'"' Premier Davis' statement was true enough but one would think that those who would succeed him might think it appropriate to stir the imagination a little more. We are not talking about going out of the way to be provocative, rather we would like to see a little focus on issues in this leadership race. Roy McMurtry was in our area Monday night speaking to area delegates and commented that it was "disappointing" that the candidates' debates around the province haven't been livened by the posing of direct questions by members of the press and media. He went so far as to call this particular omission "a mistake." Sure, the words come from an underdog in the race but such a format may have stimulated a little more outside interest. Maybe a few sparks would have flown, something that the party - brass apparently wanted to prevent. Quickening the pace of this leadership race in this way would have been a healthy result. And, it might have led to a greater focus on issues. Going down to the sea by LARRY MCINNIS -- for Guglielmo Mar- I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the tide..." poet John Masefield wrote many years ago. If you're interested in the sea and ships and can't do as Masefield wanted, then write Canada Post, Corporate Communications, Room 668,715 Peel St,.. Mon- treal, Que.; H3C 2HO. and ask for your copy of "The Sea and the Postage Stamp."' The 16 page glossy booklet, recently published by Canada Post, was researched and written by Denis Masse. who did a similar booklet of note on art on stamps. There are lots of in- teresting tidbits throughout. For example, Sir Casimir Gzowski, commemo- rated on a five-center issued May 5, 1963 (Scott 410) was best known as a_ military engineer , as the builder of a bridge across the Niagara River, and such. Yet Masse calls him a naval engineer, pointing to the barely discernable boat in for the stamp as a tribute to Gzowski's activities as harbour development engineer in Toronto and Montreal and his study for the expansion of the Welland Canal. Another example is the eight-center issued Nav. 5, 1974 (Scott 654) coni's 100th birth-date anniversary. It showa him at Signal Hill, overlooking the harbour of St. John's Newfoundland, from where he sent his first trans-Atlantic wireless message. on Dec. 12, 1901. Curiosities abound in stampdom, as. Masse points out in the July 20,1973 eight-center (Scott 619), issued to mark the 200th an- niversary of the arrival of 200 Scottish settlers at Pictou, N.S., "on board a rotting old tub,' the "Hector."' The stamp design was by artist Peter Swan, inspired by a Charles Sheldon painting. But when Swan did his design, he showed a fourmasted vessel in the background of a type not used before 1880. Oops! A final enigmatic comment on the stamp was, "The piper in the foreground is a stowaway the captain decided to keep on board for the crossing at the passengers' request." I wonder if the captain had considered throwing him over- board. Nothing nautical seems to have escaped Masse's eagleeye. Take the threecenter issued Sept. 15, 1917 (Scott 135) to mark the 50th an- niversary of con- federation. The stamp is a reproduction of a part of the famous painting of the Fathers of Con- federation by P.E.I... artist | Robert Harris . Although most people are of the im- pression the scene shows them at the Charlottetown confe- rence, it doesn't ; it's fromthe 1864 Quebec City conference. Masse advises you to take a magnifying glass and check out the small vessels on the St. Lawrence River , shown through the windows. in the background of the painting. A two-center .of the entire painting was issued Jne 29, 1927(Sott 142). New Brunswick comes in for a lot of attention: a two-center issued Aug, 16, 1934 (Scott 210)showing a three-master instead of a galley in_ the province's official seal; a five-center issued Aug. 31, 1962 (Scott 400) showing -provincial coats of arms (New Brunswick's galley to mark the Tran- Canada Highway official opening a five-center issued Feb. 3, 1965 (Seott 412 _) showing provincial flowers and arms (that galley again); a _ 17-center issued June 15, 1979 (Scott 824) as part of a proincial flag mini- sheet. A Christmas to remember Dear Editor: I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks for the way in which your staff has supported the Salvation Army during the past years, and especially during this past Christmas Season. You have availed yourselves to make our cause known to the public, and were always willing to be present to take pictures whenever it was necessary, and this has been most helpful to our overall campaign. I would ask one thing further. That you would print the enclosed letter, in your upcoming issue. - I extend to each of you and your families, my warmest, best wishes for this New Year of 1985. 'Dear friends, I would like to take this opportunity to express the thanks of The Salvation Army, Midland, Ontario, to the people of Midland and the surreunding areas, for the wonderful way they have supported us during this past Christmas Season. The many donations of money, canned goods, toys, time and effort were most generous, and as a '\ result 578 adults, and 401 children from this area were given a happier Christmas. Our thanks also to the people from Base Bordon for supplying toys, the folk at St. John's United 'Church in Victoria Harbour for packing the toys, and the countless others who gathered canned goods, and helped to pack and distribute the hampers. May God's Richest Blessings be upon you, one and all during this New Year of 1985. Yours, sincerely, Raymond Braddock, Lieutenant. Friends' send letter to Mulroney Dear Editor: The enclosed letter was sent to the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney in support of the continuing operation of the Wye Marsh Wild Life Centre. Sincerely, -Bill Byrick Secretary Friends of Sainte-Marie Dear Mr. Prime Minister: : The Friends of Sainte-Marie is a non-profit community organization dedicated to ensuring that our heritage is a dynamic part of this com- munity and our nation. Boasting a membership of 547 people, are collectively concerned about your recent decision to close the Wye Marsh Wildlife Interpretation Centre, located near Midland, Ontario. Our community organization is associated with the historic site, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, the first European community in Ontario. The story of this isolated mission represents the very root of our nation, the struggle of different cultures coming together and the delicate balance of man and nature. These are the stories of our past and of our future. The loss of the Wye Marsh Wildlife Interpretation Centre strikes a blow at the R.D.H.S. reunion of interest Dear Editor: The 25th Anniversary Reunion of Rideau District High School in Elgin, Ontario, is planned for May 17, 18 and 19, 1985. All former students and staff members are invited to attend and may receive further information about this event by contacting Rob Dobson, Rideau District High School, R. R. 2, Elgin, Ontario, K0OG 1E0. Since we believe that there could be former staff or students living in your area, we would ap- preciate your including this in your Letters to the Editor column. Thank you for your assistance to us and your continued service to the people of your com- munity. Yours very truly, -Ron Dobson 25th Anniversary Reunion Committee ny heart of our Canadian natural heritage. The Friends of Sainte-Marie and the staff at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons draw upon the resources of the Centre to plan our numerous public visitor and children's education programmes. The loss of the Centre and its fine staff will cause serious problems, not only for the 40,000 visitors to the Centre, but also to the 140,000 visitors to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. These visitors include children from across Ontario as well as visitors from around the world, as this region is a showpiece of Canadian heritage. As a community organization, we are deeply concerned about the economic impact on this small community. Dependent upon the tourist business, the loss of 40,000 visitors to the area will have serious economic repercussions, including loss of revenue; which may result: in further business closures and loss of jobs. In Huronia, the tourist trade is staying alive due to our co- operative marketing approach. The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is an integral part of promoting "Huronia Heritage', our major marketing theme. Our asset is our ability to offer something for everyone. If the Centre closes, we have lost a high profile major partner in our package. : Your intent to reduce the Canadian deficit is a noble one and, based on the recent election, is one in which most Canadians agree. However, we suggest an ongoing dialogue with the people of this community to establish a reasonable compromise which saves federal funds, continues to encourage the tourism business and maintain the tremendous community support for the Centre. The community is united in its effort and the 547 Friends of Sainte-Marie would appreciate a reply, indicating how the government will respond to the people of this community. Sincerely, Bill Byrick Secretary Friends of Sainte-Marie Ee Letters The Penetanguishene Citizen welcomes Letters to the Editor. They must be legible, signed (by hand), and carry the writer's address and telephone number for verification. Pen names are not allowed and anonymous letters will not be published. ' Letters published by this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this newspaper, its publisher or editor. Penetanquishene Citizen Published by Bayweb Limited every Wednesday at 75 Main Street, Penetanguishene, Ontario / 549-2012 Second Class Mail Registration Number 2327 Publisher: Andrew Markle Editor: Peter Spohn Editorial Staff: Douglas Reed Murray Moore Rudolf Fleischmann Production Foreman: Jim Robb Production Staff ~ Angie Grasic Elizabeth Clark Sue Acs Advertising Manager:Bob Finch Advertising Staff: Joe Harpell, Linda Ladd Circulation Manager: Arnold Burgher Administration: June Robbins . Page 6, Wednesday, January 16, 1985