ADDIS ABABA (AP) — From Morocco in the north tp Botswana in’ the South; Somalia in the east to Mauritania in the west, drought has scorched the earth of Africa — in some places for as long as 13 years. “Our civilization is dying,” Ba Alaiou [lora, a-top e leader of Mauritania said recently. “This drought is the ———$—_— destruction of our history and our culture.” ‘ - q {A United Nations report says 85 million people are ast WILLIAMS MOVING “in desperate need of help.” & STORAGE _A western diplomat closely involved with inter 2237-6th Ave., Castlegar national relief in Addis Ababa predicts 900,000 people Il them for a f 1 . lnwit will starve before the year is out. moving, eslimete. Let our Ethiopia, the ancient land where the Queen of Sheba iapresonsetwe ' ‘ou about y i vices which have once reigned, rede Jo Williams the most respec: biblical times. A ae ppd io important to evahente the reuiyit RORIPss “Tt has to be on the basis of whether it's in the best ie interests of the children.” Mint Prank Fiasey said ba oqjjsris si Meee Stan Partridge says he tends to “favor all-day kinder- Metre ts nan “The jury's still out” on the results. ~ garten™ though he said he would like to investigate it fully said other studies have shown that boys born before “December and boys and girls with learning disabilities do before making a final decision. Dale Nielsen said he too would like to look at the issue, ‘90t perform as well in full-day kindergartens, by the adding that a decision will likely have to be made before time they reach Grade 6 they have caught up with the other students. September. “I have some reservations” about the full-day kinder- The secrecy issue at school board meetings came up several times. Johnson raised the issue in her introductory garten, Finney said, adding any decision shouldn't be made on the basis of “expediency . . . or saving a few bucks.” Witt DO brickwork repairs. 693 WAYNE PEPPARD | Licenced plumber and gastitter Call 359-7137 the kindergarten issue during his introductory speech. Turner said he would vote against any move to change the kindergartens from half-day ‘to full-day. The 2'2-hour meeting in. Kinnaird Hall attracted more “The half-day ki is: the only way re than 80 interested voters — one of the best turnouts in ee adirenney Agr minrprePashopien firs dbfars. recent years. said. However, except for a few questions to the four city aldermanic candidates about logging in the Merry Creek Road area and snowplowing, voters directed most of their attention to the five candidates running for the two vacant Kay Johnson said she has “a lot of concerns” about the proposed full-day kindergarten. She pointed out that the pilot project in Robson Elementary school has only been in operation “for a couple of months.” speech, saying she would push for a more open board and continued on poge A2 TREE CUTTING “AND TOPRING Ph. 365-7980 itn, 40 TREE TOPPING. SAIN REMOVAL 270 Columbia Ave. known the ravages of famine since Casti legar Ph. 365-2151 in the moving Phone 352-2016 DRIVEWAYS & ROOFS Reasonable Rates 365-5627 NEED A CARPENTER? Will wack by the hour or contract. Free estimates. Also concrete forms for rent. 365-6120 ttn/al NEED A JOB? High school and college students may offer their services under this category will run your ad tor 3 charge GRANDMA is gone and we con PART SIAMESE male kitten, 8 weeks-old. Phone 365-2232. 3/89 PUPPIES AND KITTENS. prone 399.4386. 3/89 HUSKY, SHEPHERD Crees. pup- 1 365. 3/89 THREE KITTENS, 2 white ones one calico. View at 1126 Colum bic Heights, Robson or 365-7362 3/89 ee Se STUDENT needs ride to Victoria Nov. 14. Will share gos and ferry expense. Phone 365-8129. /9) FEMALE requires ride to and from Nelson. Works hours 8 to 4:30. May flex hours if necessary Willing to ponerously, she share 988 expenses. Phone 36: school trips. way expenses and your neighbor in our A-Ride column. We'll run your ad 3 issues tree of charge. Phone our Action line, 365-2212 ttn/ FOUND: youth Avenue S. 365-821 FOUND: Block and white female Persian Cat. In North Castlegar 365-2815 vo glosses. 8th 3. aot LOST: Grey, orange and white female cat, approximately 2% yeors old. Nome is Condy Around Ponderosa Trailer Court Robson. 365-6320 % FOUND @ kitten. orange = jear ‘once to Rasp Berry Village, Thursday ‘Nov t 3657842 alter 6 pm 3/90 Grey short hoired trom the Slocan Park back rood, Please coll 359.7344 LOST: Mans brown wallet near Dom Inn. Reward. Phone 399 4386 3/89 On Oct. 16 in Costlegar valve. Call collect 359-7121 3/79 phone the 365-2212 anytime during bus iness hours. W: issues tree of charge ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS ond 104 LOOK CASTLEGAR NEWS office hours tment phone number is 365-3517 n NATURAL HEALING SERVICES. Genuine mas therapy. her bs, vitamins, colonics, iridol: Nature's Way, Colville, 112. 684-4370. 7/78 EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS Tuesdoy 8 p.m. Castlegr Volun teer Exchange. Answering. S vice. 365-2 79 DANCE SANDE ‘and Mobile ois available for any type of engagment. 112-362-7356 GENTLEMAN in early fifties would like to meet lady in late forties, for companionship, outings. | like history and trips to historical places. Send replies to Box 3007A, Castlegar News. 7/85 ASTOUNDING PSYCHIC! Ican and will help you over these rough times! Get Lucky! At Race Tracks, Lotto, Bingo, Lucky Key to the Future luck Card pressed and blessed in our own name Forecast, etc ly or write DIXIE POWERS Unit 4 - 1101 Columbie Ave. VIN 1H6, Costlegor But the current drought has pushed an estimated six million people to the brink of starvation and is building up into one of the world's biggest disasters in modern times, relief workers say. The workers are over seeing an international effort that is expected to bring about 600,000 tons of food to Ethiopia during the next year SHOCKED BY FILMS Harrowing film footage of starving thousands gathered for handouts in emergency feeding centres, first shown on British television Oct. 23, has led to an outpouring of aid and an international airlift of food which is expected to involve more than 5@ planes. In Ethiopia's 1973-74 drought, 200,000 to 250,000 people died, and the disaster contributed to Emperor Haile Selassie’s downfall and his replacement by a Marxist military regime. Though international attention now is focused on Ethiopia, the drought afflicts millions elsewhere A report issued last Monday in Geneva by the office of the UN Disaster Relief Co-ordinator said 27 African countries — more than half — now are listed as urgently needing external food aid and that 36 countries overall face food shortages. Other factors besides drought are contributing to this vast continent's food problems. These factors include civil wars, such as those in Ethiopia and Chad; annua! population growth rates of up to four per cent, as in Kenya; depletion of minerals from the soil, and economic policies that do not encourage agricultural production. MR. ond MRS. RAY McCREIGHT are pleased to ai BLUEBERRY CREEK RECREATION COMMISSION sends special thanks to the residents of Blueberry Creek ond Fairview for their donations to our boke sale. Also a big thanks to the croft people who participated and the public who supported our recent Craft Fa ‘Gone but not forgotte Forever missed by Shelly Stet a os CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY In Memoriam Donations Int motion Box 3292 Cownggor JPEN MONDAYS NOW! ‘85s Starting at 9998" THIS IS HOW TO HELP Heté are some of the agencies helping feed the starving in Africa: donors should specify if they want the money to go to Ethiopia only: e The Canadian Red Cross Society, 4750 Oak Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6H 2N9. e CARE Canada, 370 2600 Granville Street, Van. couver, B.C., V6H 3V3. e OXFAM — Canada, 2524 Cypress Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6J 3N2. e World Vision, 250 S.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver, B.C., V5X 2R5. e UNICEF, P.O. Box 602, Stn. “A” Vancouver, B.C., V6C 2MB. Mennonite Central Com- mittee (B.C.), Box 2038, Clearbrook, B.C. V2T 3T8. Save the Children Fund of British Columbia, 325 Howe Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6C 1Z2. $1500 How to NEGA Subscribe rOTACAIER to the xu Castlegar Yes, I'm interested in get the Castlegar News os $ SUZUKI SAVE $$$ nremai toll J Mail Please contect me with details Nome (Please Print) _ Phone Number ~~ — SS Or better still 365-7266 MOROSO, MARKIN & BLAIN Certified General Accountants 241 Columbia Ave. Castlegar Ph. 365-7287 Soligo, Koide & John Chartered Accountants 615 Columbia Ave. (Upstairs) Castlegar Phone 365-7745 Henry John, B.Sc., C.A. Resident Partner & B,C,D... orX,YorZ Yes, whether your business name starts with A or with Z, Business Directory advertising is for you! RATES ARE ATTRACTIVE, TOO! Phone 365-5210 for Full Details * All Brand Names Serviced © All Parts Stocked * Rebuilt Timers * Used Applionces & Consignments * Coin-operated Machines * Industrial Loundry Wt ALSO samVICA: + KaNMonE T peaus * MOTPOMNT = ETC CASTLEGAR PLUMBING & HEATING LTD. 1008 Cohembbte Awe 345-3308 ——_—_— Russell Auctions 399-4793 Thryms Buy or Self by Auction aio Duhs W88ig OAL 76. O “Oh, no! The ink’s coming off this twenty.”’ 8.$.0.D. OPTOMETRIST 1012-4th St., (— ASK CHES OR JOHN FOR Beaumark the APPLIANCES ay WITH B.E.W.C. TO PROVIDE ALL PARTS 8. AND ALL SERVICE FOR THE LIFE OF THE MACHINE Phone 365-3361 Fri. 9a.m.-5 p.m. J.T. (TIM) ALLAN ae 366 Bakegst. Nelson, B.C. Ph. 352-5152 CLOTHING, DRAPERIES, BEDSPREADS on consign: & NEARLY NEW SHOP 776 Resslend Ave., Trail Phone 368-3517 ROOSTER READY MIX CONCRETE LOW, LOW PRICES Slocan Valley Also Supplying Drain Rock 355-2570 PETER FERGUSON CARPETS - LINOLEUM TWES - CERAMICS FLOOR INSTALLATIONS R.R. No. | Winkew, 8.C. VOG 230 226-7603 F. PIRSH CONTRACTING 2045 Columbia Ave., Trail * Renovot atom buht e & Custer Su J puslen cabinets Big joe or mal jobs Ph. 368-5911 CASTLEGAR FUNERAL CHAPEL Dedicated to kindly, thoughtful service. Granite, Marble and Bronze Plaques Phone 365-3222 * Florist m Service = FULL LANDSCAPING SERVICE COMMAERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL (FREE ESTUAATES NG’S Nursery & Florist Ltd. 2601 - 9th Ave., Seordia B & GIBSON The Plumbing & Heating Centre American Stondord Valley Fibrebath Jacuzzi * Crone Duro Pumps & Sot PVC Pipe Fittings Septic Tonks COLUMBIA SEALCOATING AND PAVING Castlegar Plumbing & Heating Ltd. Quality Wholesale Plumbing & Heating Supplies Complete installations & Professional advice Commercial & pdostrial 1008 365- 3388 ALL TYPES OF COMMERCIAL PRINTING * Letterheads * Envel * Brochures * Ratfle Ticl Etc., Ete OPPSET & LETTERPRESS WES PRESS FACHITIOS CASTLEGAR NEWS 197 Columbia Ave 365-7266 Peppercorn Dining Under the Paims et Uncommonly Affordable Prices TERRA NOVA MOTOR INN 1001 Rossiand Ave., Trail Reservations 364-2222 365-5568 THE COLANDER SPAGHETTI HOUSE 365-2913 Whether your name storts with Aor M. orX,VorZ You' Il find Business Directory advertising pays. PHONE 365-5210 RUMFORD PLACE th, Super Sweep Chimney Services Ltd. * Complete Masonry Work * Chimney Lining © Certified Fire Sotety Inspections 735 Columbie Ave 365-6141 ——— Groceterie & Laundromat OPEN 364 Days « Yeor 1038 Columbia Avenue (Bottom of Sherbiko Hill) For Reservations — Phone 364-1816 1478 Cedar Avenue Troll, B SPC SERVICE COLEMAN COUNTRY BOY SERVICE Sump & Septic Tonk Pumping Phone 365-5013 3400 - 4th Avenve Costlegor Ph. 365-3328 Collect ————— ML LeRoy Tue Saturday 9 a.m.-12 noon ———————E— Castle VOL. 37, No. 92 CASTLEGAR, BRITISH COLUMBIA, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1984 WEATHERCAST Sunny with briet cloudy pertods. Highs 0 to 4 and lows -2 to Thive te © 20 por cent chence 2 snow showers 3 Sections (A,B & C) Seal Teachers say Robson classes ‘overcrowded! By ADRIAN CHAMBERLAIN Staff Writer Teachers from Robson Elementary school have filed grievances with the B.C. Teachers’ Federation regarding three “overcrowded” classrooms at the school. The Robson kindergarten class has 26 students — six over the 20-student limit perseribed by the BCTF, says Tim Beecham, working and learning con ditions chairman for the Castlegar and District Teachers’ Association. As well, a Grade 1 class has 26 students, and a Grade 3 class has 28 students — both over the 25-student BCTF limit. “Théy'ré cdticérned about a lot of in- dividuais-tn their classes needing at- tention, and they're not getting the individual attention they need,” said Beecham. He said the grievances, filed last Wednesday, will be presented to the superintendent of schools, and if no solution can be reached, the case will be presented to the school board for a fina) decision. Although the teacher at the full-day Robson kindergarten class is helped by a teacher's aide, Beecham said it's still considered over the limit by BCTF standards. “They do have an aide in there, but the problem is you have 26 kids in there age five-years-old,” he said Beecham has been carrying out an informal study of classroom sizes in the Castlegar district for the CDTA since September. He says, although there's little evidence of overcrowding at the junior and senior high school levels, some of the split classes (two grades in the same room) at the elementary schools are over BCTF limits. For example, a Grade 8/4 split class at Woodland Park Elementary school —inside REWARD OFFERED: Castle gor Chamber of Commerce is offering a reward for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a recent series of break-ins at the chamber office REWARD UNCLAIMED: NAMPA, Idaho CAR CRASH: Three Castlegar residents are in satisfactory condition following a car accident early this morning has 28 students, but should only con- tain 25. A Grade 4/65 split class at the school has 30 students — five over the BCTF limit, Beecham says. While schools serving intermediate grades are generally close to the limit of 30 students a class, Beecham says even this means significantly less in- dividual attention for students com- pared to “a few years ago” when classes averaged 25. And larger classes mean teachers must take less time to answer in- dividual questions, and mark more pe- pers — “which means too that the kid's work may not get marked as carefully as it should.” “You're going to find some classes in the distriet well below the guidelines,” Beecham added. “That doesn't help the kids who are way out in the classes over the top.” But he says the Castlegar district “is doing a lot better than some districts in the Lower Mainland.” Beecham also pointed out that the Castlegar school board doesn't neces- sarily have to follow classroom guide- lines set by the BCTF. Beecham says the pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) for the district is 16.58 — up about .3 from 1983. But the PTR isn’t a good indication of classroom sizes be- cause it includes non-teaching staff such as librarians and principals. It also includes special learning disability classes which usually contain 10 stu- dents, he said “You won't find many classes with 16 students in them.” This year there are 2,390 full-time equivalent students in the district, down from 2,404 in 1983, according to Beecham's study However, he says teaching positions in the district have been cut by 5% compared to last year A $100 reward offered on A h tive of 8,000 fliers distributed for last week's general election has her people gone unclaimed, leaving a read compaign literoture Leo Taylor wrote on five of his fliers that the holder would receive $100 by returning it to him Saturday Taylor then waited all day at his office, but nobody showed up. “Leo wanted to prove a point, you werk, going from door to door, talking with people, they don't pay that much attention,” said Taylor's campaign committee co- chairman. Teylor, a Democrat, lost his bid to unseat Republican Canyon County commissioner Glenn Koch REBEL GAMES: Costlegar Rebels split their two games on the weekend, beating Spokane but losing to Cranbrook .. . BT PEACE ISSUE: Dr. jim Garsinnn wid an overtiow growl: 66 Safkick College last week thot the nuclear arms race has to stop . . wondering he said. “No matter how hard ———————— REMEMBERING .. . ches t Photographer Doug Harvey cat i e ial spirit of C Day ceremony Sunday. Harvey combined double ex- posure of bugler Aaron Stoushnow and plaque on city ph tor special ettect DURING SNOWSTORM Council defends plowing By CasNews Staff Castlegar council says there's noth ing wrong with the city's snowplowing system, despite recent criticism. City snowplowing came under attack from a number of residents following the record snowfall Nov. 2. Aldermanic candidate Michael Heard has also been particularly vocal. In an election interview in the Nov. 8 Trail Times, Heard said “three of "s six plows were broken down” during the snowstorm that dropped a record 38 centimetres. “This shows that maintenance was not earried out during the summer Moore said one of the city’s sander trucks broke an axle and dump truck with s belly plow had « differential failure. All three breakdowns occurred while the units were battling the snowstorm. Ald. Marilyn Mathieson agreed that the equipment was “ready to go A staff memorandum to council reports that all 13 pieces of city snow plowing equipment had been serviced and were “in good working order” as of Nov. 1 — the day prior to the snow storm. “Only two sanders were available as of the two new units ordered and due early in October (had) been delayed until the last week of November by the supplier.” says the memorandum. As well, the memo said the three breakdowns were “primarily (due) to tecord snowfall... and the extended beure of eperatoa (wp to 16 hours con tinvous shifts) The sander and dump trucks have sinee been repaired and the grader will likely be repaired this week when « new hydraulic control valve ordered from Iowa is due to arrive, said the memo. The memorandum also said that the loss of the two trucks was “not s major factor, as this equipment is not suitable for plowing 16 inches of snow.” As well, the memorandum says none of the breakdowns could have been foreseen and were not related to “lack of maintenance.” “The fact that the city operates effectively with some equipment that is 20 or more years old reflects very favorably on the standard of mainten- ance provided — a very substantial saving to the taxpayers over the cost of purchasing new equipment,” said the memorandum. Meanwhile, council also took excep tion to suggestions that the city is not fully aware of plans for logging in the Merry Creek watershed. “We're on top of that,” countered Ald. Len Embree. He pointed out that city engineer George Reshaur has examined the situation and proposed installing drain- age facilities on Merry Creek between the south Castlegar medical clinie and the CPR tracks. The suggestion was contained in an Oct. 19 memorandum to the planning committee “We're well and truly on top af it.” added Ald. Albert Calderbank.” We continued on page A? Guild turns down final offer By CasNews Staff Marine workers at Westar Timber in Castlegar and Nakusp have asked the mediator to book out of contract talks, paving the way for strike action. Westar Timber made the 30 workers — members of the Canadian Merchant Services Guild — a final offer last Tuesday when talks broke off between the Guild and the company. Guild business agent Doug Towill says the offer was discussed with the members Saturday, but was consid- ered “totally inadequate.” “The offer is far from acceptable,” ‘Towill said. He added that the company moved considerably from its first offer, but he said the final offer is far from “If we have to go on stroke, we will go on strike, “Towill said. The towboat workers voted 100 per cent in favor of strike action nearly a month ago. The Guild is now awaiting an official report from mediator Jim Toogeod be- fore planning strike action.