om by Ralph Nader White House would at least pay lip service to consumer protec- tion, President Nixon’s recent “Human Resources’ message to Congress scrapped it. The to ‘CoRsumer Affairs’ was a dismal declaration of no int- erest. Where previous Presidents have spoken about market place abuses of the consumer’s pocketbook, health and safety, President Nixon praises busi- ness and industry. Blithely ig- noring the massive evidence of price-fixing, gouging, decep- tion, and product hazards accu- mulated by his own agencies, not to mention the volumes of Congressional testimony, he re- fuses to make one specific re- commendation to the Congress for advancing consumer jus- tice. He speaks not of the great need for prosecuting businesses who violate existing federal consumer laws. Instead, the President tries to explain officially the shift of the White House Office of Con- sumer Affairs to the Depart- ment of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW). This is the small office under Virginia Knauer whose only reason for being listened to at all was that it was located under the Pre- sident’s wing. As such its em- barrassing non-assetiveness for consumer causes often reflect- ed on the White House directly. i President’s principal effort in" the past year on con- sumer matters was to oppose or undermine key legislation pending in Congress, such a spotlight was uncomfortable to his powerful aides. So the deci- sion was made to transfer the office into some obscure niche in the gigantic HEW bureau- cracy. “From this new base,” the President emphasized in his message, ‘‘the Office of Con- sumer Affairs will continue its policy formation role and edu- cational efforts, and will also take on additional responsibil- ities, including representing consumer interests in testimony before the Congress and acting as a general ombudsman for the individual consumer:’’ These are not ‘‘additional’ responsibilities at all. The Office has had them all along. It is such deception that per- suaded everyone in the Office that they were being decidedly downgraded. To keep up ap- pearances, Mrs. Knauer will continue to have an office under the White House complex. But it is merely a pretense. Mrs. Knauer is deeply dis- appointed but she has learned to preside over her ineffectual do- main with a political facade of eager compliance. The most direct responsibility for this final abdication of the White House in consumer pro- tection falls on the loyalist shoulders of Caspar Weinber- ger, Secretary of HEW and White House czar over all con- sumer matters in the federal government. He was in charge of preparing the ‘Human Re- sources’ message and ap- proved the Presidential sweep of the hand to the plight of millions of American con- sumers. Mrs. Knauer’s office was not permitted to have any input. And for the second year running there is no special Pre- sidential consumer message planned. < Readers might be interested to know what a liberated Knauer office would have put into the message. First, there would have been support for an independent Consumer Protec- tion Agency to represent: con- sumers before federal agencies. Pro-business White House aides blocked this bill in Congress last year. Second, added powers to the Federal Trade Commission, supported by the President two years ago but now dropped, would have been urged upon the legislature. Third, stronger amendments to the auto safety law and new warranty and guarantee reform legislation action to allow consumers to sue a company as a group and fed- eral reform of auto insurance would ‘also have been on the Office’s priority list. These sug- gestions never had a chance. Chalk up another withdrawal of Presidential responsibility. For the purchaser of food and other price-rocketing goods and services, it’s back to ‘let the buyer beware.” So, if you don’t like being ignored as a con- sumer in distress, send the White House a message, with carbon copies to your Congress- man. Lie by William Ecenbarger The sound and fury over no- fault automobile insurance in the Pennsylvania Legislature that no-fault’s greatest poten- yers—it is the state Constitu- tion. And it is quite likely that no- fault’s Armageddon will be No-fan¥ is designed to lower premium costs and speed pay- ment of aims by reducing the number Pf instances where accident victims must resort to costly legal action to recover damages. It does this by providing that accident victims be reimbursed for actual losses by their own insurance companies, regard- less of who was to blame for the accident. Only if medical ex- penses exceed a given amount can they sue for additional in- tangible losses, sometimes called “pain and suffering” damages. But Article III, Section 18, of the . Pennsylvania Constitution seems to say that, with the ex- ception of workmen’s compen- sation insurance, there can be no law that limits the amount— amount is the key word— citizens can recover in damages for injuries. The Shapp administration’s by R. A. Minor, D.V.M. With Easter just around the corner, many parents are thinking of buying baby chicks or duckligss as pets for their children (¥ These pets can bring much joy into the home at Easter time because of the delight they give small children. However, I would like to offer a few words of caution about these pets and salmonella. Salmonella infection comes from the family of bacteria that causes food poisoning and gastrointestinal upset in animals and man. There are over 1,200 types of salmonella bacteria, one of which causes typhoid fever. Public health authorities have indicated that baby chicks, ducklings and turtles are notorious carriers of salmonella as well as vehicles of infections. According to these officials, ducks and chicks ‘‘are recognized as one of the largest can predict with certainty, a marked ingrease of salmonella infection fin children in the weeks following Easter. In young birds, signs of salmonella include drowsiness, weakness and diarrhea. Ducklings become dehydrated, begin trembling and gasp for air. Symptoms of the salmonella infection in man include fever, bloody diarrhea. Often this Harveys Lake Police New 24-Hr. Number 675-5259 infection can result in extended hospitalization. Generally, salmonella is not a fatal disease for humans. However, the infection can be quite dangerous for infants and elderly adults. Children, who often spend more time playing with baby chicks and ducklings, are more susceptible to the disease. Salmonella is a com- municable type disease that can be spread to other members of the family and friends. Children ranging in age from three months to six years usually have personal hygiene habits that contribute to the spread of contamination and infections. Kissing a pet, a popular habit of children, should never be allowed. Both children and adults who are chronic fingernail biters, have become seriously ill with the salmonella infection after handling .or close association with ducklings and baby chicks. Parents and teachers should always insist that children who handle these pets wash their hands after each contact. Also, any person responsible for the care of the pet should learn how to properly wash and sanitize their hands, clean the pet’s food bowl and other equipment, to avoid con- taminating the household en- vironment. There is no easy test for salmonella and pet stores that sell baby chicks and ducklings during the Easter season are required to guarantee the pets are free from the disease. However, if the baby chick or duckling you have purchased begins to show any of the signs of salmonella, check with your family veterinarian im- mediately to guard against the spread of this disease in your defense of no-fault’s constitu- tionality goes something like this: It does not restrict the amount that citizens can recover for in- juries, it only restricts the grounds on which they can bring lawsuits to recover damages. So long as they are on proper grounds, they can seek see fit. : This means that the individ- ual suffering permanent dis- figuration and running up substantial medical bills can seek compensation for intan- gible losses. But it also means that the victim who suffers chronic back pains from a acci- cal bills, cannot sue for ‘‘pain and suffering.” , A special’ committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association fault runs afoul of the Constitu- tion. While the Bar Association is hardly an objective source of conclusion of the 14-member committee was unanimous. Even the Shapp administra- tion has serious doubts about the issue—as evidenced last year in the ‘‘severability’’ con- troversy. There are two parts to a no- fault program; First, the limi- tation on lawsuits, which tends to lower premiums; second, the automatic benefits and compul- sory insurance, which tend to raise premiums slightly. The administration insisted that if the first part of no-fault were declared unconstitutional, the second part must fall with it. must not be ‘severable’ from the second part. The Shapp Administration would not be concerned about severability were it convinced that no-fault could pass consti- tutional muster. It’s equally true, of course, that the legal profession would not be fighting so hard against no-fault in the Legislature were it convinced it was unconstitutional. But in this istration has the most to lose. It took a similar risk two years ago on the state income tax—and lost. A 3.5 percent levy was struck down by the Supreme Court because it carried exemptions. It was re- tax, and the Shapp administra- tion is now belatedly seeking a constitutional amendment to permit a graduated tax. A flat income tax is unfair. So is the current automobile repar- ations system. But the Supreme Court will not: pass on the fair- ness of no-fault—only the con- stitutionality. And the admin- istration ought to be pressing right now for a constitutional amendment that would dispel the cloud over no-fault. November 1917. Dallas Township Wayne Scott, 22, RD 4, Dallas, and Ronnie Matosky, 23, 627 Avenue, C, West Wyoming, were involved in an accident March 16 at 7:20 a.m. at the inter- section of Fernbrook Road and Route 309. The Matosky vehicle was attempting to make a left turn off Fernbrook Road onto Route 309 as the Scott Volkswagen was traveling south on Route 309 when the cars collided. Dallas ambulance removed Mr. Scott to the Nesbitt Hospital. Mr. Matosky drove his car from the scene. Police Chief ‘Pete’ Lange investigated. There were three accidents March 18 in the Township. The first occurred at 1:45 a.m. when Fred Sokolski, 24, P.O. Box 15, Dallas, was traveling north.on Route 425 at approximately 50 m.p.h. and lost control of his 1968 Chrysler on an icy spot. His vehicle went into a slide and off the berm of the road into an embankment on Oval Drive. There were no injuries ac- cording to investigating officer Carl Miers. The second accident hap- pened at 7:55 p.m. on Route 309 when Frank’ Prokop, RD 2, and his car hit an icy patch, slid down a seven foot embankment, sideswiped a utility pole and crashed into a fence belonging to the Shady Side Dairy, Inc. Mildred Prokop was a passenger in the -car. There were no injuries and estimated damages were $1000 to the car and $50 to the fence. Patrolman Carl Miers investigated. The last accident occurred at 9:15 p.m. on Route 40054, one mile east of Lower Demunds Road. Harry Owens, 19, 210 Maple Ave., Trucksville, was traveling east when he saw a vehicle traveling west in the center of the road. Mr. Owens attempted to pull out of the way but the approaching car side- swiped his car and continued on without stopping. The hit and run car was described as a Chrome from the hit and run car was found at the scene of the accident. Estimated damages to the. Owens vehicle were $100. There were no injuries. Patrol- man John Apple investigated. Kingston Township Officer Berube Lohman in- vestigated an accident on Bunker Hill Road, south of the Dug Road intersection at 11:10 p.m. March 17. William Hughes, 17, 312 Roosevelt St., Edwards- ville, was traveling north and collided with George Wallace, 57, 71 S. Welles, Kingston, who was traveling south. Road conditions were hazardous. due to snow and ice. Estimated damage to each car was $250 and there were no injuries. Carverton Road was the scene of an accident March 14 at 7:40 a.m. when Curtis Donald Britt, 40, RD 3, Wyoming, at- tempted to pass a slow moving vehicle on a'curve. The Britt car went into the oncoming lane and Wilma Gordon, 21, 110 Staub Road, Trucksville, tried to pull off the road to avoid the ap- proaching Britt car. Officer William Pugh investigated. Mr. Britt was charged. There were no injuries. Estimated damages to the Britt car were $400 and $200 to the Gordon car. DALLAS BOROUGH The intersection of Lake Street and Honor Roll Road was the scene of an accident Friday. Police Chief Ray Titus, investi- gating officer at the scene, For The Record each measure by the elected below. official whose name appears March 15,1973 variety of programs serving senior citizens. The Landgrebe makes other changes wanted by the Administration. On the Mar. 14. the Whole. The resolution of the House into the Committee of the resolutions. While so convened, 100 members are required for a House votes. estimates the time of the ac- station wagon, driven by James Metar of 456 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre, pulled out of Honor Roll road, striking the side of a 1969 Datsun sedan, operated by Jeff Bruce Boyes, Country Club Road, Dallas, as he drove north on Lake Street. The car driven by 17 year old Boyes, and owned by his parents, Warren and Peggy Boyes, received an estimated $170 dollars damage. Mr. Metar, 25 had about $30 damage done to his vehicle. No one was injured. The roadway was wet as it was raining. At 3:45 p.m., March 11, officer Timothy Carroll investigated an accident at the intersection of Huntsville Road and Jackson Street. ‘Marie M. Higgs was backing the 1968 Plymouth coupe owned by John F. Higgs out of her driveway at 215 Huntsville Road, when she and an other car collided. That car, a 1969 Dodge coupe, was operated by Karl Anthony Wilks, 240 Brown St., Wilkes- Barre. Mr. Wilk was attempting to make a left hand turn on to Huntsville Road, off Jackson Street, dt the time of the in- cident. ! Mr. Wilk, who “carried no insurance, received an estimated $20 damage, while the Higgs’ car ‘received an estimated $250 worth. The road was clear and dry. No one was injured. Last Tuesday, Chief Ray Titus was called by the Dallas Acme to apprehend a shoplifter. The juvenile was caught and brought before the magistrate, where he was fined and then released. Chief Titus reports that he will soon order fingerprint dusting materials to aid the Borough police in investigative work. Up to now the Dallas assistance from the Township police when fingerprinting had to be done, as in the case of the recent stereo tape left at 'Elby’s parking lot. When John Paul Mihalick, 61° N. Main St., Shavertown, reported to Borough police the theft, patrol- man John Appel of the Town- ship police was called in to do the dusting. (In this case no fingerprints were found.) Scout Troop 281 To Recycle Paper Troop 281 is at it again. With six very successful paper drives, a seventh is now being planned for March 31 by the Dallas Boy Scouts. The troop is interested in ecology and plans to see that the paper is recycled. Residents, if contacted by a Troop 281 scout, should bundle and tie papers and store them in a dry place. Anyone not con- tacted can still help by deliver- ing tied and bundled papers to the parking area of the Dallas United Methodist Church. Papers will be accepted be- tween 9 a.m. and 12. John Juris is scoutmaster of the troop. Girl Scouts Earn Badges at Theatre Junior Girl Scout Troop 712 of Carverton met Friday at the Carverton Church to go by bus to King’s College where they saw display of Edgar Patience’s coal sculpture. This completed the requirement for the ‘Art in the Round badge.’ Following the display, the girls attended the Little Theatre to see “Life with Father.” The troop ‘Dramatic Badge’ was earned by attending the play. It Happened 10 Years Ago 1963 Lt. Col. Ross P. Hanna was killed March 16 in a collision ville. He had assumed com- Force Depot. 648th A C & W Squadron 15 months before. He tional Cemetery. Fire damages home of Henry Altemus, Tunkhannock Road, Noxen. Cause of fire was attri- buted to faulty wiring in wall next to the chimney. fire sub- dued by about 30 Noxen vol- unteer fireman. : Dallas Junior High School Chorus wins at Eisteddfod. Mimi Mohr won first prize in re- citation and third in a vocal solo. Dottie Philo was accom- panist. Joyee Hughes repre- sented the chorus in receiving the award. Linda Nicol accom- panied the chorus. Dallas ambulance gets hy- draulic cot. Kingston Township super- visors will arrange for new quarters as time draws near to vacate the township building. They await federal aid. Harveys Lake won Church Basketball League playoffs with a 66-54 decision over Huntsville. Minnie Sites, Noxen, is 80 years old. Mrs. Seth Howell, Shavertown is 75. Births: Son, Timothy to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wood, Shaver- town; daughter, Susan to Mr. and Mrs. Archie Williams, Leraysville; son, Shawn Patrick to Mr. and Mrs. William Murphy, Noxen; son, Richard David to Mr. and Mrs. Wood- ring Redmond, RD 3, Dallas; daughter, Cynthia Louise, to Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Martin, RD 1, Dallas; daughter, Janet Lee to Mr. and Mrs. John Paul, RD 1, Dallas; Died: John E. Williams, 50, owner of the Dallas Variety Store; John Kochan, 90, Har- veys Lake; Helen Thompson, RD 4, Dallas. It Happened 20 Years Ago 1953 Ross Township citizens op- posed raise in road taxes. Margaret Pilla, Philadelphia, was injured Sunday when the car in which she was a passen- ger failed to make the turn at the intersection of Rt. 115 and Harveys Lake Highway. Recently Captains Bruce E. Gover and Robert J. O’Hora, officers of the 402nd MP POW Camp, Wilkes-Barre, attended apre-camp conference at Camp Pickett, Va. The conference was in preparation for war game exercises which will take place this summer. Over two hundred officers representing army reserve units from all parts of the nation Lt. Gen. C. E. Hutchin Jr., 1st Army Commander, presented a speech stressing the impor- tance of the Army Reserve in local communities and for the protection and security of our nation today. The purpose of the conference Charles. Nuss will head Seventh Library Auction. Measles epidemic at Lake Ross reached its peak. iA Dr. Henry Laing Fire Com pany expected a new pumper Died: Mary E. Jones, Dallas; Frances Fisher Still, 90, Dallas. It Happened 30 Years Ago 1943 i Dallas Post Script Club re ceives national recognition. Edward Hartman, Trucks ville, insurance man, joins U.S. Cavalry. Farm repairs course taugh! by Zel Garinger wins acclaim o farmers. j Packs of wild dogs are killing large numbers of wild game Servicemen heard from: Lt Alex Wazeter, Tom Garrity Donald Metzger. Joseph Hudak Charles Kern, Clarence Mont ross, George H. Ray, John Cris pell, Larry Yeager, Carl Mis- son, Robert Covey, William Stritzinger, Lewis Culp, Eddie | Nafus, Edward Fielding, Ralph Parsons, Henry Metzger, Ben Brace, Harold Casterline, R. F. Sutton. Noxen was without a doctor for first time in a generation 4 red her office to Tunkhannock. Deaths: Maude Raub, 60, Kingston, formerly of Dallas; Wilson Frazer, Fernbrook. It Happened 40 Years Ago 1933 Applications for the postmas- tership of Dallas continued to mount. John Sullivan, former postmaster, has the strongest support. 3 Daniel Waters resigned as president of Dallas School Board at stormy session. : A. George Prater was en- dorsed as school director; Harry Bogart as tax collector; Lewis Evans as supervisor at a meeting of Shavertown voters. Luzerne County Emergency Gardens Committee distributed free seeds to the needy. Back- yard gardens were seen as a big aid in solving the food problem. The cost of educating a child this year was estimated at 48.7 cents a day. ae Hardy two-year rose bushes were selling for 25 cents. wit Raymond Heale, Died: Shavertown; Mrs. Eugene Fogle, 58, Dallas; Estella Brace, 80, Idetown; Robert E. Anwyl, 46, formerly of Beau- mont. : was preparation for exercises which will train the participants in command and staff problems in a simulated theater of operations, emphsizing interde- pendence among the military services operating as an Armed Forces Team. The actual war game exercise will take place at Camp Pickett, Va., between May 19 and June 2. This participation in the conference and exercise is an illustration of the 402nd MP POW Camp, its current Com- mander, Col. Harold Tretha- way, and the Army Reserve's continuous training in case of a situation in which they will be needed by our country. Earl Crispell and Elmer Boice. Boston and Earl Crispell. Crispell, Dale Clark. Delmar Besecker. Wentz R.N. and Len Roginski. Jim Faerber. Davis, Rick Williams.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers