PAGE 12, WEDNESDAY', MARCH 9, 1983, WHITBY FREE PRESS Report from Q ueen' s Park By The Hon. George Ashe, MPP (PC - Durham West) Fr::: Ontario Minister of Revenue W. In W9 5, the OntarioTravel Industry Act was esta- blished to proteet consumers involved in the pur- chase of travel services within the province. Under this legisiation: e AUl travel agents and wholesalers operating ln On- tario are requlred to register with the Government of Ontario a Compensation is provided to consumers who do not receive the travel services which they have paid for e Ail travel agents and wholesalers are responsible for truth in advertising eTravel agencies mnust be supervised by staff with travel expertise and experience. The Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations administers the Travel Industry Act and provides registration certificates to ail agents who comply with the legislation. If you are suspicions about the operation of a specific travel agency and wish to confirm their registration, a telephone cail to the Central Registration number (416-963-0446) wiil provide the required information. Ail registered agencies contribute to a compensa- tion fund which was developed to reimburse travellers who do not receive the travel services which they have paid for. Travel agents may also make a dlaim agalnst the fund if thay have compen- sated the consumer themselves or booked alternate travel arrangements at their own expense. There are, however, somne instances when a con- sumer can not make a dlaim againat the Travel Compensation Fund. If the consumer has been ad- vised that there is a non-refundable deposit required or service charges wli apply, these cosis will not be considered in assessing the dlaim, The maximum amount which each traveller may dlaim is $3,500. Legislation, such as the Travel Industry Act, assists in consumer protection, but the final respon- sibilîty remains with the consumer to ensure that al aspects of the purchase are thoroughiy investigated before the transaction is complete. The expression, "let the buyer beware", is an ex- cellent thought to keep in mind when finalizing any purchase - regardless of the amount involved. Coirrido r Capers r By MIARY MCEACHERN t/bS/ y CaIl 725-8167 wIth Items for this colunin. WHITBY WOMEN'S INSTITUTE The Whitby Women's Institute held their Febru- ary meeting at the home of Mrs. Caverly, Reedaire Court in Whitby, on Feb. 23 at 1 :30 p.m.- The meeting was opened by the vice-president, Mrs. Carr, due to the absence of the president, Mrs. Gregor. The meeting was assisted by Mrs. Smith. The institute ode and the Mary Stewart collect were repeated by mine members and one visitor. Following the business portion of the meeting, a lively discussion took place regarding the mnotto 'What will be - is'. Ail members took part, and many interesting ideas were voiced. Since the roll cail had been answered by a sentence using the word 'time', unfinished business contained plans for one of the members to attend a seminar in March at the Holiday Inn, sponsored by the Ministry of Agri- culture and Food. The subjeet of time was further investigated by the convenor, Mrs. Hepburn,, 'w ho gave ei talk on both educational and humorous aspects of the subject. The meeting was adjourned and a deliejous lunch- eon was served by the hostesses, Mrs. Noble and Mrs. Campbell. The March meeting of the Institute will be held at the home of Mrs. Acton, Reedaire Court, on March 23 at 1:30 p.m. Topic - Family-and Consumer Af- fairs.,Convenor Mrs. McCarl. Visitors welcome. PAPER DRIVE The cubs and scouts of this area will conduct a paper drive this Saturday. Please have your papers bundled and by the road no later than 9 a.m. OPTIMIST CLUB ORATORICAL CONTEST The Optimist Club of Whitby held their finals of the Oratorical Contest last week at the Silver Lan- tern Restaurant in Whitby. Six girls and two boys participated in the speeches. The winner for the boys section was Paul Visser of Stewart Street in Whitby. Paul chose, as the topie of his speech, 'Duties as a Page at Queen's Park'. Paul was presented with a plaque and a'metal and the opportunity to participate in the zone contest to be held in Etobicoke on April 14. Best of luck Paul. ST. MARK'S UNITED CHURCH The St. Mark's annual quilt show will take place at the church on, Thursday, March 10 fromn 2 to 9 p.m. More than 50 quilts wil be on display. There will be two quilts, Dresden Plate and Sunbonnet Girl, offered for sale. For your benefit, there will also be a quilting room with several of the quilting ladies on hand to answer any questions. Refreshments will be ser- ved. Volunteer donations would be gratefully ac- cepted. WESTMINSTER UNITED CHURCH 2Sth Anniversary Project - First major item, Pan- cake Supper, Saturday, March 12 at 5 p.m. $3 for adults and $1.50 for children under 12 years of age. Tickets may be obtained from members of the Finance Committee. Please caîl 725-8967 with news items for this Pl 0 no p7I 1-so c;M, -- fýw , pA march on City Hall Prouv 'messhouldn't be the only timne you get PiR osesPacc, CRAFTS AND COLLECTABLES Henry Street Hlgh, Sehool wll be hostlng a crafts and coilectables sale on Sunday, March 13 fromlo10a.m. to 4p.m. at the high school. Nursery crafts, home- made Easter eggs, Raggedy-Anne dolis, small antiques, and knitted crafts wil be featured. Refresbments wiil be available and door prizes wiil be drawn. There is stili space for interested vendors. Please caîl Mrs. Chorn- aby at 668-2731 for more information. loodge Tru(k] 1