Cap Mall contest criticized Dear Editor: The North Shore Women’s Centre would like to express iis regret. over the continucd cecur- rence of the Litthke Miss Capilano Mall Contest. What baffies us is the persistent use of the Capilano Mall mer- chants’ carefully budgeted adver- tising dollars on a marketing Strategy that, by focusing on such a limited consumer group, effec- tively ignores an inestimable pro- portion of the spending popula- tion. Surely, the undoubtedly weil- paid advertising agency repre- senting Capilano Mall can think of a more innovative and produc- tive way to attract customers. The imaginative manager of a well thought-out public relations campaign need not raise the pro- file of a shopping mall by isolating a narrow group of socie- ty — in this case cute, able-bodied and able-minded little girls — as the only group of children worthy of attention. What an outrageous affront to all the children, and parents of ’ children, who by virtue of genetics MAILBOX and in spite of myriad other praiseworthy qualities, do not qualify for the attention of the advertisers — as if their consumer dollars were worth any less at the bank! Instead of a ‘beauty’? contest, why not sponsor an event on essay writing, or art, or science? It could focus on a current theme, such as world peace or en- vironmental awareness. It need not be a competition, but an event in which each child expresses him/herself to the best of her/his abilities in the format of her/his choice. Each child could be awarded a book of discount coupons for the stores in the mall, just for entering. Given that the primary objec- tives of an event such as the Little Miss Capilano Mall Contest are to improve public relations and at- tract. business, this idea has better potential than the traditional **beauty”’ contest format. To begin with, it could be pro- moted as an equal opportunity event, rather than one that ex- cludes all but a select group of children. Most couriers can carry chemicals Dear Editor: I must take exception to your front page headline of April 17. The headline implies that the carrying of chemicals by courier is not @ common practice. On the contrary, chemicals are couriered every day in and out of North and West Vancouver. These dangerous goods are, in the great majority of circumstances, handled safely and securely by the major courier companies. As a driver for Loomis Courier I have taken two courses in the last five years to obtain and keep my dangerous goods permit. Any driver at Loomis who does not have a dangerous goods permit does not handle dangerous goods. I would venture to say that this is the situation with reputable courier companies. Those in charge of policing the Dangerous Goods Act should focus their energies on companies who distribute dangerous goods but do not use licensed couriers. Companies that use fly-by-night and unregistered couriers may eventually cause a loss of life to save a buck. Alan Kuhnert Burnaby News Mailbox policy LETTERS TO the editor must in- clude your name, written legibly, your ful! address and telephone number. Due to space constraints the News cannot publish all letters. Published letters may be edited for brevity, clarity, accuracy, le- gality and taste. Campaign to Elect David chreck Social Credit changed the voting rules - you can no longer register on election day. Check to see if you have a voter identification card with your current. name and address. To get a registration form or change your address, call the Registrar of Voters at 660-6848 Call David Schreck and talk about the issues that concern you. 980-5957 Sunday, May 5, 1991 ~ North Shore News - 7 \ ARDAGH HUNTER TURNER Barristers & Solicitors Personal Injury FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION Crminai Matters Only FAX 926-3181 __ 986-4366 986-9286 #300-1401 LONSDALE NORTH VANCOUVER, BC. AFTER HOURS Further. by cpening entrance to a wider group of children, and giving out coupon books to each ° of them, this idea has the poten- Wal to attract a greater number of customers to the mall. {deally, the North Shore Women’s Centre would like to see an end to ‘‘beauty’’ pageants because the public rejects the ob- jectification of a portion of the population on the understanding that such exploitation is detri- mental to the whole population. But if we achieve the same end because it makes better marketing sense, so be it, 988-6321 Kenneth J. Baxter Lawyer 310- 145 Chadwick Court. North Vancouver (just south of the market — next to the Seabus) Lonsdate Quay Plaza Readers who agree with this point of view are welcome to con- tact the North Shore Women’s Centre for a copy of this fetter, which they can sign and send to the management of Capilano BY S. LAURSEN DRAPERIES ae § CUSTOM DRAPERIES Mall. The Women’s Centre is a AND VALANCES located at 103-145 West 15th St., Labour $7.50 per panel 984-6009. It is open Monday, unlined, $8.50 lined Wed " iday 9: ao mt Friday 930 CUSTOM BEDSPREADS AND COVERS The Board North Shore Women’s Centre Low, low prices on blinds and tracks For FREE Estimates Call 987-2966 Serving the North Shore for 19 years hten Mom’s Day! Blossoms & Bows Bouquet in a porcelain container is SUNDAY Spring Garden Bouquet in a painted basket from 3 Gms Designer's Choice... Worldwide Florai Creative Delivery Bouquets ‘ea trom SO? WEST VAN FLORIST LTD 1821 MARINE DRIVE, WEST VANCOUVER, B.C. V7V 1d7 922-4171 FAX: 922-9735 922-3968 Thank Mom with Flowers!