The Town Talk from Alexandria, Louisiana • Page 1

9aHg Wm 15 Cents Alexandria-Pineville, Saturday, November 27, 1976 Vol. 94 No. 256 Two Sections 36 Pages Today might be a good day to stay inside and watch television or catch up on chores. It will be too windy or too wet for much outdoor activity. The chance of rain is 40 per cent today and 50 per cent tonight.

Southerly winds from 10 to 15 miles per hour Deadlock is Broken At Rhodesion Talks WINDY fj Ml Weather will shift to the northeast at 20 to 25 miles per hour late today. Today's high of 70 will drop to the upper 30s tonight. Sunday's high will be near 50. Map, details on A-5. The last resort George Will warns us to stand by for "the last resort," as New York Mayor Abe Beame calls it, in the city's bid to ease its financial pinch without any further budget-cutting.

A-4. Speca reasons for thanks One of them, he said, involved writing "the British government" instead of "they." Mugabe and Nkomo said only that: "Britain accepted our amendments." "There is movement," Nkomo said. Muzorewa, president of the African National Council and the man with the largest popular black support in Rhodesia, threatened to leave Geneva unless there was progress in the talks by next week. "Already the granting of independence to Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) has been delayed by one month while some people are wining, dining, bickering and dithering in expensive, luxurious and posh hotels," Muzorewa said. Muzorewa's aides said the black leader was referring to Mugabe and Nkomo, both of whom are staying in high-price hotels.

The conference is estimated to costs about $10,000 a day just for accommodation and transport for the six conference," Richard said. Conference officials had said Richard would consider adjourning the talks if the nationalist leaders turned down Britain's latest bid. The two "Patriotic Front" leaders had stalemated the negotiations since they began Oct. 28 by demanding Dec. 1, 1977, as a binding independence date.

British spokesman David Brighty said the Monday meeting between Richard and the two nationalists will involve the structure of an interim government to run Rhodesia pending full majority rule independence. Richard already had preliminary discussions on the interim regime with the two other black leaders at Geneva, Bishop Abel Muzorewa and the Rev. Ndabandingi Sith-ole, as well as with the white minority government delegation led by Foreign Minister Pieter van der Byl. Brighty said the two amendments demanded by the two "Patriotic Front" leaders were "small textual changes." GENEVA, Switzerland (UPI) The month-old deadlock in the Rhodesia peace conference over the date for majority independence in Rhodesia was broken Friday, setting the stage for negotiations on the form of an interim government. Chairman Ivor Richard of Great Britain said after a meeting with the two Nationalist "Patriotic Front" leaders that on Monday the conference will get down to ways of setting up a pre-independence interim government.

"Patriotic Front" leaders Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo accepted with two minor textual amendments Britain's compromise proposal to set the independence deadline for March 1, 1978. "I am happy to say that I will have a bilateral meeting with Mr. Mugabe and Mr. Nkomo on Monday to discuss the next stage of the conference," Richard told reporters after a two-hour meeting with the two nationalists. "The date issue will no longer hold up the work of the One Alexandria church had special reasons for thanks and held services Thanksgiving Day to praise God for His blessings on them.

Church, A-7. Use of Unleaded Gas Rising Charles Robb: LBJ's son-in-law likely to enter politics in Va. People, A-13. -A Lucy puzzle A specially created crossword puzzle about Lu 1 If IPm Vl I cille Ball celebrates the famous red-head 25th anni versary in the field of broadcasting. Page 12 of the Weekender.

about two years ago but has accelerated mainly in the past 18 months, as older-model cars are discarded. Dan Jones, with Pine Plaza Shell Service Station in Pineville, said he too thinks emphasis on unleaded fuel will decrease over the years. Like Chandler, Jones said a number of persons he estimated three per cent have removed the anti-smog devices. By removing the equipment, Jones said customers can save three to four cents per gallon since unleaded normally is slightly more expensive than regular or premium. Jones also said he believes mileage ratings are better with regular fuel.

However, Jones said anti-smog devices should not be removed since the engine parts are already designed for unleaded fuel. Al Fisher, who operates Fisher's Texaco Service Station on MacArthur Drive, noted Federal Energy Administration (FEA) guidelines prohibit stations from pumping regular fuel into unleaded tanks. "We could be fined if we do this," Fisher said. "I see no disadvantage (to unleaded fuel) if the car is properly tuned," Fisher added. Henry Garrett, with MacArthur and Stimson Mobil, said the station sells about an equal amount of regular and unleaded fuel.

Garrett said unleaded fuel is desirable since the line does not clog up spark plugs as easily. Yet, Garrett said some small stations in outlying areas may not have unleaded fuel. If a vehicle is designed for unleaded gasoline and only regular is available, Garrett said he would not hesitate to use the latter but only for one tank, "One tankful wouldn't damage the car, but continual use would," Garrett said. Both Fisher and Garrett said they are uncertain whether unleaded gasoline will continue to receive maximum fuel priority. By Billy Hathorn Town Talk Staff Writer Area residents are purchasing unleaded gasoline in increasing volumes since most newer-model cars require the special fuel, according to a survey of area service stations.

Each station representative contacted said the supply of unleaded fuel appears adequate both here and throughout the nation. "In fact, we had to switch to a larger are selling more unleaded than premium or regular," explained Dan Chandler of MacArthur Drive Exxon Servi-center. Chandler said the location of his station near several car dealerships may increase demand for unleaded fuel since newer vehicles pass through the general area. Despite the environmental advantages of unleaded fuel, Chandler said he is not certain whether use of the special gasoline will continue indefinitely. "I just don't think it (unleaded gas) will have taken off the (anti-smog) converters so they can use regular (gasoline)," Chandler said.

Chandler said he believes regular gasoline gives better performance than unleaded, assuming the automobile engine is equipped to handle the traditional fuel. Bill McArthur, who operates a MacArthur Drive Gulf station, said only about one in 1,000 customers he has observed has removed the converter. McArthur said unleaded gasoline is desirable since "it keeps a lot of carbon dioxide from being put out." Unlike Chandler, McArthur said he sees no real difference in engine performance between regular and unleaded gasoline. But McArthur said some vehicles originally made for low-lead fuel cannot use pure unleaded without developing a "ping" in the engine. Nevertheless, the "ping" is not a symptom of engine problems, McArthur explained.

McArthur said emphasis on unleaded gasoline began 'George Burns special' George Burns, a sprightly younster at 80, is ha sy as ever with singing and dancing on his TV spe cial and playing "God" in his latest movie. Page 3 of the Weekender. Battered wives Knowing police are hindered in attempts to help victims of wife-beating, the Fort Worth Community Action Program has established a shelter for bat tered wives to "give them a place to go." Focus, A-3. Area students make 'Who's, Who' A story on today's Campus Page lists area who have been selected for the 10th annual of Who's Who Among American High School A-20. The True Spirit of Christmas Is Giving Ski! Drive Begins Mm Halperin: Sas FBI arranged murder of Black Panther leader.

A-16. The spirit of giving is the spirit of Christmas itself. It is this spirit of giving which has made the Doll and Toy Fund what it is today. For the past 49 years, Alexandria and area residents have had the opportunity to brighten Christmas Day for hundreds of disadvantaged youths through contributions to the Doll and Toy Fund. The miracle of Christmas includes bright wrapping paper, ribbons, gifts and special foods.

But several hundred area families who live on subsistence Incomes might not be able to witness that miracle this year. The more fortunate residents of the area can see that Christmas Day is a happy time for hundreds of families. A contribution to the Alexandria-Pineville Doll and Toy Fund will help ensure that the miracle of Christmas takes place in every area household this year. The goal of the annual drive sponsored by the Alexandria Rotary Club and The Town Talk is to provide at least one gift for each needy child in the area. Please help support this worthwhile program by mailing your contribution to the Doll and Toy Fund, Alexandria Daily Town Talk, P.O.

Box 7558, Alexandria' 71301. 1 Ma. Lester Burch, commander of the Salvation Army unit here, rings the bell at the kettle in front of the U.S. Courthouse Friday as the annual fund-raising drive got underway. Volunteers will man the kettles at 20 locations in Alexandria and Pineville to raise $20,000 to help the needy and patients in nursing homes.

The Alexandria Fire Department won the trophy for being the top fund-raising organization during last year's drive. Needy families wishing to apply for a Christmas food basket may do so at SA headquarters on Beauregard Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Dec. 10.

(Town Talk Photo by John F. Jones.) Vn-v DAYS TO CHRISTMAS Steel prices hiked Davis Calls for Probe of Special Ed Center Four more major American steel companies raised the cost of sheet steel by six per cent Friday. The prices, amounting to about $15 per ton, take effect Wednesday. A-12. now are "doing just beautifully" in public schools.

Davis admitted some students have been withdrawn from the school this year, but he said they have been "very few." The school has about 120 students. Davis said he has mailed a letter to A.J. Roy, president of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, asking that members set a date for an investigative hearing at the next meeting Dec. 16. He contended that a "fair and objective" review of the school by experts in the field of special education will prove that the center is "one of the finest in the United States." "Like all schools that work with the handicapped, ours is not 100 per cent successful in treating, educating and rehabilitating its students," he said, "but we do an excellent job with the funds and personnel available to us." The superintendent noted he was not informed about the subcommittee meeting Wednesday.

"I certainly would have been there if I'd known about it," he said. "I suggest all witnesses be put under oath and be subject to cross-examination and that the whole affair be opened to the public and the press," he said. Davis characterized the "witnesses" as "a small group of dissatisfied parents and a few disgruntled former employes." He said he "sees a motive" in the parents' action but declined to say what that motive might be. He also said he knows who the complaining former employes are but would not name them. One of the parents, Mrs.

Ruth Brooks of Alexandria, told the subcommittee on special education that children at the center were being denied help in physical therapy, special therapy and in education because teachers were not allowed to practice in their fields. The parents charged children are not instructed In basic reading and arithmetic and are "never taught self, help." Mrs. Brooks and two other mothers said they withdrew their children from the school and that the children By Jo Tubb Town Talk Staff Writer The superintendent of the Special Education Center here has called for a "thorough, complete" investigation of allegations the school is providing only a "watered-down version of education." Wade H. Davis called for the probe Friday following charges made Wednesday by a group of Alexandria area parents before a joint legislative subcommittee in Baton Rouge. The parents alleged they widthdrew their children all cerebral palsy victims from the school after learning that teachers were not properly prepared, education programs were deficient and proper equipment was lacking.

Davis termed the parents' charges "completely false." He said an investigation of the school by "qualifed experts" would reveal "truth and fact rather than heresay and rumor." Regular Features Ann Landers A-3 Business, Markets A-12 Campus Church A-6 Comics, Crossword, Horoscope A-15 Editorials A-4 Focus A-3 Obituaries A-2 Sports A-8 TV and Movies A-13 Want Tomorrow The Town Talk will feature: Advice from an international cosmetologist. A story on the musical Epley family. A feature on a Louisiana College professor who boiled under someone else's steam. A look at how the Veterans Administration Hospital has solved its massive laundry problems. uiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiiiiMiiitni itiHiMiiiiiii mill iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiuiHiiiiiiiniiiii Indigestible Food for Dieters? T.C.

Brister Dies T. C. Brister, 80, a former state representative and Pineville businessman died at 9:45 p.m. Friday in Rapides General Hospital after suffering a heart attack. He represented Grant and Rapides Parishes from 1940-44, 1948-52 and 1968-72.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Mary Louise Blum Brister of Pineville; three daughters, Mrs. Kathleen Martin of New Iberia, Mrs. Margaret Allen of Pineville and Mrs. Marleen Gough of Clinton, one brother, Alton Brister of Pineville; four sisters, Mrs.

Calvin Perkins of Grant and Mrs. A. K. Ammen, Mrs. J.

Hugh Smith and Mrs. Gordie Marshall, all of Pineville, and nine grandchildren. Services are tentatively set for Sunday at 2 p.m. in (Turn to Page A-2) some think might be the answer to many an overeater's prayers indigestible food. Dr.

George Bray, a professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, expects that within three years or less, it will be possible to consume food which will pass through a person's body largely without being digested. The result would be a reduced caloric intake. By The Los Angeles Times LOS ANGELES As the post-Thanksgiving depression sets in and the post-Christmas and New Year depressions loom just over the next pumpkin pie, there may be good news for those who revel in gluttony but worry over gained weight. For business and science are joining together once again to develop what I.C. Brlstcr fm mi iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiitiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiti iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiiuiitiitiniiiiniiiiiiiiiiiimiiiMiiiiitiiiiHiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiii.