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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1951-01-11, Page 1Fire Threatens other mem- I Pryde, former town The newly-elected mayor and council of the Town of Exeter were installed in office in an impressive inaugural service at the town hall at 11 o'clock Monday morning, fol­ lowed by a banquet at Monetta Menard's at noon. Teachers asked salary raise at EXETER, ONTARIO, THURSDAY MORNING, JANUARY 11, 19$1 EXETER’S FIRST TOWN COUNCIL . Dinney, William Webster, Eugene Beaver, Clerk C. V. Pickard, William McKenzie, A. L, Snelgrove, Roy Campbell. Seated: Reeve H. L. Snider, Mayor B. W. Tuckey, Deputy-Reeve W. G, Cochrane. —Jack Doerr, Exeter TABLE GUESTS — At banquet following the inaugural of the Town Council. B. W. F. Beavers., Warden H. Johnston, Mayor B, W. _ , Reeve Larry Snider and Clerk C. V. —Jack Doerr, Exeter HEAD From tlie left: Rev. C. L. Langford. Tuckey, A. Y. McLean, M.P., Thomas Pryde, M.P.P., Pickard. Council Confirms Park Transfer During Busy Afternoon Session year’s council to offer Riverview Park was upheld by the new town council Monday afternoon when they voted to convey the deed of land to the Hospital Association,, Decision of last as the hospital site The transfer was made in the face of opposition from a group of citizens who are petitioning to have the park kept creational area. Council, meeting ‘ in afternoon session after augural, the site tion of ficials. E. D. as a re­ a heavy their in­ approved a deputa- unanimously after hearing Hospital Association of- the the Newly-Elect Council And Guests Teachers Ask For $600 Raise for a $G00 the January meeting of the South Huron District High School Board Tues­ day night. Present average sal­ ary of the teacher is $2,950. “We’ve got to get more mon­ ey for teaching or go into some other line of work”, spokesman Andrew Dixon told the board. “We aren’t able to keep up to the cost of living.” Joseph Crech, the ber of the teachers’ delegation, read a signed resolution asking for a $600 per annum increase. “I would like you to considei’ this on a fail’ basis”, said Mr. Dixon. “We have a good school, a .good area and a good school board but we cannot have an ef­ ficient and capable staff without higher wages.” The board appointed a commi­ ttee to investigate. Attitude Change What may be a change in the board attitude towards rental of the when team of the use of the facilities. Previously the board granted the Maroons use of the gymtor­ ium for their leaque .games only at a cost of $25 per nfght. In reconsidering however, the board lowered its fee to $15 for league games and $5 for prac­ tice nights, which would be sub­ ject to the approval of the prin­ cipal. In supporting the motion, Ed Chambers, Stephen representa­ tive said, “The school should be made available whenever and not at an exhorbitant Organizations around Arva use of that school every in the week”, he said. Maroons were granted use of the auditorium on the condition that they sign no players who are students at the school. Department Inspectors and Norman Davies the high school two-day inspection gymtorium was effected the Maroons basketball asked for reconsideration Another Mill One week after a spectacular fire destroyed two grain elevat­ ors at Hensail, a new blaze threatened to raze another mill in the same district. An estimated $2,000 damage was caused by the flames which broke out in the top of the old Mickle’s grain elevator on Fri­ day. Credit for saving the building was given to Mrs. Lillian Hyde who spotted the smoke and promply turned in the alarm. Hensail, Zurich, Clinton and Exeter fire brigades extinguish­ ed the blaze before it got under­ way. . ‘ by an top of As scene, ing n appear more extensive than it was. The steam blew over the building and appeared as a heavy smoke, j. On Thursday of the week be­ fore, a $200,0.00 blaze destroyed the W. G. Tpompson elevators and contents of grain. Smoke was still rising from these ruins when the other fire broke out. Fire was believed caused overheated bearing at the ! the mill. firemen approached the steam from a train shunt- the tracks made the fire will possi- price. make night Cho ir To Sponsor Musical Festival The Huronia Male Choir sponsor a South Huron musical festival early in November, it was decided Tuesday night. T h e festival will promote competion among school childa- ren, church choir, instrumentalists of Representatives ent points in the area will form committee. School the area will be asked to up a syllabus. soloists and the district, from differ- South Huron an organization teachers of draw W. T. report­ board of the Laing congratulated the on the new school.“I T-A To Present Historical Series Page nine of this issue Bell and R. N. Creech, who appeared before council, said the park offered the only ideal location for the building and plans had already been drawn according to the contours of that land. E. D. Bell reviewed the selec­ tion of the site stating that the architect claimed it seemed to have everything a hospital would require. He explained that num­ erous sites had been examined but only the park had been found suitable. Consideration, he said, had to be given to drain­ age, noise, water supply, elec­ tricity, and accessibility of both nurses and patients. The Selec­ tion of the park had been ap­ proved by a public meeting of hospital subscribers. “I have been approached,” he said, “by citizens tOfc change the site. I want to point''out that it would be a very serious matter for the association to make this change, Plans are already drawn for construction on the park property. To change our plans will involve almost entire dup­ lication of the wdrk already done. “We would have to have new surveys made, new plans drawn and we are hot sure that a new site Will meet with, the approval of the Department of Health. Mr. Bell explained that a site across the river had been exam­ ined and found unsuitable. NoiSe from highway traffic was in­ creased and It was too far away from the business section for nurses. “Further,” he said, “from the standpoint of cost to the town, new hydro lines, roads and water mains would have to .be contracted.” “We believe the beauty of park will be enhanced by hospital. Only two or three trees will be removed.” The hospital, he said, would not prevent child­ ren swimming in the river. Councillor Snelgrove asked “Would it not be a .greater asset to the town if it were across the river where it could be seen from the road.” Councillor Beaver said it would be difficult to get access. Deputy-reeve Cochrane stated it would cost the town more money. Councillor Campbell asked that the outlet for the hospital drain be constructed belowt the dam so that it would not affect children who would swim there. Mr. Bell stated that no drain would be laid without the ap­ proval of council. With ,this con­ dition, Reeve Snider and Coun­ cillor Beaver moved that the deed for tile park be transferred to the Hospital Association. .It was passed in council. Reeve Snider explained that the $900 contract foi* laying of sidewalks was let at the last meeting of council because con­ struction companies were too busy during summer time to tackle the job and that winter was an ideal time to have it laid. The contract covered widening of Main Street between Snell Bro­ thers garage and Huron Street. Reeve Tuckey asked that con­ struction be laid over. “We can do it cheaper and easier in the summer time.” Mr. Watd Fritz appealed to Council for refund of drain as­ sessment and Requisition Of dam­ ages, He stated that since the built drain had been laid near his north end service station in 19 46 he has had a lot of losses and trouble since the drain was put in. He said water in the base­ ment had been as high as 21’ inches and that the floors as well as business had bedn dam­ aged. Council referred it to com­ mittee to investigate. Salary for the mayor was set at $300 a year and councillors at $5 per meeting. Chief con­ stable John Norry was reappoint­ ed for 19 51. Mayor Tuckey, in supporting the constable, said “We have had no serious trouble in Exeter. I see no reason why we should set up an expensive police organization when, on the overall picture, the present setup is satisfactory.” An invitation was extended to the Huron Federation of Agri­ culture to hold their annual field day in the Exeter Community Park. Kinsman Don Southcott waited on council in regard to house­ numbering. He explained that there were several fundamentals of the house-numbering plan -—Please Turn to Page Ten | Laing ed to after a school. Mr. board think it will not be surpassed in communities of this size. You have done your planning very carefully and very skillfully. The school is being conducted in an admirable and efficient fashion. You have a good staff and a student body we admire very much.” “I think,” he said, “you are fortunate in having Mr. Sturgis as your principal. The result of his work show’s up in everything you see around you.” —Continued on Page Ten con­ tains historical material dealing with the early development of the town of Exeter. It is the beginning of a series of articles in which the Times'- Advocate will attempt to pre­ sent the many factors responsi­ ble for the .growth and prosperi­ ty of Canada’s ne*W"§s?xtown and its district. Additional copies of the edi­ tion will be available at the office for those who wish to send them to friends and rela­ tives or preserve them for hist­ orical reference. Petition Circulating Against Use Of River Park For Hospital Site Citizens who feel that River­ view Park should be maintained as a recreational area and should not be used as a site for the South Huron Hospital are cir­ culating a petition to that effect among ratepayers in the town. Strength of the petition can­ not be determined since relative­ ly few have been contacted. However, the group in charge feel they will have considerable support when the petition has been thoroughly circulated. In their protest against the use of the park, the citizens point out that they are not op­ posed to the construction of a hospital. They would like to see it erected on another site. The petition, addressed to members of the town council, reads as follows: “That the land known as Riverviewe Park in the town of Exeter should now and hence­ forth be used and maintained as a public park only, and further that the gift of the land for use as a site for the South Huron Hospital be considered and res­ cinded. “In support of the petition, we submit: 1. Another suitable site for the hospital is available. “2. Exeter needs Riverview Park as a public recreational area. “3. The original purchase of the land was for park purposes. “4. Many citizens and societies have given of their time and money to the development of Riverview Park as such, and their hopes and labours should be recognized and protected.” Shavelln Helmets Korean Bands, Children Greet Canucks From his tent outside the city of ptisan in Korea, Private Bob Nicol writes o f climbing moun­ tains, shaving in helmets, and the reception Canadian troops got when they arrived in the war-torn Asiatic country. Bob, Who formerly worked at the Times-Advocate, is with the Special U. Pats. He says arrival in and a group of Korean children waving Union Jacks. You would never know here was a war in Korea by the city of Pusan, Bus­ iness goes on as usual,” N. Brigade of Princess “We were greeted on Korea by two bands “W© are quartered in tents just outside the business section and we get into night. There is a 10 few for servicemen. There is ho show of the boys got a Christmas tree to-day and put it in front of the tent So it looks a bit more like Christmas time. ‘There are mountains all round us, We have had to climb them several timfes. The Koreans have their temples up on the mountains and they bury there dead up there. ■ “We can get a shoeSshine for four cigarettes, a large bundle of town every o’clock cur- here. Some laundry done for thirty cents, and uniforms pressed fofe, about twenty cents. “We get paid in American Military Script and have to get it changed in Korean wan to buy anything in the stores. You get 4,0'00 wan for an American dollar. “We eat outside and have to shave out of steel helmets in the morning,” Early in December, members of the T-A sent a food parcel to Bob. He received it on December 2.2. “I was glad to get it”, he said, "The boys sure enjoyed the cake.” Among those present were Warden Harvey Johnston; A. Y. MacLean, M.P.; Thomas ~ M.L.A., county officials, reeves, _ local clergymen, officials' and a number of inter­ ested citizens. Clerk C. V. Pickard before ad­ ministering the oath of office •congratulated the members on their election to the first council of the Town of Exeter. “Your fellow citizens have shown con­ fidence in you,” he said. “But I believe you are to be particular­ ly congratulated on the fact that, in spite of being very busy men, you are willing to give your time to carry on the busin­ ess of your town. I believe it speaks well for the future town when we find so young men at the council he continued. “Exeter ehanged from to a town in one day, but the growth and development that made the change possible did not take place in a single day. It has been brought about by the work and industry of many people. Gentlemen, you are now about to take your place in that line of good Pickard. The oath administered and then to council. Mayor Tuckey remarks quoted said that he felt as though he should be on his knees instead of his feet. “We will need all the help possible to guide this town in the days that are yet to be,” he said. “Under the muddled conditions of the world, to-day it will be our duty to try to guide the town along the best paths possible. He congratulated the reeves and council and be­ spoke a Successful year togeth­ er. We will not always agree, but after a question has been discussed and decided we should all get behind with our should­ ers to the wheel. One suggestion that had been made to him was an Old Boys re-union but Mr. Tuckey was dubious of holding one this year. He expressed ap­ preciation turned Rev. ed on stated be the first to address the new Mayor and Council. The Town was a handed down from the pioneers. Religion has an important place in our public life. To go forward we need divine direction and guidance. Rev. Donald Sinclair led prayer. Larry Snider Larry Snidei’ said it was honor to be the first reeve the town of Exeter. Exeter, said was a good town. We have good officials and a good of boys to work with. W. G. Cochran^ W. G. Cochrane said it privilege and an honor to __ first deputy-reeve of the town of Exeter. He said it was the youngest town in Canada and he thought the newly-elected coun­ cil with an average age of about 3 7 was about the youngest town council. It was difficult to for- cast the spending of the council as the municipal treasury was already taxed. Warden Cecil Johnston Mr. Johnston brought greet­ ings from Huron County Council. He spoke of the pleasant asso-, ciations when Mayor Tuckey was’ a member of County Council. He referred to ex-reeve A. J. Sweit­ zer “as one of the best workers we had in the county”. A. Y. McLean Mr. A. Y. McLean, M.P. preciated the invitation to present and congratulated members and Exeter on its pro­ gress. “Consideration should be given to those of other years who had worked to bring about such an Important step. Exeter was close to a major defence operation and much depended on the co-operation of the citizens of Exeter to the man in training as to the zeal and morale in Which they approached their work. Exeter is a town of which the county of Huron feels justly proud. Councillors Speak Councillors William McKenzie, Roy Campbell, Eugene Beavers, William Webster, Andrew Snel­ grove and Robert Dinney said It was an honor to be elected and promised faithful service. Conn* cillor Snelgrove hoped the park­ ing problem could be solved. of the many table.” village ■councils,” said Mr. of office was first to the Mayor Tuckey members of the in his opening a speaker who of those who had for the inauguration. J. Mahoney was call- a short address. He out H. for that it was an honour to legacy^ that had been in an of he bunch Thomas JPryde Mr, Pryde in congratulating the members stated that ’ the erection of Exeter to a town was an important step in its history and he felt the newly-elected would do a good job, “Exeter has been afflicted with growing pains and more and more re­ sponsibility has been thrust upon the council,” he said. With the dollar worth only half of what it used to be you get only half as much work for it to-day. A. 3. Sweitzer Ex-reeve Sweitzer congratulat­ ed the Mayor elect and the council and promised his hearty co-operation during the year. He came to Exeter in 1940 _ _ 1942 was elected to the council. One honor lie can hold of being the last reeve village of Exeter, stated Sweitzer. In referring to Snelgrove’s suggestion he stated that the parking problem had been a contentious one aggrav­ ated Jiy the fact that many of the business men of the town park their cars all day on • the street. However, signs have al­ ready been provided for a change from angle parking. Ex-Reeve B. W. F. Beavers Mr. Beavers congratulated the members stating that they were a body of busy men. With war clouds threatening the outlook for the future is not pleasant. With increased debentures to pay, new work to be undertaken there is bound to be an increase in taxes. “To succeed we must use careful judgment in the spending of our taxes. If things go wrong you will hear much about it, but when things .go right little .praise is given” said Mr, Beavers. A bouquet of flowers was pre­ sented the council on behalf of Bailey Florists by Mr. Beavers. County Officials County clerk, Norman Miller and Treasurer Harvey Erskine spoke briefly. In speaking of the increase in population and* of assessment during the past ten years. Mr. Miller, jokingly not­ ed, that the number of dogs had increased from 99 to 132. Mr. Erskine in his remarks stat­ ed that the council had a well experienced Clerk to guide them in -Mr. Pickard. Banquet Followed At the close of the meeting the council, officials, visitors and clergy were well entertained to a banquet at Monetta Menard’s restaurant. In concluding the banquet a toast was proposed to tht Kin'g; to the town of Exeter by Warden Harvey Johnston, re­ sponded to by Mr. Beavers. A vote of thahks was tendered to Mrs. Menard for the splendid banquet by Mayor Tuckey. and in is of that the Mr. Mr. was a be the ap- be the Hensall Buys Fire Equipment Hensall council authorized the purchase of more fire-fighting equipment at their regular meet­ ing Tuesday night. A delegation of 14 firemen ap­ peared before the council and considerable discussion took place. New equipment bought in­ cluded 6 smdll acid bottles,, two rubber coats, 2 rubber hats, 500 feet of 2/^ inch hose, one pair of electricians rubber gloves and leather mitts, two wrecking val­ ves and a 2 % inch .gate valve. Clerk, treasurer and tax col- Patterson was re- a salary of $1,000 W. Leonhardt was policeman and gen­ man at $150 per i. 500 lector J. A. appointed at ■per year. C. re-appointed Oral utility month. Salary of W. B. Cross, assessor was set at $200. Gov’t Buys Land Fifty-six acres of land has been purchased by the Depart­ ment of Transport from Mr. Harold Hunter, of Usborne. It Is Understood the land will be used by the R.C.A.F. In conjunction with Centralia station. Ho confirmation of the sale, of the land or its use has heed re­ ceived by officials at the airport. Trio Takes Trip Messrs. .Eldrid Simmons, Fred Ellerington and Donald Traqualh of town left by auto last Thurs- day for a trip to Florida. They wilt be joined in Mexico by Glen McTaviSh and a couple of Tor*; onto boys.