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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1954-02-04, Page 2Page 2 THE TIMES-ADVOCATE, EXETER, ONTARIO, THURSDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 4, 1954 This Journal shall always flight for progress, reform and public welfare, never be afraid to attack wrong, never belong to any political party, never be satisfied with merely print­ ing news. ____________________THURSDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 4, 1954___________________ Interest Wanes Need More Support For Exeter Fair Maclean’s Magazine Jottings By J.M.S. Eighty Years Banking In Exeter Health-Consciousness Required The Canadian Medical Association launched Health Week, 1964-., with the fol­ lowing statement: The Canadian Medical Association is glad to endorse the efforts of the Health League of Canada and to commend that organization on its sponsorship of National Health Week. .We all require to be remind­ ed of the advances which have been made in the conquest of disease and disability, for Canada’s record in this respect is a matter of pride. Pride without complacency should be our attitude because there remains much to be done before all of our fellow citizens can claim to enjoy that state of good health which we plan for them. Public health is largely a matter of self-help, since to take advantage of the knowledge and the services which are avail­ able, personal acceptance and an act of the individual’s will are required. The Chief Medical Officer of Health for Great Britain recently expressed this concept in the fol­ lowing words: "It is not sufficient that the man in the street should rest in a quiet ac­ ceptance of all the benefits of a steadily improving environment as if they were part of nature’s boundless provision." We have become so accustomed to hear­ ing of improvements in the nation’s health that we are inclined to regard them as auto­ matic. They are not so; they require each one of us to make efforts on behalf of our­ selves and our families. This is the message of National Health Week. Small attendance at the annual meeting of Exeter Agricultural Society last Wednes­ day afternoon is disheartening. In an area where agriculture is the principal and most important industry, it’s surprising there isn’t keener interest in the annual fall fair. No matter how energetic a small group may be, it cannot succeed in staging the type of fair this community should have un­ less it has the support of many in the area. If the reports are true that this year's exhibition will be the centennial of a fair in Exeter, then even more help will be neces­ sary to make it a special occasion. Regardless of this, however, there ar? many improvements that can be made in tin? fair if there were more support. Farmers and townsfolk should get be­ hind the Exeter Agriculture Society and make the fair a true showcase of this area’s activities and accomplishments. As the "TIMES" Go By HIIIIIIIHIlHlIIIIIIIHHIHIIHIfHUHIIIIimilllHIIIHHIIIIIillHIHIIilHIini On The Other Foot Protests of Canadian farmers about re­ strictions on exports of agriculture products to the United States appear unjustified in view of a recent action taken at the Federa­ tion convention in London last week. The convention endorsed a recommen­ dation of the poultry committee that the federal government restrict the import of New York state dressed and cleaned turkeys when Canadian production creates a surplus supply over domestic, requirements. If Canadian farmers do not want Unit­ ed States imports when their own production creates surpluses, they cannot blame United States farmers for asking similar action from their government. We Had Little Choice (The Financial Post, Toronto) Until next fall, Canada has agreed to restrict the export of oats to the United States. With large stocks of grain on hand this decision will certainly not ease our mar­ ket problems. But under the circumstances we had little choice. We did the same thing with potatoes a few years ago and for exactly the same rea­ sons? We may have to do it with other things until the U.S. Government rids itself of the huge and costly farm surpluses which have resulted from its policy of fantastically high floor prices. In quite a number of our farm exports to the United States, Canadian producers have Been sharing in this bonanza. While much United States farm produce was going into government storage at fancy prices, ours, selling at just a fraction, below, went into U.S. consumption. That sort of crazy business could not continue indefinitely. Either we would have to refrain voluntarily from shipping our stuff to the United States or Washington would shove up the bars. If Uncle Sam wanted to pay his own farmers fantastic prices that was his own business. But we could hardly expect him to extend such generosity to outsiders, at least for long. In this restriction on oat exports we have one more example of the grief that follows when the state takes over farm mar­ keting. In Canada, because our own govern­ ment is in this business too, we can hardly complain if some of the troubles spill over the border. Leadership Both Mr. H. H. Hannam, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, and Hon. L. B. Pearson, Canada’s minister of external affairs, believe that international co-operation is the solution for the problem of mounting agricultural surpluses. These men expressed similar views at the Federation’s convention in London last week. Mr. Hannam, for years an advocate of an international clearing house for disposing of food surpluses, suggested that Western countries might combat communism more effectively if food were given to people in unfortunate areas. "Military alliances may hold war at bay, but if Western countries are to give the world the kind of leadership which will assure freedom and peace they must co­ operate to convince millions who are in re­ volt against their conditions of life that de­ mocracy offers them more than any other ideology.” Mr. Hannam suggested "a good plaqe to start would be with food programs." Mr. Pearson, in his address to the con­ vention, agreed to some extent, although his idea of international co-operation appeared to be restricted to relations with the United States. The external affairs minister said some action in regard to food surpluses may come from the Canadian-U.S. talks on trade and economics which start soon. Perhaps this will be the start of a movement which will eventually involve- more of the western na­ tions. Canada led in the establishment of NATO as an international body to prevent war through the development of adequate defences. Our country should also lead in the movement to get Western nations to­ gether to try to solve trade and economic problems. The Rural Church " ‘We wouldn’t know our neighbors if we lost our rural church,’ a district farmer observed this week during a discussion in a local store," reports The St. Marys Journal- Argus. The editorial continues: "The talk was about the rural church and how some peo­ ple would like to see many of them closed down since it is pointed out that the people in the vicinity of each could easily transport themselves to larger centres. "‘We wouldn’t feel as much at home* going to a church farther away/ the same man added, and he pointed out how the church in each little rural community' brings the pegpie together in a regular fashion at least once each Sunday so that the little neighborhood keeps itself bound together. "We’ll grant you that neighborliness is important in a rural community and any- things which tends to help it along better is good. The rural church was the real com­ munity centre of the old days; it is still to­ day—and we are quite sure that even if and when every farmer acquires a jet-propelled helicopter the church on the corner of the Sth or the Sth—-or wherever it is—-Will still be one of the finest things about rural com­ munity life." Exeter toie£=gfobocate Times Established 1873 Amalgamated 1924 Advocate Established 1881 Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario An independent Newspaper Devoted to the Interests of the Town of Exeter and District Authorized as Second Class Mall, Post Office Department, Ottawa Member of tlie Canadian Weekly Newspaper Association Member of the Ontario-Quebec Division of the CWNA Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation Paid-in-Advance Circulation as of September 30, 1953 2,474 SUBSCRIPTION rates Canada (in advance) $8.00 per year — U.S.A* (in advance) $4.00 per year Published by The Exeter Times-Advocate Limited 50 YEARS AGO On Monday the railroad line was opened up from end to end but on Tuesday the fierceness of the storm increased and a genu­ ine blizzard completely blocked all rail traffic again. The storms of this winter are unprecedented. A meeting of Exeter business men in Dickson and Carling’s of­ fice was addressed by Messrs. N. M. Cantin and J. Savarin, of St. Joseph, representing the Inter­ national Flax Fibre Company, whose object was to interest the capitalists of Exeter in subscrib­ ing for stock in the concern. A debate, "Resolved that the cow is more useful than the horse", was conducted by the Literary Society with the affirm­ ative side led by Mr. Thomas Carling, Jr., and the destiny of the negative, in the hands of Mr. Arthur Wood. We are pleased to learn that the negative carried the day. During January the highest temperature recorded by the lo- ca weather bureau was 38 and the lowest 22° below zero. Snow reached a depth of 42 inches and fell on 20 out of the 31 days of the month. 25 YEARS AGO Large crowds attended a con­ cert by Mr. A. E. Greenlaw, bari­ tone soloist of Detroit, in James Street Church. He was assisted by Mrs. Greenlaw, elocutionist. A snowplow belonging to the Provincial Highways Department passed through Exeter on Mon­ day opening up the highway from Elginfield to Clinton. Attached to a heavy truck, it clears the road to a width of twelve feet. Mr. I. R. Carling, K.C., accom­ panied by his sisters, Misses Eizabeth and Mary Carling, left for Los Angles, Calif., Saturday. Miss Reta Rowe has accepted a teaching position at "The Hill School”, Toronto. Over 6 0 members of the L.O.L. attended the annual county lodge meeting in Exeter. It was de­ cided to celebrate July 12 in Wingham, with North and South Huron lodges participating. 15 YEARS AGO The Eastern Star Chapter or­ ganized last year, will soon move into new quarters in the Frayne building. T u c k e y Transport has pur­ chased the Forrest Transport of Brucefield and will extend their service in the north to Clinton and Seaforth. At the inaugural meeting of the arena committee, Thomas Pryde was elected chairman, F. A. May, vice-chairman, and W. G. Medd, secretary-treasurer. Four - week short courses in Agriculture and Home Eocnoinics catme. to a grand finale in Dash­ wood with a banquet and frolic in Tieman’s Hall. The Dashwood course had the largest enrol­ ment of any county course in the province, a total of 135. Gypsy Simon Smith spoke at services in Main Street United Church on Sunday and Monday. One of Exeter’s oldest resi­ dents, Alfred Hunkin, died in his eighty-seventh year. Exeter’s nefy school is fast nearing completion. Painters are at work and hydro installation and plumbing are well under way. 1O YEARS AGO Three new members to the Exeter Board of Education were appointed at the inaugural meet­ ing. R. E. Russell and Harold Whyte were elected by acclama­ tion to replace William Dearing who resigned and Lieut. W. G. Cochrane whose term expired. Dr. H. H. Cowen succeeded Mr. William May, county representa­ tive, who retired after serving for 22 yeai’s. A memorial service for Pte. Maclean’s Magazine ‘‘I can't imagine what they did with ♦heir money before we married them” Stewart Cann was held in Caven Presbyterian Church. Pastor H. Kendrick conducted the service. Earl C. "Heywood, son of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Heywood, of Us- borne, was married to Marion Martha Thiel, of Zurich, on Janu­ ary 29. Four car-loads of wood arrived in Exeter from Northern On­ tario. Ordered by the municipal council, it was in great demand by local residents. The Prices Board has announc­ ed an allotment of ten pounds of sugar per person for canning purposes. Grand Bend United Church held a supper and program in connection wtih the burning of the mortgage on January 28. The year wits 1874. Alexander Mackenzie was in his first year as prime minister of the infant country, which then had a popu­ lation estimated at about three and a half millions. In Europe, meanwhile, Benjajnin Disraeli be­ came Britain’s prime minister, In that same year, on' February 1, Exeter welcomed its first bank. The Molsons Bank, long since a part of the Bank of Montreal, opened for business in a three storey grey brick building near the corner of Main and Huron streets. John Drew, owner of the building, had intended using it as a furniture store and factory, but it was altered, and living quarters for the manager were provided in the upper storey. The site is now occupied by- the R. C. Dinney Funeral Home. The business centre of Exeter moved northward around the turn of the century and, in 1902, the bank constructed a red brick buiding near the corner of Main and John streets. The bank re­ mained in - this location until 1943, when the building was sold to the Exeter Public Utilities Commission, and the branch moved to its present quarters on Main street. When the first banking office opened here 80 years ago, Exeter was clo'se to the first anniversary of its incorporation as a village. The population, a scant 854, bus­ ied themselves on farms, in a flax mill, a tannery, a planing mill and a foundry. Five carriage and wagon makers were in busi­ ness at the time, as well as two furniture manufacturers. Today, the industrial life of the town has expanded, and with it, the population, which now numbers 2,605. First Manager The long succession of capable men who have held the man­ ager’s position has been largely responsible for the 'growth of the Bank of Montreal in Exeter. E. W. Strathy was the first bank manager in Exeter, end was succeeded, from 1877-1883, by H. C. Brewer, A. A. C. Denovun, who took charge of the office from 1883 until 1889, led the bank through a difficult period of industrial and agricultural depression. After R, II. Archer’s term as manager, Mr. Hurdon, who re­ tired in 1915 to live here until C. E. SHAW — Manager of the Exeter Branch of the Bank of Montreal, now observing its eightieth anniversary. his death a few years later, was active in all phases of local ac­ tivities end is particularly re­ membered for his patriotism and love of sport. W. D. Clarke, Mr. Hurdon’s successor, was followed by Tlios, Stafford Woods, 1919-1935, and William Henry Moise, 1935-1940. Local residents will remember some of the later managers, such as William J. Floyd, now in charge at London, Ont., who managed the branch from 1940 until 1944. James L. Hendry held the post between 1944 and 1949, when the present manager, Cedric E. Shaw, received the ap­ pointment. Mr. Shaw, who was born in Shawville, Que., joined the B of M there in 1914. He subsequent­ ly. served at numerous branches throughout the province of On­ tario before he received his first appointment as accountant at the Westinghouse branch, Hamil­ ton, in 1928. He also held ac­ countancy posts at Orillia, Owen Sound and Brantford. In 1940, he was appointed manager at Elora. Seven years later, he moved to Ingersoll, whence he came to Exeter in 1949. An active participant in com­ munity affairs, Mr. Shaw is treasurer of the South Huron Hospital Association. He is chair­ man of the finance committee of the Exetei* Lions Club, and a member of both the Exeter Lawn Bowling Club and the Grand Bend Golf Club. Mr. Shaw is also an honorary member of the Of­ ficers Mess at the R.C.A.F. sta­ tion at Centralia. Today there are over 600 B of M offices strategically located in every section of this country, with 218 of them in the province of Ontario. • « xeter had a population of only 854 when the commu­ nity’s first bank opened for business here. That was almost seven years after Confederation. It’s certainly grown since my Dad’s time. Population’s more than tripled. Exeter’s a good looking town today, and its future looks good, too. "But I’m straying. I was talking about the Bank of Montreal in this community. Well, now, that banking office, originally a branch of The Molsons Bank which later became a part of the B of*M, began here in . . . let’s see — thanks, that’s right ... in 1874 — in February, to be exact. “Started off in a building near the corner of Main and Huron Streets, and moved to the corner of Main and John Streets, in l$>02. In 1943, these premises were sold, and the bank moved into its present quarters. "Man, do you know that makes 80 years that the people of Exeter have done business with the old bank . . . It’s a long time and we’ve seen a lot of progress — and shared in it, too, through working together.’’ Yes, here and throughout the length and breadth of oyr nation, the Bank of Montreal has grown with the community, sharing in its growing pains as well as in its achievements. And, in hamlets and villages, towns and cities, the B of M is still pioneering with the men and women who are, building the Canada of tomorrow. / Exeter Branch : CEDRIC E. SHAW, Manager CANADIANS IN EVERY WALK OF LIFE SINCE Bank of Montreal 18 17 SP-S2