HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1972-06-15, Page 1Cilia top, On iario 20 cents
107 Year No, 24 hursday, June 15, 1972
Weather
June'8
1972
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Clinton hires second
fire chief int month
For the second month in a row,
Clinton town council Monday night
accepted the resignation of one
Fire chief and appointed another.
Last month it was long-time
chief Grant "Red" Rath who
resigned and his replacement was
Bob Draper, This month, council
accepted Mr. Draper's
resignation on "Personal
reasons" and appointed Clarence
Neilans to replace him.
Mr. Draper resigned not only
as chief, but from the department
entirely.
A delegation of George
Campbell and Percy Brown from
the Clinton Branch 140 of the
Royal Canadian Legion met with
council to discuss taxes on the
Legion Hall. Under the municipal
act, municipalities are allowed to
give tax concessions to clubs such
as the Legion for up to 10 years.
However, clerk Max Malpass
pointed out, the Clinton Legion
has had these concession for the
past 10 years and so council can
no longer reduce the tax payable
on the Legion Hall,
Council expressed regret to the
delegation that they could not,
under the law, help them out.
Plans for the new public works
building were discussed. The
plans are now with the Ministry of
Transport and Communication
for their approval and council
indicated it hopes to have a start
made soon on the building.
A meeting is to be held between
the Protection to Persons and
Property Committee, the new fire
chief and county officials to
discuss a fire agreement for
Huronview. The county would like
the Clinton department to carry
out periodic inspections of the
home, set up evacuation
procedures, give instruction in
the use of fire extinguishers and
become familiar with the layout of
the big building.
Such discussion took place over
the possibility of setting up a
county pound for dogs using a
government grant available.
Councillor Bill Crawford felt
such a pound should be set up in
Clinton but Councillor Armstrong
said that a pound anywhere in a
central location would be of value.
Plans were made to install two
new lights in the order in the area
of the barns at community park in
order to prevent vandalism.
BELL CANADA
'M ENT AGENCY CLOSING
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BANS yvtifTRI: A NOKINAL SCRVJCE CHARGE
APP A
MANA6ER
After 22 years as agent for Bell Canada, Walter Newcombe has closed the bill payment
agency in his drug store in CI inton. He said the problems caused by the agency were greater
than the benefits received in later years.
Newcombe's Store
Will no longer collect
tolls for Bell
Adding charm to the annual awards dinner were these two ladies. Mrs. Aila Martin (left)
presents the most valuable player award for the senior girls volleyball team to Chris
Hartley. photo by Jack Hunt.
Careless, noisey drivers
rile Bayfield residents
Goodbyes are always hard to say.
.This week your editor Says goodbye to
Clinton after two and a half years as editor of
the News-Record. Some of you may knew that
wife Jill and yours truly recently purchased
The Standard in Blyth and eornmenciag next
week it will become our full-time occupation.
Two and a half years doesn't seem much
time as editor when one thinks of the more than
100 years of history of the News-Record, but
they have been a big part of our life, Many
things have happened in the area during that
time as the sun set on one era with the closing
of CFB Clinton and rose on a, new one with the
rehabilitation of the Base as residential,
industrial and educational complex.
We've made some good friends during those
years and we've made a few people mad, but
one can't help that in the newspaper business.
Being an editor of a weekly newspaper
means constantly battling the gap between
what one would like to be able to do and what
can be done with the limited time and
resources available.
Time is the biggest enemy of a weekly
newpaper. There is never enough time to
cover everything that all the readers would
like covered. We hope that readers will be
helpful to the new editor as many of you have to
yours truly. Remember, an editor is only
human;" he needs a home life just as you do and
he can make an honest mistake now and then,
just as you can. He will need your help if the
newspaper is truly to represent the
community. He cannot cover everything, so
send the news in to him. He will appreciate
your letters to the editor telling your opinions
on topics of interest to the community. He will
appreciate your pat on the back when he does
something good and your understanding
"advice" when he does something wrong.
We think you have a first class newspaper in
Clinton and its obvious by the awards it has
Won in the last few years that others think so
too. With you as a help-mate, the newspaper
will continue to improve and be the best around
(next to the Standard, of course).
In saying goodbye, we have to thank many
people who helped make our job easier and our
stay in Clinton a happy one. First of course,
there is the trusty staff at the News-Record—
Marg Rudd and Peggy Gibb who never get
enough credit for the work they do to make this
a good newspaper. Then there's our excellent
staff of correspondents around the county and
especially such men as Jack Hunt and Bert
Clifford who provided valuable material for
the paper.
We'd also like to thank Rev. H.F, Wonfor
(formerly of Clinton), Ken Clynick and Ken
Reidy for helping to start and to keep going the
Clinton Minor Basketball League.
Finally we'd like to thank you, the readers,
for the help you gave and the encouragement
you gave us, often at the times we needed it
most.
If you're ever up in Blyth, feel free to drop in
to The St idard offices beside Baintons and
say hello.
Keith Roulston.-
+ + +
Effective June 18, 1972 a new method of
handling mail on Sundays Only will be
introduced at the Clinton Post' Office. To
facilitate this new method a standing mail
receiver will be stationed opposite the outside
mail drop at the Post Office.
This receiver should be used for mail
destined to locations other than 'Clinton. Mail
for Clinton and rural routes should be posted
in the regular receivers. It should be noted
that in no circumstances should the mail
receiver located in the lock box lobby be used
for outgoing mail posted on Sunday.
This service will provide continued rapid
handling of your mail and will further allow the
staff at the Clinton Post Office to have a full
day off. The postmaster at Clinton would
appreciate your co-operation to insure the
success of this program.
Tra0 and field enthusiasts are invited to
join the Huron-Perth track and field club which
is now practicing in Clinton,
Practices are being held from 5:30 to 7:30
every Tuesday and Thursday evening at CHSS
track. Twilight track meets will be held at 7
p.m. at the Clinton high school track every
Wednesday. Coaches are Maureen Dowds and
Bob Knuckey.
For many telephone subscribers in Clinton
and area the end of an era came on Monday this
week.
After Monday, June 12, Bell Telephone bills
could no longer be paid at Newcombe's drug
store as they have been for the past 22 years.
From now on, Bell customers can either mail
in their cheque with the bill or pay it at a bank.
Walter Newcombe said he first became
involved with Bell as an agent in Clinton 22
years ago, shortly after he took over the drug
store. A major consideration at that time, he
said, was the fact that the agency would help
bring people into his store and while they were
there they would buy other things.
The agency was required in Clinton because
the business office of the telephone company
had become too small to accommodate both
office and the switchboard so the office was
moved to Goderich and Mr. Newcombe was
given the job of accepting payment of the bills.
Later he acquired more duties, those of
taking orders for new phones and for
cancelling service for people moving, This
often required telephone calls to the London at
a rate of five to ten a day at the time, especially
when the old Royal Canadian Air Force base
was going through its period of rapid
expansion,
After the introduction of dial service,
however, the agency reverted to a role of bill
collecting.
Nowdays, Mr. Newcombe says. the benefits
of having a collection agency in his store are
outweighed by the problems the agency
causes. A great deal of time is required, for
instance to look after the customers, and then
there's the problem of the people who think
that the person behind the counter is a good
target for an'Y complaint they have against the
company.
James Scott, area manager for Bell, said
the decision of Mr. Newcombe to discontinue
the agency fortunately coincided with a
move by the company to•discontinue all such
agencies in Ontario and Quebec. On the
average, he said, 85 per cent of all customers
of Bell pay their bills by mail, The agencies
have become an expensive luxury to serve a
minority of Bell customers.
Last year more than a quarter of a million
dollars were spent on agencies in the two
provinces and with tightening financial
controls put on by the federal government,
Bell decided the money could be better used
elsewhere in the company to provide better
service.
To all Concerned:
During the summer months we residents of
Bayfield are eager to welcome visitors to our
village. Unfortunately, some visitors are
wearing their welcome very thin. Your son is
one of them.
Like many parents, you no doubt feel that
your boy can do no wrong—particularly when
he is out of sight and out of mind,
Nevertheless, your child is one of the group of
youngsters living in the township areas (and in
Bayfield), who thoughtlessly (and
dangerously) careen around our streets until
the early hours of the morning. This selfish
pastime is keeping Bayfield residents and our
summer visitors from getting any rest.
In the past, before the day of high-powered
vehicles, there was always a convenient buggy
whip and a good strong man to lay it on where it
would do the most good. Unfortunately (or
fortunately—depending on your point of view)
this method of knocking sense into thoughtless
youngsters is apparently no longer in fashion.
So we residents of Bayfield are trying a new
approach.
We hope you mothers and fathers will
understand our concern—not only for the
preservation of a good night's sleep in
Bayfield, but for the prevention of a dreadful
accident. If something is not done by the
parents of these children who consider
themselves above the law of the land, someone
is going to be killed, The boys in question are
known to all. Will you try to persuade your son
to grow up—to try behaving like a reasonable
adult and begin to' consider the right-s of
Plans made
for Senior
Citizens' Week
The residents of Huronview, along With
other senior citizens of Ontario, will
celebrate Senior Citizens' Week from June 18
t024, Although this has been an annual event
for several years, it was only last year that it
was endorsed by the Ministry of Community
and Social Services as part of the program for
Homes for the Aged,
The Committee of Management of
Huronview has declared open house for the
week, and invites all senior citizens,' clubs or
any citizen over 60 to come and:.;join in the
programs. For this week only, the dining room
will be open to visitors and volunteers at a
nominal Charge and supper will be provided
the day of the picnic. It would he appreciated if
clubs or individuals who are planning to stay
for meals would let us know in advance,
Following is a tentative schedule of
activities, There could be changes if other
senior citizen groups indicate a desire to
participate in or sponsor some particular
program.
Activities will begin on Sunday, June 18 with
a special church service in the auditorium,
Ontario Street Church, Clinton choir will
provide the music and the service will be in
charge of the regular minister, Rev, G.
McWhinnie. There will be a concert in the
afternoon by Goderich Blue Water Band.
Monday afternoon there will be Old Tyme
music and dancing in the auditorium. Go'derich
Senior Citizens' Club will join with the
Huronview residents in the activities and will
assist with the music.
Tuesday afternoon Rev. George Youmatoff,
Rector of 'Bayfield and Middleton Anglican
Churches, and formerly Padre of C.F.B.
Clinton, will lead a sing-song in the
auditorium. Rev. Youmatoff is well known to
most of the residents of Huronview, because of
the great interest he took in Huronview during
the years he was stationed at the Base.
Wednesday the annual Huronview picnic will
be held on the grounds, weather permitting, or
in the auditorium if the weatherman does not
co-operate. There will be games, races, etc.
commencing at 2 p.m, A special attraction will
be several antique cars supplied by Bill Wells,
Clinton. Picnic supper will be served at 4:30.
Thursday afternoon there will be a special
demonstration of spinning and weaving by
Mrs: Couper of Hensall. There will also be
organ music in the auditorium.
The Senior Citizens' Clubs of Hayfield and
Exeter will put on a variety program for
Family Night (Thursday evening. 7 p.m.)
These same clubs provided the Family Night
program during Senior Citizens' Week last
year and it was really enjoyed by everyone.
Friday is always Bingo day at Huronview,
but for this week, we hope to have many outside
seniors with us, The games will be held the
auditorium with some real prizes, instead of
the usual chocolate bars, etc.
On Saturday, June 24, there will be table
games in the auditorium (progressive euchre,
bridge, 500, etc.) Seaforth Happy Citizens'
Club will sponsor this activity.
others. Please urge him to put his surplus
energy into something constructive instead of
concentrating on destroying not only himself
butperhaps some innocent bystander as well,
Concerned Citizens of Bayfield.-
H uron- Perth school board hears proposal to move offices
is
BY WILMA OKE
Rev. Carl Keane of St Joseph's parish in
Stratford was present at the meeting of the'
Huron-Perth County Roman Catholic Separate
school board Monday night With a proposal that
the board move its administrative offices
from Seaforth to St. Joseph's convent, 82
Huron Street, Stratford, which will become
vacant at the end of this month when the
Loretta Sisters vacate the building.
A special request was made by chairman
James Morris of Stratford to permit Father
Keane to make his proposal to the board in
view of the fact it was not on the agenda, He
also asked that a decision be made on the
proposal as well.
A motion by Trustee Vincent Young of
Goderich was made to permit Father Keane to
speak, but Mr. Young said his motion did not
guarantee art immediate decision as this would
be impossible to do prier to hearing the
Proposal, This motion was Seconded by
Trustee F, J. Were of Stratford and a majority
vote allowed Father Keane to speak,
in speaking of the Loretto convent Father
Keane said it was a building to satisfy the
board's needs, only 10 years old and in peak
condition, With the chapel more than adequate
asa boardroom and with plenty of rooms for
private offices for the administrative staff arid
religious eonsultants, kitchen and washroom
facilities and with ample parking space,
In making the proposal he spoke of the costs
of the venture, saying rental costs would be
approximately $500 per month or $6,000 per
year. He said the taxes, changing from a
residential to a business building would be
over $3,000, to he paid by the parish, lie
estimated electrical heating coats at $900,
electricity, $240 and water, $00.
He said that one ofthe problems was that the
location was not central for the Huron-Perth
area, a real problem. However, he said one of
the considerations was that with the declining
birthrate in Perth and in Huron, 86 per cent
deeline in Perth and 40 per cent in Huron, that
regional school hoards may be forced to go
into something larger,' He said he foresees
larger and larger school areas, and there is a
pessibility in the near future in order to exist
it may be necessary to combine with other
areas,- With the office inStratford it would put
the board in the driver's seat, he said.
He spoke of the crowded conditions in the
present Seaforth board office,
Father Keane invited the board to lease or
rentthe convent for as long or as shat a time
as deaired. Re said he might mention that he
did not speak out of panic, he had nothing
concrete at the present time. lie explained his
Major cOneernwaS that the building was built
by Catholics and that it be used by Catholic
people.
Trustee Michael Connolly of Kippen asked:
"Why do you feel the present board offices are
crammed? Who told you this?"
Father Keane replied from his personal
knowledge when visiting the religious consults
that there was not enough privacy in the upper
area.
Mr. Connolly replied' "I feel you are out of
line."
Trustee Vincent Young of Goderich said that
with a year and a half yet to go with the lease on
the present board offices ih Seaforth he could
not see renting two buildings for that period of
time. To this Father Keane replied that the
board may be interested in renting some of the
space for overflow in the convent. He said he
would rather see a portion used than leave it
vacant.
Board vice-chairman, John McCann of Ailsa
Craig questioned storage facilities for
supplies at the convent, saying that with
storage only in the cellar, trucks could not
back up to the doorway. Father Keane felt this
would be no problem with trucks able to get to
the back door,
Mr.,McCann said he felt it would he costly
with the board Office not in the centre of the
area, but away at one end.
Joseph Looby of Dublin, who said he was
strongly opposed to a move to Stratford, spoke
of another convent which wouldbe vacant soon
and "It was built by good Catholics too!"
After Father Keane left the meeting
Chairman James Morris postponed any
discussion on the proposal to the end of the
meeting so as not to disturb the agenda, saying
it was a real hot issue,
However, with the board meeting continuing
until almost midnight June 19 was set as a date
for holding a special meeting to discuss
Father Keane's proposal.
In other business a report from the school
attendance counsellor, William limes of
Stratford, indicated he had investigated 35
referrals since September 1971 and that he
had attended a convention for attendance
officers, His expenses for the six-month
period amounted to $794.35,
John Vintar, Superintendent of Education,
announced that approval had been received
from the Ministry of Education for
construction and alterations to Holy Name
School in St. Marys and an addition to St.
AloySius School in Stratford. Approval must
now be received from the Ontario Municipal
Board for this work.
The construction at Holy Name School will
include two classrooms, one kindergarten
room, library, general purpose room, change
rooms and health room with debenture
allocation from the Ontario Education Capital
Aid Corporation of $265,000.
The construction at St, Aloysius School will
include library, general purpose room,
change room and health room with a debenture
allocation for $182,000.
Following a committee of the whole it was
reported that a portable classroom is to be
installed at Holy Name School at St, Marys for
September. This will make it possible for
kindergarten pupils to be accommodated at the
school. Formerly the kindergarten services
for this school were purchased from the Perth
County Board of Education for the pupils at
Downie Central School and at St. Marys Public
Michael Connolly, chairman of personnel
committee, reported the following: Frank
Jordan, 85 Grange Street, Stratford, appointed
custodian at St. Michael's School,
commencing June 19, to replace George
McInnes who is retiring June 30 thatPrank
Ruston, R,R.1, Sebringviile, appointed
etistbdian at St, Patrick's School, Kinkora,
commencing June 19, to replace George
Peurink who has been transferred to St.
Joseph's School in Stratford: that the
resignation of Mrs. Delphina Stemmier,
custodian at St. Mary's School in Hesson be
effective June 30 and that she be replaced by
Mrs. Marie Poissant of R.R.4, Listowel.
Hullett council
lets contract
Radford Construction of Blyth was awarded
contract to supply 10,000 yards of pit-run
gravel for development road No. 1087 when
Hullett township council met June 5.
Cost of the gravel will be 32 cents,
At the same meeting, Pay and W. E.
Hallahan were awarded the contract to supply
Letourneau Scraper as a tender price of $20
per hour.
Building permits were awarded to M. Holley
fora hog barn, Don Buchanan and Gordon Daer
for implement sheds, Jim Preszcator for an
addition to a house, Ray Snell for a verandah,
bon Watson for a drive shed and P, Westerhotit
for a tool shed And barn,
Administration costs' f $2411,438, education
cats of $54,770,50, drain hills of $8074.70 and
roads expenses of $19,608,66,