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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1963-11-21, Page 1Would form Price. Per Copy 10 Cents EXETER, ONTARIO, NOVEMBER 21, 1903 Ninety-first Year Demands arena. promotion .Boyle threatens to resign floral. group Works Sup't Jim paisley pro- posed to council Monday night the formation of a horticultural society in. the town, "I'd like to seeoaeorgaulzed in Exeter and I'd be -willing to give some time to it myself," be told council. “There are a number ,of excellent gardens in the town —.I've never seen such beautiful roses as those that are grown right here in Ex- eter," Mayor Simmons offered en- couragement. .E'-I'd like to see one, too," he said, ""Such group might provide a great deal of assistance in tire de- velopment of Riverview Park." Added Clerk C, V, pickard:- We used to have a very strong horticultural :society here." Council suggested that citi- zens interested in Such a group could contact either Recreation Director Don Gravett or Sup't Paisley.. Huron junior team top beef judges at Royal A team from Huron countyplaced first in the beef cattle section of the intercounty livestock judging competitions at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair last week. The county team won the Ontario Veterinary Association challenge trophy, presented by President Dr. F. H. Flowers, centre above. From left are Don Pullen, Huron assistant ag rep; Donald Weigand, RR 1 Dashwood; Dr. Flowers, Bob Fotheringham, RR 3 Seaforth; Kenneth Papple, RR 5 Seaforth. Kenneth Papple won the gold medal for the highest individual ranking in beef cattle. --Dep't of Agriculture photo RAP calls emergency meetin after mayor issues ultimata Rush road before snow Seek provincial action on Grand Bend pollution Seek centennial aid on park development GRAND BEND Steps toward clearing up the contaminated Ausable River as it enters Lake Huron at this vil- lage were made at M o nd a y night's meeting of the village council. Decision was reached to re- quest the Ontario Water Re- sources Commission to conduct further tests, and take what action is necessary to persuade property owners along Highway 21, north of the main inter- section in the village, to instal proper sewage disposal beds, and cease running septic tank materials into the old storm drain which runs south along Highway 21 into the river near the bridge. Dr. Fred Boyes, Parkhill, the medical officer of health for the village, pointed out that many people did not understand that septic tank materials included waste from sinks and wash tubs, Dr. Boyes also warned that The department of highways hopes to have pavement and sidewalks installed at the south end of town before freeze-up, council was assured Monday night. "We are doing our utmost to have the roadway paved with one lift of asphalt and the con- crete side walkscompleted," said R. H. Greenly, district construction engineer, in a let- ter to council, "In connection with this, the majority of the curbs and gut- ters will be completed but some modification to the outlets to the catch basins will be necessary since the full depth of pavement will not be laid," the letter con- tinued. "As you are well aware, the inclement weather of the past few days has been holding up our operations. However, we hope that the above work can be completed." The engineer also told council that several light standards on Huron street, which were not designated on the original plans, have to be relocated. The PUC already has moved the poles, Manager Hugh Davis revealed Tuesday. RAP Committee Chairman Torn MacMillan has called an emergency meeting to discuss the ultimatum issued by Mayor W. E. Simmons to the two RAP employees, which blew up a storm in council this week. The mayor last week said he wanted the local arena booked in a month or he would ask for the dismissal of the recreation director and the arena manager. Councillor Derry Boyle re- ceived no support from other members of council Monday night in an attempt to force Mayor W. E. Simmons to apolo- gize for an ultimatum to Re- creation Director DonGravett and Arena Manager Alvin Wil- lert. Boyle, charging the mayor's action constituted a "kangaroo court" and "dictatorship", threatened to resign from coun- cil after he failed to get a seconder for his motion re- questing the apology. The issue resulted from a meeting last week in which the mayor apparently told Gravett arid Willert that he would ask for their resignations at the next RAP meeting if the two of them didn't make an all-out effort to sell ice time at the arena. Named to HS board Elmer D. Bell,,QC, has been appointed by county council to a three-year term on Huron South District High School board. He succeeds Larry Sni- der, current chairman, who re- tires after nearly a decade on the board. Members re-ap- pointed by the county were Ken- neth Johns, Usborne, and Roy Morenz, Stephen. Not a word spoken on turnip question Lightning hits area buildings Boy driver injures lady A four-year-old boy was the driver of one car involved in an area accident this past week in which a Crediton woman re- ceived minor injuries. The youngster, according to PC G. M. Mitchell, turned on the ignition of the parked car in which he was sitting just as Mrs. Doris Pfaff was walk- ing between it and another car. She was pinned between the vehicles and suffered bruises to her leg. The incident oc- curred Thursday. Saturday, cars driven by Mrs. Barbara A. Dougherty, Victoria St. and Helmut Minderlein, 33, Nelson St., suffered $600 da- mage when they collided at the corner of Carling and Gidley streets. Constable Harry V. Bergen, town, said the eastbound Dougherty car was p a r tl y across the intersection when struck by Minderlein who was travelling north. William R. Lammie, 18, Cen- tralia, suffered minor injuries when his car went out of control Nov. 13 after a tire blowout on concession 2 Usborne. The car struck a telephone pole, causing about $800 damage. The ac- cident occurred south of the St. Marys road, according to PC John Wright. The lightning storm which brought heavy rains here Sun- day night caused some minor damage throughout the district. A telephone wire was struck at the home of Milton McCurdy, near Kirkton, charring the ceil- ing of the verandah and several articles of clothing in a basket of laundry in the cellar. Exeter fire department was called but not after consider- able difficulty bee ause the phones in the area were put out of order. Considerable damage was done at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Passmore, Thames Road. Several Exeter homes and one business firm were affected by bolts. A motor at Cann's Mill Ltd. was knocked out, several phones were put out of order and hydro interrupted along Victoria St, Boyle charged the mayor had told the two employees that un- less the area was booked 100% by December, they would be fired. He said Simmons had no power to make such an ultima- tum and that he had overstepped his authority “by five miles". Simmons admitted making the ultimatum but insisted it was understood he was only one member of the committee and that he alone did not have the power to demand their resigna- tions. His motion for dismissal would have to be supported by a majority of the members of the board, he said. "I thought I was doing them a favor," stated the mayor, "by telling them what I was going to do ahead of time un- less they got together to iron this thing out." He said that at the RAP meeting on November 11, the committee was disturbed to learn that only one night had been booked for the coming sea- son. "It's going to cost the town another $2,000 this year if we don't get some extra revenue up there", he es- timated. It was the night after the RAP meeting that the mayor called both men to his house to issue his ultimatum. Only the three persons were present. When Boyle first brought up thequestion, the mayor said he didn't think "it's any of coun- cil's business —that refers to the RAP committee", Boyle persisted: "What right do you have to bring in two town employees and threaten them with firing if they don't do a certain job. You've over- stepped your authority — by five miles — and I'd like an expla- nation." Later he said: "We're not going to have any kangaroo court here. These men are en- titled to a full hearing before they're fired. No one man has the right to fire them, not even the mayor". Simmons ,osisted he did not say that he would fire them. "I'm only one of a seven-man board. I couldn't do it." Boyle said he had talked to the two men and as far as lie was con- cerned it was their word against the mayor's. Boyle: "Neither of those men slept all night after that meet- ing. It was upsetting to them and it's upsetting to me. We're not going to have any dictatorship here," It was highly improper, he contended, that the town should consider firing two employees a month before Christmas, par- -Please turn to back page tion, which passed by a 5-3 vote, read: r.The council interprets the zoning bylaw in such a way that the building in question would violate the bylaw if it were used for anything other than the storage of onions and that if the building is used for other purposes then council take steps to inform the owner that he is violating the bylaw. If he does not adhere to council's orders, then legal steps will be taken to enforce the bylaw." Clerk C. V. Pickard reveal- ed after Monday's meeting that he had written the firm to out- line council's position on the use of the building. Len Veri. manager of Exeter produce, said earlier his lawyer had interpreted the bylaw to read that he could store turnips in the onion shed and Veri said he intended to do so despite council's ultimatum. Use of the shed was discon- tinued before the zoning bylaw came into effect. The shed is in a residential area. Council did not even discuss -- let alone take action on — the turnip storage activity on Wel- lington St. which two weeks ago the town judged illegal and over which court action was threat- ened. The issue was not even men- tioned during the meeting de- spite the fact that Exeter Pro- duce and Storage Co. Ltd.. new owners of the onion shed. in- dicated their intentions to chal- lenge council's ruling two weeks ago. The firm moved turnips into the former onion shed three or four days following council's decision Nov, 4 to take court action if anything but onions was stored in the building. Councillor Joseph Wooden. secretary of the planning board who made the motion two weeks ago, was not present at Monday night's meeting. He said later he would have brought up the matter had lie been there. No one else did. Council's motion on the ques- Reeve Glenn Fisher reported on this fall's recreation pro-, gram which he said seemed to be developing nicely". Teen town has been organized and is off to a good start; the group plans to make some im- provements in the arena hall. Figure skating registrations to- talled 26, minor hockey 177, junior bowling 200, junior squ- are dancing 80. Two art courses -- one for advanced students and another for beginners— were under way and the junior band is reorganizing. COMPARES COSTS Reporting on county council session, the reeve said he was "sorry to see Larry Snider resign from the high school board" but he felt his succes- sor at county council, Elmer D. Bell, QC, "will do a good job". Presenting a comparison of school bus costs, Fisher said Goderich paid 34 a mile, Clin- ton 32 and 44, and South Huron was the highest at 45C. However, the South Huron rate at 12 mills is the lowest in the county. Seaforth was 14.7 and Wingham 14, He re- ported driver education course at Goderich cost $2,400 for the year. He reported over 22,000 visi- tors to the county museum in the past year and said council will hear more about the mutual aid fire program which county council has endorsed for Huron. In other business, council: Was notified that two demon- strations of radar equipment will be given to police depart- ment this month from which a choice will be made for the purchase authorized at last meeting; Approved the erection of a multiple-family dwelling which would provide three housing units in a split-level structure, two on one side and one on the other, the plans for which were presented by Edward Mittle- holtz, Nelson St.; Authorized use of the town hall for a rabies clinic here Tuesday, Nov. 26, operated by the Huron County Health Unit; Granted building permits to Exeter District Co-op, for a bulk fertilizer shed; Gilbert Dow, house on Pryde boulevard; Evelyn Broderick, Andrew St., a new verandah foundation. Boyes, "said it was the happiest day of his life when he got rid of that drain at Grand Bend." In a major portion of the vil- lage, a field tile system works well in the sandy soil but other parts have a solid clay, in which the system does not prove ef- fective. TENDERS AWARDED Merits of oil versus propane were discussed at length by councillors, who had tenders from three companies for a heating system for the vil- lage hall. Decision was made in favor of Hotson Propane Ltd., Grand Bend, who will install a propane burning fur- nace at a cost of $450 plus tax. Herman Desjardine's tender of $3.00 per hour for plowing sidewalks during the winter of 1963-64 was accepted. Lee Jennison's tender of $6.50 per hour for snowplowing streets and sanding them when necessary, also was accepted. ASSESSMENT ROLL Assessor Murray A. Des- Jardins presented the asses- sment roll for 1964 pointing out that though the village had suf- fered a loss of about $40,000 assessment in the properties taken over by the Ontario De- partment of Highways for the Highway 81 right of way, there had nevertheless been an in- crease in assessment of $63,- 191 over the previous year. Total assessment on which 1964 taxes will be based is $1,601760. The assessor also pointed out a healthy increase in business and residences on the south side of the village in the past 12 months. SCHOOL PATROL W. F. B. MacLaren, chair- man of the board of Grand Bend Public School, request- ed permission to set up a school safety patrol. He pointed out that traffic hazards had been increased at the main inter- section, due to the construc- tion being done on the high- ways. He also predicted that when the temporary bridge is opened, there would be more corners to supervise than could be done by one crossing guard now on duty. The board had discussed the idea of a patrol with Will Mac- -Please turn to back page mi otions Municipal issues may liven up n action by the village to merely stop up the drain as it enters the river, would not answer the problem. "There may easily be people with legitimate cellar drains going into that storm drain," said the doctor. "We do not want to inconvenience them. What we want to do is get the septic tank material out of the drain." Sanitary inspector William Rendle reported to council that he had delivered 18 letters to property owners in the area No- vember 1 and 2, and solar could see no action being taken by any of the properties involved. There had been one request for information on what would need to be done to correct the situa- tion. Plans for proper drainage systems, to be installed in the clay soil which exists in the area, are available from Mr. Rendle. Rendle suggested that it was hardly fair to force the people in this one area of the village to improve their disposal sys- tems, while allowing the rest of the people in the village to continue as in the past. He felt that all should be advised of the need to make changes. Councillor Ian Coles stated that he felt the people of the village were aware of the situa- tion, but that the talk of con- taminated water in the river seemed to fall on deaf ears. Councillor Orval Wassmann said that so far council had only received complaints about con- tamination in this one area — that of the Walker Drain. Tills open drain is one which has been re-shaped, and chang- ed by the Ontario Department of Highways, in order to provide a level access across it for the new section of Highway 81, which is being built this winter. Dr. Boyes suggested that a notice, (or news item or some- thing) be placed in the papers, to warn the rest of the village that the OWRC was being called upon to correct the situation on Highway 21. "I think you will find that others will do some- thing, when they see the action is being taken." Dr. Boyes commented that he had discussed the situation with Dr. R. M. Aldis, Goderich, the M.O.H. for Huron County who had been the authority here prior to the change in legal status for the north side of Grand Bend from Huron to Lambton County membership. "Dr. Aldis," recalled Dr. pointed out that in case of an ac- clamation, it will be the two councillors and one PUC can- didate first nominated who will be the "two year men," Next year, only two seats on council. and one on PUC will be open for re-election or re- placement. Clerk Murray Desja.rdins greatest number of votes on election day, will remain in office for two years, and the man on PUC getting the most support will do the same. New yule highlight: free helicopter rides more:v.? day, November 28, to coincide with a special edition of The Times-Advocate. Announcements 12 Church Notices . . 12 Coming Events . , 12 Editorials . . . . 2 Farm News . . . . 5 Feminine Facts 'N Fancies 8,9 Hensall 4 Lucan . .. 13 Sports . . 6 Want Ads . 10,11 Town council intends to en- quire of the senior governments if a major development program at Riverview Park would qualify for the grants available for pro- jects marking Canada's cen- tennial in 1967. Council authorized Clerk C. V. Pickard to write authorities in regard to a $10,000 to $15,- 000' improvement of the park area, which has been enlarged considerably in recent years. Under the centennial grants assistance program, the federal and provincial governments each will contribute one-third of the cost of an approved pro- ject,. leaving the municipality to raise the initial third. Park development is one of the prior- ity programs in the centennial plans. Other projects which council discussed in connection with the centennial grant program were a new town hall and an addition to Exeter Public Library. An enquiry about the library ad- dition already has been made. STUDY LEASE Council referred to town so- licitor Peter Raymond a pro- posed lease from the Ausable authority for Riverview Park land on which the proposed swimming pool would be erect- ed. Council generally agreed to the provisions of the lease, which would cost $1.00 a year for 20 years, but felt several points would have to be clari- fied with the swimming pool committee before the town could accept it. One of the provisions is that the pool must be completed within two years and another stipulates there could be no liens against the structure. Deputy-Reeve Bailey, for ex- ample, asked what the town's position would be if the com- mittee went ahead with the pool on the assumption they were going to get sufficient funds but failed to do so. PLOWING CONTRACT On a 6-2 vote, council ap- proved a road committee's re- commendation that the snow- plowing contract for the winter be awarded to Kenneth Broom, who lives south of town. One other tender had been received from Sam Sweitzer. Both submitted identical bids of $7.00 an hour. Bailey said his committee had split 3-1 in favor of Broom whose work in plowing the streets last year was judged quite favorable. Ted Wright, a member of the committee, saidSweitzer should be given first considera- tion since he was a taxpayer in the town. Councillor Boyle, who said the snowplowing last year "wasn't worth a damn", sup- ported Wright. Bailey said Sweitzer's equip- ment was not as good as Broom's and he was supported in this by several other mem- bers. Councillor Taylor point- ed out that the town gave con- siderable o tiler business to Sweitzer during the year. Delbriclge, Fisher, Ferguson, Taylor and Bailey supported the motion. "I'd better not get stuck," said I3oyle, Police warn parents: young girls molested Sgt. Darker, Goderich OPP, has issued a warning to parents, teachers and school children about a male person attempting to entice young girls into his car on township and county roads, Barker said county OPP are investigating two recent com- plaints; one from a seven-year-old and the other from a 13-year-old. "These are very serious Matters," says Barker, tiand We urge all parents and school teachers to warn the 01111th-ea and request them, if possible, to try to obtain the licence number of any cars which appear to be following then, arid telephone the nearest OPP office immediately." The sergeant said the securing Of the licence nuttlbet is most Important. Details about clothing on the man or eolot of the Car are not as helpful, he pointed out. Barker revealed that iii taloa the incidents the man (OW the seven-year-old girl into his ear but released het after she screamed and yelled at length. Tice 13-year-old ran from the man to 'AVOW abduction. EiHtiottint8tee dies Milton Pfaff; former Ociattinasto or here and recipient of a life membership award from the local bran& of the Legion; died Sattittlay in South litiroil pitch Story on page '5, Almost all reeves in the area have indicated they will stand for another term. None has been challenged at this stage. Dates and times of district nomination meetings, and in- dications of council members where given, are: GRAND BEND—Monday, Nov. 25, 8 to 9 pm Reeve Stew- art Webb will stand as will councillors Orval W a ssm ann and lan G, Coles. Undecided is Emmerson Desjardine and Ro- land Greiner has announced he will retire. HENSALL — Friday, Nov. 22, 7 to 8 p.m. Reeve Norman Jones and all councillors except John Lavender will stand. Lavender Indicated he would return if no other candidate is found. HAY Friday, November 29, 1 to 2 p.m. McGILLIVRAY F rida y, Nov, 22, 1 to 2 p.m. Reeve Thomas Hall said Tuesday he will seek re-election since none of his council members indicat- ed they wanted to step up after he offered to retire if any wished to do so. STEPHEN—Monday, Nov. 25, 1 to 2 p.m. A candidate for warden of Huron for 1964, Reeve Glenn 'Webb will stand again and his council members have indicated they will seek re- election in theft present seats. USBORNE Mo nd ay, Nov. 25, 1 to 2, ReeveGeorge Erayrie and councillor Ward Hera have announced their intentions to seek re-election. The other members have not committed themselves. EXETER — No election here because of the inauguration 'of a two-year term at the begin- ning of this year. dosing of rood under disputeHeilgdll mill area Arrow indicates general location of the section oflaad Which has caused dispute between two grain mills at Itensall. The land; part of the road allowance, MeaartreS 55'x11. and is directly in front of the Cook Bros. Milling Co. Ltd., which has requested the area to provide improved 'unloading fa- cilities, E. L, Mickle andSoil Ltd,, Whose plaas are shown both front and back of the Cook property areprotesting the road -closing and both firms presented their cases through lawyers lit a eouncil heating last week. Decision was postponed because one colnicillor was not present. One argument presented by Cooks concerned the canopy over 'the 'Weide betiding in foreground which occupies about the same size area as that requested by gook, The land beneath the canopy, however, still r'ema'ins part of the village road. --T-A photo Although no election contests have been indicated yet in dis- trict municipalities, some con- tentious issues are expected to enliven nomination meetings in the area this week and next. School issues still sizzle in Usborne and flay townships, Hensall has a contentious road closing bylaw on hand, and Grand Bend is still debating its water and pollution prob- lems. Usborne school board has called a meeting for tonight (Thursday) at which it hopes to settle the site for its central school, which has been in dis- pute since spring. Even if a decision is made, however, the question is expected to be de- bated at nomination meeting. Although there's no word of any organized opposition in Hay, the controversial vote which approved the school board's $80,000 addition to Z u i ich school is likely to be an issue at the township nomination, Ef- fort 18 still being made to es- tablish a central area around Hensall even though the school area board Is proceeding with plans for the Zurich addition; The battle between two grain mills at tiensall over the Clos- ter,- of a portion of road may be discussed at the village no. minatioli meeting but it may not have any effect on the elec- tion or council members. The Hay school issue is likely to cobra up here, too. At Grand Bend, council and :PUC will begin elections for two-year' terms, similar to the c 08 to 81 followed on SchoOl. board. This year, the two aspirants for council who receive the Free helicopter ridesfor public school children will be the feature of this year's Christmas program sponsored by Exeter Businessmen's As- sociation. President Howard Holtzman announced this week the as- sociation has chartered a large 'copter from Pegasus Airlifts Ltd.) Burlington, to provtde the rides here Saturday, December 14. If the weather is bad, the date will be postponed until the following Saturday. Over 100 free rides will be given during the afternoon and the lucky children will be se- lected through a draw. All pub- lic school children in the area Will be eligible through parent purchases at 140,1 stores. The prOgram Will also fea- ture free Cartoon shows for c h i ld r ell Saturday afternoons during Neel-Tiber and investiga- tion is being made into a baby- sitting service, also on Sa.tur= day afternoons. The association already leas Contributed to Ward Christmas lighting which has been erected by Hxeter PUC on the Main St. The annual town-Wide Christ- mas opening will be held Thurs.