Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1965-01-07, Page 1Plans replacing plant lost in $300,000 blaze; none of 22 employees expected to be jobless do waxing for him, Temporary office accommo- dation has been set up in the Devon Building and operations will be handled from there until the plant is replaced. Just where they left off Ninety-second Year EXETER, ONTARIO, JANUARY 7, 1965 Price Per Copy 10 Cents Town council started 1965 off with one of the problems that has plagued them for se- veral years. Dogs! The usual comments were made about the large number of canines running at large and the fact they were a problem for practically everyone. Coun- cillor Ted Wright said there were more dogs running loose at the present than at any time during the past 10 years. The matter was discussed at some length, but again was turned over to the protection to persons and property com- mittee for the! study. Wright is chairman of the committee. Crash claims one life, second lady still critical The firm called Veri this week offering the jobs until such time as the employees may be required for work at the rebuilt Exeter industry. Plans for rebuilding the plant are dependent on the settle- ment that is reached with the insurance company which had about 80% of the $300,000 loss covered. They had requested an exami- nation of the ruins by an in- spector from the Fire Mar- shall's office and this inspection was made by Robert Kaufman, this week. Vela said the inspector left Tuesday and has given permis- sion for the ruins to be cleaned up. Kaufman reported to the own- er that he suspected the blaze may have started in the waxer pot which was situated at the west end of the main floor of the 200' by 80' building. Members of the Exeter Vol- unteer Fire Brigade had little chance against the blaze in the The effects on the community following the $300,000 fire which destroyed the plant of Exeter Produce & Store Co, Ltd. do not appear as gloomy as first reports indicated, Owner Len Veri stated this week he hopes to rebuild the plant in the spring and also an- nounced that jobs have been made available to most of the 22 employees put out of work by one of the worst fires in Exe- ter's history. Veri, who moved here from Hamilton six years ago and built the local plant into one of the major turnip processing units in Ontario, reported six of the men would be retained on staff to handle the various farm oper- ations owned by him, and also to assist with clean-up duties at the site. Jobs for the four or five wo- men employed at the plant, as well as some of the men, have been made available by a Mit- chell industry, Federal-Mogul- Bowers (Canada) Limited. Resort instructs rep to veto Parkhill project one brother, Thomas Quinton, London. Interment was in Exeter Cemetery and pallbearers in- cluded Russ Snell, Fred Sim- mons, Bob Luxton, Arnold Lin- denfield, Gordon McTavish and Gerald Godbolt. Although they are faced with one of the smaller levies on the Parkhill Dam, Grand Bend council agreed Monday night to instruct their representa- tive on the Ausable River con- servation Authority to vote against proceeding with the con- struction of the project. John Manore, who was re- named as the ARCA repre- sentative, was given this in- struction in a letter authorized by council. The resort was notified, along with all other municipalities, of their share of the increased levy on the present projected cost of $1,980,000. Officials of the Authority notified them that their in- creased cost would be $2,- 405.96. Combined with the original share levied against Grand Bend, this brought the total share to $5,285.31. While council decided to vote against this project, suggest- which was travelling west on Highway 84. Damage amounted to $600 and Semple was slightly injured, suffering a sprained right el- bow. About $275 damage was caus- ed in a two-car crash in Exeter last Monday when cars driven by Moses Beckler, 78 Huron Street, and Gerald D. Cooper, 500 William Street, collided at the intersection of Main and Wellington Streets. Chief C. H. MacKenzie re- ported that Beckler had been proceeding east on Wellington Street and pulled in front of Cooper, who was proceeding south on Main Street. Damage to the Cooper ve- hicle was listed at $200 and $75 to-the Beckler car. frame structure as the only wa- ter source for their hoses was a four inch water main. Iron- ically, plans are underway to increase the main serving the north end of Exeter to eight inches in the very near future. The small amount of water was of little use against the fire, and it was far out of con- trol by the time a pumper from RCAF Centralia arrived to as- sist in the battle. Five men from the Lucan brigade also assisted. Smoke was pouring from the upper windows when the local brigade arrived, but it was al- most an hour before flames could be seen by the hundreds of spectators who had gathered to view the spectacular blaze. It didn't take long for the flames to devour the large building at the west end and it quickly spread to the one-storey structure to the east. Veri, assisted by several em- ployees and onlookers, saved some office furniture and re- cords before the office was destroyed. The firemen battled the blaze throughout New Years eve and were still pouring water onto it the following afternoon. How- ever, they managed only to save a small portion of one end. Some of the men spent most of Friday night at the scene also as fire was still evident and they were even called back early Sunday morning, although when they arrived nothing was on fire in the already gutted ruins. away glass bottles, which are being used in the bottling in- dustry. Several other communities have backed petitions asking the government to prohibit the use of such containers as they feel many will be tossed into ditches creating unsightly conditions. A water supply will also be one of the major projects for the village this year and a pre- liminary survey on the water needs for the resort has al- ready been prepared by engi- neer William Ayearst and sent to the Ontario Water Resources Commission. The OWRC will be asked to attend a joint meeting in the future with Grand Bead and Township of Bosanquet officials to discuss water requirements in regard to a supply from the Lake Huron pipeline, ONE OTHER There was only one other ac- cident investigated by the local OPP this week and it came when 1965 was only two hours old. Cpl. C. J. Mitchell was called to zurich to investigate a crash involving cars driven by Robert E. Semple, RR 2 Bayfield, and Walter William Becker, RR 3 Dashwood. Semple was southbound on Frederick Street in Zurich and pulled out in front of Becker, Owner views plant destruction Len Veri, centre, watches on while flames destroy the turnip processing plant which he had turned into a thriving business in the past six years. Payroll at the local industry amounted to about $80,000 per year and the o w n e r had hoped to process 300,000 bushel of turnips this year. Half that amount was de- stroyed in the blaze. The fireman on the right is Wes Ryckman. --T-A photo .o-IMP:MSK ions for improvements in the resort were made in speeches by several members. Major ones on the list were increased parking facilities at the beach, recreational equip- ment and one that has been on the list many times, harbor dredging. No action was taken on the first two suggestions but they will possibly be investigated during the year. In regard to the harbor dredg- ing, Councillor Ory Wassmann predicted conditions at the har- bor would be worse this year than last. Sandbars have again reduced the depth of water and unless action is taken it is ex- pected boats will experience difficulties getting into the river. It was also decided at the meeting to seek legal advice as to whether any steps can be taken to control littering of public property with throw- 45=2126172rAMOVETMEMEMEISEN Hensall factory starts addition Approve additions to local businesses Boyle named head of three committees CROPS LOST Besides destroying the exten- sive building, the fire ruined 150,000 bushels of turnips, ex- tensive refrigeration equipment and a $75,000 turnip waxing assembly, This assembly had only been put in the plant two years ago and was the only one of its kind in use in the turnip processing business in Canada. None of the turnips left at the scene are fit for human con- sumption and Vert said cattle wouldn't even eat them due to the strong smoke odor. The 150,000 bushels destroy- ed were about half the crop Veri had hoped the plant would proces8 this year. He reported Monday the firm would still be buying turnips frotn area growers as other plant Managers had offered to Reeve Derry Boyle came up with chairmanship responsibi- lities on three committees in the organizational changes ef- fected by town council at its first 1965 meeting Monday afternoon. Boyle retains his position as head of the sidewalks and trees committee and takes over the top spot on the town hall committee and public welfare. Councillor Joe Wooden re- tained his job as chairman of the drains and culverts section of public works, while Deputy- Reeve Ralph Bailey is back again in charge of streets, These t we committees have identical personnel with Taylor and W r I g h t being the other Members. Veteran Councillor Ross Taylor takes over sanitation from Mayor Jack Delbridge and Wright Succeeds Taylor as chairman of the protection to persons and property. Delbridge and Boyle were named as council representaa Lives on RAP and newcomers Barrett and Gandon will join the i nd ustri al corporation board. Gandon joins Wright on the cemetery board and both he and Barrett are also with Boyle IC charge of sidewalks and trees. The other newcomer, Mery CudmOre, will sit On the sani, tation, protection to persons J. C. Clayton, general manager of General Coach Works of Canada Ltd., has announced the awarding of a contract to Pounder Bros., Stratford, for the construction of a 17,000 square foot addition to the Hensel]. plant. The work commenced January 4 and is expected to be completed by the end of February. The Heneall plant is already the largest of its kind in Eastern Canada. General Coach Works is a subsidiary of Divco-Wayne Industries Incorporated, the foremost build- er of mobile homes in North America. Mr. Clayton stated that 1964 production exceeded the previous year by 60%.. The hew facilities are required to Meet an anticipated 50% increase in business over 1964. The company is Canada's largest producer of mobile homes designed for permanent housing, travel trailers and in the commercial line, has pioneered in the design of Mobile classrooms, offices, laboratories, bunkhouses and industrial display units, " • " Tragedy struck the Exeter area for the second time in rapid succession this week when an elderly Exeter lady was kill- ed in a crash Sunday afternoon and her sister critically in- jured. Funeral service was held for Mrs. Ellen Albertha E llerington Wednesday afternoon from the Hopper-Hockey funeral home with Rev. J. P. Gandon, minister of Trivitt Memorial Church, of- ficiating. Mrs. Ellerington, 79, was a passenger in a car driven by her sister, Miss Margaret Quinton, when it was struck by an eastbound car on the St. Marys Road at approximately 4;40 p.m. The two Exeter ladies were driving north on one of the township roads about two miles east of Exeter, after visiting Mrs. Ellerington's son, Wil- liam, in Usborne Township. The second car involved was driven by Kenneth John Fen- wick, 21 Bingeman Street, Kit- chener. He sustained a broken left knee and his wife had minor injuries. They were transferred to a Kitchener hospital after treatment at South Huron Hos- pital. Roads were snow-packed and slippery at the time of the crash and speculation is that the Exe- ter ladies may have had dif- ficulty getting traction as they turned off the township road. The intersection was in the middle of the steep hill located between the farms of Jack Tay- lor and William Pincombe. OPP Constable Jack Yeoman investigated and reported that the car driven by Miss Quinton was in the south ditch and the FehWick ear in the north ditch. sent building as well to tie the two into a common decor. Council was informed the construction on the addition would commence as soon as possible. Another permit was approved for the addition of a small res- taurant in conjunction with the Le Pines Motel, It also will be one storey and will be 14' by 34'. Construction has al r e ad y commenced as tentative ap- proval had previously been re- ceived from a Majority of coun- cil members. It will be built to the south of the present motel units. Announcements . . 10 Church Notices . • ... 10 Coining Events 10 Editorials . . . • g Farm News . . • 8 Hensall • OA • • +. 4 Lutan , 11 Sports • •••• Want Ads . 7 Building permits for two ad- ditions to commercial buildings were approved by council at their first meeting of the year, Monday. Tom MacMillan appeared be- fore council seeking permission to build a small addition to the south of his present MainStreet building. The present RAP chairman eXplained that the addition would be one storey and would provide facilities for a new barber shop for Exeter's veteran barber, Gerry Smith, MacMillan also told council his future plans call for re- modelling the front Of his pre- BOOST SALARIES Much of the meeting of course was taken up with the naming of various officials and mem- bers to different boards. While council held their own pay rates at the same level they did grant increases to some officials. Clerk Murray A. DesSardins was granted a salary increase to $2,000. While this is $300 over his past remuneration, Council decided he would not be paid for any special meetings as he has in the past. DesJardina also acts as as- sessor in the resort and re- ceives 75a per assessment, the same as last year. —Please turn to back page and property and the town hall committee. This was the setup presented by the nominating committee of Delbridge, Boyle, Bailey, Taylor, Wooden and Wright. SIMMONS NAMED Retiring Mayor Sim nl o ns wasn't out of work lohg, as his former associates named him as their representative on the A ti s ab 1 e River Conservation Authority. He succeeds Al Pickard, who asked that he hot be re-appoint- ed. Wooden and Delbridge will continue to serve on the plan- ning board and two other men, Harvey Pfaff and R. E. Dooley were also re-named to this group. Bill Batten was named as the replacement for Don SOutheott, 00 resigned his pos- ition. Cecil Wilson was re-appoint- ed to the library board arid Joe Wooden was named as council's representative. William C. Al- lison was put back on the ceme- tery board and Emerson Cor- nish will again be the bell ringer and town hall caretaker will be Henry Greene. William MacLean was named relief officer again, and re- ceived a raise of $100,bringing his aahity to $200. He had requested the raise from acme- -.Please turn to back page Half Biddulph voters produce close race CRITICAL CONDITION Miss Quinton, 77, r e m ains unconscious in South Huron Hospital, and her coadition Is still listed as critical. She has not regained consciousness since being taken to the hospital from the crash scene. Coroner Dr. John Goddard, Hensall, was called to the scene and it is believed that no in- quest will be held. Mrs. Ellerington was the widow of Fred Ellerington and was active in Trivia Memorial Church. She is survived by one daugh- ter, Mrs. Leslie (Margaret) Coates, Listiawel; Mir sons, William, Usborne Township; Thomas, Exeter; Fred,London; Robert, Stephen Township; and Reeve Wilson Hodgins rounds out the membership on council. He was returned by acclama- tiom Exeter board picks Tuckey Bible canvass sets new high The canvass for theCanadien Bible Society achlevedthehigit- eat figure In Its history for this area, according to George till-, nay, treasurer of the local Cora- mittee. He reported this Week that final returns show a total of $930 collected for the organiza- tion, Ross Tuokey was elected Chairman of the Eketer Public School board Monday evening and his first words to the mem- bers were that veteran member, Wallace. Seldon, who retired after 17 years on the board, was home from the hospital and was . "progressing very, very well". Clarence McDonald was nate ed vice-chairman and the board re-hired secretary-treasurer W. IL Hodgson at a salary of $800. 'rids was a $100 la- crease over his salary of the past two years, Herm Dettmer was named to chair two committees following the report of the nominating committee. He will be in charge of property and inspection. Newcomer ,Jack Pryde will sit --Pleale Writ to back page Jelin Bryan, Who last Week charged that affairs in Biddelph Township had seen ita year of fumbles and confusion" in 1964, headed the polls In Monday's election which saw a turnout Of about 50% of the voters. It was one of the highest percentages in the area this year, and also resulted in one Of the closest elections as only a few ballots separated many Of the candidates. Bryan recorded 378 votes on the 546 ballots cast, while the other three winning can- didates for council were se- parated by only one vote. Joe Haskett and newcomer James Ryan tied with 329 and Lorne Barker Was only one be- hind them with 828. Charles Rollings failed in his bid to regain his council seat, but trailed Barker by only eight votes with his 320 total. Jae Vail Geel, tlie other defeated catididate, picked up 210 in his first bid for council. Large crowd views local blaze Between 200 and 300 persons spent the first part of New Years eve watching the spectacular blaze at the Exeter Produce & Storage Co. Ltd. Traffic was snarled for sonic clistanee. Flames could be seen for several Miles and the burning wax and propane gas created colorful flames for the on- lookers. --T-A photo CHAIRMAN OUT With the township reduced to having only three members on the new five-man school board which joins with Lucan, voters had to decide which of the four sitting members in the election they would chOose. When the results Were tabu- lated it showed that chairman Ron Crozier was dropped as he trailed the other three Mem- bers by a wide margin. Orville Langford headed the polls with 363 and T hom as Gagon was Second with 346. It is understood these two will sit on the new board for a two- year term, The other Biddelph member will be Leonard Knight. Ile polled 327 votes and will sit for a one-year term. Crozier picked up only 190 votes.