The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1965-09-23, Page 15 CNR stations closed this week
The new centralized service of
the Canadian National Railways
which went into effect Tuesday
in five area communities includ-
ing Exeter has caused protest in
some quarters, The new service
will in effect close the five sta-
tions in these municipalities, and
have all services operating out of
the London area office.
In Hensall, a public meeting
has been called for 8;00 p.m. to
discuss this matter, Council call-
ed this meeting to discuss the
problems with ratepayers who
have lodged protests.
An official of the London office
of the CNR, L, A, Wood, stated
Tuesday that the changes in effect
would give all customers better
service than previously possible.
He described the change as, "an
experiment in Centralization of
certain services". ale added that
an expert in a certain field in
London would be able to give
customers much better service
than the local agent who In some
cases would have to refer ques-
tions to London in any event.
The keynote of the new plan is
the use of direct dialing with free
service to the London office, In
this way the company feels, cus-
tomers will get better service,
Similar services such as this
have been in operation at Monc-
ton and Edmonton and have work-
ed very well, although because of
the complexity.of the freight busi-
ness, this system does not neces-
sarily work in all communities.
The main change for the aver-
age customer will be that express
and way freight will be changed to
highway service rather than have
it arrive by rail. This will in
effect speed up this service as
it will arrive in the communities
earlier than it has been. Other
than this, the communities will
see no actual change as the same
man will be picking up and de-
livering the express as before,
Mr. Wood stressed the fact that
the main aim is an attempt to
improve the service.
The five communities affected
by this change are Exeter, Cen-
tralia, Hensall, Thorndale and
Ilderton,
Telegraph services for til
area has also been centralized.
This has been the practice in
many communities for a number
Of years and Is not considered
as a major change. Telegraphs
May be telephoned to London
without toll charge in the same
manner as they were formerly
telephoned into the area offices.
Mr. Wood said most of the main
shippers and customers of the
company had been contacted prior
to this move and most seemed in
agreement with the change. Tele-
phone cards have been sent out to
all area residents listing the ap-
propriate phone numbers to call
in London for a specific service.
Residents protest station closing
Canadian National Railway stations in five area centers closed this week as new centralization of ser-
vines went into effect. The Hensall station is shown above on the last day of operation. CNR officials
stated this week the changes will allow for faster better service for area customers. (T-A photo)
Mark Battle of Britain
with parade and service
EXETER, ONTARIO, SEPTEMBER 23, 1965
At opening of the one-day ses-
sion, the new deputy reeve of
Exeter, Rev. Philip Gandon, was
sworn and assigned to finance and
executive and equalization com-
mittees, replacing the late Ralph
Bailey. Warden Webb spoke high-
ly of Mr. Bailey's work on the
equalization committee. Council
stood for a minute in silence to
honor his memory.
Mrs. Erwin Bestard, RR 3, Park-
hill; Mrs. Gwen Pett, RCAF Cen-
tralia.
HAY - Lorne Chapman, RR 1,
Exeter; Alan Crerar, RR 2, Men-
sail; Harold Deichert, RR 1,
Zurich; Mrs. Beatrice Grenier,
RR 3, Zurich; Leonard Merner,
RR 2, Zurich; George Grenier,
RR 1, Dashwood; James Love,
RR 1, Zurich; Elgin Hendrick,
RR 1 Dashwood.
HENSALL - Mrs. Robert Bak-
er, Mrs. Harold Knight.
HIBBERT - John Flynn, Dublin;
Mrs. Fergus Feeney, RR 2, Dub-
lin; Henry Harburn, Staffs; Mer-
vin Dow, Cromarty.
HULLETT - Mrs. Alice Buch-
anan, RR 1, Londesboro; Mrs.
Hazel Reid, RR 1, Blyth; Mrs.
Margaret Ball, RR 1, Clinton;
Mrs. Agnes Moon, RR 1, Lon-
desboro; Mrs. Eleanor Bradnock,
Auburn,
ZURICH - Menno Oesch, Gor-
don Surerus.
CLINTON - Mrs. Wm. Cham-
bers, Mrs. Mae Cameron, Mrs.
George Wonch, Mrs. Lloyd Car-
ter, Mrs. Clarence Denomme,
Mrs. Reg Cudmore.
Start construction
of sewer projects
Price Per Copy 10 Cents
Bailie of Britain Parade
Annual services to commemorate the Battle of Britain were held at RCAF Station Centralia Sunday
September 19. S/L G.C. Hollingshead is shown here as he leads Number three Squadron past the review-
ing stand as Major E.M.C. Franklin, reviewing officer of the Battle of Britain Parade, takes the salute.
(RCAF photo)
Huron county council
veto assessment change
Enumerators started
listing area voters
Major E.M,C. Franklin, D.F.C.
CD reviewed the history of the
Battle of Britain at the annual
services of commemoration held
at RCAF Station Trenton on Sun-
day September 19. Maj. Franklin
acted as reviewing officer for the
Battle of Britain Parade which
marked the twenty-fifth anniver-
sary of this event.
The occasion we are observing
to-day, takes us back 25 years to
Western Europe in the summer of
1940.
By the third week of June, when
France fell, Western Europe,
from North Cape to the Bay of
Biscay, was in German hands.
Only Britain and her Empire and
Commonwealth remained in the
field. Operation "Sea Lion", the
German plan of invasion of Eng-
land, had as its first preliminary,
the destruction of the Royal Air
Force. Air superiority was con-
sidered absolutely essential to
the success of this invasion.
Early July 1940, was the begin-
ning of one of the greatest battles
in history, a battle, the outcome
of which, had decided effects on
the future of the war, and indeed,
on the destiny of civilization.
During July and August and the
first week in September, the Luft-
waffe concentrated on destroying
Britains' aerodromes, and the
all important radar stations
which permitted the Royal Air
Force early detection of enemy
aircraft.
The German bombers, protect-
ed by heavy escort of fighters,
were constantly engaged by the
RAF fighters, and fierce air
battles raged over the South of
England. The British fighter pi-
lots, including Canadian pilots,
although outnumbered in battle,
fought tenaciously, breaking up
enemy formations and shooting
down many enemy aircraft.
By the first week in Septem-
ber however, these continuous
operations were taking their toll.
Communication systems and air-
fields were being battered to
bits. The fighter force was rapid-
ly being depleted and reserves
of aircraft were reaching the
danger point. Another week of
this bombing would have meant
disaster for the British. Never
were the Germans, had they rea-
lized it, so close to victory.
At this point the Germans made
one of the greatest tactical errors
of the battle. They decided to
switch from bombing the airfields
and communication systems to
the indiscriminate bombing of
London. They reasoned the of-
fensive against London would,
(1) force the use of reserve
fighters, (2) break the will of
the people and (3) operation Sea
Lion could commence. Accord-
ingly on Sept. 7, Londons' long
ordeal from bombing began.
The Battle of Britain reached
its climax on Sept. 15, when the
Germans organized a tremen-
dous raid on London. This was a
desperate stand for Great Brit-
ain. At the height of the battle
the RAF had their entire reserve
of fighters in conflict. The never-
say-die British ground crews,
and the courageous pilots of
Fighter Command scored an en-
credible victory. As a result,
operation Sea Lion was postponed
indefinitely. The Germans had
failed to gain supremacy of the
air, also losing over 1700 air-
craft.
And so it is that Sept. 15,
or the nearest Sunday, is cele-
brated as the Battle of Britain
day, a day of thanksgiving for
deliverance, a day when we pay
tribute to the vast courage arid
The auditorium of the Central
Huron Secondary School, Clinton
is the designated location when
Liberal delegates from the 148
Polls of Huron Riding elect their
candidate for the forthcoming
Federal election this Thursday
evening at 8:30 p.m.
Prominently mentioned as can-
didates are two who have indicat-
ed their willingness to accept
the nomination in the persons of
Gordon McGavin, successful
farm implement dealer from
Talton, and Mate Edgar, Col-
legiate teacher, who has been
in the forefront of service club
activities lately, from Clinton.
Others mentioned as possible
contenders are B. Menzies, bar-
rister of Clinton; A. Y. McLean,
of Seaforth, former M.P. for
Huron Perth; and the president
An asphalt truck used for haul-
ing materials on an area con-
struction project was completely
destroyed by flames Monday
afternoon at Elimville. A possible
explosion of the gas tank at the
Elimville store was averted by
the quick actions of a passing
truck driver who hooked a chain
to the rear of the burning truck
and towed it away from the gas
pump.
Maurice H. Dubby of Hamilton,
driver of the truck, told police
he had stopped beside the store
to get matches and when lie
stepped outside the truck was
a mass of flames. The fire ap-
parently started in the right sad-
dle tank and engulfed the truck
within minutes.
Joe Freeman of Londesboro
who was driving a dump truck
loaded with gravel apparently
saved nearby buildings. He no-
resolution of the British people,
who led by their eloquent and in-
spiring leader, Prime Minister
Churchill, withstood the on-
slaught of the German might from
the air. And to those gallant,
brave and skillful pilots of Fight-
er Command, who perished in the
cause of liberty, and to their liv-
ing colleagues we pay homage.
Truly We are indebted to them
for our freedom, so aptly ex-
pressed by the great Prime Min-
ister Churchill in his immortal
"Never in the history of human
conflict, has so much been owed
by so many to so few".
of the Huron Liberal Associa-
tion, Wm. Elston of RR 4, Wing-
ham.
Murray Gaunt, M. L.A., and
Gordon Beaton, Liberal organiz-
er for Western Ontario North,
are expected to be platform
guests.
The keynote address will be
delivered by the Honourable Lar-
ry Pennell, M.P., Solicitor-Gen-
eral in the Pearson Government.
Mr. Pennell is the Liberal Mem-
ber for the federal riding of
Brant-Haldimand. He resides in
Brantford with his wile and two
children, where Ile is also a mem-
ber of the law firm of Pennell,
Watt and Purcell. He is regarded
as one of the most eloquent speak-
ers in the Liberal Party.
A large number of delegates
and interested citizens are ex-
pected to attend.
ticed the flames as he was pass-
ing and seeing that the truck
was standing beside the gas pump
at the store hooked a logging
chain to the rear of the blazing
vehicle and towed it backwards
away from the buildings. By this
time the truck was a mass of
flames and Freeman was scorch-
ed slightly while attempting to
hook the chain to the rear spring.
The gas pump at the store was
scorched from the heat but no
other damage was done.
Members of the Exeter Fire
department responded to the
alarm within minutes but were
unable to do more than extinguish
the flames which had by this
time started on the rear tires
of the truck. The truck was a
complete write-off.
Members of the Exeter detach-
ment of the OPP investigated the
incident.
Ninety-third Year
Huron county council on Mon-
day voted 23 to 14 against adop-
tion of the county assessment
commissioner system. P. G. Gil-
lis, department of municipal af-
fairs supervisor, informed coun-
cil that his department supported
establishment of the system "to
ensure that every municipality,
regardless of size, is able to
maintain an efficient assessment
department."
"There is a moral responsi-
bility on each of you," he said,
"to make sure each ratepayer
has to pay only his just and prop-
er share of taxes. Unfortunately,
at present there are a great
number of ratepayers paying too
much, and an equally large num-
ber paying too little, and quite
a number not paying taxes at all.
This happens because people are
employed who do not have proper
equipment or proper records."
Before the vote was taken, at
conclusion of a long discussion,
Warden Glenn Webb expressed
the opinion that the system will
be adopted in Huron sooner or
later.
"Many of our assessors are
marking time," he said, nand
asking 'When are we going to
have county assessment?' I be-
lieve the system will be in effect
in this county. The question now
is whether we are prepared to
accept the recommendation of the
report for Jan. 1, 1967. It is
almost a foregone conclusion this
will be a fact in this county
at some time."
The debate closed with an ap-
peal by Brig. F. A. Clift, reeve
of Hayfield, who said: "We should
not drag our feet."
A.s pointed outby Mr. Gillis,"
he said, "we cannot afford not to
adopt the new system. In our vil-
lage there are all kinds of pro-
perties not being properly as-
sessed, and it is very difficult
to get them changed. All this will
come easily when we get the new
system and trained assessors
not subject to personal pres-
sures."
Mr. Gillis reported 13 Counties
adopting the System and five more
indicating intention to do so.
During the current year, $50,-
000 will be added to county coun-
cil's hospital reserve fund, now
standing at $102,000, but there
will be a withdrawal to pay apor-
don of Wingham General Hos-
pital's expenditure.
,,We are also expecting ex-
penditures to the Goderich hos-
pital," said Clerk-treasure r
John Berry, "but no definite dates
have been mentioned."
Whether or not the hospital
fund will be continued will be up
for decision soon. Mr. Berry
said: "In 1967 we will have com-
pleted our obligations for the
present time to the various hos-
pitals, and you will then have to
decide if you are going to carry
on with the fund for hospital
purposes, and if so, on what
basis."
The clerk-treasurer reported
a nominal surpluS of $29,268 at
and of June, of which $14,148 Is
from highway account. Highway
outlay totalled $839,474, Buren-
View. $191,997 and Children's Aid
$64,411.
ItIn 1966", Mx. Berey pointed
out, "We will not have $80,000
surplus transferredfrom surplus
to operating expenditure, but to
offset this loss there will be less
spent at the museum, and the
history will be paid off."
The long-awaited county his-
tory is now being printed by
Ryerson Press, but still lacks
an index. It is to retail for $5,
the property committee report-ad, through C h airman Elmer
Hayter.
Enumerators started their
rounds of Huron County Monday
morning according to a report of
returning officer R. T. Bolton.
Those working in Exeter and area
are:
EXETER Mrs. Mabel Mc-
Knight, Alvin Pym, Mrs. Dorothy
Cornish, Mrs. Helen M ic k le,
Mrs. Emma Beaver, Mrs. Mar-
ion Sweet, Ansley Neil.
USBORNE - William H.' Es-
sery, RR 3, Exeter; Alvin Pass-
more, RR 1, Woodham; Mrs.
Harry Jeffery, RR 1, Hensall;
Harold Rowe, RR 1, Woodham;
Philip Johns, RR 3, Exeter; Mrs.
Howard Pym, RR 1, Centralia;
Lloyd Smith, Woodham.
STEPHEN - Mrs. Fred Bow-
den, Centralia; Mrs. Harold
Fahner, RR 1, Exeter; Mrs. Earl
Heist, RR 1, Crediton; Mrs. Ir-
vin Finkbeiner, RR 2, Credi-
ton; Mrs. Gordon Rat; RR 3,
Dashwood; Mrs. Melvin Stade,
RR 3, Dashwood; Mrs. Stuart
Sweitzer, RR 2, Dashwood; Mrs.
Harvey Walper, RR 3, Parkhill;
Council briefs
Council decided to proceed with
the installation of sewers on
Wellington Street, at their regu-
lar meeting Monday evening, de-
spite the fact there is a lack of
approximately $600 to complete
this job. James paisley reported
that he was unable to get enough
prepayment of frontage to pay
for the entire cost of this job.
All residents in this area have,
however, signed to pay the front-
age charges on a yearly basis.
In other busineSs, council de-
cided to turn $200 over to the
RAP committee to hold in trust
for a junior band. The money
came from the sale of some ju-
nior band equipment to RCAF
Station Centralia. MeMbers were
informed that the cash for the
purchase of these instruments
was raised by tag days and other
events by members of the junior
band.
Council decided to delay pay-
ment of a bill for $313.08 for
repairs to a pump on the fire
truck until a service man calls
in the area. Members of the fire
department have questioned the
bill and believe the repairs were
necessary onlybecause there was
a flaw in the pump. The Company
maintains the damage was caused
by engaging the pump when the
motor was running at too high an
RPM.
Construction started Tuesday
morning on the installation of
Sewers on the Gidley-Sanders-
Senior project. Reporting on the
project at the regular meeting of
council Monday evening, council-
lor Joe Wooden brought in recom-
mendations from the road com-
mittee which would widen all
three of these streets to 24 feet,
for the travelled portion, because
of the amount of traffic these
streets have.
Widening the roads will make
some other minor changes neces-
sary. The Public Utilities Com-
mission will be requested to move
two poles back from the edge of
Gidley Street. Reports indicate
these are almost on the travelled
portion of the road. If the poles
were not moved it would be neces-
sary to offset the white line of the
road four feet.
The roads will be so designed
that curbs can be installed at a
later date, the catch basins will
be positioned so that these will
be against the curb when this is
installed.
The committee also recom-
mended that these three streets
be finished with hot asphalt as
part of the 1966 road budget.
Will investigate
sewer charge
Council will check with the On-
tario Water Resources Commis-
sion in an effort to find out wheth-
er there is a way to charge owners
for sewage frontage, where an
existing sewer has been declared
a sanitary sewer, where the own-
ers have the service available,
and are partially using. The ques-
tion was raised in connection
with Carling Street.
If this is possible, the money
received could be used to extend
the service to Waterloo Street
and both ways on Mill Street.
Councillor Wooden in support-
ing this suggestion, indicated he
felt this situation is slightly un-
fair to other residents of the
town who have been forced to pay
this frontage when the town has
installed sewers along their
streets.
Members voted to retain their
policy in regardS to installing
culverts under private drive-
ways. A request from a resident,
who is building a new house, to
have a culvert installed forced
council to examine its policy in
regards to this.
Although storm drains are
gradually eliminating the need for
culverts such as this, it was de-
cided to maintain the policy of
having the resident purchase the
culvert with the town looking
after the installation charge. It
was pointed out that to make this
service free could cost the town
a fairly large sum of money.
Most municipalities have the
same policy as Exeter.
Councillor Wooden said this re-
commendation was brought in at
this time, as all these streets
will be greater than normal width,
and the cost of this will be more
than for normal streets.
Council discussed briefly
which detour would be best for
the school buses, which normally
use Gidley Street, but came to no
decision. It was suggested it
might be possible to unload and
load the students at the arena,
and have them walk across to the
school. In case of inclement
weather they could stand inside
the arena. This matter will be
investigated further.
William Street will receive a
final surface of hot asphalt this
fall if a contractor can be found
to do the work. Council decided
to complete this project after
reviewing their 1965 road budget.
The project was recommended by
the road committee.
The problem of having a margin
along three blocks of Main Street
paved, was again aired in council.
Members pointed out that they
have done everything possible to
get this paved, but as it is such
a small job, it is very difficult
to get a contractor to come in
and do this.
Council will continue investi-
gation plans for the reconstruc-
tion of Main Street. This project
was started some time ago but
has become inactive. Members
will meet with the Public Utilities
Commission to find out what ser-
vices they will have to install
when this project is carried out,
so that all of this work can be
done at one time.
Other recommendations of the
road committee included esti-
mates for 1966 road construction.
The proposed budget is $12,000
for construction and $10,000 for
maintenance. It was also suggest-
ed that council extend a block on
Marlborough Street in 1966, if
funds are sufficient.
Police hunt
hit-run car
Exeter Provincial police are
still looking for the driver of a
hit-run vehicle which struck a
woman who was riding a bicycle
Saturday night. The accident oc-
cured on Highway 4 about two
and a half miles south of town.
Mrs. Jo-Ann Bernasconi, wife
of Airman Johann Bernasconi,
RCAF Station Centralia, is in St.
Joseph's Hospital, London, re-
covering from injuries which in-
cluded a fractured left leg, cuts
and bruises.
Police said the woman was
struck from behind while riding
south on the highway.
The car is believed to be a
1959-62 General Motors product.
Police believe there will be dam-
age to the right front of the
vehicle.
Huron liberals plan
nomination meeting
Call Exeter firemen
to area truck blaze
Flash fire destroys truck
This Wes the scene which greeted ineinbers of the Exeter Piro bepartment wben they arrived at The
Elimville store Monday afternoon. The driver of the truck stopped at the store to get a match to light
his cigarette and when he came out of the store diScovered he didn't need them. The truck was a com-
plete wilted!. (T-A photo)
SHDHS staff enjoy outing
The staff of the SHDHS enjoyed ail outing at Morrison Darn Tuesday evening Which included a barbecue
and sports events. The program was held to get new teachers acquainted With existing Members Of the
staff. The above photo Was taken of the volleyball game in which the new teachers took on the old in
friendly competition. (T.-A photo)