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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1967-06-22, Page 1Ninety-third Year EXETER, ONTARIO, JUNE 22, 1967 Price Per Copy 15 Cents Exeter lawyer's resort home lost in blaze set by arsonist Ontario Provincial Police from the Forest detachment, assisted by personnel from the Ontario Fire Marshall's office, are con- tinuing their investigation into the fire which destroyed the home of Exeter lawyer C. V, Laughton in Beach 0' Pines, Monday after- noon. Two shots fired in police chase Officially open Dashwood park The chore of cutting the ribbon to officially open Dashwood's Centennial Park fell to a couple of ladies well over 90 years of age. Long-time Dashwood residents, Mrs. Susan Merner and Mrs. Mary Martene are shown doing the snipping while Clifford Salmon, village trustee and master of ceremonies looks on. In the background to the right is another trustee, Harold Schroeder. Mrs. Lucinda Mclsaac also in her 90's assisted in the ceremony by unveiling a plaque. T-A photo Grand Bend residents slow on water appeals Three local men have been interrogated and charges are pending following one of the most bizarre incidents to take place in Exeter for some time. Early Sunday morning three men were seen tossing rocks onto Main St. near the Huron St. inter- section and for almost an hour and a half led policemen and one local citizen on a merry chase in the southern section of town. At one time during the chase, Cpl. Harry VanBergen fired two warning shots from his pistol. In addition to the rock tossing incident, the three were seen attempting to climb the flagpole in front of South Huron Hospital and they also rattled several doors at the hospital. Many pa- tients were awakened by the noise. Cpl. VanBergen was assisted in the chase by Constable Ford. Whether water is purchased or not all owners will be required to pay a $4 per foot frontage rate and a connection charge of $125. Reeve Orval Wassmann detain- ed on other business arrived to take charge of the meeting short- ly after the delegation had been heard. In other business, council: Learned from Reeve Orval Wassmann that the village would be receiving the annual urban grant from the County of Lamb- ton in the amount of $1,000 to be used for gravelling of Queen street. — Please turn to Page 2 now it is contaminated. Every- body knows that everything drains toward the lake, so the same situation could exist in your sub- division in a few years, too." When told that fire hydrants would be installed along with the water lines, Mrs. Dace, add- ed, "At least that will be one feature." After learning that the water project had been officially ap- proved and was solely in the hands of the Ontario Water Resources Commission, delegation mem- bers said they would be contact- ing provincial officials in an at- tempt to stop the project from going into their area. Two cars collide at train crossing The home in the subdivision south of Grand Bend was com- pletely destroyed, along with the personal belongings of the fam- ily. Although the investigation is continuing, police indicate there isn't much doubt that the house was set ablaze by an arsonist. Richard Laughton, 14, told po- lice he saw a man running from the area shortly before the house burst into flames. Persons first on the fire scene and members of the Grand Bend fire brigade reported the smell of gasoline was heavy when they arrived. Investigation has also revealed the fire started pretty well over the whole house, indicating it was liberally doused with gasoline. Nothing was saved from the burning building at all and only a lack of wind and the recent rains kept the fire from spreading into nearby trees. Members of the nearby Pinery Provincial park staff helped Grand Bend firemen prevent the flames from spreading. Mr. Laughton said the loss of his house would probably run around $25,000, and he is still working on the estimates of the loss of the contents. He indicat- ed this would be well over $10,- 000. He was notified about the fire shortly after it broke out, and by the time he arrived on the scene from his Exeter office the build- ing was already destroyed. The family have taken up resid- ence with friends. Police have not indicated whether they have any suspects. Mr. Laughton said at the scene of the fire Tuesday morning he was thankful the arsonist did not see his son, noting he may have harmed him. Inspect ruins of resort area cottage Exeter lawyer C, V. Laughton, left, is shown conducting Art Campbell of the Ontario Fire Marshall's staff and Constable E. Willsie of the Forest OPP, through the ruins of his home at Beach 0' Pines. A fire, which completely destroyed the building and the family's belongings, is said to have been started by an arsonist. T-A photo Park fountain improved —but cost not revealed The Exeter OPP detachment investigated only three accidents this past week, indicating most area drivers are driving with care, courtesy and caution re- quired during the heavy traffic season. The first of the crashes took place last Tuesday at 5:40 p.m. just west of the CNR crossing on No. 5 sideroad in Hay Town- ship, half a mile west of Highway 4, Involved were Neil McAllister, RR 1 Centralia, and Douglas John Shirray, Hensall. The two drivers had been ap- proaching the steep incline at the crossing without having seen each other and as Shirray came down over the crossing, the cars col- lided. BURNS ARM In a fire in Exeter, Sunday, Ken Shaw suffered a burn to his arm when he attempted to extinguish a blaze that broke out while he was working in the rear shop at Canadian Tire. He was lighting a blow torch when a spark ignited some gaso- line and spread to a small can of gas nearby. Mr. Shaw suffered a burn to his right hand and one leg while getting the can out the back door. He was treated at South Huron Hospital. The Exeter fire brigade was called to the scene, but every- thing was under control when they arrived. No damage was reported to the building. A petition signed by about 50 residents of Southcott Pines Sub- division protesting the installa- tion of water mains in their area was presented to Grand Bend council, Monday night. The delegation composed of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Putherbough, Mr. and Mrs. Clive Dace, Mrs. Nancy Jocylin and Mrs. Hodgins told council the entire subdivision was against having the pipeline brought in. "We are satisfied with our wells, there is no contamination at all, so why put the pipes in", were the comments of Mr. Puth- erbough. The delegation was told by act- ing reeve Howard Green that as the Municipal Board had ap- proved the project at a hearing in May, the matter was out of council hands. When the group stated they knew nothing of the hearing at which time three appeals were heard, Clerk Murray A. Des- Jardins stated he had complied fully with the regulations of the Municipal Board in placing a large notice in the local news- paper having the largest circula- tion in the area. Mrs. Dace in speaking for the owners, most of whom reside in London said, "We came to the woods to get away from the extras of city living. We don't want improvements. Our lots are all of accepted size, the septic tanks are well away from the wells and our water is perfect. If we have to take this service we would be subsidizing the residents of main street." Councillor John Teevins who lives on highway 21, east of the subdivision said, "A few years ago my water was perfect and Exeter's "improved" fountain in Riverview Park will be com- pleted for the July 1 opening of the park, but members of coun- cil aren't telling how much the "improvement" is going to cost over the original $400 spent on the "glorified bird bath" erected in the first place. "The fountain will be consider- ably improved, even if it costs us extra money," Councillor Joe Wooden commented. While some members were talking about the increased cost, Reeve Derry Boyle asked what the figure was. However, he quickly changed his mind and told Mayor Del- bridge not to tell him what the cost was. "Regardless of the cost, it was the only sane thing to do," remarked Councillor Ted Wright, in reference to the changes made. A large concrete base has been poured around the fountain and it will be finished off with flag- stone. The planning for the ceremon- ies to take place in the park was discussed and indicated many loose ends still to be tied to- gether before next Saturday's event. Platform speakers will include Mayor Delbridge, the Hon. C. S. MacNaughton, centennial com- mittee chairman R. E. Pooley, presidents of the service clubs who have contributed to the pro- ject and Hal Taggart, national president of the Kinsmen. Council decided to ask Dr. Don Ecker to be marshall for the parade which will start from Victoria Park at about 3:30 or 4:00. Several councillors were ask- ed to contact various groups and individuals to get parade entries. Councillor Joe Wooden sug- gested the dignitaries should be taken to the park by horse and buggy. Residents are asked to take their lunch to the park and some special attractions are planned. Proceedings then move to the community park where a ball game is planned, followed by a fireworks display. — Please turn to page 2 Show is success despite weather The weatherman used all the tricks he could come up with on Friday and Saturday but he failed to make much impression on the second annual Quarter Horse Show sponsored by the Exeter Saddle Club at their grounds, west of Exeter. The show itself was held Sat- urday and despite constant rains, all the classes were held and president John Burke termed it "a complete success." Show secretary Mrs. Len Vert reports 240 entries were re- ceived for the adult classes which put the local show into the "A" bracket. This is the first time a show of this kind has reached more than 225 entries in the prov- ince of Ontario, the number re- quired to gain "A" status. In addition to the adult entries, there were 86 entrants in the youth activity classes. Due to the large number of entries, Mrs. Veri said, "we will be very close to breaking even on the show itself and with the receipts from the Saddle Club booth could show a small profit. Due to the weather, spectators were few with only $57 taken in According to Mrs. Vert, en- tries were in from Ohio, New York, Michigan and Indiana and that some of the American ex- hibitors were very pleased with the show and booked stall space for next year. To pay reward for information Two citizens who provided po- lice with information regarding the local youth who drove his car across the lawn in front of the Exeter swimming pool last week will split a $25 reward if he is convicted of the charge of causing damage to public prop- erty. "We always harp that citizens won't come forth to give inform- ation when damage is caused," Councillor Ted Wright noted, and now that these two' have he sug- gested the reward as posted in the park should be paid. Members of council were in complete agreement and the $25 will be paid upon the conviction of the driver whose car tires tore through the grass. Damage to the McAllister car was listed at $200 and $800 to the one being driven by Shirray. Bruce Shirray, a passenger in the latter, sustained a minor injury to his knee. Constable John Wright inves- tigated the accident as well as one on Friday at 6:40 p.m. on Highway 21, about one quarter mile north of the main inter- section at Grand Bend. Cars involved were driven by Mary E. Thompson, Grosvenor St., London and Stanley K. Burr, Sarnia, Both had been northbound on the four-lane stretch of highway when the London lady passed the other car on the right and then had to pull in sharply when the highway narrowed to two lanes. Near that point, she also stopped prior to making a left turn into Oakwood subdivision and Burr skidded into the rear of her in his attempt to stop. Damage to the cars was estim- ated at $400. The final crash was investig- ated by OPP Constable Dale La- mont on concession two in Hay Township on Monday at 8:55 a.m. Miss Janet L. Fiero, RR 2 Hensall, had been proceeding south on the concession and lost control of her car after pulling to one side to pass an oncoming car. — Please turn to Page 2 Thieves in district keeping police busy Graduate Mrs. Dean McKnight, the former Joanne Martine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Martine, Dash- wood, and a former SHDHS stu- dent, graduated from the Sec- retarial Arts Course at exercises held June 9 at Cambrian College, Sault Ste. Marie. Ride to the fair in style Elgin Thompson, president of the South Huron Agricultural Society made sure Hensall Reeve Minnie Noakes got to the annual Hensall stock show on time, Tuesday. He gave her a ride in his buggy and they led the parade down main street. Many centennial outfits were entered. — T-A photo An outbreak of thefts kept Ex- eter OPP officers busy this week. Monday night they investigated the theft of a car owned by George Hammond, St. Marys. The St. Marys police had been chasing the car, but when their cruiser had mechanical problems, the chase was taken up by Gary D. Lang, RR 1 St. Marys. He followed the car until it Folk singers off to Halifax Take no action on holiday issue As far as Exeter council is concerned, local residents won't get a holiday on Monday, July 3. Council, dominated by employ- ers, voted to take no action on the suggestion that Monday be declared a holiday as well as the statutory holiday of Saturday, July 1. "I guess I'm being selfish," reeve Boyle admitted after voting that no action be taken. As a federal employee he gets a holi- day. The two days have been de- clared holidays by Prime Minister Pearson for federal employees, but the deCision for other persons rests with the provincial and municipal govern- ments. Two new cars crash at corner The Exeter police investigated one crash this week involving two 1967 model cars and damage amounted to $300 to each. The cars were driven by Ernest John Kemick, 243 Huron St. West and Ray E rayne, Riverside Drive. The latter was driving a car owned by Tom Humphreys, 436 Maribor?) St. Frayne was westbound on Anne St. and Kemiok was travelling south on William when they col- lided at the intersection. The Crash took place at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, and was investig- ated by Cpl, Harry VanBergen. The four SHDHS students who make up the popular Washington Squares, will be kept busy at several important engagements this summer. They leave Sunday for a trip to Halifax where they have a one week date at the Privateer Cof- fee House. They start there on June 29. On the 31st of August the four folk singers will be at the Cana-, dian National Exhibition in Tor- onto, performing at the Ontario government There are also plans being made for the Washington Squares to cut a record album to be re- leased this fall. Making up the group are Cathy Rowe, Christine Mills, Alfred Aquiiina and Dave Johnston, was forced to the sidelines with a flat tire and a London girl was held by him until Constable Ed Wilcox arrived on the scene. Police had difficulty patching the story together because the girl was deaf and dumb. The most unusual theft was reported by Harold Brandon, an employee of Looby Construction, Dublin. He told police a 2,900- pound breaker ball had been taken from a piece of their construction equipment on Highway 4. The value of the ball was estim- ated at $700, and there is some suggestion it may have been drop- ped somewhere during the con- struction. Early Friday morning the OPP were advised that a car and a set of four tires and wheels were stolen off the lot at Larry Snider Motors Ltd. The car was a 1962 Lincoln owned by A. 0. Elliot, Exeter, and it was recovered later in the morning by London police. It had not been damaged. Gary Wayne Gray, 22, RR 2 Lambeth, has been charged by the OPP with the theft of the tires and wheels and they are continuing their investigation into the car theft. Two incidents were reported at Oakwood Park near Grand Bend. Some $ 200 worth of golfing equip- ment was reported missing by Ronald Monk, Southfield o Michi- gan, and police were also advised that a cottage owned by Mrs. Colin Scatcherd, London, had been broken into. Nothing was reported missing from the cottage. Will Teach Becomes nurse Anita Louise Whilsmith grad= uated from Hamilton Civic HoS- pital's School of Nursing at exercises held at the Athletic Centre, McMaster University. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Whilstnith, Exeter. Trees dumped on top of car A small tornado is believed to have touched down south of Exeter 'Thursday morning, knocking down several trees. Roy Parsons, left, surveys the damage to his car which ended up underneath One of three trees blown down on his farm. His brother, Chester', visiting from Lacombe, Alberta, looks on. The high winds moved articles in the home before the family got the windows closed. Strong Winds also blew parts of roof off two barns in the Crediton area on Friday. Heavy rains also flooded Many fields.-=T-A photo Miss Lorene A. lviellin, graduate of London Teachers' College, has accepted a teaching position with the Paris Public School Board. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Mellen, RR 2, Dash- Wood,