Loading...
The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1974-01-31, Page 1Two women dr .wers injured in collisions pryers pay $100 penalty wood, collided on County Road just south of Highway 83 in Dash- wood. Constable McIntyre in- vestigated and set damage at $325.' During the week, the local OPP detachment officers charged le people under the Highway Traffic Act and issued warnings to. another 27. There were four charges under the Liquor Control Act and three under the Criminal Code, RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY AT VILLAGE INN RETREAT — The Village Inn Retreat was officially opened Sunday afternoon. Shown above during the ribbon cutting ceremony are Retreat president Ervin Ginaerich, Middlesex MP Bill Frank, Lambton MPP Lorne Henderson, Grand Bend reeve .Robert $haren, Retreot 'vice-president Rev. Cy. di Gingerich and former owner of the property Orval Wossmann, Huron MPP Jack Riddell was also present. T-A photo One Hundred and First Year EXETER, ONTARIO, JANUARY 31, 1974 Price Per Copy 25 Cents Layoffs cited as reason Two area women were seriously injured when their vehicles were involved in ac- cidents this week. On Wednesday at 8:35 p.m., a car driven by Helen E. West, Grand Bend, collided with a parked truck owned by Harvey Ratz, RR 2 Dashwood. The mishap occurred on the Crediton Road. Mrs, West received a serious head injury and was, taken to University Hospital, London, Damage to her car was listed at $1,500 and $1,000 to the truck by Constable Ed Wilcox, There was one accident, Thursday, when an unknown vehicle struck a car owned by Frederick McCormick, Huron Park, while it was parked at the Dufferin, Hotel, Centralia. Damage to the McCormick vehicle was estimated at $150 by Constable Bill McIntyre. The other serious injury oc- curred on Friday at 9:10 a.m., when a car driven by Rhea May Hardie, Granton, collided with a road grader driven by Ross Earl Fisher, RE. 3 Zurich, The Granton lady was. on her mail route when the collision with the county grader happened on County Road II south of Win- shelea, Mrs. Hardie received a con- cussion as a result of the accident and damage was estimated at $1,800 by Constable Bill Lewis. It was one of four accidents reported on Friday. At 10:40 1Predic a,m., a car driven by Edward Desjardine, Huron Park, backed out of a driveway on Algonquin Drive and struck a car driven by Katherine Winger, also of Huron Park, Constable Bob Whiteford set damage at $150. Damage of $375 was listed by Constable Don Mason when a car driven by Donald W, Campbell, RR 1, Exeter, collided with one driven by Roger Smith, London, on Highway 4 at 9;50 p.m. About an hour later on Friday, a car operated by Steven Shanahan, London: went out of control on Highway 4 and struck a sign post. Constable McIntyre set total property loss at $225, There were two crashes, Saturday the first at 2:35 a.m., when a car operated by Douglas Ford, RR 3 Dashwood, went out of control and struck a hydra pole on County Road 2 south of Dash- wood, The driver sustained slight injuries and damage in the crash was set at $950 by Constable Mason. At 2:05 p,m., a car driven by Agnes McLean, RR 1 Hensall, collided with a car driven by Harry Van Weiren, RR 2, Hen- sail, at the intersection of High- way 4 and 84. Constable Lewis estimated damage at $400, The final crash of the week was reported at 2:45 a.m., Sunday when vehicles driven by Robert W. Watson, Huron Park, and William John Finlay, RR 1 Dash- ump in welfare Due to the absence of Judge Glenn Hays, several cases at Tuesday's court session in. Exeter had to be adjourned. Judge Hays has been ill for the past month and is not expected to resume his duties for some time yet. Justice V the Peace Douglas Wedlake, Exeter, and Justice of the Peace R, Tracy, Sarnia, conducted Tuesday's session in which two area men were fined $100 each on driving charges. Larry Martin Kelley, Huron Park, pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to remain at the scene of an accident in which he was involved on Christmas Day, Evidence revealed the accused hit a clothes line and another car was struck,resulting in a broken windshield. He was fined $23 for driving without a licence. Eugene J. Becker, Dashwood, was fined $100 on a careless driving charge. He told the court he fell asleep while driving on Highway 83 near Exeter on January 6. His vehicle left the road and struck a pole. In other cases heard, the following fines were levied: Susie Bell Curtis, Huron Park, $23 for failing to notify the ministry of transportation and communications of a change of address for her driving licence, Danny H. Trainor, Sarnia, $28 for having liquor in a place other than his residence. Ronald W. Parsons, Osborne, $23 for failing to stop at a stop sign. Howard Churchill, Exeter, $20 for passing when the roadway was not clear. William Tobicoe, London, $45 for a speed of 81, in a 60 zone. Sports celebrities arriving Tuesday Tickets are still available for the first Exeter Lion's club Sportsmen's Dinner scheduled for the Exeter Legion Hall, Tuesday evening. More than 200 tickets have been, sold but late corners can assure themselves of admission by contacting any member of the local Lions club. Upheaval commences their combined income has in- creased approximately 30 per- cent," added MacKinnon. "With these mandatory increases and the present economic situation, our costs for 1974 will probably exceed our past, costs." In 1973, the social services department operated slightly under budget expectations. General assistance amounted to $168,488.95 where $190,600 had been estimated, Another $109,002.56 was paid to nursing homes for care of persons ($113,000 budgeted). Sup- plementary aid totalled $18,371,17, considerably more Deadline near on SS 'strike' A PAIR OF MARCHING MOTHERS — The Ability Fund canvass in Ex- eter Monday night was handled by 42 marching mothers. Above Mrs. Murray Neil, Victoria street west, welcomes canvassers Mavis Atthill and Grace Gilfillan. T-A photo Board could hit the road Stephen asks drain debenture increase . than the $11,850 budgeted. Administration cost $47,944.08, slightly less than the estimate of $48,000, In all, social services in Huron cost $358,079.51, less than the $377,850 estimated for 1973, The land division committee reported a busy year with 334 applications handled; 252 ap- proved; 31 denied; 41 deferred; and 10 withdrawn. Of the denials, nine were appealed and the Municipal Board decisions are still pending. County Librarian Ethel Dewar said that total book circulation in all the branches was 340,205 up 6,000 over 1972. "I am encouraged that two- thirds of that increase was in children's reading," said Miss Dewar. She said that 2,003 special requests were mailed but to all parts of the county and of these, less than 100 were borrowed outside the county, Books with large print are available for those with vision problems, Miss Dewar said, with a direct mail service given to anyone unable to go to a branch as well as home delivery by the library van in the Town of Goderich, the matter could be studied. "It is a good idea," commented Warden Bill Elston, "We will work something out," Adding to 1974's welfare costs as well will be the legislation which permits social assistance rate changes effective January 1, 1974, which provides for an in- crease of 17 percent per month on the average to clients. "For families with dependent children who are receiving the increased Family Allowances the ministry of labor, appointed by the ministry of education at the request of the board and the teachers. The teachers in Huron-Perth are seeking a 8.7 percent increase in salaries. They are also seeking parity between the teaching sisters employed by the board and the lay teachers. At the present time, the lay teachers receive more than the 15 teaching sisters. Stephen township council will Lawrence Dietrich will be at- ' beirrakihrairapplication in the near future to the Ontario Municipal Board for an ad- ditional $500,000 in tile drain loan debentures. Clerk-treaSurer Wilmer Wein said this week he expected the present quota given the township would last until early 1975. He also said that council was getting some feedback from ratepayers regarding the $100 per acre limit now put on tile drain loans due to the higher cost of drain construction, Wein and drainage inspector Representatives from the Huron-Perth Roman Catholic Separate School board and the teachers under their jurisdiction, planned to meet in Seaforth last night to continue negotiations in their contract dispute. Of 159 teachers in the Huron- . Perth system, 14, have submitted resignations which will be ef- fective today unless the two groups can settle their dif- ferences. On Tuesday, the represen- tatives started .to negotiate at 5:30 p.m. in Stratford and didn't adjourn until 6:30 a.m. the following morning. There was a suggestion that the groups may have overcome some obstacles to warrant the 13-hour session. Mediator for the negotiations is Hal D. Howell, an official from Huron-Perth Roman Catholic separate school board will study a proposal that it hold one of its two monthly meetings in each of the 19 schools in the board's jurisdiction. Howard Shantz, Stratford who made the suggestion, felt that spreading the meetings throughout the district would give ratepayers a better op- portunity to attend them. In his inaugural address at Monday's board meeting, newly- elected chairman Michael Connolly, RR 3, Kippen, said the board's first objective is to evaluate school programs with particular attention to religious education. He said the board will also implement pilot programs in family life instruction. He said communication is the board's second priority for the coming year. Mr. Connolly said the board must ensure adequate com- munication between the schools, the home and the board. The board also approved a one- week exchange visit for Grade 8 pupils at St. Marys school in Goderich to Abbotsford, B.C. The pupils have received a $2,294 federal grant for the project. Each pupil will con- tribute $65 and the class hopes to raise $1,154 in a fund drive. Pupils from Abbotsford will visit Goderich later. The pupils will leave May 18 and return May ,25. Most students at Exeter public school found some changes in their usual routine Tuesday morning, Because of renovations, rooms 15 and 16 along with teachers Mrs. Jo Ann Hayman and Mrs. Dorothy Coates filling in for Mrs. Grace Brine will be making a daily trip to classes at J.A.D. McCurdy school at Huron Park. Two other classes taught by vice-principal Gary Jewitt and Peter Snell are using the school gymnasium. At the same time all physical education classes are using the gym at the arena. Mrs. Jean Turner has a remedial class in the stock room and kitchen, The changes will continue until the end of the school term in June or when renovations and ad- ditions are completed. The 1938 wing of the school is being completely renovated and a three room addition is being built to the south of the east wing. The contractor is starting this week to tear out all partitions in the upper floor of the old part. It will be transformed into a library and resource centre. The contract for the work was let to Reffling Haus of Goderich for slightly more than $277,000. The architect firm is Kyles, Kyles and Garratt of Stratford. The annual report of the Huron County social services ad- ministrator, J.A. MacKinnon, noted that 1974 could be the most expensive year to date because of the various lay-offs in the county coupled with the lack of job vacancies. "At the present time our caseload is increasing and we do not have any winter work programs to refer our unem- ployed clients to as we have in the past two winters, MacKinnon told county council this week, Goderich Reeve Deb Shewfelt asked why the county and/or the municipalities could not create their own winter works program. "God knows that after the • recent ice storm in Huron there would have been work for people in clearing away trees etc.," said Shewfel t, Reeve Charles Thomas of Grey Township, chairman of the social service committee, thought Reeve Shewfelt's idea was ex- cellent. "If some municipalities could make work for welfare recipients maybe we could make some adjustments," offered Thomas. He did warn it may "not be as tending a Drain Commissioners "`*easy as it sotinds" but promised training school in Guelph in March. Township warble fly inspector Joseph Varley has resigned his position and has been replaced by Walter Weber. In recent years, the township has abandoned the regular warble fly spraying program. The procedure now is to have the inspector make one call in the month of April to every farm in the municipality. • If he finds any sign of warble fly he issues an order for the owner to ' have the necessary spraying done. At the same time the inspector will also deliver township dog tags, Township animal control of- ficer Harvey Hillman is in charge of dog tag deliveries to Huron Park and the three police villages. Don Finkbeiner and Fred Bowers, members of the Crediton minor ball executive attended the latest meeting of council to enquire as to when renovations and improvements of the Crediton ball diamond will be made. They were assured the an- ticipated work would not in- terfere with ball activities this summer. Plans are underway to drain the athletic field and — Please turn to Page 3 Bail set for bank suspect A long list of top notch celebrities will be in attendance with representation from most sports fields. The key speaker is Emmett Ashford, who was the first negro to reach the major baseball leagues as an umpire. Baseball will be well represented by the appearance of a native Canadian and a member of Canada's only major league team. John Hiller, the ace relief pitcher of the Detroit Tigers was born in the Toronto suburb of Scarborough. Hiller has two claims to fame in the last couple of years. He came back to save 38 games for the Tigers this past season after suffering, a ,seyere heart attack ins 1971. Tim Foli of the Montreal Expos is one of the most promising young shortstops in major league baseball today. Football will also be well represented as Glenn Weir of the Montreal Alouettes joins University of Western Ontario coach Frank Cosentino. Weir, a native of Dorchester is blossoming into one of the top lineman in the Canadian Football League and Cosentino was a top pro quarterback before going into the coaching profession. Adding plenty of colour to the head table guest list is the well known wrestler Whipper Billy Watson. Watson, long a champion for the cause of crippled children is expected to bring this year's Timmy with him, All proceeds from Tuesday's event will go to further work among crippled children. A hard rock of the professional hockey world of a few years back Lou Fontinato will also be in attendance. Representing the sport of harness racing is Mac Cuddy of Strathroy. Cuddy is owner of Smog, a top rate pacer. From Western Ontario will be curler Jim Waite of St. Thomas, soccer enthusiast Jim Hen- derson, London and golfer and hockeyist Ken Doig,of Seaforth, Thieves strike in two locations Two thefts are under in- vestigation by Exeter OPP this week. On Monday morning, a breakin was discovered at Gingerich Sales & Service, Zurich. Two radios, an 8-track tape deck and some cash were stolen. Value of the missing property has been set at $138.80. William Fuss, Hensall, reported the theft of $50 worth of tools this week also. Bail conditions set Monday for a London man charged with the $10,000 armed robbery Jan. 21 of the Bank of Montreal in Dash- wood include a $7,000 surety bond and assurances he report once a week to provincial police. Norton Walter Irwin, 32, of 141 Arbour Glen Cres., appeared in provincial court Monday before Judge J, C. Dunlap, who remanded him in custody to Feb. 4. Irwin was returned to Perth County jail in Stratford after his appearance Monday. More deaths than baptisms -4; NU 1 lit.RE TO CORNER FIRE STARTS IN ATTIC — Exeter firemen quickly brought a fire under control at the farmer Exeter Nursing Home on Sanders street west, Tuesday morning. The above picture shows smoke billowing from the upper portion of the building, T-A photo Members of Exeter United Church learned at their annual meeting Sunday thatthedeclining birth rate is having an effect on membership, Last year, the church wit- nessed the baptism of 30 infants. However, 39 members of the congregation died. Written reports of all groups within the church were submitted to the annual and the budget for 1974 and set at $43,067. Another $11,100 was set as the mission and service allotment. Members learned the givings per individual were up in 1973 in comparison to the previous year, but the figure was still significantly lower than the national average, Membership of Exeter United Church is now listed at i,092 with 661 families, The annual event was highlighted by a talent program emceed by Norm Whiting. A junior instrumental group con- sisting of Jeff Routh, Rennalee Bogart, Wayne Smith arid Jeff Turner "stole the show". Hall creditors name committee An application made several weeks ago by a group of nine former management personnel of Hall Lamp at Huron Park to the Ontario Development Cor- poration for financial backing has been rejected, A member of the group, who wishes to remain unidentified said Monday, "while the original bid was turned down, ODC told us they would not be adverse to another request for a lower amount of loan with additional hacking." The first meeting of creditors of the bankrupt Hall Lamp firm was held Tuesday. Five of the creditors were named to an in- spection board to examine the company's financial situation, Lowe of Toronto is the receiver and Dunn Woodco the trustee in bankruptcy, The same spokesman said three companies are still in- terested in purchasing the Hall Lamp operation at Huron Park. One is also interested in the Hall plant at Detroit. Massey Ferguson is currently renting part of the Hall facilities at Huron Park from the receiver and 15 persons are engaged in assembly of tractor lighting units. Firemen quickly halt nursing home blaze a out of the home and others started to 'remove furniture and belongings but halted the task when it became apparent the firemen had the fire under control. Mrs, Davis told the T-A the home had recently been sold, although the deal was to be finalized Thursday (today). Former patients have been moved to other area nursing homes and the three who were in the home at the time of the fire were scheduled to take up new residences this week as well. damage to the interior at ap- proximately $2,000. Cause of the blaze has not been determined, although there was some speculation that some of the squirrels who make their home in the attic may have carried something into the building. Mrs. Davis said she and 'the patients were downstairs around 9;30 a.m. when a smoke detection device started to ring in the attic. She raced upstairs to find it full of smoke and said she could hear flames crackling. Neighbors and passersby helped the three elderly ladies Three elderly residents at the former Exeter Nursing Home were aided to safety Monday morning when a fire broke out in the attic of the large old home at the corner of Sanders and William St, The three people who were still boarding with Mrs. Thora Davis were in no danger and were Moved to the Exeter Bowling Lanes while firemen battled the blaze, The firemen quickly brought it under control and Fire Chief Gary Middleton estimated BOARDERS TAKEN TO SAFETY — A fire, which apparently started in the attic extensively damaged the former Exeter Nursing Home, Tuesday morning. A cauple of boarders were removed safely. At the left, an Exeter fireman, Tom Arthur and OPP Constable Dale Lament help Mrs. Oertrude Thorne to safety while at the right Mrs.. Wilson Morley assists Mrs. Olive Tebbutt. T-A photo