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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1976-01-22, Page 3Retrospect by Leigh Robinson a %. •••e; ttP4:44A:P .,,W,4•A4,4 we*.e. Times-Advocate, January 22, 1974 ..... . . . . Page 3 The 1976 tax picture By MAYOR BRUCE SHAW ";":"" •f•,• " • • • OY. • AA. JANUARY BUY A NEW KITCHEN FOR YOUR FAMILY TO ENJOY We offer FREE INSTALLATION on orders of kitchen-cabinet placed in January Come on in and see our selection of fine kitchen cabinets. Estimates are FREE. This special offer expires on January 31 • • •'••••••••••••••••••.'s ••••". • . ••-•"•••••• • • • • • •••• - • • • • - •••••••••• ••••• • ••••••••"' • • SEAFORTH CLINTON HENSALL 527-0910 482-3405 262- 2418 ti So what's all the fuss in Exeter about a psychiatric hospital closing in Goderich? Perhaps the first way to answer this question is to suggest that Exeter, although some 30 miles from Goderich, is a town in Huron County. Secondly, some 200 patients of that facility, mostly residents from the surrounding area, including a good many from Huron County, are going to be transported to another institution, maybe London. Many of the patients will be isolated from their families, Then there are workers, 300 of them — out of work. 300 workers out of work in Hdron County. Oh sure, some of them will probably be transferred to other positions within the provincial ministry of health, but the majority will be out of work. Some way for the government to save money don't you think? Throw a bunch of people out of work. And better yet, tell them just before Christmas so they have lots to celebrate, Unemployment costs money, it also costs us self-respect, Then there is, the fact that there was nothing wrong in the manner in which the facility was operating. Maybe only about . half of the psychiatric beds across the province were filled. At Goderich 94 percent of the beds were filled, based on statistics from 1975. An additional 500 patients came into the hospital during an average month for day care treatment. Then there were the emergencies, the attempted suicides. If the provincial government's decision is final, they will have to go elsewhere for emergency treatment. Okay, the minister of health, Frank Miller, says that they are going to save a lot of money. Fact or fiction? Perhaps to appease some of the persons opposed to the closing, the ministry has announced that the hospital will be used to house the mentally retarded. That costs money too. The ministry tells us that only half the money will come from the province and the other half from the federal government, Money is still money, no matter what the source. 50 percent from the province can be interpreted in a general sense to mean 50 percent from provincial taxpayers. So we are going to get a hospital for the mentally retarded at a fifty percent sav- ing to the taxpayer? Wrong. The other 50 percent comes from the federal government and where does the federal government's money come from? From you and me. Essentially the savings would'be in provincial coffers, but not in taxpayers pockets. This follows because the cost sharing program being offered by the federal government is available to the other provinces as well. Then there is our own South Huron Hospital right here in Exeter. Who is going to cry for our hospital if our own council doesn't want to support the loss of one in Goderich. Certainly not Goderich council unless they are more forgiving than most. Ben Hoogenboom, speaking as a former member of council had a few words to say about Exeter council's recent decision not to contend the closing. "It irks me to no end that our pre- sent council hasn't enoughiforesight to see that we maybe next." Council did not have enough information available to make the comments in favor of the closing, Over 95 percent of doctors throughout Huron County are opposed to the move. Many prominent citizens in this county have taken the time to go to Toronto to press for a change in the decision," Hoogenboom said 4 He added"There is a lot more to this than just dollars and cents, it's a moral issue. As a former councillor, I'm sick and tired of one or two members dictating to the rest of council." Hoogenboom is also a .member of the South Huron Hospital board. Budget restraints is the name of the game at Queen's park this year. Although the idea should be applauded, maybe we as residents of Ontario should look the government's budget priorities over carefully before giving it too much credit, Health care should be a priority in everyone's household, and so it should be in our legislative household as well. Care of the mind is one facet of health care. There are a couple of things Ilorgot t,o raerktilcge,F.irSt—that- statistic from Qtkeen's Park concerning enly ihalf of the beds be- ing used across the province. The statistic may he accurate but the methods may be wrong. About two years ago when I was engaged in social work in London, I tried to help someone to get admitted to London Psychiatric.She had been there before and in the mental state she was in, she needed to go back. The hospital refused her. Their reason was that they had a policy against readmissions and felt her case was not serious enough. I was later told by a friend who worked there that there, was a government policy to keep readmissions down to make statistics look better. If 50 percent of the psychiatric beds in the province are empty, then why was it such a hassle to get her ad- mitted? Believe me, she needed to be readmitted, she had no other place to go. I finally did get her in, by the way. For a final thought, I will leave you to consider•the age-old political game of awarding politigal cronies hospitals, roads, etc. while taking them away from the opposition, It used to be that the 401 had few approach signs for Kitchener exits but many for Guelph, a smaller town. Kitchener was notoriously Liberal, Guelph comfortably Conservative. Wonder if our Liberal MPP has considered that. ..tIRMANNERAMAMUMMAIONAMMOW Staff wants action on hospital closing t. The closure of the Goderich Psychiatric Hospital and the threatened closure of hospital beds in this area will diminish the standard of medical care and the availability of medical care in this area. This is the opinion of the medical staff at Clinton Public Hospital. Ai At a special meeting held IMPIrecently the staff decided to send an open letter to premier William Davis stating they believed the closure of the hospital was a "disgraceful" disregard of the health care needs of Huron county and the surrounding area. The staff also believe that this action taken unilaterally and without consultation with regional health care authoritie and without knowledge of th, local circumstances constitutes a breach of what should be normal government procedure. The hospital staff reinforced their demand for reversal of the decision to close the hospital by stating their belief that hospital costs will not be substantially reduced by such action, The members feel less vigil health care services are being expanded at the expense of hospital ser- vices. The letter will ask Davis to review the government's "mismanagement" of health services in the province and reassess health care priorities. The medical staff at, Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich have requested the resignations of health minister Frank Miller, deputy minister Allan 13ackley and their in- stitutional advisors if responsible action is not taken on their 46. equests regarding the closing of he Goderich Payeltiatric Hospital, The group has requested the minister of health to reverse his decision on the closure of the hospital,• to withdraw plans for closure of general hospital beds in Huron county and to commit himself and his ministry to decision by consultation with representatives at local levels, These decisions were reached at a special meeting of the medical staff of Alexandra HoSpital. A letter asking support and endorsement of their resolution has been sent to newspapers in this area. Exeter Police accident reports The Exeter O.P.P. investigated several motor vehicle mishaps last week. On Friday, Jan. 16, a snow vehicle collision occurred on Highway 84, involving vehicles operated by Wilfred J. Overholt of Centre St., and John Haggitt of Goshen St„ both of Zurich. Damages were estimated at $650. Another accident occurred on Highway 84 Friday involving vehicles driven by Donald F. Feaver of King St., Hensall and Gerald J. Van Bussell. Damages were estimated at $3,000. On Sat,, Jan. 17, vehicles operated by, Georgd Bier of Queen St., Hensall and Kenneth Claghorn of Windsor collided on private property ih Hay Town- ship, causing $450 in damage. Two other accidents that oc- curred this week involved vehicles colliding with parked cars. Robert D, Riley, 164 Algonquin Drive, Huron Park ran into a parked vehicle in Huron Park causing $300 damage, James W. McLinchley, RR 3 Parkhill v ran into a parked vehicle on Saturday, causing injury to his passenger, Michael Homes, also Of RR 3, Parkhill, Municipal Councils, County Councils and Boards of Education were informed last week by the 'Provincial Treasurer that economic restraints -and constraints would be placed on all government spending, Because these organizations receive a large proportion of their revenues from the Province, they are seriously affected by any change in provincial fiscal policy. If these bodies continue to spend at the same rate or plan on in- creasing expenditures. you, the ratepayer, will bear the brunt of the cost. At the moment, sonic Boards are talking of up to a 3o percent increase in expenditures and sonic' counties say that costs will necessitate 20 percent increase on the municipal levy. These increases don't even take into con- sideration the costs of operating such towns as Exeter. In 1975. we maintained a mill rate that was exactly the same as the 1972 rate. We could he faulted for not increasing the rate then to establish a significant surplus, but with increases in water and hydro rates and the inflation we have all been experiencing during the Iasi two years, • WINTER MERRY-GO-ROUNDS — are for children who don't mind the cold. Bundled up for the occasion and obviously enjoying their recess are four grade two students attending Exeter Public School. Exeter Police reported that two thefts occurred during the past week. Mr. George Smith, RR 1 Dashwood, reported to police that a Bombadier snow vehicle had been stolen from a trailer perked on the lot of Smith Peat Co, located on Thames Rd. The snow vehicle was later recovered by investigating of- ficer Cons. P. C. Fice on Highway 83 west. On Tuesday, Jan, 20 at about 9:15 a.m., the Canadian Tire Co., McCutcheon — Continued from front page government of, "lack of foresight." "There is an issue of priorities here", he said, "and what is defined as an essential service. Shouldn't local officials be in- volved in setting priorities?" He referred specifically to the ministry of health's decision to ,close the Goderich Psychiatric Hospital. don't..-.have a- psychiatric- hospital in my county','', McKeough responded, "Most of my people have to go further to a hospital than most of your people will have to go." The treasurer was referring to the fact that the 130 patients of Goderich Psychiatric would probably be transferred to London, some 60 miles away. McCutcheon replied that the Goderich hospital had a very high credit rating and that although the hospital may have had some drop in bed requirements that it was no justification for the ministry to completely close down the institution, only built a dozen years ago by the govern- ment. McCutcheon said that proper action from the ministry would have been to cut back on the number of beds, rather than to close the hospital entirely. McKeough said that a new emphasis was being im- plemented in the field of psychiatric care, namely getting patients out of the institutional setting and back into a family environment, but declined to explain how moving patients to London from the Huron County area would be in keeping with this new policy. FRANK SHEERE Frank Sheere of Exeter passed away Saturday, January 17, 1976 at South Huron Hospital in his 87th year. The son of the late Maria and Alfred Sheere, bother of Mrs. Frank Boyle (Blanche), Mrs, George Hockey (Gertrude), Nelson, Aquilla and Garfield, all predeceased. Among the nieces and nephews known locally are. Mrs. Fern Amos, Holt, Michigan, Clarence Boyle and Mrs. Jean Creech, Exeter, and Kenneth Hockey, Dunclas, Mr. Sheere was a tailor by trade with W. W. !Taman, McKnight's Men's Wear and Walper Men's Wean, He was a member of Exeter United Church and belonged to the choir, Services were conducted at the Hopper-Hockey Funeral Home, with Itev, Glen Wright of- ficiating. Interment at Exeter cemetery. She is survived by several nieces and nephews in this area, Predeceased by brothers, Ernest and Albert and parents, Mr. & Mrs, Thos. keys, From left to right, Tracy Rabbets, Marlene Vermaeten, background, Karla Josephson, foreground, and Bridgette Newton. photo by Bagley grader operator was Gerald Cornish of Andrew St., Exeter. Damage was estimated at $150 by Cont. Fice. A motor vehicle driven by a Patricia Rock, 132 Huron St., Exeter, was involved in an ac- Council felt that enough was enough. As a result, the municipal tax levy was held to a conservative level. Spending in 1976 must reflect economic restraint in all our departments, There will be some `frills', no doubt, hut essentially we are talking of supplying basic services to the community and holding back on items that are not absolutely necessary, Council will decide what is essential and what is not. Certainly its decisions will not meet with universal approval, and many of you might be affected ad- versely, but hopefully our action will be fair for most. Our road and sewer programmes are im- portant to most of us, but police and recreation are essential and costly. Our garbage service is vital and debenture payments must he met. Equipment has to be maintained, and professional services are required. The Town, in one way or another, will meet all its financial needs, and at the same time we hope to keep tax increases at a minimum. If any of you have ingenious and sensible suggestions for saving money, we'll be glad to hear i ii;Lyawou.entwirm. on Main St. in Exeter reported the theft of a battery from a vehicle that was in for repair. The vehicle, owned by Garnet Hicks of James St., Exeter was parked in the Canadian Tire parking lot. - Seyeral automobile collisions occurred in Exeter during the past week, according to the Exeter Police Department. On Sunday, Jan. 18, at about 7:40 p.m. a motor vehicle driven by Ronald Peterson, Grand Bend, Ontario, was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle driven by Robert Sinasac, RR 2 Lambeth, The accident occurred on Main St. south of Simcoe St, Damages were estimated at $200 by investigating officer, Const. Fice. Another accident on Sunday occurred on Victoria St. near the arena. The collision involved vehicles driven by James Ardy of Grand Bend and Gail Fuller of Marlborough St., Exeter. Damage was estimated at $450 by Const. Robertson. On Wed.-, Jan. 14 at about 8:05 Restraints . . . ELI SIMS Eli Sims of Crediton passed away January 20 in his 81st year. Father of William Sims, Kippen, 3grandchildren; brother of Myrtle Hunter (Exeter) Thelma Neil of Exeter, Predeceased by wife Helen, brother Everett and sisters Laura Hunter and Louisa Cave, Funeral arrangements pending. EMERY MASON Funeral services were held Monday for Emery Mason, of Naicum, Saskatchewan, who passed away Friday, January 16, 1976. He is survived by his wife Mabel (Sparks), daughter (Edna) Mrs. Alex Archibald, and 4 grandchildren, also three brothers, Lloyd, Delbert and Arnold, and a sister (Della) Mrs. Tom Baird all of this area. Predeceased by brothers Mansel, Lawrence, Roy and Ed and a sister Susan Irene, Mr. Mason was born and raised in this area, before going West. There are several cousins and relatives in Ontario. PEARL KEYS Funeral services were held Monday for Miss Pearl Keys, wile passed away Saturday, ,January 17, 1976 in Blue Water Rest Home, Zurich, in her 89th year. She lived for many years on the 14th concession of Stephen township, then lived in Exeter a number of years, and this past few years at the Zurich Rest I tome. Several accidents Police investigate two area thefts cident with a motor vehicle driven by a Dorothy Coates of Centralia on Tuesday, January 13. The accident occurred at Main and Huron Sts. Damage was estimated at $750 by Consl. Robertson, Luc an OPP police briefs Two criminal code charges were laid by the Lucan O.P.P. detachment last week, one in- volving a Toronto man who failed to appear in court. He was charged with a bail violation. A London township youth was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm as the result of an altercation in Arva. Several accidents were in- vestigated. An accident on High- way 4 at County Road 24 (the Brinsley Rd,) caused $2400 damage when a car driven by Wayne Appleman of R.R. 1, Lucan and John Coulson of London, collided. No injuries were reported. The accident occurred Jan. 18. a motor'' vehicle driVen 'by 'a 'On Friday afternoon on the William vBrock, 246 SherwoopilIyde Park Rd. in front of the Cres., Ei.eter, was involved ih a Twi-I ite Drive-In, a school bus collision with a snow grader operated by G. Beverly Taylor of owned by the town of Exelef.. The London, collided with a pick up truck operated by Bernard Kostwik, R.R. 1, Hyde Park. None of the 40 students on the bus — Continued from front page were injured. Damages totalled the government. $800. He felt that there are people receving benefits, such as baby bonuses and old age pension, that don't really need it, Some one earning "$25,000 to $30,000 a year doesn't need the baby bonus" he said, "like the Prime Minister or Diefenbaker don't need an old age pension." "There's not enough thought behind it.Peoplemant big raises" Mr. Carpenter continued, "because costs go up. Then they get their raise and the cost goes up again. The government is cutting back where there - is no need." His solution to the problem is the end to party politics, which he feels is "no good." He would like to see Parliament run without party lines like "town council here" so members would be free to vote by conscience rather then party policy. Board grants salary raises The Huron-Perth County Roman Catholic Separate School Board approved salary increases for its administrative office staff at a meeting in Dublin Monday night. All the increases are the maximum permitted according to the anti-inflation guideline, all effective January 1, 1976. The 1976 salary for Jack Lane, Superintendent of Business and Finance will be increased by $2,230 to $22,230 and for Ed Rowland, Co-ordinator of Plant and Maintenance, by $1,025 to $13,525. The board office weekly salary rates were set as follows: payroll clerk, $147.55; accounting clerk, $145,55; secretary to Director of Education, $152.30; secretary to Academic Superintendent, $143.15; secretary to Superin- tendent of Business and Finance, $153.45 and secretary lo con- sultants, $128.80. Effective September 1, 1975, hourly wages of school office clerk typists were advanced by 33 cents to $3.63. The following standing com- mittees for 1976 are as follows with the first named chairman: Building and property — John O'Drowsky, Donald Crowley, Arthur Haid and F.J. Vere. Personnel — William Kinahan, Michael Connolly, Ted Geoffrey and David Tea hen, Tran- sportation Vincent Young, Ted Geoffrey, Ioseph Looby and Howard Shantz. Finance and Insurance — Greg Fleming, Joseph Looby and Howard Shantz, Finance and Insurance — Greg Fleming, Arthur Haid, Francis Hicknell and Ronald Marcy. The 1976 ad hoc committees; Board policy and by-law — Ronald Marcy, Howard Shantz and Greg Fleming, Trustee- clergy liaison -- Francis Hicknell, Michael Connolly and F.J. Vere. Board appointed represen- tatives for 1976 are: Dan Devlin and Fred Bergsma to the Stratford .Public Library board. David Teahen, William Kinahan and John O'Drowsky to Family life advisory committee and Joseph Looby to the Iluron-Per h Tuberculosis and Respiratory DiSeaSe.s Association.