Loading...
Times-Advocate, 1978-06-22, Page 1Start action against Riddell The Fleck strike scene at Huron Park remained relatively quiet this week, most of the action pertaining to the lengthy labor dispute taking place on the stage, television and Ontario Legislature committee room. The major pronouncement came Tuesday, when a lawyer for the United Auto Workers announced the union has commenced its libel and slander suit against Huron-Middlesex MPP Jack Riddell. Lennox MacLean told the Middlesex to vote on reduction issue At the urging of Lucan Reeve Ivan Hearn, Middlesex County Council postponed decision on yet another proposal to reduce the size of council - this one ending representation for the villages of Ailsa Craig, Newbury and Wardsville and removing eight deputy reeves. Reeve Hearn said - “There’s been quite a bit of wisdom put into this report. I think it’s good but I’d like the opinion of my council before I vote.’’ County coun­ cil agreed to a special meeting June 22 to allow dis­ cussion by municipal coun­ cils, Part of similar to one defeated by Middlesex Municipalities with fewer than 2.500 electors would have their deputy reeves removed from council. Bid- dulph and McGillivray Townships and Parkhill village are among these who would lose deputy reeves on county council. The Lucan reeve was the only speaker who raised the the proposal is last December. FIRE LEVELS ARENA The livestock sales arena on the outskirts of Clinton was destroyed by fire early Saturday. The building, owned by Leo Glavin of Crediton and valued at more than $75,000, was empty at the time. About two hours before the blaze was reported at 1 a.m., however, the arena held more than 100 livestock for an Cause of the determined. people and auction. fire is un­ I'S' & Hundreds of buf- Grand Bend over the PREPARE BUFFALOBURGERS faloburgers were consumed at weekend. Above, Kathy Thomas is ready to serve a customer. The chef is Bill Thomas. T-A photo Sorority attempts to keep pool open Members of the three Beta Sigma Phi Sorority chapters are undertaking a survey to determine the use which may be made of the Victoria Park wading pool this summer. The South Huron rec centre board of management earlier decided to close the facility due to the costs in­ volved in its operation and maintenance. They claimed the use did not justify the cost. The sorority chapters, who total expenditures at the pool provided the money for the pool, aired their objection to the decision and met with the board on Saturday to discuss it further. The sorority represen­ tatives agreed to provide the paint and the manpower to paint the facility in an effort to reduce the cost and the board indicated they would open the pool if evidence was provided of sufficient numbers of children plan­ ning to use it. It was not legislature’s procedural affairs committee the writ of summons has been issued in the Ontario Supreme Court but it hasn’t been served as yet. The committee has been holding a hearing into a complaint by Riddell that his privileges as an MPP have been breached by the U.A.W. Riddell complained early last April that his privileges had been violated by the UAW when it served him with a notice of intent to sue under the Libel and Slander issue of how municipalities could lose their entire representation on council and still remain recognized municipalities. In an interview lgter. Westminster Township Reeve Colin Macpherson, whose committee in­ troduced the proposed changes, denied that it was a backhanded way for forcing Ailsa Craig. Newbury and Wardsville into merging with adjacent townships. But he admitted that the On­ tario Government might not accept the idea of those village residents being taxed by the county without being represented. A new Middlesex County Board of Education election Arrangement was approved by county council. McGillivray Township, which now shares one trustee with Biddulph and Lucan, has become eligible, through farm and residen­ tial assessment increases, to elect its own trustee. The Village of Lucan and Township of Biddulph will share another trustee. The change takes effect in the next municipal elections this November. Middlesex council un­ animously defeated a Lamb­ ton County resolution calling for provincial legislation to seize property tax rebates of residents of senior citizen homes who are in arrears in payments. But. council members supported another resolution requesting the federal and provincial governments to exempt the purchase of smoke detectors from sales taxes levied both governments. by established what number would be considered as practical. This week, the sorority members are undertaking a door-to-door survey in the Victoria Park area and have also included a survey form in this week's issue of the T- A for other town residents to indicate how many children may use the pool. The survey form may be dropped off at the T-A office. The board has estimated at $1,014. The painting and other opening expenses were shown as requiring 32 hours at $12 per hour, plus another $60 for point and repairs. When the sorority representatives questioned the $12 per hour fee for painting, they were advised it was $6.00 per hour for the actual work and another $6.00 for the work the rec department staff could be doing somewhere else. to Act and when it applied to the Ontario Labor Relations Board for consent prosecute him under the Labor Relations Act. MacLean spent more than four hours Tuesday giving the union’s defence to the MPP’s complaint. In the course of his sub­ mission to the committee, he read into the record the particulars of the writ. He said outside the committee that the issuance of the writ means the action has been started, and “we expect in due course it will be served.” The writ claims “actual, consequential and punitive” damages on behalf of the union, four of its officers and Local 1620, It alleges that Riddell issued to the press and the news media “defamatory and false statements.” Statements by Riddell, it says, were intended to mean or imply or would be in­ terpreted to mean or imply that the UAW used “illegal, deceitful, fraudulent and intimidatory methods and means” to obtain mem­ bership cards from em­ ployees of Fleck Manufacturing Co. and that it “fraudulently and illegally” used the cards to Ruling may be a month It will likely be another month before David John­ son, dean of law at the University of Western Ontario, makes his ar­ bitration decision and lays to rest the items remaining from the Huron County teachers strike. Secondary school students returned to the classrooms April 13 after the Huron County board of education and its 273 teachers agreed to take the outstanding monetary items to ar­ bitration. Among the items being decided is whether the teachers will retain the sick leave gratuity clause in its current form. The clause allows a teacher who has been with the board at least 12 years and has not used up all sick leave to take up to half a year’s salary when he retires or resigns. The arbitration ruling will also settle the question of salaries for the teachers, covering the 1978-79 contract year. The teachers have requested an increase based on the cost of living allowance plus three per cent. Board spokesmen have said that would mean an increase of about 13.5 per cent, with teaching in­ crements included. The board has made counter offer of an increase of about four per cent. Representatives for the teachers and their board presented Johnson with their proposals during two days of closed hearings. Council veto sale dates The annual sidewalk sal,e days planned by the Exeter downtown merchants may either be cancelled or delayed as a result of council’s decision on the matter this week. The board of management of the Downtown Business Improvement area requested permission for Main Street to be closed on July 21 and 22 this year to facilitate the event. Councillor Ted Wright initiated discussion by saying there would be “real problems” in detouring traffic due to the fact William Street will be under construction at that time. He reminded council that at his urging, they had ad­ vised the board several weeks ago that it was highly unlikely the sidewalk event could be held due to con­ struction this year. While noting that the William Street would not be suitable as a detour route, works superintendent Glenn Kells said one possible alternative was to close Main Street off only as far north as Sanders Street. Mayor Bruce Shaw ad­ vised that the Kinsmen had rented thearenafor an event to be held in conjunction with the downtown event. It was finally agreed to advise the merchants that Highway 4 could not be closed until after William Street has been completed. This could be around August 15, Kells said. obtain bargaining rights for those workers. The writ also alleges the statements were intended to mean or imply or would be so interpreted that the plaintiffs as officers and organizers of the union “used illegal threats and physical in­ timidation and illegal means” to persuade Fleck workers to strike and that the union wasn’t a “credible organization” and didn’t represent the interest of Fleck employees. Further, it alleges that defamatory statements by Riddell have interfered with and caused serious prejudice to the position of the union as bargaining agent, have in­ terfered with collective bargaining and contributed to prolonging the strike. ndred and Fifth Year LEITCH IS HOSPITAL CHAIRMAN — Dr. Garnet Leitch of Zurich is the chairman of the board of directors of South Huron Hospital in Exeter. Above, Leitch at the right receives con­ gratulations from retiring chairman Carf Cann. In the centre is hospital administrator Elmer Taylor. Staff photo Bylaw is approved before it's written Although it was termed “highly irregular” by Mayor Bruce Shaw, council gave third and final reading to a bylaw Monday that may pave the way for erection of the new Masonic hall behind the OPP office. The irregularity to which Shaw was referring was the fact the bylaw was approved bycouncil“sightunseen.” In fact, the bylaw which they approved hasen’t even been prepared yet by the county planning department. Council gave the planning department approval to prepare the bylaw, which is an amendment to the official plan and zoning bylaw. Shaw said that by ap­ proving the bylaw this week, council would speed up the timing of the project. The problem arises from the fact that the lot on which the local lodge plan to erect the building is zoned dustrial. The building commercial. Once the bylaw is proved, residents within feet of the lot must be given two weeks in which to air any objections. Shaw termed the situation “special” and said he doubted that council would be faulted for taking the irregular action to assist the in­ is ap- 200 Fire levels barn damage $25,000 Fire completely destroyed a large barn and colony house on the Stephen township farm of Bill Yearley, early Thursday morning. ' The fire when spotted about 4.30 a.m. was com­ pletely out of control . The Crediton fire department and a tanker from Exeter attended to protect the family home and a nearby shed. Crediton fire chief Charlie MacLean told the com­ mittee in his 66-page defence on the privilege issue that the 19th-century Ontario legislators who wrote the law on parliamentary privilege never intended it should give MPP’s immunity from civil action. “It is submitted that while there are sound and necessary reasons for the existence of parliamentary privilege, the scope and extent of the privilege is finite,” his submission said. If the committee accepted Riddell’s argument that he should be immune from civil .action during the session of the house and 20 days before or after, MacLean said, the limitation period governing many civil actions would mean a citizen would be imes - Advocate Serving South Huron, North Middlesex K & North Lambton Since 1873 EXETER, ONTARIO, JUNE 22, 1978 Price Per Copy 25 Cents Outlines accomplishments during hospital's 25 years commercial, Ken Ottewell objection to was good Ted was final lodge in getting the new hall underway. Under the new bylaw and official plan, the lot will be zoned as Councillor noted. The only council’s unusual action came from Councillor Lossy Fuller, who wondered why they couldn’t meet the following night to approve the bylaw after it written. “It had better be a bylaw,” Councillor Wright commented after the unwritten document given a third and reading by council. The planning board reported they had no ob­ jection to Jack Taylor using the right-of-way to provide access to a new home on Huron Street East, providing that this does not cause any problems for the municipality. Council then passed a motion that an agreement be drawn up with Taylor. Councillor Ted Wright and works superintendent Glenn Kells were asked to prepare the agreement, with Ottewell suggesting it should be for a private, temporary drive. Wright said the public works committee were in also Browning Jr, said a heat lamp in the colony house being used to keep a flock of baby chicks warm was blamed for starting the fire. Browning said he estimated loss of the barn at $20,000 and contents at $5,000. The contents included farm machinery and black walnut lumber valued at $600. The loss was partially covered by insurance. The Yearley farm is on Lot 16, Concession 8 of Stephen, deprived altogether of his right to take action against an MPP. He told the committee the UAW had six weeks in which to send a notice of intent to Riddell, and had to com­ mence the action within three months. He said the writ was issued on the eve of the expiry date. Riddell’s lawyer, James Bullbrook of Sarnia, argued Monday that the legal limitation period wouldn’t start until the 21st day after the house rose so a citizen wouldn’t be deprived of his rights. However, he said, if the committee disagreed with his interpretation, it should recommend a change in the law to protect citizen’s rights. Please turn to page 3 agreement with allowing the roadway, as long as the town would not be responsible for any maintenance. Another matter coming from the planning board meeting was in reference to a roadway between the community park and property of Gib Dow. The board said they would like to go on record as being in favor of providing a road allowance to make way for the possible future extension of Wellington Street. Shaw said that Dow had suggested the town give up 15 feet on the north side of the rec centre parking lot for the roadway, rather than taking all the allowance off his property. Councillor Derry Boyle commented that council could make no decision on that regard at the present , until were more definite plans available. GETS FAIR BOARD AWARD — The Exeter Agricultural Society recently honoured Mrs. Harry Dougall for outstanding service in the past to the Exeter Fall Fair. Making the presentation at the left is ladies president Pat Down. At the right is Exeter Fall Fair past president Jack Stewart. T-A photo JUNIOR FIREMEN J.A.D. McCurdy kindergarten students and youngsters from Huron Hope were treated to a demonstration Friday morning by the Stephen fire department at Huron Park. Above, students Andy Volk and John Schenk don firemen boots and hats to get a close look at the fire hose being handled by firemen Larry Henderson and Dave McDonald. Zurich veterinarian Dr. Garnet Leitch was named chairman of the board of directors of South Huron Hospital in Exeter at the annual meeting Tuesday night. Leitch replaces Carfrey Cann who held the position for the past two years. Cann remains as one of the 15 directors. In his closing remarks as chairman, Carf Cann said, “We have many challenges to meet in the years to come, but, the hospital is in good shape, in good hands and offering good services.” In reviewing the financial statement, Cann said, “over 80 percent of our budget is spent on salaries, wages and fringe benefits. This means that this money goes back into our economy. The hospital is a large business and it means a lot to the community.” The auditors report presented by Arthur Read of G. H. Ward and Partners showed a net income for the year ending March 31, 1978, of $1,042. This was a period of 15 months as the fiscal year has been changed. The net income for 12 months the year previous wzs $869. The retiring chairman’s report continued as follows, “In 1978 South Huron Hospital reached its 25th anniversary in providing health services to this community. During this time many people made generous contributions of their time, ability and money to this hospital. It is interesting to note that over this period 45 directors have served on the board with 369 years accumulated service, andhaveranged up to 21 years of individual service without renumeration. Doctors, nurses, administrators and other staff have long records of faithful service, some joining the hospital staff in 1953 and remaining until retirement. Twenty-five years ago the people of South Huron raised and donated the required amount of money to build the original hospital. Since then many interested people left legacies and bequests for the hospital’s use. During these years hundreds of thousands of dollars have been left to the Board of Directors to add to or to update health care and services of our hospital. Of interest also is the fact that the Hospital Women’s Auxiliary has raised and given to the hospital over $73,000 worth of equipment. It is because of this dedicated interest shown by the citizens of this com­ munity that the Board of Directors are now engaged in building a ministrati ve Emergency, laboratory physiotherapy departments. Late 1978 or early 1979 should see those departments completed and functioning. Government health new ad- wing, x-ray, and Consider new law to prohibit displays Exeter merchants who display their wares on the town sidewalks may have that practice curtailed. Monday night, council ask­ ed the clerk’s staff to see if there is an existing bylaw curtailing such activity and if none is found, the police committee members were SET $50 FEE After learning that the federal public works department will permit them to sublet the town ad­ ministration office, Exeter council decided this week to rent the council chamber and mayor’s office to the Small Claims court for their six sessions per year. A rental fee of $50 per session was also approved by council. policies and emphasis on health services have changed and our hospital must follow these changes and guidelines. Therefore, we are now concentrating more on preventative care and out-patient orientated services. It is with some degree of satisfaction that in 1977 our Hospital attained ac­ creditation as established by the Canadian Council on Hospital Accreditation. This was made possible by combined efforts of everyone in the hospital — medical staff, nursing staff, ad­ ministrative staff, support staff and the board of directors. I feel we will meet the challenges of the future and look forward to the new horizons and objectives of health care in our hospital.” Harold Gunn was named vice-chairman .at Monday’s annual meeting. Bob Dinney Please turn to page 3 asked to prepare such a document. “We have to put some limit on what area can be used for display.” com­ mented Councillor Derry Boyle. He said it was a paradox that the downtown merchants wanted to beautify their area while at the same time many of them were making it look like “tin pan alley” with sidewalk displays. “How can you beautify it when it's cluttered up?” he questioned. Boyle said there should be some reasonable restric­ tions placed on the merchants, adding that council could be liable for law suits if accidents oc­ curred involving the sidewalk displays “There are a couple of places where it is un­ reasonable.” Councillor Ken Ottewell agreed, adding that a solicitor had advised him that the town could indeed be liable over accidents. New documents to be presented Exeter's new official plan and zoning bylaw, in the works for several years, may soon be ready for public inspection. Mayor Bruce Shaw, repor­ ting to council for the plan­ ning board, Monday, said the board had reviewed the draft zoning bylaw at their meeting last week and would be making a presenta­ tion to council on July 4. The board has also set September 6 as the date for a public meeting to deal with input from citizens of the community. He indicated that, with minimum changes, the new documents could possibly he approved before the end of the year.