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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1987-10-14, Page 1Inside VOL. 3 NO. 41 Serving Brussels, Blyth, Auburn, Belgrave, Ethel, Londesborough. Walton and surrounding townships. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987.40 CENTS Chris Palmer, vice-president of the Huron County Federation of Agriculture congratulates Judy VanBeers, RR 1, Blyth after she and her husband John [centre] were presented with the Federation’s award for “ Outstanding contribution to agriculture ’ ’. Mr. Palmer said Mr. VanBeers, a long-time worker with the HFA who last year chaired a committee on reform of the Ontario Crop Insurance Commission, was a man who always got the job done. The award was presented at the Federation’s annual meeting in Hensail. ■■,•>4,' 16 pages of Car Care information Brussels news Page 6 Home Care workers honoured Page 5 Klopp heads HFA Page 14 Classified ads Page 18 Entertainment Page39 John VanBeers wins award John VanBeers, RR 1, Blyth was named winner Friday night of the Huron County Federation of Agri­ culture’s 1987 award for outstand­ ing contribution to agriculture. He and his wife Judy, were pre sen ted with the award at the annual meeting of the Federation in Hensall. “When you give a job to John thejob gets done,” said Chris Palmer, RR 5, Wingham, second vice-president of the Federation in presenting the award. He outlined some of the work of the Hullett townshipfarmer including work on the public relations, land-use and program committees of the Feder­ ation and chairing last spring a committee which brought in re­ commendations for improvements to the Ontario Crop Insurance Commission. As well, he said, the VanBeers had found time to be foster parents to two Vietnamese boys. In his acceptance speech the surprised Mr. VanBeers spoke of the need to support the Federation. He said he admired the time people like Mr. Palmer and HFA presi­ dent Paul Klopp devoted to the organization. He said he had pulled back in his own involvement acoupleofyearsagoso he could have more time with his family and hewassure that people such as Mr. Klopp and Mr. Palmer often wanted to too. He urged others to help lighten the load. “If there’s one thing you cando.it’stakealittlejobinthe committee and do it well,” he said. Federation wants more study on Free Trade A resolution condemning free trade was first approved, then brought back on the floor for more discussion, then sent to the board of directors of the Huron County Federation for more study when the Federation held its annual meeting in Hensall Friday. The resolution said the free trade agreement appears to be a disaster for agriculture, that it threatens supply-managed com­ modities and does not remove the tariffs on pork exports. The resolution asked thatthe Huron Federation oppose the agreement, towork with other groups opposing the agreement, send letters to M.P.s explaining the group’s opposition and demand explana­ tions to unexplained areas. If the agreement does go into effect, the resolution asked that the Federa­ tion press for government pro­ grams to assist farmers hurt by the agreement. The resolution brought little discussion butwhen first voted upon it was approved narrowly with many people not voting. President Paul Klopp accepted the vote result reluctantly saying he hoped it wasn’t going to be one of those occasions where a meeting approved something then grum­ bled about it afterward. The issue was later reopened when Francis Hunt rose to object that he didn’t think people knew enough about the free trade proposal at this point to make a decision. He was supported by John VanBeers of Blyth who worried about the uncertainty of the meeting and asked the motion be referred to the directors for more study. Jim McIntosh, Tuckersmith township poultry farmer said he was glad to see the resolution brought back on the floor. He said he has been a member of a supply managed marketing committee that has been looking at the free trade discussions for several months and the committee will be meeting with area politicians Oct. 19. He said it appears Canada has given a lot both in poultry and dairy products and that grain farmers will also be hurt if meat and dairy producers are hurt and there are fewer animals so grain farmers have to ship their grain farther to find a market. The resolution was referred back to the board of directors. A resolution that did receive hearty support was one that called on the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to evaluate its own programs and government pro­ Brussels plans to combat vandals Like an army preparing for battle, Brussels council made plans at its October meeting, Oct. 6 to try to prevent the kind of Halloween vandalism that has plagued the village in recent years. When the subject of how to prevent Halloween vandalism was brought up Hugh Hanly, clerk­ treasurer, said he had been told by Fire Chief Howard Bernard the fire department could put as many as 10 people in two trucks out on the street. Mr. Hanly reported the Ontario Provincial Police had also grams to ensure they had the ability to promote both economic returns to the farm community and encouraged protection of the soil, the basis of farming. The resolution asked for long term programs in agriculture that look for a healthier soil which will produce healthy plants and ani­ mals. said they planned to make Brussels a focus of their activities because it seemed to be a major trouble spot of Halloween problems (which last year included setting fire to an abandoned house). Donna White, assistant clerk­ treasurer suggested a notice be put in the paper reminding parents that they are responsible for the action of their children and also aksing that any garbage, that might be a temptation for prank­ sters with matches, be disposed of before the big weekend. A third resolution was approved which called upon the OFA to oppose plant patent legislation which is about to come before Parliament because it has serious implications for the industry, may increase the concentration of seed breeders increase costs to farmers and reduce the variety of seeds available. Councillor Neil McDonald agreed that people should be warned that they are liable for any damage done by children under 18 years of age. Besides the advertisements, council agreed that all park benches and planters should be removed from main street before Halloween weekend. Letters will also be sent to the owners of abandoned houses to ask them to secure their properties before that date. Fire Chief Bernard was given authorization to use what men he felt necessary to do the job.