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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2004-04-07, Page 4-4 -THE HURON EXPOSITOR, April 7, 2004 Your Community Newspaper Since 1860 Tom Williscraft - Publisher Susan Hundertmark - Editor Dianne McGrath - Subscriptions/dossifieds Bernie Pugh - Office/Advertising Anne Roden - Distribution CM) OUEBECOR MEDIA E-mail us at seaforth@bowesnet.com Visit our home page at www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES: LOCAL - 35.85 a year, in advance, plus G.S.T. SENIORS: • 33.85 o year, in advance, plus G.S.T. USA & Foreign: 35.85 a year in advance, plus $83.20 postage, G.S.T. exempt Published weekly by Sun Meda at 1 l Main St., Seaforth. Advertising is accepted on condition that in the event of a typographical error, the odvertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reosonable allowance for signature, will not be charged, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rote. In the event of a typographical error, advertising goods or services at o wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell and may be withdrawn at any time. The Huron Expositor is not responsible for the lou or damoge of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materiols used for reproduction purposes. PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT 40029693 PAP REGISTRATION NO. 7605 RETURN UNDEUVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO Circulation Department P.O. Box 69 Seaforth, ON., NOK 1 WO e-mail: seaforthObowesnet.com Wednesday, April 7, 2004 editorial sad SaeYsM OMses - 11 Malls Stroot.,Soatortis 1We'ioao 111• 827.0240 Fax (519) 127.2818 AllaMag Meow - P.O. Sox 69, Ileafsr*, Ontario, NOK 1 WO Member of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association & the Ontario Community Newspapers Association 'We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs.' Canada Editorial Conservation is answer to rising gas and hydro bills Few can dispute that it has been a long, cold winter that may or may not be over. And, with six months of notably Targe electricity and gas bills safely tucked away, many Ontarians are breathing a sign of relief when they pot their first robin. The problem is, however, tropical heat waves - and as a result, air -conditioners going full tilt - are on the way, which means electricity bills will again be skyrocketing as Ontarians vainly attempt to keep their cool. That, in turn, means that the province's energy suppliers will be running at full tilt, attempting to serve the needs of residential, commercial and industrial customers that have all but forgotten the blackout of August, 2003. The catch for consumers, andarticularly residential ones, is the artificially low cap of 4.3 cents per kilowatt hour for energy is goingthe way of coal -burning plants. In shor, very soon, Ontarians will see a clearer glimpse of what it costs to keep homes cool in summer months. This week, the 4.3 cap has been removed and Festival Hydro president Bill Zehr says consumers who use 750 kilowatt hours or less will pay a rate of 4.7 cents while those who top it will pay at a rate of 5.5 cents per kilowatt hour. Granted, both the provincial and federal level governments have been working to encourage residents to conserve energy and to ensure homes are as energy- efficient as possible. The catch is that, for the most part, the dire warnings are being brushed aside as it seems that more energy is just a flip of the switch away. Unfortunately, throwing up more energy suppliers is costly and time-consuming. On the bright side, conserving energy is not the least bit pricey. Energy consumers would be wise to take a long, calculating look at their homes this year and to insulate where necessary and renovate where possible. After all, the money you save will be your own. Clinton News -Record Opinion Letters Hibbert United Church Maple Syrup Festival says thanks to 6a5 who attended this year To the Editor, I wish to thank the more than 625 people who attended the Hibbert United Church Maple Syrup Festival. The attendance was up again from last year. The 1st Cromarty Scouts and Cubs volunteer their time at our event and do not receive a portion of the funds raised from the festival as stated in last week's article. The club raised money that day through their plant orders. The Scouts and Cubs continued help is appreciated. I would like to thank George and Anne Roney of Spring Valley Products, members of the Hibbert United Church, West Perth Council, Clarence MacDougall, Cathy Elliott and the volunteer high school students. Thank you to our vendors -the Fells of Rosebank Farms, W.M.S. Marian Ritchie/Cromarty Presbyterian Church, the Rices and their horse team, the Maple Syrup Committee and the local newspapers for your photos. Everyone's continued support is appreciated. Mary Ellen Docking Maple Syrup Committee Member Think of the things money wasted by Governor-General could buy To the Editor, How relevant is the Governor General? Governments ask us to conserve and be financially prudent. We are told to conserve hydro, or pay a premium on usage over 750 kilowatts/month. Municipal councils try to hold the line on tax increases, while still providing services. Then we come to the appointed office of the Governor General; maybe it's time to put an end to this tradition. Given the fact that the Queen is a figure head, and no longer of any relevance to the governing of Canada, the Governor General is just that much more irrelevant. This is especially true with regards to our present Governor General, Adrienne Clarkson. The previous budget for this office was approximately $10 million dollars year which, on its own, is obscene. Clarkson, however, has taken this total to a whole new level; around the $50 million dollar level a year. Who controls her budget, or is there any control at all? Just think what this wasted money could pay for: the paving of Highway 8 from Goderich to Stratford, or upgrades to our sewer system. The list could go on. With the probability of an upcoming federal election, remember some of these issues. Confront your future M.P.; it's the only time they are somewhat accountable. Bev Coleman Seaforth Millions lost in federal fraud is relevant to farmers and working poor, says reader To the Editor, This is a reply to a letter by Paul Steckle that appeared recently in area papers. In reference to the latest scandal in Ottawa, Mr. Steckle believes, "...in the scheme of things it doesn't have a lot of relevance given the attention it is given." That being Paul Steckle's opinion, then honesty and trust also "doesn't have a lot of relevance" in his schemes and those of his Liberal colleagues. All misuse of public funds involves the break down of honesty and trust. When backbenchers and cabinet ministers keep silent, they contribute to the break down. $150 million, Mr.Steckle, is relevant. $101 million to purchase two un -tendered airplanes from Bombardier is relevant. That the air force advised against buying the planes is relevant. You say it is not relevant. Tell that to the farm family, who are sick with worry. Tell that to the farmer who sells his cattle and ends up with a pittance for his efforts. Tell them Bombardier had excessive stock so you took it off their hands for $101 million dollars, no questions asked. Tell them your well-heeled advertising friends needed the thousands of dollars to pass along government cheques that a courier service could do for a few dollars. Tell the farmer, who quietly weeps as his way of life disappears and his farm is sold, that millions lost in fraud, waste, and mismanagement is not relevant. The farmers are getting assistance, you say. When will it be available; what forms need to be completed and documents required? Or will the farmers be treated like the advertising SN CLOSURES, Page 5 Violent winter storm rips through area, causing two-day storm stays in i979 APRIL 11, 1879 Peter McEwen and Chas. Davis, of McKillop, left here with four fine stallions and eight working horses for the Manitoba market. They go to Emmerson, Manitoba. It is intended to have a grand spelling match in Cardno's Hall in about two weeks in aid of the Mechanic's Institute. A car -load of salt was shipped from Seaforth to Winnipeg by Messrs. Coleman and Gouinlock. The services in connection with induction of Rev. A. D. McDonald to the pastoral charge of Seaforth Presbyterian Church was held Monday. Messrs. Geo. Murdic, Wm. Morrow and Richard Sparling sawed, split and piled 18 cords of stove wood in eight hours. The saw used was a "Champion." APRIL 8,1904 Messrs. R. McGavin and T. Williamson are making preparations for enlarging and remodeling their barns and will have cement walls placed underneath. The recent heavy.rains and melting snow have been overly hard on bridges in Grey Township. It is reported that four bridges across thc Maitland River have gone down with the current. Messrs. Robt. Charters and sons, of the Mill Road in Tuckersmith, have disposed of another good shorthorn hull to James M. McLean. The weather and roads were such that indoor past - Years Agone... times were the most agreeable. The Presbyterians have rented Cardno's Hall in which to hold their service while their own church is being repaired. APRIL 12, 1929 Wm. Dougall, of Hensall, has returned h'omc after undergoing a critical operation in the Exeter Hospital. A very pleasant evening was spent at the home of Mrs. Wm. Buchanan when Miss Florence McDonald entertained a number of old friends of Miss Marian McKay, who with her parents, is leaving for her new home in Hagersvillc. One of the largest bakeries in Western Ontario is owned and operated by W. A. Crich, of Seaforth. The daily output of bread is 1,500 to 1.800 loaves and on Saturday, 25,00 loaves. Mr. Crich has a staff of 20 men in all. Last week John Hamilton, of Cromarty, sold a 12 month old shorthorn bull to Clarence Miller, of Seaforth, for $200. Webster Turncr, of Hillsgreen, unloaded a car load of fertilizer at Kippcn. During the severe electrical storm which passed over Zurich lightning struck the large barn on the farm of P. Deichert, of Zurich, and the resulting fire totally destroyed the stnicture. Alex Powell, who has been an employee of W. R. Smith for several years, has accepted a position on the Kitchener police force. Seeding has commenced in thc Seaforth district. APRIL 9, 1954 Mrs. Andrew Buchanan, the former Elizabeth Carlic, oldest resident of Hensall and well -know pioneer of Hensall, will celebrate her 96th birthday. A large number of friends of Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Dorrencc, of McKillop. gathered at No. 2 School in McKillop to spend a social evening with them in honor of their recent marriage. Walter Scott read an address and John Thompson, Stewart Dolmage and Walter McClure presented them with a set of dishes and number of other gifts. Mr. and Mrs. Angus Kennedy, of Hibbert, celebrated 25 years of married life on April 3. Lou Rowland read an address. Albert Cronin presented them with a twilight lamp, smoker and silver tea pot. An apprentice of the Huron Expositor 75 years ago and believed to be the oldest active printer in Canada, Charles C. Hart, 89, of thc Bloor Press died at his home in Toronto. He was born in Winthrop. APRIL 12, 1979 Seaforth council hopes to start a major street reconstruction program with its 1979 budget. Mayor John Sinnamon said Tuesday night, James Street reconstruction will be finished. A Seaforth taxpayer with an average house assessment of $3,000 will pay $24.81 more than last year in taxes to run the town in 1979, following passage Tuesday night by council of its budget. The winter's most violent storm, which ripped through southwestern Ontario on Thursday night and Friday, resulted in hydro service being cut to many Huron County residents, schools and highways were closed and many people ended up being storm -stayed for the two day period. Seaforth ended 1978 with a $20,102 deficit and expenditures in most departments were above budget, auditors from Clarkson, Gordon told council when they reviewed the 1978 financial statements. Actual total expenses were about $150,000 above what was budgeted but revenue too was much higher than expected. Seaforth agreed to pay its share of the new police communication system to be operating in Goderich this week but not without some comments on rising costs. Total budget for nine months is about $53,000 and Seaforth's share, the smallest of the five county town's is $5,722 or $476 a month. Ron di halve It's based on his child- hood with my other brother Ron Really? So how come you're not in it? It all takes place before I was born. by David Lacey ...or as my brothers call it 'The Good Old iI