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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2004-09-22, Page 44 -THE HURON EXPOSITOR, Sept. 22, 2004 Your Community Newspaper Since 1860 Tom Williscraft - Publisher Dianne McGrath • Subscriptions/Classifieds Jason Middleton - Reporter Susan Hundertmark - Editor Bemie Pugh - Office/Advertising Anne Roden - Distribution C^� OUEBECOR MEDIA E-mail us at seaforth@bowesnet.com Visit our home page at www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES: LOCAL - 35.85 a yeor, in advance, plus G.S.T. SENIORS. - 33.85 a 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 Media at 11 Main St., Seaforth. Advertising is accepted on condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical error, advertising goods or services at a 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 Advertising is merely an offer to sell and may be withdrawn at any time.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 loss or damage of unsolicited monuscriph, photos or other materials used for reproduction purposes. PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT 40029693 PAP REGISTRATION NO. 7605 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO Circulation Deportment P.O. Box 69 Seaforth, ON., NOK 1 WO e-mail: seoforthebowesnet.com Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004 aditerial seed lesiwess Offices - 11 Maim Street.,seaierth 1II.phewe (519) 527-0240 fax (519) 527.2651 Manias Address - P.O. Sex 69, aeaierth, Outside, NOK 1 WO Member of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association & the Ontario Community Newspapers Association 'We acknowledge the financial support of the Govemment of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs.' Canada Editorial BSE lawsuit allows local farmers to take action After listening to provincial politicians like Ontario Agriculture Minister Steve Peters in Clinton last week, counselling farmers to have patience and continue cooperation with the U.S., it must have been refreshing for local beef farmers to hear an Alberta feedlot owner outline a lawsuit being launched under the North American Free Trade Agreement against the U.S. Seeking $150 million in damages, the lawsuit by the Canadian Cattlemen for Fair Trade was presented Monday night at the Brussels Livestock building to a group of 300 local farmers. And, while it remains to be seen how much support local farmers are willing to invest in the lawsuit, the numbers in attendance seem to show an interest in actively challenging the U.S.'s decision to keep its borders closed to Canadian beef and asking the courts to decide whether the issue hinges on public safety or political gain. As the financial ruin of the Canadian beef industry hangs in the balance, it's understandable that Canadian farmers want to become more aggressive than the federal government has been so far in the fight for their future. But, as cash-strapped beef producers look for the $1,000 to $15;000 investment it will take to join a legal case that could take at least two years to be resolved, it's no wonder that some are feeling pessimistic that the lawsuit will solve their problems any more quickly than the current focus by government on increasing the number of slaughtering plants in the country. The longer the U.S. border remains closed, the more it becomes an endurance test for Canadian beef farmers. Farmers will have to decide if they want to keep waiting for • more government help or take on the fight on an even more personal level. Susan Hundertmark Opinion =UR Cattlemen's president explains latest developments in BSE crisis To the Editor, I'm writing to update your readers on the latest developments in the on-going BSE crisis, which is now into its 16th month. On Sept. 10 the federal government announced a strategy to reposition Canada's livestock industry which refocuses our recovery efforts. The federal government strategy is based on a plan developed by the Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA). While both the CCA and the federal government will continue lobbying to re -open the U.S. border to live cattle, this new direction focuses on recovery through adding value by slaughtering cattle in Canada rather than exporting live animals. This will not only help us through the current crisis, but will make our industry Tess vulnerable to trade disruptions in the future. In 2002, prior to BSE, Canada exported 1,686,452 head of live cattle at a value of $1.8 Billion. (3.46 million were slaughtered in Canada). Most of these exported cattle were destined for slaughter in the U.S. The practice of exporting live cattle for slaughter developed in response to economic forces. Just over a year ago the U.S. and Mexico markets re- opened to Canadian beef from cattle under 30 months of age. That left the cattle that were previously slaughtered in the U.S. competing for spots in Canadian plants with the cattle normally slaughtered in Canada. The greater supply of cattle than capacity to process them is what has been driving down cattle prices in Canada. The processing sector is responding with plans to increase capacity. The federal government has committed $66 million to help with these efforts. However it takes time for plants to be built or expand their facilities. Until this extra capacity comes online we have to better match the number of cattle coming to market with the processing capacity available. That's why the CCA advocated for, and the federal government included in its strategy, set-aside programs for market -ready cattle and for younger animals. These set-aside programs will benefit all cattle producers, not just those who voluntarily sign up for the programs. A11 producers will benefit from the stability brought to the live cattle market when numh'eis of cattle coming to slaughter are matched to the slaughter capacity available. See PROGRAM, Page 5 Seaforth hurricane watch focusses on winter homes of family, friends It seems like we have been on hurricane watch forever. The extraordinary weather that the Caribbean and Florida area has been experiencing has been nothing short of incredible. From the first realization that Charlie had veered off its predicted course and was headed right toward the town my parent's winter home was in, I have been a CNN addict. The scenes of devastation were incredible. We waited nervously to hear how their place was, and were relieved to hear that while it had some pieces gone, it was only "cosmetic" damage, nothing structural. Neighbours close by (right across the street) had whole rooms, carports and roofs completely gone. My brother had to evacuate his home (about 40 minutes from my parent's place) and while seeking shelter, ended up driving almost directly into the path of Charlie, because the hurricane had changed directions. We finally heard from him the afternoon of the next day, safe. We got to do it all over again with Frances. Ivan however, headed north. I cannot imagine how these people in hurricane prone areas live with the threat of not only possible but probable damage to themselves and their homes on a continuing basis. I would be a basket case. (No comments, please.) I have a childhood friend who lives in Seattle, and relatives in the Los Angeles area who live with the constant threat of earthquakes, and I guess that would be about as bad. Maybe worse, because there is no warning for an earthquake. That constant feeling of doom hanging over your head every day must do some pretty major stuff to your inner sanctity and well-being. Think about it. What would you do if someone knocked on Sas WHAT, Pogo 5 Monster mushroom, weighing one pound, found at local store in 1904 SEPTEMBER 19,1879 The job of removing the manse building on the Presbyterian church property has been award to Mr. Tycrman. Quite a number went from this station of Seaforth to attend the central fair at Guelph. Thos. Neilans of Hullett shipped 185 lambs from Blyth for Eastern markets on Friday last. SEPTEMBER 23,1904 Wm. Grainger and son of Hullett have purchased the famous short horn bull. A berdeen hero, 7 years old winner of 21 prizes and imported from Scotland. H. McGregor of Kippen has sold his handsome pair of two-year-old general purpose fillies to S. Laidlaw of Tuckersmith for which he relieved the snug sum of $350. John Galbraith of McKillop,has sold his farm on the 1 l th concession to Thos. Beattie of Hullett. J.C. Horton has entered upon his duties in the Sovereign Bank in Hensall. Thursday, November the 17th has been agreed upon as Thanksgiving Day by the Dominion Government. Wm. Crich showed us a monster mushroom which he gathered together with several smaller ones at the side of W Pickard's store. The big one weighed one pound. Miss Minnie Beattie and Lois Johnson left for Guelph where they will take course in Years Agone... domestic science at the McDonald Institue. Joseph Foster, bookkeeper at the furniture factory in Seaforth, has been appointed manager of the Dominion Furniture Company of Berlin. The Collegiate Institute board have shown their appreciation of the good work done by the school at the recent examinations by granting an increase of $z5 to every member of the staff. Wm. Harrison has rented his 200 acre farm on the third concession of Hullett to Mr. Ferkwell of Londesborough. The apple pickers are again on their rounds giving 75c for fall and 60c for winter fruit. SEPTEMBER 20,1929 On Monday morning Chas. R. Jewitt called on a patron to help him load a heavy plow which was on the station platform. And it was noticed that one of the windows had been pried open and it occurred to him that there had been a robbery. Chief Whiteside was quickly notified. Flax pulling is getting well through in the Hensall section., Robert McLaren of Hensall had a mishap while driving his horse from Exeter Fair. A car ran into the wheel of this buggy smashing it and breaking the drafts. No one was hurt. Dr. and Mrs. Treyner and Victor of Dublin, left for their new home in Kitchener where the Doctor had secured a good practice. Wm. Duggan brought into the Expositor a fine sample of Burley tobacco. Mr. Duggan has grown his own tobacco for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Stewart left for Fort Williams where Mr. Stewart will attend the Annual Convention of the Canadian Ticket Sellers Assoc. Robert Perterfield and Frank Lamont are in Clifford, Mr. Porterfield has a building contract. Egmondville will be glad to know that John McCaa has decided to remain in the village and is building a new home. SEPTEMBER 24,1954 Huron County at a special session awarded the contract for the construction of the new Huron County court house to Ellis -Don limited of London. The contract price was $564,630 making the total cost $640,261. Announcement was made last week of sale of the grocery store owned and operated for a number of years by Orville Cooper, to Levi Eckensiviler of Teeswater. Gaining entry by smashing a window on the west side of the Costello service station in Dublin, thieves removed a quantity of Cigarettes. Despite the handicap of cold weather the McKillop School Fair attracted a large crowd to see the varied entertainment which featured the afternoon. The veteran secretary Foster T. Fowler is the teacher. Mrs. Robert Strong of Egmondville was honoured by neighbours and friends prior to removal from the village. Mrs. Adin Forbes read an address and the presentation of a house coat was made by Mrs. W.J. Finnagan, Mrs. H. Coombs and Mrs. H. Huisser served a dainty lunch and Mrs. Wm. Brown poured tea. SEPTEMBER 20, 1979 At a special meeting Monday night Seaforth council voted six to three to proceed with setting up its own fire department adding that any township at. any time can buy protection from it. Tuckersmith Township council agreed to add a new addition to the Vanastra Recreation centre at a meeting Tuesday night which will increase the size of the present building by 30 per cent. The McKillop Federation of Agriculture has raised $4,406 for the Woodstock and area tornado relief fund by canvassing homes in the township. Seaforth police and about 45 volunteers including members of the Seaforth fire department, were called out Thursday night to search for a resident of Seaforth Manor reported missing early in the evening. Ron di bave doveerononddave.com by David Lacey