Loading...
Times-Advocate, 1981-02-25, Page 1For the Liberals... ( Riddell going again "A Liberal minority government is attainable and a Liberal majority is passible." Those were the words of Huron -Bruce MPP Murray Gaunt speaking at Wed- nesday's nomination meeting for the Liberals in the Huron -Middlesex riding. Jack Riddell was ac- claimed as the Liberal candidate for the upcoming March 19 provincial election. Gaunt continued, "We look for a significant drop by the NDP, especially in Toronto. It looks good for us • there. Dr. Stuart Smith is optimistic In picking up at least eight more seats in _Toronto. If that happens we're in business." The Huron -Bruce MPP agreed with Premier William Davis that the big issue in the election would be TIME FOR SKIPPING — The spring-like weather of the past week has turned the minds of youngsters to other than winter activities. Above, Barb Nedza of Crediton tries out her skip- ping rope. T -A photo Fog is latest test for area drivers Area drivers have battled a variety of elements this winter, their latest test being heavy fog. Last week, the Exeter OPP investigated seven accidents, many of them attributed in part to the fog which blanketed the district for several days and drastically cut visibility. On Monday, vehicles driven by Kim Wilson, Grand Bend, and Herson Iredale, Grand Bend, collided on Huron County Road 2 north of the Mt. Carmel Road in Stephen Township. Both drivers sustained minor injuries and damage was set at 17,000 by Con- stable Jim Rogers. There was one collision on Wednesday when a vehicle driven by Lavern McCarter, Exeter, was struck in the rear when it was stopped for a school bus which was picking up passengers in front of him. Driver of the second vehicle was Murray Carter, RR 2 Lucan. Damage was set at $1,000 by Constable Frank Giffin. Thursday turned out to be the roughest day for drivers as there were four collisions. The first involved vehicles operated by Gayle Cronyn, Stratford, and Kenneth Stephenson, London. They collided at the junction of Highway 4 and the Credition Road and damage was set at 11,600 by Constable Ed W!lcox. Later in the day, a vehicle driven by Ileintje Poortinga, RR 1 Woodham, struck the island at the same in- tersection and knocked down the signs when an unknown tractor trailer pulled out from the Crediton Road in front of her. Damage was estimated at 1750 by Con- stable Wilcox. Eight vehicles were in- volved in the other two collisions which occurred in the same area in dense fog on Highway 4 north of Exeter. The first collision involved vehicles driven by Valerie Marriage, Clinton; Stephen Thompson, RR 2 Clinton; Armin Hellman, RR 3 Bayfield; and Wayne Lyon, RR 1 Auburn. Constable Ed Wilcox listed total damage at $1,500 in that one. The Lyon vehicle was then involved in a collision with three others before It could be moved from the highway. The three drivers in that one were Helen Jacobs, RR 1 Zurich; Frederick Parsons, Mitchell; and Betty Koehler, RR 2 Hensall . Damage was set at 12,500 by Constable Wilcox. The final collision oc- curred on Saturday and involved vehicles driven by Richard Webber, RR 1 Hensall and Gordon Simp- son, RR 1 Kirkton. They collided on concession 2-3 of Usborne, north of Highway 83. Damage was estimated at 1900 by Constable Wilcox. Davis plans Exeter visit Premier William Davis will be visiting Exeter during the provincial election campaign. He will be at the Exeter Legion hall on Wednesday, March 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. in support of Huron - Middlesex Conservative candidate Jim Britnell. leadership. Gaunt added, "You bet it's leadership, the lack of it." He cited lack of leadership in the economy, agriculture, education, administration and en- vironment saying, "30,000 Ontario residents have gone to Western Canada looking for jobs. That's lack of economic leadership." Gaunt concluded, "The government's lack of leadership in agriculture has been abysmal and the sign of a tired and aging govern- ment". Riddell has been the Huron -Middlesex MPP since a byelection in 1973 when he won the battle to replace the retiring Honourable C.S. MacNaughton. Riddell disputed Premier Davis' tagging of Liberal leader Dr. Stuart Smith as Dr. Negative saying, "Surely he didn't think the party under Stuart Smith's leadership was negative when it introduced policy much of which the govern- ment used to improve the educational system and particularity Bill 82, the special education legislation which was simply un- workable before the Liberals amended the bill when it came before the Social Development Committee. Surely the Premier didn't think we were negative when we Introduced a Small Business Act which the government slowly but surely used to stimulate small business although we have a long way to go yet to help the small businessman. Surely the Government didn't think we were negative when we set up a task force on labour to travel the length and breadth of the province to ascertain ways to improve labour - management relationships and handling disputes. Does the Premier think we were negative when we finally got the government to take some action on the non- residence foreign owner- ship of land. Were we not a force to be reckoned with when we stopped further imposition of regional government, fur- ther closing of hospitals, and the 371/2 percent proposed increase in OHIP premiums? Were we negative when we forced the minister of en- vironment to hold a hearing on the South Cayuga site selected for the construction of a liquid industrial waste treatment plant?" On the. subject of leadership Riddell said, - "who hasbeen standing at the helm the last ten years in which time Ontario has dropped to last place of all the provinces in economic performance? This is a sad, sad commentary when you consider that no province in Canada is more blessed with natural resources, technological know-how and well educated people. Yet our people are having to leave this province because there are no job op- portunities here. The present government is in a rut under Davis's leadership. Showing his true blue colours and exem- plifying conservative doc- trine and philosophy he is so committed to the status quo that he can't accommodate himself or his party to the requirements of the present. That is the difference bet- ween Conservatism and Liberalism. Conservatives are so obsessed with preserving what is established and so opposed to innovation and change that when times are tough and there is need for reform the Conservatives simply dig deeper in the rut. The Liberal party on the other hand believe in reform where there is obviously a need. They have a loyalty to the tested achievements of the past and to things that are permanent but they also insist on being open to the changing forces of history. This country was built by a sturdy people. What men and women they were! Read again the story of this nation Please turn to page 2 LIBERAL CONGRATULATIONS - Jack Riddell is being congratulated by Joe Hogan, vice- president and Bernard Benn president of the Huron -Middlesex liberal riding following Wednesday's nomination meeting in Exeter. Riddell won the nomination by acclamation. met Thieves ransack roof firm's office The offices of Exeter Roofing on Thames Road east in Exeter were ran- sacked sometime during Thursday night. Constable George Robert- son of the Exeter police department reports the in- truders caused damages of $2.000 as they ransacked fil- ing cabinets and office desks in search of money. They made off with a small amount of cash. Thursday. Ken Triebner• of the Zip Car Wash on Main street north reported to police that coin boxes at the car wash had been broken open and a small amount of change taken. Constable fy Robertson is investigating In two other thefts, two speakers were taken from a vehicle owned by John Ducharrne. Crediton and an aerial was stolen from a vehicle owned by Joseph Bertram. 443 Main street. The only accident of the week occurred Friday on Andrew street and involved vehicles driven by Valerie Sweet. 56 Hill street and Richard Lindenfield, 352 An- drew street. Constable Robertson set damages at $600. Over the weekend officers of the Exeter department laid a total of 10 charges un- der the Liquor Act. imes dvocate Serving South Huron, North Middlesex & North Lambton Since 1873 One Hundred and Eighth Year EXETER, ONTARIO, FEBRUARY 25, 1981 Price per copy 40 Cents JIM BRITNELL GETS ACCLAMATION — The Conservative candidate in the Huron - Middlesex riding in the March 19 provincial election will be Jim Britnell of Goderich. Above Britnell is being congratulated by PC riding president Bruce Shaw and Elmer BeII.T-A photo For the Conservatives... Britnell is .acclaimed Larry Grossman, minister of industry and tourism, used the Huron -Middlesex PC nomination meeting Thursday to announce a final company had been added to Huron Industrial Park to complete the government- sponsored project. The minister made the announcement at the Exeter meeting at which Jim Britnell of Goderich was acclaimed as the PC's party candidate in the March 19 provincial election. The company, Betumar, a manufacturer of roofing materials, will fill the remaining 23,000 sq. ft. in the park and create 23 new jobs. Mr. Grossman told party faithful his staff informed him of the company's decision that morning. The minister attacked both opposition parties for rest •ting to name-calling duri q the campaign, and for putty ig down "the ac- comi ishments of the provit 7.e and its people". He described Michael LIONS HELP IN HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT — The Exeter lions club presented a cheque for 1600 to South Huron Hospital Thursday to assist in purchase of a new microscope for the hospital's laboratory. Above, lions treasurer Allan Johnston presents the cheque to hospital administrator Roger Sheeler while lab technician Sherrie Cushman looks on. T -A photo Cassidy, NDP leader, as a "reverse Moses, leading his people back into the wilderness". He noted Stuart Smith, leader of the Liberals, had said he wanted to be Premier of Ontario "in the worst way", and added, "that's the way he'd do it". GB man faces murder count A Grand Bend man charg- ed with first-degree nitlyder in the shooting of his mother last June has been com- mitted for trial at supreme court assizes which begin Monday. Charles Harold Klopp, 33, waived preliminary hearing when he appeared in provin- cial court in Sarnia Wednes- day. He had been undergoing psychiatric examination at the Mental Health Centre at Penetanguishene. Klopp was charged after provincial police found Janet Klopp's body on the front lawn of the Klopp residence June 23 She had been shot several times. Cubs stage car races Cub packs from Exeter, Lucan. Grand Bend and Goderich competed in the KubKar rally in Exeter on Saturday Tim VIemmix of 1st Grand Bend pack was first. Martin Papph of 3rd Goderich pack was second and Jeff Mathers of lst Grand Bend pack was third. Grand Bend took the overall trophy for the race. The rally was run in the old town hall in Exeter on two wooden ramps and using wooden cars with plastic wheels The cars were made by the boys and had to be weighed in before the race at less than five ounces. Each car ran three preliminary heats before the finals. A car finishing first was awarded five points, se- cond received three points and third received one point. To advance to the finals, I1 points were needed. in the finals, there were elimination heats with the winner of each heat advan- cing to the next round until there were only three cars left out of 101 that had started at the beginning of the race Grossman stressed the PC election theme, "Building Ontario in the 1980's", throughout his speech and explained the government plans to pump 11.5 billion into new initiatives in six areas; electricity, tran- sportation, resources, people, community and technology. He emphasized PC leader William Davis, unlike both opposition leaders does not seek "quick fixes", and instead has the, ability to "grasp the future of the province". Britnell, 52, the riding association's choice to represent the party, only made his decision to run two days prior to the meeting. Ile was nominated by Jirn Donnelly of Goderich. in accepting the nomination, he said "it's always better to be on the winning team". "i've dealt with Jack Riddell," said Mr. Britnell, who was Huron County engineer for 21 years before becoming director of field research and testing of Champion Machinery in Goderich three years ago. "We're not friends, but we're not enemies. I hope it's going to be a fair fight". The candidate said the retirement of PC party heavyweights like Harry Parrott and James Auld is not disturbing. "i think people are looking for a fresh approach," he added. Britnell, although he has no previous experience in elected office, explained "he knows his way around Queen's Park", having dealt with ministers and ministry officials while county engineer. Ile and his wife Mary Beth have four children, all of whom are either married or away attending school. That, he explained prior to the meeting, was another factor in his decision to seek the nomination. In introducing the nominee, Donnelly described the candidate as a family man who had distinguished himself in various careers. Outgoing riding association president, Bruce Shaw, mayor of Exeter, exhorted party members to make the election a good fight, and "with a good effort we'll have a good campaign and might just eke out a victory". SHH board disappointed over report on seniors At a meeting Tuesday night the South Huron Hospital Association Board said it was disappointed in the contents of the Peat, Marwick and Partners Long Term Care Planning Report on senior citizens. The report was prepared by the Peat. Marwick firm for a group of hospital and nursing home administraors in Huron -Perth. In a press release, the SHH board said that the report was a disappointment because it did not indicate the pressing and immediate needs for the aging popula- tion in Exeter. However, the report did indicate that the hospital as it currently ex- ists will probably be ade- quate for the next 10 to 15 years. Chairman of the Manage- ment Committee, Ben Hoogenboom. says that the hospital board will consider recommendations in the report which would further the hospital's involvement in providing additional ser- vices to the community. Hoogenboom listed four areas where the hospital hopes to continue communi- ty service to benefit seniors. -The expansion of the Meals on Wheels program. At present two different groups of seniors receive hot meals three times a week. The board would like to provide four or five day ser- vices. Hoogenboom stressed that more volunteer drivers would be needed to make the program feasible. He said that at present drivers are volunteers front the United Church. The hospital kitchens could handle the in- creased volume in meal preparations. if volunteers could be found. -The hospital would like to provide what they call "flex- ible beds" for people who are caring for an elderly or disabled person in their own home. so that the family can enjoy a short vacation. or temporary relief. Hoogen- boom said that this is a "touchy" area because some of the families might decide that they would like to leave the elderly or dis- abled person in the hospital permanently. He said that each case would be examin- ed individually. -The hospital will look into the feasability of es- tablishing a day care and possibly day surgery for seniors. The day care would involve some form of oc- cupational therapy,exercises and treatment including physical and speech therapy, as well as providing a hot, nutritional meal. The day surgery would enable patients to be admitted and discharged on the same day for minor surgery. Hoogen- boom pointed out that the hospital is already moving in that direciton. with an area for seniors to enjoy card games. and social events. -The establishment of a medical centre to house doc- tors' offices. dental care, home care. etc. is under con- sideration if it receives suf- ficient support from the community. Hoogenboom said that this is another area where the hospital has Please turn to page '2 Guards removed from turnip plants Security guards have been removed from the premises of a number of area rutabaga producers and processors after being posted there a couple of weeks ago by the Ontario Rutabaga Producers Marketing Board (ORPMB). The guards arrived at the plants bearing letters from the ORPMB, headquarters in Lucan, advising they were on the premises to gather information on what is suspected to be illegal low - pricing of rutabagas being shipped from some plants. Eric Vanneste, manager of the marketing board, or- dered the guards into plants when it was discovered GWEN PEMBERTON ...gets NDP nomination For the New Democrats... Bayfield lady A 69 -year-old Bayfield woman has been acclaimed as the New Democratic Par- ty candidate in the Huron - Middlesex riding. Gwen Pemberton. a former Londoner and Bayfield resident for the past 10 years. was the only one nominated at the meeting In Clinton on Mon- day night. that attracted 15 supporters Mrs. Pemberton. widow of the late Professor fl. E. K. Pemberton of the llniversity of Western Ontario, un- successfully ran for the CCF party m 1953 and in 1957 in London. and ran third as the N1)P candidate when Liberal Judd Buchanan won London ,est in the 1968 federal election She is also a past president of the Ontario division of the Consumers Association of Canada and was the only woman to sit on a provincial committee investigating medical privileges in public hospitals in the early 1970s. Mrs Pemberton said one of the biggest challenges (acing the government is to keep Canada's medicare system. which has been un- der attack recently •.We must work hard to see that it is not destroyed." she stressed Tonv McQuail. \I)P can- didate for the nearby Huron - Bruce riding. was the guest speaker. and in his com- ments said that the NDP is the only alternative. "People are getting tired of the garbage they're get- ting from the Davis govern- ment. and they don't see the leadership in Smith either," he said "We represent the work- ing people. farmers, homemakers. and husines people,- he added "The Liberals don't hold ;a single provincial government, and wouldn't hold the federal turnips were selling for less than the 16 per carton minimum set by the board. He reported that it was suspected some producers and processors were delivering extra cartons to buyers and not recording this. Security guards were assigned to plants to check bills of lading before trucks were loaded and to check paperwork to determine destinations and buyers of rutabagas. Vanneste said agents (producers and processors) and the directors of the board met about three weeks ago to discuss the situation and the suspected discrepancies. He said the consensus was that the board had to do something and it was left to him, as manager of the board, to decide what action should be taken. While the board manager was quoted as saying it would be naive to think security guards would catch anyone in the act of selling turnips that aren't recorded, he said the security guards were sent in to "shake things up a bit". They were in attendance at most plants. including those operated by directors of the board. The board was formed in 1979 after fluctuating prices for the crop made the market a "free for all" in manager \'anneste's words. to run government if it weren't for their stranglehold on Quebec He said provincial NDP governments have been good for the people. explaining that Saskatchewan pays the lowest provincial taxes. while Ontario's are the se- cond highest Mr McQuarl ,attacked the Ontario government for then- farmland policies. ' Since the 1950s. Ontario has lost one quarter of its agricultural land. that is 93.- 000 acres for every. Tory MPP In the last decade. nearly 6.000 jobs have been lost in our food processing sector and over half our food processing facilities have been shut down since 1961 Since 1972. our food import deficit has risen by 340 pet cent Nirs Pemberton will face incumbent liberal NI PP Jack Riddell and Progressive Conservative candidate Jim Britnell