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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1985-11-27, Page 13Being 'the wife •f' entails privileges and duties Anita Riddell, wife of Ontario agricultural minister, has her own personal idea of heaven on earth. She can close her eyes and picture it. She and husband Jack are at their Dashwood area farm home. Just the two of them. They are sitting together, feet up, their second cups of tea all that remain of Anita's home - cooked dinner, contentedly watching the pattern of flames from the burn- ing logs in the fireplace. Anita treasures these moments, because they happen very rarely. She jokingly remarks that she has been too busy since her December 10, 1983 marriage to the then Liberal op- position agriculture critic to know what it's like to enjoy -married life. The Riddells returned from their South African honeymoon to be caught up in the many events taking place during Ontario's Sesquicentennial. This year has been even more momentous After 42 years in opposi- tion, the Liberals led by David Peter- son formed the new government in May, and Jack became a cabinet minister. Never did a venturesome little girl growing up in Capetown ream of some day living in south tern On- tario, and ,marrying s meone in public office. Anita's adventurous spirit would have '.aken ,her to England and the head office of an in- surance firm where she was employed, except for the immigration law stipulating no outsider would be allowed a work permit for any job that could be filled within Britain. Acting on a friend's suggestion, she applied to come to Vancouver, although she didn't know where Van- couver was. Everything fell into place, and she arrived in Canada in 1966. What a shock! She couldn't unders- tand the Canadian accent! After two years, Anita headed home with an acute case of homesickness, stopping off in Toron- to on the way. Two years later she cured her homesickness for Canada by coming back to stay. Anita first met her future husband when she applied for a job as secretary to Margaret Campbell, who shared an office at Queen's Park with the recently elected member from Huron -Middlesex. Instead, she ended up as Riddell's secretary, a position she held until his cabinet appointment. Anita revealed that even after the two began dating about three years ago, she was still treated as an employee during working hours, and no one in the office suspected the change in relationship. Glencoe firm cites reason to keep Lucan-Forest line A Glencoe firm is ready to more than quadruple the annual rail traf- fic out of Parkhill provided Canadian National Railways is not allowed to close the line. A Canadian Transport Commission hearing was told here Thursday that CN wants to close its line from Lucan to Forest because freight traffic has been steadily declining and the line has been losing money for years. The line from Sarnia to Forest was clos- ed four years ago following a similar hearing. - CN was adamant that the entire stretch from Forest to Lucan be clos- ed, although a series of witnesses tried to make a case for closing only the western portion that serves Forest and Thedford while retaining service as far as Parkhill and Ailsa Craig. Harvey Wernham, general manager of Glenco Grain and Seed Co., a division of Parrish and Heimbecker, took the hearing by sur- prise when he said his company. is prepared to more than quadruple Parkhill's rail traffic in 1986. Only 127 rail cars went in and out of Parkhill in 1984, but Wernham estimated his company already plans to ship enough produce to fill 285 cars next year and expects to attract enough new business to fill an additional 285. Wernham explained that Glencoe Grain and Seed bought the bankrupt Water's Elevators in Parkhill in September and has been operating it for the last month. Area produc$rs had hesitated to deal with Water's because of its financial problems, he said. Wernham further surpised the hearing when he said that Glencoe Seed and Grain had not been aware of the pending hearing on CN's ap- plication to close the line until early October, after the deal 10 buy Water's Elevators from the receiver, Peat Marwick, had been completed. "I find that very difficult to unders- tand," commented commission member 13. R. Wolfe. "My gosh, they do keep secrets around this country, don't they?" Wernham said Gleneoe Grain and Seed would be shipping grain from Parkhill to Quebec and the Maritimes, but it would not be economically viable unless it was done by rail. Robert Paterson, CN's supervisor of systems anti procedures for the Great Lakes area, told the hearing the railway needs 399 carloads a year from the four communities to break even. Only 151 freight cars were fill- ed last year and loads have ranged from 84 to 207 over the last five years. Win competition A three-member team from Mid- dlesex County won the intercounty livestock evaluation competition at the recent Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Competing with 14 other teams the Middlesex trio scored 1628 points out of a possible 1950 to take home the Jef- frey Bull memorial trophy. Members were Don Moir, RR 3 11- derton; t;.eorge Vanhie, RR $ London; and Fred O'Neil, RR_2 Denfield. The team had the highest ag- gregate score in evaluating three classes of dairy cattle, two classes of beef cattle, two classes of swine and one of sheep. The Centralia College team placed third in the inter -agricultural college livestock evaluation competition. Lorne Fell, RR 2 Staffa, captured the world barley championship. He received the Brewers Association of Canada trophy from president R. A. Morrison. The championship in the 4-11 cham- pionship went to William C. Fother- ingham, RR 4 Seaforth. fie won the Ciba-Geigy Seeds trophy for his white beans. Sharon and Roger Fell, RR 2 Staf- fa, were third and fourth respective- • ly. Fifth place went to Paul Murray, Clinton, and the sixth spot was cap- tured by Chris Weernink, Kirkton. In 1983, the last year for which figures were available, CN lost $206,486 on the operation. Parkhill handled 84 per cent of the line's traffic in 1984, he said, adding that only one freight car was filled in Ailsa Craig and two in Forest. Pater- son pointed out there are many truck- ing firms and other nearby rail lines serving those communities. While Forest Mayor Ron Dodge hadn't any objection to the closing, others urged the commission to keep the line open at least from Lucan to Parkhill. Paterson had difficulty calculating the break-even point if the line were closed from Forest to Parkhill, changing his mind several times before estimating that a partial closing would reduce costs by 30 per cent and leave revenues virtually un- touched. He could not specify a break- even point for Lucan to Parkhill. • Parkhill MayorRonShirran argued that the rail line is needed to attract industry, a plea echoed by Ailsa Craig Reeve Don Shipway. W. G. Thompson and Sons Ltd. of Ailsa Craig is expan- ding and shipping by rail, he added. Thompson. manager Neil McAllister said his company will dou- ble its grain shipments within three years and needs rail service. But he conceded it has used trucks exclusive- ly since acquiring the Ailsa Craig operation in August, 1984. Similarly, Peter Twynstra of Ailsa Craig -based Great Canadian Bean Co. forecast future use of the railway for shipping but admitted he has not used it in the past. The Ontario government made its own pitch for keeping the line open from Lucan to Parkhill. "There is a real and continuing need for rail ser- vice provided by this branch line," said David Searle, a member of the legal service branch of the ministry of transportation. "This segment of the line might yet become profitable. Its retention would be in the public interest." Hearing chairman J. F. Walter hoped for a decision by Christmas but uld not a romise a rulin: that soon. WATCH THE BIRDIE Over the past 15 years Vi Andrews of collector. She is shown here with some of the 150 now in her a grandson. "Jack is a hard taskmaster. He leads by example. You don't fool boss wouldn't sign it. He also called around - you work. He has very strict standards", Anita observed. To prove her point, she cited the oc- casion a month before her wedding when she submitted a form authoriz- ing time off to compensate for the 50 hours of overtime she had put in. Her her back to the office the day before the wedding to do some secretariat work. "Jack was such an effective opposi- tion critic", Anita said emphatically. "Now he has to produce. The ball is in his court, and he's in the fight." She noted that though her husband ,now faces more demands and has more responsibility, he finds the IN OFFICE TOO — Anita Riddell -filled in at the riding office in Ex- eter last week when Ruth Stover was ill. mes herr ins South Huron. North Middiese. November 27, 1985 dvocate & Nn.M l.,nWon Since 1671 PagelA Advice available on shoreline erosion Do you have Lakeshore property that is being threatened by erosion? The current high water level in Lake Huron is probably the cause. In response to these problems, the Ministry of Natural Resources has established an ektension service to provide technical advice and informa- tion to property owners on the protec- tion of shoreline properties. Owners of Lakeshore property between Port Franks and approximately two and a half miles north of Bayfield (Lot 3i, Concession 1, Goderich Townshi ) should contact the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority in Exeter (235-2610) should they wish to utilize this service prior to carrying out remedial works. The Conservation Authority will collect all the necessary information about the applicant's erosion problem and forward it to the Ministry of Natural Resources. The Ministry of Natural Resources will then arrange to have a consulting engineer contact the applicant and meet at the site. At no cost to the applicant, the shoreline erosion consultant will look at the pro - Speedy balloon found in Varna On October 14, Tom Rathwell found a balloon on his farm which had been launched from Muskegon, Michigan, the previous day be Stew Pearo, a member of the School of the Bible, Norton Shores Assembly of God. Had he not found it promptly, he expects the cattle would have eaten it. In rep- ly to the letter Tom wrote to them, he received a cassette tape of sacred music, the prize for the person who found the balloon that had travelled the furthest, over 225 miles. Celebrations for the Christmas season are beginning here this Sun- day with a White Gift church service in Varna, followed by the singing of Christmas music, then a lunch of sandwiches and squares at the Com- plex and the Sunday School concert. Gifts of non-perishable foods and money will go to the Huron County ('hristmas Bureau which helps over 2o0 families. On Tuesday, Dec. 3 the Stan -Lee Seniors are having a turkey dinner. Those attending are asked to bring a Exeter has 'turned into an avid camera vegetable, salad or dessert Turkey collection which she is turning over to and potatoes will be prepared by the T -A photo social committee. • On Wednesday afternoon the STANDING COMMITTEE ON PROCEDURAL AFFAIRS AND AGENCIES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS aN...rie LEGISLATIVE SCRUTINY OF APPOINTMENTS Ontario The Standing Committee on Procedural Affairs and Agencies, Boards and Commissions will commence hearings in December, 1985, on the methods by which it believes that appointments should be made to agencies, boards and commissions of the Government of Ontario to which the Lieutenant Governor in Council makes some or all of the appointments and all corporations in which the Crown in right of Ontario is a majority shareholder. The Committee invites written submissions from individuals, groups or organizations wishing to comment on the above -noted subject. All briefs should be deposited with 'DV Clerk of the Committee not later than Friday, 6 December 1985. MICHAEL J BREAUGH, M.P.P. A. SM/RLE FORS YTH Chairman Clerk of the Committee Room 104, Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A2 416/963 -1462 - Recreation Commission is having a ('hristmas party for seniors, and on Thursday the Varna U.C.W. is having their potluck supper and special Christmas program beginning at 6:15 p m. The committee in charge of the special newspaper edition for the ses- quicentennial (Gould like to list farms that have been in the same family for 150 years. If your farm is one of them. please call Mary Chessell at 482-9969. Chris Vossen received ankle and leg fractures when his heel was caught in an auger at Ilayter Elevators on Wednesday. He is in Stratford Il2spital. Lions' draw winners I,ocaI dentist William McGregor \k as the major winner in Sunday's Grey Cup draw sponsored by the Ex- eter Lions. Ile won $500 for having the correct .17-24 score for the west in Van- couver's win over Hamilton. Winner of the first quarter score Was Doug Parsons. ,while Jack I)elhridge, St. Marys, had the half- time ticket. Grant Skinner held the score for the end of the third quarter. blem and follow up with a written assessment that outlines possible Solutions. Alec Scott, Water Resources Co- ordinator with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, is the contact person for this program. Scott says that each situation will be assessed by the Conservation Authority to ensure that a legitimate erosion problem ex- ists before the details are sent to the Ministry of Natural Resources. "The program is meant to deal with serious erosion problems and not, for exam- ple, to create a beach where a stable bank exists." Financial assistance for any ero- sion control construction work is not available through this program. Per- sons desiring such monetary help would have to apply to their municipality for a low interest loan under the Shoreline Property Assistance Act. Scott summarizes the Technical Advisory Service this way - "People with shoreline erosion problems can get someone knowledgeable to come and look at the problem, and offer some ideas about what can be done." The advisory service is available lentil March 31, 1986. GETS AWARD - Edward L. (Ted) Oke, son of John and Joan Oke, RR 9 Exeter, hos received a scholarship award for being the student with the highest average from the County of Huron enroll- ed in the B.SC. (Ag.) program of the University of Guelph. He is a second year student. The SHDHS graduate recently competed in a hockey tournament at the univer- sity and was chosen MVP. challenge of his job exhilerating and stimulating. Anita perceives her role as providing a home life free of irritations. "Out there it's fierce; there are so many problems in agriculture', she said. Anita has spoken to many politi- cians' wives, and concluded that as a spouse is often left to fend for herself at government functions, she must know who she is as a person, recognize her capabilities, and develop a sense of independence rather than an inferiority complex. Anita listed some of the changes that have come with her husband's change in status. He now has the use of a chauffered limousine, driven by longtime friend Earl Datars. His staff has increased. Jim Fitzgerald,• a former Clinton newspaperman, was chosen as executive assistant, to join policy advisor Lou De'Onofrio who has worked for Jack for over 10 years. Personal staff have to be people you trust and feel comfortable with, Anita pointed out. Because of his position, Jack and Anita were invited to lunch with the Queen Mother. They were given preferential treatment, as part of an exclusive group which included pre-. sent and past lieutenant governors who met , privately with the royal guest beforehand. The Riddells now often find themselves sharing a table at events with prominent people who were previously only names in a newspaper headline or faces on televi- sion. Anita considers herself a spec- tator rather than a participant as such times, and reports "Jack has more fun with a group of fellow farmers than rubbing shoulders with the elite". Despite the increased number of in- vitations, the Riddells still give events in the riding priority. However, Anita singled out as a major regret that the Riddells no longer have as much time to spend with family and friends. They are determined to do everything possible to retain valued relationships rather then let them gradually drift away. "We make a special effort to get together with Jack's family. He is at the stage where he is really enjoying his grandchildren", Anita said. She commends his family for being very understanding, and gleefully recounts a humorous remark made by Jack's mother during one of the couple's fre- quent drives to London to accompany her to church and out to eat after- ward: "I know Jack's alive. I see him on TV". Since her husband's elevation to the cabinet, Anita has had to add to a wardrobe where slacks and tops predominated before. Unlike most women, she does not like to shop for clothes, and relies on a store that has been a favourite for years whenever she needs something for a special oc- casion. She went looking for a long gown recently to wear that night to the horse show at the Royal Winter Fair. Included in the party was Madame Gu, governor of one of the provinces in China. As Madame Gu's prime task is keeping the 62,000,000 people -in her jurisdiction fed, she wanted to see the agricultural exhibits. Anita still chuckles when she thinks of the stir caused by a group of ladies and gentlemen in full evening dress, ring- ed by security men, touring the cow barn. Anita had an insider's view of the Liberal's transition from the opposi- tion to the government benches. She decribes it as the most stressful time the causus and staff have gone through, as the Liberals took over the reins of power that had been in other hands for more than four decades. "Queen's Park was a total mess", she recalls. "The administration did a superhuman job, helping people move until all hours of the night, and they even did the packing for some." Anila helped her husband move to a large but austere office "with no plush carpeting on the floor". She dressed up toiaattend the swearing-in ceremony, idhipped across to the apartment, changed into jeans, and dashed back to do more packing. Anita admits she will miss working in the Riddell office, terming it the most fascinating job one could have. "Jack never backed off, and it was exciting when he won. It was also satisfying and rewarding when he was able to do something for so- meone", Anita explained. Perhaps now she will have more time to devote to her favourite past - time, table tennis. Al one time she travelled across Canada and the US playing the game competitively seven days a week. She now plays every Wednesday. "And if I want to spend time with my husband, I'II go to the office". she said. AtietalivAliolletWOOSIOWAVAIMiatakistOialleilesAialliae~a wase Wa►a4rAi sftweA envie a Weekend Specials eff/ecfive Thurs., Fri., Sal. each creek 3 3 Enriched White Bread 24 oz. -79C 1 t Large French Croissants 3/1.19 Delicious raspberry or cherry Tarts 6/1.59 We hove candied cherries, fruits, etc., also nuts, raisins. snacks, candies, etc. Prepackaged for freshness. Example: Rad O/aced Cherries Sunshine mix /b. 2.99 Fruit Mix lb. S1.37 Raisins lb. $1.27 Now available: Deluxe Christmas coke, cheese gilt baskets, cheese trays, fancy Christmas cookies. Medium Cheddar 3.19 Ib 1 Processed Maple Leaf d Cheese Slices 2.99 lb. 3 Over 40 varieties delicious donuts 1 asty u g Bakery (l Cheese House EXETER 73S-0332 ZURICH MAP , vv aur rocs ev'e5 CTC esti elm etre, eves OC Ge, -Cf OCs es'n cm OC CTC OC V0 eve ism eves weer