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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1973-11-29, Page 1;ss et. 99 99 le- nt 8 :el 91 ttendance ratepayers !sappointing 15 persons turned out Wednesday gently formedvening r a rich : g of the re rich Ratepayers' 'ation. Organizers ex - disappointment at the a support but pledged to Ue efforts to form an ef- voice for ratepayers of community through a organization: iation Treasurer Lloyd Asbury suggested that leseem "not interested un- ethings falls in their own if we had a south liar „ sewer planned for the end of town there would lore people turning out," tided. flee -president Rick Robert - also pointed out that with attendance dues were not 'ng into the Association to the grou.p's financial "nsibihties. Vie main item on business the Association's agenda .week was the adoption of a part statement of policy ed down by Policy Com - 'ate Chairman Gus :bolm: Chisholm's proposed ies were placed before the ting by Mr. Robertson since Policy Chairman was ble to attend due to a last Jute business trip to the ;ted States. i%e statement of policy, ;hfollows, was accepted by Ratepayers' Association tb no abridgment or agon, Thepolicy outline ribtes that ithe intent of the. G.R.A. to all ratepayers of the twa of Goderich to more ef- i ely present and negotiate ; problems without Plan - ;:g Board, Council and . ment Office"; lo encourage capable and +nsible persons to run for he office and to strongly iirt such candidates that Wigan, acrd will, -do justice tbatposition''.; Way promote a program by all candidates for ,cil and Planning Board publicly declare their s positions and, by this oration, prove they can at times act in the best in- Aof the people"; 'Our Association should familiar with the fiscal ies of our town, and sang problem areas with members in charge of that par- ticular division;" "We, as members of the Goderich Ratepayers Association, should promote good conirnunication between ourselves, Council and Plan- ning Board, be just .as quick to praise as to condemn and by working together, do justice to the people we represent." In answer to questions from the press, after the policy statement had been accepted by the G.R.A., vice-president Rick Robertson explained that on the second point of policy the Association has no plan, for the moment, to run a candidate on a Ratepayer's Association ticket or finance a campaign for a selected candidate. Ho added that the policy statement was a general one and intended only to indicate that the G.R.A. would support certain candidates -(publicly) more than others, "J expect it will be mclstly in terms of moral support," he ad- ded. "No financial support is anticipated at this time." Some discussion also cen- tered on the prospect of having the Goderich Ratepayers' Association duly registered with the Department of Cor- porate Affairs as an incor- porated group. It was pointed . out at the meeting that unless such a step were taken the G.R.A. would remain ' a nonentity and would not be recognized by the Ontario Municipal Board as an official body. The reason for this, it was ex- plained, was that in the case of a .hearing, or -similar action, no one in the Ratepayers' Association could be held responsible for any costs in- curred unless it was -a registered organization. The question of registration as an incorporated group will he 'on the agenda of the G.R.A.'s next meeting. It was agreed that any decision on the matter should be set aside until more of the Association members .were present to voice their opinions. On a motion by the group a copy of the Goderich RatepayersAssociation Statement of Policy is_to be for- warded to the Goderich Town Council in an effort -to maintain the communications link as outlined in the final section of that statement. ria 126 YEAR -.48 b.ertcjj THURSDAY, NO NAL -ST EMBER 29, 1973 SINGLE COPY 0 Name Committee of Six-. si ix -ry- si nessmen plan core renewal At a meeting On Monday evening the steering committee, set up by the Goderich Businessmen's Association to Oversee the initial. steps of a downtown refurbishing project, met at the Bedford Hotel and accepted tenders for the first stage of planning. , A hid of $40Q from the •F - Stop Photo Studio and Gallery to carry out photographic work on the Square, West, East, Kingston and Hamilton Street,, as the first step toward drafting sketches of the proposed project, was accepted. Work on that phase of work is to begin immediately. An offer from Bob Pearson of Brussels to prepare the necessary line drawings ofthe store fronts, from photographs supplied in the first step, was also accepted at the sum of $600. Work on the third step, in- volving the preparation of a color scheme and elevation plans as well as before and af- ter. views of the store fronts, was given to Jim Marlatt of Green Gallery in Goderich. Steering committee chairman Bob 'Swartman said he was pleased witty the final price total on those first stages of work noting they worked out in total to exactly the estimated $1500. The only other cost expected in completing the first step ki ine shut down temporarily as fire takes toll Miners employed by the DOMTAR Chemicals Sifto Salt division mine at Goderich returned to their jobs shortly Ater 4:00 p.m. Thursday after a fire, which caused an estimated $100,000 damage, finally burned itself out on the 1760 foot level of the mine. The mine was evacuated at 5:40 p.m. Wednesday on orders of mine manager Bill Coughlan when a fire, believed to have been initiated by electricity, broke out on a self-propelled drill used fo'r boring blast holes in the face. Heavy smoke and intense heat ere reported by witnesses 200 feet from the fire' itself. A probe of the mine at 6:20 p.m., after evacuation, encoun- tered dense smoke 1800 feet from the fire and a decision was taken to allow it to burn it- self out in preference to risking men in an attempt to ex- tinguish ,it, Mr. Coughlan ex- plained. iidustria 1 Corporation uts shares on the market Die Goderich- Indust Ha l Cor - anon is this week kicking off drive to raise money for its ...ties through the sale of (shares_ to the public. tparticular the funds would toward the proposed con- ' ion of a building at the industrial Park so that industry interested in 'ting at Goderich, but ing facilities, could be ac - 'iodated. ita commission points out on,occasion an industry is to consider Goderich as /cation for a new plant but la such a position that it a facilities immediately i+anot the time to wait for "ction of such a building. hie building was ready and ble, the commissioners then Goderich might have success in attracting new ttyto this community and industrial park. lands raised through the t also be mission shares put toward work at Sky Harbor Airport II, in the near future, will e a municipally owned °Derated facility. Goderich Industrial °pent Corporation was tPin November of'(967 and M'sently operated by direc- Mia; Gertrude George, Harrison, Ben Hay, Deb alt, pave Gower, Harry land Cord McManus. *hares es -are speculative and there is no for them offered by the iNion. The investment is In the future of Goderich. Pdce -of TIce$20 per share ofthe by the board of acompany and it that dividends will INr futkl ureahatreholders in The town of Goderich established an Industrial Com- mission by bylaw. to promote industrial growth. The com- mission has provided land for an industrial park but since its powers are restricted the com- pany was formed to com- plement the work of the com- mission. At present 879 shares have -w been issued. The Town of Goderich has purchased 529 of (continued on page 12) He said no injuries to person- nel were reported and no damage to other equipment caused by the blaze sustained. As a result of the evacuation about 90 employees lost two ,,..shifts plus six hours. Mr. Coughlan said he estimated the fire burned itself out by 2:00 a.m. Thursday' but it took until late that afternoon for, exhaust equipment to clear the smoke. In addition to the loss of the $100,.000 machine the manager said a production loss of 9,000 tons of saleable salt was alsct' incurred. Productiony,capability will be- reduced by 30 percent for the next three to four mon- ths as well due to the loss of the drill tower. It will" take until after the. close of the current shipping season for the drill tower, manufactured by the J.H. Flet- cher Company of Huntington, West Virginia, to be replaced. The room where the fire oc- curred has been closed off for the moment, the mine manager explained, and - will remain closed until miners can make their way in scaling away loose areas, caused by the heat, from the ceiling. Wednesday's fire destroyed one of two drilling machines used in the mine. The drill tower is operated by one man but there were 30 other miners on the 1760 foot level when the fire broke out. Sifto mine officials are still investigating the exact cause of the fire. would be another $100 in set- ting . up the completed exhibition after the photography, drafting and color scheme are made up. Reporting on the financial canvass, set up to raise the necessary funds for operation of the initial work stages, commit- tee secretary John Schaefer said he was very pleased with the response of merchants to the call for money. - "We sent out 12 or 15 representatives to make about 75 calls and the response has been excellent," he said. "In- dications are now that we may overshoot the $1500 target." "In several cases,. where we have met with a negative response in 'the past we have been encouraged to find par- ticipation instead," he went on. "We've had donations of up to $75 from some stores." Mr. Schaefer explained that the canvass, -had only been con- ducted around the Square, "and perhaps one store down the spoke streets" since the committee felt during the first year of work this area might be all they could handle. "Perhaps during the second year we will be able to com- plete the spoke streets," he said, "and at that time we will - canvass for funds in those areas." The meeting also appointed Mr. Schaefer and Dorothy Wallace to begin gathering the information necessary to apply for Opportunity for Youth fun- ding to carry out the actual painting stage of the program. The„committee in charge' of downtown renewal •is Bruno Lapaine, John Schaefer, Bob Swartman, Nick Hill of , the, planning board, Mrs. Dorothy -Wallace of the Architectural - Conservancy's local Branch and Town Councillor Elsa Haydon. At a recent meeting- of the Association, the Town of 'Goderich was thanked for put- ting the new trees in the Court House Park and keeping up the appearance of the downtown area. Robert Mills, left, representing the staff of the Goderich Post Office,presents retiring post- master A.M. Homuth with a power saw to fit out his workshop for retirement activities. Mr. Homuth was honored at a dinner at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall In Goderich on Friday evening by staff from the post office and friends, He has been postmaster at Goderich since 1955 having logged a total of 37 years service in the post office at Stratford, Goderich and overseas during the Second World War. (staff photo) Police Chief warns of Christmas shoplifters Shoplifting has 'always cost Merchants a considerable sum each year and although the ac- tivity of such thieves is not limited to any one time of year the merchant becomes more vulnerable during the Christ- mas season when his shop or store is crowded with Christ- mas shoppers. In an effort to arrest the problem as much as possible Goderich Police Chief Pat King this week issued an 11 point suggestion which he feels may help merchants reduce their losses during the Christmas Shopping rush, and during the whole year. First and foremost, be aware of ALL persons who come into the department, and keep an eagle eye turned to the mer- chandise itself. Remember that shoplifters must have -both op- portunity and time, which you can prevent by your alertness. Serve all customers as prom- ptly as possible. If you are busy with one customer and another is examining merchandise, acknowledge the latter's presence by saying, "I will help you in a minute. To any shoplifter these words will be discouraging, hut to a customer they will mean courteous land efficient service. Never leave your section unattended. Remain in sight: of or close to customers who are "just looking” - without, of course, making it obvious that you are doing so to protect your merchandise. Dcin't turn your back on a customer if you can avoid doing so. This is not only 'a matter of courtesy, but deprives the shoplifter of an opportunity to pick up small items from the counters. Keep a minimum amount of merchandise on counters (ex- cept at tables) and be sure that valuable items are safely in their cases. Promptly return to stock merchandise which has been shown to customer. Leaving it on the counter makes it easy for the thief to slip the article up a coat -sleeve or to sweep it off into a hand- bag or other container. Give good service to juveniles and teenagers when they . are shopping. Whether the teenager steals from necessity or for thrills, better service and more attention will curb oppor- tunities for shoplifting. Watch customers who carry merchandise from one end of the counter to the other, and say to them promptly: "May I help you with that ?" (mentioning the artice they are handling.) Asking this question in a calm mariner will hot arouse the suspicion of a legitimate customer, but on the other hand will let the shoplif- ter know that you are aware of his or her presence. Keep your fitting rooms cleared of all merchandise, and keep a mental inventory on the number of garments 'taken into each room. Fitting rooms are. "naturals" for shoplifters, especially when cluttered up with garments left by previous customers. Alone in a dressing room, a woman can put one or two dresses under her own clothing, especially in winter when bulky clothing is com- mon. If articles of value are on display, familiarize yourself with the stick and its location so that you will be aware of the space left when an 'article is taken. Watch especially small articles near the edge of a coun- ter or table, since• these can easily he "lifted" into a hidden pocket or bag. Watch for prowlers in stockrooms. Question closely any unauthorized person you find in the stockroom, and if necessary call the Management or Police. Ask yourself how it would be possible for a shoplifter to operate in your department. Would the merchandise be easy to steal? Where are the danger spots in the department? Note these things and you will be ready for action. Police Chief Kir* also suggests that merchants and their staff look out for certain actions which may indicate a shoplifter. . These may be persons hanging around counters; han- dling items but making no at- tempt to purchase; going behind counters with no authority to do so; carrying luggage or large' parcels, over- size handbags, open packages or shopping bags; people whc do things to distract the clerk while an accomplice does the actual stealing; loitering in rest 'rooms; acting intoxicated. Persons who, are apparently nervous but do not want to be served by Sales help; those who are not looking at the merchan- dise but are looking all around; those loitering around displays which are hidden from 'the clerks; or wearing bulky, loose fitting clothing ,or heavy clothing in mild weather. Those gathering ii41 groups around displays (often teenagers); persons apparently waiting for someone or wat- ching for someone to show up; those walking around the display counters but buying nothing; persons engaging sales 'staff in irrelevant and long con- versations.' Persons who p handker- chief or Aimila object in the hand anc{, \vii the same hand, handle merchandise; those going into stock rooms or receiving areas and who have nobusiness in these places. ' When you have witnessed a theft from your department" Chief King explains, "do not apprehend the person within the store. Keep this person un- der close observation to see that the stolen merchandise is hot dropped, returned to the counter, or handed to an accom- plice." "Follow the suspected person until he or she isThutside 4he door of the store and then ap- proach the person and ask them to return to the store with vou'Irn,hianv cases they will do so witklorrt too much trouble, but in other cases you will en- counter some difficulty. As long las you are certain the person is the one that committed the theft you are .justified in arresting and detaining such person until the Police arrive," (he Chief points out. 'When returning the suspect to .the store, be especially alert to see that the merchandise is not dropped, .passed to an-_ ac- complice or disposed of in some other way," he suggests. "Take the person to an office and immediately notify the police. Do not search the suspect as you have no authority to do so, simply keep said person under observation and make certain the evidence is not disposed of," he advises. "When the police arrive," the Chief adds, "state specifically what transpired and be prepared to sign the infor- mation and give evidence in court." New president of the businessmen is Albert Shore; vice-president is Bruno Lapaine; secretary -treasurer Nanette Ouellette; directors Jim Remington, Brian Markson, Bill Schaefer, Sam Gerosky, Bill Lougheed, Archie Barber, Wilf Denomme, Elliot Rivett, Bob' Swartman and John Schaefer. It has been proposed that stores in Goderich remain open all Wednesday afternoons in December as well as Thur- sday, December 13 and Friday, December 14 and the final week before Christmas until 9 pn4 Salvation Army aids CAS Yule Follciwing last year's suc- cessful experiment at de- centralizing its Christmas -assistance programme to families and .children in co- ordination with other local community groups and volun- teers, the Children's Aid -Society will again be under- taking sponsorship of a volun- teer bureau in each of the five towns in Huron County. "The spontaneous support and active assistance 'of so many groups and volunteers convinced us that keeping such a programme at a local level was far better than attempting to direct a large effort of assistance to upwards of two hundred families through our office in 13oderic•h," . noted Bruce R. Heath, Children's Aid Society County -Director. "Meeting the needs of rhe children and families referred to 11,4 is directly dependent on the response of the people of Huron County," he said. "Already we have received financial donations, gifts and committments of assistance from many community, church groups, and ' generous in- dividuals. Others have under- taken to sponsor a -family as a group project and this. we 'highly endorse." "In many communities, church and service groups have always taken it upon them- selves to engage in Christmas projects similar to our own. Where such activities are already in existence, these same groups would again be responsible for people known to them or referred to .them. In 'such cases, we would 'act only as a clearing house, or possibly share in the local project ass ap- propriate. In setting up a Christmas Bureau, it has been our desire to make the hest • possible use of the voluntary dollar and donation," said Mr. Heath. "Any authorized represen- tative of a church Or community group may check our referral index at our office in Goderich, or with the local co-ordinator. Simi 1iar1y families needing assistance can contact us directly or be referred by any community group or interested in- dividual," he added. "We are particularly ' desirous of assistance with toys and games, and articles of cls ,ping such as mitts, scarfs, and caps for all age groups. Both new toys, and used articles in good condition, are presently needed, along with appropriate gifts for the teenager," the local director said. "Last year, many people out doing their own Christmas shopping made it a point to purchase one extra gift for a child, or a game which could be used by a family group, and donated these to the Society.' It is our hope that many people who 'are not affiliated with various community service groups, will consider those less fortunate than themselves and take it as a personal respon- sibility or charitable gesture to help in some small way." Donations of gifts or, good (continued on: -page a 12) �- 1