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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1986-10-22, Page 8Page 8—CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1986 John Wise tours district farrns HURON COUNTY - Federal Agriculture Minister John Wise toured rain soaked fields in Huron County, Friday, and gave broad suggestions that he would be prepared to join his provincial counterparts in providing assistance to farmers to help them stay in business in the face of moun- ting crop losses. Mr. Wise flew into the area for a brief tour at the request of an ad hoc- committee established by the Huron Federation of Agriculture which told him that "the weather conditions this fall, have com- pounded an already fragile economic situa- tion which has resulted in a total- financial disaster to some agricultural sectors." After dinner in Exeter where Mr. Wise and the Huron farmers were joined by four area MPs, the group stopped to examine a white bean field in Hay Township and then moved on to Soudant Farms where they met behind closed doors for some time before emerging to issue statements to the press. Mr. Wise, flanked by MPs Murray Car- diff, Terry Clifford, Sid Fraleigh and Harry Brightwell, said that the weather had created a "serious situation" but noted that it would be premature to put any final figures on the amount of crop loss. He said it would be irresponsible to say that some farmers were not deserving of special attention and explained that pro- ducers in other provinces had been given financial help in joint, federal -provincial programs. Mr. Wise said a "reasonable approach" would be for the province to give the federal government a detailed estimate of the crop losses and a suggestion on how the two governments could work together to provide assistance. It was explained that on every occasion in the past where that had been done by pro- vincial governments, they had been suc- cessful in getting federal assistance. Mr. Wise also said that the situation in On- tario could even present a larger disaster than what was now apparent and that could trigger a federal -provincial disaster relief program similar to what was undertaken following the tornado in the Barrie area where a $5 million agricultural component was established. However, the federal agricultural minister indicated it would be up to the pro - 4 vincial government to decide on the priority for agriculture and the province's farmers. "We don't act unilaterally,"ore explained, adding that the initiative would have to come from the Ontario government. While noting that the alternatives ap- peared to be for a spot federal -provincial aid program or using the existing disaster legislation, Wise said he felt the former was "the best route to go". Under joint aid programs undertaken in other provinces, Wise said most had been operated on a 50-50 basis with the federal and provincial governments. Before departing, Mr. Wise said that the best thing that could happen was for the area to be blessed with four weeks of sun- shine "or a damn good frost" that would help farmers harvest' some of the crops still out in the field. He acknowledged that a turn around in the weather would be of no benefit to some vegetable growers, such as his Soudant Farms hosts, because their potatoes were already lost. "There's nothing there to harvest," he advised. The Elgin MP explained that the mood of Western Canadian farmers had been the same as that of their Ontario counterparts over recent weather conditions, but he said the west had now been blessed with sunny skies and high temperatures and grain farmers working around the clock were ex- pecting to harvest their largest crop in history if the weather continues to cooperate. Mr.Wise also indicated he would welcome changes to the crop insurance program to better reflect the needs of farmers. He and Ontario agriculture minister Jack Riddell have already established a joint task force to expedite amendments to bring it up to date so it is more useful. He said changes could almost be made over night, but in response to a question, ad- vised it would be highly unlikely that any changes would be made retroactive. Bev Hill, spokesman for the Huron farm committee, said the presence of Wise in- dicated the latter's concern about the crop situation in the area. "We're confident there will be some ANNOUNCING ARMSTRONG FARMS AND ELEVATOR VARNA as an agent for Maple Leaf Mills Ltd. We're ready to handle your 1986 Corn & Soybean Crop Call us at 262-5393 , ar 565-5032 LICENSED UNDER ONTARIO GRAIN FINANCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMaT:ar:.`�". Compare yields to see the difference. FARMERS! 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Mr. Hill said he felt the response given the farmers was "quite favorable" and he was optimistic that some form of assistance would be forthcoming. "Hopefully it will be provided in time," he added. Mr. Hill said the farm group would definitely be talking with Riddell. The brief presented to Wise indicated that the economic disaster "is of proportions that have never been experienced before" and the need for financial support in some situations "is desperate". "We strongly suggest that disaster relief should be targeted to those farmers that can demonstrate financial need. In the case of vegetable growers, the growing process and cash requirements for the 1987 crop begin as early as December 1986. As we will be able to show you, the vegetable growers' finan- cial needs are both immediate and desperate. Assistance must come in the form of relief from losses incurred in the 1986 crop and assurance of a supply of operating capital for 1987. "This year farm supply dealers were call- ed upon to finance crop operations. Unless these financial commitments can be fulfill- ed the current and future financial implica- tions are obvious. "It is impossible for us to fully describe the magnitude of this economic catastrophe. It has affected all segments of our local economics. In addition to the previous ex- ample, we see dairy and beef farmers that are unable to harvest silage requirements; hog farmers that are uncertain about the feeding qualities of their corn supply. We are seeing layoffs and cut backs in the agri- business sector. The `ripple effect' of all these situations is going to have a major economic impact on all rural economies in Southwestern Ontario. "We want to impress upon you that our appeal for financial aid is being made for, and suggested towards, farmers that demonstrate need." The brief also contained documentation to "illustrate the inadequacies and incon- sistencies" of the present crop insurance program. It noted that growers could lose upwards of 60 percent of their crops and receive nothing from insurance and in the case of vegetable growers, the loss could be up to 50 percent and the grower would receive less from insurance than his premium cost. The farmers also complained that coverage is only a portion of the cost of pro- duction; the program is complicated and difficult to understand; and those making claims are penalized not only with reduced coverage but with increased premiums. They suggested that coverage be more in line with cost of production; yield of acres be made more realistic in accordance with improved varieties and farming techni- ques; provide incentive for farmer& to harvest crops and not be penalized; when claims are made, increased premiums do not decrease coverage; spot insured acres be permitted given complete acres insured and that recovery of losses could have a minimum before a claim could be made. The example was given for a minimum loss of $5,000. Paul Middleton, (seated) was the lucky winner of the 1987 Cutlass Ciera Olds at the Clin- ton Public Hospital's Casino Night on October 4. The car was from Steve Brown's (left) car lot at Brown's Chevrolet -Olds of Clinton. [Don Symons, fund raising chairman, was on hand to congratulate Mr. Middleton when he picked up his car on October 17. (Anne Narejko photo) Paul Middleton wins car at Atlantic City Casino Night CLINTON - Paul Middleton was the lucky winner of the 1987 Olds Cutlass Ciera during the Clinton Public Hospital's Fundraising kickoff on October 4. Committee members sold a total of 305 tickets with the following people winning cash prizes: $150 winners were - Ruth Hamilton of RR1 Varna; Rick Aylsworth of Clinton; Keith Allen of Londesboro; Jean Livermore of Clinton; Clinton Branch 140 Group 2; Ross Dobson of Bayfield; Ken McDougall of Clin- ton; Ken Holmes of Clinton; Mike Falconer of Clinton; Linda and Jeff Dixon of Vanastra; Richard Kootstra of Clinton; Sam Bradshaw of Bayfield. Joe Honking of Auburn was the $500 win- ner and Don Hanley of Clinton was the $1,000 winner. Frank Bissett HURONVIEW - Anglican Communion, conducted by Rev. Gordon Simmons took place in the chapel on October 14. Beatrice Young assisted the minister and Frank Bissett provided the organ music. The Senior Citizens' Club from Zurich was in charge of the October birthday party which was held in the auditorium on October 15: Mary Gibbings welcomed everyone to the party. Names of those having an Oc- tober birthday were called, and to them Happy Birthday was sung. Following this, a variety program took place. Musical selec- tions were played by Jean Crocker at the piano, Marlene Desjardine with accordion, Mozart Gelinas Sr. with his banjo. A medley of familiar songs were sung by Harriet Vandenburg and Dianne Miller. An interesting readin& was given by Flo :Murray. Old time music, Selections were played by.Fred,.Harburn• in fiddle, Mozart Gelinas on banjo, Ivan Morris with guitar and Marlene Desjardine with her accordion. These talented people were called back to the stage to perform more of their numbers. A lively singsong then took place,and the singing of Good Night Ladies brought the program to a close. Frank Bissett thanked the entertainers and especially Marie Gelinas for sharing their music and songs. An assortment of fancy cupcakes, tarts and cookies was pro- vided by the Zurich ladies along with a cup plays organ of tea. The weekly game of bingo was held during the afternoon of October 16 in the dining room of Park Place. Rev. John Pluta conducted Roman Catholic Mass in the chapel the following morning. In the afternoon a number of residents went to Goderich to shop at the Suncoast Mall. Ethel Houston visited with her daughter Madge and husband Ted. Earl Raithby visited his wife Zelda in the Goderi h hospital. On Friday afternoon as well, everyone in the auditorium got into a spirited mood as they listened to the lilting strains of old time music played by the Huron Strings, accom- panied at the piano by Gladys Van Egrnond. This lady certainly knows her music, and with every touch; the dotes seemed to bub- ble.It *as an hour of real' entertaiment as the group played many selections of old and new favorites. Sunday morning worship was held in the chapel, conducted by Rev. David. Snihur. During the service, the choir sang. Prior to the service next Sunday morning, a singsong of old favorites is being planned. Everyone is welcome. To the families of the late Margaret Robertson, and the late Grace Addison, sympathy is extended. Bazaar offers crafts and baked goods HURONVIEW-It would be difficult to compare the ,aroma of freshly baked pies, tarts, etc., right from the oven, with anything else. And so it was this aroma that filled the air on Monday. Many hands were busy making the dough and rolling it, while yet others prepared the fillings, which put together the pies and tarts. By the end of the afternoon, everything was accomplished and ready for the bazaar. But not all was finished, for on Tuesday, everyone pitched in and set up tables, ar- ranged the decorations and articles that would be on display. After much planning and organizing, the plain look of the auditorium was transformed into what ap- peared to be a country fair. And it was just that. On Wednesday afternoon, the doors of the auditorium opened and after a few remarks from Mary Gibbings, the fun began. The traditional soft colors of autumn enhanced the theme of the day. Pouring tea were Rev. Bonnie Lamble and Mrs. Jim Bechtel. The ladies who kept the teapots filled were from the Londesboro Womens Institute. The servers who were kept busy during the afternoon attending the tea tables were from the Seaforth W.I. As always, the display tables were well patronized. The bake table run by the Blytlt W.I. was laden with mouthwatering pies, tarts, cakes, candy, etc. This was a popular spot, and all the goodies were not long in disappearing. On the crafts table, numerous items were on display. Attendance at this table was ex- cellent, and the customers had a great op- portunity of viewing the colorful assortment of hand -embroidery, ceramics, knitted wear, crocheted articles and many more fascinating ideas. These items all for sale, were made by the residents with the help of staff. Evelyn Archer and Cindy Fleet were in charge of the craft table. Candy draws were supervised by Lyla Johnson. A draw was made on three baskets demi: 's Fed Mill NEW DEALER FOR... MINERALS FAR CATTLE VITAWAY SWINE PREMIXES Come and see us for all your farm. animal mineral requirements. of apples, and ,those having the winning tickets were Helen Lindsay, Ruby Philip and Betty MacDonald. Mary Gibbings an- nounced the winners. From all reports, this was a splendid event, and many thanks go out to everyone who had a part in the success of the tea and bazaar. During the week, van rides were available for residents wishing to go on an outing. Rev. John Pluta conducted Roman Catholic Mass Friday morning in t chapel. Thanksgiving Sunday worship will held in the chapel conducted by Rev. David Snihur. During the service, an inspirational solo was sung by Rev. Snihur and the choir sang. Residents wish to thank Eleanor Falconer and Norman Gowing for providing the fruit and vegetables, and to staff for decorating the chapel so effectively. It was a fine effort. To the family of the late Pearl Gidi'ey, sympathy is extended. Huronview residents hope everyone had a warm and happy Thanksgiving holiday. West Wawanosh Mutual Insurance Company Dungannon, Ont. NOM IRO 529®7961 FARM RESIDENTIAL AUTO AGENTS: Frank Foran Lyons & Mulhern Donald MacKay Kenneth B. Maclean John Nrron Doreld R. Simpson Delmar Sproul Laurie Campbell FOR A QUOTATION ON YOUR FARM. DOME, COTTAGE OR AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE CONTACT THE, AGENT IN YOUR AREA ' DIRECTORS: Eldon Bradley Lucknow 528.2214 John Bryce R.R. 3. Polley 353-5631 Glen Coultas R.R. S.eBrussels 887-d121 Gerald Kerr P.O. Box 62 Blyth 522.9275 Gordon A. SIGWdr1 R.R. 2 Ripley 395.5235 Donald Marino° 163 Elgin Aye. W. Goderich 524.7602 CLAIMS SHOULD BE REPORTED • PROMPTLY TO THE DIRECTOR IN YOUR AREA R.R. 7 Lucknow 46 West 51 Godench R R. 3. Ripley R.R. 2. Parsley R.R. 5. Brussels R.R 3. Goderah R.R. 3- Auburn Brussels 528-3824 524.2664 395.5362 368.7537 887.0417 520-7567 529.7273 887.9651