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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1987-06-03, Page 4Page 4—CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987 r The Clinton News -Record Is published .pooh Wednesday at P.O. Bos 39, Clinton. Ontario, Canada. NOM 1LO. Tel.: 407.34.43. Subscription Rote: Canada -131.00 Sr. Citizen 016.00 poi year U.S.A. foreign 160.00 per year H 1s registered as second class atoll by the post office under the permit number 0011. The News -Record Incorporated In 1924 theHuron News -Record. founded In 1881, and The Clinton News Era. founded in 1863. Total press runs 3.700. Incorporating THE BLYTH STANDARD) r ANNE NAREJKO - Editor FREDA McLEOD - Office Manager SHELLEY McPHEE HAIST b Reporter DAVID EMSLIE - Reporter JANICE GIBSON - Advertising LAUREL MITCHELL - Circulation/Classified GARY HAIST - General Manager CCNA MEMBER BLUE RIBBON AWARD 1985. Dlsploy advertising rates available on request. Ask for Rote Card No. 11 affective Oc- tober 1,1904. If you want coverage, give us advance warning The News -Record depends on its readers — and particularly on people who are involved in various events and clubs — to keep us informed about newsworthy events. It's our business to collect and disseminate news, and we appreciate being kept informed. Unfortunately, however, individuals charged with the responsibility of informing us about coming events often do so at the eleventh hour, leav- ing us with little or no time to assign a reporter. We never fell good about' turning down a request for coverage. And we are well aware of the disap- pointment this may bring. But there's a simple solution: let us know early about the event you want covered. Give us at least 24 hours advance notice. Two or three days or a week is even better. This allows us to plan our schedule properly and to allot sufficient time for news coverage. Certainly, there will be times when something unusual or unplanned oc- curs which begs for an almost immediate response from our news team. We will, of course, do our best in such cases to have a reporter on site as quickly as possible. Your co-operation in scheduling news coverage of pre -arranged events would, however, be much appreciated. Give us a call at 482-9502 if you would like coverage. Triter questions use o Hullett wildlife Area Dear Editor: Over a number of years my wife and I have walked and skiied extensively in the Hullett Wildlife Area, and have seen, amongst other things, a wolf from about one hundred feet, small groups of deer which did not seem too afraid of us, 12 buzzards together in a dead elm tree, six buzzards on a pile of fence rails all with their wings spread out as if they were drying there, a turtle laying eggs, several prink, uncounted muskrats, flocks of geese and ducks so low overhead their wingbeats could be heard, American Woodcocks in their sensational mating flights, and in the fall, enormous flocks of blackbirds and starlings surely numbering in the millions, converging for roosting from every quarter of the compass. One time we found plover nestlings crouching in the gravel at the edge of the road, sitting perfectly still in their near - perfect camouflage while their parents tried every trick to lead us away. I should men- tion also that from the tops of the dikes we have seen sensational sunsets in the sky and mirrored m the ponds. All this combined with walking for exercise. Much more could be said about the out- door experience to be had on foot in the Hullett Wildhfc Area in all seasons. Even the distant past is of great interest. One part of the area is considered of crucial impor- tance in interpreting a particular set of events in the ice Age, but perhaps of greater interest is the existence of archeological sites giving evidence of occupation by prehistoric people My wife anid I ourselves found fragments of human bone at a place other than the known sites. and we are told by the archeologist that if these are not the remains of a settler. which is highly unlike- ly, they will be the first human remains of prehistoric people found in the immediate area, the other local remains being pottery and stone tools. The outdoor experience to he had in the Hullett Wildlife Area is much like what used to be available in the valleys of the Rayfield and Maitland Rivers when the hottomlands were used for pasture before the last war. Since the war the hottomlands have been largely abandoned for agricultural use and have grown up in dense vegetation, much of it stinging nettle, an are therefore largely impassable. And nowaday s more and more rural land is posted against trespass. The Hullett Wildlife Area can provide a sort of heritage of the outdoor experience that used to be found in the hottomlands, and which was very much a part of the lives of many of us still alive today. and of our fathers and forefathers. What I have described in the foregoing in personal terms is one type of use of the Hullett Wildlife Area. Unfortunately in my opinion' ew people use the Wildlife Area in this way for three main reasons: r A) they are afraid of getting hit by a stray shot from hunters; R they have a perception that this publicly owned land is the domain of 'others'; C) they are giving no public en- couragement by the administration The problem of the stray shot could be solved easily enough by time-sharing - no hunting except during posted seasons. The ad- ministration of the Wildlife Area could bring this about by a simple decision. The matter of 'the domain of others' has relevance to the news item in the May 27 issue of the News -Record reporting the meet of the Canadian Open Shooting i)og Cham- pionship held in the Hullett Wildlife Area. Several years ago I became aware that so- meone was keeping a large number of dogs in the wildlife Area. At times their howling and barking could be heard a good mile away. Eventually 1 visited the place where the dogs were kept, and found about 14 doggy in kennels on Wildlife Area property. This Letters was a dog training school run for pay by a man from Florida, and was, customarily operated for several successive months 'of the year. On further inquiry I found the operation to he contrary to Wildlife Area regulations. In a visit to officers of the Ministry it never became clear about what organization the school was operated for (they do not post their name) but the nature of the sport for which the dogs were being trained was ex- plained to me. I was also given to unders- tand that the Ministry or its local office in Wingham is strongly supportive. In my opi- nion this activity is inapporpriate to a wildlife area. The purpose of this long letter is to wonder in public print why the Ministry .is so supportive. As explained to me by officers of the Ministry a dog trial of the kind in question consists of a horseback -rider accompanying a dog whose duty is to flush birds from cover or otherwise to point to the birds. I have not discovered whether the birds used in the trials are tethered in hiding places or whether they are loose 'planted' bircjs. (It is an interesting question as to2w-ho supplies the birds and 1 they are held in place for\ the competiticn. ) The dog -an -rider performance is judged according to a set of rules. The dog trials are a competition amongst numerous dog owners each of whom has a set of equipment consisting of a horse trailer, a truck to pr,ll the horse trailer, and a kennel or other such accommodation for the dog. Very often in my observation, the dog -and -horse -owner also brings a house trailer or such as a Win- nebago for his own housing. It is obvious that this is a rich man's sport, and it is also obvious that they do not all stay at local motels as the News -Record article seeming- ly suggests. The question I ask is not whether rich peo- ple should have free use of public land, in- cluding pasture for their horses, but whether dog trials as a sport is a suitable ac- tivity for a wildlife area. It is important to appreciate that dog trials is not in fact a form of hunting - it is clearly a competitive sport involving the assembly of numerous people, dogs, horses, and vehicles. The reward in this sport is not shooting a bird, but in putting on a performance for spec- tators and in winning a prize - $1,250 accor- ding to the News -Record report. There is no way that the wildlife, the vegetation or the terrain is benefited by this activity. It's very conspicuousness, makes it incompatible with hunting of the ordinary kind, and this same conspicuousness makes it incompati- ble with other quiet useages. For the recent meet about a square mile was posted with large signs, provided by the taxpayer, saying "Dog Trials, Please Co-operate". These large signs included the provincial logo and were displayed on newly erected standards. The signs had the effect of saying KEEP OUT! This then will il- lustrate but one way in which the impres- sion of 'the domain of others' is created in the eyes of people who visit the Wildlife Area alone or in small groups. if dog trials and dog -training for dog trials is not a form of hunting, is not beneficial to the wildlife or the vegetation or the terrain, and is incompatible with the obtrusive on other legitimate uses, why is the Ministry so supportive of it. This is obviously a large and involved question for which i do not have a whole answer, but I feel it should be brought to the attention of your readers. Sincerely Gerry Fremlin Full moon madness You went out last night and everything was different. You were driving 70 miles per hour, unusual for someone who sets the cruise control at 55 mph, yet all the cars were pass- ing you. When you reached your destination (the local pub) everyone there was loud and ob- noxious and it was only 8 p.m. You sat down, planning on having only two or three, and ended up staying the night. Or perhaps you stayed home. But the streets were full of teenagers, running and shouting. Cars were speeding up and down the street and the smell of rubber was mak- ing its way through your windows. You look up to the sky, "Ah, it's a full moon." For years I've heard people blame their odd behavior on the full moon, but the facts now say they are wrong. Hair does not grow faster, arson, crime, suicide, murder and birth rates do not in- crease, so says an international team of scientists. According to an article in the Brantford Expositor, this team has gathered and evaluated every study it could find on the matter. "There is no impact that we can deter- mine," said University of Saskatchewan's Ivan Keller, part of the group of scientists mostly from Belgium and the United States. However, of 500 students surveyed at the University of Lethbridge, at least half believed the moon influenced human behavior. Members of the research team believe that it is the power of suggestion, or the belief that the moon affects your behavior, that unconsciously allows believers to choose evidence to reinforce their belief. "They remember the friend who rolled around in the inud during a full moon, but they ignore all the times he did it during a new moon...The full moon has become a self-fulfilling prophesy," the article noted. So the next time you see someone howling at the moon, don't look up and say, "Yes, it must be a full moon." Tell him science says he can't use that as an excuse any more. Spring Fair It was a great show. There was good music, plenty of refreshments and lots of room to sit. And I mean lots of room to sit. The Clinton Spring Fair hosted a fantastic night of entertainment last Saturday as The Family Brown, Ronnie Prophet and Glory - Anne Carriere took to the stage. The groups were only scheduled to play for an hour and a half before the dance, but they were on for two hours. I, for one, could have sat there all evening and listened to them. However., the fair board will not receive their just monetary award for'bringing such good performers to town because only 354 people paid to see the show. This year's fair board has been working hard to promote the spring fair, and if this dance is any indication of the quality of the 1987 fair, it should be better than ever. The fair, which will start this Friday and carry on to Saturday, is also incorporating a tradefest. Reports have it that the arena floor is filled to capacity and the outside at- tractions have taken up all the available space there as well. In an effort to promote the fair even more, the fair board asked the News -Record to put 'out a spring fair and tradefest special edi- tion. Hopefully you will find that in this week's paper. Inside, a complete schedule can be found as well as stories and pictures on a few of the many highlights of the fair. This year marks the 133rd Clinton Spring Fair, and if everything goes as planned ( and the weatherman co-operates) it should be one of the biggest and best to date. 011 yes, don't forget that the parade starts earlier. this year. Check your schedule for complete details. MAIN STREET ON FAIR DAY, 1946 EEIRLY FILES 5 years ago June 2, 1982 Ross Will Be Back To Win Again - Clin- ton's town councillor, Ross Jewitt, has a ma- jor task ahead of him. He is in a position that many of us would not be able to cope with. 'This week, he must uphold not only his donor, but also Clinton's. On Friday night, at the Clinton Spring Fair, Ross will try and retain his title as the demolition derby champion. Last year he entered the contest "because I was running it and I was scared that enough entries wouldn't come in," But this year he is entering "because it's fun." 'Walker Streeters Are Putting Up A Stink About The Stink - Walker Street residents in Clinton are putting up a stink, about the stink they are claiming to smell around the town's water sewage treatment plant. A delegation of residents have approach- ed council and the Public Utilities Commis- sion and Mayor Chester Archibald has assured, "We will certainly look into the matter and find an answer." The residents claim that when the wind is blowing in a particular direction, the smell from the sewage plant is almost unbearable. At times, the residents say it's impossible to sit outdoors and the stench is an embarrass- ment to visitor s. Town Readies For 128th Fair - For the 128th year, Clinton will hold its Spring Fair this weekend and as in the past the Central Huron Agricultural Society is promising a good show with lots of prizes. Billed as the largest Class B S(�ring Fair in Ontario, a grand total of $22,000 in prizes will be given to the best competitors cover- ing every section from the butter tarts to breeder holsteins, from African violets to art work. 10 years ago June 2, 1977 More Drainage Money For Huron - The development committee of Huron County Council reported that it had learned of addi- tional money to be spent on tile drainage in the province. The committee said that a news release on May 2 announced that an additional $2 million was to be spent on drainage and that additional allocations in Huron totalled $167,000. Farmer's Market Opens On Saturday - Saturday, .June 4 is going to be> an excep- tionally busy day for the Town of Clinton. Along with the weekend -long Spring Fair events, Clinton's first Farmer's Market will be seeing the light of day. The market is scheduled to open at 6:30 a.m. and will run until noon. Along with the opening ceremonies, Mur- ray Draper and his caliope will be at the King Street location to provide music enter- tainment for the shoppers. 25 years ago May 31, 1962 Pearson Due Here On June 6 For Coffee Party - The Hn. Lester B. Pearson. leader of the Canadian Liberal Association, will spend about five ho'irs in Huron riding next Wednesday, June 6, en route from Walker- ton to London. He is expected via car from Wingham to Blyth, then on to Clinton by 10:45 a.m. The Clinton Liberal Association will be hosts at a coffee and donut party on the Library Park !awn for an hour, when everyone is welcome. Lavis Pony Barn Burns To Ground - The pony barn at the corner of Clinton Com- munity Park was burned to the ground just at dusk on Saturday evening along with a good show buggy stored inside the building. Damage would be about $1,000. The barn was owned by George Lavis, and was located at the end of William Street. The pony was outside and unharmed. Stolen Car On Fire in Swamp - A car own- ed by Mrs. Florence Williams was reported stolen on Sunday evening by her husband, Knox. The vehicle was missing from behind the Williams bakeshop. The stolen car had already been found at 4:30 a.m. east and north of Sheppardton, in a swamp in Ashfield Township, on fire. i,ucknow Fire Department was called to the scene to control the fire, and keep it from spreading into nearby bushes. Chief H. R. Thompson and Constable A. Shaddick are continuing the investigaion of the theft. 50 years ago June 3, 1937 Man And Beast Make Friends - Early last Sunday morning Mr. and Mrs. Ray Whit- more of Holmesville had a rather extraor- dinary experience while driving a herd of cattle from the pasture field. They had just returned to the barn when they noticed a deer standing a short distance away from them in the yard. The animal seemed in a friendly mood so they decided to see how close they could get to it, so they approached it, getting closer and closer and rmich to their surprise the deer started coming towards them, in fact he came so close that Mrs. Whitmore was able to put her arms about its neck, and the animal returned the caress by licking her face. . Carrick Knocked From Box - Bob Carrick, formerly a hurler with the Clinton baseball team, made his debut as a pitcher for the Stratford Nationals yesterday, against Strathroy. People You Know - Mr. and Mrs. Alex Haddie and sons, Willis and Don, spent the weekend with friends in Toronto. Miss Margaret Plumsteel was in London for a few days this week attending the graduation exercises and other functions. 75 years ago June 6, 1912 Saw The Match - A number of our citizens went down to Brucefield on Friday evening last to witness the football match between Seaforth and Brucefield which resulted in a win for the "Rovers." The trip was made in Elliott's Motor Bus. Another Fire - The town was again alarm- ed Tuesday morning by the loud clanging of the fire alarm and on investigation it was found that an unoccupied house at the south end of Victoria Street was in flames. The building was almost completely destroyed before the firemen could get there. Personals - Mr. G. D. McTaggart was in Toronto this week. Miss Mae East was a visitor in Toronto over the holiday. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Ross and Miss Jean at- tended a wedding at Bluevale this week. Got an opinion? 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