HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Seaforth News, 1961-02-09, Page 4Inquest
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lust east of Clinton when it stop'
ped on the shoulder of the road,
Mies Ashton said that as oho
approached Seaforth the knew
there was a 46 mile an hour zone
before reaching the town. She be-
came aware the convertible be.
hind had pulled alongside of her
car. She heard the brakes and
then ,she noticed another cal
about 10' or 12 car lengths ahead
coming toward them. It all hap
pened at 'the same time, Miss
Ashton said. She started to de.
creasespeed, and although she
does not remember clearly she
said she must have later applied
the brakes. hard as her car al
most stalled,
Miss Ashton said she stopped
completely when she saw the
crash, The convertible went
ahead and into the ditch, She
saw something fly out of the car.
Gravel from the shoulder of the
road flew all over the place,
Asked if there was sufficient.
space ahead for the convertible
topull over Miss Ashton said "I
would say there was at normal
speeds. It pulled over and headed
for the ditch instead of straight.
ening out,
Asked if she examined any of
the injured, Miss Ashton said
Reg. Smith told her he couldn't
move. She looked at the two
girls, The one farthest away
seemed to be dead, the other one
was moaning.
Miss Ashton said she did not
know the two girls but had seen
them around Clinton, As they
were not local girls she supposed
they were airwomen with the
RCAF Clinton. She recognized
Miss Bittman as one of the girls
in the convertible.
Miss Ashton said she knew her
cousin Reg, Smith who was in the
convertible, She knew Clarence
McGraw by sight.
The coroner asked how far the
convertible was from. the car
going west at the time of the
crash, about 12 feet.
Reginald Smith
Reginald Smith told the in•
quest he lived at Clinton, R. R. 4,
and he was 18 now. He did not
know McGraw until this day, Oct,
10 when he met him after work
at the garage. He and another
fellow Robert Robinson drove in
his car around to McGraw's par-
ents' home, Smith had known Ro-
binson for 4 or 5 years.
Smith said he left his car in
front of the McGraw home and
they went in McGraw's car for a
drive around town. Two girls.
were walking down the street
and Smith couldn't say which
one of the boys invited them into
the back seat. After driving
around a bit McGraw started for
Seaforth in the car, a 53 Ford
yellow convertible with the top
down, the boys in front and the
girls behind.
Smith said they stopped a short
way out of Clinton to put away
a rag hanging out of the trunk
While they were stopped Miss
Ashton's car went past on the
highway,-
Clarence McGraw, said Smith,
got into the car after fixing the
trunk and they started away a•
gain, following Miss Ashton who
was some distance ahead. Smith
said he did not know how fast
they went as he couldn't see the
speedometer, perhaps 65 to 70
miles.
They had been able to keep
Miss Ashton's car in sight most
of the way to Seaforth, Smith
said.
Coming near Seaforth, Smith
said he could see Andy Calder's
Kitchener and TMS home was in be a higher rate of earryiug Dennis presided in the absence of
Clinton. He was visiting at hie charges. individuals and govern- the ,president and gave the call
home that day. He wee driving inerts should try to pay their to worship after which. hymn 187
around Clinton with Robinson debts.
and Smith as passengers when I Mr. and Mrs, Oliver Anderson
either he or Robinson asked the invited the group for next week.
two yotutg ladies to r ride with Progressive euchre whiners
them. This. was about 4 0 olook. were: Most games, Mrs. John
McGraw said he had not known iBuchanan, Glen Carter; lone
the girls previously, they sat in hands, Mrs. Jim Mowat, Harvey
the back seat, With Robinson and Taylor; con., Mrs, Alex Riley,
Smith in the front seat McGraw John Reid.
started to drive to Seaforth.
McGraw said they noticed 'a BRODHAQEN
N
towel hanging out of the trunk
and they stopped a, short way out Mrs. Albeit Querengesser ac -
of Clinton. They were stopped companied Mr. and Mrs. Ivan
two or three minutes. Jean Ash- Querengesser of Seaforth to Kit -
ton's car passed them while they chener and Toronto recently, vis.
were stopped, They started out icing her family,
again about a minute after she Mr, and Mrs, George Jacob of
passed. Couldn't say how fast. Kitchener with Mr, and Mrs. C,
they were going, about 60, Mo Lsonlcardt on Sunday,
Grew said, Mr, Lorrain Rose of St, Oath.
How far ahead was she, asked erines with Mr. and Mrs. Ross
Mr, Bushfield, and how often be- Leonhardt for the week end. •
tween Clinton and Seafortli did Mr, and Mrs. G. Ray Hart with
you pass her? - her mothdr, Mrs. L, G. Rock,
McGraw said the only time they Lenten services will be held
passed her was at the time of every Thursday evening beginn-
the accident, ing Thursday evening, Feb. 16th
McGraw told the inquest that at 8 o'clock, with Rev, Eberhardt
the right wheel pulled the steer. of Milverton in charge,
lug wheel right out of his hand: World Day of Prayer service
Mr. Bushfield asked McGraw a will be held at St. Peter's Luth-
number of questions. How far .cyan Church here on Friday at-,
ahead was the car ahead of the ternoon, Feb. 17th at 2,30 o'clock,
Ashton car, that was the spot you. The Women of St, Peter's United
went through. If driving at' nor- Lutheran Churchwomen and First
mal rate of speed you would Lutheran, Logan, Willow Grove
never have turned out to pass at United, Logan Bethesda United,
all, DId you have time to observe Evangelical United Brethren, of'
the Calder oar? Do you remember McKillop, will take part and all
hitting the bank in the ditch? women of these communities are
What did your car do when it asked to join with us, Mrs. Mel
hit the ditch? Did you see what McNaught of Mitchell will be the
happened to the passengers in guest speaker.
the car? Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Better -
What do you remember, Miss man accompanied by Mr. and
Bittman screaming? Mr's. R, Sholdice and Mr, and
Were you injured? Cut in fore- Mrs. Martin Dietz visited with
head, broken nose; broken ribs, Mr, Wayne Beuermann in Lon -
confined to hospital about two don on Sunday.
weeks, said McGraw. Visitor's with Mr, and Mrs, La -
McGraw told the inquest he Verne Wolfe were Mrs, Mickey
learned the names of the ladies McCloy, Stratford; Miss Joy
from the 'papers: He said he had Lynn Fischer, Walton, Mr, and
not seen Miss Bittman or Miss Mr's, Lorne Wolfe and boys of
Harrison lying injured on the Kitchener.
side of the road. The monthly meeting of the
Did yon have anything to drink Luther League of St. Peter's Lu -
that day, asked Mr, Bushfield, therm Church was held Sunday
McGraw said no, nor did any of evening with 17 members atten-
the occupants of the car, ding. The psalm was read respon-
sively led by Donald Beuerman.
Marion Bittman Joan Muegge read the scripture.
After the noon recess Marion The topic was introduced by Jane
Agnes Bittman of the RCAF Rock, The members of her group
Clinton took the stand. She could who took part were Kenneth Ah -
remember Oct. 10, at least part rens, Joan Muegge and Jane Roth.
of it. The,topic was an account of the
Miss Bittman said she had starting up of new churches. The
known Donna Edith Harrison business was conducted by pros-
about three months, ever since ident Elaine Bennewies. Carole
they joined the RCAb', . Wurdell, secretary, read the min
On the afternoon of Oct. 10 utas.
they had got in the car with the The United Lutheran Church
boys, Miss Harrison saying she Women met in the church base -
knew one of them. The car start- nient on Wednesday afternoon
ed out from Clinton for Seaforth with 30 members and 13 visitors
and it was going fast, 80 miles, present. Mrs. Lloyd Prueter, Mrs.
She had looked at the speedom- Fred Young and Mrs. Oscar
eter. She didn't remember any- Young were in charge of •devo-
thing about the trip and didn't tions and had as their topic "Sew -
see any cars. She doesn't remem-
ber the accident, companied for the hymns. Mrs.
Mr. Bushfield asked if she were Manuel Beuerman, president, pre -
critically injured. She had had a .sided for business. Mrs. Russell
broken leg. She didn't remember Sholdice, treasurer, gave the
anything for three weeks, didn't treasurer's report. Mrs. G, Rock,
know Donna was dead. Miss Bitt- gave the secretary's report, and'
man said she was released from read, letters of acknowledgment.
hospital on Dec. 8. She still need- from the ladies groups of sur -
ed crutches although she could rounding churches to take part.
walk a little without them. She in the World Day .of Prayer ser -
went to the hospital in London vice at our church on Friday aP-
nearly every day now but she was ternoon, Feb. 17 at 2:30 o'clock
living in Clinton. with Mrs. Mel McNaught of Mit-
chell as guest speaker. All wo-
Constable Bowering men of the district are invited
Constable Allan Bowering of to join with us. After the mission
the provincial police, said he ar- offering was taken Mrs. Harold
rived on the scene at 4.40 on Oct. Rock, statistical secretary, read
a thankoffering prayer. It was
moved and the driver was being decided to make two layettes. A
car coming toward them. He was put in an ambulance. Reg Smith
often in Seaforth and he knew was still on the right side and
car well and he knew I Robinson in the centre, The Cal-
Andy'sder car was on the north side of
10. The two girls had been re-
Andy, a policeman to Seaforth.
Smith said when they got near
Seaforth they decided to pass the
Ashton car,
Warned by Mr. Bushfield that
he should remember that his evi-
dence was given under oath,
Smith revised his estimate of the
McGraw car's speed when pass-
ing the Ashton car, to 76 miles
or more.
Smith told the inquest he didn't
see the Calder car after it was
about a 04 mile away. He put hie
head down when they started to
pull out and didn't see a thing
until after the accident. He had
warned the others about the Cal-
der car.
Asked if he thought there was
time to get hack behind the
Ashton car after they started to
pull out. Smith said yes he
thought so if they had been tray.
elling at a normal speed. At their
rate of speed, no, he said.
Mr. Bushfield asked Smith if
he remembered going into the
ditch, Smith said he had had a
broken pelvis, right arm injured,
no head injuries and was dazed.
He thinks he talked to Andy Cal-
der. He doesn't remember talking
to Miss Ashton,
Smith said he was last one to
get out of the car, he was caught is it a robber or a benefactor?
by door post. Went to "Had you hospital.
Mr. Bushfield asked,1. We belive inflation has harm
been drinking that day?" No sir, ed our position as farmers be -
said Smith. "You didn't see Ro- cause prices of our purchases
binson or McGraw having any have increased much more than
thing to drink?" asked Mr. Bush• prices of our ,produce. The guide
field, Smith again said, no sir, "that 1945 to 1949 the farm pro -
The foreman of the jury, Amos duce index went up by about
Corby, asked Smith if they had 25% while the consumer index
previously passed the Ashton ,gar went up by 50%."
on the way over from Clinton. Since World War II retail pric-
Smith said not that he had seen, es have advanced by 36% while
until they came to the outskirts wages have gone up by 76%. The
of Seaforth. index of food costs have remain•
ed below the general level.
Clarence McGraw
the road facing west.
Constable Bowering showed a
number of photos. He identified
the car as a 58 Ford convertible,
yellow, He said there was abso-
lutely no sign of liquor,
Constable Bowering told the in-
quest about identifying the air-
women at the hospital here. They
were practically unconscious, He
stayed -a the hospital until sup,
per time, After supper he stayed
two hours until they were remov-
ed to Westminster hospital.
The coroner asked if he had
looked at the brakes on the gar.
He said he had and there was no
fault,
The coroner Dr. McMaster sum-
med up the evidence for the jury.
Donna Harrison had come to her
death on No. 8 highway travell-
ing in a car,at 70 to 80 miles an
hour which had been unable to
straighten out and proceeded into
the ditch. The jury was to ascer-
tain
scertain the cause -of death.
HULLETT
Fireside Farm Forum
On Feb. 6 Mr. and Mrs. George
Carter entertained the Fireside
Farm Forum with 18 adults pre-
sent. The topic was Inflation—
Clarence McGraw told the in-
quest he was 23 years old.
Mr. Bushfield asked if he were
represented by counsel. If not he
would invoke the protection of
the Canada Evidence Act.
In answer to questions Mc.
Grave said he could remember
Oct. 10th and he was owner and
driver of the yellow Ford convey
tible involved in the accident.
McGraw said he worked in
quilt is to be quilted the after-
noon of Feb. 16th. A bus trip was
planned for Tues., Feb. 28 to Kit-
chener to attend bazaar on TV
and . a tour of manufacturing
plants, dinner at the Walper
House and the Ice Capades, A
life membership pin was pres-
ented by President Mrs. Beuer-
man to Mrs. L. Hicks, past ems
-
ident. She will now be an honor-
ary member. Mrs, Kenneth El-
ligsen, Mrs. L. G. Rock and Mrs,
Kenneth Riehl expressed thanks
for gifts received and visits. Do-
nations. were received from many
visitors. Birthdays were reported
by Mrs. Ed Scherbarth, Mrs. J.
L. Bennewies, Mrs. Chas. Ahrens,
Mrs. Philip Rock, Mrs. Harold
Mogk. A touch and take table
was well patronized. Lunch was
served by Mrs. Manuel Beuerman
and Mrs. Dan Heileman, Mrs.
Reuben Buuck, Mrs. Henry E.
Diegel, Mrs. Henry A. Benne-
wies, Mrs. Lena Bennewies. The
next meeting will be held Wed-
nesday afternoon, March 1st at
2.30 o'clock with Mrs. Orville
Struthers of Mitchell the guest
speaker. A good crowd is antici-
pated.
Stewards of the Christian
Home of St. Peter's Lutheran
Church (married couples) held
their annual meeting Tuesday ev-
ening in the church basement.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Mogk, Mr.
and Mrs. Wilbur Hoegy and Mr.
and Mrs. Lloyd Prueter were in
charge of devotions, recreation
and lunch. Mrs. Ross Leonhardt
showed slides on their trip to
Texas last fall. President Edgar
Elligsen was in charge of the el-
ection of officers for 1961 which
_resulted as follows: President,
Mr. and Mrs, Ralph Fischer, vice
president, Mr. and Mrs, Lloyd
Prueter; secretary, Mr. and Mrs,
Harold Elligsen; treasurer, Mr.
and Mrs. Mervyn Hodgert; pian-
ist, Mrs. Ronald Hinz; assistant,
Mrs. Edgar Elligsen, Other com-
2. We believe Canada's govern- nzittees are to be formed by the
meat policy should be designed executive. A discussion on how
to restrain inflation rather than to gain new members and how to
promote a hurried maximum make our meeting more Interest•
growth. There will always be ing was held. Delicious lunch was
some unemployment, served.
3, The lowering of inflation;
might be accomplished by high (WORTH McKILLOP
rates of interest which would
have a tendency to discourage The Bethel WMS and W.A.,
borrowing to enlarge businesses, held their meetings on Thursday
Giving of so much credit should afternoon Feb. 2nd at the home
be discouraged and there should of Mrs. Glen McNichol, Ethel
was sung. The theme for the de-
votional exercises was "The 131,.
We", Mrs, Roy Wildfong read the
scripture lesson and Mrs, Alex
Dennis led in prayer. Mrs. Wm
Roe, Christian Citizenship Secre-
tary read an article theta the in•
Mans at Norway House, An item
entitled "Are you an active mem-
ber " was read by Mrs, Murray
Dennis, The topic from the Study
Bgok was in charge' of Wire, Leon-
ard Leeming, It dealt with Audio
Visual Aids and the providing of
Christian literature with the help
of - writers and publishers, to
those in India and other ooum
tries who have just learned to
read and write, Mrs, Stanley Mil-
len read an article front the Mis-
sionary Monthly on' tile sante sub -
Jed. The Bethel WMS and WA
ladies are invited to take part in
the World Day of Prayer Service
at Duff's Church, McKillop, on
Feb. 17 at 3 p.m,
Mrs, Wm. 'Dennis will be the
hostess for the March meeting.
The roll call to be answered by
the presentation of a small gift
to go to Miss Ratz the port work-
er at Halifax, A bake sale is to be
held at the next meeting to pro-
vide honey for the purchase of a
blanket by Miss Rats, The Spring
Presbyterial is to be ' held in
Wingham, Hymn 182 was sung
and the Benediction was pro-
nounced.
Mr's, Wm, Dennis presided 'for
the W, A, meeting. The minutes
of the last meeting were read and
the roll call was responded to by
18 members, Some cards and let-
ters were acknowledged.: The
waist measurement was taken
and $6.24 was realized, The quilt
blocks are to be put together by
Mrs. D. McNichol. Proceeds of
the Jan, social was $20.21, Mrs.
Murray Dennis and Mrs. Ed Reg-
ale are to look after the bake
sale at the next meeting. Hymn
304 was sung and Mrs. Dennis
closed the meeting with prayer,
KIPPEN
Peter E. Kilpatrick
Funeral services for the late
Peter B, Kilpatrick were held at
the Bonthron Funeral Chapel in
Hensall on Thursday, Feb.' 2. Mr.
Kilpatrick who was in his 93rd
year had been in ailing health
for some time, but was able to
be up and around a few days pre-
vious to his death. He was the
son of the late Ralph Kilpatrick
and Mary Burns and was born in
the Crediton 'District and moved
to the Kippen area in 1906 atter
buying the farm now occupied by
Mr. Duncan Cooper, later farming
in Hay twp, with the exception of
three years spent in Saskatcle
ewan and Alberta, withhis Met -
or and brother, like has resided
the last 28 year's with Mr, and
Mrs, Wm, Kyle and family, He
was the last member of a large
family and iss survived by three
nephews and one niece in Alberta
and two nephews in Saskateii.-
ewan, Funeral services were eon -
ducted by Rev, 4. Johnston and
interment in Exeter Mausoleum.
Pallbearers were Sandy Pepper,
Wilfred Mellis, Bert Thomson,
Robert Thomson, Neil McLaugh-
lin and Clarence Smillie,
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon McLeod,
Mr, Edward McLeod and Floyd
pesjardine• of Parkhill visited
during the past week with Mr,
and Mrs, Win. Kyle.
Mr, and Mrs. Lorne Schneider',
Paul and Gary of Stratford visit-
ed Friday evening with Mr. and
Mrs. Bert Thomson and family.
The flowers at the church on
Sunday were placed in memory -
of the late Peter Kilpatrick.
The ladies of Kippen United.
Church held a pot -luck dinner and
a quilting bee Thursday of last
week when two quilts were com-
pleted for a bale,
Messrs. Ronald and Bruce Mc-
Gregor have purchased 100 acres
of land fromWilfred Tremeer,
Thrifty Kippenettes
The 4th meeting of the Thrifty
Kippenettes was held at the
home of Marilyn Tremeer on Feb.
4 at 1 pm, The meeting was op-
ened by repeating the 4-H pledge.
After Gail Finlayson had read the
minutes of the last meeting Shar-
on McBride was elected secretary
for the next meeting. The roll
call was answered by all the
members, and the roll call and
Home Assignments given out.
The next meeting is to be held
at the home of. Sharon McBride
on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m.
Mrs. C. Eyre demonstrated how
to make darts. Then the girls -re-
ceived 8 points on a well fitted
garment. The leaders demonstra-
ted how to put the pattern on the
material. Kathryn McGregor
thanked Marilyn Tremeer and
Gail Finlayson seconded it. The
meeting closed by singing the
National Anthem.
HAYFIELD
Mrs. T. W. Castle is spending
this week at London and Toronto.
Mr. and Mrs. G. Sturgeon and
daughter, of Preston, and Mr. and
Mrs, F. Anderson and two sons,
Science Hill, were with their .par-
ents Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Sturgeon
over the weekend.
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Kerr,
spent Monday and Tuesday at
Kitchener.
'Mr. and Mrs. Geo, Fellows, of
Windsor, spent the weekend with
THE SRI/FORTH i EWS (Phone
her parent s, M. and hre, Fred.
Frasr,
Mise Perthena Cruickshank of
Hohnesville, spent the weekend
with her aunt Miss Berthena
Sturgeon,
Mrs, Helen Cobb left on Men -
day to spend a vacation at St.
Petersburg, Florida..
Dr. and Mrs. R. Flowers and
faiilily, of Thamestord, spent the
weekend with the former's par-
ents, Mr, and Mrs. Adam Flowers,
The 'Bayfield Fire Department
were called to the home of Robert
Orr on Sunday evening. His home
was badly damaged and 'all Mrs.
Orr's clothing was burned, and
some furniture was ruined from
smoke and water,
Mr, and Mrs, Orr were away at
the time and the cause of the
fire is unknown.
84)—Thursday, February 9, 1901
Mr, acid Mr's. Walter Scott of
London visited Mr,. and Mrs, FI,
Penhale on. Sunday,
Mr. and Mrs, Russel Heard, Mr.
William Heard and Mr, and Mrs,.
Harold Penhale visited Mr, and
Mrs, Thomas Penhale Saturday
evening.
BENEFIT
EUCHRE
C;O.F, Hall, Constance
for Brother Carl
Holmes and Family
Friday, Feb.10
• 8,30 P,M.
Prizes — Ladies bring hutch
•
SOCIAL
WED. EVEN'G,FEB. 15 at 8.30
p.m.
Brodhagen Community Hall
Recent Trip to Holy Land. Pictures and Commentary
by Dr. McMaster of Grand Bend
NEW & 'OLD TIME DANCING
Norris Orchestra
Lunch Ladies bring sandwiches
Admission: Students 500. Adults 750
Everybody welcome
- Sponsored by the
M'oKILLOP FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE
Pres., James Keyes Sec., A. R. Dodds
The McKILLOP MUTUAL
FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY
Insures
• Town Dwellings
• All Classes of Farm Property
• -' Summer Cottages
• Churches, Schools, Halls
Extended coverage (wind, smoke, water
damage, falling objects, etc.) is also
available
Agents: Jas, Keyes, R R 1 Seaforth; V. 1. Lane, R R 5
Seafortli; Wm. Leiper Jr., Londesboro; Selwyn Baker,
Brussels; Harold Squires, Clinton
Office — Main St., Seaforth
Js,
THE RIGHT IDEA
-=AND THE
RIGHT PLACE
A glance at her bank book and there's a
smile of satisfaction and reassurance—the
money is there when she needs it.
Like so many others, she has learned the
value of regular saving , - , the safety, con-
venience and usefulness of a bank account.
There are millions of Canadians like her.
They maintain 12 million deposit accounts
in the chartered banks, 10 million of them
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But a chartered bank is more than the best
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