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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1983-02-02, Page 1L* Incorporating Brussels Post 5Qc pe,) copy 'lie Timm xpositor SEAFORTH, ONTARIO, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1983 --18 PAGES No cheques for BY RONWASSINK (Editor's note: The first in a two part article concerning the severe blow that has been dealt to bean growers in Ontario will feature the manager of the Ontario Bean Producers' Marketing Board and area bank managers. Part two, with the view of Huron's OMAF office and the feelings and comments of growers in the Seaforth and Brussels area, Will appear in next week's issue. Feb. 9.) Seaforth area bean growers and their financial partners were shocked by news from the Ontario Bean Producers' Marketing Board IOBPMB) that interim and possibly final payments for the 1982 white bean crop would not be made. "We feel this is a very bad situation, but unfortunately, with the highest production of beans in history, there is very little that we can do about it," says the White Bean newsletter. Payment for white beans is made in three parts: an initial payment on delivery; an interim payment in April and a final payment in November. Growers usually receive the balance of their bean payment in April and some feel the Novernber payment is "found money... The interim payment is usually a major negotiating factor when bean growers meet with bankers to acquire short term loans to purchase fei`'Ei ti .before Mar. 31 when a discount on the purchase is available. Without this interim payment, one bean grower said "chances are, a lot of bean land will be growing weeds this year." Although the production of white beans in Ontario ;is up slightly, Charles Broadwell, manager of the Ontario Bean Producers' Marketing Board said Minnesota and North Dakota had approximately the same produc- tion as in the past. but "Michigan had more acreage and better production. Ontario didn't cause theroblem." Every effort is being made to sell the 1982 bean crop, but various factors will affect the decision of the producer, se said. "The weather, price of corn and soyieans will have an effect." Estimates shpt' . that approxi- mately 25 to 33 per cent ol;''tbe bean acreage may drop in Michigan, North Dakota and MinnesotaMr. Broadwell says. "We haven't put a figure on Ontario acreage loss. The only reason white bean acreage Would increase in Ontario this year, is if corn and soybeans aren't planted on time, Compared to 1980 and 1981 white bean prices of $28.50 and $30.70 per hundred weight, Mr. Broadwell says Ontario bean growers have been paid less than $12 per hundred and the outlook is grim for additional payments. There is a possibility of a stabilization payment by the federal govern- ment, "because. we are a designated commodity, but we have to sell the 1982 crop before an application can be made for stabilization", says Mr. Broadwell. "There is no question that we qualify." HOW MUCH, WHEN? If a stabilization payment is made, bean growers wilt not know how much and when, until fall. "We don't want to encourage bean rowers anyone that it might happen but if there is a payment, it would be a fair bit." The last time stabilization was applied for and payments made was for the 1977 and '78 crops. Inclement weather was the major cause of a disastrous bean crop. Growers received stabilization payments of $2.68 in 1977 and $3.12 cwt. the following year, in addition to their regular payment of $14.55 a cwt. for each year. Jerry Dillow, manager of the Royal Bank, Brussels said the news of no interim payments, "will create new hardships and additional hardships for the bean grower. This is another blow against the farmers and will necessitate the banker sitting down with the farmer to do some additional pencil' sharpening." "The bean growers and their financial partners were looking forward to the payment. The farmer was optimistic. Now, the income for the 1982 bean crop will cut his expected payment in half." PEOPLE GOT CAUGHT "1' m not an optimist", he said. "It will now be a one to one negotiation between the; banker and the farmer." Referring to the ' high interest rates of the past two years, Mr. Dillow. said the "declining interest rate position has come far too late. The prime rate could fall as far as two per cent and people - would be teary to move. The rates took off and ran. People got caught and they won't forget that." He noted that the United States has proposed a R.A.P. or Reduced Acreage STICKER STUCK -Joe Ryan missed the licence renewal line-ups by (Wassink photo) purchasing his sticker early. Last year for line ups BY RON WASSINK Does the new licence renewal system have you confused? Join the crowd. • you're not alone. The Ontario Vehicle Registration System has switched from requiring vehicle owners to renew licence stickers by the end of February and March, to using the owner's birth date as a deadline. If your birthday is in June, then your registration is due in June. But, vehicle owners should note that 1983 is like any other year. Registration fees must be paid by February 28 as in the past or by the end of March for truck owners. The birthday system will not take full effect until 1984. Seaforth Police Chief Hal Claus says 1983 "will be kind of a mix up. Everybody will be paying the same fee, no matter the size of their automobile. However, some will be paying for more than one year, up to an additional half year." If somebody has a birthday between January and May. they will be paying more. "Everybody will have to pay $4 per month. which works out to $48 per year." Les Habkirk of the Seaforth registration office at United Trails says. "this will be the last year for line ups." Chief Claus says if vehicle owners renew their stickers as in the past, they will have no problems. "Every- body is required to purchase their renewal by February 28." Following the change to a computer. Mr. Habkirk says the system is getting better. "i'm not saying it's faster, but it is more accurate. We have more work, simply because it's new. There was a lag in the changeover from the old system because entries have not been put on. the main terminal in Toronto." As for line-ups, Mr. Habkirk remembers last year's line ups and says "I foresee line ups this year. maybe more so. It could be a little heavier because the Brussels bureau has closed." Approximately 2500 renewals were made in the Seaforth office in 1982. As of January 31, only 14 per cent, or 350 people, have renewed their registration. "The majority who have renewed have birthdays in December, January and February," Mr. Habkirk says. "An owner who had a birthday early in January, thinking the new birthday system was in place, thought she couldn't drive her car. So she walked to our office for her renewal." While applying for his renewal, Grant Elliott says, '1 thought there tttiight be a rush this year so 1 thought 1 would get in ahead of it." Seaforth dentist. Dr. Cyril Lacko says, "1 came in because it's time to renew. There is no line up so it's a good time to renew my registration." Kitchener resident, Jde Ryan has renewed his registration in Seaforth for the past 10 years. "The licence office in Kitchener was moved downtown and I never drive down- town. I'm too old to be fooling around, driving in city traffic. I visit relatives in Seaforth and at the same time visit the licence office.- " think the new system will be alright. It will spread the renewals over the year so there won't be a dead rush in February," says Mr. Ryan. "My birthday is in February, so 1 will renew as always." When the new system comes on stream in 1984, "vehicle owners will receive approxi- mately 45 days notice prior to their birthday reminding them of their renewal," says Chief Claus. "There are some changes to the Highway Traffic Act but the plate -to -owner system will be an improvement to a certain extent." A last reminder: avoid Zine -ups and renew today. And a tip: do not place the new sticker over the 1982 sticker. The new one goes in the top right hand corner of the licence plate. Program. The government there has asked the farmers not to grow grain crops. "Rather than growing crops, the farmer will receive grain to payment, which they in turn can sell. Grain has been stockpiled and the States is in a surplus position." "This year, Ontario cash croppers will see the biggest game of touch football you wjll ever see!" is the recession nearing an end? "1 think the farmer has been in a recession so long, he doesn't know what it's like not to be out of a recession. The proof is in the pudding, 1 have to see it, before 1 believe it," Mr. Dillow says. Assistant manager of the Toronto Domin- ion Bank in Seaforth, Jim Reeves, said some farmers will be artd are having problems but he feels bean growers who are established, 'ton the mostpart aren't in that bad shape." TRY AND HELP "Most banks will be able to help out and we will try and help as best we can." Mr. Reeves was optimistic 'most farmers will be able to .` put in their crops if the operation is viable. But there will be some we won't be able to help." Referring to the Ontario Farm Adjustment Assistance Program introduced in 1982 and continued for 1983, Mr. Reeves said, "This will be the only way some farmers will be able to borrow." He said the bank had 12 applicants last year. "None were declined for the '$2 program." �� Jiin' Gould, manager of the Cana¢fan Imperial Bank of Commerce in Seaforth says the "small grains farmer, overall, will be Will farms be growing weeds in '83? realizing less receipts and as a result will have to sit down with his banker regarding his position. We remain flexible. Problem areas have to be addressed when brought to light." When asked if some farms would be growing weeds this year, Mr. Gould said, "if one person finds it difficult to farm financially, then it is conceivable somebody else will farm it. There is a possibility of some vacant land and there will obviously be some ' cheap rents.' Mr. Gould felt farmers should be receiving a type of contract or firm price for his beans to protect his investment instead of putting all his money into the ground and hoping to receive payment after it is harvested. "It is maybe time for the farmer to consider protecting the price he receives." Tuckersmith freezes councillors' BY WILMA OKE The members of Tuckersmith Township Council agreed Tuesday to holdthe line on their own salaries for 1983. Their pay for council's two meetings each month is Reeve Robert Bell, $60 per meeting and an honorarium of 5600 per year; Deputy Reeve William Brown, 550 per meeting and an honorarium of 5400 per year; and the three councillors, Robert Broadfoot, 'John Brown - ridge and George Cantelon, 545 per meeting and honorariums of 5400 per year. Mileage is paid at 'the rate of 20c per kilometre. Council is giving all its full-time employees an increase of 5750 each for 1983, with the resulting salaries: clerk -treasurer, Jack Mc- Lachlan. $27,719; road superintendent, Allan Nicholson, $21,447;. grader operator, $8.48 per hour; mower operator. $7.53 per hour and labourer, 56.03 per hour, day care super- visor, Vanastra, Karen McEwing, SL7,119; assigipt►t superyksW, J3Qatrice, 'B,lenli $11.173; teacher. 511,339 and cook, $4.45 i. Recreation director. Vanastra, Diane .Dur- nin, $18.473; assistant director, June Tom- kins -Lee $6,253; aquatic director, 513,515; and secretary and special needs director, 512,405. Council approved the 1983 budgets of the Vanastra Water and Sewage Department as presented by Mark,113e11, Ministry of the Environment, London as follows: Water Works, 564,400 compared to $56,500 in 1982 and provided that a proposed wage of 52,100 for a casual labourer is eliminated. Mr. Bell agreed to this elimination. The sewage department budget is: $66,900, compared to $61,700 in 1982, again provided a proposed wage of 92,100 for a casual labourer is eliminated and Mr. Bell again agreed. Mr. Bell reported that the casual employee hired last year for the Water and Sewage Department worked at other jobs for the Township and was not always able to work for the Depprtment when wanted. Councillor Robert"Btoadfoo4 and Reeve Bell objected - and said that if there were problems, council should have been notified at the time and not six months later. "if we had known we could have rectified it," said Reeve Bell. Mark Bell suggested that for this summer he would try to secure someone from the government's Make Work Program which would not cost the township any money. Mark Bell reported water losses at Vanastra had dropped considerably and he gave credit to several major repairs made to the water works in the past year. He complained that the sewage flow skyrocketed following rains and said surface water must be getting in the system from buildings with large roofs. He said the smoke tests last year were not successful in testing the sewers but this year he will be doing dye tests to'reveal problems. He proposes in the budget 55,000 for further repairs to sewage lines. He said the deficit in 1982 was approxi- mately 56,000, about the same as in 1981. pay raised to the report or the assessment: Court of Revision will be on March 1, 1983. Councillor Brian Campbell was present at the meeting, representing McKillop Township Council as a number of residents from that township are affected by the drain. Passed for payment .were the following,. accounts totalling 580,902.05; Day care centre, Vanastra. $5,520.44; Special day care centre, Vanastra, 53,657.03; Recreation centre. Vanastra, 513,484.52; roads. $14,419.93; and general accounts. 543,820.13 Allan Nicholson, Road Superintendent, reported that the Ministry of Transportation and Conlniunications had advised him the township's road and bridge subsidy alloca- tion for this year is $208,500, up from 517240001astyear. He said he would have his ro 41 bud et read for the next council The' Dill lllittlfei aleDroinurepor waresead «ac 9 ti ' ax r u }t;. �r,� e0. ,, p by Engineer Bill Dietrich of the W: Kelly,...,. ' e•Vatiastraaren s�berezbnedafrom engineering firm. There were no objections /use as sit arena'to use as a warehouse. Separate 'school board rolls back its honorariums • BY STEPHANIE LEVESQUE Trustees of the Huron -Perth Separate School Board have rolled back their honorar- ium from an 11 per cent increase to a five per cent increase. The subject of rolling back the honorarium has been raised at almost every board meeting since the 1983-85 board took over in December. The decision was approved at the board's Jan. 24 meeting. Last fall, the 1982 board had approved an Perth M.P Perth M.P. Bill Jarvis is confident that his party will rebound from its current internal struggle, after party leader Joe Clark asked the Progressive Conservative executive to call a leadership convention and said he would resign his position as leader of the official opposition. His possible resignation as leader of the party would free him to campaign actively for the leadership. The move came after Mr. Clark failed to receive a clear mandate from party supporters Friday to continue as party leader. Mr. Clark received 66.9 per cent of the vote, only .5 per cent more than the 66.4 per cent vote he received at a party convention in 1981. According to Mr. Jarvis, the internal struggle has not left the party in disarray, but he concedes that it will greatly hinder the work of the party as the official federal opposition. "In a political context it takes the focus off the federal government and on to us," he said, referring to the time and energy that will have to be re -directed from matters of government into launching candidates and preparing for a convention. Mr. Jarvis agrees with the decision by Joe Clark to call for a leadership convention in an attempt to clear the air and elect a strongly supported leader who can unify the party. He admits that Mr. Clark's decision, "was not the smartest political move in the world." Referring to conversation he has had with constituents in his riding, Mr. Jarvis concedes that there has been considerable concern about internal struggles in the party. "I have talked to people who have told me that the caucus should get its act together." he said. 11 per cent increase for the trustees' stipend. At that time it was raised from $180 per month to 5200 per month effective Dec. 1, 1982. 5225 per month effective Dec. 1, 1983 and $250 per month effective Dec. 1, 1984. For the provincial control year of 1983, the trustees will receive 5189 per month. Chairman Ron Murray of RR1 Dublin said trustees had not received an increase since 1980 and an increase of $9 over three years isn't high. "Sure it's not very much. In our case it is a six per cent decrease which is p matter of 511 per month, but it's such a thorny issue that i thought I'd bring it before the boprd," said Mr. Murray. "Why does somebody else halve to tell us what to do?" asked Trustee Louis Maloney of Dublin. He suggested - the board show leadership by accepting the five per cent increase limit. "i am on both the personnel and teacher • negotiating committees and if we don't roll hack, we don't have the right to negotiate with other people," commented Mr. Maloney. Chairman Murray agreed, "If we don't take less how can we expect anybody else to take less." "It's percentages, they (people) look at the percentage," commented Mr. Maloney. All trustees voted in favor of the roll back. • • . agrees with Clark's decision According to Mr. Jarvis, the 33.1 per cent of the delegates who voted for a review do not accurately reflect the number of delegates who do not support Joe Clark. He feels that many of those who voted for a review feel that the air shold be cleared with regard to Mr. Clark's ability to lead the party to an election victory. Mr. Jarvis is also concerned with the precedent set at the convention in which a minority of the party can dictate' to the majority, although he feels at this point a leadership convention will help to clear the air. He admits that he will back the new Huron delegate concerned BY KRiS SVELA Ken Campbell, of R.R. '1 Dublin one of the six Huron P.C. delegates who attended the recent policy convention in Winnipeg is concerned over the internal leadership question now- concerning the party. Mr. Campbell, a Clark supporter at the convention, feels that those who voted for a leadership review did not properly consider the work done by the leader over the past two years. "i don't think that their (those who voted for a review) reasons for a review are good enough," he said, referring to the hard work and good qualities Mr. Clark has brought to the party since its short-lived government rule. "Joe has a lot of qualities and we should not sacrifice honesty and integrity for charisma," he added, explaining that some of the delegates are looking for a charisma- tic leader on the level with Pierre Trudeau. Mr. Campbell is confident that the era of charismatic leaders is gone and that voters are instead looking for honest, hardworking leaders. "My whole idea is that people will eventually see the light," he said referring to voters and tliie dissenters in his own party. Hstorically, Mr. Campbell concedes that the party has always had internal struggles because of the individualistic make-up of its membership. He noted that the differences of opinions of individual members stem from their belief in free enterprise, hard work, and individual ideas. it is that individualism that has caused the current ripple in the ranks of the P.C.s, he said, referring to the 33.1 per cent of delegates who voted for a leadership review. He feels that many of them who voted for the review are not staunchly anti -Clark, but that they are interested in "clearing the air" over the leadership question and whether Mr. Clark can lead the party successfully. Please turn to page 3 leader no matter who it is., "As far as a new leader is concerned 1 will not tolerate any disloyalty," he said. explaining that the new leader should be given full support by the caucus. On the question of Mr. Clark resigning as a leader of the official opposition and as leader of the party, Mr. Jarvis explains that Mr. Clark will have no difficulty resigning as leader of the opposition, but there is a legal question about Mr. Clark's pending resigna- tion as leader of the party. He explained that the leader of the party is the signing officer. The party executive will have to look into the legal implications involved in a resignation. Mr. Jarvis hopes that a leadership convention can be called in the middle of - June, but he feels it could be as late as September because of the amount of work connected in organizing a convention of this size. He agrees that time is essential in getting the party back on track and functioning as an opposition party. Among the list of possible candidates to challenge Mr. Clark are former finance minister in the short-lived P.C. government, John Crosbie, MP, and former Toronto mayor, David Crombie and Alberta premier Peter Lougheed. Other possible candidates include Alberta businessman, Peter Pock- lington, Montreal businessman Brian Mul- roney and Ontario premier William Davis. No official announcement by any candidate has been made yet. Mr. Jarvis feels that Joe Clark should have an excellent chance at regaining his position as leader. although he stresses that there should be total support for the new leader elected by the party at the convention. Seaforth Agricultural Society heads into 1983 with sound finances /A3 4-H winners honoured in Walton /A6, 7 Son of local couple meets Prime Minister /A18 Births /A18 Brussels news /A6, 7, 8 Classified /414, 15 Dublin news /A4 Family /A17, 18 Farm /Al2 Hensall news /A13 Kids /A16 Londesboro /A5 Obituaries /417 Roulston /A2 Smiley /A2 Something to Say /A3 Sports /A10, 11 Townshend /A2 Walton /A5