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The Huron Expositor, 1983-03-16, Page 3J 1 Over 1,000 pitch holes in 1883. road. MARCH 16,1883 The Turnberry Agricultural Society will hold their spring show at Wingham on Wednesday April 18. Only five families now reside in Blyth that were there twenty years ago. They are: D.B. McKinnon, merchant; R.W. Mitchell -har- ness makers; John Drummond -Shoe maker; Hugh MacQuarrie-blacksmith and John Sherrit, shoemaker. On Thursday last as Mr. John Stewart of Grey was coming to Seaforth he counted the pitch holes in the road between Seaforth and Walton and made the number of 1,123, and Mr. Charles Mason of Brucefield is our authority for saying that there are 999 on the road between this and Dublin and he assures us that if he had not due regard for his reputation for veracity, he would make it the even one thousand. MARCH 20,1908 We hear that a foot Lace is being arranged 0n tib@ y@arrg act©w@ for in the early summer. the distance-heing' from Munn's sawmill to Leadbury and return, six miles. The contestants will be Alex Munn, George Roe, Hiles Jamie Campbell. A lacrosse match was played on the Seaforth grounds on Tuesday last, between Seaforth and Stratford resulting in a victory for Seaforth by three goals to one. The Seaforth players were: J. Wright, D. McDonald, Jas. McDonald, T. Nopper, C. Nopper, David Smith, J. Crich, W. Thomp- son, J.J. Duncan, J. Beetle, T. Pringle, and Wm. Shaw. A public trial of the Osborne self binding reaper was made on the farm of Mr. Wm. Fowler, Huron Road, near Seaforth on Wednesday last. This machine is the first self binder introduced into this neighbourhood. MARC1117,1933 An evening with Edgar Guest in sermon, in poetry and song was a feature of the Sunday evening service in First Presbyterian Church. Excellent selections were given by Messrs. Scott, Rennie, Parke, Reid, Mrs. W. A. Wright and Miss Murray. These were interspersed by a short talk and reading from Edgar Guest's poems by the pastor, Rev. I. B. Kaine, B.A. Earl van Egmond presided at the organ. When Mr. Joseph Kale, McKillop, was singeing a horse on Friday last, the coal oil caught fire setting the barn on fire. Mr. Kale was painfully burned ab,�oout the face and arms and was removed to ScottMemorial Hospital. where he is recovering. The barn was saved with the help of neighbours and chemicals from the Seaforth Fire Department. For Sale: Two good ganders for sale. Call at the Expositor office, Seaforth. MARCH 21,1958 Two Seaforth businesses were broke into early Tuesday morning. A 'safe believed to contain several hundred dollars was removed from the Cleary IGA Market and later found in an open gravel pit at "Turnbull's" Mountain, by Seaforth police chief Edward Ehrhardt and O.P.P. constable Helmer Snell. The men from Duff's United 'Church, Walton gill join in Sing Time on Channel 8 Wingham. next Sunday. Recent farm real estate changes were as follows, the Keith Kelly farm east of Seaforth to Harry Arts. The Norman O'Connor farts on the second concession of Hibbert to John Postman, Mrs. Margaret Murray's farm in McKillop to Bernard Westerveld. All changes were handled by Joe McConnell of Seaforth. �c • St. James' students mark Seder Grade six and seven students, parents and staff of St. James Separate School part4cipated in a symbolic Seder meal on Wednesday evening, March 9. Part of Passover celebrations, the meal comme- morates the deliverance of Jewish people from Egyptian bondage. In conjunction with the celebration, students have been studying the Passover for the past several weeks. They prepared the meal, baking unleavened bread, (bread without yeast), The use of unleavened bread goes back to the time when Pharoh released the Israelites from Egypt, and were forced to flee in great haste. They had no time to bake their bread and therefore could not wait for the yeast to rise. The sun, beating down on the dough, 'as they hurried along, baked the dough into flat unleavened bread. Looking at his plate of food, one parent said he was warned to eat before coming to the seder. "1 can undetstand why," Besides the bread, grape juice was served in place of wine. Other delicacies included a piece of celery, salt water and horse radish. All are symbolic. The horse radish is a reminder that the Israelites were slaves and their lives were made bitter by their oppressors. The celery is dipped in salt water to remind them that green comes to life in the springtime. It is dipped as a sign of hope. The Israelites were able to withstand the bitterness of slavery because it was sweetened by the hope of freedom. The Seder meal was quite an experience for those attending. Many grimaced when eating the horse radish. Principal, Ray Contois said the meal was better than he had expected. "1 loved the horse radish." One student said it was terrible. "The bread tasted Tike leather, 1 enjoyed the grape juice best of all." It seemed many students enjoyed the bread as they scrounged several pieces to eat on their way home. Student Kevin Dick exclaimed, "the bread is nice and sweet, 1 took 10 pieces because it's sweet." Another liked the bread better than the horse radish. "It tastes good." Grade six and seven teacher, Joe Blythe. said the meal was organizedwith the assistance of Father Caruana and Theresa Bowins. A first for the school, he felt "it was a very meaningful celebration for the parents and students." "The Passover is celebrated by Jewish y people to remind them that death of their first born passed over their door", explained Mr. Blythe. "They also remem- ber that God the Father freed the Israelites .and importantly that God's covenant was very meaningful, that he did love them." Pleased with the success of the Seder meal, Mr. Blythe said it will be held in the future, "but not for a couple of years. Next year we will have a celebration in conjunction with the school's religion program." Religion Education Consultant for the Huron -Perth Roman Catholic Separate School Board, Theresa Bowins, felt the Seder meal "created a sense of community togetherness. The key thing is we came to a better understanding of mass through the Seder meal. Those who participated will have a better appreciationof the symbols in our heritage.' Noting students became very involved in preparing for the Seder, Ms. Bowins said part of the preparation included studying the old testament. ,"1t was an ongoing community project between students and teachers. 1 was ver, touched to be part of the Seder meal." Huron has alcohol related accidents ' Continued from page 1 C'anada's drinking and driving laws are relaxed compared to those in many. other countries. In Australia for example, a second offence fine is 510,000 plus a 12 month suspension. In several Scandinavian coun- ties a first offence can result in a substantial fine, a 14 -day jail term and automatic loss of licence for two years. Statistics from those countries reveal a very low rate of impaired driving charges registered, MURDER In cases where an individual impaired driver has killed another person as a result of his or her driving, charges of manslaughter or murder have been brought against the driver in Scandinavian countries. ^The offence is considered in some countries to be comparable with murder by other means can be given a 12 hour licence suspension if they register .05 per cent alcohol in the blood. Although this will not result in charges being laid, drivers will be held responsible fortowing costs if.their vehicle is towed away. According to constable Wilson, ALERT is designed to make motorists aware of the dangers of drinking and driving. Constable Wilson, notes that the relatively light sentences have . failed to deter many individuals. He feels that people are taking their rights and freedoms in this country for granted. Chief Claus feels that the increase is partially due to the distances between farms in the rural areas. He says that it is more accepted in tural areas that people slip behind the wheel of a car after having a few See police officer's story on alcohol -abuse on page A6 while under the influence of alcohol and is treated severely by the legal system and can result in lengthy, prison terms. In Canada, a first offence means a fine of several hundred dollars, a three month licence suspension, possible imprisonment for up to six months and a criminal record for life. A second offence means a higher fine, a minimum imprisonment of 14 days and a licence suspension of six months. Further offences mean higher fines, minimum of three months in jail and a further loss of licence. In all cases car insurance premiums increase with the number of offences and in extreme cases insurance -coverage can be refused. The legal limit in Canada is .08 per cent alcohol in the blood. With the introduction of the alert or roadside test program, drivers drinks to go and visit friends and neighbours. WIDESPREAD Huron County statistics reveal that the problem is wide spread and serious in terms of lives and damage to property. Alcohol abuse and traffic accidents are two problems police feel should be treated as a whole and not as separate issues. Constable Wilson urges all parents to, "check what their youngsters are doing, and who they are doing it with," Chief Claus cautions those adults who supply alcohol to teenagers to be aware of the dangers and the consequences if they are caught. Both the OPP and the local police force are interested in prevention and in protection of the innocent. Prevention begins with each of us. Absentee ownership Continued from page I go to, agribusiness and corporations leading to food price increases and soil erosion will increase with drains failing leading to a decrease in yields. said Mr. Garniss. "This absentee foreign ownership has a direct impact on young farmers by breaking the cycle of retiring farmers turningover their farms to Young beginning farmers. By their aggressive purchasing of the best farmland at world prices they are establish- ing the price of farms, much higher than the realistic market value for this area," added Hans Rasmussen of the Federation's young farmers committee. Alternate sources of energy, assistance for beginning farmers and• -drainage and soil erosion were other agriculture concerns discussed at the dinner. The federation's energy committee has three major concerns. The committee's first concern is to see the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) do research in the area of how to reduce the amount of non-renewable re- sources (fuel, chemicals and soil) used in food production. "An investment in research and develop- ment today will ensure tomorrows' food production," commented Paul Klopp chair- man of energy committee. The energy committee also calls for a reduction of the red tape incurred by farmers who wish to sell their produce to an energy producer. "This will by no means produce a food shortage or create a devastating effect to the consumer, but it will most definitely help stabilize farm income. If a farmer had the choice this year to cover his costs by selling some corn to an energy producer, he will be encouraged to produce next year and it will be profitable to sell on the food market," said Mr. Klopp. MP Murray C diff (PC -Huron -Bruce) encouraged the ederation to pursue the matter with the federal government, noting he has made some requests on behalf of an alcohol producer and has yet to receive any replies. • The energy third concern is a continued emphasis to have Ontario Hydro's power corridors and hydro lines constructed in places where they will have a minimum effect on agriculture. The young farmers committee called for long term agricultural programs for young farmers, more money for the tile drainage program, Farm Credit mortgage rates at two points below prime, speedy implementation of the agribond concept and sufficient quotas at a fair price for young beginning farmers. MPP Murray Elston asked at what level should financial assistance be started. Mr. Rasmussen suggested a provincial program similar to Saskatchewan's whereby residents ' with land purchases since Dec. 17, 1982 will have mortgage rates rebated down to eight per cent for the first five years and 12 per centfor the next five years on amounts up to $350,000. He added this could be in stages as in Nova Scotia which starts at S150,000. Don't expand, milk producers told Huron County milk producers have been told their chances of receiving over -quota payments are very remote. Producers, who have already received quota cutbacks, were told at the annual Huron 'County meeting held last Monday in Brussels, to either cull dairy herds exten- sively, cull some and buy some quota, or simply but more quota. Ontario Milk Marketing Board (OMMB) ficldman. Orville Shoefeld suggested culling is the short term answer. He noted that in one week. 18,500 dairy cows were sold as beef in the 7 oronto Stock Exchange. Mr. Shoefeld advised producers not to over -react when culling because a shortage of dairy cows could result next fall. "If you recall, this happened a few years ago." Before the meeting, Dennis Martin, dairy specialist of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, explained there are presently fewer than 500 producers in Huron County. "But production on a per cow'basis is higher." He felt the reason for producer decline was the result of extremely high quota prices. "Approximately 12 county producers have sold their dairy herds, Many of these were producers thinking of retiring and just waiting for the right time." Although group one milk quota was selling over 5200 per litre several years ago• Mr. Martin speculated prices would de• crease and level off. "There may be.some pressure in the last few months of the dairy year and quota price may increase.' Questioned concerning over -quota pay- outs. Mr. Martin explained that history has proven that producers were always paid a percentage of their over -quota. "They have hecnme a little relaxed knowing there would he a payment. The chances of it happening this year are slim." Noting that producers have reeeived a two per cent cutback on their market sharing quota (MSQ) in January,/ Mr. Martin thought there would be norther cutbacks this dairy year. "If Ontario producers continue to over -produce. there is always the chance of additional cutbacks-. Two percent • on a large volume of milk quota ad4s up to a lot of dollars." The cutbacks have caused a large interest in cream production to the point where it is almost impossible to enter this field of production, said Mr. Martin. "The producer may have to look at secondary alternatives such as purchasing Quota, or culling herds. The ultimate effect of herd reduction is a .lower income. If a farmer has financial obligations culling may not be the answer. But if he has to borrow money to purchase expensive quota, this also may not be the solution. If Ontario made a strong effort to get back in line, then there may not be cut-backs next year." During the meeting, Mr. Shoefeld said he had predicted earlier that quota prices would decrease. "This has resulted in no calls from producers wishing to buy. Only producers wishing to sell have called, The seller has set the high price,' resulting in no buyers. But now the price is coming down." An optimist. Ken McKinnon, chairman of the OMMB, said "the dairy industry has not been optimistic this year. But we have a lot of things to be thankful for. A year ago, consumption declined and there was a rise in production." Noting this year m^4" not be better, Mr. McKinnon explained 'iS,re are signs of an upturn in the economy and dairy will be in a position to take an advantage of it. ' REDUCTION Ekplaining there was a 4.7 per cent reduction in quota. Mr. McKinnon 'said there was only a three per cent reduction 'in consumption last year. "the balance of the reduction is an attempt to meet world levels. 11 is impossible to know at the end of the dairy year what consumption figures are. We don't know for three months. That was the case this year. Quota was reduced in August and had to be reduked again in January. It looks as if consumption is now holding up very well. Its close to being even compared to last year." Various factors are related to the cut-backs, explained Mr. McKinnon. The world level of skim milk powder dropped 2-5 per cent in three months. "This is due to stockpiling in the U.S." In addition, there was a 1.7 per cent decline in fluid milk sales, Mr. McKinnon said. He noted that January and February "seem to be equal to last year. In 1982, fluid milk sales were down .6 pet cent. 1t is possible there will be an increase in fluid milk sales in the next five to 10 years if we can can hold consumption. On an optimistic note,,Mr''McKinnon told producers "the pressure is off high quota prices. ff buyers don't offer high prices, then the pace will come down. You have to determine whether you can affoS1t to pay THE HURON EXPOSITOR, MARCH 16, 1983 A3 Horticultumlists onour Miss Rord 1' Florence Efford BY WILMA OKE F orence Elford of Egmondville, a longtime gardener was ho oured last Wednesday night by the Seaforth Horticultural 'ety. She was presented with a Horticultural Service ertificate for meritorious service to horticulture, Miss Elford, a highly respected teacher, now retired, is a past president of the local club. A member since it was formed a number of yeari ago due to the enthusiasm and work of Dr. Rodger Whitman, she remains very active in the group. Each year she and her sister plant a huge garden of vegetables and flowers. Each year that garden contains some new varieties of plants. One to be planted this year is the Siberian tomato, a very hardy and early tomato. NO OVER -QUOTA PAYMENT was the word from Ken McKinnon, left, chairman of the O. M.M.B., when he spoke to Huron County dairy producers at their annual meeting In Brussels last Monday. Bert Sanders, right, of RR4, Brussels, was one of several producers who spoke with Mr. McKinnon following the meeting. (WassInk photo) high quota prices." Producers were told, "this is not the time for expansion in the dairy industry. The demand for quota will continue into next year, but it doesn't seem to be longstanding. 1t is also not the time to make capital investments. This has been a difficult year compared to the last eight years." A producer asked the chair*Vtan, why producers who have maintained quota production are penalized. "Quota reduction was a slap in the face." Mr. McKinnon replied "it wouldn't be fair to only reduce the quota of someone who ships over. Over -production does not hurt anyone who stays within their quota." He noted there is a S29 per hectalitre penalty fog over -production. The pro hxcer replied "last year, pay- ments on overcluota milk was a bit extreme. You have to nip this in the bud." Mr. McKinnon informed producers "no- body should be depending on over -quota rebates this year. We didn't say we would continue these payments and this year there will be no over -quota levy." Lots of -kids' activities planned for March break The school March break is rapidly approaching, giving students an opportunity to turn away from school work and focus their attention on other activities. It is also a time when parents. who are at home daily, scrounge up ideas to keep their•children active for a full week. If you are one of many students who plan, to spend the week in front of the' television for lack of something better to do. take heart. The Seaforth recreation department has organized a full week of events that will keep young people busy, and not take a large slice out of the pocket book or weekly allowance. "Holiday Happenings" is the 'title of a wide range of activities with the young in mind. The cost of a week of activities is minimal at 525 for registration. Events include bowling. swimming. skating. arts and crafts. and other sports and games. Films are also being planned with the registration • to cover all,admission fees. The events are, focused around the new Seaforth and District Community Centres as well as the Vanastra Recreation Centre and the Nobel Bowling Lanes. According to recreation director, Bryan Peter, registration for the week-long event has been slow. He explains that the events are aimed at the age group of boys and girls between eight and 13 and he is hoping for a greater response as the week drais closer. The program gives students an opportun- ity to get some exercise, while having fun. It is also an excellent way to fill a week that might otherwise be inactive for many young People. For parents who feel their children should be out doing something constructive with their leisure time, the program offers structured recreation at a modest cost. Also in conjunction with March break the Seaforth library will be presenting Mr. Magic the Magician. The show is scheduled for Friday, March 25 at 11 a.m. and admission is free. The library will be open regular hours during the week. If further information is needed. contact the recreation department at 527-0882. or drop into the office. BIA $15;750 budget okayed Seaforth council approved the Business Improvement Area (BIA) budget of 515,750 for 1983. at its Mar. 8 meeting. After some discussion. it also agreed the BIA could have free photo copying done at the town office. The group had asked council rep Paul Ross to ask for a break on photo copying charges. "The.BIA is doing its darndest for the whole town. I'm in favour of givi em a break. perhaps slightly above our cost," mmented councillor Wayne Ellis. Because of staff time to make cop es, paper costs. etc.. clerk Jim Crocker exp ained 25 cents a copy was the standard fee. "For the volume they use, give them free copies." suggested councillor Henry Mero and a motion to that effect passed. Appointed to the BIA board of manage- ment for a term that expires when the current council's does, in 1985. were Jerry Hether= ington. Bob Fish, Charlie Campbell. Cathy Anstett, Nancy Larone and Brian Calver. Councillor Ross said the BIA members, who meet at 8 a•.m. were an enthusiastic group with plenty of ideas. A Christmas party for all local merchants and their employees to kick off the festive season next fall is now being planned, he reported. Goma berigh Seaforth council at its Mar. 8 meeting filed a resolu- tion from Clinton which asked the province to amend the assessment act to allow mu- nicipalities to argue against assessment appeals. Council feels a section of the act allows for municipalities to appeal, The town will enter into Ontario's BRIC program, which provides grants to the owners of designated heri- tage buildings to improve or enhance their building's heri- tage features. Owners must • match the grant (up to 52,000 a year for four years) with their own money. Council will review the• 1983 budget at a special meeting Apr. 25 at 7:30. Clerk Jim Crocker was given permission to attend the spring workshop of the Muni' cipal Tax Collectors of Ontar- io. Apr. 28 and 29 in Scarbor- ough. Deputy clerk Luanne Phair who has completed part 2 of the AMCT course, was congratulated and will be reimbursed her costs of 5199.50. Council receisied notifica- tion from the Ekpbsitor that its change to printing on Tuesday before the monthly council meetings is held will mean council meeting cover- age will appear in the next week's paper. The Expositor asked council to consider changing its meeting night. For various reasons, council accepted its finance commit- tee's recommendation that meetings continue on the second Tuesday of each month. Keith Murray Insurance Brokers will be given a list of town policies already in force and an insurance proposal front the firm will be con- sidered in Nov.. during the annual insurance review. Because the town hall's Xerox copier is very noisy. council decided not to renew its rental' agreement. A Canon 300 will be placed in the office for a trial. Clerk Jim Crocker said it's expected the per copy price will be lower. "With 80.000 copies done last year, even half a cent per copy can make quite a differ- ence.'' Council accepted the low- est tender, from G.A. Sills and Sons, to buy and install two circulating fans for the council chamber ceiling. "To keep the hot airdown," joked councillor Paul Ross. "We'll put one right over your chair," councillor Wayne El- lis joked back. Police chief Hal Claus, the clerk and councillors Ross and Ellis were authorized to attend the Police Governing Authorities convention in May. Spot asphalting will be done do five Seaforth streets if an MTC subsidy of 58,000 is received. That's in addition to regular road maintenance and planned improvements which will cost about 5240.000. the town's share, after MTC and ONIP contri- butions is about $97.000. About the sante as last year but more is being done. commented clerk Crocker. The 1983 road construction program involves construct- ion of a storm sewer on E. William St. from Side to Duke; reconstruction of E. William 220 metres from Duke to Franklin and a top lift of asphalt on Market St. from Main to SPS. Paul Hulley has been su- pervising the landfill site with no problems, the public works committee reported. Employees John Forrest and Doug Anstett were author- ized to attend roads school in Guelph in May. Sidewalk on West St. between James and Centre is in poor shape. councillor Henry Mero reported. The arca is not in the three year sidewalk reconstruction pro- gram but that list will be reviewed at budget time. The rec committee says plans are well advanced for this year's Canada Day cele- bration. w ith a program runn- ing front 8 a.m. (a pancake breakfast) to 9:30 p.m. (fire- works at the Lions Park). The committee will sponsor the Martin and Downs Circus here on July 2. The mayor. deputy reeve Bill Bennett and councillors Hazel Hildebrand and Irwin Johnston will attend the an- nual meeting of the Huron County Municipal Officers Association. Apr. 13. at the arena here. sponsored by the Township of McKillop. Details of changes revising the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act will be available conn, the clerk reported. During -the meeting, council- lor Mero declared a conflict and left the room when council considered bylaws selling land to, and buying land and a building from. Louis McNichol. The trans- actions involved the new firchall building. Engineer Burns Ross re- ported the town's infiltration study will be given to the Ministry of the Environment by Mar. 15. Corrective mea- sures won't commence until late 1984, with ministry com- ments on the study expected later this year. The public works commit- tee reported that PUC will complete its streetlighting project to the south side of E. William In a written report from the town's rep to Seaforth Com- munity Hospital board. Joan Parkinson. council learned the hospital is setting up a patient monitoring system. connected by phone to Uni- versity Hospital. The 570,000 cost is half paid by a bequest and the rest front hospital cost savings over the Years. SCH is setting up a quiet room for the use of patients' families and will hife a planning student to help plan renovations to the outpatient department. she added Reeve Bill Campbell was appointed Seaforth's rep to the court of revision on the Lawrence and Box drain. Council pay for Feb. meet- ing attendance was tabled. The amounts are: Mayor Ross, 5390; deputy reeve Bennett. 5155; councillors. Hildebrand. $185; Johnston, 5230: Ross 565: Ellis, 5165; Mcro. 5155: and Martin. 5155. Reeve Campbell did not submit a hill. In addition, Mayor Ross had 5191.92 in expenses for attendance at the Ontario Good Roads As- sociation convention, Feb. 21 to 23. The amount included mileage, $27.92; 5140 for meals: 518 for parking and gratuities of 56. 1FOu ° QCT St. Patrick's euchre and pot luck supper on Sunday, March 20 in St. Columban parish hall at 8 p.m. Every- one welcome. Youths remanded Three Seaforth youths charged with robbery with violence have had their case remanded until March 25. Charged are Michael Joseph McLaughlin of 111 East William St.. Robert Williad?' Engel of I"8 Main St., both of Seaforth and Randy James Buck of RR4. Seaforth. the charges stem from a Jan. 14. beating ,nd robbery of an undisclosed amount from Hulmut Johann Sieber. 29, of RR2 Blyth and Manfred Loseriet. 39, of RRI Auburn. Both sten were admitted to Wingham and District Hospital following the incident and later released.