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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1983-03-16, Page 9i O�Q f , THE HURON EXPOSITOR, MARCH 16, 1983 A9 Study concerns Hibbert THE SECOND ANNUAL crops information day, sponsored by the Seaforth Farmers Co-operative and various chemical companies, was held in the Legion, Mar. 8. Approximately 95 area cash crop farmers attended to gain insight in weed control, soybeans and Co-op fertilizing systems. The above photo shows Glenn Johnston, U.C.O. Crops Marketing Manager, discussing the Co-op fertilizer system and spring '83. (Wasslnk photo) Perth F of A steps up lobby y By Kris Svela The Perth Federation of Agriculture voted to step up its lobbying campaign against the federal government in an attempt to have a white bean stabilization program intitiated. The program would help white bean farmers salvage some of the money they lost on last year's crop because of failing market prices. According to federation president, Ron Christie, there is cautious optimism among farmers and farni organizations that such a program could soon be created. Although he would not speculate as to the type of assistance, he feels that the program could be forthcoming, following statements made by federal agriculture minister, Eugene Whelan in London last week. Mr. Christie also urged local farmers to contact and lobby their federal M.P.s, in an effort to speed up work on the program. In a telephone interview, following the meeting, Mr Christie told the Expositor the the Perth federation does not endorse the tactics of farm survival groups or their interest in resurrecting the 1934 Farmers - Creditors Arrangement Act. The act which gave farmers the right to write-off loans instead of going bankrupt, was established during the Gkreat Depression. "The Perth County Federation of Agriculture strongly opposes any concept of forgiveness of loans," he stated. He explained that during the depression a majority of farmers received credit from wealthy or retired farmers and did not rely on the banks for financial assistance. As a result many wealthy farmers holding mortgages on other farms saw their incomes reduced or wiped out. He said that in one case from that era, a farmer who held the mortgage on a farm, lost half of his investment due to tha act and lived the rest of his life in poverty, while the farmer who had borrowed the money continued to work his farm and prosper for several generations. Mr. Christie felt that a revision to the act, now presently being considered and supported by farm survival groups, would worsen the present situation between farmers and bankers. He explains that such an act would seriously jeopardize that relationship. Young farmers wanting to start an operation and those with viable operations needing -only short term credit would be hit the hardest because banks would be cautious in their lending practices, Mr. Christie explained. Mr. Christie also had some harsh words for the media, specifically in their coverage of the recent jailing and hunger strike by Allen Wilford, president of the Canadian Farm Survival Association. He criticized much of the media for their "simplistic and sensational" coverage of the whole affair. He accused the media of not getting all the facts in the case which started with a highly publicized penny auction near Gowanstown in February. Mr. Christie feels that the media should attempt to get a clear picture of all the facts surrounding the case. He told the Expositor that none of the Toronto media has contacted the Agricultural office or local federation members in an attempt to gain some perspective in the matter. He called the issue a compjex one that should be examined from all sides, not only from the viewpoint of the survival groups. Mr. Christie went on to question the tactics of the farm survival groups, as opposed to the more con- ventional methods used by organized farm groups in helping farmers cope with financial problems. "I really have to question whether they (farm survival groups}pave been at all helpful," he Said. ' The federation will continue to assess the success of its programs and the tactics of the' farm survival groups in helping financially viable farmers and farm operations maintain their livelihood. Representatives for the Ausable-Bayfield Conservation Authority met with members of Hibbert council to explain details of a Watershed study presently being conducted by the authority. Authority representatives, John Smithers and Dan Kennaley, water- shed planning and community relations co-ordinator, told council that the authority is hoping for the co-operation and input from the surrounding townships for the study. Specifically, input is wanted on flood and fill line areas and environmentally signifi- cant areas for Droner water management in the area. Water management is specifical- ly important in Hibbert because the township contains the source waters for the Bayfield and Ausable rivers. It is intended to serve as a guide for the conservation authority for the next IS years." Mr. Kennaley told council, referring to the emphasis placed on water manage- ment. The study has been requested by the ministry of natural resources which funds 75 to 85 per cent of the total authority budget, which in 1982 was $1.1 million. Several councillors voiced their concern over a previous flood and fill line study presented several years ago by the ABCA. The old study revealed large areas of designated flood plain where buildings could not be built because of potential flooding. Some councillors felt that the areas were not threatened and voiced particular concern over how the old study would affect the police village of Dublin. The representatives made it clear that a new flood and fill line map would have to be drawn up because of inaccuracies in the old plan. Reeve Ivan Norris was concerned ahont plotting all the environmentally significant areas in the new watershed plan. He hoped that all the areas would come under the protection of the new watershed study and coincide with similar plans in the new official plan being worked out. The representatives urged council members and their constituents to inform the authority of areas that should be included in the study. The authority representatives also told council of other work being done by the ABCA. They include soil erosion prevention programs, tree planting. the aquisition of conservation land for wildlife sanctuaries and nature trails and work to control stream pollution. Committees have been set up to assist farmers in all these areas in an attempt -to boost environmental considerat- ion and planning. The authority will continue to work closely with Hibbert council with regards to local input into the watershed study. BRIEFS Lloyd Morrison, a member,of the Perth County Plowmen's Association told council of the association's plans to host the 1988 International Plowing Match in the county Mr. Morrison asked council to grant the association approximately S75 to help promote the concept at this year's match, Council deferred the matter for further discussion before making a decision. Council gave its approval to grant $25 to Mitchell branch of the Royal Canadian Legion for their public speaking awards. Walter MacKenzie, a representative on the Mitchell Fire Area, told council that the possible purchase of an $80,000 fire truck has been shelved because of a lack of funds from Mitchell for the proposed purchase. "The whole thing is that I think Mitchell has spent all its money on the town hall renovations." He speculated that the deal on this specific truck could be gone by the time all the money is brought together and negotiat- ions reopened. Hibbert council has voted in favour of reopening its• landfill site each Saturday beginning Mar. 19, weather permitting. Reeve Norris expressed concern over dumping being done on the site. He has • heard complaints of garbage being dumped outside of designated areas and felt that greater discussion is needed on the landfill site and its use. Hibbert council has approved the budgets for the Seaforth and District Fire Area and the Seaforth and District Community Centre. .For the fire area the levy paid by the township is 519,882 and for the arena it is $2,106 or 5.8 per cent. Matt McCreight, a Dublin trustee ap- proached Hibbert council to discuss possible road repairs to be conducted in the village, this year. The road repairs include grading, graveling or tar and chip work. In a working arrangement between the township and the village, Hibbert will pay a 50 per cent subsidy out of its road budget for street repair with the remaining 50 per cent to be raised by the village. Members of council and Mr. McCreight discussed the proposed work. they discussed the possibi- lity of doing work of approximately $10,000 this year, although a specific figure was not reached. Discussions will continue .between the two groups. Jim young will continue to act as dog tag issuer for the township. Council agreed to raise his salary from $1.75 per tag last year to $2. this year. Council also discussed raising the rate on some tags, however no final decision was reached on a new pay scale. Council accepted a gravel tender from Donegan Haulage of Listowel of $2. for crushing, loading and hauling of gravel and $3.25 for supplying farmers' lane gravel which includes crushing, loading and hauling. The company can deliver 2000 yards of gravel per day. Queen's Hotel Seaforth Gala St. Patrick's Day Party 'Thursday, March 17 Irish Music 8 Live Entertainment by th"e "Rabbits" Chocolate Chip COOKIES 1.09 Doz. CHEESE CURDS 2.69 lb. All Varieties DONUTS 2.49 Doz. Mild or Spiced DUTCH GOUDA 2.99 lb. WE NOW HAVE HOT CROSS BUNS! Tasty - Nu Bakery and Cheese House 527-1803 Sex fort h USE EXPOSITOR WANT - AtiS Phone 5 k27-0240 Don's PCKO' I° 1/ Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 17th only LUSCKT PATO' THEOIO IRISH ( S SAL -E. ON St. Patrick's Day Surprise Sale -BRANDI N � LJ [T- BLOUSES DP.F 5FRt 44- 5L -ACK- " SALE (( FREE DRAW WITH EVERY PURCHASE Thursday, March 1 7 Only OPEN 8 A.M. TO 8 P.M. F R EE SAVE 5% TO 50% Free Four Leaf Clover shoe laces ON YOUR NEXT PURCHASE while they last with every '10,00 purchase or more. Value '2.10. SPRI CrN r-1 trY ACCE55O121E5 -DRY GOO YDS SURPRISE FOR YOU ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY! Along with our many in store Specials. your draw from our Lucky Box could give you up to. V sostkoariospavesik******* Don's Super Sport Sale 1: 120% OFF While Quantities y ALL LEVI'S FOR FEET JOGGER, CANVAS & NYLON Lost. v u EXAMPLE: \\ J LAY UP Salo �( Price X2400 rt 20% to BOZ A(( 27)INr-r -r THE l_LJC:K-/ -r I C k: E -r >';- u DR A / en's Omni egular $24.99 - * 50% DISCOUNT on purchases * FREE RINSE 'N' VAC RENTALS `2*--:* BIG DISCOUNTS on Pittsburgh Paints MAKE YOUR PURCHASE �• THEN MAKE YOUR DRAW! Tan or brown Mon's Sixes 71/4-12 Sale $20 9 299 9 Prig • NO TAX Dy ourt Regular $46 99 A11 brand name 1 %OFF moo'. women'■ and childrsen's loppors not already on sole. VISIT US THURSDAY - FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM CAMPBELL'S CROWN HARDWARE Main St., Seaforth 527-1420 SURE 1'TS D� SAItj-r PAT(21�IG5 IDA 5.telliald Brooks Trainer (Not exactly os Illustrated) egular $34 99 2999 SEAFORTH STORE ONLY Sale Ends March 26th Don's Shoe Place IN SUNCOAST MAIL bodorkh At7UEO ANO£ rirt Ay "Because You're Worth It" Open all sky Wednesday Mon. to Sat. 9 a.m.-S:30 p.m. 60 Main St. SEAFORTH A