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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1948-01-22, Page 1Seventy-Fifth Year EXETER, ONTARIO, THURSDAY MORNING, JANUARY 22nd, 1948 Single Copy 6 cents Verdict In Manslaughter Huron Editors Cover Convention in H ensall A verdict of “not guilty” was returned by the assize court jury at Goderich on the charge of manslaughter against Ernes- ■tienne and Doreen Whiteford, of Crediton at 3.50 p.m. on Monday. The Crown alleged that a baby, Ernestienne Kenneth. 'Whiteford, born to the accused woman on August 10, 1947, died on Oct. 5, 1947, of mal­ nutrition. The verdict carried the rec­ ommendation that both the ac­ cused be placed in an institu­ tion. “I am quite sure no one can quarrel with the verdict,” Mr. Justice Schroeder’*’ told the jury, It was a pitiful case and the tragic death of the little one could not help exciting sympathy.” “There was evidence they did try to provide the neces­ sities; there may have been internal reasons. I have no doubt the Crown attorney will see that your recommendation is sent to the proper authori­ ties.” “You could not reasonably have arrived at any other ver­ dict. Thank you for the care you have given this case. Hopes Lesson Learned Mr. Justice Schroeder, in discharging the accused, obser­ ved that the evidence indicated clearly that, as far as Mrs. Whiteford was concerned, she is not doing her duty, in that she allows her children to be filthy and unclean. “I do not know whether you will resume life as before. "I hope this experience will be a real lesson to you, and tha't both of you will take a differ­ ent attitude to your children to see that they have the de­ cent and proper care to which .they are entitled.” Mr. Justice Schroeder’s charge to the jury lasted two hours. “It is hard to conceive parents in this land of plenty being unable to get food for their children,” he observed. The evidence, the judge con-r tinned, showed that the baby was suffering from indigestion. It might be that, while the mother was a sloppy, careless housekeeper, she may have giv- ■en the child sufficient food, and it was not assimilating it; or it might be that the child was not fed regHlarly or given the proper formula, of which there was no evidence. Not taking the child to the hospital could not be regarded ’as an ■omission, as there was no evi­ dence that, had she done so, it would have lived. On Oct. 4, she did take the child to a doc­ tor. There was no doubt the child was kept in a filthy con­ dition, but it was not that/ according to the evidence, that caused its death. Sub- normalcy is not recognized as a legal excuse for failing to perform a duty. Among the witnesses at the trial were Dr. Fisher, district pathologist, of London; Dr. J. M. Sinkins, of London; Dr, J. G. Dunlop, Dr. M. C. Fletcher and Provincial Constable John Ferguson, of Exeter, and Mrs. Ellen J. Sims, of Crediton. Arthur Campbell Mr. Arthur Y. Campbell pass­ ed away Thursday of last week at his home in Exeter, his death being due to a heart con­ dition. Previous to his death Mr. Campbell had visited for a week with relatives in London. He was born in Usborne and for many years farmed on the Thames Road before moving to Exeter about 12 years ago. He was twice married, his first wife being Charlotte Stewart who predeceased him May 23rd 1926, Later he was united in marriage with Mrs. Ruth Rem­ nant, who. with five children of the first family survive. They are Bland, of Plastow, N. Hamp Stewart, Graham, (Marilyn) Mrs. W. C. Avery and Gerald, all of London, all of whom with their families were present for the funeral. Mrs. J. T, Stewart of town, is ,an only surviving sister. The body rested at the Hopper-Hockey funeral chapel until Monday when tbe funeral service was conducted by Rev. H, J, Mahoney assisted by Rev. Jas. Anthony. Interment was in the Exeter cemetery. The bear­ ers were Messsrs. Geo. Earl, John Northcott, G. S. Howard, K. J. Sims, J. Hodgert and An­ drew Campbell. Among those present from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hayter, of Pontiac, Mich. Mr. James Camp­ bell, Mrs. A. Ottridge. Mrs. Ross Marriott, Mrs. Robin Moore, Mrs. Chas. O’Brien, Mrs. A. Culver, Charles and Gertrude Stewart, Jas. Ballantyne and Clarence Pringle, all of Lon­ don; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Pringle and daughter, of St. Marys; Mr. and Mrs. John Steele, Jas, Rem­ nant, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Steele, Mr. Uren, Mrs. Elizabeth Steele, all of Brantford; Mr. Wallace Remnant, of Preston: Mr. and Mrs. Harry Leslie, of Hespeler and Mi-, and Mrs. Wm. Keener of Stratford. With Hensall Town Hall filled to capacity for the Liberal Nominating convention Friday of last week, spectators found themselves elbowing scribes in the press row. At the extreme right is R. S, Atkey, editor of the Clinton News-Record. Sitting at Editor Atkey’s right are Wm. O’Brien and Herbert Mousseau, both of Zurich. At the extreme left is J. M. Southcott, editor of the Times-Advocate. Stratford Beacon-Herald 'Reeve B. W. Tuckey is Liberal Standard Bearer Funera I of M rs. Wood The funeral of the late Mrs. Frank Wood was held from her residence Huron street Thurs­ day afternoon of last week con­ ducted by Rev. H. J. Snell. In­ terment was in the Exeter cem­ etery. Mrs. Wood passed away in Victoria Hospital in her 74th year. Mr. Wood predeceased her in March 1945. For some months Mrs. Ready, a cousin, of St. Marys, has been making her home with Mrs. Wood. Her son Clifford and his wife from Galt attended the funeral. The bear­ ers were Messrs. Geo. Earl, L. J. Penhale, Asa Penhale, C. V. Pickard, S. Jory and Dr, E. S. Steiner. Dr. Clair J. Wood who was here for tile funeral left Sunday for his home at Sudbury while Mrs Wood is remaining for a time. HUGH BlifrlRY Reeve of Usborne who this week was appointed the Warden of Huron County Second Operation Mr. Rollie Motz was taken to Victoria , I-Tospital, London, on Sunday and oil Monday he un­ derwent a further operation on his leg. The operation is the re­ sult of a serious accident he suffered during a severe snow­ storm during last winter. Hensall Wins While Lucan and Bend Tie In Tuesday nights double- header at the Arena Hensall came out on top, 6-3 over Dash­ wood in the first game while Lucan and Grand Bend finished ill a 5-5 tie. Chipchase and Hildebrand ■each accounted for two of the Hensall goals while lone tallies Went to H. Nicholson and ,J. gangster. For Dashwood Haugh, ■Mjisser and J. Willert were the three marksmen. In the second game N. Hardy and Paul scored two each for Lucan with Chown bagging the siuglc goal. Dewey, E. Desjar* dine, I. Desjardine, W. Desjar- dine and Shikowy shared the Grand Bend scoring. Appendectomy Operation Mr, Del Charron, who is em­ ployed at the Mayfair Bakery la ill in Victoria Hospital, Lon­ don having undergone an ap­ pendectomy operation. Exemplify First Degree The .first degree team o£ the Exeter' I.O.O.F. were at Clinton Tuesday e veiling exemplifying the degree. Eight candidates from Exeter were admitted to the mysteries of the order along with a number of Clinton can­ didates. Dashwood Sailor in Bermuda Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Hopcroft received word that their son, Fred Hopcroft C.P.O. sailed from Halifax .Tan. 7 qn the ship Warrior and arrived safely in Bermuda. Fred also tells us it was very rough that the ship rolled 30 degrees. ^Fred .will be stationed there for some time before leaving for England. Huron County Council con­ vened at Goderich on Tuesday. Reeve Tuckey, of town; Reeve Elmer Lawson and Deputy- Reeve H. Beaver, of Stephen, and Reeve Hugh Berry, of Us- borne, are in attendance. Usborne Reeve Elected Warden Hugh Berry, reeve of Us­ borne, was elected warden of Huron at the opening session of the County Council at God­ erich Tuesday afternoon. The runner-up was George Ginn, reeve of Goderich Township. The oath of office was admin­ istered by Judge T. M. Costello, who after congratulating the warden declared he considered county councils were the most important cog in the govern­ ment of the people. Rev. W. C. Cope, of North Street United Church, offered prayer. The new warden is a native of Blanshard Township, Perth County. He moved to his pres­ ent 300-ac.re farm/' concession 10, Usborne Township, in 1904, and entered municipal life “19 years ago, 14 years as a mem­ ber of council and now in his fifth year as reeve. He is sec­ retary of the Kirkton Agricul­ tural Society. Eld er Resident Passes in Exeter One of Exeter’s oldest resi­ dents, Mrs. James Hern, passed away Monday at her home on William street in her 94ih year. Born at Whalen corners Mrs. Hern’s maiden name was Emily Jane Gunning. For over sixty years she has been a resi­ dent of Exeter where her hus­ band, the late James Hern was employed for many years in the seed department of Jones & May. He passed away on the last day of August, 1935. Of a quiet retiring disposition, Mrs. Hern’s chief concern was in her home and family. She had been ailing for a number of years. Surviving are two sons, Norman C., of Norwich; Wel­ lington J, and Miss Olive, of town; also one brother, Mr. Ar­ thur Gunning, of Exeter, and one sister, Mrs. Geo. Millson, of Whalen. Deceased was a mem­ ber of James Street United Church and officiating at the funeral service Wednesday af­ ternoon was her pastor, Rev. H. J. Snell. The funeral was held from the R. C- Dinney fun­ eral home. The bearers were 'Messrs. Wilson Morley, Geo. Jaques, Frank Gunning, Emm­ erson Gunning, Percy Passmore and Edgar Squire. Interment was in Exeter Cemetery. Fire Brigade Called The fire brigade were called to the home of Mr. Lex McDon­ ald, who recently moved to Exeter from Glencoe, when fire broke out in a cupbord where Mr. McDonald had vbeen thaw­ ing some frozen water pipes with a blowtorch. It was neces­ sary t-o remove a number of boards and bring the small fire­ hose into play before the fire was extinguished. The fire started just after dinner Tues­ day afternoon. Concert in March Tile newly-formed male chor­ us enjoyed a splendid practice Tuesday evening In the James St. United church. The chorus now has an enrollment of ’ 22 and are planning to put on a concert the latter part of March. The next practice will be Tuesday, Feb, 3rd; Young P-C Association Organized in District The South Huron Young Pro­ gressive Conservative Associa­ tion was organized as a result of the interest of some fifty young men and women who met in the Exeter Town Hall last Friday evening. The meeting was conducted, by Charles MacNaughton and William Ellerington, members of the senior executive of the Progressive Conservative com­ mittee who outlined the purpose of such an association and how it could be organized. Elmer Bell, president of the Huron Progressive Conservative Assoc­ iation stressed the importance of the young jMJwple to become interested in the party and maintaining that interest not just during the election cam­ paign but after as well. The standard Pryde addressed and emphasized bearer, Tom the audience the perform­ ance of the Drew Government Hydro, education and roads were singled out as important strides taken by the Progressive Conservative party. The meeting was also addressed by A. O. El­ liot, president of the Exeter As­ sociation. Ray Wuerth was chosen ,to head the new organization while Jack Pryde is the 1st vice. Del- mer Skinner the 2nd vice and Gerald Godbolt the 3rd vice. Jack Fulcher was appointed secretary - treasurer and Charles MacNaughton and William El­ lerington, honorary presidents. The directors to form the ex­ ecutive are: Poll .1, Irwin Arm­ strong, Marion Racey, Gordon Appleton; Poll 2, Mrs. Bill Mc­ Lean, Ed Hunter-Duyar, Nor­ man Walper; Poll 3, Earl Car­ roll, William Higgins, Vernon Heywood; Stephen, Stanley Hicks, Wm. Elliott; Usborne, Harry Beavers, Jim Miller, Ken Hern. Drama Well Received A tliree-aet. comedy drama “Aprils Fool” put on in the Main St. United church by the young people of Thedford Fri­ day evening of last week drew a large , crowd. The play was ably presented and quite enter­ taining. Accompanying the play­ ers were Rev. N. J. and Mrs. Woods. Refreshments were served the cast at the close. Real Estate Transfer Mr. Geo. Geddes, of Hay Twp. has purchased the residence of Mrs. John Cole. Andrew street. The sale was made through W. C. Pearce, realtor. Will Sponsor 'Oat Contest At the annual meeting of the South Huron. Agricultural Society held at Hensall, the following executive was elect­ ed: president, George Arm­ strong; 1st vice-president, Wil­ liam Decker; 2nd vice-president Thomas Sherritt; secretary­ treasurer, W. R. Dougall. Directors, R. H. Middleton, Reeve A. W. Kerslake, George Armstrong, William Decker, Allan Walper, Elmer Webster, Bert Peck, W. R. Kinsman, Howard Wright, Sara Dougall, T, Sherritt, Roy Bell; auditors, F. G. Bonthron, R. J. Pater­ son; working committee, Elmer Lawson, W. Alexander, S. Mac- Arthur, J. Tremeer, Earl Camp­ bell, Erwin Willert, E. Schro­ der, Harry Strang, F. Smalla- combe, Art Nicholson, W. R. Davidson, E. R. Shaddick. The society is sponsoring a field crop competition in regis­ tered Beaver oats Social Evening Enjoyed At Oddfellows Hall A delightful evening was spent at the Oddfellows Hall Monday when twenty-five tables took part in progressive euchre. Ladies’ high was won by Mrs. F. J. Delbridge; gent’s high by J. Hodgert; lone hands by Mrs. Andrew Hamilton. For enter­ tainment. Mr. I). B. Tindall per­ formed some of his slight of hand tricks. Miss Anna Brock gave a reading and Messrs. Har­ old and Gerald Skinner gave several song selections with Mrs. A. Willard as accompanist. One hundred and ten tickets were sold on a turkey won by Mrs. Rd. Etlierington. Refresh­ ments were served at the close. Tn charge of the evening were Messrs. W. C. Allison, C. L. Gibson and Andrew Hamilton. | The proceeds were for the jC.P.T. fund. 59th Wedding Anniversary Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Davis, of Exeter North who are to-day celebrating their 59 th wedding anniversary. Premier King to Retire After 30 Years as Leader Prime Minister W. L. Mac­ kenzie King has served notice of his impending retirement from political life. At a conven­ tion in Ottawa Tuesday he ask­ ed for a convention in the sum­ mer to select a successor. Mr. King has been thirty years as Liberal leader and 20 years as prime minister of Canada. BENSON TUCKEY, Exeter reeve, who was chosen as the Liberal candidate in the by-election In spite of the fact that dele­ gates from three townships in the Huron riding were unable to be present at the Liberal nom­ ination meeting at Hensall Friday afternoon of last week the Town Hall was packed with an enthusiastic gathering. Albert Kalbfleisch, president of the Huron Liberal Associa­ tion opened the meeting and called to the platform Hon. Farquhar Oliver, leader of the Liberal party in Ontario; Robt. S. McCubbin, M.P. for West Middlesex: W. H. Golding, M.P. for Huron-Perth; W. C. Woods, provincial organizer for the® lib­ eral party, Dr. Shaw, of Clinton and B. W. Turkey. The meeting was turned over to Mr. Frank Fingland, of Clinton, who called for written nominations. When the nomination papers were filed and opened it was found that. Mr. Turkey had been nominated five times and Mr. Kalbfleisch once. Mr. Turkey’s nomination was moved and sec­ onded officially by C. V. Pickard and Andrew Campbell, of Exe­ ter, and Mr. Kalbfleisch’s by John A. MacEwen, Brucefield, and J. C. Cochrane, Seaforth. Mr. Kalbfleisch in opening the convention stated that it was a good sign for Liberalism to see I the hail packed as in the morn­ ing the executive considered postponing the meeting on ac­ count of the storm. Mr. Fing­ land in taking over the meeting said that Mr. Drew was not res­ ponsible for the weather but he was responsible for bringing on an election in mid-winter. Both Mr. Kalbfleisch and Mr. Tuckey in brief addresses stat­ ed they would allow their names to go before the conven­ tion. While the ballots were be­ ing marked and counted short addresses were given by Mr. Golding, Mr. deCubbin, Mr. Woods and Dr. Shaw. Mr. Woods stated that he had participated in several el­ ections but had yet to see the enthusiasm shown in this meet­ ing. Mr. Golding in expressing re­ gret at the passing of Dr. Tay­ lor stated that while he did not see eye to eye with Dr. Taylor politically he was a good citizen, a good member and lie was always willing to co-oper­ ate. Mr. McCubbin stated that he was a friend of the farmer, fighting for them in season and out of season. He paid tribute to the late Dr. Taylor and also to Mr. Golding. He spoke of the new ceilings being placed on butter and meat and said “I can assure you rural people that if ceilings are going ,to be placed on the things you have to sell, ceilings will be placed on the things you have to buy”. Congratulating Mr. Tuckey af­ ter the convention vote was | known, Mr. Kalbfleisch stated that in some respects he was ! happy at the result. He had de­ bated with himself ,and some of his friends if he should contest the nomination. He assured Mr. Tuckey of his loyal support and urged everyone to support Mr. Turkey in what he called, a tough fight. Mr. Tuckey expressed his thanks for the support given him and stated that the combin­ ed efforts of all would be needed to carry the election successfully. He stated that he was 43 years of age, had been reeve of Exeter for 8 years and in 1943 was warden of the County of Huron. “I feel young and able-bodied and with your help will go out and make this a real contest”, he stated, We have something to fight about in this province, he stat­ ed, In 1 943 when the .Drew ad­ ministration came into power they failed to carry out the plans begun by the Liberal par­ ty and not until 1945 did they become alive to the situation and carry out the Liberal plans. Commenting on the speed with which the by-election had been called at a time when the roads might easily be blocked Mr. Tuckey said: Gentlemen, if Lion Claude Blowes says, “Support the Parcels for Brit­ ain Fund where your dollars pay the biggest dividend.” Died in Vancouver* Word has boon received in Exeter otf the death in Vancou­ ver on December 12 of Mrs. Joicey Horn, a former resident of Exeter North. The remains were shipped to CarnduH where i burial took place on Dec. IStli. Badminton Tournament On Tuesday night, January 20 the Badminton club held a local club tournament. There was a good turn out, some keen competition resulted in the games. High men for the eve­ ning were Doug Grayer, Si Sim­ mons and Ray Wuerth. The top ladies were Ruth MeKillop and Beta Willert. At the end of the evening hot dogs and cokes were served. Will Address Lions Club I Major Cunningham, of Lon- l don, will be the guest speaker at the Lions Club supper meet­ ing Friday evening when he will tell of his experiences as a war prisoner at Hong Kong. lit is necessary to fill the seat that quickly, what about the chairmanship of the Hydro Com­ mission which has been vacant since last January? Hydro was supposed to be non-political but it is thrown right back into pol­ itics as deep as it can be. In speaking of Mr. Drew’s at­ titude on the Dominion-Provin­ cial relations Mr. Tuckey said that Mr. Drew had dope more to split this Dominion wide op­ en than anything else since Confederation. In closing Mr, Tuckey introduced Mr. Farquhar Oliver, leader of the Liberal party in Ontario. “Apparently I didn’t know of the temper -of the people of Huron County", said Mr. Oliver commenting on the fact that Hensall town hall was filled, despite the fact that bad wea­ ther had almost led to the con­ vention’s being postponed. “I didn’t appreciate their ability to’ get through the snow and do the job they had a mind to do” Mr. Oliver continued. “It will be our duty and our obligation as Liberals", the lea­ der said, “to put the issues be­ fore the people, so that the people of this riding may know whether they should register a protest vote against the Drew administration”. Mr. Oliver announced that from now until election day, Feb, 16, he hopes to spend tiie greater part of his time in Hur­ on riding, campaigning in Mr. Tuckey’s behalf. He declared h.is belief that the Progressive Con­ servative Government had pull­ ed a quick election in Huron, in the hope that the Liberals would be daunted by the short time available to organize, and would fail to put up a candidate “They couldn’t have pulled it in a shorter time if they tried” Mr. Oliver said. “They had their own convention called be­ fore the by-election was an­ nounced.” Says Fanners Forgotten Mr. Oliver, charging the pres­ ent Ontario Government with, failure to ease the troubles of farmers. “I can’t recall”, he said, “any concrete thing they have done in the way of legis­ lation that would help the lot or ease the burden of the rur­ al people of Ontario.” A Liberal Government in On­ tario, Mr. Oliver asserted, brought in hog premiums, sug­ ar-beet bonuses, and freight subventions on feed grain brought in from Western Can­ ada. “The trouble with this Gov­ ernment,” Mr. Oliver went on, “is that the knowledge of what is wrong with agriculture is be­ fore them but the determination to do something about it is not inherent in them.” The agricul­ tural committees set up in each county by the Drew Government he said, “are simply a fifth wheel”. “The best interests of the farmers lie in returning a Lib­ eral member in this riding, and I want you to consider that as you move forward and back and forth in this riding in the next month,” Mr. Oliver emphasized. “Idle Chatter” “It is idle chatter for the Tory epokesman to say that the Liberal party is responsible for the present power shortage," de­ clared the speaker. They have to frame up some excuse and find some way to throw a smoke screen around this question.” Although the Liberal Gov­ ernment of Mitchell F. Hepburn cancelled Quebec, power con­ tracts, Mr. Oliver explained, it later renegotiated the contracts, and had the price lowered from $15 to $12 a horsepower. “I think we in Ontario have failed in the way we might have contributed to Dominion- Provincial harmony”, he stated. “If we had been able to sign a Dominion Provincial agreement, the gasoline tax would have been throe cents lower. “We should have old age pensions in Ontario at 65 with­ out a means test”, the speaker declared, criticizing the present pension rates of $30 and $40 a month, “I think that this prov­ ince is well enough endowed to pay $65 a month to these old. people.” His party, he promised, will also advocate pensions ton* crippled and disabled people. .Promises Youth Department “I want to say to you,” said the Liberal leader, “that, if the the Liberal Government is re­ turned in Ontario, as it will be, we are going to set up a De­ partment of Youth at Toronto. The Liberal party is wide enough and broad enough to take into its fold these young people who have minds of their own, I. am not. afraid of the radicalism of youth; I* rather welcome it into the Liberal party.”