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Clinton News-Record, 1969-07-03, Page 1p p�/� 11.14 h'NEAR '�"' NO, 27 r lii.tOfl wsIH.ecord. CLINTON, ONT, R14 THURSDAY. JULY 31 1969 Fill Ply R -COPY 15c OMB is studying town sewer plan The Ontario Municipal Beard reserved decision after a hearing Monday on the Town of CHntan's application for approval of plans to build a • sanitary sewer line north on Maple Street from Whitehead Street. Walter T. Shives of Toronto, an OMB member, conducted the hour-long hearing in the Town Hall and afterward said he could not estimate how long it would be before the board issues a decision. The project, to be carried out under provisions of the Local Improvement Act, is expected to cost about $7,250 and to be financed by a 15 -year debenture, The town would pay one-third the cost and the remaining two thirds would be apportioned among owners of lots fronting on Maple Street and serviced by the sewer extension. The town first sought to install the sewer after Ray Mitchell, owner and occupant of a new home built on Maple Street, was refused county permission for a septic system. According to testimony at' the hearing, there are currently four homes occupied on the street. Two older homes are connected to a four -inch line installed privately and hooked to the trunk line on Whitehead. Street some years ago,. One of the newer houses was connected to the four -inch line temporarily this year and a fourth house, the Mitchell home, lacks any sewer connection. Three more homes are under construction. At the outset of the hearing, Mr. Shives pointed out that the town's original notice of its plan last March mentioned payment of $4.89 per front foot by affected property owners. He said that figures represented the total cash cost of the work, not the charge to be levied over 15 years.. The actual annual charge per front foot would be only 57 cents, he explained. •. E. Beecher Menzies, solicitor, presented the town's application and urged OMB approval of the installation. R. J, Boussey, PUC manager, was called to give technical data. Donald L. Bell, who owns a new home on Maple Street, asked for approval and speedy commencement. of the work. Opposition was voiced by Hector Kingswell, who owns four lots on Maple Street — two The first column More sunny, warm weather is needed to field cure properly a high percentage of the remaining hay crop in Huron, according to this week's crop report from Don S. Pullen, county agricultural representative, who noted that the trend to haylage appears to be increasing again this year. White beans and corn in some areas have suffered leaf damage from slugs, the report continues, and except in severe cases recovery should be good. Generally white beans have germinated very evenly and promise to be a good stand. Cattle are doing well on an abundance of pasture. * * '* "In reply to your listener who is bothered with telephone advertising, why not do as I do with unwanted callers? During the day I reply that I am "The domestic help's and in the evening I am "the babysitter," and I put down the receiver," from a letter to the 13BC * « Motorist tan lessen the danger of skidding on wet roads by driving in the "tire wipes" left by vehicles ahead, says the Ontario Safety League. Even in heavy rant, ear tracks remain visible and relatively free of water for Several hundred feet. Weather 1969 1068 1-11 Lc Hi :Ld June 24 66 52 75 25 74 54 85 26 88 62 60 27 $9 71 67 28 81 53 63 29 77 51 76 60 57 50 55 54 51 Blit ,22'f Rain 1,30''" of them vacant and two partly used by _his Albert Street welding business -- and by Murray Johnston whose home on Maple Street is connected to the Whitehead trunk sewer by a privately installed line some years old, Mr. Kingswell asserted that he intende$ to purchase and. develop several lots on the street several years ago, but was told he would be classed as a subdivider and as such would have to assume the cost of all improvements. He objected to the town undertaking the work for the present owners and said: "I assert that the townerred in issuing building permits....the owners should pay themselves." Mr. Shives quickly spoke up and told Mr. Kingswell that the question before the OMB was purely an administrative one and that questions of law would have to be brought before a court, "If you feel you have a legitimate complaint," the OMB member said to Mr. Kingswell, "consult a solicitor and lay a charge against the town. It is your prerogative as a citizen." Mr. Johnston said his objection was simply that "I already have a sewer." In reply to questions from Mr. Shives, he said the sewer, a four -inch pipe, was put in nine years ago and that approval was given by the PUC which tapped the trunk line. Mr. Boussey later said that although he was not employed in Clinton at the time of the installation, he understood permission was given. to William Lee and that the Johnston house was attached to the Lee line subsequently. Two months ago, said Mr. Boussey, there was a request to allow another new house across from Mr. Johnston's home to connect to the private sewer. The plan -was approved by the county health unit on a temporary • basis, said Mr. Boussey. `The next thing you know," interjected Mr. Shives, "the whole town will be serviced with a four -inch line. You certainly can see where people are authors of their own destruction when you see things like that." Mr. Boussey said the new hookup was not approved by the PUC; ,Mr. Shives asked if the PUC is not concerned with "illegal" sewer extensions and Mr. Boussey replied "yes," but that higher authority had given the OK. Who constitutes higher authority when the PUC must operate the sewer system? inquired Mr. Shives. "The Town Council, the town authorities," answered the PUC manager. Graduation ceremonies for kindergarten classes at Clinton Public School were held June 25 for the afternoon classes and June 26 for the morning groups. Two dozen members of Mrs. Moody Holland's kindergarten class from Blyth attended the morning graduation at which J. A. Gray, d Clinton school principal, presented certificates to 40 of the pupils of Mrs. Rhea Jones and Mrs. Dorothy Williams, Some of the graduates are shown above with Mr. Gray and Mrs. Williams. — Staff Photo, County weighs creation of welfare unit BY SHIRLEY J. KELLER The establishment of a Huron County welfare unit was scheduled for discussion at Friday's session of county council in Goderich but councillors were cut -short by the lateness of the hour at the end of a lengthy sitting. It is expected the matter will be reviewed by the executive committee which will prepare a recommendation in time for the September meeting. Among some points made briefly Friday, it was learned that 50 percent of the costs of administration will be borne by the province if a county welfare unit is set up in Huron and that, the 'province will assume 80 percent of the cost of welfare payments with the county paying the remaining 20 percent. Charles Thomas, Brussels, was assured there would be no charge -back to the local municipalities for welfare payments. Clerk John Berry and Warden James Hayter said it was their understanding that there would be a levy through the county mill rate to cover all r welfare expenses, Stanley Reeve Elmer Hayter said he didn't like the idea of equalized welfare payments since his township now has a very low percentage of welfare assistence. He said he said he didn't think Stanley ratepayers would be interested in paying a share of the county welfare bill. John Flannery, Seaforth, insisted it would be most difficult to manage welfare assistance properly from a central point. He said that at times it was absolutely necessary to keep a close eye on welfare recipients to make certain the money they received was spent' for the purpose it was intended.' Other councillors concurred noting it had been their, experience to discover' unpleasant realities with regard, to welfare recipients and on occasion have felt it their duty, to impose strict regulations with regard to them. There were strong indications that council is dubious of the county welfare unit because of recent experiences such as in the County takeover of assessment. Harold Robinson, Howick, wondered if the estimated cost of a welfare unit in Huron County was any more realistic,: than, the original estimated cosy of county assessment. Anson McKinley, Stanley, asked council what reduction the municipal welfare officers (usually the reeve and the clerk), would be willing to take on their annual salaries if welfare was administered at the county level. This brought hearty laughter. Mrs. Esther Ross of the Children's Aid Society, addressed council earlier in the day and explained the difficulty her department has contacting the local municipal welfare officers in times of emergency. She told council the CAS worker often found it necessary to make decisions regarding welfare payments, for instance in the case of a family, without fuel over a cold holiday weekend, without contacting the local welfare officers. Mrs. Ross said that in extreme cases, the responsibility for payment of the welfare assistance could fall to the CAS worker if his or her decision was not in accord with what the local welfare officers would have done in the same situation. Reeve Derry Boyle, Exeter, pointed out this would be one way in which a county welfare unit would be useful. It would alleviate problems encountered because local welfare officers are busy people with businesses and jobs to attend to so they cannot always be available for emergency consultation. Propose $20,000 Huronview park A $20,000 park development plan for land at Huronview was put forth by Huron County Council's development committee last Friday, but failed to get the full endorsement of council. The committee, whose chairman this year is Roy V. Pattison of West Wawanosh Township, suggested that, University of Guelph students interview Huronview residents and staff and prepare a park plan according to the needs of the home forthe aged. But Wingham's reeve, Jack Alexander, was opposed to such a large expenditure and reminded council that "we're trying to save money now." 1'h$ large slide in the playground area at the Clinton' Corni-nunity Centre vvas one of several items . damaged by vandals Sunday night. Deborah LeOuc and Clinton's recreation director, bout' Andrews, are skew above holding Dile of the several slide steps'which were smashed. the drinking fountain and several benches have also been damaged and debris has been throWn into the sWinyming pool, adcarding to Mr, AndreWs. The I#edreation Committee has decided to impose a cturfew and ban pettoriS front the perk after the pool is closed at night. Violators are to be proseduted. ,--Staff photo. Reeve Borden Cook of Blyth concurred, saying he was in favor of. a park area with a few picnic tables, some swings and maybe a drinking fountain — something that could be built by the county without great expense or trouble. Warden James Hayter said a plan is definitely needed "so we know where we're going." Chairman Pattison said the county already has a large investment at Huronview and he thought "another few thousand dollars would be money well spent." Alex McGregor, Tuckersmith, also a member of the committee, stressed the fact that the project would be accomplished over 10 years. He said he understood it was the duty of the county development committee to see that some development was made for the future. Top post filled at. Huronview Chester A. Archibald, a native of Seaforth and currently treasurer of the . City of Brantford, has been appointed to succeed Harvey C. Johnston, who retired October 31, as administrator of Huronview, the county's home for the aged, situated near Clinton, Salary for the post was reported at $10,000 a year. The appointment is effective Sept. 1. Announcement of the appointment was made at last Friday's county council meeting during which Mr. Johnston wag given his 15 -year pin, Mr. Johnston, will be retained in an advisory capacity from Sept. 1 to October 81. His Salary will be continued until Dee. 81, but he will have to vacate his apartment at the home by October 15. Because the government no longer allows an, administrator to live in a county home, another use will be found for the apartment, Mr. Johnston has been at Tluronview since August 1954. He said that when he came there were 66 residents and a staff of 18 who earned about $2,000 among thein each month. `today there are 279 residents, a staff of 150 end the monthly payroll is about $82,000. Exeter Reeve Derry Boyle said such a pian was "beyond our means" but he did suggest that a few trees be planted each year on the site. The matter was referred back to committee for more study. Reschedule rollerama The Rollerama,--a marathon skating contest scheduled for last weekend, was postponed because condensation left the skating surface wet. The Recreation Committee hopes to try again this Saturday evening at the Clinton Community Centre. Lightning fire kills Hullett Twp. couple Lightning set a Hullett Township farmhouse ablaze during a violent thunderstorm early Monday morning and the resulting smoke asphyxiated William Hunking, 79, and hie wifes Rose, 82. The invalid couple was found dead in a doorway between the kitchen and living room in the north half of the house on the 12th concession, west of Highway 4, about four miles southwest of BIyth. A son, Lorne Hunking, 51, who lives in the south half of the house, said he was wakened by the family kitten, Spot, rubbing against his face. He smelled smoke, rushed out and attempted to get in the front door to locate his parents. He was driven back by the dense smoke which Dr, R. W. Street of Blyth, a county coroner, said asphyxiated the victims of the 4 a.m, fire, Kenneth McDougall, 24, a neighbor, also tried unsuccessfully to enter, but he, too, was driven back by smoke. Lorne and his wife, Addie, 49, were uninjured. A son, Murray, 14, was away visiting overnight. Robert Kaufman of London, an inspector with the Ontario fire marshal's office, said a lightening bolt passed through a lightening rod conductor and jumped through an open porch window. blames broke out inside the porch and spread Farm and home through the Idtehen, a hallway and another room, causing about $19,000 damage, It took Blyth firefighters nearly five hours to fully extinguish the blaze which worked its way behind partitions. Firemen Donald Noble found the • bodies — Mr. Hunking slumped over his wife's body - after he donned a mask and searched the .house, Mr. Hunking walked with the aid of two canes. His wife was ponfined to a wheelchair. Mr, Hunking had apparently moved his wife from their bed to the wheelchair but they were unable to reach the door before being overcome. No inquest is planned in the deaths, Lorne Hunking and his family are living in a house across the road because of the extensive damage to their home. Mrs. Hunking was the former Roselle Lyon. The victims are survived by their son, Lorne, and two daughters, Mrs. John (Clara) Riley, and Mrs. Ben (Marion) Riley, both of Hullett Township, and by 17 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Mr. Hunking is also survived by two brothers, Bert and Henry, both of Hullett Township. A private double funeral service was held yesterday afternoon at Tasker Memorial Chapel in Blyth. Burial was in Hope Chapel, Hullett Township. management program in Huron Wednesday Farm Systems '69 is the theme of Western Ontario's first farm and home management day slated to take place Wednesday at Centralia College and seven district farms. Ninety -minute' information' programs will be held at each farm starting at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Conducted by the Ontario Dept. of Agriculture and Food, the program will emphasize the total farm system approach to successful farming and will feature economic data in farm analysis and planning. Farmers and their wives are invited to visit the farms of their choice for the information programs. At noon, everyone is invited to bring a picnic lunch to Centralia and the planners advise bringing lawn chairs. Coffee and milk will be provided. At the midday program, Dr. Lawrence Boger, chairman of the Dept. of Agricultural Economics at Michigan State University, will speak on "The Management System." • There will be a ladies afternoon program at Centralia College for those who do not wish to visit a farm. The seven farms where "open house" will be held represent a cross-section of different farm enterprises. -The Ian McAllister farm, RR 2, Zurich, combines beef and hogs and a complete feed crop system. —The McIntosh Poultry farm, RR 3, Seaforth, grows over 300 acres of corn for 15,000 hens. —Vern Alderdice, RR 2, Kippen, grows more than 500 acres of cash crops including white beans, grain corn and seed barley. —The Norman Dow farm, RR 1, Staffa, is a profitable dairy business with 30 cows and a non-fluid market. —Edwin Miller, RR 3, Exeter, combines cash crops, feed crops and three livestock enterprises. —The Rod MacDonald swine farm, RR 3, Lucan, features modern mechanized facilities and cost control. —Alan Hill, RR 1, Clandeboye, markets about 400 steers each year and completes his farm system with an all-round crop program. Provincial Highways 11111111111111111 County Roads Township Roads Farm Locations Jae- Alderice Cash Crop Farm