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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1964-03-26, Page 1:s air Price ;Per, copy io Cents • EXETER, ONTARIO, .MARCH 20, 190 GREE TO FREE-CALL SERVICE R USBORNE IN 18 MONTHS It could be worse for March 26, as you can see Although the forecast by met section at RCAF Centralia predicts snow and winds for this area today, it's not likely to be anything like March 26, 1947. This picture, taken by Tom Walker and preserved by Alf Wuerth, shows how the town looked at noon on that day, after partially digging itself out of a dandy March storm. The extent of the blow can be imagined by the way snow still clings to signs, ledges and windows on MainSt. buildings, Tues- day, the temperature rose to a balmy 67, high for the month. MacNaughton lauds Robarts for moves in police act row officers of the crown that the provisions did not infringe on civil liberties, both before and after the controversy arose. However, if the law officers were wrong, the government had no intention of supporting legis- lation which would deprive the public of cherished rights. About former attorney-gen- Sees no raise in county rate GODERICH The county rate for this year will remain at 14 mills -- six for general purposes and eight for roads— if county council adopts the budget presented by clerk-treasurer John G, Berry at opening of the March session. The forecast a year ago was for a rise of one mill to main- tain the road and bridge pro- gram, but a larger-than-ex- peeted year-end surplus was a factor in averting the increase, In 1933, there was withdrawn from surplus funds $110,000, which was expected to produce a surplus of $16,899 on a.budget of $2,224,334, largest ever for Huron, but at end of the year there was a surplus of $95,000. The roads budget, so far as the county is concerned, amounts to $548,500, less $16,- 427 from surplus and $10,000 rebate on provincial sales tax, or a net of $522,073 to be rats- ed. The amount to be raised by the county in 1963 was estimat- ed at $533,000 when the com- mittee reported at the Novem- ber session. Road 16, Brussels west for eight miles, continues at head of the construction list. Oral Cass, MacNaughton said: "In resigning, he pursued the only honorable and responsible course open to any minister of the crown whose views, ex- pressed or otherwise, injudic- ious or otherwise, are at vari- ance with the policies of the government of which he is a member." She can't get licence amendment on the assurance that the sections could never- theless be debated, The Huron MPP said the prime minister wanted the sec- tions examined and witnesses called so the people of On- tario could determine what prompted the law officers of the crown to draft the legis- lation. "I concur entirely with the prime minister," he said. "The people of Ontario have a right to hear why this was proposed." "If the government is going to proceed to control crimes, and certainly the prime minis- ter has stated on numerous oc- casions that this gov't intends to make Ontario an unhealthy place for crime, then the auth- orities and the police who en- force the laws of the land must have the tools and the weapons to do the job." "If this section was proposed as a tool or a weapon, the public has a right to hear that." The Huron member noted that Prime Minister Robarts said he had been assured by the law Caught in the machine? "WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?" ASKS LORRAINE BROCK She's made five requests for licence applications but no reply Hon. C. S. MacNaughton, Hu- ron MPP, described as "the mark of a great man" the con- duct of prime Minister Robarts in this week's legislature row over the proposed police com- mission amendment. "In all honesty," he said with emphasis, "I was never prouder of the prime minister than I was Monday when he handled this situation. He truly did a magnificent job." The highways minister said Robarts clearly recognized the supremacy of parliament in his acceptance of an amendment from the opposition revising his (the prime minister's) motion. And he accepted full respon- sibility for the actions of his government, "the mark of good leadership". MacNaughton said he f e It "very great doubt" that thebill actually is as serious as was first considered by those who opposed It with such vehemence. He said the bill did not deny any person the right of counsel nor did it give the police com- mission any greater powers than are given other authorities under other acts, both provin- cial or federal. Contacted Tuesday night for comment on the controversial bill, the Huron member was not in the least reluctant to dis- cuss the proceedings or his involvement in them as a cabi- net minister. He suggested the full story will not be revealed until com- mittee hearings are held and indicated these may cast new light on the provisions of the bill. He was not, he confirmed, one of the 12 cabinet ministers who attended the meeting at which former attorney-general Fred M. Cass outlined the amend- ment. He was at his home at the time, "on urgent and per- sonal matters." "However," he stressed, "the fact that I wasn't there doesn't minimize my respon- sibility as a member of the government." The uproar started Thurs- day when the nove-resigneQaat- torney-general introduced 'the amendment to the legislature and described it as "drastic" and "dangerous" to newsmen. The laW gives the police com- mission the right to jail wit- nesses who refuse to answer questions without a trial. It was also claimed that the legis- lation denied witnesses the right of counsel but this does not ap- pear in the wording of the arnendmeet. The introduction led to im- mediate cries of "police state". MacNaughton said the amend- ment was subjected to "inept descriptions that weren't infect true". The resulting connota- tions, however, "were as re- pugna.nt to every minister of the government as they were to the opposition, or for that mat- ter, to the people of Ontario.'' The Huron MPP Supported in the legislature the course propoeed by Prime Minister Roberts, which was that the amendment be submitted to the standing committee on legal bills for thorough itwestiga,- tion, including the calling of witnesses who could explain why the provisions Were in. eluded. The prime minister moved this course with the assurance that if the sections were found to infringe de civil liberties, as was suggested, they wotild be removed. The NEP moved an amendment, however, demand#, int that the sections be removed by the standing committee. The prittle minister accepted the increase of about 20 cents per month fOr residential service. (Both Exeter council and Ex- eter Businessmen's Associa- tion have supported Usborne in its requeet for free-call ser- vice,) Asked why the Bell proposed extension to Hensall and Lucan for Exeter, when town council previously had enquired about free-toll service to Usborne, Area Manager W. W. Haysom said a call study revealed that more calls were being made between Exeter-Lucan and Ex- eter-Hensel' than between Ex- eter-Kirkton. He indicated another survey will be undertaken. Involved in establishing free- call service between Exeter and Kirkton will be the installation of a trunk line, containing at least 15 pairs of connections, joining the two exchanges. Bell officials requested the Blom- shard system to submit a pro- posed route for the line. Robert Mayer questioned of- ficials of both systems as to the possibility of establishing the service in November, at the same time that Kirkton goes dial. "We understand free calls to St. Marys will come into ef- fect at the same time. Is it not possible to give this to Exeter at the same time?" Blanshard system chairman Ross Marshall said "it just can't be done overnight." Other officials explained that calls to Exeter now go through London long distance and that' only seven lines are available at the present time. Since ex- perience has shown that the number of calls increases from five to seven times when free service is provided, an im- mediate move would disrupt the whole Kirkton system. Enquiring about other alter- natives, Mr. Mayer was told that it would cost Usborne sub- scribers about $200 each to buy their release from the Blan- shard system and transfer to either the Frayne system or to Bell at Exeter. The Usborne spokesman felt few subscribers would be willing to pay this amount. Mayer indicated several times, however, that the sub- scribers were willing to pay a higher rate for the service. William Lamport said his bill for calls to Exeter often amounted to as much as the cost of the basic service. Blanshard Municipal Tele- phone System and the Bell Tele- phone Co. will undertake im- mediate studies toward the pro- vision of free-call service be- tween the Exeter and Kirkton exchanges. This was agreed by officials of both systems Tuesday after- noon at a meeting with the On- tario Telephone Commission in 131anshard's new exchange building at Kirkton. It was indicated free-call service between the two ex- changes could be brought about within 18 months, if the systems can make satisfactory arrange- ments, The meeting resulted from a petition of about 150 Usborne township subscribers seeking' toll-free service to Exeter, which the petitioners described as "our retail and commercial centre". The subscribers pre- sently pay a 10e charge on station-to-station calls. The Usborne request, first presented at the annual meet- ing of the Blanshard system March 11, demanded immediate action by Blanshard and asked that the service be instituted by November, the same time that Kirkton subscribers will re- ceive free-call service to St. Marys, Two prime movers of the pe- tition, Robert Mayer and Wil- liam Lamport, presented it to officials of the provincial tele- phone commission Tuesday af- ternoon and were complimented on the "business-like method" by which they did so. V. B. Flynn, chairman of the Ontario commission, express- ed sympathy with the Usborne cause and appeared satisfied that negotiations could be work- ed out. Flynn stated: "If both sys- tems came under the juris- diction of our commission, we could order the plant be pro- vided." However, the commis- sion has authority only over the Blanshard system, not over the Bell company. The chairman quoted section 89 (1) of the Ontario Telephone Act, which states: "Every tele- phone system shall furnish con- tinuous telephone service that adequately and efficiently meets the needs of the public in the territory in which it operates", indicating he felt the Usborne petition fell under the realm of this regulation. Makes urgent appeal for teenager homes Mrs. Cliff Brock, Crediton, has been warned she shouldn't be driving and she doesn't like it. The switchboard operator at RCAF Station Centralia simply hasn't been able to get her 1964 driver's licence and she doesn't think it's her fault. She believes she's a victim of the automated- system age and "I'll be darned if I'm going to sit back and take it." Grand Bend becomes construction centre BELL AGREES Jack Hayne, Bell's regional co-ordinator with independent companies, said his firm was prepared to make the necessary installation, providing the move meets the acceptance of Exeter. "If the Blanshard system de- sires to bring in this service, we'll get the wheels rolling as fast as possible." Bell representatives felt as- surance of support was needed from Exeter because higher rates would be involved for the town. Addition of the Kirkton exchange, as well as the pro- posed extended area service to Lucan and Hensall, would mean over 5,000 telephones could be reached in the free-call Exeter area, and this would involve an GB plans playground Grand Bend likely will be the busiest centre of construction in the area this spring, if present plans materialize. In addition to the highway and bridge, already under construc- tion, contracts have been letfor the resort's new post office and dredging of its harbor. Work is expected to start on these pro- jects immediately. On top of these, council has employed engineers to plan for installation of mains under No. 81 highway to provide for an anticipated' water system, and to design the resurfacing of the village's Main St. which has been designated a connecting link by the department of high- ways. Council is still negotiating for a water system with private individuals who have offered ,to finance its construction. A sod-turning ceremony like- ly will be held Thursday to mark start of construction on children and not just a passing interest. She said a number of inter- views are required and the CAS staff does not have time to work with adults who may en- quire but are not prepared to accept a child. Miss Wilkes stated it was important that applicants "like" teenagers, noting that many adults "are afraid of them". She pointed out that extra compensation is provided for teenagers and that dental and medical care is provided. Clothing, too, is supplied, "We like them to look well dressed," she said. As stated by Director Clare McGowan in a speech here re- cently, the society prefers Christian homes, or at least homes with a faith, rather than those with atheistic leanings. She noted that other societies were accepting atheists aspar- ents but the Huron office did not consider them desirable. Applications should be made in writing to the society office at Goderich. Huron Children's Aid Society this week sent out an "urgent" call for foster homes Which will take children over 12 years to 16. "The situation is rather des- perate," said Miss Gertrude Wilkes at the CAS office in Goderich this week. "We are at , the bottom of our list for teen- age children." She said homes are particularly needed for boys, although some are re- quired for girls, too. "We would like homes where the people are understanding of teenage children," she said, "people who can listen to them talk and who can appreciate that their outward appearance can belie their inward confus- ions." She said no special skills are required by foster parents — "just a desire to guide a child over the adolescent hurd- les which are compounded by his or her not having his br her own family." Miss Wilkes requested that persons who apply have a genuine desire to help these the new village post office, for which the federal contract has been let to Eagleson Construc- tion Co. Value of the award is about $20,000. Bruce Eagleson moved lum- ber onto the lot Wednesday in anticipation of an immediate start. Federal gov't contract for dredging the harbor has been let to Dean Construction Co., Windsor, which e xp e c te d to Move equipment to the job early next week. In the meantime, and as part of the work, L. H. Turnbull and Son, Grand Bend, will move a crane onto the north pier Thurs- day to dig out an emergency channel for fishing vessels. Smaller boats have been able to use the harbor with some difficulty but at least two of the larger boats have not been able to get in or out. Engineering crews already are working on surveys for the Main St. resurfacing and the water mains across the high- way. The mains must be in- stalled before highWay rebuild- ing can be completed. Erection of the neWfOur-lane bridge, by Hot Construction CO., 0 akville; is prOgreseing on schedule. Swi m ming pool fun In regard to the water system, • • darned if I'll do that. I don't think I should have to pay a penalty for what I think is the government's fault." In the meantime, she's con- cerned because Ontario Pro- vincial Police have told her she'll be charged if they catch her driving. This was the reply she received after explaining her predicament. MPP MacNaughton sympa- thized with her. "Sometimes, officials interpret the letter of the law rather than the spirit of it. Unfortunately, that's their privilege under our system". He said there was every rea- son to expect the department could be at fault and he made no apologies for it. There were bound to be problems in es- tablishing a new system which involved so many people, Murray Holmes, chief ex- aminer at the depot of transport office in Clinton, wasn't as sym- pathetic, although he admitted the department should have re- cognized Mrs. Brock's requests for applications by now. He felt people who didn't receive their application by Feb. 28 should have taken ac- tion immediately. "Wouldn't the average person be concerned if they didn't have their licence by the deadline?" he asked. Pointing out people could pay $3.00 and have a new test to get a licence, he said many who missed the deadline have done this. While not suggesting Mrs. Brock's story wasn't true, he said many other people had been indignant about what es- sentially was their own neglect. As an example, he described one man who stormed into the Clinton office demanding to know why he hadn't received his application. When he pro- duced his licence, it turned out to be a 1962 permit. Mrs. Brock claims there are others in the same boat, but she appears to be the only one will- ing to complain publicly."Oth- ers have told me they have the same problem, but they're af- raid to say anything because of the police. They're frightened to drive but they have to get to work." A Dept of Transport official at Clinton doesn't think the gov- ernment's entirely to blame over the situation, either, but suggests there may be some fault on both sides. Informed of the situ at io n Tuesday, Huron MPP C. S. MacNaughton made a standing offer to handle all such prob- lems personally, despite his busy schedule as minister of highways. "After all," the m inister made clear, "my first respon- sibility is representative for Huron riding and I'm prepared to put that first." "In every instance, where the problem is legitimately shown to be the fault of the depart- ment, I'm prepared to do every- thing in my power to correct the situation." His first letter probably will be from Mrs. Brock. Here's her story: She didn't receive her ap- plication for the new driver's licence by the deadline date of Feb. 28 and she didn't ap- ply for a temporary 60-day per- mit after the deadline date be- cause she didn't notice the an- nouncements in the press or on radio. But, since then, she has sent in no less than five requests for her renewal ap- plication, as recommended by area government offices. "I haven't heard a thing to date," she says. "I'm told I can get a li- cence if I'll pay my $3.00 and take a new test but be Directors of the Grand Bend and Area Chamber of Com- merce, meeting in the Village Inn Monday night, directed Len Grindlay, a member of the pro- jects committee, to investigate the possibilities of installing some playground equipment on the beach. Mr, Grindlay will get prices and permission from councilfor this playground project. A representative of an Oak- ville firm which specializes in housenumberirig will be in- vited to the next general meet- ing April 27. This firm num- bered the towns of Exeter and Clinton and other Ontario cen- tres. Methods of raising money to pay for this project will be discussed at that time. The repairing and repainting of the benches on the beach will be undertaken again this year. There are about 50 of these put on the beach by the Chamber of Commerce four years a.go. Ad- vertising space is sold on theee benches to pay for their upkeep. Word from CFPL radio that a bottling firm will be broad- casting from different locations in Grand Bend on various Week- ends during the summer was received and a letter of ap- preciation will be sent to them. With time running short for getting brochures prepared and printed, the directors advised the committee in charge to get reprints of last year's. d passes $14,000 mark emitted, Council's next meet., ing is April 6. Former mayor R. E. PoOley, who is head Of the finance COM- tnittee, released the list of donations to date Which appears In this issue, The list is diVided -ePleeee hire to page 3 Wins fellowship Keith Bertram Jobsbn, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. T. Jobson, Exeter Who has been teaching criminal law at Ealheusie, has been granted the Bughett fel- IOW ship at Coiiiinbia Ilniver sity. The award, valued at $6,175; it for research in criminal law At the end of his fellowship stu- dies, he will qualify for his MA in law. Announcements 12 Church Votides 4 V It V • 4 4 12 Coining "Events ,0 .0 I. . 12 Editorials 4 4 • • • • • • • • 2 Eakin News e 4 • • • 4 4 4 • g Feminine Facts 'N andiet 8,9 Bengali 41'1, iliVti4V1•4 4 1.,ucan t • . 4 4 . ,t0 Sports.. 0 • 607 Want Ads . w 10,11 Acknowledging all ettntribue tions and pledges to date, the district SWiniming pool eturti- atittee this week announced over $121,560 has been raised. "We're within 'striking dis- tance'," said Co-chairman Mel Gaiter this "Week; "Enthusiasm is building Up and construction could Mart within a couple of weeks if we can secure Co- operation in raising the 'test Of the ftinde," The committee needs a total of $20,000 in donations. Another $10,000 Will come Iron' town and proVindial grants, Co-chairmen Gaiter and Gi A. Webb said the drive Will ton, time as fatt as poatible within the next two weeks in the hopes Of meeting requirements set by Connell for the letting of the council last week requested two Men to present in Writing their offer to supply water by the Stirrat system, which was test- ed last month on the beach. Grant Stirrat, Bright's GroVe, designer Of the system, and Ben Baldwin; London, who is providing finanCial backing, also have been requested to sub- Mit blueprints and specifica- tions of their proposed system. These are nedeSgaryfor pre- senta.tion to the °WPC for ap- proval before the village can prodeed with the projedt. Council has Officially named COUncillOrt D e tjardlne and Coles to the titiensi water committee, Whith it acting in an adVisOrY capacity. Graham Veld and Associates, Toronto, haVe been adVited that their services as consulting engineers were 'no longer re, quired by the Village. This firm had been hired earlier this year. Usborne approves three ileW dedielg Engineet"e reports On three neW drains and one repair were provisionally adopted by Vs. borne council "Tuesday after- noon following their reading in the township hall. The drains include the beeliw stra, bayrnin and McElrea., and the repair was of the Tow drain,