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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1965-04-22, Page 1TOM MacMILLAN Only two-thirds pass safety check ....3777"., —MAU som-4,, EXETER, ONTARIO, APRIL 22, 1965 Price Per Copy 10 Cents Shelved for at least year NO HELP FOR DAM PROJECT Mayor to get chain --councillors to pay The fate of the Parkhill dam probably won't be decided for at least another year. That information was passed onto area councils this week by Freeman Hodgins, chairman of the Ausable River Conservation Authority. It was written after the ARCA learned from the Hon. J. R. Seek three EMO police There's certainly not as much in it now Mrs. Gerald "Pat" Skinner was a great deal more proficient in estimating how much silver was in the chest at British Mortgage & Trust than she was in estimating how much she could scoop out. She was dumbfounded but quite happy when local manager C. V. Barrett told her she had managed to scoop out $94.95 after she was declared winner of the silver estimating contest, Thursday. Mrs. Skinner estimated the chest contained $418.75, a mere 35Q short of the correct amount—$419.10. Estimates on the contest ranged from a low of $38 to one submitted by a local youngster of $38 million. Many adults were as much as $5,000 and $6,000 out on their estimates too. Mrs. Skinner is shown here making her grand scoop — and she got to keep all that spilled onto the floor and table too. Watching from the left are: Mrs. Beth Hall, public relations officer for BM&T, Mrs. Robert Hem, Gerald Skinner and C. V. Barrett. --Photo by Doerr GB backs county assessment, battle looms over hydro help ness assessment, since out- side assessors would likely "assess by the book" without consideration for the seasonal nature of the village business- es. Then he summed up by say- ing that talking wouldn't do much good, since the change was going to happen anyway. Simonett, minister of energy and resources management, that there would be no increase in grants to the project until such time as a select committee studying conservation authori- ties makes its report. "I feel that the project should remain in obeyance for a year," Simonett reported in his letter to the Authority. He indicated that one of the terms of reference of the select committee would be a study of the provincial grant system in use today to allow Conservation Authorities to undertake certain capital works. "As a result of the delibera- tions, this committee will make recommendations to the gov- ernment which, if accepted, could be to the advantage of Conservation Authorities such as yours, as it undertakes pro- jects of considerable size and requiring extensive capital out- lay," the minister told the ARC A. In his letters to the muni- cipalities in the watershed, Hodgins said they could be sure that as soon as the proposed select committee begins to function, the Authority on be- half of the municipalities, would immediately pursue the matter in the hopes of being able to complete the project and suc- cessfully conclude "the dif- ficulties we have been ex- periencing". "The longer it is delayed the — Please turn to back page Later Barrett explained to Del- bridge he would not be permitted to wear the chain with his coveralls. It was finally decided that the decision of what style to order be left with Clerk Pick- ard and his secretary, Jean Taylor. During the discussion, Del- bridge pointed out to council in a serious mood that some people had the idea that his being mayor was a joke and the debate on the chain was par- tially to blame for this at- titude. He pointed out he was trying to be as conscientious in his position as possible. Many members of council expressed regret that there should be this feeling and made statements that the purchase of the chain was originated in all sincerity as a mark of their respect to the office of mayor. It was noted that while the debate that started back in Jan- uary had produced many light- hearted comments they were in no way personally directed at Delbridge. Councillor Mery C ud mo re suggested the medallion on the chain should be inscribed with the name of the mayor and that each be presented with it upon his retirement. OPP report no accidents MacMillan gets Lions position At a meeting in Clinton Wed- nesday, Tom MacMillan was elected Deputy Governor of Dis- trict 3 of Lions International. Representatives from 13 Lions Clubs attended and the local member was appointed by ac- clamation. Chairmen for the north and south zones of the District are W. E. Southgate, Seaforth, and Bill Conron, Wingham. MacMillan, past chairman of Exeter's RAP committee was a zone chairman last year and in 1963 was president of the Exeter club. Speaker at the Clinton meet- ing was A. J. Sweitzer, Exeter, a past Governor of the District and now an International Coun- cillor. He spoke to the group on Lionism. PLAN PARK Preparing a plan for the beau- tification of the north bank of the Ausable River on the east side of Highway 21, council de- cided not to enter into an agree- ment with John and Richard Manore who own some 100' of river bank immediately east of the bridge. It is in this area that the resort will construct a cen- tennial park. Hensall The Manores, who operate Riverside Marine at the south pier on the lake, plan to dock their river frontage and install a set of steps to the top of the bank. John Manore proposed that the village could plant low standing trees and otherwise beautify the Manore land, pro- vided they would be permitted to dock an additional 180' of village-owned frontage farther east to the Walker drain. Council members plan to at- tend the next meeting of the village PUC in regard to the lights strung across the main street. The matter of the lights has been brought up several times and no final decision made. At the same time they intend to remind the PUC of certain Council lauds teens for splendid parade An advertisement appears in this issue seeking applications for the positions of auxiliary policemen in Exeter. Three men will be required — one for each of the three regular men on the local force. The matter had been debated in council for some time with no action being taken, but things came to a head Tuesday follow- ing a visit to Exeter by Huron EMO co-ordinator Stuart Forbes. He interviewed Mayor Jack Delbridge and Councillor Ted Wright, chairman of the pro- tection to persons and property committee, and received per- mission from the two to go ahead on the project. Chief C. H. MacKenzie will be called on to train the accept- ed candidates and their uni- forms and training will be paid entirely out of EMO funds. The men will be strictly vol- unteers and will not receive remuneration for their time, unless hired by the council for specific duties. Exeter is the last town in the county to go ahead with the scheme, and reports from the other four centres indicates officials are pleased with the idea. While council will be asked to approve the appointment of the candidates, they will have no control over them. Auxiliary police are under the direct control of the local police chief. They will be called upon to assist during an "emergency" that may arise in the com- munity, but will also be avail- able for duties on special oc- casions when the need arises. In Goderich, the auxiliary policemen accompany one of the regular officers on his nightly rounds one night each week. Announcements 10 Church Notices 10 Coming Events 10 Editorials 2 Feminine Facts 'N Fancies 8,9 4 Sports . 5 Want Ads 6,7 Lucan Shamrock Special Supplement Area motorists, obviously well accustomed to winter driv- ing conditions, had little trouble coping with the snowy conditions over the Easter weekend. While safety experts predict- ed the usual large-scale slaugh- ter on highways, it didn't come true in the area covered by the Exeter OPP. They didn't have one accident to investigate. Cpl. C. J. Mitchell cited two other reasons for the lack of accidents over the holiday weekend: vigilant patrolling by his men and co-operation from the motoring public. Mayor Jack Delbridge — and his successors — will have a chain of office to wear! That decision was reached by council this week with the only objector being the Mayor. He reiterated earlier state- ments that he did not want to put this expense to the town. But, as it worked out, rate- payers won't foot any of the $76 bill for the decorative symbol to be worn by the chief magis- trate. After a motion to purchase the chain had been made, Coun- cillor Joe Wooden presented an amendment that the cost be paid for by deducting equal shares from each councillor's stipend. This met with c omplete agreement from all. Works superintendent Paisley said he would contribute $5 and Clerk C. V. Pickard volunteered to add $10. "Do you want to get in on this?" Mayor Delbridge ques- tioned T-A editor Bill Batten. The latter agreed that the news- paper would contribute $5 to the project if the Mayor con- sented to pose for a picture. Delbridge agreed, but asked that the picture not be taken until the actual chain arrived. A sample chain was shown at the meeting, consisting of a bright, blue ribbon on which hangs a golden, decorative chain. A medallion is suspend- ed to the chain. However, the decision on what style of chain to buy did not meet with quick approval. "It's dashing, but I would prefer it without the blue rib- bon," Wooden stated. Taylor thought the r ibb on should be "pansy pink" but Wright noted that blue showed loyalty. The Mayor thought the blue would be satisfactory in that this was the color omitted from the new Canadian flag. Some thought the bows on the ribbon should be left off. "It's very dignified," Bailey suggested. "But I don't want to be dig- nified," Delbridge retorted. To serve new development GRAND BEND Grand Bend council decided Monday night to query the On- tario Municipal Board in regard to the action needed to equalize costs of public school operation. A problem arises in the re- sort because they are now joined with Stephen Township following legislation instituted January 1. However, Stephen is in Huron County and Grand Bend is in Lambton County. In a meeting with the Stephen Township assessor, Ross Haugh, the Grand Bend asses- sor, Murray DesJardins, was unable to achieve what he felt was a fair arrangement with regard to sharing costs of pub- lic school operation. Explaining the situation to council, DesJardins noted that "unfortunately the assessment in certain parts of Stephen is ridiculously low — and although it's supposed to be equalized, it's not, and as a result Grand Bend will be penalized". "The solution", said the clerk-assessor, "would be if we were in Bosanquet school area, instead of Stephen." "Yes, or else the whole vil- lage should be in Huron County — either one," added Reeve Stewart Webb. Later in the meeting, coun- cil requested Webb to vote in favor of county assessing when Lambton council sits on the topic. The resort reeve is chairman of the assessing com- mittee of the county. HO pointed Out that "county assessing" would have the ef- fect of levelling the base of assessment throughout the county and though initial cost of establishing the system would be high, this would soon be re- claimed by gain in assessment in some areas rich in industry, or where property assessments have been low. Clerk DesJardins, who also acts as assessor, explained that county assessing could m e an three things: loss of jobs of present assessors; more cost to Grand Bend — possibly as much as $2,500 instead of the present $800 salary plus sta- tionery; probable higher busi- Urged to keep some powers' After council members split their votes, Mayor Delbridge this week cast the deciding vote against concurring with a reso- lution calling for more pro- vincial assistance for municipal police forces. The resolution came from the Township of Saltileet and called for the Ontario government to share part of the cost of muni- cipal police. The resolution not- ed this could also lead to a more standardized police ser- vice and a better police service for municipalities. "They're making the towns do more and more," commented Wright, adding that the local police had a vast amount of paper work to comply withpro- vincial regulations. "And we're not getting very much of the fines," noted Clerk C. V. Pickard. Most of the members appear- ed to be in 'agreement with con- curring, but Wooden said he didn't agree with it, pointing out it could eventually lead to Provincial Police being estab- lished in all communities with local police being eliminated. "We keep complaining about the government taking things away from us," he went on, "but it's actually the munici- palities' own fault. They're giv- ing their powers away." "You dang birds!" Mayor Delbridge exclaimed after not- ing the 4-4 split on the vote and the necessity for his tie- breaking decision. Seek sewer for Edward St. reports to council that the PUC is required by law to make by April 1 of each year. This includes information about the number of customers served, complete balance sheet, state- ment of revenue and expendi- tures, salaries, etc. Council apparently has been curious about the operation of the PUC for some time. The two-man commission, plus the reeve ex-officio, hires a staff of three and maintains a cer- tain amount of equipment. For more technical work, the PUC calls upon Ontario Hydro work- men from Exeter. Councillor John Teevins, who spearheads the inquiry into PUC affairs, remarked, "the last straw was last week, when I saw Exeter hydro men sweep- ing off the parking lot up there". In other business, council: Filed a request for a $100 grant from Fairbank House to assist with the adult education centre. Requested that building in- spector William Rendle inspect a new house nearing completion on Queen Street. It is suspected the house is covering more than 50% of the lot, which is against the rules of the building per- mit issued. Learned the county mill rate had increased only from 15 mills to 15.1. Set daylight saving time to start on Sunday morning, April 25. Took no action on a request for approval for an addition to the Forest District High School pending an explanation from their representative on the board, Clayton Mathers. removed is an elm in front of the C aven Presbyterian Church. The tree has been hit with Dutch Elm disease. At the suggestion of Council- lor Ted Wright, it was unani- mously decided at Monday's session of council to write a letter of commendation to Exe- ter Teen Town for the "splen- did" Easter parade they staged recently. "The kids deserve a lot of credit and recognition," Wright stated in noting the parade was one of the best he has ever seen in town. Many other councillors added brief words of commendation for the teenagers. Reeve Derry Boyle said he felt the local teenagers were the most active Exeter had ever had. "And it (parade) shows what type of teenagers they are too," Wright added. Council also expressed com- plete satisfaction with the firm presently trimming and remov- ing trees in Exeter. They were told 40 trees had been purchased to replace the ones being re- moved. One of the largest trees lobe U property owners on Edward Street from James to Huron Streets agree to prepayment of charges, they will be supplied with a sanitary sewer. And if they agree, it will mean that local builder, Art Whilsmith, will be granted permission to erect an eight-unit senior citi- zens' home on the east side of Edward Street at the end of James. After being told the Huron County Health Unit had declared that his proposed site did not have sufficient land to accom- modate a septic tank, Whilsmith told council Monday he would pre-pay the sewer charges on the property and also on his residence to the south of the proposed building. He told council he did not agree with the Health Unit's decision, but would rather in- stall sewers than debate the issue any farther if possible. "I believe the land is most suitable", he reported. "Can we afford to put a sewer down there if enough pre-pay?" Mayor Delbridge questioned. Clerk C. V. Pickard reported it could be done with sufficient pre-payment. Councillor Wooden asked whether it would be any more economical to extend the Ed- ward Street sewer up to John Street, pointing out it would involve about another 15 per- sons. Reeve Boyle noted there were With tongue in cheek? Lose hour on weekend three of the residents that would be included in this section pre- sent at council and suggested they be asked whether they would pre-pay sewer charges. The three to whom he refer- red were Mayor Delbridge and Councillors Wooden and Bar- rett. "There's some pretty poor people live in there," the Mayor chuckled. "Yes, I know," Wooden re- plied. Wooden explained he would like a sewer but wouldn't argue for it personally. Works superintendent Pais- ley was then asked by council to interview residents from James to Huron Streets to as- certain how many would pre- pay so the sewer could be con- structed this year. Whilsmith was told he would have his answer in a few days. Two suffer injury in identical location SIDEWALKS BAD In a report from the side- walk committee, Councillor Gandon reported some of the "major faults" had been view- ed by the committee and a re- commendation was made that these spots be repaired to the extent the budget will permit. The Anglican cleric explained that it would take at least five sheets of paper to record the "bad spots". It was indicated that streets weren't in much better shape either as Councillor Wooden said he couldn't recall when the roads were so bad. However, Taylor replied that he has seen them a lot worse. Road committee chairman Ralph Bailey reported one lady had been stuck in the middle of one of the roads and it has since been closed to traffic. He asked that works superin- tendent Paisley attempt to eli- minate some of the problems by digging small drainage holes to below the frost line in the middle of roads at various points to permit the water to seep away. It was noted that some of the trouble was caused by the fact the water can not get away be- cause of the frost in the ground. ISSUE PERMITS After a lengthy delay, council finally approved an addition for the welding shop of Don Mac- Gregor on William Street. The issuing of the permit necessitated amending the zon- ing bylaw because the planned addition is for a non-conforming use in a residential section. Some complaints were heard and these were aired at acoun- cii session earlier this year. Other permits were issued to: Fred Tilley, for a $1,200 carport and renovations to his home on Gidley Street; Gerald Campbell, construction of a 4250 dormer to his home on Huron Street; C. A. McDowell, for erection of the $15,000 stor- age building being built by the PUC at the rear of their Main Street office. Switzer was $700 and $375 to the Armstrong car. An Exeter woman, Mrs. Emma Johnston, '71 Main Street, sustained a neck injury at the same intersection last Tuesday when the car she was riding in was rammed from behind by a dump truck. Gar Johnston, 139 Gidley Street, was the driver of the car in which his mother Was a passenger and he was stopped on Main Street behind another northbound car that was wait- ing for traffic to clear to make a left turn onto Victoria. The truck was owned by Sam Sweitzer, Exeter, and was driven by Stuart M. Sweitzer, RR 2 Dashwood. The Johnston vehicle sustain- ed damages estimated at $800. Both c r a Sh s were inves- tigated by Constable Harry Van Bergen. Damages amounted to ap- proximately $2,000 and two per- sons were slightly injured in accidents at almost the identical spot in Exeter last week. The spot was the intersection of Main and Victoria Streets. Two cars, one of which con- tained a group of Clinton bowl- ers, crashed there Saturday afternoon at 2:15. The cars were driven by Donald Switzer, Clinton and William D. Arm- strong, RR 3 Hayfield. Switzer and his fellow bowl- ers were proceeding south on Main Street when Armstrong pulled into their path as hepro- ceeded to make a left turn onto Main Street from V ic toria Street. One of the Clinton bowlers, A. J. Matthews, was heated at South Huron Hospital for a bruised shin bone. Damage to the car driven by Of 903 vehicles recently inspected atRCAF Centraliaby department of transport safety Inspectors; only 609 were passed on the first Inspection. Another 171 were passed on re-Inspection after faults were corrected, while the remaining 123 were not passed. With the busy driving season approach- ing, 'area drivers should take note that one in three cars is not'safe. Shown above checking the first car through the "safety lane" are, from the left: FA. L. Henderson, W/C W. Bracken, Sgt, Arnold, all of RCAF Centralia; and H. Pocock, department of transport inspector, --RCAF photo Do Reeve Derry Boyle and Deputy-Reeve Bailey exagger- ate the merits of Exeter during their periodic visits to Huron County council? A lengthy laugh by most local councillors at Monday night's meeting suggests they possibly may. This was brought to light when a letter was received from Clinton's Deputy-Reeve George Wonch noting his community was in the midst of a dilemma over their dogs. The laughter came when his letter went on to say that he understood from "your two good county representatives" that Exeter has a system that was working very well. After the laughter subsided, Clerk Pickard read on that Wonch wanted details of the system being followed here. "I think our success has been highly exaggerated," mus- ed Wooden. At any rate, Boyle recom- mended that the letter be an- swered to inform Wonch of the system employed by Exeter. "/ think you should explain that it isn't quite perfeet," suggested Councillor Wright, chairman of the protection to persons and property eorninit- tee, which is trying to deal with EXeter's dog problem. START ON ANOTHER At the urging of Wooden, council approved a motion to proceed immediately with the necessary steps for the con- struction of the Pryde Boule- vard sewer. "It's time we moved," he stated, pointing out the situation along this street was udisas- trOus and ridiculous". To back up his statement, it was explained that one septic tank had "blown up" this week from pressure on it and had spewed its contents onto the street. The steps to be taken include contacting any new owners to determine if they will pre-pay charges and to have Paisley draw up plans and estimates for the project. It is hoped construction will start as soon as weather per- mits. In other business, council: Learned that the amount of money required by the Public School board for the year was $60,000. This is $5,000 less than laSt year and is due in part to a surplus the board had — Please turn to back page You lose an hour of sleep this weekend! The area shifts to Daylight Saving Time, so resident s should move their clock ahead one hour when they retire Sat- urday night or early Sunday morning if you happen to be a night-hawk. The hour of sleep won't be recovered until October 31 this year. While all area councils have designated this weekend for the time change, G r and Bend's members Indicated they didn't like it. In fact they decided to write a letter to Ontario'Premier John Robarts asking that the stipulat- ed time for DST begin one month later and end one month earlier. If that can't be done, they suggest DST be dropped entire- ly. Main reason for the dis- pleasure in the resort is the fact that many of the summer holidayers are residents of Michigan, where Standard Time prevails throughout the year. When Michigan residents ar- rive in Grand Bend they have already lost an hour in which to patronize resort operators.