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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1967-01-19, Page 1Recreation officials Ninety-third Year EXETER, ONTARIO, JANUARY 19, 1967 Price Per Copy 15 Cents Government approves study to determine Centralia use location, size, age of structures, cost of maintenance, and a var- iety of other factors, said Mr. Randall. He said that only last week he had sent experts from the On- tario Development Corporation to study first-hand de-activated military air bases in the United States. They reported that many abandoned air fields are being used for civilian and private flying operations. The study is expected to be completed by early spring. can reasonably be adapted for business and commercial pur- poses and the effect that such a project might have on the local e c o nom y," Mr. Randall said. He said a number of enquiries have already been received for the rental of hangars and other buildings at the base. However, experience in both Canada and the United States has shown con- clusively that there are wide variations to the potential uses of such bases, depending upon Report grandstand may not be safe Although they stated they didn't want to throw any cold water on the proposal to move the local rodeo site to the fairgrounds, members of Exeter council ap- peared skeptical about the sug- gestion, Monday. The discussion took place after To help restore Exeter cathedral Old costumes reappear at church Many of the overflow crowd in attendance at the centennial church service in James Street United Church, Sunday, showed up in old-fashioned attire. Shown above are Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Mack, Crediton and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Taylor, RR 3 Exeter. A complete photo coverage of the event appears on pages 10 and 11. — T-A photo Wins portable TV Mrs. Ray Cann, RR 3 Exeter, receives a 12" portable TV from Tom Vickerman, manager of the local Beaver Lumber store. Mrs. Cann won the prize in a contest held among Exeter customers. Her name will now be entered along with the winners from the other 80 stores in Ontario for a chance on a 1967 Barracuda. The contest marked the lumber firm's 60th anniversary. — T- A photo Crowd overflow church for centennial services Didn't appoint man he was too nice Described as a "token dona- tion", Exeter council this week voted to donate $50 to help re- store a cathedral in Exeter, Eng- land. The cathedral was bombed out in World War II. The suggestion that the dona- tion be considered came from Ian Watson, a house master at Ash- berry College, Ottawa. He indicated in his letter he taught for a time near Exeter, England, and would be prepared to come to Exeter and relate the history of the cathedral if council so desired. Members decided to turn the letter over to the Rev. Phil Gandon, rector of the Trivitt Memorial Church, who has in- -- Please turn to page 3 Ontario Development Corpora- tion has launched a feasibility study to see if Centralia Air Force Base can be used as an industrial park. Treasury Minister Charles S. MacNaughton and Economics and Development Minister Stanley J. Randall said this week in a joint statement that the ODC study will also consider other uses for the 700-acre property. The base is being rapidly de- activated and all military per- sonnel will be withdrawn by Sep- tember 1967. The property has been turned over to the Crown Assets Disposal Corporation in Ottawa. Mr. MacNaughton said ar- rangements with the federal gov- ernment allow a three to four- month period for the detailed feasibility study. The Treasury Board has approved an expendi- ture of $25,000 for this purpose. Mr. MacNaughton said as soon as the Ontario government be- came aware the base would be de-activated, consideration was given for its possible use for government purposes. At the same time, contracts were made with the Crown Assets Disposal Corporation in Ottawa, which had taken it over, with a view to ob- taining an option on the property. While these negotiations for an option were continuing, the On- tario Development Corporation was authorized to engage a firm of consultants to prepare a com- prehensive and detailed report on potential uses for the base. The firm of Stevenson and Kellogg was engaged and the studies were commenced even before formal completion of ne- gotiations with the Crown Assets Disposal Corporation. The feasibility study will show if there is a reasonable basis for establishing an i n du s trial park at Centralia. The Ontario Department of Agriculture and Food is also considering using part of the base for agricultural research purposes. "The study being undertaken by ODC will seek to establish whether or not existing facilities After delaying the appointment of a new policeman while they waited for an investigation by the Ontario Police Commission, Exeter council has apparently now decided not to follow the advice proposed by the Police C ommission. Ted Wright, chairman of the protection to persons and prop- erty committee, Monday night advised that his committee was recommending that council "take no action" in regard to hiring another policeman, to fill the vacancy created when Jim War- ren was relieved of his duties. Council had advertised twice for applicants to fill the vacancy and had interviewed at least one candidate. However, Wright reported that his committee could not reach unanimous agreement as to whether to hire the man. He said it was the general conclusion that the applicant "was too nice a guy to be a policeman." Members o f council didn't question the committee's deci- sion and Reeve Derry Boyle, who chaired the council session, did not ask for any discussion on the matter. Wright also said in his report that he did not know whether the local brigade would be considered a two or three-man detachment while Special Constable Irwin Ford was still employed in that position. He noted this could prove worthy of investigation, due to the fact the Ontario Provincial Police are taking over all one- man forces in the province, and presumably would take over the two-man units next. His main concern appeared to be a matter of cost, as members have expressed the opinion that it will be more expensive to have the services of the OPP in com- parison to municipal forces. However, an announcement this week indicates that the services of the OPP are being offered free to communities with one-man forces. SEEK LIGHT Near the end of his report, Wright stated he had not for- gotten his project to initiate in- -- Please turn to Page 3 melodian for the service of song, which consisted of favorites of the last century. "Amens" and "hallelujahs" resounded during the prayers and sermon. The latter was entitled "Noah's Faith" and was delivered in the church in 1867 by the Rev. George Webber of the then First Bible Christian Church, "That was sure a hell-fire sermon you preached tonight," one member of the congregation remarked to Rev. Lewis after the service. Indeed, the description was fitting! Rev. Webber's sermon had told of the great suffering of women and children as they were swal- lowed up by the water which covered the earth — and the high- est mountains. Following the church service, light refreshments were served by the young ladies of the church. brother (or sister)" was the greeting extended by Larry Snid- er and Gerald Godbolt. Inside, folks were ushered to their seats by other members of the club in similar attire. Many sported beards of various shapes and sizes--some being authentic. The church was illuminated by 50 coal oil lamps provided by Mrs. Allen Fraser, local antique dealer. Many of the churchgoers wore costumes which were prevalent in the days of their forefathers. Some entire families arrive d gowned in authentic finery. The choir members were all in costume as were the Rev. S. E. Lewis, song leader Carf Cann and organist Robert Cameron. The latter played a 100-year-old It's becoming rather apparent that the enthusiasm being gener- ated throughout the district will make 1967 a year to remember. Even the most optimistic residents couldn't have dared to think that the January 2 cere- mony at the Exeter town hall would have been so successful and attended by so many persons. However, that event was com- pletely overshadowed by Sunday night's centennial church ser- vice held in James Street United C hurch. Estimates of the crowd which attended range from 1,000 to 1,200, and it was possibly the largest church service ever held in Exeter. The main auditorium and gal- lery of the largest of the com- munity's churches were filled to capacity and some people stood. In addition, the ladies' parlour was filled and more worshippers spilled into the halls and Sunday School rooms. No one in attendance at the community event could say whether it was authentic in com- parison to a church service of 186'7, but there was no doubt but what every step had been taken to ensure that fact as closely as possible. Members of the AOTS Men's Club of the church, who organiz- ed the event in conjunction with the Exeter centennial committee, greeted churchgoers wearing the Prince Albert coats common 100 years ago. "Welcome to the meeting, Thefts in district are investigated Members of the Exeter OPP detachment are investigating two thefts in the area. Management at the Hensall Saw Mill report the loss of about 35 gallons of gas during the past week or so. The gas was ap- parently removed from trucks and machinery by means of a siphon. Sometime over the weekend, chrome wheel discs valued at $50 were removed from a car on the lot of Larry Snider Motors Ltd. a letter had been received from the Board of Trade asking for a council representative to attend a m eeting with the Board of Trade, RAP, Agricultural Socie- ty, Exeter Saddle Club and the operators of the rodeo, to dis- cuss the possibility of using the fairgrounds for the event. At present it is held on the Saddle Club grounds on Huron St., two miles west of Exeter. Reeve Boyle said it was the contention of some people that the rodeo could attract up to 15,000 people if it was held at Exeter for two nights. However, for this to happen, the present ball diamond in front of the grandstand would have to be removed and new floodlights erected. The present floodlights would be used to illuminate the rodeo area so the program could be held at night. Boyle said the interested parties have indicated they would b e prepared to build a new dia- mond and erect new floodlights on it. However, Boyle explained that the venture may be more costly than what the promoters would estimate. He said RAP would have to be assured that the pro- moters would be prepared to spend up to $10,000 to build a new diamond and erect new lights. Councillor Joe Wooden agreed with the figure proposed by Boyle. Councillor Newby, who also sits on RAP with Boyle, said that group had questioned how sturdy the local grandstand may be. It was stated that the footings at the grandstand are starting to tilt. Works Superintendent J i m Paisley said he doubted if the structure would hold a full crowd safely. While members noted the vast cash outlay and the possibility that the grandstand may not be of any use, they did point out they were willing to attend fur- ther discussions on the matter. "We don't want to discourage anyone, but we have to be real- istic." Wooden commented. It was decided that Councillor George Vriese would represent council at the meeting to be held among the various groups tonight (Thursday). In another discussion on park facilities, council turned down a request from local horsemen that -- Please turn to Page 3 SOME HORSES Hitching rails had been erect- ed outside the church and two rigs were tied up at evening. However, in the afternoon there were about seven or eight which showed up and provided interest- ing subjects for local photograph- ers. There were plenty of the latter on hand at the service, which was covered by news media in London and Wingham. Last night (Wednesday) the la- dies of the church sponsored an old-time fowl supper. Weather is rough, but accidents few Despite hazardous driving con- ditions at times during the past week, the Exeter OPP detachment reported only four accidents this week. All but one of those was comparatively minor. The most serious took place on Saturday at 1;30 a,m. when two cars collided on Highway Area pair add color to event Firemen ask pay increase New warden gets acclamation All appointments have been made to Exeter's RAP committee for 1967. At the left is chairman Ron Bogart and at the right, Mrs. Pete Durand, the first woman to serve on the board that administers the programs of recreation, arena and parks for the town.—T-A photo Bert Gibbings, Clinton w h o brought greetings from the Sheriff of Nottingham in England. M r. Gibbings, who described himself to council as the "grand- son of the first white boy in the Huron Tract" said he had been introduced to the Nottingham gen- tleman while enjoying a trip abroad, RAP ups salaries — to follow council tiY SHIRLEY KELLER Donald McKenzie, Reeve of Ashfield Township was acclaimed Warden of Huron County for 1967 - Canada's centennial year - at the opening session of county council in Goderich on Tuesday. Kenneth Stewart, 1966 Warden promised Warden McKenzie an interesting year — "one you will never forget" — as he presented his successor with the chain of office, the golden key of office and the gavel. Judge R. E. Hetherington, who GB reeve fails in Lambton try Ory Wassmann, reeve of the village of Grand Bend, failed in an attempt to become the warden Of Lambton county for the year 1967. The chief magistrate of the popular summer resort was eliminated on the first ballot in a four man battle for the top position in the county. George Butler, reeve of Dawn township, is the new warden of Latribton. OtherS in the race were Cecil Armstrong of Courtright and Stanley Campbell of Point Edward. administered the oath of office to Warden McKenzie, asked that county councillors re-dedicate themselves to "streamline" their own branches of government and to "harmonize" with all other phases of government in Canada. Judge Hetherington said county council might strive for a "last- ing memorial, a record of its own excellence in the perfor- mance of its duty." Rev. J. Donald MacDonald of North Street United Church in Goderich conducted the brief de- votional. Speaking to council, Warden McKenzie 'c ailed the twelve months now beginning a "level- ling out year" after the problems of 1966,- including wage problems in the county. He urged members to develop a greater appreciation for Canada during Centennial year and to encourage apprecia- tion in others. The only other nominee for the position of Warden was Calvin Krauter, Reeve of BrusSels. The popular councillor told his as- sociates that he would decline the nomination b e c au s e he had pledged his support tOMCKeritie, but declared he would definitely be a candidate for Huron's top office in 1088. On hand for the ceremony were Warden Mckerizie''s wife Flor- Alvin Willert and his assistant Gary Middleton. Although each man received some boost in salary in Decem- ber, the recent action of town council in granting substantial increases to the police force and other employees, apparently resulted in a further request. In December the rec director received a raise of $400 and his assistant $200. On Monday, Willert and Middle- ton were each granted an ad- ditional increase of $250, bring- ing their total salaries to $5,150 and $4,300 respectively. Gord Baynham was appointed to represent RAP at tonight's meeting called to discuss the possibilities of establishing a rodeo In the Exeter Community Park area. One of the first moves of the members of Exeter's RAP at their initial meeting of the new year was to appoint a chairman. RCM Bogart, vice-chairman year ago, moves up to head the committee that controls the operationS of Recreation, Arena and parkS. Bill Gilfillan takes over as vice-chairMan for the ensuing year. Two new members have been appointed to the committee, MrS.- Peter DUrand becomes the first woman to serve on the beard ; replacing retiring chairman Stan Frayne. Councillor Jim Newby will be One of the counCil repre- sentative taking over from Mayor ;lack belbridge, The committee granted ad- ditiOnal pay increases to reerea- lion -director and arena manager DONALD McKEN7IE ... Huron' c new warden When most town employees were being granted pay boosts at council's inaugural meeting, the opinion was expressed by one councillor that members of the Exeter Fire Brigade did not "deserve " pay increases. Con- sequently they were not given any boosts. However, the firemen obvious- ly didn't agree with the decision, as they presented council with a request for pay increases for all 20 members at Monday's meet- ing. They asked that the basic an- nual salary of the Chief be doub- led to $250; Captain brought up from $75 to $150 and the rate for Assistant Captain to be $125 and First Lieutenant $100. The request for regular fire- men is for a $25 per year boost to $75. While they asked for no in- crease in the hourly rate for fighting fires— which is $3-- they did request that the pay for attending fire practice be increased from $1 to $2. Councillor Joe Wooden told council that the pay demands would cost the town $090 more per year for the basic salaries and practice charges, Reeve Berry Boyle questioned if council wanted the matter giv- en further study and it was de- eided to turn it over to the pro- - Please turn to page 8 ence; his daughter Donna; his son John; and several members of his council in Ashfield„ UNVEIL PLAQUE The centennial theme was very much in evidence at the opening session of Huron County Council. Not only were members of the legislative body celebrating Can- ada's 100th birthday, they were rejoicing at the Centennial An- niversary Of County Council in Huron. It was January, 1867 when the first Huron county council met with a Mr. Gibbons of Goderich named Warden. A plaque was unveiled at the January session by 1966 Warden Ken Stewart and ex-Warden J. M. E c k er t, McKillop Township clerk-treasurer, commemorat- ing the occasion and paying tri- bute to former members of the Council. Reeve Minnie Noakes, Hensall, the sole lady councillor, provided quite a contrast to her :sombre male associates in her beautiful turquoise centennial costume. Mervyn Cudinore, deputy- reeve of Exeter was the only Man on council who sported a centennial outfit complete with beard and cut-away coat. An interesting sidelight to the initial opening exercises was the appearance before Cmmeil of 4 about one mile south of Hen- sall. Drivers involved were RCMP Constable John H. Wade, Car- lisle, Saskatchewan, and James H. Ramsey, RR 4 Ilderton. OPP Constable Dale Lamont reported that Ramsey was at- tempting to turn around at an intersection and became stuck in the snow. The front end of his car was protruding into the south- bound lane. Wade was southbound and failed to see the other car due to the lights of northbound vehicles. Damage in the crash was es- timated at $450 by Constable Lamont. Cpl. C. J. Mitchell investi- gated an unusual accident on Monday at 3;10 p.m. on High- way 84 about one mile west of Hensall. Involved were cars driven by Austin W. Hinds, Toronto, and Mrs. L. C. Weido, Zurich. Hinds was stuck on the north shoulder of the road and had flagged down Mrs. Weido to seek assistance. However, when she attempted to stop, her car skid- ded on the icy pavement and slid into the rear of the Hinds vehicle. Total damage was listed at $65. The other two crashes took place last Tuesday during ad- verse driving conditions. At 10:30 a.m., Constable John Wright was called to the scene of a one-car mishap on the sec- ond and third concessions of Usborne Township, just north of the St. Marys Road. A car driven by Mrs. Wil- liam Pincombe, RR 3 Exeter, had skidded on the road and into the west shoulder and tip- ped onto its side. Damage was estimated at only $50. At 1:15 p.m., two Zurich neigh- bors collided at the Intersec- tion of John and Mill Streets in that community. Involved were Dennis P. Ducharme and Moses Erb, both of whom live On John St. Ducharme was proceeding south on John St. and Erb was westbound Oh Mill St. when the collision took place. Damage was listed at $150 by OPP ConStable Ed Wilcox. During the week the OPP in- vestigated 11 oteurences and is- sued SO warnings under the High- way Traffic Ad. Four charges were also laid against drivers. The officers were on patrol /0 hours and covered 1,808 miles.