Loading...
Times-Advocate, 1978-10-05, Page 21imes - Advocate Serving South Huron, North Middlesex & North Lambton Since 1873 Times-Advocate, October 5, 1978 Page 21 About half from donations Strike charges cost Riddell $8,450 Huron-Middlesex MPP Jack Riddell said Wednes­ day it has cost him $8,450 in legal expenses to defend himself against charges related to the recent 162-day strike at Fleck Manufac­ turing Ltd, That figure could go higher, even though the United Auto Workers union earlier this month dropped a charge of interfering with a trade union, laid under the Ontario Labor Relations Act, against the Liberal MPP. Still outstanding is a notice of intent filed by the UAW against Riddell under the Libel and Slander Act over remarks made by the MPP in connection with the controversial strike. Cost aside, however, Riddell zcontinues to main­ tain an unwavering convic­ tion that he, as a provincial legislator, should never have been put in a position of having to defend himself against the charges by the union, “I feel as strongly about this today as I did then (when the strike was still in progress),” he said. “When MPPs starfto avoid taking a stand on an issue because they think they may be sued, well, that doesn’t speak too well for our political system.” It’s a point Riddell intends to pursue when the legislature reconvenes next month, bolstered by what he describes as “a lot of public . Riddeif under “'the^Tabor support over this issue. The people have been writing letters saying it’s a crime if a member can’t speak up on an issue without being taken to court.” Along with the support have come donations — ap- proaching “nearly half” of his present expenses, says Riddell — to him personally and to the Huron-Middlesex Liberal Association, from consitutents, non­ constituents, private organizations and “people I’ve never met.” The donations have ranged between $25 and $100 but a few have “exceeded $100,” admits Riddell. He said he saw no conflict in accepting the donations because they “were completely un­ solicited.” Liberal caucus colleagues and secretarial assistants also have contributed about $3,000, Riddell said in an in­ terview Tuesday. Apart from about $1,000 which he has had to pay out of his own pocket, he ex­ pected the remainder would be paid by the Liberal party, with the party eventually reimbursed by private donations. The bulk of the $8,456 legal bill will be paid to Sarnia lawyer James Bullbrook, a former MPP who represented Riddell at the legislature’s procedural af­ fairs committee hearings and subsequent hearings held by the Ontario Labor Relations Board. Riddell sought a ruling from the comrfiittee that his privilege as an MPP had been violated by the union’s intent to sue him for libel and slander and its applica­ tion for consent to prosecute eventually decided on a 4-3, vote that Riddell’s privilege' as an MPP had been breach­ ed by the UAW. although it recommended no action be taken by the legislature against the union. The committee report is expected to come before the next session of the legislature and that’s when Riddell intends to demand some type of action to protect MPPs from similar instances of legal suit out­ side the house. The labor relations board granted the union consent to prosecute Riddell, the com­ pany, its vice-president and a provincial police officer. Besides Bullbrook, Riddell retained the Toronto firm of Shibley, Righton and McCutcheon, which represented him at some of the labor relations board hearings and continues to be retained on the libel matter. “Mr. Bullbrook’s part has pretty well come to an end,” Riddell said Wednesday. He said the bulk of the cost has involved the lawyer’s presence at the numerous committee ■ and board hearings, travel and accom­ modation as well as con­ sultations with the Toronto firm. “It’s work,” required a all of which lot of should not have been necessary because he should have been exempted from legal action undertaken by the UAW un- der the Legislative Assembly Act, said Riddell. “I’m going to tell (Premier William) Davis that if he’s not willing to protect his members, he might as well scrap that part of the act. I’m really going to hammer at it.” A spokesman for the UAW said the union’s legal costs associated with the charges laid under the labor relations act include the other principals and would likely exceed Riddell’s. 1 •1* U T STUDY CHURCH HISTORY — A grade eight class at Exeter Public School recently visited Trivitt Anglican Church as part of a history and geography lesson. Above, Mrs. Greta Lavender of Trivitt explains some church history to Brent Atthill, Bruce Andei- ~ ~ • - -.................... • - . _ . . . . _ .. T a p^QiQson, Dennis Meikle, Bobby Stire, Jeff Van Harlen and Brenda Bell. The class teacher is Lois Ottewell. Imports, exports topic features meeting of Staffa Institute relations act. The libel matter involved remarks made by Riddell to newsmen outisde the legislature which the union contended were “defamatory and false.” The legislature committee gills are not trying to break into man's world. Nancy VanA SCHOOL SURVEY — These git Is are not trying to break into man's world. Nancy Van Bruwaene, Mary Jo McCann and Jackie Bapatist are grade nine students at South Huron District High School's initiation day, Friday. They were out on the street in their unusual garb doing a survey of local houses. ' Staff photo By MRS. J. TEMPLEMAN Mrs. Carter Kerslake and Mrs. Bill Mahon hosted the Agriculture and Canadian Industries meeting of the Staffa Womens Institute held in the township hall Wed­ nesday evening September 27. The meeting was opened with the Institute Ode and Mary Slewart Collect, roil call was answered by naming a Canadian import and an export, giving their source and destination. During business an in­ vitation was accepted to meet with the Fullarton Womens Institute Wed­ nesday October 18. Mrs. Carter Kerslake and Mrs. Bert Daynard were chosen to attend the Sr. Workshop on Quilts. Mrs. Carter Kerslake presided for the program and gave a interesting past event or our Women’s Institute. Mrs. Bill Mahon detnonstrated “Wreaths” made from things found in your kitchen. Mrs. Kerslake and Mrs. Bill Mahon prepared and presented a most interesting paper ming”, Mrs. Russell Miller and Mrs. Robin Daynard hosted a community shower for Pat Norris in the Family Life Center Monday evening. Mrs. Gordon Parsons read an address of good wishes and Pat was assisted by sisters Susan and Jill Jim’s sister Kathy opening her gifts. Pat pressed her appreciation and several games of court whist were enjoyed. A buffet table of biscuits and cheese and punch was available to all and a sing-a­ long with Mrs. Elmer Dow brought a delightful evening to a close. Hunkin and Kennedy, Mrs. Nelson Mrs. Tim Teeswater, visited Sunday with Mr. & Mrs. Clifton Miller and family. on “Organic What is it? Arthur Kemp, Far- Mrs. her and in ex- Personals Mr. & Mrs. Jim Greer and Michael and Mrs. Mario Faubert, Ormstown Quebec visited for a few days with Mr. &Mrs. John Templeman and family. No accident injuries Two accidents were in­ vestigated by the Exeter police department this week. There were no in­ juries in either. On Thursday, vehicles driven by Catherine Vanroestel, RR 1 Woodham, and Caroline McNabb. Huron Park, collided on Main St. south of Gidley. Constable Jim Barnes set damage at $600. The other crash occurred yesterday at the intersection of Main and Sanders St., in­ volving vehicles driven by Dennis McInnis. 22 Gam­ mage St., London, and Kenneth J, Lee. Huron Park. Damage was listed at $1,- 200 by Constable Brad Sadler. Two coupons for the Hydro Electric Power Com­ mission of Ontario were turned into the police office. The owner may claim same by identifying the coupon’s value. Police Chief Ted Day has again asked citizens to assist in the investigation of the recent rash of thefts in­ volving plants and flower pots from local residences. “If you see any suspicious vehicle or persons loitering in your area, please call the police,” he advised. Communion Service Communion service was held in Cromarty Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning with Rev. Vernon Tozer, St. Marys in charge of the service. Welcomed into the church were:Barbara Geraldine and Douglas Meikle, Pamela, Teresa, Valerie and Joanne Wallace, Nancy and Kevin Scott, Barbara and Richard Templeman, Mrs. Helen McKellar, Kathy and Mark McKellar, Shirley and Steven Miller, Rob Quance, Mike Finlayson, Peter Laing, Beth, Kathy and Bill Hulley. Visiting Sunday with Mr, & Mrs. John Templeman and family were, Mrs. Dale Martyn and girls, Russeldale, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Neilson, Stratford, Mrs. David Capling and Mrs. Grant McDonald, Mississauga, Ruth Tem­ pleman, Dublin and Mr. & Mrs. Rob Templeman and Carrah. BUY NOW AND SAVE 3% SALES TAX WHICH INCREASES TO 7% ON OCTOBER 8TH Engagement Rings Wedding Rings Ladies' Diamond Dinner Rings Men's Diamond Rings Men's & Ladies' Stone Rings Ladies' Wrist Watches Men's Wrist Watches Men's & Ladies' Watch Bands 400 Day Battery Clock Wall Clocks Travel Alarm Clocks Pocket Watches Hygro Baro & Thermos Binoculars in Carrying Case Gemcraft, Pearl Drops, Lockets & Crosses Assorted Pierced Earrings 14 K. Gold Keepers Charm Bracelets Assorted Charms Brooch & Earring Sets Crystal Necklace & Earring Sets Jewel Boxes 5 Pee. Dresser Sets Leather Billfolds & Key Cases Desk Pen Sets X * * * * * * ■ft * * * * * * * Ball Point Pens Bibles Books Wall Pictures Wall Plaques Lead Crystal Bone China Cup & Saucers Blue Mountain Pottery Teapots, Cream & Sugars Greeting Cards Water Glasses Baby Spoons Plus Many Other Items PLEASING YOU PLEASES US Beside Bank of Montreal. Exeter