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The Brussels Post, 1980-09-03, Page 3THE BRUSSELS POST, SEPTEMBER S, 1900 `— 3 , r McKinie BY JIM FITZGERALD Nearly 1,000 friends, relatives, party, members, and even opposition members, crowded into a hot. Clinton arena last Wednesday night to honor former Membefof the Federal Parliament, R.E. (Bob) McKinley, who stepped down last May as J' sitting member for the Huron-Bruce riding. Billed as an apprecIation night, the at times, enthusirisatic crowd came to say thanks to the man who had, served the riding since the fall of 1965, Mr. McKinley, who turned out to bei the most poPularMP to ever serve the ridirig by winning huge majorities each time he was, re-elected, was called, a "dedicated and hard working" member by Tom Jasper, a Goderich dentist who delivered the key note address for the evening. "It is fitting that we return to Clinton, for it was here in the fall of 196.50pat Bob was first nominated asithe PC candidate defeat- ing six other contestants. He had the foresight, the common sense and the ability to plan ahead - to convince people that he was the man for the job," Mr. Jasper said. There lhave been many changes in the riding's boundaries since Mr. McKinelyfirst took over 15 years ago, but through them all, Mr. Jasper noted that "he always responded quickly to the requests of constituents, working on his committee and house duties, while still managing 'to attend . to all the affairs back home in the riding." "Bob, your attendance to affairs in the riding 'established a record unequalled by few Members of Parliament," Mr. Jasper said. Mr. Jasper also heaped praise on Bob's wife Audrey and their family. "We have come here tonight to honor the McKinley family and I say family because there is no question that becoming a parliamentarian is a total family committ- ment. "Being a gracious hostess was only one of your many roles, Audrey. The large task of looking after this riding' has been a family effort. Much of the yesponsibility of raising the family became yours as you nurtured their upbringing and education," Mr. Jasper said. As well as serving the riding through five elections, Mr. McKinley was given the tough task of being chief party 'whip for 2% year s from 1973, and as well, he served on various comittee including chairman of the PC caucus agricultural committee, member of House Standing Committees on Agricul- ture, Natural Resources and Public Works, Regulations' and Statuatory Instruments, and Privile ges and Election. Joe Clarke also appointed him to the shadow cabinet as the Conservative Party's Public Works critic. Among- the many dignitaries present_ at the night • were tormer agriculture minister John Wise from Elgin, Bill Kempling, present. PC Whip, Dr. Bruc'e Halliday, MP for Oxford, and former MPs Ellwood Madill from. North Peel 'and Bill 'Knowles of Noifolk-Halclimand. As well, some old riding friends were present, including former MPP and provincial cabinet minister Charles. McNaughton and Elmer Bell, former head of the Ontario Police Commission. . But the 'Opposition parties were there to ' express 'their thanks, including Liberal. MPPi Murray Gaunt and. Jack Riddell. As well, Bob received several 'dozen • telegrams and letters of appreciation from former peers, including Conservative leader Joe Clarke, former PC leader Bob Stanfield, J. Angus McLean, premier of Prince Edward Island and a host of MPs, ranging from House Leader Howard Baker to. Sinclair Stevens, to Robert Coates, and George Hees. Following several standing ovations, Mr. .McKinley gave his final, thank-you and also got in a few last licks. "More MPs talk themselves out of Parliament than in," said Bob. Although he wouldn't divulge the reasons he had for getting out,' he said one thing bothered him and that was the attitude of the West to Ontario and Quebec. He said .the West thinks they have a disadvantage over freight rates and oil royalties, when such thinks aren't true. "I had research done on it and there aren't any," he said "Alberta's (royalties) are way above what any province has taken for any resource in Canadian history," he said. He blamed the perpetuation of the myth on Western politicians, including many members of his own party. "They have done a ,disservice to Canada by misrepresenting the truth. We, need people to tell and truth and be able to work with other people," Mr. McKinely said. He thanked the people of the riding for giving him a chance to travel all over Canada and much of the world. "Thanks for trusting me through five elections. No one deserves as much as I've been blessed with," Mr. McKinley said. He and Audrey were presented with a large grandfather clock by riding president Margaret Bennett of Wingham and Whip Bill Kempling presented him with inscribed silver ;tray, and a limited edition silver coin, struck in honor the Canadian's work in treeing several American hostages in Iran. WANT ADS PhOne 523-9646 TIME GOES ON—Retired MP Bob McKinley admires the beautiful grandfather clock given to the family during Bob McKinley apPreciation night held last Wednesday in Clinton. The clock was handmade of Huron County Walnut by Ervin Rader of Dashwood. Next to Mr. McKinley is Margaret Bennett of Wingham, Huron-Bruce riding president, and Audrey McKinley. (News-Record Photo) ENJOY BANQUET-Among the head table guests at the Bob McKinley appreciation night held in Clinton last Wednesday were left to right, MP Murray Cardiff who succeeded Bob, Betty Cardiff,, Bob and Audrey McKinley, and MC Fred Darling of Exeter. (News Record Photo) RESIDENTS MORRIS TOWNSHIP A public meeting will be held Sept 8, 1980 at 8:30 p.m. in the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. Purpose: (1) To appoint committees (2) Discussion of activities for the 12t h anniversary of Morris Township. Th celebrations are scheduled for July 31, Aug. 1, 2 and 3 1981. Everyone in the Township Is needed If this celebration is to be a success. PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND Snell's Grocery ud. Blyth LAST CALL for Truck Load Freezer Sale Last chance to save on Sunshine Fancy Duality Vegetables & Fruits. Phone 523.9332 before 8:00 Sat. Sept. 6th Truck will arrive Sept. 6th, and will be at our store from 4:00 In afternoon untli 9:00 In evening. Please be on hand to pick up yoUr order.