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Huron Expositor, 2001-12-05, Page 4Opinion Your Community Newspaper Since 1860 Tom Williscraft - Publisher Scott Hilgendorff - Editor Dionne McGrath - Subscriptions/Ciossifieds Bernie Pugh Office/Sales Susan Hundertmark - Reporter Anne Roden - Distribution Bowes Publishers Limited lib su►„4 0/ sw Mdia C.wpwrrre - A Qu k.w, Cempaa) E-mail us at seaforth@bowesnet.com Visit our home page at www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com s.UBSCRIPTION RATES: LOCAL - 33.50 a year, in advance, plus 2.35 G.S.T. SENIORS: • 31.00 a year, in odvance, plus 2.17 G.S.T. USA & Foreign: 29.44 a year in odvonce, plus $78.00 postage, G.S.T. exempt Published weekly by Signal -Star Publishing at 11 Main St., Seaforth. Publication mail registration No. 0696 held at Seaforth, Ontario. Advertising is accepted on condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising spoce occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rote. In the event of a typographical error, odvertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely on offer to sell and may be withdrawn at any time. The Huron Expositor is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduction purposes. Changes of address, orders for subscriptions and undeliverable copies are to be sent to The Huron Expositor. Publication Mail Registration No. 07605 Wednesday, December 5, 2001 Editorial and Business Offices - 11 Mala ftreet.,feaforth Telephone 1519) 547-0440 Fax (519) 527-2555 Mailing Address - P.O. Ilex 69, Seaforth, Ontario, NOK 1 WO Member of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association, Ontario Community Newspapers Association "We ackno a the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs." Editorial Public input does not mean board is listening to the ideas Whether or not this round of school closure discussions has been a fair process is up for debate. In the spring, the Avon Maitland District School Board came out with a consultant s report recommending the possible closure of several Huron County schools, including Seaforth District High School. As it came out, the board was quick to say this was just a report and carried no real weight as the board was about to conduct a public process for input into school accommodation. The board would not call this a closure process and people across Huron County bought it, thinking the whole time they were attending meetings this summer to discuss the strengths of their schools It was at one of these meetings that a committee member this summer came to the realization what they were doing was actually defending the viability of their schools. Again, people were told by board staff the process was not about closure but about seeking input from the people involved in the schools about ways the board could address accommodation issues. The public was told the meetings weren t about closing schools and was assured the consultant s report was just some ideas, not a document the board was following. from there, those committees made reports recommending ways schools could be kept open. But no sooner were these reports presented than the board came up with recommendations on schools to be looked at for closure that carry many similarities to the consultant s report of this past spring and not the reports prepared by the public that the board said it was listening to this time. In 2000, the board was accused in the courts of not giving the Seaforth community a fair chance to be heard by the board. The board developed this new system of public meetings and public generated reports in an attempt to be more fair and rectify shortcomings pointed out by the courts. Time and again, during the past four years, the board has been offered possible ways to keep students at the high school and attract new ones from an agricultural program to a fitness complex. None received much, if any cooperation or support from the board including the suggestion Grades 7 and 8 students be moved to the high school. It was suggested that would improve accommodation at the high school while eliminating overcrowding at Seaforth Public School, created by the last round of school closures. The end result of a series of public meetings and reports: the board votes this Tuesday, Dec. 11 on whether or not to list Seaforth District High School, and every other school in Huron East, for possible closure. What do you think its decisions will be? There is a difference between allowing public input and giving it fair consideration. Maybe the courts could issue another favorable verdict for Seaforth. Scott Hilgendorff Commentary Farmers campaign for private bill, to help implement dealers have more choice By Ron Bonnett, Vice -President, all that remains before Royal Assent Ontario Federation of Agriculture makes it law in the province. Historically, private members bills There's a campaign underway in such as Bill 76, have been defeated. Ontario now that has farmers and far Farmers and farm equipment dealers equipment dealers sharing the same do not want this to be the fate of this goal. legislation. They want the provincial government The proposed amendments would to pass Bill 76, the Farm Implements modernize manufacturer / dealer Amendment Act. relationships and place farm Ontario is one of the few implement purchasers on an equitable jurisdictions in North America where basis with those in other provinces and main line farm equipment the United States. manufacturers can dictate to OFA is supporting passage of Bill 76 equipment dealers what for a number of reasons. As long as equipment they can sell from their "dealer purity" remains a fact of life, yards. farmers will face higher equipment This gives the main line farm costs because of reduced competition equipment manufacturers the power to among machinery companies. ensure "dealer purity" or the right to Farmers will also face limited exclude equipment from shortline product choices, reduced access to manufacturers at the same dealership. parts and service, and reduced trade-in The Ontario Federation of value. Agriculture has thrown its support There is also the very real concern behind efforts of the Ontario Retail that dealer purity will cause some Farm Equipment Dealers' Association dealerships to close, increasing the to get the government to pass Bill 76. travel distance and time for farmers to MPP Toby Barrett from the access new equipment or get necessary Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant riding parts and service — all of which will introduced the legislation in June, and mean higher production costs at a time now, after a successful second reading when farmers are not able to handle in the Legislature, the Standing such higher costs. Committee on General Government is MPP Barrett's Private Member bill reviewing the Bill. addresses some other shortcomings in Third and final reading of the Bill is the current Farm Implements Act — it establishes warranty reimbursement parameters, and allows for buy-back of specialized tools and equipment. Shortline manufacturers are often the sole source of some very specialized equipment — equipment needed for planting, harvesting and tillage of niche market crops. OFA and the dealers fear these manufacturers could be forced out of business if the mainline manufacturers succeed in retaining dealer purity as a right. To move forward with the Farm Implements Amendment Act, 2001, OFA, the dealers, and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs are promoting support of the bill. OMAFRA Minister Brian Coburn, in a letter to OFA President Jack Wilkinson, stated: "I support the bill and I will support Mr. Barrett as he guides it through the legislative process." Ontario MPPs need to be encouraged to declare their support for the bill now. OFA is asking all farmers to speak to their MPP and make this point. Dealers across the province are being asked to do the same thing by their association. A concerted, joint effort will hopefully be enough to secure passage of the legislation. Pork producers helping in `donate a hog' program Ontario's pork producers are once again joining with the Daily Bread Food Bank to help out needy families across the province, as the annual Donate a Hog program kicked off last week. This year's efforts will continue to build on the success the program has achieved over the past several years. Last year, $16,000 worth of pork products were presented to the food bank as a result of the Donate A Hog campaign. "This program is an excellent way for those of us in the agri-food community to make a direct difference for families who are less fortunate than we are," said Paul Mistele, a farmer from the St. Thomas area who has headed this provincial fundraising campaign since its inception in 1998. "As fanners, our priority is to produce safe, high quality food for the world, and the Donate a Hog program gives us a chance to feed the hungry and cultivate hope for those who need it the most." Ontario Pork will purchase processed pork products with the donated money, which the Daily Bread Food Bank will distribute to other food banks across Ontario in February. February is Pork Month in Canada, and a time when food donations are traditionally low. Everyone is invited to participate in this initiative, which will be in effect until Dec. 21. Charitable donation receipts will be issued for all donations of $25 or more. To make your donation or for more information, contact Ontario Pork at 1-877-ONT PORK (668-7675) or send an e-mail • to comm @ o ntari opork . o n . c a. Ontario Pork represents the 4,400 farmers who market hogs in the province in many areas, including hog marketing, consumer education, research, government representation, environmental issues, animal care and food quality assurance. The pork industry in Ontario accounts for 35,000 jobs and it is estimated that total industry output from farm gate sales is worth $4.2 billion to the Ontario economy. Visit Ontario Pork's website at: www.ontariopork.on.ca. Mounds of snow fall on Seaforth and area December 8, 1876 Messrs. Duncan and Duncan of this town procured from the Receiver General at Toronto, one hundred dollars worth of coppers. The batch weighed 137 pounds. The lovers of skating exercises will be pleased to learn that Joseph Marshell has opened up a skating rink near the drill shed. James Irvine of Tuckersmith has a 1 1/2 year old colt named "Enterprise" which weighs 1,135 pounds. The new Presbyterian Church in Londesboro was opened on Nov. 26. Rev. D. Ure, Goderich and Rev. Mr. McQuaig, of Clinton preached the sermon. December 6, 1901 Messrs. Gordon McDonald, Leon Flannery and Moody Holland of Walton, have gone to Sault St. Marie where they will be employed in the lumber yards. Albert Carter had the fingers on his left hand badly lacerated in the rollers of a straw cutter. Tuesday was a High Day for the Presbyterians of Kippen, the occasion being the induction of Rev. M. C. McLennen into the pastorate of Kippen and Hillsgreen congregations. H. Eiber, secretary of the Hay Fire Insurance Co. was in Kippen, receiving the assessments which brought out a large number of farmers. Mrs. David Clark of Hensall had the misfortune to slip on her door step and break her arm between the wrist and elbow. The trustees of the Rogerville Cemetery her purchased from Messrs. Dougall and Hoggarth six - tenth of an acre of land. The following wedding was taken from the Toronto Star "A quiet wedding was celebrated at the home of Henry Watson, Toronto, when his daughter Georgina Years agone... Douglas Watson was married to Thos. G. Soole." Messrs. Archibald and Cudmore of town shipped two carloads of horses to Listowel. They are for British Africa and will be inspected by a British officer before being sent off. J. G. Crich of town, who has been exploring in the Temiscaming District, New Ontario, has returned home. He has taken up 160 acres of land and intends going back early in the New Year. John G. Wilson of town, has secured a good position in a hardware store in Wollseley N. W. T. G. F. Rogers B. A. principal of the Collegiate Institute, has established two reading rooms in connection to the Institute. The annual Thanksgiving dinner of the Methodist Church was held on Thanksgiving evening. There was a large audience. The chair was occupied by Rev. Mr. Wallwin, addresses were given by Rev. Shaw and Rev. Mr. Ronton. The address was given by Rev. Dr. Gifford of Clinton. The fruits of monopoly are quite discernable in the coal oil that people have to use know. The stuff they furnish makes a light, very little better then the old tallow drip. The young people thoroughly enjoyed their dance in Cardno's Hall. There was a large audience and Brown's Orchestra furnished the music. Another of the honored and worthy pioneers of Usborne, in the person of Geo. Monteith departed his life at the age of 88 years. December 10, 1926 John Buchanan of Walton, has gone to the North Country, Timmins, on a prospecting tour, and may remain during the winter months. Mrs. Peter MacDougall of Brucefield, respected resident of Kenton, Manitoba, passed away at her home in her 81st year. She was born at St. Phillins, Scotland' and came to Huron County when 15 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Alex Mustard have moved into their fine new bungalow in Brucefield. Thos. MacKay of Manley was in London and purchased a carload of stockers to use up his supply of feed and has engaged M. McLaughlin to take charge of them. Frank Riley of Constance was lucky enough to catch an Arctic Owl. It measured 5 feet from the tips of her wings. December 7, 1951 J. P. Bell, John St., in reminiscing recalls that 1891 Seaforth ranked first as the best sporting town in Canada. Jimmy Crich, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Crich, severely cut one of his knees when he tripped over a water shut-off valve at the bowling green. The Hensall Branch of the Canadian Legion B.E.G.L. 468, elected Donald Dayman as President at their meeting on Dec. 3rd. A major tragedy was averted by the quick action of Mrs. Wm. Reid, Egmondville, when she rescued her two small children from her blazing house. Tenders are being called for a new public school for Seaforth. A delightful affair was held at S. S. No. 10 Hay, when neighbors and friends gathered to honor Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Armstrong who recently took up residence in Hensall. During the evening they were presented with a lazy boy chair. Dancing was enjoyed. Music being furnished by Wm. Hyde and Earl Campbell. The combined Glee Clubs of Seaforth and Mitchell District High School, of over 100 voices had a carol service in First Presbyterian Church. Music is under the direction of Stanley J. Smith. The official count for the balloting for Huron riding. from the Ontario general election decreased. Thos. Pryde's majority by five points making a net majority 1433 over his opponent John Armstrong of Hullett. December 9, 1976 Building permits for 129 buildings or renovations for a value of $2,008, 134 were issued by Tuckersmith Council in 1976. Clerk James McIntosh reported that only 92 for the value of $732, 799 were issued in 1975. Retiring postal courier, Minnie Vock of Bornholm had her last day on her 17 mile route a week ago. She laughs that she should have retired a day sooner because the gas line of her car froze up in the middle of her last day's run. Mrs. Vock has been delivering the mail, through winter storms and summer heat waves for 20 years. Moxy, a five piece .hard rock band from Toronto, will be playing at S.D.H.S. on Wed., December 22. They are considered one of the hottest new bands in North America. Every plow in the Seaforth area, from the big brutes that keep town and township roads clear, to the smaller ones that clean out driveways, have been busy this shoveling out Seaforth and area from the mounds of snow that fell most nights.