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Huron Expositor, 2004-06-09, Page 44 -THE HURON EXPOSITOR, June 9, 2004 Your Community Newspaper Since 1860 Tom Williscraft - Publisher Dianne McGrath - Subscriptions/Classifieds Jason Middleton - Reporter Susan Hundertmark - Editor Bernie Pugh - Office/Advertising Anne Roden - Distribution CI) OUEBECOR MEDIA E-mail us at seaforth@bowesnet.com Visit our home page at www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES: LOCAL 35.85 a year, in advance, plus G.S T. SENIORS: - 33.85 a year, in advance, plus G S T. U$A & Foreign: 35.85 a year in advance, plus $83.20 postoge, G.S.T. exempt Published weekly by Sun Media at l l Main St., Seaforth. 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 odvertisement will be paid for at the applicable rote. In the event of a typographical error, advertising goods or services ata wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell and may be withdrawn at any time. The Huron Expositor is not responsible for the loss or damoge of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduction purposes. PUBUCATION MAIL AGREEMENT 40029693 PAP REGISTRATION NO 7605 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO Circulation Department P.O. Box 69 Seaforth, ON., NOK 1 WO e-mail: seaforth@bowesnet.com Wednesday, June9, 2004 Editorial and Business Offices - 11 Main S,veet.,Seeferth Telephone (519) 527-0240 Fax (519) 527.2858 Mailing Address - P.O. Box 69, Seaforth, Ontario, NOK 1 WO Member of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association & the Ontario Community Newspapers Association "We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs." Ca rad l Editorial Rural Ontario is vital cog in provincial wheel A provincial government panel recommendation that unsustainable rural areas in Canada's heartland be taken off life-support and allowed to die a natural death is nothing short of ridiculous. The report, produced by the provincial govemment's Panel on the Role of Government and praised by Ontario's premier, was released in April and dismissed the notion that the rural economy is a bedrock. The panel concluded that much of rural Canada is economically unsustainable, that it is futile to try to artificially sustain rural industry, that population decline is inevitable and that the government should abandon regional development programs. Instead of working to save the rural landscape the panel concluded that govemment should retrain young people in rural areas who are willing to move away from their communities as part of a rural restructuring and — by implication — an eventual abandonment of much of rural Ontario. Needless to say the plan wasn't well-received by Huron County councillors last week as they vowed to fight any such legislation. That was also the message from Huron - Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell who insisted the report was prepared while Emie Eves and the Conservatives were in power. Its release, Mitchell said, just happened to come while the Liberals were the current govemment. Regardless of who put forward such a crazy idea the fact remains that rural Ontario is a vital cog in the wheel that keeps this province spinning. If you thought otherwise then consider that Huron County provides $650 million per year in farm receipts and an additional $850 million per year in manufacturing shipments. The area has experienced business growth in the last decade with 1,800 new businesses and over 5,000 new jobs. In fact, the county is one of the best when it comes to unemployment with a rate of just three per cent. The idea that we are somehow a burden on those living in Toronto is nothing short of laughable. If major cities are looking to dose rural Ontario where would they get their food? Where would they build their cottages? Closing this part of the province — a completely ridiculous idea from the outset — would only benefit Toronto as the additional funding could go towards propping up the TTC. Just think, Ontario's West Coast could become the largest garbage dump for Toronto and many of the surrounding communities. What a terrible thought indeed. Provincial leaders insist the report is just that and have said it will be placed on a shelf beside the other multi- million dollar studies (remember, your tax dollars at work). In case political leaders are listening — it happens from time to time — maybe they should take a good look at the wild kingdom and the way that food chain works. If a species of animal starts to disappear government agencies make sure that animal is placed in captivity and bread until it has been restored. The same should happen to parts of rural Ontario. The future of our province depends on it. Goderich Signal -Star How to access us Letters to the Editor and other submissions can be made to us by noon on Mondays at: seaforth@bowesnet.com All letters and submissions must be signed and accompanied by a day -time telephone nuruber. All submissions are subject to editing for both length and content. Don't forget to check out our homegtt at: www.seaforthhuronexpOsItd om Opinion letter MADD wants support for Bill C-452 To the Editor, 1 am very disappointed with our federal government and their handling of Bill C-452 that was put forth by Leon Benoit, MP from Lakeland, Alberta. This Bill would have done the following: - Increase the time frame in which breath or blood samples could be taken. -Allow the courts to use the sample results as proof of blood alcohol level, in the absence of evidence to the contrary. -Put the burden of proof on the accused to dispute the results, based on a balance of probabilities. - Require a court to consider other evidence when deciding if the accused had met the burden of proof. With support from every opposition member in the house and only four Liberal members with the courage to stand up against Paul Martin, it shows the victims of drunk driving and the general public, once again, whom we cannot count on to make Canada's roads safer. Just this past April, the MADD Canada Candlelight Vigil was held in Grand Bend where several hundred victims gathered to gain strength from one another and invited professional speakers after the loss of a loved one or ones. We were all deeply moved at the number of faces, particularly young ones, whose lives have been taken by drunk drivers. As we remembered and honoured our loved ones, there was deep sorrow and grieving shared by family members and friends as they do their best to pick up the pieces and See ARGUMENTS, Page 5 Importance of agriculture will be stressed by OFA during federal election campaign Because federal government policies and programs are important to farmers and the agriculture industry in Canada, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and its national counterpart, the Canadian Ron Bonnett Ontario Federation of Agriculture Federation of Agriculture, will be busy for the next few weeks making sure political candidates recognize and understand the importance of the industry. OFA, with the help of its network of county and district federations of agriculture, will be operating non-stop during this election campaign to ensure farmers are aware of the platforms of the various parties and candidates. We will also be playing an active role, working with the local federations, to make all of the candidates aware of the importance of agriculture and the role they will be expected to play, if elected, in supporting farmers, their families, and the farming industry. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture represents about 250,000 farms in Canada, and is proud of its record of successes dealing with the federal government. It is important that Members of Parliament come to know and respect CFA for its well researched input. MPs are faced with a myriad of issues, concerns and situations once they win election to a seat in the House of Commons in Ottawa. That's why it's important that agriculture has proper representation when farmers have concerns that need the attention of the federal government. OFA and CFA has a long history of working together to get the message of agriculture to MPs — not only at election time, but throughout the term a government is serving in Ottawa. Agriculture is a major industry in Canada with farmers spending 1.9 billion on fuel, over two billion dollars on fertilizer, more than 570 million dollars on veterinary services and animal health products, and more than 800 million dollars on electricity and telecommunications during 2003. Looking into the future, farmers are counting on the federal government to ensure the necessary safety nets are in place to protect the industry when uncontrollable situations develop; they need to know Canada's international trade policy will represent their interests; and it remains important to farmers to know the rural infrastructure they depend on will be maintained. The federal government also plays critical roles in such areas as taxation, food safety, protection of the environment, registration of crop protection products, and regional trade negotiations. OFA believes that each of these issues can contribute to economic success or failure for the province's farmers. We believe the federal government must commit resources to science -based research on the impacts of climate change as well as resources towards mitigation and adoption of See OFA, Page 5 Wet weather prevents Winthrop farmers from seeding in 1904 JUNE 13, 1879 On Wednesday evening, while Mr. Schmidt of Egmondville was cutting grass with a sickle he cut his hand badly. Last Saturday, Robert Govenlock of McKillop brought to the Expositor a sample of Senica wheat which measures 42 inches. Negotiations are new in progress for the union of Scaforth Presbyterian and Harpurhey churches. Rev. M. Barr, pastor of the latter church having become aged and infirm is desirous of retiring from active ministerial duties. The recent genial showers have had a most invigorating effect on vegetation. Seaforth, this season, is the best wool market in this part of the province, higher prices having been paid here than in either Toronto or London. JUNE 17, 1904 Jacob McGee has leased his residence in Egmondville to Mr. Williams and intends making his home with his granddaughter Mrs. Eberhart. H. Jeffery has purchased the residence of the late John Weir for $2,500. Messrs. Donovan and Robins were awarded third prize for their splendid draft team at thc Guelph horse show. Harry Willis has purchased the residence of D.C. Willson on Goderich St. There were 176 tickets sold at Scaforth for the Farmers Excursion to Guelph on Saturday. Picinic parties to thc lake and strawberry festivals will Years Agone... soon be the order of the day. Some of the farmers around Winthrop have not finished seeding on account of the wet weather. James McMichael, Seaforth veteran bowler was in Mitchell and brought back the scalp of Fred Burritt. It is a good one that can defeat the "Wee Boots." JUNE 14, 1929 John Doig of Tuckersmith and Detroit College of Law successfully passed the Dean's examinations having obtained a full mark, 100 per cent. If one took a driver from thc centre of thc County to thc boundaries in any direction that person could not help but come to the conclusion that Huron has been wonderfully blessed in crops this year. At last Saturday's meeting of the McKillop Council, John Reid was awarded the contract for the Hoegy drain and W. Papien was awarded the contract for two bridges over the Woods drain. The frame work of the new barn being erected on the farm of P. Deichert of the Blind Linc has been put up and work is being done on the roof and siding. D.M. Beattie of Scaforth, who has been in the employment of the Ontario Government for the past three years a Instructor and Inspector for the Belleville district has been appointed a Dominion Department of Agriculture Inspector with headquarters in Toronto. Mrs. Ivey Henderson who has resided in Seaforth for several years has moved to her father's farm in McKillop. Many old friends here will regret to learn the death of John Daly who passed away at his home in Kennedy, Sask. He was born in England but spent the greater part of his life in Seaforth. A very serious accident occurred on the highway west of Seaforth. Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Henderson of Seaforth had just come south on the McKillop Hullett boundary when a car occupied by the two commerical men collided with them head on. JUNE 18, 1954 While Huron Junior Farmers and Junior Institutes were not successful in their hid for thc J.S. Whyte trophy at the inter county field meet, many ofthe Huron entries gave outstanding performances. Such was the case in the relay race won by the Seaforth team. The team included Catherine Campbell, Laura Johnston, Margaret Stevens and Ruth Keyes. Seaforth Lions entertained their ladies at a dinner and social evening at Menard's in Exeter. Some 80 Lions and guests took part in thc affair which was arranged by Lions A.W. Sillery, John Turnbull and M.E. Clarke. Mrs. Nettie Sampson of Toronto, who is well known in town, had the misfortune to fall and break her hip recently. She is a patient in Toronto General Hospital. The death occurred in Hamilton, following a long illness of Sarah Ann Sproat, widow of the late Robert Bell of Seaforth. The sudden death of Mrs. Wm. Ament occurred at the house of her daugher. She was in cher 78th year. JUNE 14, 1979 Seaforth council sold the Main St. lot an earlier council purchased as a possible fire hall site to a local developer Monday night. The sale, for $24,000, was approved on the recommendation of council's finance committeee after a recorded vote with only councillor Henry Mero dissenting. A 16 -year old Walton area youth, Jeffery R. Hackwell, died Monday morning as the result of a collision between the motorcycle he was riding and a car on Huron County Road 12, a half a mile north of Seaforth. A flood plain map of Scaforth which shows about 20 existing houses here and 30 more in Egmondville in flood danger if a Hurricane Hazel level storm hit here was shown to Seaforth council Monday night by its Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority rep Leone Rowatt and authority manager Bill Mungall. Seaforth Town council is approaching McKillop Township and the engineering firm of W.E. Kelly and Associates Limited to determine whether approved alterations in Silver Creek can be changed. Ron /C Dave It wasn't my fault! by David Lacey It was a rogue wave.