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The Wingham Advance-Times, 1983-03-02, Page 5INCOME T Specialists at,H,&R Block are specially trained to provide you an accurate and complete RETURN and to check for all deductions, credits and exemptions so you pay the lowest legitimate tax. Our work is GUARANTEED and if your return is questioned we will represent you to the tax department at no extra elft. IT PAYS TO BE PREPARED so see us soon. This year, have your tax return done by H&R BLOCK THE INCOME TAX SPECIALISTS 328 Josephine St. Open 9 AM - 5 PM Weekdays. Phone 357-3006 APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE EVENINGS & SATURDAY DRYCLEAN OFTEN! a 90 d /Mt/ kisfeialki Dryclean Often --DO IT! Your clothes will look better and last longer. And, you'll feel better, too. Ralph Far wit arrle tells fe 1�.. erations ers must '.rer'are to is1eaI econo ic realities of today Farmers must prepare themselves to deal with "the realities of today and the decisions of tomorrow' : if they hope to stay out of serious financial difficulty, members of the Turnberry and Howick township federations of agriculture were advised last week. Ralph Barrie, president of the . Ontario Federation of Agriculture, speaking at a joint , meeting of the two federations at Belmore, told the farmers they must work to solve problems of marketing' and farm financing. He also urged them not to worry too much about the provincial government's plan to pay the taxes on farm land, saying the program will inject money into the farming community and doesn't threaten control of the land. is fear the government is g 'ng to take over your landis a little bit of hysteria! I don't think the government is stupid enough to want to become farmers." Mr. Barrie, who had been involved in an auto accident on his way to the meeting, appeared to shake off the effects of that mishap•to deli- ver a forceful speech, telling farmers that while most of them are still solvent, things could get worse if nothing is done. He has been attending kitchen meetings in farm communities around Ontario to find out how many far- mers are in serious trouble, he said. While it appears the number in serious danger of losing their farms in the short term is fairly small, perhaps three to five per cent, the "other reality" is much more serious: another 10 to 15 per cent are losing a lot of money and could face real difficulties in the future. When a farmer comes out of a year owing the bank $45,000 he didn't owe at the beginning of the year, some- thing is seriously wrong, he noted: ' "That's what we must be seriously concerned about." The farming industry has a tremendous resource in terms of land and buildings, he said, and even though it has the potential to produce much more if farmers had the incentives, it already is overproducing. However there are some "major loopholes" in marketing strategies, and the agricultural sector lacks the ability to deal with some of the problems. He said farmers must find a way to deal with deficiencies in the marketing system, adding that, "If we let agri-business solve our problems, who will benefit?" While he doesn't believe price stabilization is the best pricing policy, a good stabilization program 'is better than what Jfarmers have now, he added. He also discussed the "agri-bond" proposal for farm financing, noting that many of the problems today have come about because of the lack of a proper farm credit system, and because farmers didn't leave themselves any safety margin. "Too many of us, when we got into the stretch, didn't have any reserve left." Much is made of the problems of starting out in farming today, he said, but "Let's not worry about getting any more young farmers into business until we work out a better system of survival for those already in." He explained the agri-bond would work by providing a tax break to encourage in- vestors to put their money into agriculture. This tax break would make it possible to get the money at a lower interest rate, perhaps 10 or 11 per cent instead of 15. It would be administered by the Farm Credit Cor- poration and would provide a pool of money for the young farmer or the good farmer who needs refinancing. He said he has talked to Finance Minister Marc Lalonde and to others in Ottawa and they agree it is a good proposal, but '`one of the realities and. frustrations we have to face is it's hard to get the government to move on a new policy without a lot of political pressure behind it.' He also told the meeting that, while not all farmers are facing financial dif- ficulties and some may have scant sympathy for farmers who are in trouble, they can find themselves affected in other ways, such as by the "infamous MacEachen budget" which "with the stroke of a pen wiped out almost half the assets of a farmer wanting to retire" by eliminating forward averaging and imposing capital gains taxes. "Don't think you're im- mune from political decisions made, because they affect us all," he warned. He said the OFA wants the capital gains tax eliminated, but as a fallback position it is asking for indexing of the tax, which would "take a lot of the sting out of it." On the subject of property tax reform, Mr. Barrie commented that man farmers are suspicious of change, suspicious of the government's -motives. However the rebate program in place last year was already a big change from 10 years ago, he noted. "You have accepted change." He added there is a precedent for elimination of taxes on a portion of the food chain, since there is no sales tax on food in grocery stores, processors don't have to pay tax on their machinery and farmers get a break on their pickup truck licences. So far the government hasn't raided their cupboards or seized their trucks, he pointed out. The tax rebate will inject an additional $15-20 million a year into the farming community, he said, adding the rebate program came about as a result of protests by farmers. As for the argument that farmers could afford to pay their taxes if they got enough for their product§, there is no prospect of getting that much for their products in the short term, so they F•i::: •:;:::fix,. READMAN CLEANERS AND MEN'S WEAR WINGHAM THE CASE FOR GOOD BUSINESS SENSE The representative for the Wingham territory will be in the area every Tuesday. Imakes t simply good sense to meet --with the representative of the Federal Business Development Bank who will soon be in your area. There is no obligation and .no cost to you. And there is so much you could gain faf your business. Come talk with us if you need financial aid; in the form of loans, loan guarantees or equity participation. Presently, you may even qualify for a Small Business Invest- ment Grant and thus be entitled to up to a 4% rebate on specified loan interest. We have experienced counsellors who can help you plot a course of growth and ensure the success of your business. We can provide you with direction to government assistance, both federal and provincial, as well as other vital information. For an appointment call F.8.0.8. (Stratford) and ask for Rob Swim at 271-5650 (collect). TURNBERRY FEDERATION EXECUTIVE—The Turnberry Federation of Agriculture will be led this year by Mrs. John Rutherford, secretary -treasurer; Aart De Vos, presi- dent; Brian Jeffrey, vice president and county director, and John Underwood, se- cond vice president. All were elected by acclamation at the federation annual meeting last Friday. Federal Business Banque fedorale Development Bank de developpement `fOur success is our only business Canada HOWICK FEDERATION EXECUTIVE—Hans Rasmussen, vice president and county director; Eleanor Dane, secretary -treasurer, and Mel Greig, president, were acclaim- ed to the executive of the Howick Federation of Agriculture at its annual meeting last week should take what is offered. Farmers don't take that much in handouts, he noted. Only about 1.5 per cent of the Ontario budget' is spent on agriculture. In conclusion, Mr. Barrie said he has been asked about the OFA, position on penny auctions and the Farm Survival Association. "I try not to pass judgment on what other farmers are doing," he said, but the OFA tries to structure its own policies within the framework of the law. "I believe the silent majority of our farmers support the position we take:" Mr. Barrie left im- mediately following his address, so Tony McQuail, president of the Huron County Federation of Agriculture, offered to field any questions. ' Most of these dealt with the farm tax rebate, which Mr. McQuail defended as a fairer way of apportioning the tax burden between farmers and other rural residents. Farmers would continue to pay taxes on their homes, as do other residents. The purpose of the program is not to get out of paying taxes, but to make sure everyone pays a fair share, given the services provided and what they get in return for their taxes, he said. As for the concern about the possible loss of property rights, "tour rights don't amount to much unless we're ready to protect them. "This program is not the government paying our taxes," he added. "It's the government repaying what it's overcharged because of its refusal to revamp the property tax system." He said he feels what is happening with the tax issue is unfortunate because it is becoming divisive within the farm community, and he lashed out at farmers who "run around the countryside running ads and stirring up the issue" but won't stand up and debate it publicly. "If you feel it is a big mistake, . pass a resolution here to send to the county (federation) ," he challeng- ed. However, although one farmer had earlier asked for a show of hands to see how many are against the rebate and how many favor it, when the floor was opened to resolutions none were proposed. In other business at the joint annual meeting, both the Howick and .Turnberry federations elected their executive and directors for the coming year. All were installed by acclamation. In Turnberry, Aart De Vos was reinstalled as president, with Brian Jeffray as vice president and county director, John Underwood as second vice president and Mrs. John Rutherford as secretary -treasurer. Line directors are Doug Filsinger, Wendell Stamper, Mr. De Vos, Allan Willits, Doug Fortune, Mike Marritt, Mr. Jeffray and Arnold Storm. For Howick, Mel Greig was returned as president with Hans Rasmussen as vice president and county director and Eleanor Dane as secretary -treasurer. Line directors are Don Gedcke, Wayne Bilton, Murray Fatt, Mr. Ras- mussen, Wayne Johnson, Heinze Claus, Hank Winkel, Bill Alton, Norm Fairies, Bill Bennett, Stan Zurbrigg, Elmer Harding, Les Staf- ford, Bill Taylor, Edgar Dane, Murray Mulvey, Deanne Dickson, Jim Renwick and Gordon Mann. Close to 50 at card party GORRIE — Mrs Mabel Edgar and Jim Renwick were the high winners on Tuesday evening of last week when the Gorrie Seniors' Come Alive Club held its monthly card party in the Gorrie Town Hall. Eleven tables of euchre and one of UNO were in play. Ivan Haskins won the birthday prize. Mrs. Hilda Farrish and Wellesley Strong were consolation prize winners. The Wingham Advance -Times, March 2, 1983—Page 5 OFA PRESIDENT Ralph Barrie was the featured speaker at a joint meeting of the Turnberry and Howick federations of agriculture last Friday. He said that although on- ly a small percentage of farmers is in serious danger of bankruptcy in the short term, action is needed to head off even worse trouble in the future. Flanking Mr. Barrie are township federation presidents Mel Greig of Howick and Aart De Vos of Turnberry. MRS. ALLAN GRIFFITH Wroxeter Personals Mrs. James Sanderson, who has been visiting relatives and friends here for the past couple of weeks, returned to her home in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, at the weekend. Mr. and Mrs. Otto Schuldt, Burlington, visited Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Higgins on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Marks were supper guests with Mr. and Mrs. David Marks, Brussels, on Thursday evening, the occasion being David's birthday. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford rMRS. WILLIAM SOTHERN Gibson, Barrie, were weekend guests with his father, Gordon Gibson. Miss Carole Worner of Germany and her father, Helmut Worner, Wroxeter South, drove the latter's daughter, Mrs. Robert Charron, to her home in Montreal last Thursday and returned home on Sunday. Mrs. Eileen Marks and Mrs. James "Sanderson visited with Mrs. Allan Griffith last Wednesday evening to view slides shown by Miss Elaine Snell of Westfield of the trip she and Notes from Fordwich The World Day of Prayer service will be held on Friday, March 4, .at 2 p.m. in Fordwich United Church'. Mr. and Mrs. Scotty Wilson of Alma were Sunday guests with Miss Louise Matthews. Friends of Mrs. Jim Vittie will be sorry to hear she is a patient in Listowel Memorial Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Doug Wildfang, Brian Wildfang and friend of Mississauga visited Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Roy Simmons. Mrs. Dave Dinsmore was in Newmarket Sunday where she attended a meeting. Roy Simmons returned home Saturday from Listowel Memorial Hospital where he had been confined. Mr. and Mrs. Anson Ruttan and Mr. and Mrs. Morley Johnson .returned home over the weekend after a two-week vacation in Cuba. Mr. and Mrs. Mel Allan were pleasantly surprised on Friday night when old neigh- bors gathered at their new Happy Gang opereuchre The Winghatn Happy Gang seniors sponsored an open euchre at the Armouries last Friday. Six tables were in play, with .the following winners: High pink, Olive Fuller; second high pink, Mrs. Burbridge; low pink, Dorothy Stevens; high white, Irene Bosman; second high white, Herb Clayton; low White,. Laura Gowdy. The next euchre party will be March 18 at the Armouries at 2 p.m. WINGF1AM 4-H By Sheri Marklevitz Our fourth meeting was held Feb. 28. We opened our meeting with the 4-H pledge. Following the pledge, we answered the roll call What are the 65 varieties of pasta' Next, we went to the kit- chen and started making stuffed vegetables, apple pies and minestrone soup. Then we gathered around the table 'And filled in the blanks and highlights, plus- the names of the foods in our books We sampled the food and it was good. home in Fordwich and presented them with an oil painting. A social time was, enjoyed and lunch was served. Mr. and Mrs.. John Espensen of Denmark are spending a month with his brother and sister-in-law; Mr. and Mrs. Holger Espensen. All visited over the weekend with Henry Espensen at Sudbury. Friends of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Finley of 'RR 4, Acton, who are summer visitors here, were sorry to hear of the' death last week of Mrs. Finley's mother who passed away in St. Joseph's Hospital, Guelph. Funeral service was held in Harriston. Mrs. Griffith enjoyed to Haiti last March. Mr. and Mrs. Ron Gilbert and Krista visited Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Riley. Mr. and Mrs. Ron Higgins and Karen of Stratford visited with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Higgins on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Hart visited their aunt, Mrs. James Sanderson, on Thursday evening prior to her departure for her home in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, on the weekend. Mrs. Allan Griffith was in Goderich for the weekend with her cousins, Mr. , and Mrs. James Robertson. Over 40 seniors attend meeting BLUEVALE—The regular monthly meeting of the Bluevale Senior Citizens was attended by 41 of the 52 members on Monday. Matters of business in- cluded the announcement of an open euchre party on March 14. These being dispensed with, some friendly games of euchre resulted in high prizes going to Winnie Boyc; and Carl Freiburger; lbw to Marguerite Fischer and Burns Moffatt; lucky to Edna MacTavish. Lunch served by Alba • Mundell, Donna Craig and Ethel Moffatt brought an enjoyable evening toa close. COUNTRY & WESTERN FANS TAKE LEISURE TOURS TO RENFRO VALLEY COUNTRY MUSIC CENTRE EASTER WEEKEND (4 days) Included: • Transportation • 3 Nights Accomodation • Admittance to Barn Dance, Jam- boree, Sunday Mornin' Gatherin' • Guided Tour of Lexington area • Cost per person, quad rate $210. c isure . Z"vurs n ,C J WINGHAM TRAVEL 357-1020 r COMMUNITY CALENDAR Arai/ INSURANCE BROKERS LTD. Insurance - All types. Home. business, auto, farm, life. WINGHAM 357-2636 GORR1E 335-3525 Thurs., Mar. 3 to Wed., Mar. 9 Thurs. Mar. 3 P.U.C. Meeting - 7:30 p.m. P.U.C. Building Food Dollars & Sense - Nutrition Month -7:30 p.m. - Madill S.S. Wingham Both Birthday - Winnie (Smith) Vincent -Blyth 2 & 7 p.m. The Hobbit - Blyth Memorial Hall - 8 p.m. World Day of Prayer - 2 p.m. - St. Paul's Anglican Church, Wingham Wingham Ironmen Dance • 9 Wingham Armouries Scout Group Comm. Meeting - 8:00 Mrs, Stewart Leedham's home Fn. Mar. 4' Sat., Mar. 5 Sun. Mar. 6 Mon. Mar. 7 Wingham Town Council Meeting - 7 Council Chamber Morris Twp. Council Meeting - 10 Bluevale p.m. p.m. p.m. a.m. 1 R. W. PIKE & ASSOCIATES LTD. 224 JOSEPHINE ST. WINGHAM 357-1225 'Accounting and management services for small businesses -. Lab ®e® eft eis!el MR Mal elle ® inn 1®e emee e1111E oM EMI eee MEM NSIEM o�