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Canadian Statesman (Bowmanville, ON), 28 Nov 1946, p. 2

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PAQI TWO THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO TH.URSDAY, NOV. 28th, 1946 Ehe 0anaamn tatteman Establlshed 1854 With which is Incorporated The Bowmanville News, The Newcastle Independent, and The Orono Nbws 98 Years Continuous Service To The Town of Bowmanville and Durham County. Authorized as Second Class Mail, Post Office Department, Ottawa. AN INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER Member of Circulations Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association SUBSCRIPTION RATES $2.00 a Year, strictly ln advance. $2.50 a Year ln the United States GEO. W. JAMES, Editor. Mayor Attacks Statesman But Fails to Support Charges At the nomination meeting Friday, Mayor C. G. Morris, who announced his retirement from municipal office, delivered an able address in defepce of the actions of the council during the past year and his three and a half years as Mayor. He courageously took personal respon- sibility for the administration of the town's business including any mistakes that might have been made. His stand in this respect is highly to be commended and as we have stated before he is not only well ipformed but has been the keystone of the council. But in his remarks the Mayor took occasion to criticise The Statesman in several particulars, some of which we pass over at the moment, but one we believe should be dealt with now. He chffrged that articles recently appearing in the paper had resulted in the loss of the sale of three houses in the town housing project. The charge was a mere categorical statement un- supported with any details whatsoever. The inference remaining with ratepayers present was that The Statesman had deprecated the quality end price of the houses, hence buyers were driv- xen away. We immediately took up this challenge by asking the Mayor for the names and particulars in respect of this alleged loss of sale. He re- fused our advances. Therefore we present the case by referring to the back issues of The' Statesman and challenge the Mayor or anyone else to find one word of criticism of the quality or price of any of the houses in question. Among the many articles published on this housing project we refer particularly to our issue of Sept. 19th, 1946. This free column-length story compared the value of the town housing units with those of the government just east of town. We quote: "The town houses are complete with plaster finish, solid paneled doors, and in every partic- ular are the equal of any modern construction. They are fully modern, with all municipal ser- vices and are offered to veterans at less than cost price or $4,000. This cost is lower than any comparable home value in Canada. Get in touch with building inspector Pattinson, who will give all particulars as to individual financing." Does the foregoing look like criticism? It is only part of the several boosts for these houses that have appeared in The Statesman. Going right back to the beginning, we can show that the first move to secure the Internment Camp buildings originated in The Statesman office. We corresponded with C. E. Stephenson, M.P., and he laid the groundwork at Ottawa to secure the buildings. The Mayor and council entered the picture later afid the deal was closed. The files of The Statesman and the above correspondence are open to the Mayor and pub- lic. The facts are there, quite in contrast with the categorical statement made by the Mayor and his refusal to give any further particulars to support his charge. We let the case rest as stated for the information of any who hold any conjectures in the matter. The feeling is now prevalent that, in deal- ing only in generalities at the meeting and the attack on The Statesman, the speaker simply raised a smoke-screen, behind which not a word was said as to particulars of the various con- tracts entered into, and notably if any over- payments will be required for their fulfilment. The fog also resulted in no questions being ask- ed in this regard. The fact is that The Statesman questioned only the terms of contracts as they could be learned at the insistence of ratepayers. And the whole story is yet to come out. We believe not a single individual capable of. thinking ob- jectively, will be so credulous as to imagine any loss of sale accruing from a mere examination of the terms of a contract, when at the same time the press was entirely laudatory of the construction and value of the housing units. The Mayor and council of Bowmanville well know that all they have to do to enlist the sup- port of The Statesman is to supply the facts and free space will be given to promoting the sale of these houses or any other worthy project. But we take exception to any unwarranted statements issued publicly by any official and unsupported with particulars. We believe the above makes the position quite clear. Sale of Christmas Seals Saves Lives and Suffering The drive is now on for the sale of Christ- mas Seals. It is again sponsored by the Lions Club. It will be remembered that the drive last year resulted in the Bowmanville and district Chest X-Ray Clinic which was a great success. In continuing this fine humanitarian service which will be extended into other activities in the nature of saving lives and suffering, the Lions Club Committee again asks public sup- port. The story of the fight against tuberculosis was told at the Lions Club, Monday, by Mr. O'Brien, the provincial secretary and is reported in this issue. After reading this revealing mes- sage there is little doubt that the present drive will meet with complete success. Purchaseyour Christmas Seals now and help along a 'great caue. Agent of National Prosperity We are pleased to present in another col- umn a very illuminàting review of the general financial picture and the function of the Bank of Montreal as one of the great agencies in the promotion of national.prosperity. It is indeed refreshing to read a story so plainly t6ld that anyone can read and understand. It is one more instance of the value of enlightened public re- lations. In giving the "Human Facts Behind the Figures" the Bank of Montreal removes the old conception that banking is a mysterious bus- iness, when in fact it is fundamentally no more complex than any other type of business. Oldest bank in Canada, having been estab- lished just 130 years ago, the Bank of Montreal has with steady solvency, through good times and bad, grown to a position in which its total resources reach almost two billion dollars and is the custodian of the savings of more than 1,500,000 individual Canadians. Its function is to extend this vast pool of resources into the channels of legitimate business and among thousands of individuals in need of assistance whose chief asset is simply one of character. Last year the Bank of Montreal provided personal loans to more than 157,000 Canadians; small businessmen, farmers, professional peo- ple, workers, home owners and of course to hundreds upon hundreds of those who fought in the late war. It is among the rank and file that the message of the Bank of Montreal will come with heartening effect. Managers of local branches will be found as friends who can be approached in 'strictest confidence and whose advice and assistance are merely the expressions of the wide human policy of a great institution. General Motors of Canada Honors Quarter Century Club Among the larger corporations, General Motors of Canada is one of the foremost in ap- preciating the value of promoting better em- ployer-employee relations and in accepting the important concept that "Industry Has a Story to Tell", a theme on which The Statesman has been "harping" for the past few years. We were pleased to learn last week that General Motors, Oshawa, were hosts at the largest ban- quet ever held in that city. The occasion was one in which some 430 employees were present- ed with rings for attaining 25 years or upwards of service with the corporation. With wives in attendance the gathering numbered over 820. Proud to be numbered among the employ- ees, a man who worked with his hands among many present, genial Sam McLaughlin, received his ring too, for a record 59 years of service. That he was Chairm'an of the Board meant little to Col. R. S. McLaughlin at this memorable gathering. He was simply "one of the boys" as he told with deep feeling of his pride in his as- sociates, and the motto of "quality" they always pursued together. From the little village of Enniskillen where he started with his father, the late Robert McLaughlin, and his brother, the late George McLaughlin, he has come a long way, never losing the common touch. In the keynote address of President and General Manager W. A. Wecker, many long- service men were specially mentioned and it was disclosed that 2300 employees could count 10 years and upwards with the corporation. Among the present personnel were some 1700 veterans of the two world wars. A gathering of that kind and magnitude goes a long way in promoting an esprit de corps which is vitally essential to harmony and good production. Training Plan is Suggested for Prospective Councillors Behind the scenes before the nomination meeting on Friday, we witnessed a concerted effort by a few interested citizens to persuade men or women of good character and sound busi- ness ability to fill the vacancies which would be appearing in the Town Council. Every last minute attempt failed with the result that with the exception of four vacant seats in council, every new member of council was electedi by acclamation. The probability is that the rest of the council will also be filledi by acclamation. Oldier people blame the young returnedi vet- erans or 'non veteran business men for not sub- mitting their names for nomination, claiming that they should accept now the responsibility of running the town anti allow the older men to relax on their haunches. Our belief is that the young men are not shirking their duty, but are men who must know what it is all about before they plunge in to take over a two or three hundred thousandi dollar business. We suggest that they are diefinitely inter- ested in the town's affairs and ame more than willing to take their shame of responsibility. Most of them have proven that fact in their own businesses or in the service clubs where they are members. But, they have learnedi to tread war- ily on the battle field anti in business. For this reason, we believe a pmoject to ac- quaint these men with municipal activities and responsibilities, with rules of precedure, with details of municipal, provincial and federal government would meet with a ready reception. A year of such training and instruction, taking two or three hours every two weeks or an even- ing once a month, would arouse interest in municipal affairs so that by the time the next election appeared, semi-trained councillors would be ready to contest an election. Such a project would not take extensive organization nor any capital. At each session, an ex-mayor, selected well in advance, could lead discussion on a given topic. Now and then the entire group could sit in at council meet- ings to see how the affaIrs of the town are con- ducted and could analyse the procedure when returned to their meeting place. The financial situation could be brought out. The town solici- tor, assessor, tax collector, and clerk could each give their story. And so on, it could continue with almost unlimited subjects and possibilities. We believe such a forum would work, pro- viding considerable enlightenment for young and old who attended and giving this town a training ground for future members of its basic government, the Town Council. • immmmu----mm- mm-i-m-mU-U- ---Um- SIN THE DIM AND DISTANT PAST Prom The Stateumma Files Il. Il .1'T...... TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO November 17, 1921 Rev. and Mrs. Ewen McDonald, Leaskdale, were guests of Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Luke, Centre St. Mrs. McDonald (L. M. Montgomery) is the author of the Anne of Green Gables books. Principal W. J. Morrison pre- sided for the B.H.S. oratorical contest with Miss Sybil Burk as pianist. Winners were: Thelma Gilders, "Has the War Helped Civilization?;" Lawrence Mason, "The North American Indian;" Helen McGregor, "Indian Leg- ends;" Ralph Carruthers, "Cap- tain Scott's Epedition to The Antarctic." Nestleton: Frank Malcolm and Daisy Currie were married. Enniskillen: Stanley Preston and Ethel Nichols were married at Tyrone. - Milton Sanderson spoke at church on the subject, "The battle that nobody saw, or Christ in the Garden of Gethse- mane." Ebenezer: Friends asembled at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Found to honor their son, Dr. Nor- man Found who is leaving as a medical missionary to Korea. He was presented with a watch and chain and' Bible. FIFTY YEARS AGO November 20, 1896 James Bell, hotel keeper, Or- ono, was dirowned while shoot- ing deer. Frank Trebilcock is teaching at Kirby School. Bowmanville Hockey Club met at the Bennett House and elected these officers: Hon. President, Dr. Lammiman; president, Gus Boun- sall; vice president M. Galbraith, Jr.; manager, W. J. Furze; cap- tains, Fred Horsey and Fred Bur- den; goal ulnpire, J. H. McMur- try; secretary-'treasurer, C. B. Kent. Rev. W. F. Allan, B.A., formerly of Newcastle, has completed three successful years at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Denver. Adjt. and. Mrs. G. Maltby are in charge of the Salvation Army corps here. Kirby: A. A. Powers has pack- ed 2,500 barrels of apples.-S. M. Billings has purchased the James McCormack farm. Newcastle: W. Jewell has mov- ed to Wrightson Foster's farm.- F. Little and Alf Bennett, Orono, are attending Newcastle High School. Enniskillen: N. Byers and fam- ily have moved to our village.- Mrs. F. Tordiff has moved from the village and James Burr will occupy the house. Tyrone: Fred J. Penfound, son of Joseph Penfound, died at the age of 23. Blackstock: Mrs. Bailqy has left the Commercial Hotel and now lives with her son, Frèd.-Ed. Riches has moved from the post office block to Moore Bros.' house. Mayor Reviews Stewardship Before Retiring From Office Mayor C. G. Morris, speaking at the nomination meeting held in the Council Chamber, Nov. 22, announced his intention of re- tiring from public office due to pressure of private business. In a vigorous address he reviewed the council's work during the past year and personally assujied full responsibility during his term of three and a half years as mayor. A general summary of his re- marks is given herewith for the information of ratepayers who failed to attend the overflow mee- ting. While much criticism had been heard in recent weeks, the May- or pointed out that nothing defin- ite had been laid down. He had no apologies to offer in the con- duct of public business and issued a challenge to ratepayers to ask any questions desired and he would answer them. The coun- cil, he said, had functioned as a fully co-ordinated body and had used its best judgment in deal- ing with all problems. War Iegacy The war years and subsequent readjustment had occasioned un- usual conditions. The local Ra- tion Board, still carrying on, had taken much time which encroach- ed upon town business. Great credit was accorded Town Clerk Alec Lyle in this connection. Many local projects had been delayed. through shortages and now had to be dealt with. Given assurance that financial assis- tance for municipalities would be extended by Dominion and Pro- vincial governments, none to date had been extended and council had proceeded' with resolution in work that had to be done. Contracts Expansion of the disppsal plant came as a legacy from former regimes. A new plant became mandatory under the Provincial Department of Health and a con- tract was let. It was disclosed that the biggest industry in town was not yet served by the dispos- al plant. Contract for the trunk sewer recently completed was also ap- proved by council since many cellars continued to be flooded. These new constructions had to be and were proceeded with by the present council. Taking full responsibility for the contracts entered into the Mayor stated they were approv- ed and supervised by one of the best known firms of engineers in the country. He claimed. that the same contracts let today would run 40 to 50 per cent high- er. King Street repairs was an- other case of a legacy from for- mer years. The contract for this work involved payment .by the province of 50 per cent of the roadway. As to the terms of the contract, he was prepared to an- swer any questions later on. Housing The housing matter was. traced back to the general meeting a year ago when some 40 names were secured indicating a desire to purchase. Consultations were held at Queen's Park and the whole position explored prior to purchase of the Internment Camp buildings and the scheme was lainched. In view of all these enquiries the speaker felt there was little room for criticism and he had no apologies to offer. He regretted that little support was given to the project by local organizations and ratepayers generally. As to value, the houses were well con- structed and he had yet to learn of any other municipality that could offer equal accommodation for returned men. Press Criticism In closing the Mayor stated that recent articles appearing in The Statesman, which he roundly condemned as "poorly advised, poorly written" had resulted in loss of the sale of three houses on which negotiations were pen- ding. ,An invitation was extendi- edi to any citizen able to do so, to assist in financing sale of the remaining houses as a patriotic gesture. Questions During the question period the Mayor explained the recent changes in some assessments. His summary in this respect was in the main the same as that ap- pearing in last week's Statesman, an attempt at equalization due to the rise in property values. He reiterated his belief that the tax rate for 1947 could be held or even lowered. Challenged by M. Breslin, Pre- sident of the local Legion, for al- leged criticism of the Legion for not giving more help to the hou- sing project, the Mayor asserted that he was misquoted in the press. Mr. Breslin affirmed that the Legion had not been asked to help in spite of offering on two occasions any services required. After some heat the incident pass- ed off. Conclusion In conclusion the Mayor reca- pitulated the general position on his retirement. Every civic de- partment was well equipped, well manned. He felt that the new council would find things in excel- lent shape to carry on for the following year. Following the meeting, as lit- tle knots of ratepayers gathered for post-mortems, many discov- ered a notable omission during the evening. Not a single speak- er had discussedi the terms of any public works contract or any'ex- cess costs that may be entailed. Nor did a single ratepayer ask a question in this regard. Since another nomination meeting must be called there is still opportun- ity for further questions. Canadian Foresters Visit Nestleton Officers, members and their ladies .from Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa and Bowmanville, jour- neyed to Nestleton and were roy- olly entertained by members of the Order in that district. The visitors were welcomed by Bros. Jackson, and H. Thompson of Court Nestleton. The feature of the evening was the presentation of the 25 year pins, symbolic of the pioneers of the Order, to Bros. Jackson, Thompson, Curran, Staples, Mal- ton, Emmerson, Fitze, Johns and Trick. Special mention was made of Bros. A. H. Veale charter member of the Order and J. Arm- strong. Experiences of the work done, and sacrifices made by these early fraternal minded pioneers, was most interesting, depicting the change, not only in the manner of living, but of the trend of think- ing, then and today, clearly showing that the trend seems to be away from spiritual concepts, neighborliness, tolerance and un- selfishness, to individualism and selfishness. In his remarks, Bro. H. Thomp- son dwelt to some length on these points. He stated that the Canad- ian people of today had been han- ded a Divine heritage built on unselfishness, sacrifice and faith in their Creator. Today, Canadian people were faced by many isms, but fraternalism was the solution of all mankind's prob- lems. Visiting speakers were Bros. C. Ferguson, J.C.P.R., H. Strathdee, C.R., E. Henderson, F.S., S. Stark, V.C.R., and G. Hurst of Court Oshawa. Bros. H. Richards, P.C.R. L. Haynes, F.S., R. Kennett and H. Hamm of Court Bowmanville. In the absence of D.D.H.C.R., Bro. H. B. McCabe, the presenta- tion was made by Bro. J. Cal Braun, District Organizer of the Order, who welcomed the pioneer members of Court Nestleton and complimented them on their loy- alty to the principles of Canadian Forestry, building better tl4an they knew, until from a small be- ginning, the Order now played a vital part in Canadian life and youth' training. Local Public Utilities Report Reveals Splendid Position At the annual municipal no- mination meeting both Milton J. Elliott, who was returned by ac- clamation to the Public Utilities Commission, and Ross Strike, K. C., town solicitor and Utilities chairman, reviewed the current position and future prospects in that department. Mr. Elliott expressed pleasure that so large an audience of both men and women turned out, much in contrast with former years. lie voiced thanks for being returned by acclamation. The Utilities Commission, he explained, held meetings open to all and invited better attendance by the rate- payers. Water Supply He explained that the water supply .was approaching a bor- derline where another source was becoming imperative. Clos- ing of the Goodyear plànt for four months relieved the situation whilé installation of pumping equipment permitted more uni- form pressure. In any industrial expansion it was quite evident that the supply tanks at Salem, with present 8-inch pipes and main water supply would be found inadequate. Therefore plans have been developed to tap Lake Ontario for a future water supply; how soon depends upon developments. The $40 charge for hydrants was not rent but a service charge to be shared by property owners. The local rate comparecd favor- ably with the average through- out Ontario municipalities and the average rate for water service $1.50 every two months was con- sidered most favorable. Mr. El- liott, elected for a two-year term, declared his purpose of serving to the best of his ability. Mr. Strike, the only speaker not running for office, remarked that the size of the gathering in- dicated, an appreciation that de- mocracy was the way of free- dom which can be maintained only by eternal vigilance. Financial Position The financial position of the local Hydro system was happily a surplus of $100,000 in govern- ment bonds. The book statement of operating profits for 1945 was $35,000. Lack of labor and sup- plies during wartime prevented new installations, but temporary repairs had been carried out as a financial surplus was rolled up. Plans were going forward for a new sub-station, but costs have risen. As an example Mr. Strike stat- ed that original plans for new construction had risen from $55,- 000 to around $72,000 due to ris- ing costs of labor and materials and meantime, due to shortages, only repairs could, be undertaken. The water supply had reached tops of 580,000 gallons per day with a peak capacity of 800,000 gallons, a slim margin in case of industrial expansion and ade- quate fire protection. If a lake supply had to be tapped he saw no reason for increasing rates due to a policy that has created a Business Directory L E G A L W. R. STRIKE, K.C. Barrister - Solicitor - Notary Solicitor for Bank of Montreal Money to Loan - Phone 791 Bowmanville, Ontario LAWRENCE C. MASON. B.A. Barrister, Solicitor, Notary Public King Street W., Bowinanville Phone: Office 688 Residence 553 W. F. WARD, B.A. Barrister - Solicitor - Notary 9½ King Street E. Bowmanville - Ontario Phone: Office 825 House 409 · MISS APHA I. HODGINS Barrister, Solicitor, Notary Public Successor to M. G. V. Gould Temperance St. - Bowmanville Phone 351 DRS. DEVITT & RUDELL Graduates of Royal Dental College, and Faculty of Dentistry, Toronto. Office: Jury Jubilee Bldg. King Street, Bowmanville Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily 9 a.m. to 12 noon Wednesday Closed Sundav Office Phone 790 Residence: Dr. J. C. Devitt 325 Dr. W. M. Rudell 2827. DR. E. W.- SISSON, L.D.S., D.D.S. Office in his hon;ie 100 Liberty St., N., Bowmanville Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Wednesday Closed Sunday Phone 604 23-5* Monuments. The Rutter Granite Company Phone 501 - P.O. Box 622 Port Hope, Ont. Monuments, Gravemarkers, Engraving, Goldleafing 14-tf * SALMITA SHAFT SINKING PROGRAM OUTLINED Send For Dr. Banefild'a Latent Report and Dia- mond Drilling Resulte Cornell & Company 73 Adelaide Street West Toronto 1, Ontario splendid surplus. All Hydro debentures have been retired and the only out- standing item was $15,000 bor- rowed from the town for cur- rent expenditures. Few munici- palities had such a liquid position as the local Hydro. Among the difficulties spared the average man is explaining to the little woman how he wander- ed into an auction and happened to scratch his ear and the next thing he knew he'd bought a steer for $44,000.-Kansas City Star. FIFTY YEARS OF PUBlLIC SERVICE is a wise habit to form. Open a savings account with us and start building up a fund which will enable you to meet possible obligations and emergencies. Sums of $1.00 and upwards are received on deposit, and interest at the rate of 2% per annum is allowed, payable or compounded half- yearly. Accounts are withdrawable by cheque. VT-46-6 THE VICTORIA TRUST & SAVINGS OFFICES AT LINDSAY AND CANNINGTON, ONTARIO We Want Your POULTRY AND EGGS We sell direct to the Consumer You can Get Our Prices be assured of the highest market price for these products E G G S CHICKENS FOWL D U C K S CAL VES H OGS Phone Whitby 336 PICKERING FARMS LIMITED WHITBY - ONTARIO WE'RE LOOKING FOR TROUBLE We've had a lot of experience heading off tractor trouble. Whether your tractor needs a simple adjustment, reconditioning or a major repair, bring it in. All repair parts are made in the same factory and to the same specifica- tions as the original parts. Why not schedule your tractor and All-Crop Harvester for a complete check-up. Often it prevents trouble later on. SALES AND SERVICE BOWMANVILLE MOTOR SALES Dodge - DeSoto Dealer Phone 585 - 166 King St. E. Evervthing is done here to avoid eold for- malitv and artifical dignity. We supple- ment our quiet, eomfortable surroundings with syinpathy, tlhoightfulness and the un(ler.standing so, appreciated in your hour of ineed. Cail us at anîy hour. NORTHCUTT & SMITH Funeral Directors - Ambulance Service 20 King St. W. Phones: 668 - Res. 523 or 726 w O ! :rL I g C i ES Hear the National Form and Home Hour every Saturday, NBC . TRURSDAY, NOV. 28th, 1946 PAGn TWO THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, BOWMANVIILLE, ONTARIO

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