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S.aitn s the an, nut By Peter Parrott A squeaker, cliff-hanger or horse- race are all words that could be used to describe the provincial election in Durham East last week. Every ballot was important last Thursday evening as t he Progres- sive Conservative candidate, Sam Cureatz and NDP incumbent Doug Moffatt dueled for the lead. And while some people heard one of the television networks declare Doug Moffatt the winner at about nine p.m., the results were really still in doubt 45 minutes later, after 155 opt of 165 polls had turned~in their results. ' Twas About 75 reporters and spectators watching the resuits coming in at the Orono Town Hall saw the lead change hands several times in the course of the evening, until the PC candidate took the riding by what appears to be a 115 vote margin. Shortly before 10 o'clock a slim six ballots separated the leader, Doug Moffatt, from the challenger, Sam Cureatz. Minutes later, Moffatt pulled ahead by 22 and then by 77. But, the Tory standard-bearer picked up added strength on the final three polls of the riding. At about 10:15, Sam Cureatz Verrr y sneaked ahead of Doug Moffatt for the second or third time, and he hung on until the final poll from the Columbus area, north of Oshawa, reported. Since Doug Moffatt has requested a recount on last week's vote, the results from Durham East are still not confirmed. However, the follow- ing were the unofficial results from the riding's returning office in Orono: Sam Cureatz had 12,856 votes; Doug Moffatt was in second place with 12,741; Joan Downey, the Liberal candidate placed thirdwith 5,117 and Lloyd Leitch of the North American Labor Party had 153. Volume 123 .38 Pages BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1977 20e Per Copy Budget By Shawn Marshall The 1977 budget for the Town of Newcastle is ready for the approval of the municipality following final discussions over the figures at a Finance Committee meeting on Monday. This year's budget has been increased to a total of $10.6 million, approximately $1.2 million over the 1976 budget of $9.4 million. For Newcastle's taxpayers, it will result in an average increase of 6.9 per cent in taxes, rising from $6,693,097 in 1976, to a total of $7,374,153 required through munici- pal, regional, public and separate school levies this year. The Corporation of the Town of Newcastle ratified the 1977 contract with its inside employees and outside workers in a special council meeting on Monday. The agreement with the 46 mem- bers of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 74 pro- vides inside employees with salary increases ranging from 4.5 per cent to 22 per cent and an overall eight per cent hike in outside workers' wages. The inside employees' contract, retroactive to Jantiary 1, 1977 gives a top salary increase of 22 per cent for starting switchboard operators. The increase, subject to federal anti-inflation board guidelines would raise an operator's salary by $1,200 from $5,400 to $6,644 with an additional $860 raise possible after six months. A 12.6 per cent increase was also given to new clerk-typists and junior cashiers under the settlement, Re With transitional mill rates and growth factors varying over the three wards, taxes reflect slightly different increases in each area. Highest in Newcastle Pro erty taxes in Bowmanville (War Two) jump 7.6 per cent over last year's figures, bringing an average increase of $36 in the bill. The lowest tax hike of 4.7 per cent or approximately $30 on an average home is shown in the Clarke area (Ward Three), where residents pay less because fewer services are provided. The area receiving the highest boost in taxes in the budget is Newcastle Village (Ward Three), Wotrkers Obtain aIses bringing their salaries from $6,100 to $6,872, a $772 hike over the previous contract with an additional $968 possible after 18 months. Approval Expected Parking enforcement officers, the other classification receiving in- creases above AIB guidelines, would go from $7000 to $7,630' nine per cent above the 1976 contract, with another $753 increase available after six months. Newcastle Town Clerk J. M. McIlroy said the agreement was expected to receive the approval of the AIB without any trouble. The town tried to increase salaries to a level equal to those of inside employees in the surrounding muni- cipalities, Mr. Mcllroy said. Under the new agreement, all other employee classifications are eligible for salary increases after (Turn to Page Two) for, Approlval with an average $42 increase as a The budget is drawn up to pay for result of a 7.9 per cent overall hike in a wide range of services provided to taxes. local residents by the town. Taxes in the former township of It includes a total levy of $4.1 Darlington (Ward One) go up an million for public and high schools in average of $40 per home under the addition to $117,879 required from budget, 7.3 per cent higher than last separate school supporters. yearTs figures. (Turn to Page Two) c wdrgosrisControvit By Shawn Marshlaol The new contract raises the salary The 446 secondary school teachers of a senior level teacher from $25,000 in the Northumberland and New- to $26450, a total increase of $1,450 casie Board ofducationsjurisdic- within antiinflation board guide- tIn wrerecgivhnoapproximateosrenes. $1,00,000 in salary -increases under a Board chairman Dr. Ian Wilson new contract ratified by the board told trustees and members of the last Thursday. OntariSecondary Shool Teachers' The board reached a settiement Federation District 49's negotiating whihe gives the teachers a 5.8 per team that the collective agreement cent increase in salaries, raising the between the board and the teachps total from the 10 million mark in 1976 was fair to both sides. to nearly $1T.6 million thishyear.e(Turn to Page Two) offa senirhaeel teaerfom$5,0 By Peter Parrott Councilor Bob Dykstra and the secretary of the planning adminis- The Town of Newcastle appears to tration committee, have been given be only a few clauses away from an the authority to negotiate a final agreement on the second phase of agreement with LDCM Investments the Bowmanville Shopping Mal on Limited over the further develop- Simpson Ave. ment of the mail. (Turn to Page Two) andt TOUGH BREAK - His many friends in this area will be sorry to learn that former MPP Alex Carruthers is in hospital in Bristol, England. He and his wife were enjoying a tour of the British Isles when he was taken iln ana naa to seeK medical attention. The doctor immediately sent him to hospital for abdominal surgery. 'He came through the operation successfully but is not expected to be released for several weeks ... a tough way to enjoy your retirement. NON VOTERS - Several complaints have been received here by people who were not enumerated and unable to vote in the recent provincial election. Most of them ne- glected to check lists to make certain they were included, but some had spotted the omissions, and requested changes. How many were disenfranchised in this way we have now way of knowing, but several were quite upset. WRONG WINNER - In last week's Kendal news, the name of Mrs. A. Rose of Bowmanville was listed as the winner of a gallon of maple syrup at the Kendal LOL draw on May 28th. We have since been advised that David Park, 7 Anne St., Bowmanville, was the actual winner and no doubt has been enjoying his winnings ever since. HASN'T GIVEN UP - From all reports, Doug Moffatt still bas hopes that the 115 victory apparently achieved by his adversary Sam Cureatz on election night may have been a mistake. A news story Monday night indi- cates that he feels there may have been a discrepancy in connection with voting at Hillsdale Manor in Oshawa, and he is trying to check it out thoroughly through re- turning officer channels. If that fails, there probably will be a judicial recount when each ballot polled will be examined. In the meantime, his leader Stephen Lewis has announced his retirement as leader of the NDP. If Mr. Moffatt could have the result here upset, concei- vably he could be in the running for that post. He'd be a good one. CENTENNIAL - Enfield United Church will mark its Centennial on August 28th and they are looking for historical items that tie in with that community. They should be sent to Wallee Pascoe, R. R. 2, Blackstock. Guest speakers will be Dr. Harry Mellow, Oshawa and the Rev. Harold Kempling. The Country Four will entertain. PIECES PARKWOOD PROMENADE - This Saturday evening is your opportunity to see the grounds at the late Col. R. S. McLaughlin's estate in Oshawa. Several bands will be there to entertain the guests and the grounds are beautiful. COMING UP - Don't forget Tyrone's big 2-day celebration on Saturday ana Sunday, marking Queen Elizabêth's Silver Jubilee. Sunday is also Father's Day and the start of Senior Citizens' Week. LOCAL BUSINESS MAN - Dave Higgon Sr. died on Friday evening at home. For many years he was the proprietor of Higgon Electric and the issuer of Motor Vehicle Licences for the area. At one time he was very active in local government, serving as reeve of Bow- manville. In later years, as his health faded, he was a popular and familiar sight at Bowmanville Golf Club. Our sympathies are extended to old friends, the Higgon family. REACT MEMBERS - Because there have been several incomplete or false messages on accidents or fires sent in by people with CB radios, a lengthy list of rules of procedure has een sent in for all members of the REACT group. Unfortunately, space was at a premium this week so they have been held over until next week, but all CB users are advised to use common sense in their activities. Firemen and police have enough problems without someone thoughtlessly adding to them. MAJOR BURNESS DIES - Former mem4ers of the Midland Regt. will be shocked to learn that one time adjutant of the unit, Roy Burness of Port Hope died on Thursday. He was present at the recent reunion and made a plea for the regimental association to play a part in preserving Canadian unity. ON A WING AND A PRAYER - Statesman staffers are being severely tested this morning. Plant Manager Don Bishop is away on holidays, as is reporter Peter Parrott. Pressman Fred Jensen is in, but operating on one leg. We thought the situation was under control, until senior comp Howie Bryan's wife committed the unforgiveable sin. At six a.m. this morning, she informed Howie that press day or not, he was about to become a father. In addition to ignoring the first obligation of a printer's wife, Eileen may present his nibs with twins! Most young people would have misgivings about starting a trip from Montreal to Vancouver by tandem bicycle if there were just two adults involved. Add a two-year-old youngster and a dog and the trip would be unthinkable. On Friday, this family showed that the hardships of such a venture could be met and overcome. They left Montreal three weeks ago and hope to go through the Rockies before the snow falls. After reaching Vancouver, they plan to go on to Australia, not by bicycle. Nicolette Naum, Jean Bernard, son Alexandre and their dog Avril appeared in good condition but found the Friday evening traffic quite heavy. Both Jean and Nicolette are jugglers and have appeared on television in Montreal for the CBC. Issue 24 Adventurous Family En Route to Vancouver by Tandem Close! Compared with figures from the provincial election of September, 1975, the NDP almost equalled its 1975 performance last Thursday. In 1975, the party had polled 12,893 in Durham East - about 150 votes more than it received this time around. The Tories seemed to be the most improved party in this election. They gained over 2,000 votes more last Thursday evening than they received in 1975. The Liberals slipped by over 1,000 votes. They polled 6,694 in 1975. Last week's voter turn out was approximately 65 per cent. -BI7-ls