Feb 24, 1933

UNION STOCK YARD PROBE

Liberal M.P.P. Promises to Press Kennedy for Investigation.

PRICES UNDER FIRE

Rumor Condemned Meat Used Improperly, He Tells House.

   Relief that the Ontario Government should instruct or Influence an inquiry into the administration of the Union Stock ‘Yards in Toronto, to determine if, as rumored, condemned meat Is used for purposes other than properly intended –  “possibly human consumption” —was voiced to the Legislature yesterday, by Charles; A. Robertson, Liberal member for North Huron.

    Mr. Robertson told the press. following the conclusion of his Debate speech, that he would take the matter up with Hon. Thomas L. Kennedy, Minister of Agriculture, Immediately and would press for the investigation be had suggested before the House.

   The North Huron members probe remarks were only part of the general attack to which he subjected Government policy, particularly in respect of school end road grants, but It was sufficient to elicit from Premier Henry the remonstrance that Mr. Robertson surely could not be charging that such condemned meat was “sold to stores” for consumption. “

    “ 1 won’t go as far as that, Mr. Speaker.” Said Mr. Robertson. “but I have been told—in fact, its common rumor—that a lot of this condemned meat- is used for purposes it should not be.”

Objects to Prices.

   It was also stated by Mr. Robertson that prices obtaining at the stock. yards were equally as high now, is hard times. as they were four and five years ago. That situation also demanded Government attention and inquiry, he believed.

   Mr. Robertson’s references to the school and road grants situation—and he charged that the municipalities had been allowed to “run wild” In these connections, to the undoing of many—were, in part, as follows:

    “The system of grants as It has ‘operated In Ontario, especially In reference to -roads and schools has been the undoing of many municipalities School boards have been compelled to do many unnecessary things in order to participate in grants.s. Now the grants are reduced but the regulations still exist and the overhead, must be met. High school boards are not responsible to the electors, yet they must obey school laws and regulations Irrespective of their ability to finance the situation. If the reduced grants are to go Into effect, there should be cleaning up of laws and regulations.

   “The two-year Normal term should be abolished. If a teacher Is not a succeed after three years’ teaching experience, another Normal course will be of no benefit. A cheaper and more practical course for junior high pupils should be inaugurated. The increased examination fee is a hardship in many cases.

  “Inspectors encouraged by the department have too much latitude in condemning schools, school equipment and municipal councils have too little control of school expenses.

Grants Much Fairer

    The system of grants for rural elementary schools that went into effect a year ago is much fairer that that which existed in the previous 10 years because now, to a certain extent, they are based upon the

ability of a section to pay.  Teachers salaries are nearer to the $600 general school levy than they were, thus tending to equalising school rates something desired by the township school board.

   “If the general school levy is lowered to $500 as intimated, teacher’s salaries will be reduced and the Government grant accordingly will be lowered.  The pendulum may swing too far and defeat the object desired.

   “I would like to call the minister’s attention to the great disparity in county grants given by the Government to the various counties, altogether out of proportion to the contribution they make to highway finances, and I think there should be some relation, one to the other, under approved expenditures, the grants range all the way from $400,000 to $100,000, certainly not according to assessment, population, acreage or ability to pay.  When the Government pays 50% of county road cost, they should have a right and an interest in protecting themselves, and in the light of present day knowledge and conditions, they would ne doing a kindness to some county municipalities.  A study of expenditure and debenture debt will prove the truth of my statement.

PDF 509