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4 THE LIBERAL, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Thursday, Sept. 17. 1970 it til " For * Rgation Provincial Police Report Says More Irregularities Still Secret In Whitchurch By HAROLD BLAINE There are more 1968 irregular- ities in Whitchurch Township af- fairs than have as yet been re- vealed to the public, according to police investigating arson May 1 at the Vandorf municipal office. Council is still withholding in- formation about these irregulari- ties. in spite of the fact that a secret $910 shortage was revealed last fall by a former deputy-reeve. Absent from work for 12 weeks due to stomach problems, Whit- church Township Clerk-Treasurer Thomas Kerr has been asked for his resignation. Only Councillor Mrs. Betty van Nostrand opposed the council action. Mr. Kerr can still ask for a council hearing. Whitchurch Council September 8 decided not to extend Mr. Kerr's leave of absence any further. His leave of absence was extended August 17, even though an ex- pected medical report was not available to council. Mr. Kerr was appointed clerk in 1964 and has been a member of the township staff for 18 years. The job has carried a salary of $12,000 for more than a year. The clerk-treasurer lives about 2%. miles from the township office at Vandorf. According to a police report tabled in council on the same ev- ening, Mr. Kerr failed to return to work in mid-June after being questioned by police a second time about arson and missing funds at the township office. “Among other matters delved Into (between June 15 and 1'7). He was absent until July 9. when he approached Reeve Burnett and stated he was under a doctor’s care for stomach problems, and would be absent for another four to six weeks. Council subsequent- ly approved a five Week leave of absence," said OPP Criminal Inâ€" vestigation Branch Inspector John McKendry in his report to council. The OPP report was submitted along with a report from Serg- eant Donald Hillock of the Whit- church Township Police Depart- ment. Involved is the investigation of township records to determine the reason for $910 being missing from 1968 tax payments. Arson is suspected in a May 1 early morning fire that police believe was aimed at destroying the 1968 tax records so the lost money could not be traced. Inspector McKendry reported to council, in part, as follows: “Following the municipal elec- tion in December 1969, a Mr. Law- rence Henncssey, Vandorf, form- erly deputy-reeve. had been de- feated in his bid for reeveship of the township. During his short speech, thanking those who had supported him, he made public the fact that the 1968 township books had disclosed some irregu- larities and shortages, and that he felt there should be a full public inquiry into the discrepancies. “It would appear that little, if anything, was done by the new council to locate the shortage, which appeared to be somewhere between $900 and $1.000. I sub- following Mr. Hennessey‘s dis- closure of irregularities, on Jan- uary 13 he, along with Councillor Mrs. Betty van Nostrand and Dep- uty-reeve Norman Barnard, met with the Deputy Minister of Mun- icipal Affairs for guidance. “It was first decided to have department auditors recheck the 1968 books. However, shortly thereafter Richard Hector of Cossâ€" er. Hector, Payne and Company of 207 Main Street. Newmarket (who had previously audited the booksi requested a short extension of time to re-examine the books. He proposed a system whereby he felt the discrepancy would show up. “Mr. Hector felt the error was one of a clerical nature, rather than a shortage in the account. As this theory sounded reason- able, the Department of Municipal Affairs was advised accordingly. “It is also of interest to note that these irregularities, as well as others, had been brought to the council's attention in July or August 1969. “The council had met and dc- cided to withhold this knowledge from the public and to attempt to straighten out the problem with the 1968 tax accounts. It therefore came as a complete shock and sur- prise when Mr. Henncssey made this fact known to the public in December, 1969. And of course, many attributed this to a vindic- tive effort to discredit these re- elected to office. “On March 19, in an attempt to discover the area of the error, a week of employment, she was given the assignment of setting up lodgers. She was to post the individual tax payments made during 1968 from the carbon cop- ies of the tax bills, and to cross- check and post the individual tax slips. This procedure, when check- ed against the bank deposits. would have narrowed the period of shortage or error to a par- ticular day or week. depending on the frequency of bank depos- its. “Prior to the fire the ledgcrs and deposit slips, which were the subject of question relating to the shortage in 1968 tax returns. had been stored on top of the filing cabinet. These lodgers. along with cancelled cheques and property transfer slips, had been placed on the floor at the north end of the vault and ignited. “There is no doubt that the per- son responsible for the fire was attempting to destroy the quest- ioned records. There is also evi- dence that the attempt was made to make it appear as though some- one had first ransacked the var~ ious offices. “During the fire investigation, Fire Investigator Powell obtained certain exhibits from within the building. ly examined at the Centre of For- ensic Sciences and were found to contain fuel oil. positively es- tablishing that the fires were pur- posely set and ruling out all other causes. “The investigation disclosed further, that on Saturday. May 2 These were subsequent- , Treasurer Kerr. Chief Inspector Cresswell contacted him by tel- ephone at 10:10 am. "Mr. Kerr requested that. the OPP conduct the investigation in- to the arson. inasmuch as the Chief Constable, Fred Mason, had a key for the municipal office and knew the vault combination. cast- ing a reflection on Chief Mason. "Inspector Crcsswell informed Kerr that requests for assistance should be made through the ol- fice of the Crown Attorney. the council as a body, or the chief of police. "Therefore, he would not auth- orize detailing OPP personnel to the investigation at this time. “Mr. Kerr stated he would con- tact the Crown Attorney and seek the necessary authority. When unable to lecatc the Acting Crown, Mr. Leggctt, he again contacted Inspector Cresswell at 11:20 am, and again at 12:23 pm. “At the latter time, he was asked what details the investiga- tion had disclosed, and admitted there was a member from the On- tario Fire Marshall‘s Office on the scene. Sergeant Hillock was working with him, and he had never thought it necessary to con- fer with either of the investiga- tors or with Chief Mason regard- ing the progress being made. “It was also of interest to note that Kerr had not conferred with the members of council before sol~ iciting the assistance of the OPP.” said Inspector McKendry in his interim report to Whitchurch Council. course. Whitchurch Police Sergeant Hill- ock reported the following facts established during the investiga- tion: “The building was secure when the fire was discovered and re- ported. "There were two fires in the building, one in the vault and one in the upstairs storage room. “When the fire was discovered. the door into the main office was locked. “The vault main door and fire doors were open completely when the fire was discovered. “Ledgers, transfer slips, 1968 deposit slips, and new internal audit ledgers, all had been re- moved from filing cabinets in the vault and placed on the floor be- fore the fire was set. “The vault door is always kept locked during closed hours and was, in fact, locked at 5:15 pm April 30, the night before the fire. “There was no apparent forced entry to the building or vault. "There was nothing apparently stolen. “There was no malicious or wil- ful damage done prior to the fire. “The fire was set prior to 6:45 381 May 1 and after 5:15 pm April “The vault written on combination was two separate cards . which are kept in the front of the ratepayers card file. Neither of these had the details of which way to turn the dial, etc. “In possession of keys to the Margaret Bowser, Mrs. Gertrude Baycroft, Mrs. Boocock, Mr. Ed- ward Blackburn, Mr. Miller and Ted Ricker. “There is also the pOSSibility that other keys may be in exist- ence. as the lock has not been changed since approximately Oc- tober, 1966. "It is probable that all of the people who had door keys, as well as the newly hired Mrs. Muir, and other members of council. etc, would know how to electrically open the door into the front office. "It is known that the vault com~ bination was also changed approx imately October '66. The people authorized to have the combina- tion to the vault at the time of the fire were Mr. Kerr, Mrs. Bowser, Mr. Blackburn and Mrs. Baycroft. “It is obvious the suspect or sus- pccts made a very feeble attempt to leave the appearance in the building that the place had been ransacked prior to the fire. “The 1968 tax account books are out of balance with the bank de- posit figures in the amount of $901.76. The 1967 and 1969 books are apparently in balance. “There was an internal audit be- ing done on the 1968 books and it was to the point where they should have pinpointed the miss- ing money at any time. This was apparently known by all the township employees. Mrs. Muir. being a newly hired employee, was given the assignment of locat- ing the date the money went miss- ing, by following the steps that were laid out by the township at 9:55 am, Chief Inspector Cress- well, duty officer. received a mes- sage from Downsview OPP re- questing that he contact Clerk- Mrs. Patricia Muir, RR 3. New- market, was employed by the council as a telephone reception- ist and typist. During her first Inspector McKendry said at the end of his report that the invest- igation is continuing and a fur- ther report would be made in due rear door of the township office building were Reeve Burnett, Clerk Kerr, Road Superintendent Ernest Davis, Chief Mason, Mrs. TEMPERANCEVILLE NEWS CORRESPONDENT: MRS. W. G. JENNINGS -â€" PHONE 773-5892 Church News would be pleased to see manyl Congratulations to Mr. and The thankoffering meeting of,of our members back in their,Mrs. Alex Gallacher (Ann Pax- the United Church Women will regular place each Sunday ton), who Were married in Temâ€" auditor, Mr. Hector. “No flammable fluid container was located during the crime scene search investigation." sequently interviewed S te w a rt Burnett, RR 2, Aurora, who was serving his third term as reeve. “Mr. Burnett informed me that Mr. Kerr was re-examined. He appeared very distraught and ner- vous. Following this interview (Mr.) Kerr did not return to work. STOUFFVILLE MONUMENT WORKS 113 Main West “The Liberal” Is always pleased to publish items of be held in the Sunday school morning. peranceville United Church “wrest regarding people and events in the Oak Ridges . room of the church October .7, Neighborhood Notes September 7. STOUFFVILLE at 8 pm. The evening unit Will Our very best wishes go to Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert Jen- Lake Wilcox and King City districts. Our news corres- pondent in Oak Ridges - Lake Wilcox is Mrs. Elisabeth KING CITY, OAK RIDGES LAKE WI LCOX Oak Ridges - Lake Wilcox News ' g ‘ Win Championship lWhitchurch Township League lic Church, in Richmond Hill, ed by the Oak Ridges Lions who - - . Well, it took the 8-10 year old with teams from Lake Wilcox, offered a mass for the repose sponsor baseball in the com- 2:331:11:gigglglggégilgggi‘lggg girls to bring a championship Vandorf, Pine Orchard and of the soul of the late Mrs. munity each year. Children who mg to donate is asked to have ’ ' to this community this summer. Ballantrae competing all season. Frances Scott, who passed away didn’t take part in the ball pro- it at the church by October 17 They did it with two consecutive Lake Wilcox had four teams in August, gram were also included in the This will allow it to be packed resounding wins. The girls are entered in the league -â€" squirt An ambitious calendar of entertainment and several bus- and ready for Shipment before members of the Lake Wilcox and peewee girls and squirt and events is planned up to the end hels of corn, pop and wieners the turkey supper date. .' Recreation League and defeated peewee boys. of October_ were devoured. The annual turke su er will, V, Pine Orchard and 9-3 in members of the champion- A bake sale “7111 be fOI- Trophies were presented to be held at the chuifch Octo_ 640-3643 HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT YOUR. FAMILY MONUMENT? The selection of a family memorial is an important step because the memorial you choose will remain for centuries. It should be the kind of monument you want . . . the kind you and your family will always be proud of. Properly designed, it can tell a truly personal story. Skillfully made, it can have ageless beauty. ' May we assist you in securing such a memorial? We will appreciate the opportunity to discuss your needs with you. R. Tompkinson 852-7222 be in charge of the program.,Mrs. Clayton Beynon who has nings spentafew days last week All women are invited to attend'moved to her new home in King at the home of Mr. and Mrs. this meeting. City. Aubrey Lloyd of Delhi. The afternoon unit of the Master Gordon James cele- Norman Rumble spent his UCW will meet at the home of brated his 10th birthday by en- 87th birthday with some 35 Mrs. Everett Phillips, Septem- tertaining a number of his members of his family, at a pic- ber 17, at 2 pm. Members please school pals at supper September nic supper in Humber Trails note the change of meeting 11. Conservation Park, September 6- place. YORK CENTRAL HOSPITAL Memorial Fund tc/o York Central Hospital, Richmond Hill) ‘ G. F. Tarr 640-2275 «ma-pow Richmond. 14w. misfit Trinidad. a best two out of three final ship team received crests and lowing each mass on September the following outstanding play- her 23. please keep this date in 1:. series to take the league cham- championship crests and were 20. Convenors are Mrs. pionship. They Were entered I Rene ers: John Cummins. Gary mind, and get your tickets early. ,3 entertained by Coach Mrs. Pat Cassidy and Rika Mennen. Burns, Rusty Smith, Wally as only a hunted number will in the Duck at a wiener roast. Pony October 3 is the date of a Wensley, Vern Theiran, Terry be sold, â€" rides rounded out the evening. wine, cheese and auction party Pantling, Janet OrSel‘, Brenda Sunday school sessions will be Members of the champs are: at the school. Guests are invited Robson, Kim Smith, Barbara re-resuming, and Superinten- ‘ Pitcher Edna Cook, Catcher and asked to donate an item to Cook, Patti Judge and Sandra dent William Skerratt will wel- Jackie Duck, lst Baseman Lori be auctioned. Orser. come any chlidren. There is a Lancing, 2nd Baseman Shannon A Hallowe’en dance is plan- Sympathy is extended to Russ great need for assistance in , Friend. 3rd Baseman Joan Riley ned for October 31, which hap- Andrus and family of Bond the teaching department of the and Fielders Laura Lloyd, Mary pily falls on a Saturday. Avenue on the passing of his school. . . Hutchinson, Janet Dubois, Neighborhood Notes. father. Funeral services were Now that the holiday season ' Jackie Holman, Diane Lamers, Registration night for Cubs, held September 8. is over, Rev. Earle Stotesbury Elaine Provost and Sheila Boone. Scouts, Venturers and Rovers Once again, congratulations will be held September 24 at to the girls and their coach! Our Lady of the Annunciation 0111' LadY’s Guild School at 7:30 pm. The first meeting of the 1970- The corn and wiener roast for 71 season was held at Our Lady the baseball playing youngsters, of the Annunciation School, cancelled last week because of Bond Avenue, September 8. inclement weather, was held on Rev. Father John Weber of St. the evening of Labor Day at the Mary Immaculate Roman Catho- Lions Park. The event was host- mv. c. Oct; WWW “(as Richme «if S M, Merlyn Baker Running For Seat Whitchurch - Stouffville Ward 3 "I don’t believe assessing land even though they may have no at market value will ever work control over these things. This in York County." says Whit- applies particularly to planning church Township Councillor and assessment," said candidate Merlyn Baker, 54. Baker. Mr. Baker was commenting to Councillor Baker won his seat BETTY VAN NOSTRAND Housewife Seek Whitchurch Post Whitchurch Councillor Mrs. “The Liberal" after announcing on council in the election held In cooperation with Gray Coach . Lines GOTransitis providinga new bus service between Richmond Hill and downtown Toronto. Betty van Nostrand 38, has an- he would be a candidate in last fall. nounced she is running for the Ward 3 of the Township of i Ward 1 seat on the new Whit. Whitchurch-Stouffville in the church-Stouffville Township October 5 municipal elections. Council. Ward 3 is generally bounded The election takes place Octo~ by Highway 48, the Vandorf her 5. Sideroad, Highway 404 and Ward one 15 the northwest the new Whitchurch-Markham corner of the new township, To‘mm‘e ‘0 the “Mill- generally bounded by the Van- "I think that the elected dorf Road, the Highway 404 councils of the new local muni- right-ofqvay. the north [mum cipalities will have to pressure _. dary of the township. and on the Department of Municipal : the east by Highway 43. Affairs to remove the abuses Mrs. van Nostrand has served and inequalities that have two terms on Whitchurch Town- arise“ from the new assess” ship council. ment," said Councillor Baker. Born in King Township, she In his opinion market value lived in Aurora for five years. assessment won’t work in York She then moved to Whitchurch because of disparities and fluc- Township after hex. marriage toituations in market value of Thursday & Friday September I7, 18. if you’ve got a hefty hunger for real charbroiled flavour, head down to Dairy Queen. Have yourself a sizzlin’ charbroiled Brazier Burger and The new green and white GO Transit buses are something special. Seats are contoured for com- fort, spacioust arranged. Travelling IS smooth. Michael van N 13nd- . - i ‘ - couple has three sgztsrand. The “Land should be assessed at Shake â€"â€" at our speCIal (,. Chass:s and suspenSion are s'pjeCially engineered She has lived in {v},- reasonable rates on schedule sale price. Bring your -. v to assure a limousme-qua ityn e. I Hannah” 3 \‘ Air-conditioning, of course. And a picture- date, bring a pal, bring the whole family down and take advantage of great eating at big savings. Live a little. . . Dairy Queen... home of fine Brazier foods. Township 19 years_ Before run_lbasis until such time as it is re- ning for township council sheizoned for a specific (develop-i worked in the township assess-'mentl Purpose. ‘ ment office. “I would also submit that a Mrs. van Nostrand says it isfair and graduated capital gains important to have many of the tax would be much superior in available experienced council Offsetting large profits from members elected to the new re- land speculation. to unfairly gional and local councils. assessing and taxing land. And, He. was Ne“. DE’I‘OFI‘WC Pin“ I refer to an). parcel of land candidate in the riding of Stork Illllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll\\\\illarger than a good sized house North (Northern York Countl" Ks . lot In the October 1967 provincialI mg Region ' “I believe that, regionally, we elicltloné k ‘ . must elect representatives Who . r. a'er trailed the Con- Candidates will take a strong stand for servative and Liberal candidates. some 60 “films and eightregional and local autonomy. 1“ the "Cling- candidates attended last “Otherwise, the new regional. He has been "91'." NH“? in‘ weeks “Meet Your Candi_ government will engage admin-vfflm and community organiza- date)! night held at Kettlebylistrators and other highly re- “onss under the sponsorship of thelsponsrble people who take their. Concerned Citizens of King“directions from higher levels of’ ‘Find a buyer through a clas-, For fun news report see,govcrnment. ' iSlerd ad in “The Liberal" oni story on Page 20 of this issue i I The regional representatives sale every Thursday. It‘s easy; ']\\‘III. take the blame for distaste- to place your ad. Just call 884-l Illlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllltlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll'fUI things that may happen. 1 1105 or 884-1106 window view. At night, fluorescent lighting adds a glow of friendliness. Each seat has. its own reading light. _ These new GO buses are equipped With the l newest antiâ€"pollution devices to reduce exhaust fumes and noise. ' . For pleasurable, convenient commuting... with the qualities of GO train service . ride the new GO Transit buses and avoid car drlvmg and parking problems. MERLYN BAKER Whitchurch Candidate I83 Yonge Street North Richmond Hill, Ontario Yonge Street South Aurora, Ontario er tReg. U. 5. Pat. 0ft. Am. D, Q. Corp. G 1968 Am. 0. Q. Corp. A serwce operated my Gray Coast: \. lies am 0 . Nata-w a‘ Railways ‘or IV: Provost: of O' :ai o . GOVERNF..EIIIT 0F ONTARIO TRANSIT