CORONER'S JURY - Tw \ A seven-man coroner’s . jury decided’ March 1 the deaths of the 12 people killed in the Twin Otter aircraft . January 14 on Little Her- man Mountain were un- natural and accidental. _ _Thejury recommended an improvement of search and rescue services including a night-flight helicopter (the jury was informed there is no search and rescue air- craft operations after dark); a review of emergency procedures and facilities at the airport, a full Instrument Landing System at the Airport an the installation of a fan marker on top of Little Herman Mountain for in- strument reading to help i avoid hitting the mountain. Coroner’s juries deter- ; mine cause of death, not the ; cause of plane crashes and . tonly the bare facts were ' revealed during the six-hour , proceedings March 1. : Sylvester Dzus, a civil ‘aviation inspector, said he ; was still picking up pieces of ? lost instruments on the day ‘ of the inquest, He said they i were scattered over 100 feet, i He said there was no ‘evidence to indicate the aircraft was not fit for flight. Norman Rogers, the 31-year-old pilot, was competent. . Dzus said there was no evidence of engine failure- although the proper maintenance schedule had been overlooked and the plane’s certification was slightly outdated. He added this does not mean the plane was unfit for passenger travel, , Dzus said there were thin layers of ice along the edges of the plane but these were only the thickness of a 25- cent coin, laying flat and would not have hampered the flight. The report from Ministry of Transport investigators will be released in two to three months. - POOR COMMUNICATIONS The flight of the Twin Otter aircraft began with the lack of proper com- munications and the pilot appeared to be having in- strument difficulty as he approached Terrace air- port. Al MecArty, from the Prince Rupert Airport weather office, said shortly alter CP Air landed in Prince Rupert the teletype for the weather readings went out of Service. He said at 4:30, one hour before the plane crashed, Rogers came into the office and checked the weather data from the last results. After 10 minutes he left the office and at 4:55 p.m. he left the airport, Rogers did not report his 11,000 foot level which is used by the airport to plot his flight in case of other air traffic. George Blakey of the Terrace Airport weather office said there were ob- scurred weather conditions at 5 p.m. with a ceiling of 1800 feet and occasional snow. Visibility was 14 miles from the airport. According to MOT standards 1600 feet is the minimum height-a plane can approach the airport. This is #0 feet above the airport and the tip of the mountain is between 500 feet and 600 feet above the airport. ‘Ben Wittke, a pilot, said he has found the Twin Otter plane a very comfortable machine to fly and it is the best plane to fly under icin conditions. The plane has al the best kind of instruments pilots want. when they are’ flying. Wittke noted when he was on a Northern Thunderbird Air flight to Terrace the crashed plane was 600 feet below the regulation height. He said a fan marker which measures distance, on top of Little Herman Mountain would give pilots the precise point of the tip and they would be able to remain at 2100 feet until they were over the top of the mountain. Wittke said he would have carried on to Terrace under the weather conditions of January 14. The pilots in Otter deaths unn always call the airport for weather conditions before beginning their approach of the airport and at the very first hint of freezing precepitation they abandon their approach. According Prokopchuk, radio operator at the airport, Rogers fir- st contacted him when he was eight minutes from the range of the runway. He received the weather report at this time. At.5:22 he radioed to ask if the localizer was on and then said he had it on in- strument. Prokopchuk said he only gave his range in- bound, At 5:42 Prokopehuk tried radio contact and received no reply. At 5:43 he con- tacted Vancouver to see if Rogers was in com- munications with them. At 5:44 he tried-to contact the plane again. At 5:45 he contacted the fire depart- ment to stand by. At 5:46 he contacted the air traffic supervisor. Between 5:50 and 5:52 he again failed to make contact with the plane. At 6:05 it was reported missing and overdue. - Dr. Geoff Appleton, reporting on the autopsy findings, said all 12 persons killed in the crash died in- stantaneously of brain in- uries resulting from skull ractures. ‘Child Development Centre construction starts A large group of people involve campaign to get a Child Development Centre for Terrace gathered on property leased to the Terrace Cerebral Palsy Association by District 88 School Board for 35 years for the official first sod turning ceremonies. The sun was shining brightly although a bone chilling wind swept the construction site. departure from the ordinary marked the ceremonies as instead of a political figure being invited to officiate, the people actually doing the sod-turning were a large group of children who will benefit from the new centre. The turning point in the long struggle came on Friday, February 18 of this year when Cyril Shelford, MLL.A. Skeena, advised the Construction Committee that the provincial govern- ment will contribute the sum of $80,000 to the project. Since construction cost as of March this year stood at $124,000 the government contribution plus the $44,000 raised or pledged by local organizations and in- dividuals allowed the committee to start con- struction, Hand H Construction will underlake the construction. The foundation has already been dug out and concrete pouring should be underway any day if it is not already started. Manuel da Silva, Chairman of the Con- struction Committee, will look after sub-trades and construction supervision. UTILIZATION OF THE PRESENT CENTRE It is of interest to note that, although the centre is run under the auspices of the Terrace Cerebral Palsy Association, only a minority of referrals are children with the actual syndrome of cerebral palsy. A full list of the various problems handled by the Terrace Child Development Centre would be almost impossible, but the major categories would be tte following: Mental * Retardation, Cerebral Palsy, Hearing: and Sight Loss, Down’s Syndrome, Hyperactivity, Neuromuscular disorders without cerebral palsy, Developmental Delay — caused by social and emotional problems, Infant Stimulation Program for all the. above, Fure Speec Problems. © ~ ' Although the main bias of the centre is to the pre- school ‘child, the Terrace Child Development Centre has provided a significant service to the local school district (School District 88). Many children, for example, in the two year. with pure speech problems, attend the centre on an out- patient basis, and this aspect of the program is especially significant in view of the fact that the _ school district at the present time does not employ a Speech Therapist. The Infant Stimulation Program has up to the present ime . been largely “neglected because of lack of physical space and pressure of work from the rest of the caseload. However this program is now being developed and it is felt that this will provide a vital service in the community: The Terrace Child Development Centre has served children from as far east as Houston, west to Prince Rupert and north to Aiyansh, Out of town ‘children are referred to the Centre for assessment and parents. are given home treatment programs to follow. In view of the number of small com- munities in the region and therefore their inability to provide equivalent services themselves, this aspect of the centre’s function is of prime importance. It is anticipated that over the nextfew years this aspect of the centre’s function will increase significantly. ESTIMATED FUTURE NEEDS It has always been an- ticipated by the Terrace Cerebral Palsy Association that the number of children admitted to the centre would increase. What was basically always un- derestimated was the rapidity with which the referral would increase. With the increased realization of the work done by the centre, more and more professional hedies, for example Public Health nurses, general prac- titioners, etc., have begun to refer more patients to the centre, In addition, with increased public exposure, more parents are willing and anxious to bring their children forward for assessment, Over the past two years we have come to realize the significant ‘iceberg effect” of the problems with which the centre is dealing. More and more children are being referred by various agen- cies for assessment and the standard procedure of the Child Development Centre is to admit the majority of such referrals for a period of assessment averaging from _ three months in duration, Some of the referred children are not admitted further to the programs but a significant number con- tinue on for either further assessment or treatment. MANUEL DA SILVA, construction chairman flashes to Jose h- the “V for Victory” sign (left) while Vic Hawes, representing Terrace Kinsmen and Dr. Geoff Ap- pleton of the Cerebral Palsy Association, show the first cheque for $10,000 towards the new — Child Because. of the economic situation in this region at the present time, it is extremely difficult to predict what the future needs of the centre will be. However, the area has been encouraged recently by the efforts of the present provincial govern- ment to stimulate em- ployment and growth in the region and it is felt by most residents that because of the geographical location of Terrace the city will un- doubtedly see the end of the present slump and will gin to expand once again. COMMUNITY SUPPORT Inall previous approaches to the provincial govern- ment for assistance in funding the .new Child Development Centre, evidence of community support has always been requested, The Board of the Terrace Child Development Centre has made over the past 12 months, a strenuous effort -to achieve such support. Through exposure in newspapers, local radio and local television, the board has through its own efforts obtained a gratifying degree of public support. The board itself has un- dertaken many of its own fund raising ventures and has obtained assistance from a variety of local organizations and in- dividuals. The following is a list of the major organizations which have given financial support to the Building Fund of the Child Development centre: The Kinsmen Club of Terrace, the Rotary Club of Terrace, the Terrace Jaycettes, The Terrace Co- operative Association, The Terrace Centennial Lions, The Terrace Branch of the R.N.A.B.C,, The terrace Jaycees, the Medical Staff of Mills Memorial Hospital. Individuals and smaller organizations too numerous to mention have assisted the centre both financially and _ by providing manpower for the various fund-raising ventures. In addition the board is required to raise an annual sum of $2,500 towards the operating cost of the Terrace Child Development Centre and it is notable that the board has never found difficulty in raising this amount of money, Another significant donation has come from the Terrace Kinsmen Club who provided the centre in the summer of 1975 with a 12- seat vehicle for the tran- sportation of children to and from the centre and this has been of extreme importance to many families in the area whose children could not otherwise have benefitted from our services. It should be pointed out that as yet in the Terrace area there is no public transportation. Through these efforts the board has managed to raise a total sum of $44,000 bringing along a model of a A iat THE ea seed. RESULT of individual concern for better a airport facilities a petition will be made available starting Thursday at 4646: Lakelse Avenue. The THE HERALD, Wednesday, March 9, 1977, PAGE Ai and accidental — petition will urge government to act on the recom- mendations made by the coroner's jury into the Twin Otter air crash on Little Herman Mountain. Jolliffe accuses Chamber of politics The District of Terrace Municipal Council granted the Terrace and District Chamber of Commerce a joint meeting with very little. coming out of it with the exception of Alderman Jolliffe baring old wounds in which he suggested that the Chamber was too politically oriented to the extent of actively supporting can- didates in municipal elec- ons. Jim McKay, who is chairman of the Chamber’s Building Committee, provided the only positive material for the meeting Development Centre building across from Miils the Information Building which the Chamber will be erecting on lots on the north side of Keith Street just east of the Pacific Northern Gas building. The building which will be of log construction will be 32 feet by 22 feet, giving about 1,000 square feet of inside floor space. The building will be used for providing tourist information, high- _ way condition and routes, a topography display, a resource display: an in- dustrial isplay a recreation facility display and a complete range of brochures will be available for distribution to visitors. i recently as Memorial Hospital on Haugland. The important people who will benefit from the construction stand in front. The Chamber is waiting for permission from the Department of Highways in regards to aecess to High- way 16 before going ahead on construction. This is expected before April 4. Although the Chamber did not ask the Municipality for any financial assistance for this construction it was suggested that material such as gravel could be provided as well as con- struction equipment, elimination of building permit costs, some labour and free sewer and water connections. Although members of Council were unanimous in their approval of the Chamber project they were quick to indicate that no inancial commitment could be made until after the budget is brought down in y. It was about this time that Alderman Jolliffe tock the floor to complain about past =| treatments he has been subjected ta by the Chamber in his political aspirations. Jolliffe was armed with a pile of photocopies of press reports in which he claims the Chamber in the past and as the last municipal election took a too active and direct position in supporting candidates, He claimed that his neck bears the scars of past attacks by ‘the Chamber. He particularly took exception to the bills for advertising in the Trade and he was blamed for authorizing. He said such statements were made on the eve of the election which saw him lose his seat as mayor. Alderman Bob Cooper took exception to Jolliffe’s statements and dressed him dowa during the meeting Len Harrington named to Sports Council The Honourable Ilona Campagnolo, Minister of State for Fitness and Amateur Sport, announced the appointment of eight new members to the National Advisory Council on Fitness and Amateur Sport, All appointments are for three-year terms. In addition, seven council members were re-appointed for three years and one for a one-year term. The National Advisory Council on Fitness and Amateur Sport was established in September 1961 by virtue of the Fitness and Amateur Sport Act. The council consists of up to 30 members from all provinces, the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Its mandate is to advise the minister on matters that require the minister’s personal attention or that of the council. Three committees on fitness, sport and recreation were set up in late 1974. Each committee meets three or four times a year and submits recom- mendations twice a year for .the council’s approval. The eight members are: Leonard A. Harrington, Terrace, B.C., radio sports new council commentator and a former, member of the R.C.M.P. Mr. Harrington is well- known in the Terrace area for his active participation in sports organizations. Joan I. Williams, Kelowna, 8.C. special counsellor for School District 23 (Central Okanagan) and a golf and ski enthusiast. Thomas G. Gallacher, Hamilton, Ontario, Chairman of the Hamilton Board of Education in 1975 and well-known in the Hamilton area for his dedication to youth sports activities. Joan Weir Teal, Water- down, Ontario, active participant in competitive sports at the university and high school levels and who is currently training to become a member of this ear's Canadian team for he World Whitewater Canoeing Championships in Austria. William Peter Adams, Peterborough, Ontario, professor of geography at Trent University and founding president of the -university, For many years, Mr, Adams was chairman of the Trent Water Group, a multidiseiplinar facult group interested in all problems related to water, ‘Eric W. Morse, Chelsea, P.Q., member of the Order of Canada and of the London Royal Geographical Society. For 60 years, Mr. Morse has practised canoeing in the wilderness and he once organized an expedition from Yellowknife to the Polar Sea to retrace the steps of explorer Sir John Franklin. Rosalie Ann Donovan, Saint John, N.B., well- Imown in the Saint John area for her participation in sports programs and who has recently contributed to the founding of a mini- basketball league. , Denis E. Murphy, St. John’s, Newfoundland, now in his fourth term as first vice-president of the Canadian Amateur Softball Association and host chairman for Softball Newfoundland for the 1977 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s. The six members re- appointed for three-year terms are: Gwen Smith, Edmonton; Henry Janzen, Winnipeg; Elizabeth Neal, Unionville, Ontario; Marlene B. Mullenger, Halifax, Patricia A. Lawson, Saskatoon and Mrs. Ferdinand Valentino, Minto, N.B. . . Mrs.- Faye Eccleston, of North Vancouver, was -re- Commerce Magazine which. and took the matter up with ~ Jolliffe again following the meeling. The three Vice Presidents: of the Terrace and District. Chamber of Commerce: continued to press council- for concrete proposals. They: ‘asked for guidelines as to’ what is expected of the: Chamber and what the: Chamber could expect from: the Municipal Council in regards to tourist promotion’ and industria] development. No member of council was . prepared to give any firm- answer. Chamber President. Mike Tindall, in desperation | pleaded that it would be a shame to leave the meeting | without accomplishing’ anything. Alderman Sharon Biggs . came up with a suggestion that the Chamber look into cleaning up the town, She suggested that residents be encouraged to clean up their - properties and businessmen asked to sweep off the sidewalks in front of their places of business. Alderman Jack Talstra_ suggested that the citizens get very discouraged because of vandalism, He reported that pickets from his fence are being pulled out almost daily. Chamber Vice President Dave Sparrow advised that when he dropped off his wile in Terrace on their arrival three years ago she ex- claimed that Terrace was the dirtiest town she had ever been in, To which -Alderman Biggs added “that was my own feeling when I arrived five years. ago.” At Alderman Biggs in- sistance that something be done in cleaning Terrace up, President Mike Tindall of the Chamber of Commerce said that he had written it down and would bring it up. at the next meeting of his executive committee. Len Harrington appointed for a one-year term. Other members “ * -. + - t * a * - * Pad : - a x of thes National Advisory Council > are Dr. Claude Bertrand, + Montreal, Chairman of thez Council; Weston MacAleer, = Yellowknife, N.W.T.; Fran Wigston, London, Ontario; Kenneth Galanchuk,z Winnipeg; Whitehorse, Patricia Boland, Montreal; Reginald Morell, P.E.L; Roy Reber, Yukon;3 3 = MacAdam,> Shirley; Campbell, Windsor, On-> tario; William McEwen, Vancouver West; Terry- Kelly, Brodeur, P,Q, Larouche, Alma, P.Q. Oshawa; \ j one ae oy eB ed a og garth Sen ee oe) Pierre: Hudson Heights,= and Jean-Claude: ed ue RQ reat AS