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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1969-04-03, Page 4Batt'n Around with the Editor An amazing sight Where the giant honkers place their trust KNOWLEDGEABLE ASSISTANCE—Getting a helping hand to film family pictures is never a problem at the Jack Miner sanctuary. The naturalist's youngest son, Jasper, is shown here filling a scoop of corn for the Batten boys to feed to some swans, geese and ducks. Jasper and his brother, Manley, are also on hand to give picturesque and interesting details of their work in carrying out their dad's dreams. I ' MANY TAKERS—The wild birds show no fear at the Miner sanctuary and the enjoyment a small boy receives from feeding wild swans is evident in this photo. 1111KMIWPWWWOMOU&P. gviSiWg ....*;:iMANORWRIEr4.530,kgRWARTIMMAta Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 Amalgamated 1924 SERVING CANADA'S BEST FARMLAND C.W.N.A., O.W.N.A., CLASS 'A' and ABC Publishers: J. M. Southcott, R. M. Southcott Editor Bill Batten Advertising Manager Phone 235.1331 Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Class Mail Registration Number 0385 Paid in Advance Circulation, September 00, 1968, 4,520 SUBSCRIPTION RATES; Canada $5.00 Per Year; USA $7.00 class tortimittiity neritpaper aaa STILL MORE COME—Although the feeding area is already crowded with Canada Geese, more still arrive for the daily feeding. An estimated 12,000 of the giant grey-black birds were on hand when this picture was taken from the observation tower. AND -1. About our board meeting I don't suppose many of you know what it's like to be a director of a company . . . On the surface, it looks great. Some big operators, like Robert Winters or General Lostafew, are directors in half a dozen companies, and it doesn't seem to bother them. They go to director's meetings, vote the way they're supposed to, and pick up their annual director's fee, anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on who they are and how much prestige is attached to the name. By some legal fluke, I am still a director of the company in which I started a brilliant newspaper career, on about twenty-eight cents. The rest was cash money, borrowed from relatives, insurance policies and everything else short of armed robbery and selling my wife. But I guess I'm nobody and the prestige attached to my name is somewhere below zero Because I don't get any director's fees. And I don't sit around an oval table with a lot of other directors, with the cigars and sharpened pencils and the notepads and the dickering over whether we should sell 5,000 shares to Amalgamated or buy up 20,000 shares of Moose Factory Refineries. Our director's meeting usually takes place in the back shop (the printing area) of a weekly newspaper. I don't even rate a cigar, let alone a sharpened pencil, and I find myself operating as labor-management arbitrator, father confessor and den mother. Somehow, I'd rather have it that way. The only time I smoke a cigar is when someone has a baby. And our problems are more human. They're things like, "How are we going to keep the frazmatogal working on the linotype machine?" Or, "The trout are scarcer than hen's hens teeth this spring." Sounds simple. But you've no idea how difficult it is being a director in your old home town. The trouble is, almost everybody is a director. They're all unpaid, like me, but they have a stake in the paper. Maybe it's only the fact that their son graduated, or their daughter is not going to reform school, after all, but, they know how the paper should ha ran. and they are not loath to say so. There are the directors who buy a five-dollar adaertisement twice a year, but eapect paper to carry two pictures (flattering) and a two-column account of their daughter's wedding, for free. And there are the directors who scream with outrage when you report, in all honesty, that they've spent two weeks in Florida or California or Mexico. They don't want their customers to think they're making that kind of money. And, of course, they'd_ be equally furious if you hadn't mentioned it. And there are the directors who are fanatics about the WCTU or the Fall Fair committee, who expect seven columns to be devoted to their work, and spend four dollars for an ad, or go to the opposition to get their printing done. And here and there, about as numerous as the White-Footed Beagle-Breasted Thorny Pink Owl, there are the directors who say, "You're putting out a good paper; keep it up.' These you try to stuff, mount and put up in front of the building. But they often object. But it's worth it, to revisit the old town, This week, I met an old buddy with two broken ribs, in considerable pain. He cracked one rib in a fall, and I was too p: ilia t' asp: how he did it. Got it all strapped up by the doe. His wife sleeps on the inside of tbe bed, next the wall. She had t,, go to the bathroom. "I know," I said, "she put her elbow in your ribs, climbing over you." He replied, grunting with agony: "Elbow be damned. She put both hands, backed by her 138 pounds, on my ribs. I had one cracked rib. Now I have two broken ones." Exactly why we need directors. If he'd had a Director in charge of Climbing Out of Bed When You Have to Go to the Bathroom, he would not be in that shape today. Ontario abounds with numerous sights that are truly breath-taking, but none is quite as interesting or enjoyable as a trip to the Jack Miner sanctuary at Kingsville to see and hear the Canada Geese as they make their stop-overs on their migratory trips north and south, The Batten family paid a visit to the home of the renowned conservationist last week and watched in awe as some 12,000 of the giant honkers alighted on the fields at sundown, The feeding area quickly became black with the birds and it was almost impossible to envision how the area could hold up to 50,000 of them, a total which has been estimated during various days on the twice yearly visits of the birds. Similar to most other visitors to the Jack Miner sanctuary, we had personal descriptions of the work being carried on there from one of the founder's three sons. In our case it was Jasper, who called over to say that he would soon be along to join us as we stood in a group of wild ducks, swans and geese which waddled around us. The youngest of the Miner brothers soon arrived with a pail of corn and quickly set about helping us arrange a picture of the boys feeding some of the birds. He handed our eldest a small shovel laden with feed for the birds and this signalled a great hive of activity as they came over to feed. These birds were so reassured by the safety they enjoy at the sanctuary that it was possible to stroke their feathers as they gobbled up the corn. Jasper then escorted a group of us to the observation deck overlooking the feeding area where the birds arrive each day around sundown. There were about 1,200 there during the afternoon and we were told those numbers would swell ten-fold when the other geese would arrive from their afternoon swim on Lake Erie. Even more regular than most trains, the birds started flying into the feeding area at 5:00 p.m. to eat the corn which had been liberally spread around the field earlier that afternoon by Jasper and his son, Robert. Sitting in the observation deck at the Miner farm is a thrilling experience as the great birds fill the air all around, honking, diving, gliding, soaring, turning and climbing. As they arrive in small flights you start to wonder if there will be room for each one. Caught against the setting sun, it is truly remarkable and you cant help but think of the faith these wild birds show. It is possible to walk within only a few feet of them resting in a nearby field and they go on about their feeding without paying any attention to you. It is interesting to note that a bird of about 13 pounds will have a wingspread of about 68 inches. Nature has endowed the Canada Goose with keen vision, sharp hearing and a speed in flight often reaching 60 miles an* hour. It's a most rewarding outing for young and old. The feeding area is closed to the public on Sunday, although the flights can still be seen. A sign on the lawn states: "Closed Sundays, see you in church". There are still a few days left to see the spring migration. Jasper reports the birds will head north around April 12. The Jack Jack Miner story really begins with the comingaaf Jack's parents to Ontario when he was a boy of 13. His family had little money and Jack took it upon himself to supply the family table with venison and other game. As he grew older however, the urge to shoot gradually changed into a desire to enjoy the living creatures, He had long shoe rdt oti ep adream eor fe build e ing some Wild birds as pets, and in 1904 this ambition was finally realized, though on a very modest scale. TheMallard duck called Jack's farm pond home and the numbers of ducks which found refuge there quickly grew. Tourists started to come by the hundreds too and in 1910 Jack Miner began his first tour as a lecturer, and for over 30 years the income from his lectures on conservation was used to support his growing sanctuary. One part of Jack's dream of a bird haven still remained unfulfilled, however. Of all the game birds, none seemed quite so noble and magnificent to him as the Canada Goose. Yet not a goose had ever trusted his sanctuary. Patiently, he set out to win that trust. He recalled that as a boy he had been unable to get close to a couple of geese he was hunting, while the same two birds were not frightened off by a couple of laborers in a nearby field. He reasoned that if those geese had sense enough to recognize an enemy, they must also have sense enough to recognize a friend. Miner began his wooing of the Canada Goose by buying seven wing-clipped birds and putting them in his pond. The geese became very tame and were given a 10-acre space in which to roam. Hopefully, the naturalist waited for others to join their domesticated fellows. He had to wait five years, and then one spring morning a flock of Canadas finally dropped down to make a cautious exploration of the sanctuary. That was in 1915 and the geese have been coming ever since, knowing full well that refuge and feed can be found. Hunters in the area can attest to the fact the birds fly over nearby land at heights out of gun range and then drop suddenly to their Kingsville sanctuary. Some disgruntled hunters have even come to the conclusion that some of the birds must walk in to the Miner home to completely foil them. However, Jasper points out that the sanctuary has improved hunting. The numbers of Canadian Geese have risen significantly through the work of the Miner sanctuary and others throughout the country and more of the giant birds are now in existence than ever before. He told us that the life span of the geese is about eight years, with hunters keeping the figure that low. Of interest is the fact some estimate the life expectancy may be as much as 70 years and geese have been caught at Kingsville with tags placed on their legs as much as 20 years before. Jack's three sons, Manly, Ted and Jasper took over the work of their father when he died in 1944. The sanctuary itself was willed to Manly but it was later deeded by him to the Jack Miner Foundation, a non-profit organization which enjoys the distinction of being the only philanthropic organization in Canada where an American can contribute and have it counted as a tax deduction. Jack would would be shaken perhaps to know how much it costs today to keep his sanctuary well fed and hospitable. Postage alone costs around $6,000 per year as mailings are sent to groups and individuals throughout North America. Operating costs are over $30,000. But Jack would be proud of the way his boys are carrying on his ideas of sharing their beautiful place and the beautiful birds which call it home. There is never any charge for that sharing. You couldn't spend a dime at the place if you tried. A sign on the gate, quoting Jack Miner, says: "God, let there be one place on earth where no money changes hands". There's no admission charge and you can't buy a postcard, hot dog, trinket or any of those other things which abound at many attractions. Through the work of Jack Miner, the migratory habits of the Canada Goose and many species 'of ducks and doves have been traced. Each year hundreds of the birds are trapped in pens on the farm and are banded. Each band carries the address of the sanctuary and a Biblical verse. Jasper reports that many people ask if trapping the birds frightens them. He says this is far from the case and each time a group is trapped, many birds are "repeaters" from the previous banding of a week ago. Not only that, but few of the birds take off in flight after they are banded. They merely waddle away to feed on some more corn. When any of the birds are shot, the bands are returned to the sanctuary. They have been returned from almost every state in the U.S. and every Canadian province. Some have even come from South America, Jack Miner became a legend in his own time and when he died he was rated as the fifth best known man on the continent. Preceding him were Ford, Edison, Lindbergh and Rickenbacker. All four of those men were visitors to the Miner sanctuary. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his work in conservation. His homestead is gigantic in size and was made of the red brick produced in the kiln operated by the family before it became a sanctuary. The grounds are well kept with flowers, shrubs and roomy bird enclosures that house everything from peacocks to a large eagle. The grounds also contain the graves of Jack Miner and his wife. Their tombstones are engraved with the well-known V-formation of a flight of geese. A 50 YEARS AGO The councils of Usborne and Exeter along with a number of citizens met in the Library to decide on a soldiers' memorial. The design chosen is in the form of a fountain, a spray of water coming from each side as an emblem of life that was given to bring about peace. The ten-foot high memorial will be composed of Canadian granite and will contain the names of all the fallen heroes of Exeter and Usborne. Returned soldiers this week included Private Fred Wells, Cpl. Wilbur Luker, Private Elmo Howey, Private Wm, Triebner, Private Rufus Kestle and Private Frank Oak and son Russel. The' ladies of the Hurondale Patriotic Society met at the home of Mrs. Frank Down to consider the advisability of reforming into a Women's Institute. Mrs. Hastings addressed the meeting on this subject and organization followed. The following officers were elected: President, Mrs. J. Morgan; Vice-Pres., Mrs. A. Mitchell. Sec,-Treas., Miss L. Jeckell; Directors, Mrs, F. Down, Miss N. McTaggart; Auditors Miss N. Keddy, Miss E. Case. 25 YEARS AGO A by-law was passed at Grand Bend to provide $8,000 for the purchase of the property of Mr. John Rau to be used as a public hall. The frame building on the property will be remodelled using the upper storey for a hall, with an information bureau, police headquarters and a place for the fire engine on the ground floor. A pretty wedding was solemnized at the parsonage, Main Street United Church, when Doris Labelle, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs, George Hay, of Exeter, became the bride of Gunner Herman J. Dettmer, R.C,A„ son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Dettiner, of Ayr. Rev. N. J. Woods officiated. Mrs. Lee Learn and son Max. left for Togo, Sask., on Saturday to spend Baster with Mr. Learn, who is in training at Dundurn Camp, &sir, March, having come in like a lamb, made its exit like a lien. 15 YEARS AGO The Lucan Irish won the WOAA "C" title Wednesday night for the first time, whitewashing the Mildmay Monarchs four games to none in a best-of-seven series. A group of riding enthusiasts has formed "The South Huron Saddle Club." An executive, headed by President Ed. Brady, was elected. Members are Jack Smith, secretary-treasurer; Fred Darling, Dalton Finkbeiner, Pete Crocker, Ron Swartz and Jack Fulcher. Mr. Harold Corbett, Lucan, reports that syrup-making operations are in full swing on the Corbett farm with good runs of sap. G. G. Glen, George Mercer, Don Sutherland and Jim Young are in charge. Hundreds of boys from Exeter and district enjoyed themselves at a minor hockey league "bun feed" at RCAF Station Centralia. The banquet was sponsored by Group Captain W. W. Bean and Wing Commander W. J. Michalski. Trophies were awarded to captains of the championship teams. 10 YEARS AGO Construction material is at the site and work is expected to start shortly to build a new steel sheetpile wall on the south side of the harbor at Grand Bend. Public works engineers believe the wall will increase the flow of water through the channel, thus sweeping out the sand which collects at the mouth. Paula Doulianne, a grade 12 student at SHDHS, won third prize in lyrical verse, speaking at the provincial competition in Toronto. A mess dinner at RCAF Station Centralia celebrated the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the RCAF. Charles Mickle, ardent stamp collector, was one of many I4erisall district people who displayed their hobbies at the annual fair in the flensall arena. Charles who collects only from British Commonwealth countries, has 15 foreign correspondents with whom he exchanges stamps. AN EASTER M.ESSAOE 70. Solo of4f eorae. oxy,4 By THE REV. GEORGE A. ANDERSON, rtFC Trivitt Memorial Church The message of Easter is a message of hope. Someone said recently that the twentieth century has been a century of dashed hopes. At the beginning of the century men had great hopes for a great forward movement, a movement into great scientific discoveries, and towards a better standard of living for every man and woman. This new era of hope was soon to be confronted by World War I, confronting mankind with ugliness and horror. After the `war to end all wars' the world was plunged into the great depression, the dirty thirties, a time when nothing was secure, when the rug was snatched from under the feet of all kinds of people. In 1939 came another terrible war, and today mankind still lives in fear — in fear and dread of a bomb that is capable of blasting all men from off the face of the earth. As each war came to an end, new hope entered into the hearts of men, a hope of a brighter future, a clearing away of the storm clouds, Yet always the ugly threat of war and violence seemed to return, and men were again thrust into the cage of despair. The twentieth century certainly ushered in an era of great scientific advancement, but so much of this scientific knowledge has been directed into new ways for man to destroy his fellow men, Long years ago a little baby was born in the little village of Bethlehem, in Palestine. There is nothing strange about a baby being born, it has happened times without number in the history of the world. This baby was different. Strange tales were told concerning the birth of this child and when he reached manhood he performed many miracles and said some very wonderful things. Yes, you are right, his name was Jesus. The words and actions of this man Jesus brought new hope into the hearts of men. "At last God has intervened," men cried out. "Now the Christ has come into our midst, and we shall soon be free." Jesus came bringing a message of hope. He claimed to have the power to forgive sins, and to open up a new way into heaven. The common people heard him gladly, many people who seemed to have no religious convictions and were labeled sinners by the Church of the day came flocking to Jesus, finding in him something different, something new, new hope, new life, "Never man spake like this man." Then one day all hopes seemed to be shattered, On a day we call Friday men saw Jesus hanging on a cross, bleeding, bruised, wounded, breathing his last breath. The one on whom they had pinned their hopes had been brutally smashed to pulp, tortured unto death. Once more darkness descended, once again mankind felt the chains dragging them down to a new sense of hopelessness and despair. Jesus was dead, and his broken body laid in a tomb. Is that the end of the story? No, we are only at the beginning. For the message of Easter is the message of a living hope. This man Jesus could not be held by the power of death. He endured the worst that man could do to him, and then rose triumphant. Yes, the third day he rose from the dead. Jesus was raised from the tomb by the power of his Father in Heaven. And so the message of Easter is the message of the Risen Lord, with the background of an empty tomb. Jesus died and rose again and he is alive for evermore. Jesus conquered death on that first Easter Day, and hope was re-established. This hope is not a barren hope or a wistful longing for a miracle to happen. This hope is a sure and certain hope based on the fact that a miracle did occur, the miracle of death being conquered through the intervention of God. Christ won the victory, and he invites you and me to share in that victory. Once again the long road lies clear before us, the road blocks have been removed and the danger of landslides taken away. Hope beckons yonder in the distance, and Jesus Christ is the one who offers us a danger-free journey. Jesus offers to carry our burdens for us, to `guide our feet into the way of peace.' The Old Testament writer who said: "there is nothing new under the sun" did not take into account the hope that is always new and up to date, the hope that is ever present as we reach out to take the hand, of the only One in whom we can place our confidence, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.