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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1975-12-04, Page 24by Leigh Robinson • James Babatunde of Nigeria has become a resident of Exeter, at least temporarily. The young man has come to Canada to learn how to construct cultivators, His studies take him not to the classroom, but to the manufacturing department of J.F. Farm Machinery Ltd. The information he consumes from studying the mechanics of the cultivator, will be taken back to his own country and applied to his job as a salesman of farm im- plements. His company sent him to Exeter J.F. because it buys the plant's products and wanted one of its men to have practical know-how with respect to the equipment. Nigeria is located in the west- central coastal region of the African continent. Agriculture is a primary source of export for the young nation, independent since 1960. Although the city of Lagos, where James lives, is highly industrialized with a population of 5000,000 people, many cars and thriving on ad- vanced technology, it is still the small farms of the southern region of the country that provide much of the income. Cocoa, rubber, and ground nuts, a derivative source for protein and oil, are raised in Nigeria. Dense, beautiful stands of mahogany and ikoko trees provide the country with a large lumber industry, as well. Fruits and vegetables are raised more for domestic consumption and everyone seems to have a gar- den. It is difficult for James, who by rights should be addressed as Babatunde, to compare the cultures of his country and Canada because this is his first trip here and his first four weeks have been largely spent in pur- suit of the knowledge that he so earnestly came to learn. James' actual first name is Babatunde, while his actual surname is his first name James, That probably sounds confusing, but as Mr. James explains it, the surname in Africa comes before the given name, thus creating a little cultural confusion. Adding to the problem is the fact that many of his new-found Canadian friends have difficulty pronoucing Babatunde, so they call him James. Then as a typical Canadian gesture of friendship, James began to be called Jim. James Babatunde, will now be referred to as,, Jini„ for the remainder of this article. When Jim arrived here in the middle of October, he was shocked. No one had told him that it gets cold in this country and he had made no preparations. "It is the first time that I have seen snow" he will say shaking his head and smiling, "I think it is too cold here," Concerned that his remark might offend, he quickly remarks, "but I enjoy the life here, everything is okay and the people are really nice. I am very grateful for this experience." Once his body had become somewhat accustomed to the drop in temperature, he began noticing all the straight roads. He calls the roads at home "canals" in comparison and says that they always wind. Mountains prevade the southern countryside of Nigeria, interrupted by plateaus and then more mountains. The north is quite different, it is desert country, inhabited by herders and thousands of heads of cattle which feed on the large quantities of grass that grows there. "Our city life is busy, always busy", he observes, Jim has visited Lon- don, Ontario but finds it slow- paced in comparison, especially at night. "There is more night life in Lagos. I am not used to seeing the streets of the city empty by 7:00 as they are here," There has been rapid development in Nigeria since it gained independent status, Education is administered universally as in Canada and the system, at least from a struc- tural viewpoint is very similar. Most everyone is expected to attend high school and many go on to university. "Employment is high in Nigeria. The gover- nment tries to see that everyone has a job" Jim says. He lives with his family in Lagos. Jim's father is a police officer and his brother is an auditor with the federal ministry of information. Entertainment is important in the Nigerian culture. Night clubs are plentiful in the cities and the live music is generally African. Along with the all-important percussion instruments, guitar and some brass usually ac- company the heavy African beat. Jim is a little unsure as to western musical habits, but becomes interested when in- formed that much of today's popular music in Canada is derived from that same African beat. Sports is another major source of entertainment for Nigerians. Football, which is actually soccer in Nigeria, and for that matter, in most of the rest of the world, is the major sport. Jim belongs to a football club, and there is a major league for professionals. Track, swimming and tennis are other sports with large followings. An important event in Africa is the Black Festival of the Arts which rotates to various African nations each year. It is a giant exhibition which provides a display forum for African crafts, culture and art. In many ways, Nigeria has taken on the characteristics of western culture. Christianity is the major religion, while the Moslem faith probably runs a distant second, English is spoken in many circles, although "Yorouba" is still the national language. There are automobiles, factories, western styles of dress, and yet, there are major cultural and geographical differences. James lives in a tropical climate. Canada makes him shiver. He sleeps with the lights on in By MISS ELLA MORLOCK On Nov. 25, the Women's Institute met at the Village Inn Retreat Centre in Grand Bend for dinner and bowling, 32 members answered the roll call for "What health rule should be emphasized for kids". Mrs. Glen Hodgins won the lucky draw. A donation from the CWL of $100 for the 4-H program was acknowledged. Mrs. Gerald Dearing reported the county board meeting held in Hensall and the area convention held in St. Thomas,Mrs.C. Kenny reported on the county rally in Belgrave. Mrs. Glen Hodgins said that good health and good food are two of the greatest of life's blessings and told of the visit of 4-H leaders to the Royal Winter Fair. Mrs, Sam King and Mrs. Ken Nelson provided several contests. his bedroom in the home of Mr. and Mrs, John Sloetjes of Exeter where he will board for another month, because at home there are poisonous snakes and scor- pions. People in Nigeria keep their lights on when they go to bed to keep such animals away. Christmas is a time for families to gather together in Nigeria. "Everyone who is Christian goes to "Church", Jim tells us. "Afterwards there are family parties at the house." He answers in the affirmative when asked whether Christmas trees are used. "Yes we have evergreen trees. They grow naturally in our country, as they do here." We tell Jim that it is time for us to leave and we ask him if he has any more thoughts about his visit. His dark, thoughtful face brightens as he turns his at- tention away from home, half a world away. "I would like to thank the staff of J,F, for all they have done for me," Winners at 4-Lanes bowling were Bob Crawford for high score and Sam King for low score. Earl Neil had the most spares and Gerald Dearing had the most strikes. Those who did not bowl played table games upstairs, The next meeting will be held December 16. Chris Wien of Crediton turned 96 on Monday, December 1, He is in good gealth and remarkably alert. Rev. Bruce Pierce and Rev, Armin Schlenker attended the Presbyterial rally in Stratford Tuesday at St, James Church with Rev. Fred Faist officiating. Rev. and Mrs. F, Faist, Nola Faist, and Mr, & Mrs. William Schwartz attended the funeral of Ira Faist in Elkton, Michigan on Wednesday. Rev. Faist assisted in the service. Tony Martens accompanied his sister, Mrs. Tom Smith of Grand Bend, on a flight to Holland to be at the bedside of their dying mother. They later attended her funeral, Plans are for them to return next week, By MISS JEAN COPELAND Mr. & Mrs. Jack Smith visited on Sunday evening last with Mr, & Mrs. Wray Sweitzer of Shipka, Miss Rhea Mills has returned home after spending several weeks with Mr. & Mrs. Harold Thomson of Parkhill. Mr. Leslie Collins of Adam- sville, Quebec spent Thursday and Friday with Mr. & Mrs. George Wheeler. Miss Jean Copeland spent the weekend with friends in Wallaceburg. Miss Marie Mills of London visited on Saturday with Miss Rhea Mills. welcomed a guest into their home, farm equipment from J.F. Farm John is an employee of J.F. and a room in his home. T-A photo Miss Grace Masnica and Bernard and Gerald Wilson visited the winter fair in Toronto last weekend, Bernard Wilson and family were weekend guests at his mother's, Mrs. Viola Wilson. Mr. & Mrs. Dave McClarty of Nairn, called on Laura Mathers on Thursday, The Crediton Fire Department held a Christmas party and dinner and dance at the Pine Ridge Chalet. Friday, members of Stephen Town Council joined members of other area councils for a Christmas celebration at the Pine Ridge Chalet. The reeves in- troduced the staff and toasted the ladies. Dancing was to Mozart Gelinas of Zurich. Mr. & Mrs. John Fleming moved into the Main St. home of Wayne Glanville. Mr. & Mrs. Will Ostricher received friends in their home from Strathroy, Mrs, Gordon Marshall, Mrs. Earl Gibson, Mrs. Russell Statham, Mrs. Sheldon McCandless, and Miss Cathryn Murphy. Mr. & Mrs. William Amerongen were guests of family and frinds at a dinner and dance at. the Crediton Community Centre. They were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. Mr, & Mrs. Robert Jackson, operators of the post office and of Jackson's Mini-Mart, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary over the weekend in Windsor. Fellow said to the veterinarian, "Something's wrong with my horse. One day he limps, the next day he doesn't. What should I do?" And vet said, "On the day he doesn't limp, sell him!" UCW honors women's year By. KATHY COOPER ELIMVII.LE The Elimville UCW met Wednesday afternoon using the theme "International Women's Year", Mrs. Marjorie Johns was in charge of the meeting. The meeting opened with a hymn and everyone read in unison from St. Mark. Mrs. Elva Routly led in prayer, Lynn Robinson gave an in- teresting talk on "Women of the Bible" and everyone took part in a contest of famous women. A skit including Grace Pym, Jean Lynn, Kay Penhale, Ola Batten, Marjorie Johns and Jean Johns also featured women in public life. A discussion followed this skit. Mrs. Marjorie Johns gave a reading, Women. Mrs. Jean Lynn, the president took charge of the meeting. The roll call was answered by An oustanding contribution you as a woman would like to accomplish. A donation was given to Five Oaks Camp and Caravan. Mrs. Lavona Delbridge gave the report for the nominating committee,It was also decided to buy a poinsettia for the church. Lunch was served by Unit 2. sCGIT The CGIT \ of Thames Road— Elimville Church bazaar was held Saturday afternoon. The bazaar was called "A Knight In Arabia". Marlene Glanville played a song on her guitar and Elaine Pym did a reading. Brenda Ballantyne, pianist, accompanied by several girls sang a couple of songs. Carol Allen, the speaker, also played a song on the piano. The program,consisted of play done by the senior girls. After the program the guests made their way to the bazaar table followed by a lunch. Persona Is Mr. & Mrs. John Batten, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Routly, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Johns, Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Cooper, Dale Skinner and Joan Kerslake attended an affair Friday at the Pine Ridge Chalet for councils and employees. Denise Fletcher and Mary Easton were guests with Mary Johns, Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Cooper visited Wednesday night at Russell Kings. Mr. & Mrs. Howard Johns stayed with Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Shannon and Michael of Sarnia and also with Dr. & Mrs. Martin Johns of Hamilton, Mr. & Mrs. Norman, Jaquee were Sunday guests with Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Cooper. OPEN DAILY Tasty Country Fried CHICKEN Pick up a barrel Dinner or Snack Wally's CHINESE GARDEN Main St. Exeter PHONE 215,-0464 Page 10A Times-Advocate, December 4, 1975 Nigerian studies farming trends at Exeter business lllll ll lllll llllll Holm ll W,uu lllll givi ll lll viovivivonvvvvvii.movvismiivivouilvvio llll vvvvvvvvviq I HANDS ACROSS THE SEA — Mr. and Mrs. John Sloetjes of Exeter have James Babatunde from Nigeria. James is in Exeter to learn about Machinery, a major manufacturing supplier to his employer back home. when he learned that James needed a place to stay offered, his new friend Tells of fair visit Crediton WI meet at Inn You'll love our delicious • STEAKS • CHOPS • RIBS • _FISH and real Homemade FRENCH FRIES - COUNTRY DINER Hwy, 83 - Dashwood FOR TAKE-OUT PHONE 237-3455 tor The Finest CANADIAN and CHINESE FOOD Open Mon. 10 til 12 midnight Tues. 10 til 8 p.m. Wed. 10 til 12 midnight Thursday 10 til 12 midnight Fri. & Sat. 10 til 2 a.m. Sunday 12 noon til 8 p.m. lllllll 11111 llllllll 111111.1 ll llll 1111111111 llllllll 111.1 lllllll 1 UIIIIU,1II111,1111I iv 11, 1111 llllllllllll l ll lllllll 111.11111 lll 11 l 1114 GALA NEW YEARS EVE PARTY AUSABLE CENTRE, GRAND BEND Wednesday, Dec. 31, 1975 Music By THE "MYSTROS" of London 9 p.m. - 2 a,m. Food will be served at 12:30 a.m. Dress Optional TICKETS $25.00 PER COUPLE LIMITED NUMBER AVAILABLE Get Your Ticket At Sharen Realty, Green Haven Trailer Park, — The Bee Hive You'll really enjoy hearing ** EARL & MARTHA *****-4-44 HEYWOOD ********* IN PERSON ********* RECORDING and TELEVISION STARS DECEMBER 12 and 13 9p.m - 1 a.m . • REGULAR MENU • .Thursday, Friday and Saturday Maurice de Were Duo Saturday, Dec. 6 "Good Tymes" Green Forest Motor Hotel Club Albatross YOUR HOSTS "PETE" and "CAROLE" DEITZ HIGHWAY 21 GRAND BEND Huron Industrial Park Phone 228.6733 Appearing Tuesday to Saturday Disco Action THE NEW The Eastern Tradewinds BURKLEY RESTAURANT and TAVERN MAIN ST. EXETER CLOSED MONDAYS DOMINION HOTEL ZURICH 236-4371 Luncheon and Dinner Daily from Noon to 9:00 p.m, RESERVATIONS 238-2251