Times Advocate, 1989-01-25, Page 15Our readers write
Letters about puns, hospitality and streets
• Dear Sir:
On reading Bruce Shaw's weekly
words of wisdom, concerning "the
ability of people to use language",
I did a "Double Take". I had made
his column. Such exaltation!
Such exultation! My hovercraft
shoes were no longer needed.
How docs one acknowledge such
distinction? How docs one respond
to hyperbole? This letter to you,
sir, hopefully is not an inappropri-
ate attempt.
To be named as one of several
"local treasures" does bring forth a
blush.. Does anyone really think
of himself as one of the "local.
treasures"? To be sure, my wife
•refers to me as a treasure, but I
suspect that she 'would resist any
extraspousal extension. ' To be
named in the same general context
' as Winston Churchill and Joe
Wooden; to name but two; as
somcone..having verbal skills; ex-
ceeds any other possible;superla-
Live. . -.-
However, at -the same time that I
am flattered by and grateful to .
Bruce for his profuse praise; I must
vigorously protest his pejoration
of the pun,- "This low form of hu-
mour". Hoist on his own petard
however; he has put himself ad-
versely in an egregiously contradic-
tory,and equivocal position. It is
only fair to ask then; how long can
he possibly. shoulder such a down-
hill dislocation of value? .
Despite suggesting otherwise, he
docs betray an underlying bias
against the .pun: He has not un-
wittingly "given the shaft", up to.
the hilt -- in accolade to counter-
point. Could it now be said then:
that he will remain contra pun 'tit
he puts this discord in harmony?
To depreciate the pun is to di-
miniskman's essential being. The
value of ,the "double entendre" is
allowed in literature: To disparage
the pun is to downgrade Shakes-
peare. If Bruce wishes to bear such
a burden; he also finds himself un-
der the gun of.H.W. Fowler, wlso
is the accepted authority on Eng-
. lish usage and linguistics, has this
to say, "The assumption that puns
are per se contemptible betrayed by
the habit of describing every pun
not as a pun, but as a bad pun or a
feeble pun, is a sign at once of
sheepish docility and desire to
seem superior. Tuns are good,
bad,.and indifferent, and only those
wno lack the wit.to make them are
unaware of the fact."
Mr. Shaw continues his deroga-
tion by indicating that I occasional-
ly ascribe my puns to my wife,
"now that is low". To discredit this
notion and to credit my wife appro-
priately: in further protest, I am in-
cluding this creation of hers:
.r :a :-`:'C ik,...
f`HSUIII
Certified
Service Centre,
;4411, 414,x„
/ \ Pre-Seasonr)
A.
Savungs
There was a girl from Paranolna-
sia
Whose play on words would
amaze ya
Eloquent in any a locution
Ella went to any elocution
There, was not a girl, from Para
Aphasia!
But perhaps I protest too much,
even though in polemical persi-
flage. Mr. Shaw has a noble and
most serious human purpose in this
column; as he does in all of his
many endeavors in the community.
He argues most cogently, concern-
ing, "the ability to express our-
selves-in
ur-
selvesin such a manner that we are
clearly understood". By implica-
tion; he also cautions us not to.be
misled by those who would mislead
us. One.person's perspicuity may
be another's obfuscation. Ambigu-
ity abounds; equivocation con-
founds. The resemblers and dissem-
biers are out there to entrapius.. .
What significantly differentiates
man from the tower animal, among
other considerations, is his ability
to use symbols and tools. We
should all be skilled craftsmen in
the use: of verbal symbols, the most
important tools that we have to
use.
Yours truly,
Ken Lawton
* * *
Dear Sir:
On December 27, Exeter played
host to an international team from
Sweden.
. Despite our loss in the game, I
feel we should all consider our-
selves winners.
Exeter displayed fantastic hospi-
tality and generosity.
Minor Hockey executive and par-
ents worked hard to publicize and
organize the game. •
The legion was once again most
generous and, as always, the ladies
provided a delicious meal.
'Several surprises included ceramic
statues made and donated by Alva
Heywood; a Bagpiper. with more
talent than sense, maybe, who led
our teams onto the ice in a great
fanfare; an intermingling of two
countries in a spontaneous and
friendly manner; and an arena full of
hockey fans!
My family came from Waterloo
and Windsor and confessed they had
not enjoyed an evening so much in
a long time. •
Exeter-tonians should be very
proud! Thanks to all who helped in
any way.
Wendi Schwindt
* * *
Dear Sir:
One item of Exeter Council news
•
Get a Performance
Plus Checkup
and save on
service work, too!
caught. my attention and tilted me
with delight. The fact that street -
names will be chosen for their
meaning.
In Holland one has a district that's
called the "artist's district": For all
streets are named after famous
Dutch. painters.
There is the "music district" and
many Dutch composers are hon-
oured in street names. A brief de-
scription is found with the street
sign. Some councils lack all imag-
ination.
Saving the
EXETER - The Ausable Bayfield
Conservation Authority has pur-
chased a 70 acre property which
will aid the survival of the Kamer
Blue butterfly. Authority'Chairman
Don Lithgrow made the announce-
ment al the January 19 Executive
meeting. The property, part Lot 41
and lands lying in front of Lots 40
and 41, Lake -Road West Conces-
sion, Bosanquct Township (com-
monly known as the Armstrong
property) also provides habitat for
other Carolincan species.
There arc only two sites in Cana-
da
anada where there arc Karner Blue but-
terflies One site is at Pon Franks
But Exeter could start- with its
own arca named after the "Group of
Seven" painters, one area using
names of Canadian musicians and
composers, such as Glenn Gould.
One could include names of those
who have contributed significantly
to Canadian life, such as the inven-
tors of Insulin. .
It will arouse a pride in all for our
own country and its outstanding
people. .
K. Teddy Smits
Grand Bend
butterflies
and the other is at St. Williams,
near 'Long. Point. The A.B.C.A.
property has a 20 acre wetland and a
fifty acre sand dune complox which
supports wild lupine, the food
source of the Karner Blue during the
-larval stage. The lupine in turn re-
lics on the butterflies wlr visit the
flowers for nectar.
The Natural Heritage League
through their Carolincan Canada
Program provided 100 percent of
the funding for the purchase, The
A.B.C.A. will manage the property
for Carolincan species and wildlife
- habitat. The public may.visit the
Property, but no hunting is al-
lowed.
Clinton OMAF news
CLINTON - Share the spirit of
Ontario's youth - become a 4-1-1
lcadcr in the 1989 "Working with
Wool" 4-H project.
Volunteer leaders are a special
part of 4-1-1. They help 4-H mem-
bers develop skills and interests,
discover unique talents, and gain
Self-confidence that comes from.
achievement. This development is
achieved in the "Working with
Wool" 4-H project, as 4-H leaders
show their club members the trans-
formation of wool from. the sheep's
fleece to the yarn they are using to
'knit a special project.
4-H leaders will learn all about
the new "Working with Wool" pro-
ject
rojcct during lcadcr information work-
sh6ps which will be held as fol-
lows: Thursday, February 2,
Huronview Auditorium, Clinton
(daytime); Thursday, February. 2,
Huronview Auditorium, Clinton
(evening); Saturday, Fcbruary 4,
Huronview Auditorium, Clinton
(daytime).
This 4-H project will consist of
sixweekly meetings beginning in
early February concluding near the
end of May. New 4-1-1 leaders will
receive special orientation into this
rural youth program. To find out
how you can be part of the 4•-H
READY
TO G
1
■
i-ii—a----...' 11-4004 I t
w x'1 ` 4 t ,0 _tc k�2u`- tt.
(I
. ,„
►'re -Season Se vica Savings art.
in elect until February 28, 1989.
.
7446
That's right! Our Service Technician will thor-
oughly inspect your tractor, combine, or
It's callef-the Performance Plus
kup; and it's designed to cover -cid..
detail of your Case, IH, or.Case International
- " iDment. When our man is through, you'll
know exactly the operating status of your • 'MAKE yl'OU R
equipment. If work is needed, we'll do it then APPOINTMENT
i-,in-A,acrn dicrnt,nt and you'll TODAY
be ready for your busy season now. CALL BRA5-2t21
team,contact the Ontario Ministry
of Agriculture and Food, 482-3428.
or 1-800-0265-5170.
-Jane Muegge
Rural Organization Specialist
CLINTON - The popular Red
Meat Plan that was introduced in
April of 1984 ends with the -dead-
line of February 1, 989. This
means participating producers must
have any weigh sheets, grant appli-
cation forms, ctc. into the local
O.M.A.F. office by the 1st.
Over the course of the five-year
program, sheep, cow -calf and
stocker and slaughter cattle produc-
ers had the opportunity to partici-
pate in a number of things. These
included takingwcaning and perfor-
mance weights, developing better
handling and weighing facilities,.
testing feed, participating in hcrd
health programs and analyzing farm
records. The bottom line of the
program, was to boost the c uality
and productivity of the beef and
sheep industryin Ontario in order
to ensure their viability.
As the program deadline draws
near, it is important that producers
check over their situation to ensure
they have submitted all their -appli-
cations. Any questions concerning
them should be directed to the On-
tario Ministry of Agriculture and
Food "office in Clinton at 1-800-
265-5170 or 482-3428.
John Bancroft
Farm Management Specialist
• for Huron County
>
CLINTON - Most of us have a
vast repertoire of skills which we
have accumulated through our per-
sonal life and professions. Few.
things can be more rewarding than
sharing these skills and seeing
someone cisc grow and develop un-
dcr our guidance. The 4-1-1 program
is a rural youth.program which can
use your skills towards the social,
physical and emotional development
Of our rural youth.
As a volunteer 4-H lcadcr, you
will receive orientation, training and
support from the Ontario Ministry
of Agriculture and Food. Resource
materials arc available and.the time
commitment will consist of a few
hours per week for approximately
eight weeks.
If you have skills and knowledge
in the area of swine management,
home iiintir a safety, social reC,tca-
tion, marketing, community and
ri hi t, landscaping or knitting;
please call the Ontario Ministry of -
Agriculture. and Food. The Rural
Organisation Specialists will be
pleased to expound on the many
benefits of the 4-H youth program.
Jane Muegge
Rural Organization Specialist
4E00MR/A
FARM EQUiPMIV1ENT LTD.
Exeter Sales, Service & Rentals
235-2121 since 1932
Dashwood
237-3242
Times -Advocate, January 25, 1989
Page 15
Wins snowblower - Clarence -Sadler, RR5 Parkhill, is the proud
owner of a new Cub Cadet walk -behind snowblower. Sadler won
the blower in the Becker Farm Equipment December Parts Bonan-
za Contest.
ABCA conservation awards
• EXETER - People working t�
conserve natural resources deserve -
rccognition. That's the premise be-
hind the Ausable Bayfield .Conser-
vation Authority's Annual Conser-.
vation Awards. •
The A.B.C.A. wants you to
nominate a friend, neighbour, club
or organization who has taken di-
rect action_ to protect a resource.
"Eram'ptes of conservation Work to
he considered include wetland pro-
tection, soil erosion prevention
through modified tillage, crop rota-
tion,
otation, structures, windbreaks, farin
waste control, conservation educa-
tion, wildlife habitat creation, and
reforestation", says Kathy Monk,:
-A.B.C.A. Community Relations
.Co-ordinator. "individuals• and
groups arc relied upon to help con=
serve the resources within our
1,000 square mile arca of juristic -
tion. We like to recognize those
conservation minded_ individuals
and groups."
Winners in 1987 were Thomas
Doherty and the Huron County
Board of Education. They arc per-
manently recognized :as conserva-
tionists on plaques at the A.B.C.A.
Administration Centre. •
The Ausable Bayfield Conserva-
tion Authority will "be. accepting,
-nominations until- February. 10,
1989. The. Authority requires not
only names and mailing addresses,
but:descriptions of the conservation
work -done by the nominee and, in. -
rural areas;: lot and concession
numbers.
The A.B.C.A.'s mailing address
is Box 2410, Exeter, NORM ISO. If
you require further information,
you may contact Kathy Monk at
235-.26l0.
Special on Replacement Chain
until January 31
g---6Fits most types of cleaners
$845 per foot delivered
Berg Hook and Eye Chain
As low as $11 75 per foot delivered
Contact:
brifithion Construction P iPfP,
'ales, Servlce iintallation
Phone Kirkton 229-8244
Your Clay, Beatty, Ralco & Berg dealer
Plus all types of concrete work
ttention Soyboan Growers!
--°*""""'S€€DACREAGE AVAILABLE
Pioneer Hi -Bred Limited is now
inviting applications for 1989 seed
• ,•., .r ,
premiulfis an ''an exec . seta
selection are available.
We are looking for experienced
growers with high, stable yields,
excellent weed control and gobd
quality aerated storage. •
If you would like to apply or are
interested in finding out more
about our seed soybean program,
please return the response card
as soon as possible. •
(11:::t:::)'\ PIONEER.
BRISOYBEAN SEED
PIONEER HI -BRED LIMITED,
CHATHAM, ONTARIO, N7M 5L1
1
1
1
----
51 .NOt,lrl l '. 7 u sr. i oru , i I 1
Name:
Address:
Postal Code: —
Telephone. -06-
Return to: Pioneer Hi -Bred Ltd.
P.O. Box 730,
Hwy, #2 West,
Chatham, Ontario,
N7M 5L1
Attention: Soybean Department