Loading...
Times Advocate, 1998-04-01, Page 9OJ Y 1! Y 1 LJJ'J[7'( Times -Advocate, April 1,1998 • Page 9 Former resident heads out of Africa again Steckle against euthanasia Ross W. Wein, raised in the Crediton - Exeter area, first traveled to East Africa as a student from the University of Guelph in 1964. The limes -Advocate financially supported that travel and printed his sto- ries, much to .ihe pleasure of his parents Emerson and Lauren( Wein. Ross, who is a professor of con- servation at the University of Alberta, recently just returned from a six week teaching safari to Kenya. CHAMPAGNE RIDGE, BUFFALO 'SPRINGS NATIONAL RESERVE, SAMBURU DISTRICT, CENTRAL KENYA - Champagne Ridge in the early pan of the century was a safari paradise for the rich and royal white hunters from Europe; now it is tourists from around the world who camp on the ridge and photograph wildlife. The equatorial night sky has the most brilliant stars that you can imagine. The lions are roaring again and a leopard just coughed. Crickets and mosquitoes are making a continuous din of chirps and hums. It is good to he back in Africa, under canvas. - - I think back to my first visits to -Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. It was as a university student under the Operation Crossroads Africa program that I first trav- eled here in 1964. Then in the 1980s I returned to Uganda to train graduate students in the field of con- servation and National Park management.but when bullets started to fly again due to civil unrest, our research interests waned - but my interest in the region - did not. As the sun jump-starts the day (sunrise takes only a few minutes at the equator), thc doves and other tropi- cal birds add to the noise. -The bird lovers are already peering through binoculars. hoping -for a new sighting ' to add to their lifetime list. The portable generator sputters to life, so it is time to roll out from under my mosquito net, to wash up quickly. to jump into the mini vans, to mumble sleepily ""Jamho"' (Swahili for 'hello') to the driver and to settle in for a one hour safari thrum !sh the Park. Today, ail of, us are looking f )r cheetahs and leopards since some of us heard them last night; lions are old stuff because we have seen them already. Small. scattered groups of -zebra, wan- hogs, oryx, impala, Thompson's gazelle and water- buck glance up and then resume feeding. seemingly undisturbed by our presence. Ostrich march through the tall grass while Guinea fowl 'and sand grouse scat- ter from the roadway. Eagles, starlings and weaver birds are active in the acacia trees looking for lunch. The carnivores arc nowhere in sight! We return to our camp of 50 tents, eat breakfast and then go to the lec- ture tents for classes. Lecture tents?? Classes?? We are 60 university students and a dozen profes- sors, collected from .Newfoundland to British Columbia, for' a semester called 'Study in Africa'. This Canadian consortium of universities is linked in a program that was initiated in 1992 from Langara College in British Columbia. .Courses being taught include anthropology, archaeology, ecology, entomol- ogy, geography. marine biology, ornithology, and wildlife conservation. The students arc keen - after all they have spent hard earned money for this part of their university training. There•is no better way to learn because we can look out the teat door to.see the textbook examples for wildlife conservation, ornithol- ogy and ecology. The anthropologists guide us through villages to learn how different tribes use the land. Archaeologists take us to sites where some of the oldest remains of humans arc found; at other sites twenty thousand year old Stone Age tools lic-exposed from the recent rains and soil erosion. At dusk the hugs are too close, even for the entomologists. as bee- tles swirl around the electric lights and backstroke through our soup; macaroni and cheese, with all the extras, takes on a whole new meaning here. The geographers explain the volcano dominated land- scapes; there is nothing like this in southern Ontario! -• The marine biology professor is having some diffi- culty, with field examples in this savanna. but wait until he has the attention of thc class at the coast of the Indian Ocean!! We landed in.Nairobi four weeks ago, expecting the dry season. We were quickly introduced to the results of weeks of unseasonable, heavy rain storms. The gravel roads are a mess and semi trailer trucks are get- ting buried to the flat bed. 'The land is green rather than red from dust. The savanna has tall grass and trees are in full leaf; the animals have scattered far and wide 'because every water hole has the liquid that is normally so precious. Crops are growing in fields that would normally be fallow until the long rains. As we traveled northwest from Nairobi into the Highlands we passed shambas (small farms) where corn, beans and 'sweet potatoes are intermixed with bananas, papayas, and sugar cane. Then we descended into the great Rift Valley (one ofthe birth places of humans) where higher air temperatures and lower rain fall supports sisal crops, cattle grazing and where mil- lions of flamingos breed on Lake Nakuru. Northward we climbed into the Highlands where wheat replaces corn and at even higher elevations forestry is a big industry. Irrigation water from the -high country pro- duces rice in the lower valleys. Mount Elgoh and Mount Kenya National Parks are spectacular cones of extinct volcanoes with well forested cauldrons. If you climb these cones thinking that you are fit, you will find that the air gets thin when you reach 3,000 meters and these mountains rise to over 4,000 meters. Much has changed over the past 35 years. Before Independence from Britain in 1963, Kenya was well known for its big game hunting and its agricultural pro- duce of coffee and tea. After Independence, Kenya became the darling of countries who gave foreign aid; ihe economy leaped ahead. the population rose quickly and tourism became a major industry. The city of Nairobi became an international hub for East Africa -and- a center for many urban environmental ills. Periodic political uncertainty has taken its toll on the 'economy; for example, poaching of elephants and rhino became an international issue (poaching is now under control but the rhino population is critically low) and local unrest surrounding national elections last autumn led to tourists canceling their vacations to some destinations. The long term problems of rapid human population growth and pressure on limited farm land are now complicated by the rapidly spreading AIDS virus and slower industrial development. Not all cul- tural groups in Kenya agree that enough development has occurred. Some groups of villages in the rural regions eagerly pursue development at all costs, while the Maasai people argue for continuation of their tradi- tional lifestyle of herding cattle, goats and sheep. Tourists like to visit central Kenya during the dry seasons of August -September and January - February because there is pleasant weather, few bugs and the water holes beside the 5 -star tourist lodges arc teeming with wildlife. The Indian Ocean beaches are attractive all year long hut the main season is the Christmas to Easter period which reflects the cold weather in Europe. From my point of view, this is the time to visit! The wildlife in the National Parks and Reserves is more spectacular than ever and the Rift Valley and the -volcanic mountains of Kilimanjaro, Kenya, Meru. and Elgon arc still breathtaking both from.a scenery and a strenuous climbing point of view. For the budget conscious, fewer tourists mean lower room rates and less expensive transportation.. For all travelers, any travel is valuable. By experiencing another culture and country, you will more readily appreciate what is most valuable to you at home. If the romance of the 'Dark Continent' has any attraction at all, rent the video 'Out of Africa' which stars Merryl Street and Robert Redford. The movie, with its stunning landscape and wildlife photography, -is based on the life of Karen Blixen who, early in the century. had a farm in the Ngong Hills -Just west of Nairobi. After seeing the movie you must call your local travel . agent for information on one or more of the outstanding Safari • Lodges of Kenya! Have a great. Safari!! .Three major tourist attractions in East Africa scenery, wildlife and people Blyth audience will be Waiting for G. Doe. BLYTH - They're back in rehear- sal at Blyth. and this May they'll be Waiting for G. Doe. 'They' are the same zany troupe who thrilled local audiences with Come Back to the G►'m MaryLou, MaryLau and fast year's hit, Gail and Brad's Marvelous Wedding Adventure. This time the setting is a surprise party where more than the balloons arc full of hot air. Written by Rob Bundy and di- rected by Duncan McGregor, Wait- ing for G. Doe will feature the out- standing talents of such . Blyth. favorites as Anne Elliott, Floyd Herman, Kathleen Babcock and Gary Haist. The play will run May 1 and 2 at Blyth's Memorial Hall. Following dinner at 6 p.m., party guests will start Waiting for G. Doe at 8 p.m. at Blyth's Memorial Hall. Tickets for both the dinner and show cost S25 per person, with show only tickets are $15. Call the Blyth Fes- tival box office at (519) 523-9300. YOUR •t 10A lAlt(1I l' MARKS�'�! -�att1l SHARE.... • 1 F1 IIS tlNtO( I\ \ kV( IZI 1)01 1 1 11 ' \\ I 111 OI Ill sPI(_Ii11 1't ,\ i\ I RI !SING I'ROI)0( I \' With the high cost n( rl„m,t Initinr•ss.dlr'so days, you simply tont ((ford 1101 to how• t},. n ,i,I . hnry r•>tprfi% nn your sof. ' WI, rim provrdo you will, v, r ything you apprcrialo, mohvotn or c r I •hrok, from t1u11 I . In plactur•s B flashtighls ul pncr•s you wdl Opp" c into I ' 114 IRWIN ST., UNIT 4, CUNTON,ONT. NOM 110 1 -888 -MP RUSSO ;r' (6774776) . . • CEP in t ( PARTVRII AI40iNTMI11I) 10 RI WbD CUSTOM( R ICY/All f OR OA; SOMETHING MAI 10 HAVE YOUR NAM' 0t1,J1,r,11OVAUTY (r0Ul flR Of SY.,IHD PORCIIA N MIX,S (RIATi0 TO 11.010 IO Of Of YOii9 f1VO4J9ITf •Sivtg ' {.^6 'r - 'nr4ff,f.•'.t • CaII Now . for DrInil,... U.SSO OTTAWA - Euthanasia has al- tinuation of artificial or ex- currently does not recognize com- passion as an acceptable justifica- tion for killing another individual," he commented. . According to . Steckle, the Ca- nadian Medical Association docs not want its members to assist - in suicide. . "I personally fear that satiety would devise an infinite number of uses for death once it has become a legal means of solving human prob- lems." he said. ready been debated in the House of traordinary measures is, in my Commons. and Huron MP ' Paul opinion, ethical, legal and con- Steckle thinks the government sistent with. standard medical prac- should get on with "the business of tices," Steckle said. . running the country and stop dwell- He doesn't ,agree with physicial ing on the resolved issues 'of the assisted suicide. past." "Although assistance of this type Steckle raised the . topic in the is usually provided reluctantly for House of- Commons last Wednes- compassionate reasons, this is not day. always the case. It should be noted Steckle stated he would not sup- that regardless of the method, clas- port a motion to develop 'a special sification or motive. Canadian law committee aimedat reviewing pro- visions of the Criminal Code of Canada which outlaw the practice of euthanasia and physician as- sisted suicide. Steckle also explained his per- sonal beliefs on the issue. While he said it is ethical not to provide or. halt artificial life support, he does not agree with deliberately killing someone who is suffering. "Permitting an individual with a terminal illness to conclude their life in a natural 'fashion is simply not euthanasia. Where the situation is Medically hopeless, a decision not to .provide or to halt the con - Nominations sought QUEEN'S PARK - Bruce Smith, M.P.P. for Middlesex, is encourag- ing Middlesex residents to come forward with their nominees for the 1998 Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. The medal is awarded annually to 12 Ontarians whose selflessness, humanity and kindness have made Ontario a better place in which to live. - "Since 1973, Ontario has been honoring the citizens who have vol- untarily made extraordinary contri- butions to their fellow citizens. I am certain that many residents of Middlesex are deserving of such recognition," stated Smith. Any individual or organization is welcome to submit nominations for the 1998 award. An Advisory Council will review the nomina- tions and select the. 12 nominees who, in their judgement, show the greatest merit. The nine members and the Chair of the Advisory Council are Ontario citizens who reflect the different areas of the province. The deadline for nominations is *fay 1, 1998 Nomination forms are Available by contacting: Ontario Honors and Awards Unit, Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and *tecreation, 77 Bloor Street West, 4th floor, Toronto, Ontario, M7A 2R9, (416) 314-7528. EXETER TIMES ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER DEALER LOCATIONS AILSA CRAIG Steve's. Variety BRUCEFIELD Brucefield Variety CENTRALIA Centralia Variety DEVON CORNERS Sunys Gas Bar - CLINTON Beckers - CREDITON Jem Variety Jordy's Gas Bar DASHWOOD' Doug & Nancy's DENFIELD Denfield General Store. EXETER Beckers .. Canadian Tire Country Bakery Darlings Donuts Now - Exeter Shell Exeter Variety Frayne's General Store Holtzinann IGA Huron Restaurant MacLeans Home Hardware McTavish Gas Bar Seips valu-mart Shoppers Drug Mart South Huron Hospital Tasty Nu Bakery Triangle Discount GODERICH International_ News/Suncoast Mall GRAND BEND ltrefoot Pedlar Country Market Macs Convenience Mothers Pantry Shoppers Drug Mart Tenderspot Wrights IGA - GRANTON Granton Food and Video Granton Hardware HENSALL • Erb's Garage -_ McTaggarts Market Ron's Health Centre HURON PARK Huron Park Foodtown KIPPEN Huron Sports Outfitters KIRKTON Kirkton Market LUCAN Beckers Clarkes Food Market Darlings Lankin Shell PARKHILL. Beckers Hicks General Store McIntyre Pharmacy Parkhill Variety ST. JOSEPH St. Joseph Store ST. MARYS St . Marys Journal Argus VARNA - Varna General Store ZURICH J & L Variety Seyler's Mhrket 55 LOCATIONS TO PICK UP YOUR WEEKLY NEWSPAPER - To •increase your traffic flow and to become an Exeter Times Advocate dealer, please call Sue Rollings 235-1331. NOTICE OF THE PASSING OF AN INTERIM BY-LAW CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BIDDULPH TAKE NOTICE that the council of the Corporation of the Township of Bidduiph passed by-law No. 19-1998 on the 24th day of March, 1998 under section 38 of the Planning Act. R,S.O. 1990, AND TAKE NOTICE that council of the Corporation of the Township of Biddulph has the authority to extend the period during which the Bylaw will be in effect to a total period not exceeding two years from the day of passing of the By-law. - AND TAKE NOTICE that any person or public body may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board in respect of the Bylaw by filing with the Clerk of the Township not later than the 25 day of May, 1998, a notice of appeal setting out the reasons for the appeal, accompanied by a fee of $125.00 payable to the Minister of Finance. ONLY INDIVIDUALS, CORPORATIONS AND PUBLIC BODIES may appeal an interim control by-law to the Ontario Municipal Board. A notice of appeal may not be filed on behalf of an unincorporated association or group, however, a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf. AN EXPLANATION of the purpose and effect of the Bylaw, describing the lands to which the by4aw applies, and a copy of•the interim control by-law, are attached. GIVEN THAT the lands to which the interim control by-law applies include potentially all lands zoned General Agricultural (Al), a key map is not considered necessary in this instance. DATED AT THE TOWNSHIP OF BIDDULPH THIS 26th DAY OF MARCH, 1998. Larry G. Hoston, Clerk -Treasurer Township of Biddulph P.O. Box 190, Lucan Ontario NOM 2J0 Telephone: (519) 227-4491 Fax: (519) 227-4998 PURPOSE AND EFFECT BY-LAW NO. 19.1998 TOWNSHIP OF BIDDULPH interim Control By-law - Regulating Livestock The purpose of this By-law is to restrict, for a six month period, the use of certain lands in the Township of Biddulph for the establishment of new livestock operations and expansions of existing operations where buildings and structures used for the purposes of accommodating livestock would exceed 100 livestock units per 40.5 hectares (100 acres) of tillable land. 'Livestock Units" represent numerical values assigned for various types of livestock based on manure production and production cycles, e.g. 1 livestock unit is the equivalent of 1 beef cow, 200 chicken broilers, 2 dairy heifers, 1 horse or 4 feeder hogs. The lands affected by the Bylaw include alt lands zoned General Agricultural (Al) in the Township. The Township is concerned with respect to manure management associated with these large operations and the potential for pollution resulting from improper storage- and disposal' of manure. In addition, there is concern about the potential for increased conflicts between large livestock operations and neighbouring non- agricultural uses, particularly residential development. The township's zoning By-law, while requiring minimum separation distances between livestock operations and neighbouring dwellings, does not otherwise restrict the mini of livestock permitted on individual lots in the Agricultural (Al) Zone. • The Interim Control By-law would prohibit new or expanded large livestock operations in the above mentioned manner until such times as the potential impacts are evaluated and appropriate regulations are brought into effect. Uses otherwise permitted by the Zoning Bylaw will continue to be permitted. The Interim Control By-law will remain in effect for a period of six months from the date of its adoption unless other repealed by Council prior to this period. At the end of one year, provision is available under the Planning Act to extend, for an additional year, the period for which The By4aw remains in effect. xixxxxxxxxxxxxsuzin • 4 • • •+ • • • •• •• • • 4 • • 4 •• • • •• • 4 •• • • • • •+ •+ + • + + • • + •• • 4 • • + • • 4 • • •+ • •• 4 4 • • •+ • + + • • •• + • • + • • • • • • • • • 4 • • •• 4 • • • • • • + 4