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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1971-12-23, Page 5THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1971 ZURICH CITIZENS NEWS PAGE 5 Set rules for conservation e atron ar A series of regulations for controlling the parks and conser- vation areas of the Ausable River Conservation Authority were approved in draft form last Wednesday by the authority. William Amos, chairman of ARCA, explained that the dev- elopment of more recreational and conservation areas by the authority has created a need for the rules. He said that up until now the authority had no specif- ic regulations applying to areas under its control. The regulations, which now go to the province conservation branch and eventually to the cabinet for approval, will prohibit hunting (except by per- mit), use of fireworks, and the removal of fossils or any other object from a conservation area for any commercial purpose." Mr. Amos explained that the ban on fossil removal was intend- ed to protect the Rock Glen fossil beds from being collected by people who use them to make key chains and other tourist items. It will not prevent a visitor or fossil hunter taking samples he said. No motor boats are to be per- mitted in the Morrison Dam or Parkhill conservation areas. Horseback riders will also be banned unless they have permits from the secretary treasurer, Similarly dogs, cats and other pets must be kept under restraint. In order to avoid planned or impromptu rock concerts and other such gatherings, one sect- ion says that no person may conduct a public meeting or perform any act that will cause people to congregate in a cons- ervation area. The ARCA has jurisdiction over two parks in the Exeter area, Riverview and Morrison Dam, the Parkhill Dam and adjacent camping and conservation area, Rock Glen park at Arkona, the Thedford conservation area and a section at Port Franks, the 2, 000 -acre Hay Swamp reforest- ation area, and the Lucan cons- ervation area. Spirit of Giving Lives It Quebec's Colorful Tradition The traditional spirit of giving that's world-wide at Christmastime takes on a spe- cial form and meaning in French Quebec. This year, as every year, will see the enact- ment of a masquerade known as "La Guignolee," to benefit all the poor of Quebec. "La Guignolee" was begun by the first French colonists who settled in Quebec. But historians date the custom to the Druidic rite which cele- brated the arrival of a new year: the cutting — with gold- en scythes — and the gather- ing of mistletoe that grew in the sacred forests. Dress Like Trappers The French version of "La Guignolee" has been kept alive for modern Quebec by such organizations as the St. Vin- cent de Paul Society. It in- volves a door-to-door collec- tion for the poor by "Les Guig- noleurs." Since 1901, the role of "Les Guignoleurs" has been played by members of the Commer- cial Travelers Club of Quebec, Inc. These modern businessmen dress like the Canadian trap- pers of old, with their red knit caps and colorful sashes. Sing- ing the song of "La Guig- nolee," they approach each householder with a long, red woolen stocking, to be filled by gifts for the poor. "Les Guignoleurs" of early Quebec had a very different method of attaining their goal. Arriving at the homes of the villagers, they sang a song that asked for a contribution or threatened the abduction of the eldest daughter of the household. Fights Did Happen The master and mistress of the house, or someone repre- senting them, then opened the door and allowed "Les Guig- noleurs" to enter. Gifts were placed in a bag and later emptied into a cart that followed along behind them through the village, ac- companied by a swarm of chil- dren and dogs. Sometimes, when two differ- ent groups of "Les Guigno- leurs" met, a fight ensued and the treasures of one cart would fill up the cart of the winners. Aiding the Needy Originally, food and cloth- ing as well as money was col- lected. But for the past twenty years it has been only money, and the generous people of Quebec have contributed as much as $30,000 for the poor. The money is deposited in a bank, and checks are issued to the parish priests of the city, who use the money to aid all the needy, regardless of reli- gious denomination. arm and sincere greetings to you and your loved ones for the bright holiday season. FUSS ELECTRIC Main St. Hensall 262-2237 A penalty of up to $100 for breaking any of the regulations is proposed. Speed limits are to be 20 MPH. in the parks and areas. Camping is to be restricted to designated areas and banned anywhere else. Snowmobiling will be restrict- ed to roadways and certain areas designated. The regulations, it is planned, would apply to areas to be dev- eloped in the Bayfield River watershed area as well. On January 1 nine municipalities in that watershed join ARCA and the new name is to be the Aus- able -Bayfield Conservation Auth ority . 0 How It Began `Greed Christmas' Traces Heritage To .Ancient Times A sprig of mistletoe, a holly wreath, an evergreen tree — these and other decorations of greenery come into homes at holiday time — and tradition blooms. The "green Christmas" is an ancient custom, more univer- sally observed than a "white Christmas." In earliest times, at the pag- an winter festivals, evergreens and winter -blooming plants were prized for their promise of spring and the sun's return. For the first Christians, the same greenery symbolized life eternal. * * * "The Holly and the Ivy." As the old Christmas carol indi- cates, both holly and ivy share an ancient heritage as holiday greenery. Early characteriza- tion of holly as masculine and ivy as feminine goes back to pagan games, with "the holly and the ivy" in friendly com- petition. A later tradition says that spiny -leaved hollies are "he" hollies, while the smooth - leaved plants are "she" hollies. The kind of holly brought into the home at Christmas deter- mines whether "he" or "she" will be head of the house for the coming year. ../.. Old Santa's stocking is full of our appreciation for our customers and friends. Hensall 5C to $1 HENSALL MAIN ST. :iint Plight, • '? May the true meaning of Christmas fill your heart and home! In the awesome stillness of that Holy Night, the Christ Child was born. Hurondale Dairy Ron Mock and Staff 9t's another Christmas season, ringing out with old fashioned joy. Hope you and yours have the merriest Yuletime of all. To our warm wishes, add our sincere "Thank You." HENSALL MOTORS LTD. HENSALL 262-2604