ODDS’N’SODS — Eleven words of wisdom

Mines do not spring forth from Mother Nature’s womb fully foaled.

These immortal words of wisdom were expressed by the late Dr. James Parker Nowlan during his acceptance speech as incoming president of The Mining Society of Nova Scotia at its annual meeting in June, 1969, at Igonish Beach, N.S. (in the famous Keltic Lodge in northern Cape Breton Island). His 11 words of wisdom remain etched deeply in my memory and, I am sure also, in the memory of a most attentive audience.

Some day, I — and, I am sure, many others — hope to be able to view his masterpiece of wisdom carved in the lintel of the portal of the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame. For his name to be inscribed on the honor roll within would be a fitting reward for the roles he played in Canadian mining during his lifetime.

— John Skotynsky is a prospector from Margaree Valley, N.S.