Maree’s musings

It’s PUNCTUATION PERIL: CONFUSING COMMAS, and the APOSTROPHE’S PLACE.

A question to mark: do you have fond memories of learning the confusing convolutions of English punctuation? You may recall prepositions, (a)’postrophes (sorry, couldn’t resist!), and propositions for placing punctuation marks in proper positions. ‘It’s in its proper place, isn’t it?’ you probably pondered.

Consider the comma. Or when it’s in its promoted position, the apostrophe. Positioning these little (pen)pricks pose premonitions of possible peril.
A familiar three-word sentence illustrates this. “Lets eat Grandma.” It’s got a problem or two. But positioning a comma (and an apostrophe) prevents any probable confusing conclusion (and saves Granny’s bacon!) When it – the comma, that is – is in its proper position, it’s an easy one. Here it is in all its correctness: “Let’s eat, Grandma.” Much better for everyone concerned.
Here’s another example. It’s probably much more of a poser, in that it needs plenty of commas, a couple of full stops and two or three capital letters. … Continue Reading

Mens Shed

October 2016
As you may already know know, the auction was a huge success raising over $3800 before expenses of about $200. We had a perfect day, wedged in between rain on the Friday and Sunday and a good crowd of bidders who left only a few unwanted lots. These have been transferred to the Carterton Auction House so a bit more $$ should add to the total. Many thanks to all who contributed time and items for the auction to make it happen.
Courthouse Progress
Eastern and Central Community Trust have given us a grant to complete the refurbishment of the courthouse which will allow the team to finish the electrical work, install security lighting and locks, tackle the hole in the back hall, purchase a security system and other interior work. Painting of the outside which is funded by Council will begin soon. … Continue Reading

New Pharmacy opens

Wairarapa District Health Board Chief Executive Officer Adri Isbister cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new Medical Centre pharmacy. Welcoming the guests Ruamahunga Trust Chairman , Ro Griffith, said “we have been planning for ten years to have a pharmacy as part of an integrated health centre”. He emphasised how the medical centre is owned by the people of Martinborough and surrounding district “a community facility managed by the Ruamahunga trust”. … Continue Reading

Perfectionist’s Lament

BY JOHN ANSELL
 
A high achieving man is one
Who goes to extra lengths
To keep his many weaknesses
Outnumbered by his strengths.
 
But! Win in moderation  
For the perfect life is frowned on
He who succeeds excessively
The Deity will round on.
 
The Bible has this lesson
For the man who does no wrong:
He who plays the goodie-too-shoes
Won’t be playing for too long. … Continue Reading