MAILBAG

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 311, 31 October 1989, Page 7

MAILBAG

We would like to thank the Bulletin and the area for your support over the action we took with the Instant Kiwis. At the time we made the decision it was not because of trouble or for any other reason than that of being a reputable firm, we had both a moral and a responsible obligation towards the community to try and avoid any trouble or mischief which might occur. It surely must be better to avoid trouble than to try and cure it. We certainly didn't make the decision as a publicity stunt nor did we expect to receive that which we did in the way of flowers and chocolates however it was very humbling and very gratifying to know that the community are behind us. We feel we were misunderstood by Chronicle Reporter Iain Hyndman when approached for our view concerning the selling of Instant Kiwi tickets to minors. Mr Hyndman reported that we did not regard the selling of Kiwi tickets to minors as a moral issue. Our decision was a moral one on two or three following issues (otherwise we wouldn't have reserved the right not to sell tickets to minors, without a signed note from their parents). (a) We believed that children are easily influenced and could see that this could cause such things as petty theft, pilfering, and other mischief. (b) Once I sell a ticket I am obliged to pay out a prize (instant cash) of up to $1,000. (c) The third reason being, as stated in the article in the Wanganui Chronicle, is not so much of a moral issue but one of limiting children loitering around the front of the shop. Yes we are against legislation at this stage because if everybody took a responsible stand, as we did, towards selling to children there would be no problem and no need for legislation. It is only when privileges are abused that legislation has to be passed. I am sorry that I did not make myself clear to Mr Hyndman on our reasons for the stand we took, but would like to clarify io the public our motive was a moral one and we do feel very

strongly on this issue. Berrys Bookshop's objective is to provide Ohakune with a facility which is an asset to the community, a service that people can trust, a happy environment that people can feel at ease, and a satisfying place to shop. We have a terrific little community, let's make the effort to make Ohakune a little bit nicer. Margaret & Peter Berry.