Damned both ways

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 384, 30 April 1991, Page 2

Damned both ways

• I am sorry to criticize when somebody does get out and do something. But at times like these, we must question some of the things that are done. I refer in particular to the council work on the Ruatiti road. Why do we have no roadman. We need a person to clean culverts and fill potholes on a daily basis. Why are council workers working Saturdays when there is no emergency and are we paying them time and half. I've lived up this road for fifteen years I think comers are being cut off that don't need it. Why are we doing capital works when there is less income, its maintenance we need, We have unemployment, yet spend money on big machines. Who are we looking after? Are we spending to justify rate increases. Or keeping the townsman working and showing that by increased pressure on the rural folk. Yours honestly speaking Martin Dekker Jnr Mayor Garrick Workman replies: The Shorts Hill work was part of the roading programme for this financial year and $15,000 was included for site benching. The idea was to cut five corners back to improve visibility and to provide greater width for passing manoeuvres and to make it easier to see down the road. Staff were able to complete that work well under budget and decided to continue to take off more corners. They did this without running over budget at al|. Within the programme also was $26,500 for seal smoothing and the two jobs were combined as one project. The seal smoothing is to be commenced shortly. The programme is a carry-over from the Waimarino District and a 58 per cent Transit New Zealand subsidy was picked up for the work as it was a miscellaneous work of a safety related nature, and it certainly makes sense to use such subsidy money while it is still available. The work had no bearing whatsoever on the rates - the change in rating method is responsible for the increases, and the work would still have been done as part of the district programme. It is an importaht stretch of road and all residents of the valley will get some benefit from the upgrading. Garrick Workman Mayor, RDC Party response • With regard to the letter complaining of parties at Karamu Place, in the issue 23 April:

I'm sure that the letter writer "Baggy Eyes" was complaining about me and the parties that I have enjoyed at my residence. If that is the case, I apologise for the upset that I caused. I had no idea that I had interred with the well earned rest of my neighbours, and had I known of this problem previously, I would have immediately changed my method of party making to suit. The problem was that I didn't know and had the person who was offended approached me I would have invited that person into my home and over a cup of tea sorted the matter out. i am no angel I admit, but I despise a situation within which children suffer, for children have no defence against the aggression or bad behaviour of adults. These same children are our future and must enjoy the most secure environment within which to progress. As I have said, I didn't know of the problem. Again I apologise and will ensure that in the future our parties do not get too noisy. T Mareikura • I would like to express my surprise and disappointment on both the style and contents of the letter written by "baggy eyes" and published in your issue of 23 April 1991. While party noises can be at times quite a problem to neighbours if such are held on a continued and regular basis, a little tolerance could be given if this only happens on odd occasions. Whichever the case is in "Baggy eyes" situation there is no need and indeed no justification to reflect negatively on the family of which her/his neighbour belongs to and their involvement with the Easter Hui. This family has a long sanding history of being actively involved with various community projects. Their services have gained respect and their mana is recognised and acknowledged by most people in this region regardless of creed or cultural background. I Needless to say that , this family also put in their share of hard work - into the Hui Aranga which I enjoyed to visit and undoubtly was a great success. What better way than a disco is there to celebrate such a successful event. After all it was

Easter and Easter is supposed to be a "happy" festival. Isn't it? Happy Easter Siegfried Bauer • This so called "family" in its entirety numbers around 790. I am at a loss as to where "Baggy Eyes" has received his/her information. Most of this 'family" was involved with the Easter Hui as part of the organising committee. Many local people helped in running the Hui's. "Baggy Eyes" was obviously nowhere in sight for comment on the . proposed disco. These discos have been an integral part of the Hui Aranga for many many years which is simply appropriate reward for the hundreds of children, teenagers and adults alike, who work so hard prior and during this culturally strenuous gathering. Had "Baggy Eyes" taken time out to find out exactly why this disco was held, then there would be no need to assume that such a gathering was staged for the benefit of one family - with a suggestion of a 1am - 5pm party! For your information "Baggy Eyes", these finale discos are staged under strictest supervision by officials and wardens. May I suggest if you are to eaves drop, eaves drop properly! May I also further suggest should you continue to make innuendos and gross inaccuracies you should be gracious enough to include you name. Or change your pseudonym - may I suggest - "Whimp!"

Charles

Mareikura

Editor's note: several other letters in reply to "Baggy Eyes" were received but because of pressures of space they could not be published in this issue.