LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 25, 20 November 1984, Page 2

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Church Renovations

In reply to the letter from Fr Bernie Vella, SM, which appeared in last week's edition of the Bulletin regarding the proposed renovations to Ohakune 's St Josephs Catholic Church, I wish to make the following comments. As part of the unsuspecting public you are "appealing" to over a matter internal to the St Joseph Parish Community, just as sincere parishioners have a right to be saddened, there are obviously parishioners sincere to the church remaining as it stands, which is their right. Also contained in your letter was a paragraph I find very hard to digest and I quote: k "Church and State have long since abandoned getting involved unnecessarily in one another's affairs. It is hundreds of years now since the temporal and spiritual powers learnt to recognise and respect one another's boundaries." How can an unsuspecting public be asked to view your letter seriously when the church involves itself in mass protests which contravene other people 's rights? Namely: Rugby — Springbok Tour 1981; proposed South Africa Tour 1985; abortion etc etc. As obviously is the case a number of sincere parishioners object to the proposed renovations, therefore can the proposers of the renovations honestly feel they have looked deeply enough into their own hearts to be sure this is the thinking of the church.

Robin

Pearson

Thankyou Dear Ohakune and the Waimarino at large, I'd just like to say thankyou for making my two weeks wo'rk experience at the Bulletin so memorable. I can't remember ever before having packed so many 'experiences' into such a short time — writing up pig hunts in the hail, going to a cattle sale in pouring rain, being part of a search, spending a night in a snowcat, taking a crash course in photography and layout, messing up Jim Bolger's photo, deciding helicopter rides aren't all they're cracked up to be ... and lots lots more. Everybody was extremely helpful and friendly, with special thanks to Dennis, Mary Ann», Rod, Pam, Belinda and Joanne at the Bulletin, and also to Don and Sue for such a nice place to stay. Hope you all have a good summer.

Margaret

Baker

A TI Journalism Student Aussies have done it again In reply to Bully's comment that Snow Lupton would have stayed at home had Kiwi not been fit enough to race — you're dead right mate. I have it from a very reliable source (from an exAussie on-course bookie, who happens to be a Kiwi) that about 500 Aussie bookies stood to lose fifteen million dollars between them if Kiwi won. So they all put in two

grand each and offered (very discreetly of course and cash up front) each of the four vets in question, a quarter of a million dollars to scratch Kiwi. I see this as being the only logical answer to the Aussie 's scratching a perfectly fit and healthy horse. So in keeping with underarm bowling, All Black food poisoning and narrow-comb shearing, the Aussies have done it again. Who'd be an Aussie in Waverley.

Mark

Watchman

Cannabis In reply to the letter headed Cannabis by 'anonymous' I think there has to be a review of the laws relating to the possession, use "and growing of cannabis. My argument is this. Two people can smoke cannabis inside a locked room, minding their own business and the law can break down the door and arrest these two people for smoking the demon drug. The same two people could be in the same room with the door locked, drinking themselves to death with a crate of whiskey, and the law can't touch them. Sure, cannabis has long term effects if used regularly, this has been proved but I don't believe that anyone can die through over indulgence in one session, unless they choke on it of course. I honestly believe that the number one problem drug in this country, or the world, is

the perfectly legal, easily acquired alcohol. Let 's be reasonable

Roads of Rubbish

One million dollars to be spent on the County summer road scheme. Draw a line from and including the mountain road, through to Lakes Road and face west, that's where the money looks likely to be spent. No one lives in Karioi or Rangataua areas so don't worry about it, seems to be the attitude of the County. We have had some drainage work done in Rangataua and not before time. After all it is a township with a considerable permanent population which increases dramatically in the holiday periods. For years the ratepayers have pleaded with the County about the roads around here but to no avail. They have the nerve to call Kaka Street, Miharo Street and Tay Street, 'Streets'. There is no metal on any of these, just a dirty grit which turns to muddy slush in winter and clouds of dust in summer and people on the Rata Maire and Mangateitei roads are just as badly off. If the County thinks we are moaners then they are dead right because we have got reason to moan. If the councillors say there is nothing wrong with the roads let them drive around on them in their nice clean cars while it's dry and dusty, and they can also survey the many lovely broom bushes growing all over the place while they are at it.

P.S.M.

, Bishop