Opera Week
Wow! What a week -- two, in fact! However, not to nit-pick, it was absolutely fabulous!
When encouraged to attend, I imagined large-breasted divas, clutched hands resting just below the sternum, belting out "trills" in a foreign language. How misguided was I?
In fact, we were sent on a journey of development, skill and understanding, not only for the students but also for the general public.
The final night performance was as good as any West End musical.
The talent was extraordinary, the singing, staging, costumes, acting and stage presence of these wonderful "kids" took you to a a place of utter magic and delight.
How does this international event continue to be held in Whanganui, you may ask? Well, it is all due to the total commitment and conviction of one incredible Whanganui gentleman, Donald Trott.
This man deserves a knighthood!
VIV LABONE
New resident of Whanganui
Carillon bells
In your article about the carillon bells, January 14, I was very interested to read about their history and appalled to know such a unique donated gift, from one of the district's oldest settler families, had been left to deteriorate for years on the museum roof and been stored away in the museum basement (probably not even repaired).
This very unusual set of bells was gifted to our beautiful city in good faith that they would be heard and listened to by the citizens and properly maintained, repaired and housed so this would continue.
I sincerely hope the bells are reinstated as above very soon.
SELWYN WATSON
Whanganui
Arts destination
We are writing on behalf of our art group to congratulate Whanganui's art community for creating such a wonderful destination. The Sarjeant Gallery is a truly beautiful building, and we look forward to a return visit when the restoration is completed.
We visited the temporary gallery, The Sarjeant on the Quay, where we were treated to a snapshot glimpse of the extensive Sarjeant collection, all catalogued and safely housed.
Whanganui is so fortunate to have such a wonderful art heritage. The foresight of the people seeking to preserve the Sarjeant Gallery and its collection for future generations is to be commended.
During our two-day stay in Whanganui we visited many of the very talented and recognised artists residing there .
We look forward to our next visit.
JOANNA MCNEILE
HEATHER DICKIE
Taupo
Why the silence?
I endorse your editorial of Friday, January 20.
Whenever the Pike River Mine disaster is mentioned, I am always puzzled as to why experienced miners working the site had not spoken out about the risks and dangers they were confronting -- or did they? Better than anyone, they must have had major doubts.
Where were the unions and the often overzealous OSH?
Why have the managers not been called to account? If they are not accountable, then what does the title "manager" mean or entail?
Are workers too scared to speak out?
Regardless of economic policies, as humans we are still responsible for each other.
ROSEMARY BARAGWANATH
Whanganui
Euthanasia
Most pain, even in cancer, can be controlled.
The euthanasia lobby exaggerates the degree of pain experienced by most patients.
It's true that not all suffering can be eliminated from the dying process, nor can all suffering be eliminated from the living process.
Euthanasia supporters don't like the real world -- a world where one has to cope with things one doesn't always like.
They're obsessed with the need to always be in control, masters of their own destiny.
Don't let such unhealthy fantasising contaminate your mind.
K THOMSON
Whanganui