Ludicrous: Letters, 23/01

The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters and comments from readers. Here you can read the letters we have published in your newspaper today.

Letter of the Week

Resourceful centenarian inspires

How inspiring to read the positive article (News, Jan 2) about Mrs Linda Hopkins who, at the age of 104, lives independently, capably and loves life. It was reported that her balanced philosophy has included a lot of exercise, having a healthy diet, enjoying lots of fun and loving family relationships. She is very interested in people and shows a strong curiosity for news and events which keeps her mind active and alert.

It is such a joy to have news which gives us hope for the future and the realisation that our attitude and discipline towards life mean so much. All of us can take heart from this wonderful lady.

Jennifer Burns The Avenues

Respect earned, not demanded

I would guess that AM Goodland would be a little less than happy with his letter advocating mandatory respect for the police being included in the same newspaper edition that featured an article highlighting several 'over the top' police actions with respect to the liquor ban imposed in Whangamata on New Year's Eve (Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, Jan 21).

That aside however I would suggest that respect has to be earned rather than demanded - as is implied by the word mandatory - and is relevant to personal relationships at all levels and not just to those in authority. To expect otherwise I believe is to belittle the efforts of those (including the police) who by their actions do genuinely deserve our respect.

J Gordon, Tauranga

No excuses

Re Liquor ban arrests rile residents (News, Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, Jan 21).

It is interesting how people use age as an excuse for respectability.

Suggesting that there is confusion about the bans regarding alcohol and the apparent over-zealous actions of the police against "middle aged" people is a shabby excuse for their own ignorance.

I doubt that if this was an 18 or 19-year-old sharing this story, that it would even be considered newsworthy and we would simply put it down to the antics of teenagers and the police were only "doing their job".

Is it so hard to admit that you made a mistake and need to suck it in and deal with the consequences?

Fran Stubbins, Papamoa

Ludicrous

After reading the ludicrous letters that seem to blame the deaths of cyclists on the fact they don't pay some form of road registration, I am reminded of a quote by Oscar Wilde.

"By giving us the opinions of the uneducated, journalism keeps us in touch with the ignorance of the community."

Steven Muller, Brookfield

Iconic instrument

I was delighted to see the historic picture of Tauranga's wonderful Mighty Wurlitzer organ in the Bay of Plenty Times (Past Times, Jan 17).

I have been involved with the organ for the past 20 years and in recent years having been coming to Tauranga each January to perform regular maintenance and tonal/mechanical works on the organ as part of its ongoing upgrade programme.

Of course when that picture was taken, the organ was installed in the town hall, nowadays it takes pride of place in Baycourt's Centennial Theatre.

The Wurlitzer first premiered in Tauranga at the then town hall, September 16, 1972. This year celebrates the organ's 40th anniversary in Tauranga. Tauranga Theatre Organ Society and Baycourt have two very special events planned to commemorate the Wurlitzer's anniversary, firstly Chris Powell (UK premier organist) March 18, and secondly myself on September 16.

I am thrilled at the musical transformation of the instrument over the years, and would encourage any and everyone to come and join us in celebrating this iconic musical treasure to Tauranga.

Scott Harrison, organistand technician, Melbourne, Australia