Don't let our new citizen divide us

And a warm Wanganui welcome to you, Stewart Murray Wilson. Or not, as the case may be.

It is understandable Wilson would be apprehensive about his release from prison, after 18 years, into a state of relative freedom on the grounds at Whanganui Prison. Of course, it isn't really freedom at all, such are the strict conditions under which he must live.

And that is without the intense scrutiny he would be under should he venture out beyond Pauri Rd into Wanganui itself. Such has been the hysteria over his impending release, and the depth of feeling in the community, he might have good reason to fear for the consequences should he show his face in public.

Not that many would recognise him.

The image so widely used in the media is so old as to be almost useless. From his release yesterday, we know he was wearing a green jersey and is balding. Don't be surprised if there is a sudden run on hairpieces and a lack of interest in green-knitted garments among men of a certain age.

According to Brendan Anstiss from Corrections, Wilson is far from happy at all the fuss. He doesn't want to have a profile.

Quite apart from the grandstanding opposition from some quarters, most don't want this man here but accept he must go somewhere. In deference to his victims, it has been decided this is the best place.

We may not be happy about it, and the council and others are doing their best to change that, but it seems unlikely the decision will be overturned.

One wonders, though, just how much further this saga has to play out, with council and community initiatives still in the pipeline to try to force Wilson from our neighbourhood. While most agree we don't need or want him here, many are divided about the risk he presents, or how best to resolve the issue of where to put him.

We don't need another issue that causes division in our community.

Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz.