Letters: Closure wouldn't stop liquor sales

IN response to Ross Fallen's letter of horror regarding the new liquor outlet at the top end of the Avenue, it amazes me how Ross and many more think one more liquor outlet is somehow going to increase the alcohol problem in this city.

If we cut the numbers in half, for argument's sake, what makes anyone think the over-indulgers like myself will partake less? We won't; we will soon find another outlet less than one kilometre down the road.

If there is a problem, it is one of competition for the existing businesses. They will theoretically suffer a 10 per cent loss in trade, which will possibly cause closures. These possible closures may excite some, but will not make one iota of difference to the total consumption of alcohol in Whanganui.

CHARLIE ANDERSON
Whanganui District councillor

Show compassion

Good morning, Chronicle. What a story, page one and three Saturday. Councillors, what are you doing?

I would think that common sense prevails. If you remove budgies, and finches, should you not be looking at the little sparrow, any mynas? So what is the difference? Some of the residents have no family or friends, only their loved pet birds. I would like to see those councillors who want them removed later in life when they may need a council flat. Just how do they feel about being lonely?

Also think about these residents who are paying their rent and keeping you in a job? Come on, think about the people who voted for you and show them some compassion over this matter.

AILSA DICKSON
Marton

Bureaucracy gone mad

I read with utter disbelief of the plight of pensioners in flats having to give up their pet budgies etc.

For heaven's sake, it's bureaucracy gone mad!

These people have, in most cases, lost their loved ones, and having something to love and for company is essential to their wellbeing.

Do the powers that be have no compassion at all? Stop this nonsense now and let the pensioners live out their lives in peace.

NB: Personally, I hate birds in cages, but I understand the need for them in the elderly.

JEN JACKSON
Papaiti

Grateful thanks

Recently I made an unscheduled three-day stay at Whanganui Hospital following a collapse at home.

I would like to record my most grateful thanks to St John staff for their professionalism and prompt service: the Emergency Department for their caring and implementing certain procedures that I went through, the friendly orderly who took me to the ward and then transported me to various clinical tests, the nurses that cared, staff that delivered delicious culinary delights from the kitchen, tea ladies that quenched my thirst with cups of tea, the cleaners who kept my single room (really honoured) so clean, the admin staff where nothing was too much trouble, the chaplain who visited me and the discharge nurse who arranged lunch while waiting for my discharge papers to be completed.

All in all, first class service — and keep it up. And to top it off, a good result with no heart damage done.

My very grateful thanks to you all.

BARRIE MARSH
Springvale

Quality of life

How many people have had to face the cruelty of watching a loved one die a horrible, protracted death — all in the name of the Hippocratic oath? Let alone be begged by that person to just let them go. It is not something you would wish on anyone.

The assisted dying bill has always been and will always be an issue for debate. And no matter how the legislation is worded, there will always be those who are opposed to some aspect of the bill.

There are only two things in life that are absolutely certain; we are given life and that life ends. If our dignity and quality of life are being eroded to a point where continuing our existence is an endless fight, the individual should have available to them the right to choose if it will continue.

Let it be your choice.

JANINE DELANEY
Castlecliff

Send your letters to: The Editor, Whanganui Chronicle, 100 Guyton St, PO Box 433, Whanganui 4500; or email letters@wanganuichronicle.co.nz