Quality paper
I am going to do something I have never done — write to an editor.
I want to congratulate you on the quality of the paper.
I am a regular follower of the New Zealand Herald online and find myself regularly drawn to articles on Whanganui from your refreshing material on the arts reflecting the city's vibrant and blossoming culture to the so-called hard stuff presented in a nothing-barred manner.
When my son moved to Whanganui a year ago, I thought: Why would you want to go to that backwater? Seeing the stuff you are putting out, I find myself increasingly envious.
Your paper reflects an exciting city in an exciting and interesting and intelligent way.
Thank you.
PETER VERSCHAFFELT
Auckland
Clarification
I would like to clarify the Chronicle report of Saturday, April 7, surrounding the New Zealand Masters Games Trust.
It should be noted that good governance existed by way of former councillor Ray Stevens and councillor Philippa Baker-Hogan, both whom were trustees at the time.
Whanganui District Council's intervention was at the request of Mr Stevens and Mrs Baker-Hogan.
By way of collective responsibility, it was only appropriate that all trustees were invited to step down from the trust.
KYM FELL,
Chief Executive, Whanganui District Council
Absurd claims
Chris Price continues to make outlandish and absurd statements regarding fluoridation and those of us opposed to it.
In a letter a couple of weeks ago he stated that Fluoride Free New Zealand and the US organisation that we are associated with, Fluoride Action Network (FAN), sell pills to increase IQ. This would just be funny if we could be sure no one would believe such nonsense.
Neither we, Fluoride Free New Zealand, nor FAN sell anything, let alone pills! Nor are we connected with any other cause. Our only objective is to stop fluoridation.
MARY BYRNE
National Co-ordinator, Fluoride Free NZ
NZ history
Potonga Neilson (Chronicle, March 20) sees history a little different to my education.
Europeans brought disease and evolutionary arrogance to New Zealanders, but they did suppress cannibalism and generally utu.
Was this an improvement? Now quite a few people here support the killing of the unborn child, including Maori.
He writes: "Our Maori ancestors were 'one with the universe', a concept recently rediscovered by modern philosophers."
Such an idea has been around since recorded history — it is part of English rites, North and South America, Scandinavia religion, all pre-Christian.
But it is only part of the truth — animism is the subjective part of creation where a creator needs to be a part of what is made from nothing.
One thought: Utopia on Earth is not possible if history is any witness, there always being someone who thinks they know better, someone who has a grudge or an injustice. Another mystery to solve.
F R HALPIN
Gonville
Bible study
To Richard Pierce:
There is a difference between studying the Bible in humility and studying about the Bible with intellectual snobbery.
Ecclesiastes 12 advises: "Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out. 13, That's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty. 14, God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad."
There is nothing dull or banal about God, but He is very fundamental.
Collaboration with God stands on the deity and resurrection of Jesus not only His humanity and death.
The 21st century, or any other century is a mere blip in the scheme of God's eternity and a deeper study of history will show that.
MANDY DONNE-LEE
Aramoho
Send your letters to: The Editor, Wanganui Chronicle, 100 Guyton St, PO Box 433, Wanganui 4500; or email editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz