Your letters: Copper connection still the way to go

Keep it copper

We are a Vodafone customer and had been advised recently that we were to be upgraded to voice over broadband (wireless phone connection).

I called them today and said thanks but no thanks; we are staying on copper. They say that Spark is to discontinue the PTSN (copper lines) and that is the reason for the changes.

Spark may well do this, but it won't happen for a few years yet. Copper telephone service is the most reliable option. At least you still have a telephone connection when there is a power outage, and these outages seem to be a lot more regular today than they were in earlier years. Your wired alarms are more reliable as well.

If you are happy on copper, contact your provider before your upgrade date and tell them so.

If you decide to upgrade, ensure your provider foots the bill for any changes needed with the upgrade (ie, wireless alarms and the linking up of existing jack points to the wireless system).

Furthermore, you could ask for a rental reduction, as they won't be paying Spark for the use of their telephone exchanges and copper wiring.

MIKE O'DONNELL
Eastside

Movie spoiler

Boy, am I glad I saw the movie Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, before reading Jay Kuten's review in this paper (January 31).

It wasn't that he obviously didn't enjoy it — that's OK. By revealing much of the plot, Kuten removed any sense of anticipation built up during the movie.

The "spoiler alert" he does mention would have been better placed as a header to this review.

PERRY DAVIES
Whanganui

Recycling centre

I would like to comment in response to Steve Baron's Opinion article featured in the Chronicle on January 25, entitled "Confessions of a devout recycler".

Unlike Mr Baron, I have found the staff at the Recycling Centre in Maria Place to be most helpful, friendly and polite.

They go above and beyond to help people place items correctly.

The centre is always tidy and spotlessly clean, and I thank them for their service in a job that many of us might find challenging and objectionable. I feel that I am able to comment, as I use their services at least once a month, and others I have spoken to agree with my opinion. I do hope that those thinking of recycling are not put off by Mr Baron's comments.

ALISON METCALFE
Springvale

Caring people

About the middle of December, I fell over on the Dublin St Bridge and fractured an arm.
I want to thank the young man who picked me up and also the lady who helped pick me up and then put me in her car.

The traffic was stopped at the time, due to an accident. This lady, who is a healthcare worker, then drove me to the Emergency Department and waited with me while I was assessed, X-rayed and my arm put in plaster.

All this took about two hours I think, and then this lovely lady drove me home and made sure I was okay.

Ten days after that, I had another fall and got concussion, which is why I have been slow in thanking everybody who helped me: the people on the bridge, the doctors and nurses, the ambulance officers, and my friend Janice, who looked after me when I fell and banged my head.

You are all wonderful people. Thank you for caring.

JUDITH LANGFORD
Wanganui