Stick to knitting
Congratulations to regional councillor David Cotton and his colleague (Chronicle, March 6) for attempting to put a stop on non-core business spending.
Sure, the region's mayors want Horizons to fund these non-core facilities, as it reduces their bottom line, but the poor old ratepayer pays twice.
WDC and Horizons must learn the same as a family must: if you cannot afford non-essential luxuries then you go without.
We have seen WDC and some other councils step away from their core business, such as rubbish removals, and leave us at the mercy of international operators but willingly listen to local lobbyists and commit us to expensive wish list projects.
If the velodrome is such a great investment, the sport and private investors should rush in and take the risks for the hopeful rewards.
Many of us ratepayers, however, do not want to finance another white elephant that, even on the most optimistic figures, will cost us $240,000 per year ($657 per day).
Councils must stick to their knitting, i.e. core business only.
P L FRASER
College Estate
Ministry madness
I recently applied for a renewal of passport for my wife and I — separate applications.
Initially, Internal Affairs texted my wife, saying the applications were rejected because the photos were not up to standard. They instructed my wife not to text or phone in response (really!). This was followed up with a letter explaining why the photos were rejected (February 16).
We duly had further photos taken (no cost) and submitted to Internal Affairs.
Today we have had the photos rejected again (February 27). Both times they stated that one of the photos was returned with their letter (not true). The letters are signed "Yours sincerely" with a squiggle underneath — unreadable — and no name. How sincere is that?
This is bureaucracy gone mad. They have our phone number; why can't they call us?
Is there anyone else out there that has trouble with this department? Who do they think they are?
WALLY DUNCAN
Aramoho
Silly question
I have just completed my Census obligation on line, but may have invited an SIS/GCSB confirmation visit, as I did not answer a question! Why, you may well ask. The answer is because, as written, it was unanswerable.
The question asked, "Do you have difficulty communicating using your usual language, for example understanding or being understood by others?" The options were "No, Some, A lot, Cannot".
The question was wide open to interpretation and circumstances, and only one answer was permitted. May I explain?
When talking with a person using my own language, the answer would be "No".
When talking with a person with a different parent language, but well versed in English, the answer may be "Some". When speaking with a person working for one of the many outsourced call centres, the answer would invariably be "A lot", and when trying to speak with a person who is deaf, the answer would be "Cannot".
I have no doubt this questionnaire was compiled and multi-checked by members of the "intelligentsia" with numerous irrelevant degrees but little common sense, just like a couple of regular column writers to the Chronicle.
Perhaps one of them with a penchant for attacking matters of governance may wish to demand an inquiry.
D PARTNER
Eastown
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