Your views: Readers' letters

Council too big

In reply to Margaret Haddon's letter (October 20), we do have too many councillors.
In fact, I would like to see perhaps an accountant or similar to run our fair city. Could be a saving for us ratepayers.

What do you think, Wanganui? Any suggestions?

JMJ MORRIS
Whanganui

God is great

Carol Webb's attacks on those who do not agree with her perhaps hide some hurt or damage she has suffered.

She frequently refers to pulpits and drags out-of-context verses from the Bible to support her anger at God. She refers to those who oppose her views as "religious types", "sly", "bully".

From Genesis to Revelation the Bible reveals the God who formed people for relationship with Him, gave them everything they needed, loved them and came near to them. The Creator who repeatedly called people to enjoy His blessings and provision even when they turned to their own selfish ways.

Jesus Christ, who came to live a human life on earth so that He could show us how to live and provide a way for us to come back to Him, even when we didn't deserve it. The parent who still calls out, "I love you, come home to me" to any who will listen. He loves you too, Carol.

MANDY DONNE-LEE
Whanganui

Inept interviewer

It is bad enough listening to the personal opinions of the arrogant interviewer Mike Hosking, on TV1's lightweight Seven Sharp programme, but his behaviour on the show that followed Winston Peters' disclosure of his decision to go with the New Zealand Labour Party was nothing short of aggressive, demeaning and rude.

His comments on having to wait 10 minutes for Jacinda Ardern to face up were unnecessary and embarrassing. These characteristics are also evident in how he behaves with the female presenters who have the misfortune to work with him.

On October 21, he capped that with a syndicated column through NZME that shows his prejudices and lack of political understanding very clearly. In referring to MMP as "madness", Mike Hosking demonstrates his ignorance as to the intention of the system to provide for the broadest possible representation of the population.

First Past the Post - which appears to be his preference - has, here and in the UK, thrown up minority governments.

We cannot understand why this man has continued to be employed by TV1.
What, if any, credentials in political science does he hold?

JOY and RUSS HAY
Whanganui

Hurt is forever

I am currently paying the price for hurting a person that I loved. My time behind these walls is nothing compared to the pain and hurt I had inflicted upon them, yet all they did was to love me.

There is no excuse for physical and mental abuse in this world and we should use every available resource to protect ourselves from it, no matter what.

My walls are but temporary, the counselling is but limited, but the hurt lives forever and for that I am deeply sorry.
SM
Whanganui

Kea threatened

Kea are being sent to extinction by 1080.

Where once there were tens of thousands flying about our mountains, there are now less than 100. But the poisoners claim 1080 is saving the kea.

Currently, the Department of Conservation is poisoning kea habitat in Fiordland, with the Homer Tunnel near the centre of the drop area.

There are around a dozen kea here and they are regularly seen by tourists and commuting workers.

If these birds are killed, DOC will say the birds have hung around humans and learned to scavenge. But all kea are scavengers, and all kea love interacting with humans. The only way to save the kea is to stop using 1080 - and quick.

MERV SMITH
Bulls