Your views: Readers' letters

Disrespected

Responding to the letter from Lyn Cheyne in Saturday's Chronicle, it seems to me that the work of Lyn and her Whanganui and Partners colleagues has been greatly disrespected by Mark Hughes, one of council's managers.

Her list of growth indicators speaks for itself.

When Lyn took over a marketing role, she bought long experience to the role.
In the past few years, due partly to her knowledge and hard work, Whanganui's profile as a place to invest in, visit or live has improved markedly.

So much so that never a week goes by without us hearing of newly arrived residents, fleeing Auckland or Wellington or returning from overseas for the "good life" in Whanganui.

I am surprised that Lyn is not still working for council.

Does Mark Hughes have any expertise in marketing Whanganui? I thought he headed the infrastructure department.

DEB FREDERIKSE
Whanganui

Library fees

Approximately a fortnight ago you published a query of mine regarding the atrocious state of Victoria Ave footpath from London St to Plymouth St.

I also asked why large print books from the library attracted no fees.
I assume there is someone employed by the district council who could answer my query or perhaps a councillor. An answer would be appreciated.

P SMITH
Whanganui

Island scheme

Dear Peter Russell: Shhhh, be careful what you suggest or the Chinese may latch on to your brilliant idea and insist on building the island themselves as part of the infrastructure building that appears to be a part of the trade agreement National has signed with China.

Does that trade agreement also allow all the infrastructure work to be carried out by Chinese labour? And, if China creates this island, will they claim Aotearoa as part of the Chinese mainland?

Then again, perhaps that is preferable to residing in the dark recesses of America's rear end, where we seem to have established ourselves for far too many years.

DENISE LOCKETT
Whanganui

Removing prayer

I feel compelled to respond to Paul Evans' letter.

As a committed Bible-believing Christian, I — like many others, I am sure — do not agree with the removal of the prayer before the start of the parliamentary business day, something that has been tradition since this country's first Government.

To say that Jesus Christ was nothing but a Jewish terrorist, responsible for the slaughter of thousands and the endorsement of slavery, all in the name of His Father, God, is both very offensive and historically incorrect.

I would like to remind Mr Evans that our laws, which I am sure he feels safe and comfortable living under, are based on the Ten Commandments, which, while written before the birth of Jesus, are what our, and many other orderly societies are based on.
Certainly, Jesus preached that we "obey the laws of the land".

In turn I challenge Mr Evans to inform us of an orderly country that has laws that are not based on the Ten Commandments, because I can name quite a few that aren't.

I wonder also if Mr Evans will be tucking into a roast turkey on December 25, or in being fully aware of the historical and cultural significance of the day, he will remove himself from the celebration of the birth of his "Jewish terrorist?"

ROD ANDERSON
Whanganui East

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