Your views: Readers' letters

Riverbank trees

I see (Chronicle, January 17) that people are not happy with the riverbank clean-up. It has never looked tidier than it does now.

Most of the houses along there are up high. Also, how do trees on the riverbank block noise from the road? And if you are worried about people looking at your house from the other side of the river, you should look at buying a back section somewhere else.

You buy a house next to a train bridge and main highway and moan about noise. Trust me, overgrown trees on the riverbank are not going to stop anything. I wish they would do all the banks. It would be a way better look all round -- in my humble opinion, of course.

P ANDREWS
Whanganui East

River view

Re Anzac Pde riverbank clearing:

So the grizzle brigade are at it again -- nothing better to do than grizzle at everything without looking at the wider picture.

My wife and I are the residents and owners of the house that's in the photograph of some of the work done (Chronicle, January 17). We both agree with and appreciate the work done by Horizons.

Prior to 18 months ago we couldn't see and appreciate the river because of the height of the willows along the river edge. Since the clearing, the river is visible for all to see, and that's great!

Furthermore, it's great to see and watch all the activity and recreation on the river, especially when the rowing regattas are on, when people park their cars all along this part of Anzac Parade; they even get out of their cars with their deckchairs and chilly bins to spend a few hours watching the rowing from this vantage point.

So we hope Horizons keep up this work in the future, and we don't expect or need to be consulted by anyone. Just do it whenever.

As for the grizzlers, I suggest that if you want that much privacy, put up a 2m-high solid fence on your own front boundary, shut yourself inside and let those who want to enjoy the river and its surroundings.

CLIFF DAVIS
Whanganui

Frank and funny

I do enjoy your weekly column by Frank Greenall. His remarks are always astute, discerning, easy to read and to the point, with his seriousness always tempered by wit and humour.

His recent article about the unfairness and favouritism of the honours system was one that most of us can agree with without sounding like sour-grapers.

And last week's effort, mildly mocking Bill English and Jonathan Hunt and then proceeding to gently deride John Key, using an apt Alice in Wonderland metaphor, was especially enjoyable reading to any New Zealander who really cares about the management of our country.

But best of all was his conclusion, a rather savage but humorous and imaginative denunciation of our seemingly-departed ex-PM.

I hope you keep the Bastia Bulletin going.

I D FERGUSON
Whanganui

Global warming

I think there is a large portion of the populations of Europe, the US and New Zealand who are starting to lose faith in global warming.

It is taking way too long to fill its promise. Methinks it's all talk and no do.

G R SCOWN
Whanganui