Letters to the Editor 29 May
Cyclists in Paradise or drivers from hell?
I ask all road users of Golden Bay, do we have to wait until there is another tragic fatal accident on our roads before localised speed limits are implemented? Recently, I was cycling home from town to Rangihaeata when I ended up in the ditch on Bird Hill as a car was overtaking me at great speed whilst there was oncoming traffic. Although I was extremely lucky to not be hit by this car, I was very frightened, in shock and horrified by this driver’s actions.
We all know that this particular stretch of road is especially dangerous for vulnerable road users such as cyclists, and it does have some blind spots, so why do some people continue to drive recklessly as if they are the only road users? Without designated cycle paths, every driver on the road should and can take responsibility for their own actions by reducing their speed considerably. Even being overtaken at 60kmph can be a frightening experience, especially if not given a wide berth. So even if TDC or Transit NZ will not legally lower the speed limit on our roads, you can take the initiative yourself. I urge all drivers to consider how they would feel with blood on their hands; could you live with that on your conscience?
Thanks to the many drivers who do respect other road users such as cyclists, who do slow down, give a wide berth and wait to overtake carefully.
Katya Heeramaneck
Golden Bay Choir to perform in Motueka
The Combined Choirs from Golden Bay, Nelson and Motueka join once again for a short concert at St Paul’s in Motueka on Sunday 7 June at 4.30pm. We will be performing a Magnificat by Pegolasi, and excerpts from Lux Perpetua by Jonathan Wilcocks. There are also solo items from some choir members including our own Charles Naylor, and an instrumental duo from Helen Boulton (cello) and Bill Buck (piano). Our last offering until late October. We hope to see all our supporters there.
Leigh Gamby
State of the Nation
What is next to tarnish the name of our great country? In recent times it has been widespread evidence of the abuse of women and children resulting in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual injury and death. Now it’s being revealed, the extent of animal cruelty that is sickening to hear about. Believe it or not, even pigs feel pain!
Come on Golden Bay, let’s take a lead and show the rest of the country we are genuinely concerned for the welfare of people and animals, and regain New Zealand’s good image on the world’s stage as a nation known to treat its citizens and animals well.
Barry Evans
Cannabis and its effects
Congratulations to Be Well for finally providing more balanced information on the affects of cannabis, for young people and their parents (GBW advert 22/5). Interesting how Be Well’s first item, sourced from a popular woman’s gossip magazine, was full of ignorant, fear-based half truths. With a little bit more effort Be Well has been able to source information that is more balanced and factual.
Unfortunately with the cannabis debate, fear-based half truths are always easy to find. Governments are willing to fund (drug education) organisations that promote status quo.
It is incredulous that drug education never points out to young people the biggest harm of using cannabis: The Misuse of Drugs Act (1975). This archaic law will do more harm than all the supposed health harms that cannabis is blamed for. Your child, if caught using this largely benign drug, will be barred from many Government and public sector jobs. Many countries, including America and Japan, will ban your child entry. (Cannabis conviction will not be hidden to immigration through the “clean slate” bill).
It is to the reader’s benefit to look into the facts on cannabis.As Be Well has found out, it pays to be informed before making a stance on cannabis.
Steven Wilkinson
Thank you
I would like to offer a big thank you to all the workers, paid and unpaid, who keep Golden Bay such a lovely place to visit.
All businesses here know that we rely on one another to provide comfort, safety and happiness for each other, and for all the visitors who flood here every year for a little taste of paradise. All the providers of milk and honey, the brewers and bakers. Makers of beds and makers of music. Artists and artisans, cyclists and recyclists, everyone helps.
In such a benign environment it is amazing that the visitor centres are unable to turn a profit when every little B&B or café. works hard to do just that. It is cruel that they are expected to make up this shortfall by increasing their own tax burden.
It’s time for government agencies to become more businesslike and less burdensome on the people they purport to help.
Mary Taylor
Young Farmers Club – let’s get it started
The NZ Young Farmers are looking for you. The club is a great Kiwi tradition and It’s open to anyone aged 15 to 31. You don’t need to be working on a farm to join up, you just have to be interested in rural life. There are many events and activities run throughout the year; which range from purely social right through to intensive personal and leadership development. You can just go and watch the competitions, or get your gear on and compete. There will be a meeting on 24 June, 7.30 pm at The Brigand for anyone interested in joining. If there is enough interest, we will be able to start a club so please come or put in your apologise if you are interested but cannot attend. Please call or txt Jamie Knight on s525 9553 or 027 215 8555, or me at The Rural Service Centre 525 8011 for more information.
Selene Morwood
Drainage in Glenview Road
Up until about 15 to 20 years ago, the area of the problem was clean grass paddock as it was when I first saw it over 60 years ago. It was probably a wet area when the bush was first cleared from it over 100 years ago. When I was a 10-year-old, the bulk of the area now the car park at the back of the garden shop was a swamp where my school mates caught frogs and eels.
All Mr Windle has done is return the area (and a small one at that) to how he first remembers it. A big part of the problem is the silting from the county road works. I feel he is being penalised for growing more grass to produce more milk to pay his ever-increasing rates. Unfortunately a lot of ratepayers don’t have this option.
Clive Bird
Golden Bay Orchestra primary school tour
Recently Golden Bay Orchestra toured the primary schools in the Bay with a programme aimed at introducing musical instruments and the music they produce. We would like to thank the pupils for their feedback and their interesting letters. It was rewarding for us to see their enthusiastic response to the music and instruments. Some children were even keen to take up the challenge of learning to play an instrument. It has always been one of the orchestra’s aims to encourage and assist young people participate in music. If we can be of any assistance either obtaining instruments, and/or finding teachers, please contact: Sheila (phone 525 9385), or Dick (phone 525 9606).
Dick Wenzel
