Letters 21 October
Connecting with trappers
We are trying to connect with a special and diverse group of individuals in Golden Bay who are consistently maintaining traps on their property to capture stoats, rodents and possums to protect native wildlife. They and others who would like to start trapping are invited to a workshop for information sharing at the Kahurangi Function Centre on State Highway 60 at Tukurua on 1 November at 5pm. Supported by TDC and the Biodiversity Fund, this will be facilitated by Dr David Butler, well known to many of us for his past support and ex of the Rotoiti Mainland Island project and currently of the Brook Sanctuary project. There will be refreshments available to stave off the hunger pangs.
This is a great opportunity for all of us who trap to meet and learn from each other and you are warmly welcome to attend. Dave is particularly interested in progressing the current ‘Central Golden Bay Trapping Project’ involving coastal properties between Collingwood and Puramahoi. Potential new recruits for this are particularly welcome. To register see the advertisement or ring me at 525 6031.
Jo-Anne Vaughan
Dogs in Takaka CBD
Love me, love my dog sums up the attitude of dog owners. It could be a self-esteem issue. The slightest rejection or bylaw sees hackles rise. Friendships turn to dust.
Town, of course, is the ultimate challenge as there are more humans to humiliate, or bend to your will. My sympathy goes out to those dog control people. Remonstrating with a dog owner is much like negotiating with a Christian fundamentalist. It’s a no-brainer. You’re never going to get through to them.
I don’t mind dogs, in fact I totally adore animals of all kinds, but I don’t need to take my favourite horse, cat, rat or budgie everywhere I go. I like to meet other humans when I go to town. I want to feel safe to step anywhere while I shop. Many of my friends have dogs. They come to visit and say “I’ll just let the dog out of the car for a quick run around, if that’s OK.” My gut feeling is to say no, but if I do I may as well have driven a stake through their heart. After killing a few free-ranging ducks or chooks they say “Gee, it’s never done that before.” It’s irrational, but that’s dog owners for you. I say keep your dog at home and let’s keep Takaka dog-free. [abridged]
Peter Finlayson
A Doggy Doggerel
A change of subject from IMG –
It’s doggy lovers – quite a few,
Want their pets to shop with you.
My mind wanders off into a dream
And visions arise for a great Cartoon!
- IMAGINE –
Doggies tripping along on their leads,
Their three-legged waltz for all to see,
As like soda fountains they spread their p**
Up and down Commercial Street!
Confucius says: “You may put doo doos in a bag
But p** p**s trickles are much more fickle !
So watch their P**s and Doos”
Prince, the St Bernard enjoying a nap
While his family’s enjoying their food in a Caf’.
No one can say they are annoyed by his bark,
He’s just sprawled all over three car parks!
Fifi and Jock shape up - for what? Oh no they are not!!!
Embarrassed observers turn blushing away – after all –
“Every dog has its day.“
But why should the dogs be so favoured indeed?
What about cats - of course on a lead!
Or the Farmer’s Sow with her dozen cute litter?
Dodging pedestrians as hither they skitter!
Pet furry Rabbits - neutered of course!
Then what about those owning a horse?
Soon there is not a plant to be seen
And horse “whoopsies” cover the entire Village Green
Only the hanging baskets are safe up on high,
“What’s that ? Oh, two alpacas I spy!”
The Town would become children’s delight,
But spare a thought for their poor mothers’ plight.
Those wonderful, tempting items outside shops have stopped,
For buyers must now negotiate electric fences to enter a shop !
Methinks that Zoos and Show Days are wonderful fare,
But in the Main Street of Takaka ? Surely not there!
Just Kidding!
Alaria Vockler
Motocross success
What a great success this was, perhaps another Josh Coppins coming on? Behind youth success in a good family, sponsors and backup friends and of course hard work by, in this case, Hamish himself. We are a great nursery for successful youth sport and we older people love to read about it as we have known some of these families for a long time.
I heard on the grapevine that four very young school boys travelled to Westport recently for golf and all four had great results. Editor maybe you could check this out? Also love your paper!
However, Hamish, keep up the good work, it’s a credit to those around you. I guess most of the other competitors were Aussies, even better Hamish.
Kerry Campbell
Fairholm
Could I add a little to Beryl Rogers’ letter (GBW 14/10).
The name “Fairholm” is almost certainly incorrectly spelled whether by Baigents or by others later. Almost all the early references I have do not add the “e”, including the obituary for Alice, widow of Thomas Baigent, who died in 1951. Chambers Dictionary defines “holm” as rich flat land beside a river (from the Anglo-saxon word holm, a mound). It has nothing to do with “home”. Friends from that part of Britain, whose surname is Holm pronounce the “l” as in Holmwood. I am surprised that Historic Places Trust did not pick up on this.
Pat Timings
Swimming pool at the multi-purpose facility
The response from last week’s letter has been exceptional.To clarify our intention; we are getting an idea of how many people in Golden Bay would use a year-round pool, how often, for what reasons and number of adults and children. This is helpful towards planning the type of pool and swim programs that would suit the needs of our community. We need to hear from all of you. Your suggestions are very helpful and we heartily encourage all interested persons and families to contact me at 525 6112, 027 388 2279 or <mailto:msdooley@clear.net.nz>. Please provide your focus of interest, frequency of use, number of people in family and contact information including ph number and email if available. Thank you for your input and support.
Ann Jones and Marguerite Dooley
Multipurpose Facility Pool Commitee
Children’s second-hand clothing and toy sale
Our now famous (in Takaka anyway) second-hand sale is on again. Golden Bay Toy Library will be having our twice-yearly second-hand clothing, book and toy sale on Saturday 5 November at the Senior Citizens’ Hall starting at 9am. It’s open for anyone to sell any items relating from pregnancy to teenagers. You drop off your named and priced items and we sell them on the day for only $5 all up, (not per item).
So spend a couple of hours over the next few weeks having a sort out and make yourself a few dollars. Anything from trikes to t-shirts. For further information phone me on 525 6116.
Fleur Murray for Golden Bay Toy Library
allshorts 2011
allshorts 2011 is about to hit the big screen for one of the Village Theatre’s gala fundraising events of the year. It’s a showcase of 17 short films from all over NZ with a very wide range of genre. The judges are delighted with this year’s programme which can be viewed on line at allshorts.org.nz and include some very moving drama, quirky comedy including a talking fish, time lapse and hand drawn animation, music video, documentary and mockumetary.
In true “Goldywood” style filmmakers and patrons will walk the red carpet, sip bubbles and be entertained by local musical trio “Bazaar”. The festival screens at 8pm on October 29 (doors open at 7:30.)
An added event this year is the drawing of the Spring Raffle. Four lucky winners will win four nights accommodation in Karamea, Craig Potton’s Lost in New Zealand, an evening’s exclusive use of the Theatre, or a year’s free Theatre membership. Raffle tickets on sale now at The Village Theatre $2 or 6 for $10. Tickets to the festival are on sale now at GB Gallery $15 (recommended audience 13+). These go very fast so don’t miss out.
Sarah Kay, Village Theatre
