University’s dismissal of art history a sad moment

I READ with great sadness that the University of Otago will phase out the teaching of art history in the near future.

This unhappy development is all part of a broad ‘‘dumbingdown’’ of education — and life in general too, I fear.

But in a city proud (I hope) of its status as a City of Literature, it is all the more regrettable.

Universities seem to be able to fund faculties in all manner of subjects which many might regard as peripheral, if not totally unnecessary, while the timeless aspects of our civilisation are increasingly ignored.

What will be the next area to be deleted? Literary history?

Julian Faigan

Roslyn

Approaches to tahr

IN response to Sir Alan Mark’s letter (ODT, 26.9.18), National is not taking a position of no reduction of tahr.

Rather it supports a reduction that recognises there is a way to do so that meets both desired environmental outcomes and provides for the hunting fraternity.

National believes in a pragmatic approach to conservation, and the recreation sector plays an important role in this.

With respect to tahr control, Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage must ensure that the Himalayan Tahr Control Plan 1993 is still fit for purpose before it is imposed at will.

If Ms Sage won’t enable New Zealanders and the hunting sector to get out and engage with conservation efforts, then we are fighting a losing battle.

Sarah Dowie National spokeswoman for

Conservation

Great NZ service

DURING a recent holiday in your country I was amused watching a TV commercial of a car inspection company dancing and singing while working.

On our visit there we did not see this, unfortunately.

However, we were impressed with smiles, happiness and service from all. A great experience. Tom Park

Brisbane