Memories of tough days after Aramoana tragedy

AFTER sitting here reading today’s (ODT, 16.11.20) tribute to the people who died at Aramoana on November 13, 1990, I decided I would write this letter.

Why? Because at the time, I was the Presbyterian minister at Iona Church, Port Chalmers.

As a result, it fell to me to conduct the majority of the funerals for those who died in the shooting.

In that time, I was welcomed into the hearts and homes of many people I didn’t know, and I was able to share the shock and grief in coping with the catastrophe that had fallen upon them.

The attendance at the funerals was large, which showed the depth of grief and support expressed to the families.

After the funerals, I took part in a memorial service held at Aramoana and later took part in the dedication of the memorial pictured in the paper.

Among many things, this incident has changed many of my perceptions of what it means to be human.

Ron Gilder St Kilda [Abridged]

Euthanasia

THROUGHOUT the period leading up to the passing of the End of Life Choice Act, and subsequent referendum, opponents from the palliative care sector strenuously maintained that voluntary euthanasia was not required. Modern palliative care was sufficient.

Now, Colin Campbell (Letters, 13.11.20) tells us in tones of horror that there have been 124 successful applications for assisted dying in Victoria in the first year — a lot more than anticipated.

Obviously, palliative care is not sufficient in all cases. Sadly, it would seem Mr Campbell would rather see them all suffer.

Can he guarantee that they will go to heaven, after first going through hell? If not, why not let an eligible person make their own choice?

The only ‘‘slippery slope’’ I expect to see is the one which will allow people with neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, and Parkinson’s disease to make application.

Victoria allows it. Why not us?

D. Cooper Waikanae