TO THE POINT
I wonder if the late (great) Justice Peter Mahon had copyright over the phrase ‘‘orchestrated litany of lies’’. After just two days of the Operation Burnham inquiry this week, I believe that it is going to be used again. Mark Daly, Newtown
Giving prominence to New Zealand history in the school curriculum is a good idea in itself, but I’m concerned that the motive appears to be more political than historical. For example, I wonder what happens if a student writes an articulate essay with the thesis that despite Pa¯ keha¯ land grabs and other outrages, she considers the overall treatment of Ma¯ ori to be too inclusive to be considered colonisation. Can she still pass? Peter Joyce, Nelson
Two weeks ago I took a Super Shuttle van from the airport to Wellington CBD and was charged $15 for the fare. On payment I was advised there would be a $3 excess if I used a credit card – which I did as I seldom carry a significant level of cash. This credit card fee amounts to a 20 per cent excess on the trip. At a time when we move towards a cashless society, credit card payment is increasingly the norm. Paying a 3-5 per cent surcharge I accept, but a 20 per cent fee is excessive opportunist profiteering. My expression of concern to Super Shuttles has gone unanswered which leaves me to raise the issue in a public arena. Geoff Gabites, Christchurch
Much is written/spoken about racial discrimination. Might it be a good idea to ban using the words black, brown, yellow or white in articles? It’s OK to identify the nationality of a person (if it serves any purpose at all) but ‘‘colouring’’ language isn’t helpful. If anything, it inflames readers’ perceptions and misinforms. It might lessen cultural tensions (or not) but it would be a good idea to try it.
Maureen Lee, Waitarere Beach
There is a spate of adverts on radio and TV for the funeral insurance industry and each seems to be trying to outdo the other with its use of cliches to describe death. ‘‘Popping your clogs’’, ‘‘Falling off your perch’’, ‘‘Signing in upstairs’’ are three random examples I’ve heard. Funeral insurance is about death. Why try to make light of it with cliches when the marketing should focus on the insurance benefits to the buyer, rather than trivialising the subject of death?
Mike Baker, Tawa