Three types of fresh water
We seem to be approaching the stage when we can discuss fresh water in a new light. It seems to me that there are three types of fresh water. They are rain, river and underground water.
Rain falls free and can be caught by anyone without restriction. River water traverses a river bed which is property. Underground water arrives under the surface of any given place via mechanisms which are little understood.
Ownership and value for each of these three types is clear in two instances and open for agreement in the third.
In the first instance rain arrives at any point by the will of nature and thus has no monetary value. Underground water arrives under any given place by the will of nature in and attracts no costs and thus the water has no monetary value.
River water has considerations including ownership of the property, indirect use of the water by recreational or commercial transport and activities such as fishing.
My conclusion from all this is that rain water should be free for all. Underground water should be a nationwide resource for extraction and sale, managed by legislation. It should never be free.
Having clarified the status of rain and underground water, negotiations would then be able to begin into river water.
Bruce Hille, Hillsborough
CBD promotion
I wonder when the penny is going to drop for the council to finally realise that throwing ratepayer money at promoting the inner city and attempting to drag people away from the ‘‘rut’’ of using malls is wasted money.
For years the council has been fruitlessly attempting to artificially stimulate the inner city by pleading for more people to live within the Four Avenues, run loss-making events and on it goes.
Blaming malls is senseless, the city has to stand on its own merits and those who have opened retail outlets, bars and cafes since the quakes knew already that the inner city had struggled for years. It is not council’s role to help businesses succeed at our expense. For many reasons most people only go into the city when they have to.
John D Broughton, Opawa
Ambulances money
The news the Government Is giving $100 million to Ma¯ ori land owners needs addressing.
That money would be a lot better in the St John and other ambulance services.
Their job is hugely important to everyone. They shouldn’t have to raise funds. This Government and the next should get serious about where our tax goes.
A McDowall, Wigram
Free recitals in Town Hall
It was good to read of the reopening of our town hall at the end of the month. It will be wonderful to have this worldclass facility available again.
The NZSO concert and open days were listed but unfortunately there was no mention of the two free recitals by Martin Setchell on the restored and enhanced Rieger organ on Wednesday, March 6 at 1:10pm and 6pm.
The organ, which was largely paid for by the citizens of Christchurch, is a major asset of the Town Hall.
As well as being the largest instrument in the city, its restoration following damage in the 2011 earthquake is a shot in the arm for the Christchurch organ scene, which was hit particularly hard by the quakes. John Dodgshun, Harewood
Longer lights
Has it occurred to authorities that the reason for so much redlight running is because of the meagre amount of time given for motorists to move at some intersections? Right-turning traffic in particular.
At Durham St and Bealey Ave, it is only possible for three cars to cross that wide avenue before lights go amber.
At Papanui Rd and Bealey Ave, only two cars can turn right in the few seconds allowed, which becomes extremely frustrating when there is waiting traffic.
The intersection light system in Christchurch needs assessment and readjustment. Chris Watkins, St Albans