Orwellian censoring of history

Political and ideological iconoclasm is to be deplored. As a long-time student of history, I have looked on with increasing dismay at recent events concerning public monuments of the past.

The very idea of erasing them from the landscape speaks of an Orwellian censoring of a history now deemed wholly inappropriate or unacceptable. The Ma¯ ori Party co-leader’s suggestion of a committee to determine what can stay or go smacks of Robespierre and revolutionary France.

However, by their very nature, these artefacts speak of their time and now our challenge is not to eliminate them, but to balance them with symbols of our current age and to place those of the past into a considered historical context. From this can come understanding.

History is often ugly, with wrongs and crimes committed by all races, genders, and faiths. The solution to the tragedies of the past is more history, not less.

E Campbell, St Martins

Statues, place names

Isaac Newton once wrote: ‘‘If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants’’.

But the concept is attributed to Bernard of Chartres in the 12th century. Humankind often ascribes achievements to specific individuals but seldom is this true. Rather, most accomplishments come from a succession of small increments that have been made by many people. To honour one individual for an advance in society can dishonour all the others who have contributed to making this occur.

Statues, often erected to absentee ‘‘dignitaries’’, are an expression of attributing advancement to individuals but alas, with time they can invoke ridicule, contempt, outrage and more. And so it is with naming cities and places; society tends to personify rather than attribute geographic association. Geography should and does provide better meaningful descriptions. In any language, they are much more appropriate than so-and-so’s pass, river, mountain or land.

Pat Bodger, Mandeville

Cromwell

Wasn’t Oliver Cromwell one of the main instigators of the first parliament and the democracy that went with it?

If so, surely the benefits of his

existence justify remembering his name?

Of course, we could abandon many place names and just use the post codes! Richard Ibbitt, Ilam

Change history

So we have to rename Cromwell, who was responsible for many deaths.

We will have to reconsider both Wellington and Nelson, who were guilty of the same historic crimes.

And do we want our city to be associated with Christ? He was personally innocent but I cringe at the thought of the countless millions slaughtered in his name.

We will also have to rethink the many statues of Te Rauparaha, guilty of taking and owning slaves and overseeing mass murder right here in Kaiapoi and Akaroa. We can’t change history, only learn from the mistakes.

Ian Orchard, Papanui

Ignorant

I must take time during my visit to Christchurch to respond to the article in your paper about renaming Cromwell. The reason given, ‘‘that Cromwell was responsible for thousands of deaths and has no bearing on anything here in New Zealand’’, is silly and ignorant. Cromwell was involved in a civil war. There were many deaths on both sides. But he was a humane commander. War results in death.

Secondly Cromwell reformed the autocratic system of Government in England at the time and made Parliament more powerful. Without Cromwell NZ would not have the democracy it has today. It is called history and heritage. He is very relevant to us and the name must remain. Cromwell citizens should be proud that their town is named after such an important and positive figure in history.

Russell O Armitage, Hamilton (Abridged)

Dioramas

The museum dioramas have been top of our tiki-tour list for visitors for many years.

None of the Ma¯ ori or Pakeha in our whanau have taken offence, even when shown the secret painted shopping trolley in one, and many-antlered deer in the other.

Even our 3-year-olds are entertained and enthralled. Please leave the dioramas for the enjoyment of future generations.

J Peka, St Albans

Museum display

I agree with John Stone and Dawn Dell (June 15) regarding the removal of that wonderful display at the Canterbury Museum. It should stay.

We have proof of cave living to be the case in Sumner. Ma¯ ori are very intelligent and would have chosen to live in a dry, warm cave over out in the open, fighting the weather conditions, in the early days. As all of early man would have done, regardless of their colour.

Aileen Trist, Waitikiri

Slaves and Presidents

The history of US Presidents holding slaves is deeper than that mentioned before.

Those to hold slaves were 12, and eight of those were in office while holding slaves.

The last to hold a slave was General Ulysses S Grant (18th President).

Sam Houston was the first President of the nation of Texas and held 12 slaves.

Lots of history, all to be picked apart here? The USA and the world have a lot to be renaming and many monuments to destroy all the for wrongs of history, according to our present-day understanding of history.

Mike Wilson, Southshore

Armed response trial

Henry Cooke provided his usual high standard of article (June 13) on the problems facing the Police Commissioner but I cannot agree with his conclusion about the Armed Response Unit, that Jacinda Ardern should have stepped in immediately to stop it.

Instead she recognised the danger of politicians directly interfering in an operational matter.

The major asset for the Police is the level of public trust in their independence.

They initiated the unit and had to cancel it themselves when they saw the consequences.

It is easy to become a poor politician but you need to be clever to be a successful one.

This is true for both government and opposition members.

E Watson, Wigram

Police changes

Now that a wider section of the population recognises injustices in policing here and abroad, what needs to change?

One response could be to overhaul and increase police training with an emphasis on understanding the causes of crime so that whanau support rather than jail could be provided.

Another response could be to restrict the role of police and give adequate resourcing to mental health, Ma¯ ori and Pasifika groups, addiction and life support agencies.

The rate of recidivism would be the criterion of success. The present rate of incarceration has been shown to be racist.

Joy Mcleod, Diamond Harbour

NZer of year

If we are looking for a worthy recipient for New Zealander of the year I would like to add my name to those who consider we look no further than Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director-General of Health. It was he who set out to flatten the curve of Covid-19, and what a sterling job he made of that. His was a journey of calm and deliberation for which we have to thank him. I salute you, Sir.

Charles Reddish, Papanui