Play world class
Re One Hill of a Fight at The Meteor this week: This opening play at the refitted Meteor is world-class, bringing back into public view a significant local story – the council’s removal of Garden Place hill in the 1930s. It’s a great way to learn about our history.
The excellent cast, a poignant multimedia stage set, and laugh-aloud humour reminded the audience of the colourful council affairs of those times, and their relevance still today.
A special thank you to author-director Michael Switzer, producer Russell Armitage, the entire crew, and all those who support The Meteor to bring such opportunities for our enjoyment.
The theatre foyer features relevant historic photographs from Hamilton Library – enlarged for exhibition before earthquake regulations closed that building. Pre and post-show chat around these images confirm this intimate theatre is made even warmer with the refit.
Descendants of the main characters were welcomed that first night by MP Tim Macindoe and Deputy Mayor Martin Gallagher. It was a privilege to be present.
Margaret Evans (TOTI)
Hamilton
This was recognised by atheists like Sartre, Nietzsche, and Bertrand Russell. Sartre suggested that we can create our own meaning by choosing to follow a certain course of action – he chose Marxism. But this is saying, ‘‘Let’s pretend the universe has meaning’’. It’s self-delusional and a ‘‘Noble Lie’’ (Dr L D Rue).
The second problem concerns the value of life. Atheists do maintain the traditional values of love and brotherhood yet say, because there is no God, these are not objective and transcendent. But if they are to apply to everyone, they cannot but be so – otherwise there is a logical inconsistency: because ‘‘[i]f there is no God, everything is permitted’’ (Dostoyevsky).
But doesn’t the existence of evil prove that God doesn’t exist? No, because if there is evil, there must be good. Therefore, there is a moral law and a moral-law giver.
But why does God allow evil? Because true love gives freedom to choose and this involves risks (including of rejecting Him); but we are responsible for our actions. Without God, life is meaningless without purpose or ultimate value.
John Fong
Hamilton
ambassador in Wellington as follows: ‘‘I was delighted to read that Chinese businesses are interested in undertaking some of the work on the Auckland rail link project. Can I make a strong plea to you that you encourage these same companies to submit proposals for electrifying the rail line from Papakura to Hamilton and upgrade the tracks, so that a rapid rail service can be provided between Hamilton and Auckland. Our Government has been very slow and backward in developing rail services in this country over recent decades, which is ironic as it was the existing rail network, built over 100 years ago, which enabled the country to progress. China now has an excellent rail transport industry, and as your government’s policy is to develop transport infrastructure around the world, this Hamilton to Auckland project would be ideal for you.’’
If Rupert Worley, Hamilton borough engineer from the 1930s, was around today I am sure he would make this happen.
Russell O Armitage
Hamilton