OTIMAI SALE
With reference to your article re the sale of Otimai Girl Guide Centre in West Coast Rd, Oratia, I wish to state that many people are bitterly opposed to this sale taking place. Many of us have put forward ideas to save Otimai including a number of suggestions drawn up free of charge by a local solicitor. However, none of these ideas seem to have been seriously considered. I myself presented a petition signed by sixty local people most with guiding history. Given more time I could have provided many more signatures. Otimai was gifted to the guiding movement by Mrs W R Wilson and Mrs Bertha Wilson over 80 years ago. The original owner was Captain Theet who brought the land in 1885 and planted the Norfolk pines still at Otimai today. His descendents are still living in the area as are the descendents of other pioneer families associated with the guiding communities at Otimai. Many aspects of this situation have caused me great disquiet.
For example, there was no consultation with the present members of the Wilson family which I consider to be very disrespectful. Because of the way this whole matter has been handled including wider concerns about the direction the Girl Guiding Association is taking, I have now cut off all this after 60 years. It is sad to hear of others being forced to leave, particularly one hard-working member being threatened with legal action if she continues to press for a full investigation.
LINDA HOGSDEN
Oratia
RECYCLING BINS
I don’t think the council really thought through their idea for new recycling bins. I have seen a couple of letters from other readers having their say on different issues surrounding the new bins. We, like others, have also had trouble with the new system. Firstly when the new bin arrived I was shocked at how big and awkward it was and knew that I would have a lot of trouble moving it once it was full. I contacted the council to request a smaller bin. hey eventually swapped it over (took a few weeks for this to be done!!) but the bin we have now got is the really small one. We had been advised that when it was swapped it would be the same size as the old recycling bin. Secondly we signed up for the text reminder for the collections as we thought this would be a good idea, and it would be if it actually worked properly!! We
RECYCLE BINS
I love my new recycle bin. It is large, but that’s OK, we put it out once a month if not fortnightly. Our collection truck has a lifter, and he helpfully lowered it and pushed it back towards me as I was there at the gate when he arrived. Such service.
I love the idea of keeping the old one for next year’s rubbish collection too, yay no more bags! Took them a long time, but at last! H MOORE
Ranui
WRITE TO US
Letters should not exceed 250 words and must have full name, residential address and phone number. The editor reserves the right to edit and abridge. Opinions must be genuinely held by the letter writer. Letters may be referred to others for right of reply before publication. Mail: Western Leader, PO Box 21-167, Henderson. Fax: 836 9309. Email: edwl@snl.co.nz.