What are we waiting for? Get moving on the new library
"But I have to wonder why are we waiting? For what? For this strategy document to be completed? Our new library to be built?" C. Hillary
Reading this 2018 Library Strategy Document in preparation for making a submission, it’s all very earnest and worthwhile sounding.
I see they have already been consulting widely with the community over the past year and list details of many excellent ideas, themes, and suggestions from these conversations.
It was obvious from the beginning the MTG space would be constricting for the library staff and services. Even with their obliging staff.
As well as feeling stuffy and claustrophobic, access at that location is tricky for many.
But I have to wonder why are we waiting? For what? For this strategy document to be completed? Our new library to be built?
Surely some of these suggestions could be trialled already?
Temporary branches out in the suburbs? Mobile services? Communitybased activities or in conjunction with the other council-funded organisations? Promotion and support for “Little Libraries” in neighbourhoods? I am sure staff could have come up with plenty of suggestions themselves.
Please just get moving and try some things in the meantime. Instead of all this waiting and consulting ad nauseum. People will feel engaged and some things they try may even be a success! C. Hillary Maraenui
No empathy
I could not believe the text that Carol sent on Saturday.
I think your empathy is very shortsighted in respect of the young homeless synthetic user dying. Not only do you encourage their use of drugs by providing the funds for them to purchase, in doing so you have given this young person a premature death and you think you are doing the right thing by feeding their habits. If you think your conscience is clear, think again. There is only one winner here and that is the drug dealer who you are so erroneously supporting. Don’t feed their addiction, give them other means of support. Mark Stack Napier
Fireworks
Fireworks started midday Friday, November 2, heard day and night on and off ’til 11.30pm Wednesday, November 7. Results so far, horse dies due to stress and fire blackens Te Mata hillside.
Owners of pets and horses, etc, could plan their animals’ welfare if the fireworks were enjoyed just the one night, November 5, by responsible families and friends. Unfortunately fireworks are also purchased by irresponsible fools who don’t care and probably think it’s great fun to keep scaring animals and waking the baby at all hours. Even starting dangerous fires is a laugh. These are the idiots you responsible people can thank for us dreadful “fun police” saying sales to the public should be stopped. (Abridged)
R. White Hastings
Exceptional work
Public notice on Saturday, November 3 about Duncan Brown, my favourite photographer.
His 30 years of work for the paper has been exceptional and always recognisable.
Twenty years ago he did a quaint photo of our three fantail chicks in a nest built on a rope in the shed.
Another special photo was at haymaking time with two tractors, a truck, a baler, five men, two women and the boss with a broken hay fork perched on his shoulder — what a day.
So many memories.
Best wishes to Duncan and Linda in their own fulltime photography business. Cara Tresidder Havelock North
Magpie mix spot on
As an old boy of Hastings Boys High School, I also believe this mix of Magpie players is spot on.
A wonderful balance of maturity and youth in black and white developing nicely in time to play a form of total rugby that is unique to the culture of the Hawke’s Bay Magpies. Shad Thomsen Hastings