North Shore Times (New Zealand)
ACCENT ON ALBANY
MORE RULES NEEDED
Regarding Felicity Reid’s article (1 August), we recently visited Tel Aviv for a family wedding. There, electric bikes have become a huge problem, because they are so far unregulated.
They ride over ALL the pedestrian walkways and spaces, often at considerable speed, WITH NO REGARD FOR THE PEDESTRIANS AT ALL!
This is no restriction or age range, and they are ridden by quite young children… after all it is only a bicycle. The situation is completely out of control. We need to act! Now!
We need to look seriously at the whole situation regarding speed, on pedestrian walkways they could be permitted, but bicycles of more than 20km/hr max should be prohibited on pedestrian walkways.
They should not be permitted on any pedestrian squares, parks or play areas. On the road, they should be licensed and helmets should be compulsory. There should be age limit.
John Pezaro
Birkenhead With reference to a letter in ‘‘Conversations’’ in your paper of 27th July re: the pronunciation of ‘‘Albany’’.
My information was taken directly from the last minute book of the Albany Fruitgrowers Association: ‘‘At a public meeting in 1890 it was proposed by Captain McArthur that the area be named Albany’’ (with a direct quote ‘‘The ‘Al’ in Alba be pronounced as in Albert’’’. Further note the post office name was changed to Albany on 1st December 1890
GM Welsford
Albany
SPEED KILLS
Your item on Brake NZ urging drivers to slow down, once again highlights the double standard that contributes to the deaths on our roads which over the past 60 years actually approximate the lives lost by our country in WW2.
Speed restrictions, signage, advertising rhetoric, and policing have done little against the permitted marketing of cars featuring potential speeds that cannot be achieved without breaking the law. The road is not a playground and now with Cruise Control becoming commonplace, all vehicles could be preset for the two legal maximum speeds, 50 kph and 100 kph, selected by the driver in compliance with the restrictions in the areas being driven.
A tall order but think how much easier it must be with both eyes on the road instead of one on
NORTH SHORE CHORALE
Twas a cold and damp Sunday afternoon, when the North Shore Chorale presented their sparkling ‘‘Messiah’’. Warmest congratulations to all for a sumptuous musical feast! The public was invited to sing the chorale sections with the choir. With St George’s packed to the rafters, this was an evening to remember.
A standing ovation to the soloists, musicians and choir, along with the charismatic conductor, Nick Forbes, who took us on this wonderful musical journey. Choirs of this calibre are a community treasure, and lift the spirits of all fortunate enough to hear them. Let us continue to support them, so they can continue to delight us with their virtuosity.
Rose Winquist
Browns Bay
HAVE YOUR SAY
Letters should not exceed 250 words and must have full name, residential address and phone number. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or withhold any correspondence without explanation. Letters may be referred to others for right of reply before publication. Email: nsnews@snl.co.nz Mail: North Shore Times, PO Box 79, Orewa.