Christianity still vital to many New Zealanders
I WAS concerned at the comment by Civis (ODT, 12.4.19) that New Zealand does not have an official religion.
While he is technically correct, he is not observant. The religion of New Zealand is Christianity.
Our laws are based on the Ten Commandments, our values are also based on them, we still have a day considered to be the Day of Rest (although now not much observed) and our dates and calendar are based on the important Christian days of observance.
Our national anthem appeals to
God, in court most of us swear on the Bible, recognising its importance to our society, and Parliament still has a prayer but unwisely has eliminated Jesus from it.
It is embodied in our entire heritage. The missionaries and first leaders strongly supported and enabled education for all based on their faith and we were the first country to confirm that women had equal standing in law and life and accorded them the vote.
All these things, but especially the last, are not incorporated in any other religion to my knowledge, and I strongly want New Zealand to continue with Christianity as the basis for its laws and values.
Unfortunately, there is so little education about Christianity that most people these days have no concept of their heritage or where our valuebased system comes from.
While it is good that we welcome other cultures and our society diversifies and accepts different ways, it is also important that the very basis of our values remain the same, and in no school should it be taught differently. S. Hanson
Wakari
Reed building
I FIND it sad that the redevelopment of the former A.H. Reed offices on the corner of Crawford and Jetty Sts has reached a stalemate.
A problem with the building would seem to be the lack of car parking. The solution would seem to be an underdeveloped site across
Crawford St containing car wash facilities.
These facilities could be transferred to a basement or higher floor if necessary to allow a parking building to be constructed there with private parks for the Reed building serviced by elevators and a carriageway going under Crawford St.
The Reed building can be residential units but ideally a public area with a threedimensional TV portrayal of A.H. sitting at his desk telling of his life and times in his own words, and perhaps selling and ‘‘autographing’’ books to the public should be developed.
Allan Golden
Dunedin
Crusaders name
SOME people want the name of the Crusaders changed.
Why? The dictionary states : ‘‘Crusade’’ — any intense or earnest campaign or movement against public evil. Good name.
The swordwielding horse riders should be barred — never should have been allowed in the first place. M. Smits
Dunedin