NZ has spoken and the law makes good sense
THERE certainly was no ‘‘joy to be found’’ (Opinion, 10.11.20) as I nursed both my parents through terminal/ incurable disease.
There was no ‘‘joy to be found’’ in witnessing several friends suffer excruciatingly, for a very long time, before their passing came, from the same disease that I am now living with — incurable metastatic breast cancer.
‘‘Pretty little houses with beautiful gardens’’ didn’t play a role in those deaths. The actual ‘‘reality’’ was ravaged and skeletal bodies, experiencing pain for which no amount of palliation could assist.
There was no ‘‘joy to be found’’ in our dear friend’s death this year when attempts were made by exceptional palliative care professionals to radiate metastases in her spine, to alleviate some of her pain, in her last weeks.
We all have different experiences and we all have different views — that’s why there is emphasis on the word ‘‘voluntary’’. I am so pleased to read that for Sarah the long difficult months were some of the richest and most profound in her life so far.
Thankfully, had ‘‘euthanasia’’ been legal at that time, Sarah would not have been allowed to have any input into what would have been their decision — such is the legislation.
Sarah talks about being grateful that society protected her from any temptation to do so. The legislation also would have protected her from any attempts at ‘‘temptation’’.
The New Zealand community has spoken, just as communities in the Australian states have where legislation has passed, and just as communities across the globe also take the view that it’s 2020 and there are kinder ways to die.
Tanya Battel Carina, Queensland
[Abridged]
Old hospital
WHEN is the Dunedin City Council going to do something about the old Glamis Hospital in Montpellier St?
It has had two fires deliberately lit, has constant intruders and broken glass scattered around, the roof is falling down, and in strong winds the tiles blow off, causing further damage. It is unsafe.
When is there going to be some action to deal with this major problem?
J. Park
Wakari
[DCC building solutions manager Paul Henderson replies:
‘‘While the DCC understands the concerns about the state of the building, this is an issue for the building owner. The Building Act allows us to take action only if a building is deemed to be ‘‘dangerous’’ or ‘‘insanitary’’.
‘‘As the building is unoccupied, there should be no danger to either the public or neighbouring properties unless someone trespasses on the former hospital site, which should be referred to the police.’’]
Power cuts
NOT again! Clyde with no electricity for nine hours in June and now Cromwell with no electricity for almost as many hours, November.
Every appliance — cellphones, computers, fridges — uses electricity to keep us alive.
Can someone out there please tell us how to get an ambulance or fire engine if needed urgently when electricity is nonexistent?
Heart attacks and house fires do not wait nine hours!
Kathleen Moore
Alexandra