It’s not working

After watching the TV news over the last few days I had the idea that New Zealand was all peace and overwhelming love. I was wrong.

On Friday, after a night of clubbing in Whanga¯ rei, a couple of blond 20-year-old lads were going back to their car. A differently-hued chap across the road began yelling and taunting them, then crossed the road and punched one in the face. That lad is now in hospital with a broken jaw.

Shall I tell Jacinda her peace and love campaign between all colours and races does not work?

SYLVIA RD4 Kaitaia you all. Kia kaha. Love always wins. KATERINA BARTLETTBAKER RD4 Kaitaia

Later, the law was changed to a lifetime licence of the owner holding the licence, still later the law was changed again to a 10-year licence with the licence holder’s photo on it, which is required to be renewed every 10 years. My last renewal cost $125 in 2014.

Why each gun’s serial number is not recorded on the licence leaves me bewildered, as it should be like a driver’s licence, with the classes of vehicles one can drive. So should the firearms licence list the make and calibre of firearm the person is licensed to be in possession of.

Whether a person has a firearm’s licence is not the cause of danger. As is the case in Christchurch, it all comes down to the intent of the person whose hands it is in at the time.

One is of the view that hate and anger in New Zealand and worldwide is the problem, caused through politics, injustice and suppression.

One asks if such incidents as in Christchurch are a mental health issue, as a result of depression and stress caused through politics and suppression that governments are creating.

Whether all firearms were got rid of, there are still many other ways of killing, if that is a

person’s intent, either through hatred or mental health.

Yes, the loss of life in Christchurch is sad, and my heart goes out to the people who have lost loved ones and friends, a real wake-up call for New Zealand, that we are not isolated from the rest of the world, as many would believe.

I say sorry to those who are in mourning, that the news reporters are flocking around you like vultures preying on a dead carcass, for their own glory rather than allowing you to grieve your own way, in your own time, at your own pace.

May you all find peace and comfort in your own beliefs and culture. JOHN BASSETT

Diggers’ Valley

Dame Susan Devoy, claim that we are a racist nation and imply that we must all bear responsibility for the actions of one psychopathic individual. BRYAN JOHNSON

O¯ mokoroa