Dander well up
I am not one to needlessly joust with others over their opinions in this column. However, two letters in the Age on September 12 have spurred me into action.
The first was the outrageous and totally unnecessary attack on Cr Felicity Foy by Cr Mate Radich over the issue of road sealing. Cr Foy is to be commended for her quite factual and totally appropriate response. If Cr Radich was hoping that his missive would garner votes in October, I fear it may have actually backfired. Perhaps greater attention to his duties as a councillor would have been more effective. Enough said.
The second took the form of a shot across my bows with respect to the views that I had expressed at the recent public meeting at Taipa over the future of the O¯ ruru Community Hall. Murray Smith believes that I should have kept my trap shut rather than suggest a logical solution to the problem. He observed that we are already the victims of excessive rates. He considers that we currently pay too much, in return receive too little, and are overcharged for basic services. That is a simplistic approach, but one with which I have no real issue.
However, this particular topic is worthy of more than just a gripe over our rates.
The Swamp Palace is truly a “grand old lady”. She has a rich history, and over the years she has enjoyed many roles, from a community hall, a cinema, an indoor sports facility, to a venue for out-of-school activities for local children. From concerts and gigs to private parties and wakes, she has even been the early site of a local RSA. She has real character and charm, and her outstanding acoustics are recognised both within New Zealand and overseas.
Unfortunately the grand old lady is suffering from an extreme case of neglect, and the situation is now very serious. The diagnosis is complex and the cost of the remedy is considerable. At the same time, there is nothing to be achieved by attacking the current mayor and councillors over issues that are clearly the result of the sins and omissions of their predecessors.
The task of reinstating the hall should clearly lie with council in the provision of depreciation of its community assets. These works should properly be funded from renewals. However, from my customarily pragmatic viewpoint, that will only happen on the day that hell freezes over and the skies are filled with flying pigs.
I believe the targeted rate that I proposed at the meeting is a reasonable alternative.
If the community feels that the old girl should be euthanased simply to save the local ratepayers an amount than equates to less than a cup of coffee (or a cold beer) each month, then I am really ashamed to be considered part of that community.
Perhaps Murray Smith should wake up and smell the flowers.
If he has any better ideas for addressing this issue he should make them known to council and the hall committee, rather than grandstanding in the media.
PETER BEVIN Honorary Bean Counter O¯ ruru & Inland Valleys
Association Inc