Subsidy ludicrous

I like Singapore Airlines and fly with them often. But this subsidy that Wellington City Council is paying them to fly out of Wellington must cease. Singapore Airlines is very well managed, profitable and, with Air NZ, always rates as one of the best airlines globally.

The secret agreement between the WCC and Singapore Airlines to open a new route to Canberra was one thing but with the 777 flying at 60 per cent capacity, it’s just not financially feasible.

However, it’s ludicrous to continue this subsidy for Singapore to fly to Melbourne when this route is adequately filled by Air NZ and Qantas. In effect, this means Wellington ratepayers are subsidising Singapore Airlines to compete against our national airline, Air NZ.

Mayor Justin Lester defends this subsidy (Jan 25) that he says covers flights to any Australian city. Why is this and how much sense does this make? We ratepayers need to see this agreement and make our own decisions on whether it’s still a good deal. Not just accept Lester’s word for it.

RAYWARD CHUNG Broadmeadows damage done to the child victims and the evidence of extensive coverups within the Catholic Church to protect the perpetrators and the church at the expense of these victims; and the church’s further refusal to accept some significant recommendations from the inquiry.

O’Farrell may well dispute the numbers and accusations of the inquiry and I won’t argue.

What is important is that it’s better thousands of priests are called on to answer questions and if necessary defend themselves in a court of law than one more child is condemned to the consequences of the actions of the minority of rotten apples in the barrel.

KEVIN BATEMAN Lower Hutt