TO THE POINT

John Gamble (Letters, March 20) suggests our prime minister should be nominated for a Nobel Prize and I suggest the peace one, which I think she will hand over to the fund for the victims in a heartbeat.

Heather Mackie, Trentham

I can understand David Roache’s

concern over the extra trauma suffered by bereaved families in Christchurch over the wait for their relatives’ bodies (Letters, March 21). Unfortunately, the ‘‘rigid process’’ is essential as it is the optimum time, and sometimes the only time, for authorities to collect vital information for the upcoming trial and correct identification of victims. Regrettably in the circumstances, but for good reason, the ‘‘rigid process’’ is correct procedure. Kevin Bateman, Lower Hutt

In the wake of last week’s horrific events, a number of commentators have been calling for a debate on hate speech. There is little evidence from recent history that laws against hate speech reduce extremism. If people can’t hear open and honest debate in public, they will go to alternative online sources, where extreme views are readily available.

Alistair MacLeod, Lower Hutt

With one sentence, Wellington City Council stopped the beating heart of Wellington. We can live without a town hall but not without a library. Daryl Cockburn (Letters, March 21) is on the money. ‘‘Closing buildings is usually not necessary to effect repairs’’. Why not have a ‘‘you enter at your own peril’’ policy? I think people would vote with their feet.

Anne Lee, Crofton Downs

On Wednesday I travelled on the Seatoun to Karori bus about 1pm. My sunglasses in their case fell from my pocket before I left the bus. The driver phoned my home when he arrived in Karori so we knew the glasses were found. He delivered them to the depot in Kilbirnie and my glasses were back home before I was. Well done, and thanks for the effort and concern.

Kevin Marshall, Seatoun