Near or far?
I was interested in the photo of a black fantail in Friday's paper, sent in by Ann Berry of Pongaroa.
I saw one once, many years ago, in my garden when I was farming at Patoka. It was alone, which is unusual for fantails, and not at all timid, but after it had flown away I never saw it again. And no one else on the farm, or nearby, reported having seen it at all. However, a farmer who lived some miles away told me he'd seen a black fantail family at the back of his farm, and I believe that they're not uncommon in the South Island.
Catherine Downes, Napier
Thanks overdue
So one of the many "old laws" has come to the fore with regards to the ability of the "Maori Wardens" to remove Maori from bars, etc., if worse for their consumption of alcohol. Let's step back for a while and, as a country and a community, acknowledge the years and years and hours and hours that our Maori Wardens have given to us all in so many ways.
Their commitment to making and keeping our communities and our citizens, young and old, safe. Taking young people off the streets when they need to be kept safe. When there has been obvious alcohol consumption. When many are too young to be on the streets and at risk.
So many situations where Maori Wardens are seen for the people they are - guardians, peacekeepers and so much more! These dedicated people, many who have been on our streets and in situations for many, many years, while we enjoy concerts and private functions safe in the knowledge that we have these wonderful people watching out for us. Directing traffic, on point duty whenever they are needed, for whatever.
With a law that allows them to move Maori or others if under the influence then surely this is a positive.
Their very presence provides a type of security that continues to make our cities and our country that much safer for their wonderful, selfless dedication to all that is good. So what if the law is antiquated? Leave them with this ability if they need it. Extend their abilities if it is needed. These wonderful New Zealanders should be given all the support we can.
The law is not racial, it is a tool for these so very dedicated people who only seek peace and safe communities and the ability to work with and for our young people. Our gratitude is long overdue.
Denyse Watkins, Havelock North
Pain in the bun
A pain au chocolat is a French pastry consisting of an oval-shaped piece of puffy pastry with one or two pieces of chocolate in the centre, and it is sold warm often alongside croissants in French and French-Canadian patisseries and supermarkets.
Pain au chocolat are sold in Napier at a McCafe and a NewWorld supermarket, but are called chocolate croissants. At Heavens and Brambles bakeries they also sell a pain au chocolat, but call them a Danish!
On September 18 Napier will host the French and Canadian rugby teams and supporters for a Rugby World Cup match at MacLean Park.
To avoid confusion to the fans and supporters and others, now would be a good time for these cafes to correctly name this French delicacy.
B Davis, Napier
