Letters: Emergency services in Christchurch deserve our thanks

A reader has praised the actions of the emergency services who attended the scene of the Christchurch shootings. Photo / AP

I am saddened by the problems that have come to Christchurch, and that we have people in New Zealand who could commit such atrocities.

But for all the coverage of the vigils etc. on the media, I am sorry that there has been no mention of thanks for the three emergency services that have attended this disaster.

The police, racing into a situation not completely knowing just what they will meet including bullets.

The St John Ambulance officers for attending the injured and getting them to a hospital for further care.

The Fire and Emergency crews that know how to help where possible, and then clean up the mess.

My heartfelt thanks to these wonderful people. (Abridged)

John Smale
Rotorua

Sad to Soundshell go

Inevitable as it is, it is still very sad to see the old Soundshell go. I recall as a youngster back in the '60s in Rotorua my dad and many others volunteering for a thing they called the Thirty Thousand Club.

I think that referred to the amount of money Rotorua needed to raise to either build or support the Soundshell; I was a bit young then to fully understand this.

My big memories of the "Shell" are firstly the roller skating rink that was in front of the stage, but more so the annual talent quest concerts proceeded by quick fire raffles that took place over about four nights every year.

In one particular year, I was a bit startled to see my Boys' High PE teacher Johnny, (sorry, that should be Mr) Morrison walk on stage with his brother Howard, Wi Wharekura, and Gerry Merito and bolt away with the concerts' first prize. For the Howard Morrison Quartet, the rest is history.

Sadly, it is only history now as well for the "Shell".

John Pakes
Ngongotaha

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