Editorial: Worthy words from the River City

Mark Dawson, Editor of Wanganui Chronicle

While atheists around the world took to the streets screaming: "If there is a god, why does he allow Donald Trump!", I was more usefully employed enjoying a new year holiday around various parts of New Zealand, timing my return to Whanganui perfectly for the wonderful Vintage Weekend.

One of the joys of travelling round the country is logging on to the Chronicle website and checking out what is happening back in the River City.

Of course, there is always the "news" which often confirms one is grateful to be away from the stresses of the media industry for a couple of weeks.

But what struck me - and please forgive what may seem like trumpet-blowing - was the diverse and worthy ideas promoted through the Opinion columns.

And I don't just mean the eternal debate about the unknowable that rages in the letters columns.

This month we had Jay Kuten - inspired by the late Chris Cresswell - taking up the cause of medical marijuana. His argument is part of a growing call for changes in the law around allowing marijuana's use as a pain reliever - a call that will likely see fruition one day.

There was also Fred Frederikse calling out the notion that tobacco tax does not compensate for healthcare costs associated with smoking. He demonstrated how it compensates and then some, revealing some of the hypocrisy around this subject.

Perhaps most delightful was Terry Sarten's analysis of the values of a hammock and his "Hammocks for Peace" campaign. A long shot admittedly, though it may get the backing of some "swing" voters.

And note Jack Mitchell-Anyon's querying of Whanganui's noise control bylaws, often unfairly applied and counter-productive. I haven't heard of anyone complaining about the noise from the aforementioned Vintage Weekend, which got quite rowdy at times, but would one irritated resident have been enough to close down three days of fun?

So well done, colleagues - your thoughtful words appreciated.