Letters: Council wrong to hurry the disabled

Disabled drivers have effectively been robbed of extra time.

Mobility parks

I am dismayed at the council's action in regard to the mobility parking spaces in Whanganui.

They have decided, from May 1, that only an extra half-hour be allowed for those who use them correctly.

It used to be that the permits allowed double the time; an hour became two.
Half an hour will not be enough for many with mobility issues, such as myself.

Permit holders have effectively been robbed of the extra time that can allow them to do what they need to do when in town.

I'm not sure who they consulted over this, but I'm fairly certain those who have the permits would agree half an hour is not long enough.

Given the rampant misuse of these carparks, it seems to me that society is saying the disabled are not worth considering.

JULIAN EMMETT
Gonville

My choice

The header of Jay Kuten's regular "View from here" column (May 30) "Dignity means having choice", is one I absolutely agree with.

Jay Kuten names the few religious and dictatorial cranks that would remove the right of this 72-year-old to have a pain-free exit from this world should circumstances eventually prove that I need some medical intervention to make my final journey peacefully, quickly, free of pain, and at my choice.

I had thought the New Zealand constitution, such as it is, guaranteed me the right to practise my religion.

And my religion allows me a journey to meet my God in heaven without interference to my timely choice of how I take that last journey — "timely choice", because it is imminent and inevitable — to my place in heaven that He has promised me.

Political loonies who are also religious nutters with little if any compassion can butt out of my end-of-life choice, whatever that choice may be. No "please", no "will you", just bugger off out of my life.

Just so folks know, I am in good health and I like living and life. Should that ever change, it will still be MY life, MY choice.

How hard can it be to let an elderly, frail or terminally sick person choose when, no matter the choice, it will make not the slightest difference at that stage to those left behind?

STAN HOOD
Aramoho

Golden goose

The Mid-West ferry proposal — this is Wanganui's "Golden Goose" and if it comes to fruition it will start giving golden eggs, the first being opening the port.

Wouldn't it be great if Whanganui's population could grow by 15,000 to 20,000? That would be a comfortable number so future young generations can stay and call Whanganui home.

That will take a bold decision and Mid-West ferries is that bold decision. So go for it — let the "Golden Goose" lay more golden eggs to benefit Whanganui's economy and job base.

LEN GOLDSACK
Gonville

Street changes

I certainly agree with the letters so far on the subject of the changes to St Hill St.
Good grief, how many pedestrians and cyclists will use these new facilities? Very few, I would suggest. Certainly not enough to warrant removing left-turn lanes, and the double lanes at Maria Place intersection.

And why would you put new traffic lights at Taupo Quay when it is already convenient to cross at Victoria Ave lights?

I can see a shambles looming at peak hours.

I sincerely hope the traffic lights at Ridgway and Guyton streets will be changed to handle pedestrians the same as at Ingestre St, i.e. no pedestrian-only phase. That intersection works efficiently as it is, including having a left-turn lane.

Why does a city this size have this inefficient pedestrian-only phase system when cities including Dunedin and Palmerston North, with far larger pedestrian counts, do not? In fact, Dunedin was one of the pioneers of pedestrian-only phases but has long since got rid of them, to the relief of all motorists.

F. FOSTER
Durie Hill

No harm done

Jordie Barrett: good rugby player, a chip off the old block like his father, Kevin Smiley Barrett, a hard man on and off the field.

Jordie only got lost, had a bit of fun, didn't hurt or damage anything. But, being an All Black, this is a no-no, mate.

McDonald's should be sponsoring Jordie, as they got well mentioned.

GARY STEWART
Foxton Beach

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