Letters: Housing statements right

IN RESPONSE to the critical comments from correspondent Jim White regarding my letter about housing and the local economy, I would point out that while he might be correct in his statements, I was also correct in mine.

Regardless of what happened to the properties that Housing NZ sold off (under direction from the previous National government), we still have a drastic shortage of state housing here in Whanganui.

We also have a shortage of rental accommodation in general, because as real estate prices have risen, due to our population increase, many landlords have taken advantage of increased values and sold up.

I suspect part of the reason for selling was the more stringent standards of accommodation landlords must now meet.

I assure Jim White, having been self-employed for most of my life, I have a good understanding of business, economics and the points he made.

In fact, I spent three years at the University of Waikato which culminated in a bachelor of arts degree with majors in economics and political science.

Should I ever have the honour of being elected to a seat around the Whanganui District Council table, I will do my best to ensure the windfall of economic development will not be squandered through unnecessary increased council spending. Reducing debt must be a high priority.

STEVE BARON
Whanganui

Rotten way to 'welcome'

Very happy to see the complaining Putiki neighbours of Elinor McDouall's brilliant yet tiny dwelling being taken to task over what I see as their somewhat blinkered attitude (letter "On board with airb&b idea" January 17; also front page, Chronicle, January 14 "B&b build upsets locals").

Only eight Putiki households complained in writing, and they are so wrong on so many counts when they make their arguments against Elinor's beautiful concept cottage. The place is a very small building, yet worthy of this city's great artistic reputation.

It is stated to be a retirement home for the McDoualls. What a horrible "welcome" for them, to have complaining neighbours even before they set foot in the place at some time in the future.

That tiny dwelling has not broken any laws, nor, just as important, has not broken any modern conventions of what owners can do with their private dwellings.

The complainers appear concerned about "outsiders" coming into Putiki. How sad, when this city tries so hard to promote tourism, a major money-earner.

Do I hear them also complaining about outsiders flocking to the existing motel just down the road, in huge numbers when compared to the two or three visitors who may briefly rent Elinor's tiny dwelling?

I congratulate architect McDouall on her sense of artistry, her ability to make her own mark on her own property. So refreshing, this innovative departure from the ordinary. Whanganui should be proud to have such a leading lady.

It may not be widely known that Elinor continues a proud local family history which has given Whanganui some heritage buildings (late architect Clifford Hood) and international sporting prestige (Olympic diving contender Robin Hood).

Disclosure: To the astute reader, I hardly need declare that Elinor McDouall is a distant cousin of mine also, though my own local profile is low to the point of invisibility.

STAN HOOD
Aramoho

Truth important

Congratulations for printing Andrew Dickens' editorial in the Chronicle (January 19); The death of three teenagers in a crash is tragic, but facts are facts and this tragedy could have been avoided by proper parenting.

Good on Dickens for not being PC and for calling a spade a spade.

DOUG PRICE
Castlecliff

Saving lives was goal

I have conflict when I think about the deaths of those three young people who crashed a stolen car and were killed. Firstly, I feel sorry for the families. Nobody should have to lose young children.

But now some people are starting to blame the police; they say the police shouldn't have tried to stop them and caused the accident.

I don't agree. I believe the police were putting their own lives at risk in order to prevent such an accident.

Regrettably, in this instance, they failed to do so, but I certainly hope they don't stop trying. That would be a sure short step to anarchy.

GA McGRATH
Whanganui