Your views: Readers' letters

Charity, no matter how well intended, is a Dickensian, 19th-century response to a problem we thought we'd overcome in the 21st century.

Thanks, guys

I want to thank two Wanganui men who were not afraid to get their hands dirty or miss their lunch time today outside Ambrosia restaurant.

I returned to my car and found a note on the windscreen from another kind person who had noticed my flat tyre.

Thank you to you as well.

In no time, these two "real" men came to my tyre's attention and said I would not be able to drive home.

Under orders I opened my car boot to reveal its contents! Oh heck, why so many bags?
Next a discussion as to how to get the spare tyre out. With much difficulty, as it was simply rusted in. These two "real" men dealt with that and took turns to unscrew the bolt.
Finally it was out and and the punctured tyre replaced, advice given as to where to take my flat tyre and tools returned.

Best of all, these "real" men's lives had crossed mine some years ago and we were able to renew acquaintances once more and pass on good wishes!

Thank you to Rob and Lotz for coming to my rescue, and for all your help when you both had more important tasks to do on a Friday at lunchtime.

LYN EDMONDS
Whanganui

An indictment

I see that the advertisement/endorsement for the foodbank drive in your issue of October 17 contained no comment or presence of any kind by any of our elected representatives.

It's not hard to see why. In 2017, it's a disgrace and an indictment of our political system and financial management that this kind of thing is deemed necessary. Charity, no matter how well intended, is a Dickensian, 19th century response to a problem that we thought we had overcome in the 21st century.

If the powers that be don't feel embarrassed or ashamed by this in the face of the current furore over the payment of obscene bonuses to corporate directorships, they should.

And the public generally seem to have accepted that the poor will always be with us, so we shouldn't moan about paying the price in social dysfunction and crime generally.

L E FITTON
Whanganui

Healthy approach

I am writing to acknowledge a letter from SM Wanganui on October 23.

What a great example of taking responsibility for one's actions where there has been an acknowledgement of inflicting pain on someone else.

It's this type of ownership I believe can help people move forward, both those inflicted and who have been deeply hurt through no doing of their own, and those who inflicted.

This is a healthy, restorative approach to reducing harm, not only for ourselves but as a community.

CARLA LANGMEAD
Whanganui

Send your letters to: The Editor, Wanganui Chronicle, 100 Guyton St, PO Box 433, Wanganui 4500; or email editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz