Opinion 10
Ashburton Guardian
Monday, August 19, 2013
www.guardianonline.co.nz
OUR VIEW
Taking on synthetic drugs Coen Lammers EDITOR
A
shburton District councillors could take a lead from their counterparts in Hamilton and tackle synthetic drugs head-on. The Hamilton council is investigating ways to use the new Psychoactive Substances Act legislation which enables local authorities to ban the sale of the drugs in certain areas around town. The National-led Government recently took a giant step by introducing this new legislation which put the onus on the producers of these products to prove that they do not harm anyone’s health. Sadly, the physical health of the consumer of these drugs is just one small part of the equation when it comes to these chemical substances. Any family or community affected by this poison will tell you how it has the potential to undermine and destroy the entire fabric of a family and a community. Users and producers of the drug will tell you that they operate within the law and that the harm done by synthetic drugs is less than that caused by alcohol. We all know the damage alcohol causes in our society but most ordinary people in this country primarily still drink to be social, not to get drunk. People taking synthetic cannabis however, only take the product with one aim in mind: to get stoned. It is well documented that every individual responds differently to the drugs and many have psychotic episodes or even lethal side-effects. With that in mind, there is absolutely no reason to sell these products, mostly to our young people, other than to make profits for the dairy owners and the producers. The profits are substantial for individual retailers and local dairy owners like Tinwald’s Ben and May Sun should be applauded for taking the drugs off their shelves. An increasing number of suburbs and towns around New Zealand have joined forces to protect their youngsters and drive the synthetic drugs from their communities. There is no reason why Ashburton could not follow their example.
YOUR VIEW Slogan Whilst Ashburton and Rolleston have enjoyed catchy slogans in the past, Chertsey seems to have avoided topical branding and for years I thought it should be “Because we can – for less”. Given that the township of Chertsey is now home to the Book Barn and may well have more books sold per head of the population, does Chertsey deserve the title of “Intellectual Capital of mid-Canterbury”? Books and magazines to feed the mind and soul are now encouraging travellers to pause in Chertsey in numbers probably not seen since alcohol prohibition in Ashburton drove drinkers to seek liquid sustenance in Chertsey. Rob Derrick Chertsey resident
Hepatitis A With the Hepatitis A outbreak making headlines, may I
voice my frustration and utter dismay, as an out-of-towner, at having to use the public toilets on East St - where, in my last 6 visits to town, there has been soap in the dispenser only once? A hand sanitiser adds to the weight of my bag - but it should not be necessary for me to carry it. We would appreciate the contractor taking a much more responsible attitude to public health. Ruth Coppard Rakaia
Marae quiz On behalf of the Hakatere Marae I thank all those who helped with our recent quiz night. The result was very close with two teams scoring in the late 60s and three in the early 70s out of a possible 77, (with bribes included). I will not name the winners (or losers), because they might get embarrassed and after all - it is the participation that counts
CRUMB by David Fletcher
- not the order you finish in. Yeah right! Thanks to all quizees, coz without you guys it would have been a complete waste of time, hope you enjoyed the night. Many thanks also to Claire for her brilliant art work and to Eddie the sound man for his assistance. Many thanks again to all. Al Benfell, quizmaster Hakatere marae (edited)
puzzles like I used to. Please replace with old style Sudoku. Dave (Text message)
Elections
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With the elections coming up it would be nice to know who on the district council voted for the art gallary and new bridge so with our votes we can vote accordingly (Text message)
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Puzzles Sudoku too hard and too small. Have to agree with Mike and Margaret I do not enjoy the
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