St Matthias’ Appeal
I HAVE followed with great interest the publicity and supporting letters regarding the St Matthias’ Church at Windermere.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
I have also read and financially supported the plans of Jon Hosford's committee in their effort to raise funds to pay part of the Anglican Church's redress of victims of abuse.
The church was founded and funded in 1842 by Matthias Gaunt.
Apparently Matthias Gaunt wished to emigrate to the colonies and promised his wife that "if there is not a church where we settle, I will build you one".
This must be one of the most historic church building in Tasmania and has been in continuous use for almost 200 years.
In my opinion it is not a suitable option to sell church property, including consecrated burial sites, without pursuing alternative plans.
My ancestry is through First Fleeters Barrisford/Kingston and then Bassett, Atkinson and Wing families.
My great, great-grandparents were married at St Matthias in 1855 and my great-grandparents were married there in 1883.
My daughter was married there in 1992. Many of the Wing/Atkinson ancestors sleep peacefully there .
History gives me a strong wish to see the St Matthias’ Church to continue as it is as a place of worship into the future.
It is a historic landmark on the banks of the Tamar.
Laurie Wing , Glenara Waters.
Renewable Electricity
IF Tasmania can successfully increase its supply of reliable, cost-effective renewable electricity, it might be preferable to use it to attract industry to the state or expand existing Tasmanian industry rather than exporting non-value added electricity to the mainland.
Hydro-industrialisation has worked in the past despite the distance of products from markets and things such as a freight equalisation scheme exist to help.
If one or more extra Bass Strait interconnector cables were not required because the electricity generated was used in Tasmania, then the significant cost of cables could be redeployed in many alternative ways within the state, including further investment attraction incentives for businesses to create more employment for Tasmanians.
This is a challenge for the co-ordinator general and his staff to “Make Tasmania Great Again” and “trump” those mainlanders rather than being satisfied with making Tasmania a mere battery for the rest of Australia.
Mark Webb, Launceston.
ABC Threat
I DON’T always read from the same page as letter writer M. Fyfe, but must congratulate them on their latest letters regarding the fate of the national broadcaster.
The Prime Minister can well repeat ad nauseam that there will be no sale, when all that has to be done is to starve the organisation of funds (a process already under way).
One thing that intrigues me is the Coalition's definition of bias.
The ABC, when mistakes are made, at least has the grace to broadcast an apology. The shock jocks collectively are not so forthcoming, even when the comments are proven to be blatant lies. But, I hear you say, they generate their own revenue so how can they be punished?
Well, one obvious way would be to insist that Australian content included something other than repeated lifestyle shows and half-century-old repeats, not to mention interminable sport.
The only meaningful drama comes from the Coalition's despised national broadcaster. On another matter, it would not be advisable to promote a jobs and growth slogan from the captain’s call. It would be wise to remember the sword on the shoulder of Prince Philip before proceeding down that road.
D. Palmer, Newnham.
Mowbray Connector
AS an East Tamar resident I'm a regular user of the East Tamar Highway and Mowbray connector.
Until a ministerial decree closed the exit, my usual way home involved going there via Brooks Road and University Way and avoiding the usual snarl at the connector.
It is possible that accidents at the junction between University Way and the East Tamar Highway were the reason for the closure.
It is noticeable that the visibility from University Way is impeded by banking either side and signage which could be a factor in the accidents.
I would suggest that removal of the impediments and re-opening of the exit would provide a useful alternative to those of us who wait, frequently for long periods, trying to go north on leaving the connector.
In finishing I'd like to thank those motorists who stop to allow us to exit.
Mike Adams, Swan Bay.
Teachers
WITH the teachers union wanting more money for their staff, they say that a 3 per cent pay increase will keep the highest quality educators from going interstate.
Has Tasmania got the highest quality educators?
These kids don't need educators, they need teachers with ability and compassion.
I see where nurses are claiming similar wants. Can anybody tell me if there is an election in the air in Tasmania?
The unions always call foul when a Labor seat is in the mix of an election .
It always seems to happen under a Liberal Government.
And funnily enough around an election.
Steve Rogers, South Launceston.
Tourism in Tasmania
AS A tourist I adore Tasmania's unspoilt, clean, natural scenery.
No massive resorts or hotels.
If you need more tourist revenue, charge us tourists a $100 airport levy, hike up tourist prices, do a tourist/resident tier fee to parks, etc.
Don't destroy or pollute the scenery to accommodate us.
Keep the virgin scenery virgin.
T. Burrows, Launceston.