Letters to the Editor - 2, 4 December 2004

Source: Waikato Times print edition

Thursday, 2 December 2004

Hidden riff raff?

Congratulations to Mark Servian and all those involved with the Riff Raff statue. It really is great to see Hamilton celebrating and valuing its tall poppies.

However, the placement of the statue at the extreme right of the site is disappointing. Why not place it boldly, right on the roadside where people can't help but see it, or centre stage, further down in the garden area? As it is, it's a balancing act with the public toilets, tucked unobtrusively into the opposite corner. This statue was made to be viewed from all sides.

Honestly Hamilton, this looks like a bit of cringe to me. If you've got good stuff, be proud and flaunt it.

ALISON GRAY
Hamilton

Saturday, 4 December 2004

Jump to the left

I am writing while wallowing in the warm satisfaction of my inaugural visit to your city.

I discovered excellent street-side cafes, friendly, articulate people and, of course, a divine expression of community-based art. Okay, so maybe this is not news to you. But I mistakenly thought Hamilton was pretty much Fonterra, rugby and roses.

The street theatre in Victoria St on Friday, November 26, and the unveiling of that truly beautiful bronze statue were pure delight. Please thank all the clever people involved in getting that together. They did a fabulous job.

If someone asks me where Hamilton is on the arts and culture map of Aotearoa, I shall reply: "Why, it's just a jump to the left."

FIONA CALDERWOOD
Wellington