Dave Kennedy, march organiser would have been delighted by the weather and the number of people that turned out to enjoy an afternoon in the sun, marching through the streets of Invercargill. There was not a lot of chanting and shouting but there were placards as far as the eye could see and lots of conversations as the crowd wound its way along Nith and Kelvin, down Don, up Dee and finally to rally at Wachner Place for the speechifying. Had it been a weekday, shoppers would have stopped in their purchasing tracks and marvelled, I reckon. As it was, the Saturday crowd (light, interested) seemed to enjoy the parade, even joining in and enjoying the experience of walking for something they believed in.
Kevin Hague had first go at speaking and gave a tight history of Schedule 4 land and the Greens' role in establishing that. Bonnie Soper, of Shortland Street fame, spoke in detail about the issue and showed that she has research skills to augment her acting ability. Leslie Soper flew the Red flag and put it to the National Government. I tidied up at the end and was well rewarded by the crowd, for the combined efforts of all four speakers. It was a very good and encouraging day for all of us; marchers, speakers, organisers and observers.
Ya shoulda been there!
7 comments:
That's not exactly your speech is it, Robert? And Bonnie Soper of Shortland St fame? Jesus.
Paddy! You're right, that's a report, not a speech, good spotting!
Try the post before. Use your scrollin' wheel or 'down' arrow.
As to Bonnie, your comparing her to Jesus is very high praise indeed, though realistically, I'd describe her as a minor New Zealand celebrity. Are you one of those who feel that celebrity brings credibility to an issue?
I'd have thought you would eschew that sort of thing - the 'Michael Jones' effect, I as I call it.
Evelyn Beatrice Hall’s famous saying covers my thoughts, sirs.
If it's this one you mean (and I'm sure it is),
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
then I thank you for your tolerance!
You support the erosion of the protections on Schedule 4 land then? I'm surprised!
Indeed! (I am not sure she said anything else of note!).
I favour private ownership of all land & assets, however. These things are far too important to be left in the hands of any government or some 'commons'.
I'm a commons man myself, though not in the form it has taken thus far, or at least not in the way it has been portrayed as operating.
Big on shared reponsibility, me.
Who will fix the pothole in the road outside of my land? Me. Some guidance and encouragement from a roading authority would be a great help, but there's no need for them to break out their shovels - they've better things to do.
We are fortunate to have conscientious citizens like you in our midst, Robert.
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