I WRITE in response to the article Friction Over Road Name (News, 15 December).
I made my original comments about the pronunciation of Ernst Wanke Road with the best of intentions, so I am sorry that I have upset some of Mr Wanke’s descendants.
I have long been interested in local history and have read many accounts of the settlement in the 1850s of Harkaway and Narre Warren North. Two of those accounts refer specifically to the Lutheran pronunciation of Wanke (Vonka) and about a year ago there was an article about Ernst Wanke and his descendants in a Star News Group paper, which also suggested the pronunciation I referred to.
Other discussions I have had with local history buffs have reflected the same pronunciation, and it hasn’t been challenged in discussion until now. I would be keen to talk to more people who have a genuine knowledge of the pronunciation. At the very least, two history books need to be updated to reflect that Wankee is the pronunciation, according to a number of descendants. With some discussion perhaps we can identify whether Vonka should have appeared in those books at all.
Ben Clissold,
Narre Warren South.
IN response to Alex Micheli’s remarks regarding my article (News, 15 December).
The area of concern is owned by the City of Casey, therefore it is responsible for the litter not ending up in the creek and wetlands (under the control of Melbourne Water).
I rang the City of Casey three times over a month regarding this matter. Why no response from a council officer? Why did it take a response from them after the article in the News?
The area was slashed about a fortnight ago. The contractor did not pick up rubbish, just slashed over the reserve; litter in thousands of pieces waiting for the right wind to blow into stormwater drains or into the wetlands and creek. I have only seen a team of two pick up rubbish in the area once in three years, as I am in the area twice a day on most weekdays.
Mr Micheli’s remarks of the odd chip packet is beyond belief. I suggest he visit the area, to see how this litter is impacting on a fragile wetlands area in Narre Warren South.
Phil Hughes,
Friends of Rivergum
Creek Reserve.
Another era
I READ with great interest the response by Simon Klaver titled Casey Whingers (News, 14 December). The question I pose to Mr Klaver is: why doesn’t he disclose his true political allegiances?
Considering the previous Kennett Government spent an embarrassing amount in Casey to the tune of $2 million over five years on roads, compared with the Bracks Government which has spent an astonishing amount of $250 million since being in office, and continues to spend.
It seems that the Liberal Party remains ideologically caught by the Kennett syndrome, not having learned its lesson, of ‘neglecting the outer suburbs’.
May I inform Mr Klaver the expenditure to date on road infrastructure by the Bracks Government is as follows: Narre Warren North $107.5m; Narre Warren South $57.5m; Cranbourne $45.8million.
Noting that this does not include other funding, which has been received by Casey for further infrastructure works.
Luke Donnellan,
Narre Warren North MP.
A better way
THE recent events in Cronulla, being painted as they are with a broad brush of religious conflict, must be roundly condemned by all of us who claim to be followers of Christ.
We have in this country a long tradition of accepting differences, based in part on the biblical mandate to love our neighbour as ourselves.
To condemn violence, whatever group perpetrates it, is easy, but to unearth the true root causes and then address them in realistic and compassionate ways takes more than a superficial response. Indeed, a response not just from government but from ordinary Australians, old and new, who value the principles of a “fair go” and “mateship”.
As pastors and ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the City of Casey, we are saddened by the violence and tension in several Sydney suburbs, and by those who work to stir up bitterness, hatred and revenge.
It would be disappointing if the only response was a heightened police presence and tougher laws.
The only cure for the violence, hatred and intolerance in our world, is for the created to turn back to the Creator, and to recognise their responsibilities and accountability to him.
Pastor Rob Ward,
For the Casey Pastors Network.
Blinded by lights
IN response to the article Conflict of Interest Claim (Thursday 15 December) I am disgusted to hear that the deputy mayor is seemingly again thinking of himself before the needs of the local community.
Could we surmise that instead of ensuring the grant for lights for the Strathaird Reserve was successful that Cr Wilson, when taking the issue in camera, may have possibly thwarted the outcome?
Had this grant been successful Mr Bell would have finally received payment for the lights he constructed by request of Cr Wilson. I struggle to comprehend why Cr Wilson would not want Mr Bell paid for the error that he himself made. Perhaps it’s not this fact that deterred Cr Wilson from supporting this motion.
Could it be simply that he has an obsession with undermining the Narre South Lions Junior Football Club? Surely the 120-plus children who needed the lights to have night training should have been a consideration, as should the survival of the business owned by Mr Bell.
Samantha Petersen,
Narre Warren South.
About the kids
I AM writing in response to the article Conflict of Interest Claim (News, 15 December).
Here we go again. Rob Wilson being caught doing stupid things.
What is he hiding, holding a government grants meeting in camera?
Why is he so determined to see the demise of our junior footy club?
It’s all about the kids, not Cr Wilson and his cronies!
Mark Johnson,
Narre Warren South.
