Land and ownership

Journalist Simon Winchester rightly sees a profound change ahead for land ownership (“Grounds for conflict”, May 1). I agree, given that exclusive private ownership of land in Aotearoa is a myth, with rates having to be paid to a regional controller and, if necessary, the state claiming land under the Public Works Act.

I’ve long advocated that all land should be state owned and leasehold rights only bought and sold.

Brian Turner

(Christchurch)

Humans are not alone in caring about who “owns” which bit of land. Fans of Sir David Attenborough will know that contest within species over territory, because of the resources it contains, is not uncommon. Even the blackbird singing prettily in your garden is actually telling its neighbours, “This bit of the world belongs to me.”

Territoriality is a deep-seated instinct in all people and resolving conflict is seldom simple. I’d like to think, though, we could all agree that any form of aggression is among the worst methods. It is possible for human wit to find better solutions.

Martin Green

(Whangārei)

CANCELLED WRITERS

I’ve just finished reading “Off the guest list”(May 1), which tells of the Featherston Booktown event joining Club Cancel. I’d like to advise that next year, the Cancelled