Age at the top

Press, 26 October 1984, Page 16

Age at the top

Sir,—The world is run by geriatrics. This jibe is too close to truth for comfort. A few of the countries on a long list are the two superpowers, China, India, Sri Lanka, Iran and up to July, New Zealand. The Australiaan Television Channel 9 panel shows that a lot of men set in their ways occupy high places to make life difficult for Prime Minister Hawke. That line-up made the Sydenham member of Parliament, Mr Anderton, look like a boy waiting to be put down, and New Zealand with him. Now we celebrate many centenaries, we need to remember past decades showed more vision than we have of late or there would not be much to celebrate. Much done in recent years has not even been consistent. A fuss about treaties to protect our shores hardly matches the folly of siting “Think Big” projects in a handy coastal position. There they can be easily put out of business without an enemy bothering to land. Yet those responsible are loudest in opposing alternatives. We badly need a new look.—Yours, etc., S. M. COATES. October 23, 1984.