I see that there has been a private member's Bill drawn out that proposes a public holiday to celebrate the middle of winter, referred to by its Maori name of Matariki, a beautiful word.
Now, this is a great opportunity for the whole country and I hope that they grab the chance.
Most of our celebrations occur at warm times of the year - Christmas, New Year, Waitangi Day, Easter - when we do not particularly need cheering up and certainly do not need huge cooked meals.
There is nothing in the middle of winter to brighten up the generally depressive weather and definitely depressive population.
The northern hemisphere has got it right.
Now, what I would like to suggest is that we take it one step further, ban Guy Fawkes and take the period of Matariki as our time for fireworks.
This will have many advantages, not the least of which will be bonfires at 5pm-6pm (kids in bed by 8), no accidental grass fires and the chance to congregate around a nice warm fire.
What a beautiful way to welcome back the sun.
Although it is a Maori Party Bill and Matariki is an appropriate name, I see it as a universal celebration for the whole country to enjoy together, a wonderfully wild and wacky way to warm up our spirits with bonfires and hot wine.
Bob L. deBerry
Cambrian
This week's winner, Bob L. deBerry, of Cambrian, receives a copy of Lynley Hood's Who is Sylvia? The Diary of a Biography of Sylvia Ashton-Warner, Longacre Press, $29.99.
