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Last Meeting: Colin Fenton
Colin gave a most erudite explanation of the issues involved in the two upcoming referenda.
On the End-of-Life Bill, Colin outlined the Bill, its background, and its safeguards. He argued that there were strong safeguards against its abuse: dementia patients do not qualify, and once a patient makes the request two doctors, preferably including the patient's own family doctor, must agree. On balance Colin is inclined to support the Bill, which will automatically become law if the petition is supported by a majority of voters.
Colin also gave a medical view of the legalisation of cannabis issues, including the importance of the strength of a "dose", the effect on the unformed brain and the dangers if combined with alcohol or epilepsy. He dismissed some of the common arguments given in favour, such as a Cannabis Trail to rival the wine trail, or the "NZ could have another million-dollar export industry" as just silly.
He is concerned that if consuming cannabis becomes legal and normal more and more people, including youngsters, may fall into the trap. There is also the concern that there is presently no effective legal way of telling if a person is under the influence at a particular time as it persists in the body for up to a fortnight. Hence it would show up even if it had been taken a week before the test and no longer posed a danger to work or driving. On balance Colin does not support legalisation.
An enthusiastic and willing group of club members (and partners) spent Sunday morning picking up an assortment of paper, plastic and other items of rubbish lying on the banks of Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River.
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General Notices:
* "Spring into Alice" 19-20th September: Australia's Zone 8 virtual conference, featuring the World President, Holger Knaack, and many more top speakers. To find out more, click HERE.
* IYM Quiz Evening - Thursday 24th September: Innovative Young Minds, in partnership with Rotary Hutt City, they have organised an IYM Quiz night. There is a professional quiz master, food platters, a cash bar and lots of free parking! Start making up a winning team and for more detail, click HERE.
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