Re "A collision of old and new" (Monitor editorial, Nov. 16):

I agree that Henry Ladd Sr. should be able to continue to hang deer on his property to age. I strongly agree that the anonymous complaint about this particular practice was certainly a sign of how far New Hampshire has "strayed from its traditional roots." More important, however, I think this event highlights the degradation of community ties within the growing towns and cities of our state.

The fact that an anonymous call had to be made and that the police had to go to Ladd's residence was completely unnecessary. There is no reason that this issue could not have been resolved in a neighbor-to-neighbor discussion. Technological advancement and the continued growth of our towns has allowed for everyday interactions to become impersonal and for people to isolate themselves from the community. This is an unfortunate consequence of development; however, it doesn't have to be this way in New Hampshire. We can get back to our community-oriented roots. We should take time to remember our ties to other people and respect everyone's right to be here.

Especially with the holidays drawing near, I think the controversy should remind people to come together and reform community ties. Be neighborly, be respectful and appreciate the presence of the people in the community around you.

ANNA GAUTHIER

Henniker