OFF THE BEAT

More than 20 years after their tragic separation, two lovers finally tied the knot -- albeit only in spirit -- in a posthumous marriage in Changhua County, Chinese-language media reported yesterday.

The woman, surnamed Tsai (蔡), was pregnant with her boyfriend's child when she committed suicide 20 years ago after the man's parents vehemently opposed their marriage.

Her boyfriend, surnamed Chang (張), was a neighbor of Tsai's and four years younger than her.

Tsai's sisters said that over the past 20 years they had often "seen" their sister coming home for a reunion and telling them of her wish to get married.

Now, 20 years after her death, the Chang finally underwent the long delayed wedding in a posthumous marriage. He did this even though he has long been married to a woman his family agreed to.

Chang's family have also agreed to the betrothal of souls after moral exhortation by a Buddhist elder at the Falin Temple (法林禪肆), where Tsai's remains are kept.

Farm house opinions

Following the dispute over the rules on "farm house" construction, our readers may be wondering where our presidential candidates stand regarding this issue. Chinese-language press produced the following run down on their views:

Lien Chan (連戰) KMT

It is unreasonable to allow farm land to be sold and purchased freely, but not allow any farm house construction on the newly-purchased farm land.

Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) DPP

Farmers should be able to build their own residences on their land.

James Soong (宋楚瑜) Independent

Farm land should be allowed to be bought and sold freely. The government should take care of real farmers and not benefit bogus farmers. The government should also subsidize farmers on designated farm land to protect agriculture, ecology and the farmers.

Hsu Hsin-liang (許信良) Independent

Restricting farm land to agricultural purposes is an outdated idea. It shackles Taiwan's development. Agriculture is not competitive in Taiwan and should not be given additional protection.