Letters, February 2: Suffering for years

Like many others, I was horrified to read of the two recent dog attacks on small children. The dogs can be destroyed after the event, but this does nothing to help the children or their families to deal with the resulting trauma, disfigurement, pain and suffering which will be with them for years to come.

And what sort of reassurance do we get from the Minister of Local Government, Rodney Hide, that similar attacks won't be repeated at regular intervals?

He plans a major review of dog laws next year.

He admits that existing laws are in a shambles, but clearly sees no urgency in dealing with the matter.

Unfortunately, this is typical of our Government: when a problem arises, make comforting noises, assume a gormless grin and assure the public that something will (probably) be done about it – one day. It's not good enough.

JOHN NEAVE

Hamilton

 

City roundabouts

I travel about Hamilton daily and I have noticed the approaches to a number of roundabouts, are a disaster waiting to happen.

Overgrown vegetation that is encouraged to grow right up to and including the roundabout itself, is a serious visual hazard to vehicles, entering the roundabout.

What is the point having central reservations covered in high plants or flowers, right up to a roundabout?

This makes approaching vehicles slow up to a relative crawl, to be able to see traffic movement within.

If motorists could "see through the roundabout", then their judgment would surely be enhanced, which would help traffic flow at peak times especially.

Vehicles already in the roundabout are often obscured until they are upon you, in some cases.

Some roundabouts are completely covered in flowers, plants and trees, making it impossible to see vehicle signals, judge speeds and even see some smaller vehicles until they are upon you. Roundabouts at the end of Discovery Dr and Te Aroha St, Hamilton East, are particularly "hazardous".

It's about time prettying up roadways gave way to common sense traffic flow and safety and this mass clutter was removed.

RAYMOND O'CONNOR

Hamilton

 

Loyalty card

Living in the United Kingdom most people have a preference to which supermarket they use and as it happened ours was Tesco's.

We had a loyalty card for any purchases we made – 10 spent gave you one point and every three months you would receive your cash vouchers, which were valid for three years.

So when Countdown came out with their "Onecard" we were quite pleased, one point for each $10 spent – after $2000 a $15 cashback.

I went on to the internet to check my points and I had 156 at that time. After a while and no cashback I checked again, and I now had 91 points.

I made inquiries on their website and found the goalposts had been moved, and that the time period for accumulating the said points had changed from 12 months to six months.

When I inquired as to the reason why I was told in their view it was a better option for everybody all round (excuse me, I can't get my head round that one).

When I explained that we couldn't reach the spending target ($80 per week to reach a $2000 spending), they suggested that if I used online shopping I could accumulate more points and so reach the target. (Abridged)

MICK JONES

Hamilton

 

Country hicks

One of the core components in the new school curriculum is the concept of citizenship.

As teachers, we endeavour to teach children what being a good and responsible citizen is.

Part of being a good citizen is making some sacrifices for the greater good of the community of which you are a part.

It seems to me that allowing Transpower on to your land occasionally to maintain and repair power lines to secure power supply for others, is not a major sacrifice.

The antics of Waikato farmer Steve Meier with his tantrum on television and his ridiculous comment "see what I have to go through so Aucklanders can have a cup of tea" (Waikato Times, January 26) shows he is clearly not a responsible citizen.

I often have to defend the Waikato when talking to Aucklanders, many of whom already think the area is full of ignorant country hicks with no regard for the rest of New Zealand.

I, for once, am going to have to find myself taking their side. If Mr Meier cannot be a responsible citizen, then it would be best if he just goes away.

ED ROGGEVEEN

Huntly

 

Rail line repair

I have read several articles lately that this Government and KiwiRail are considering not repairing the railway line on the Okahukura line where there was a derailment not so long ago.

Surely this is a backward step to even think of not repairing the line?

What would happen if the main trunk line was closed for a considerable time?

For only $400,000 this line could be repaired (which is peanuts really).

It's a very valuable asset.

To use this line for increasing freight tonnage would improve the income which would soon pay for the repairs.

This Government can find millions of dollars for roads but when it is considering rail: "Oh, no way".

Maybe in election year they will re think if the voters want the rail – as they do.

NOEL GREGORY

Hamilton

 

Reunion

Burnside High School is the second largest secondary school in New Zealand. This Easter it will celebrate its 50th jubilee. Celebrations will be held from Thursday, April 1, to Sunday, April 4.

Contact has been made with well-known ex pupils like Rob Fyfe and John Key but the dedicated committee does not have the resources to contact the other 20,000 plus pupils and staff who have been associated with the school over the past 50 years.

We extend an open invitation to all past Burnside pupils and staff to join us this Easter for a fun-filled weekend. For information, visit the website:

jubilee.burnside.school.nz (note no www).

SANDRA SIDAWAY

Christchurch

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