Racehorses loved

WELL said, Barry O’Farrell (Letters, November 6). These beautiful animals are loved and cared for by everyone from their owners to the strappers, who probably spend more time with them than any other person. Once retired, a new group then takes over their love and care.

Broke my heart

JENNY Moxham’s compassionate article about the racing industry (Talking Point, November 1) truly broke my heart. I feel so sorry for the beautiful, intelligent horses whose lives are blighted and ended to feed the rapacious gambling fraternity. were gathered in and animals brought back from summer pasture to shelter over winter, and a bonfire could clear up any accumulated rubbish. The Scottish kirk saw it as a life lesson and part of Celtic heritage. “Trick or treat” is an American idea. In Scotland, any child “guising” had to present a poem, a song, dance or other item before receiving a reward. and thousands of kilometres of pipes. It happens constantly in every state. The next time minister Gutwein talks about the need to take over TasWater, can someone ask: “If you take over TasWater are you guaranteeing the people of Risdon Vale (or any town) that they will never have problems with their water?” The next question: “If you can’t guarantee this, what is the benefit of the takeover?”

Access to ministers

MILLIONAIRE miners and others able to make generous donations have no difficulty accessing ministers. The organisations seeking to improve the lot of the disadvantaged are lucky if they get a token unproductive meeting. Now the Coalition Government wants to prevent charities advocating for government action at the cost of the tax concessions. Quite often a change in government policies is the most beneficial thing that can happen, so why does the Government not want to hear from the people with special insight? Maybe it just couldn’t care less.