No tears will be shed for loss of sycamore trees

I, TOO, was amazed to see protesters campaigning to save sycamore trees in Oamaru.

As S. Hanson points out (letters, 11.3.19), these trees are an invasive weed.

Many years ago, Hampden had an area of land set aside as ‘‘botanic garden’’. After a year or two of no care or maintenance, the garden got to be so overgrown that the thenBorough Council abandoned it and left nature to take its course.

This land today grows very little except for sycamore trees. And the seeds of these trees are growing seedlings in the area wherever they land.

The felled trees in Oamaru can be replaced with a more ecofriendly species — metrosideros, perhaps.

T. Norton

Temuka

Port building

AS a retired ship’s captain, I acknowledge that all of the ships that I served on will one day be sent to a scrapyard and broken into small pieces.

I am not sure that this premise should necessarily apply to iconic buildings like the Waterfront Industry Commission building in Port Chalmers.

I concur with the Maritime Union of New Zealand Port Chalmers branch secretary Phil Adams that it is ‘‘extremely disappointing’’ that the building could not be saved.

Michael Webb

Port Chalmers

Job wanted

FOR a few years, I have been applying for jobs, trying to get into the office/ reception area. I have also studied at polytech to help.

I’ve been told that I’m too old for an office junior, yet I have no experience in this position. Other jobs I’ve applied for are wanting people with at least one or more years’ experience.

I have been told that all I need is experience, but how am I meant to get any experience if noone is willing to hire and train me? Jenny Nicoll

Mosgiel