Short & Sweet
On school’s hair policy
If Tony Forster (March 25) takes his argument to its logical conclusion, boys attending Auckland Grammar should be allowed to front up in long flowing robes with bare feet or open sandals because that is what Christ wore.
Susan Oakley, Howick.
On police dog and 12yo
Don’t give me crap about these being children. There’s too many of these “children” doing their utmost to kill another dairy owner.
Lee Thomas, Ponsonby.
On the NRL
Not for about 27 years has every team in the NRL won at least one game by Round 3. It’s such the balance and unpredictability of this competition that makes it a brilliant spectacle. The salary cap does make some sense.
Glenn Forsyth, Taupo.
On the SAS
Question to the proud folk of New Zealand. Who would you rather have watching your back in a dangerous situation or armed conflict, a headline grabbing author, lawyers there for the money, or members of the New Zealand armed forces? Les Rockel, Kerikeri.
On book publicity
Until Nicky Hager has walked in SAS shoes he should not get free publicity for his book. Go to the front line in Afghanistan Mr Hager and then comment.
John Roxburgh, Mission Bay.
On Trump
The new American president seems to be having some difficulties in his new job. Who’s the apprentice now?
Martin Adlington, Browns Bay.
On TPP
The TPP is everything free trade isn’t. Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay.
On light rail
Whatever is the best way of getting people to and from the airport, the proposal for light rail typifies almost every major project in New Zealand — too little and too late. Our political leaders, national and local, lack the balls to make a decision and expedite it promptly. Derek Paterson, Sunnyhills.
On soldiers’ worth
It has been said already but most of us understand the vindictive politically motivated timing of the Hager/Richardson release. I was born in London during WWII and was lucky enough not to be killed along with the millions of innocents in that city and others as well as on the battlefields. This terrible toll on human life is a sad indictment but the inevitability of any wars initiated by religion and greed. Leave our soldiers alone, they are doing a brilliant job for the sake of us all.
Cecilia Forgie, Howick.
On traffic woes
It’s time both the mayor of Auckland and the minister of transport and their collective minions got real as far as Auckland’s traffic woes, particularly the motorways and access to Auckland airport. Stop pontificating, it’s time to introduce toll roads and it’s time to get contractors out there doing it 24/7. Remove the politicians and get the business leaders involved. Ten years for light rail to Auckland Airport is 10 years too long Nigel Bufton, Pauanui.
On punishing troops
New Zealand seems to be suffering from the same complaint as the desk bound warriors in Whitehall who believe that wars are only fought by the armed forces, and if any “innocent” civilians are killed or injured the servicemen responsible must be found and charged as common criminals. They have so far managed to have Sergeant Blackman, a Royal Marine, sent to prison for the murder of a terrorist who was trying to kill him.Is this what we want for our SAS? If approved by the Government, I suggest that it is only on condition that these lawyers and their staff are sent to the war zones to collect evidence. I suspect that most of them would need to take extra underwear with them. Mac Hine, Whangaparaoa.