A quick word

Big announcement this week. Eighty million (at least) to be spent doing repairs and new work for Counties Manukau District Health Board. Part of the deal for the contractors and subcontractors is to train some apprentices. Hugh Chapman, Hingaia.

The use of percentages in claiming an increase in usage of cycleways is misleading. If one user increases to two it’s a 100 per cent increase. Reg Briggs, Papakura.

As a senior officer in Internal Affairs, I would often walk over to Parliament Buildings at the request of an MP to discuss a constituency matter. Marilyn Waring was the only member who took the trouble to come to my office. Mike Jarman,

One Tree Hill.

I notice crime/law is the main worry of 18 per cent and drug and alcohol abuse is also 18 per cent. Given that they are related it means together they are our second biggest worry. Adrian Wilson, Northcote.

Two gentlemen have written recently of their concerns about fishing torpedoes. A visit to a beach to watch them in action could release their concerns. Adverts are adverts.

Don Anderson, Rothesay Bay.

John Tamihere's "order" that Stuart Nash apologise for criticising Assistant Commisioner Wally Haumaha is disgraceful. Nash made the correct decision, JT shows a reprehensible one-sidedness Andrew Parsons, Orakei.

How quaint Rob Lloyd of Wales Online names only one All Black in his World Rugby XV team. We could ignore this but that would be a grave mistake.

Glenn Forsyth, Taupo.

To Kate Jurow, the American whose husband was killed by a tourist bus in New Zealand, my heartfelt apologies. I understand her frustration when she complains that the bus company was let off with a slap on the wrist.

R. Williams, Kohimarama.

Robin Johnson suggests “developing truly bilingual” Pasifika children in New Zealand is a government responsibility. In most countries it is the norm for children to learn their parents' language at home.

W. D. Howard, Pakuranga.

A recidivist has about 15 drink driving convictions, some resulting in loss of life, and after being caught again is given four months home detention. What does it take before a deterrent sentence is handed down?

Paul Beck, West Harbour.

Simon Bridges moans that taxes are pricing people out of their cars. Had National done the job it was elected to do, lead, we would have been reducing our dependence on fossil fuels years ago.

Dennis N Horne, Howick.