What’s happening to our tasty green-lipped mussels?

What is happening to our fresh NZ green lipped mussels?

They are no longer the white, creamy fresh mussels we once bought from our supermarkets two years ago. And at half the price per kilo.

Today they have become tiny, transparent and unappetising when shelled. Not a good look at all. Shame! Have they become like all our other shellfish — over farmed with the fishing companies sending top grade (if any) off shore and leaving us with the overpriced and under-nourished species we get today. They would be better left in the ocean to grow and mature.

My solution is the NZ green lipped mussels should have rules and regulations about size and take, just like the NZ paua and kina.

No reira Bessie Manaena (Mrs) Hastings

Fireworks events

I grew up in Havelock North in the 1950s and well remember the 5th of Novembers.

The following headlines from today’s Hawkes Bay Today tell me that, unlike here in Australia, New Zealand has continued the tradition!

Viz: “Guy Fawkes fireworks chaos: Scrub fires and pets attacked”. “56 fireworks-related callouts: How to keep pets safe tonight.”

Cracker nights (and the sale of fireworks to the general public) in most states on this side of the ditch were outlawed decades ago and have been replaced by professionally organised large-scale events, such as shows, and the New Year’s Eve displays.

Given the inevitable consequences of allowing even a limited access to fireworks by the general public, have any attempts been made in New Zealand to limit the use of fireworks to appropriately qualified operators?

Jim Ellis Armidale NSW, Australia

Defaced again

Oh no.

The eastern face of Te Mata Peak has been defaced again. All black this time.

Better break out the white suits, organise a march, have some meetings, jump up and down.

I am sure some geckoes, skinks and a few rare snails got wiped out in this one, very tragic.

I will bet my bottom dollar not a word will be said or an eyebrow raised. Funny that. Chris Mackrell Havelock North

Bonfire Night

Sorry, Roger Moroney, you are wrong.

Bonfire Night is not a celebration of the attempt to blow up Parliament; it is a celebration of the failure of that attempt.

When the news of the arrest of the plotters spread across Britain, people lit bonfires to celebrate their escape.

That is why Guy Fawkes is burned in effigy; he represents the conspirators, the bad guys.

We don't burn heroes.

He is a “star” only in the way Idi Amin and Pol Pot are stars — remembered for their infamy, at least to those who know their history.

Judy Lewis Havelock North