Wider billing issues raised by Meridian changes

PLEASED to learn my power supplier Meridian has dropped the late payment penalty fee.

Those who have another supplier will be waiting for a similar announcement.

This raises the question of another unfair commercial practice — insurance premiums.

If one pays the total year’s charge in one lump sum, the insurance company has the benefit of that sum in advance. But if the customer elects to pay a monthly fixed amount, the customer is penalised by having to pay more than the yearly lump sum.

Also many companies charge an early exit fee and this surely is a nonsense, solely designed to penalise the customer.

It’s commercial confusion aimed at gathering as much revenue as possible. Tony Bradford

Kaikorai Valley

Compassion for Curran

IT was difficult not to feel compassion for Clare Curran.

Yes, she made, and confessed to making, some mistakes, but the opprobrium she received seemed out of all proportion. You would think no other politician has used personal emails for work.

The relentless attention from some members of the Opposition and the media over the past few weeks, and the inevitable stress that caused, was further compounded by the ferocity of many of the journalists’ views.

I know it is the job of the Opposition to hold the Government to account, but surely this does not mean to hound a politician so relentlessly. Hopefully there has also been collegial support for Ms Curran.

Carol SainsburyCowell

Warrington

[Abridged]

Why the long wait?

WHY has it taken over four years to acknowledge the courage of three civilians and possibly two police officers during an Oamaru incident? Mal Parker Andersons Bay DRIVERS failing to turn their headlights on when visibility is poor is a serious issue.

What is a life worth?

Police enforce the speed limits vigorously but don’t seem to see these dangerous drivers.

Of those who do turn their lights on, about half have their parking lights only on. That is illegal but condoned.

On one trip to Dunedin I counted 90 drivers without headlights, 115 with full lights. Returning, when the conditions were even worse, the numbers were reversed but still nearly 50% were driving dangerously.

Also, why don’t we ban car colours which are difficult to see?

K. Bridge

Hampden ..................................

BIBLE READING: God clothes the grass of the field. Will He not much more clothe you? — Matthew 6:30.