Landers should not be linking with beer brand

THE public voted against cannabis reform last year, which expressly forbade any sponsorship or advertising of any kind.

Scientifically, cannabis is inherently safer than alcohol, so imagine the public uproar if, in a different scenario, the Highlanders were to promote marijuana on their shirts.

It seems inconceivable that they have signed up to promote alcohol, a highrisk carcinogen (ODT, 4.2.21).

The alcohol industry has scored really well here as it has extended its reach by associating our young people’s heroes with New Zealand’s most problematic drug.

Sadly, this translates to increasing suicide, addiction, crime and other public health problems.

Alcohol sponsorship in sport is dangerous, and the Highlanders will be no role models when they take the field bearing the Speight’s logo.

Dr Tony Farrell Mount Maunganui

Shipwreck

REGARDING the article ‘‘Long gone silver’’ by Bruce Munro (Weekend Mix, 6.2.21). To put the record straight the wreck of the Tararua is privately owned by myself, William Bullock. I bought it from the Kelly Tarlton Estate in 2002.

Two other shipwrecks in New Zealand are also privately owned. They are the Elingamite on the Three Kings Islands and the Tasmania at Mahia Peninsula.

Anyone altering the seabed or removing items from these wrecks must first get permission from their owners.

William Bullock

Wellington

Punt pic

JUST to let you know the small historical photo of the Tuapeka punt was actually the lower punt in Albert Town (ODT, 9.2.21).

The building on the opposite bank shows the dining room of the former Albert Hotel.

I am not sure when the hotel closed but know for sure it was used as a classroom in 1907.

Your photo (which I have in my collection) says 1930 as a date, which could quite well be true.

Bruce Hebbard

Albert Town