TO THE POINT

Congratulations to the Aitchisons for their successful fight against Wellington City Council (Fence decision brings relief but no celebrations, October 2). Perhaps the well-paid experts on the council staff would care to start a Givealittle fund towards the Aitchisons’ retirement fund. By the way, are these the same experts who would run a super-city? PATRICIA PRICE, Carterton A friend failed their $86 final practical driver’s test because, while having a second shot at parallel parking, they failed to indicate the turn on the second occasion. With the number of drivers who have not sat a test at all, let alone in New Zealand, it seems pernickety and perhaps a gravy train for those conducting practical drivers’ licence tests. CAROLE NAYLOR, Papakowhai National domestic abuse charity Shine says cruelty in the home is escalating. This is to be expected. Dysfunctional males no longer drink in pubs, but buy cheap alcohol at supermarkets and drink at home. It appears the only solution is to restrict access to aggression-promoting alcohol and decriminalise a safer recreational drug. ALLAN KIRK, Masterton David Carter (Points, October 2) says philosopher Pascal suggested if you decided that God did not exist, you should take out a side bet that he does – just in case. Similarly philosopher Camus said he would rather live as if there is a God and die to find out there isn’t, than live as if there isn’t and to die to find out that there is. MERRILYN LANDER, Broadmeadows New Zealand must protest at the unprincipled intervention by the Russians in the Middle East in support of a repressive regime to meet their own needs and with no concern about the deaths of thousands of innocent people. NORMAN SMITH, Houghton Valley