Farmer’s T-shirt
‘‘Thief pulls knife on farmer’’ grabs attention in the page one lead story telling of the bravery of Arnold Reekers in confronting thieves on his Ohaupo farm (Waikato Times, September 8). Also grabbing attention is the T-shirt Reekers wears, which is sufficiently enlarged to deliver the message, ‘‘Hey vegetarians, my food craps on your food.’’
What’s that all about? Subtle humour or simply crass? Why convey this message in a story about robbery and why does the Waikato Times give the picture such prominence? Reekers, and others who empathise with his message, may care to reflect on a couple of relevant associated issues. One, obesity is a major health concern in New Zealand today; few, if any, vegetarians are obese. Two, in a world with rapid population growth (forecast to reach 9 billion by 2050, from the current 7 billion) food supply will become critical. To produce a given amount of protein or carbohydrate, meat requires up to 10 times the amount of resources (mainly water and land) as nonmeat foods.
David Coy
Hamilton
Editor’s note: Just as we don’t tell people what to say when we interview them, we don’t tell them what to wear when we photograph them, barring obscenities on both counts. Chartwell, they offer two for $40. ‘‘No,’’ I explained, ‘‘I only want one.’’ ‘‘Then that will cost $26.’’
Sorry, Countdown, I’m not here to be inveigled into lifting your product turnover.
The last time I complained to this supermarket’s head office was two years ago, about the cost saving inconvenience of never having the express lanes manned by anyone. (They weren’t today, or any other time I’ve been there.) My email then, to the Auckland hierarchy and the local boss cocky, had both responding in handwringing excuse and promise, of reasons and improvements. Nothing’s changed. The local staff are great – more than the owners deserve.
I will not shop there again until I’m not forced to buy more than I want or else be penalised for buying the amount that I, with logical reason, came in for.
Terry Harris
Mangawhai