A quick word

David Seymour and his Act party are standing up to this madness, but a strong and united political Opposition is now imperative. The National Party must regain its mojo before it is too late. Bruce Anderson, Christchurch.

Thank you for publishing Bruce Cotterill’s thoughtful articles each Saturday. I’m surprised the Government allows you to.

Dr M. B. Spencer, Remuera.

Controlling house prices by means of tax simply does not work. All taxes force increased costs on all New Zealanders. Michael Walker, Blockhouse Bay.

If there was a will, the Government could safely and timely reunite migrants’ families in NZ. In years to come this will fall under the umbrella of racist immigration policies akin to the ones Chinese miners faced in the 1900s.

Claudia Barthlen, Kerikeri.

At what cost the quest for space amongst the world’s richest men? If they wish to pursue this dream at the expense of our fragile earth, the minimum charge should be US$1m per ton of CO2.

Steve Lincoln, Botany Downs.

As somebody who grew up in the Ponsonby of the 1950s and 1960s, I am delighted to see (Weekend Herald, July 17) the suburb portrayed as an epitome of respectability and social conscience. Kia Kaha, Emmerson.

Chris Kiwi, Mt Albert.

Aotearoa is my freedom, its beauty and nature; Roughan (Weekend Herald, July 17) describes it as his “sanatorium”. Escaping at any cost to others is not his right. Steve Russell, Hillcrest.

In both Canvas articles (Weekend Herald, July 17), the onus for educating teenage boys in responsible behaviour is dumped firmly on the school systems. Where are the parents in this? Phil Parker, Pt Chevalier.

It is well past time that store-keepers are allowed to be armed and to protect themselves and their property against the cowardly thugs that seem to strike with impunity on a daily basis. Graham Steenson, Whakatane.

Meth usage is probably the major cause of all crime in New Zealand. If one thinks that the socalled “War on Drugs” was lost, just wait and see what the future brings. Neville Cameron, Coromandel.

It is not time to arm the police force, it is time to disarm the public. Make guns illegal in New Zealand.

John Deyell, Ellerslie.

The back page crossword (NZ Herald, July 21) clue for 10 Across: Exploiter, 9 letters. Answer: Developer. Anyone still have trouble understanding the housing shortage?

Phil Chitty, Albany

Can someone please tell me what Oly Whites are? Is it a new detergent, or toothpaste maybe? Diane Jones, O¯ mokoroa.