The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters and comments from readers. Below you can read the letters we have published in your newspaper today.
TODAY'S LETTERS:
Black day as shooters get kicks from killing
I had the displeasure of being up close to the shooters who gathered for the black swan cull in Tauranga Harbour recently.
They gathered in camouflage gear, excited and pleasured by the thrill they would soon achieve from this murderous act.
Boats herded the swans towards lines of shooters waiting to blast these magnificent birds from the sky. I was mortified by the laughter and shouts of glee from these people when another bird plummeted into the water, some not dying immediately but drowning at my feet.
These monogamous, vegetarian birds are much maligned. Fish & Game's website states "the silt run-off kills plant life in local waters" this could also account for the flounder shortage. As for fouling the harbour - it is tidal.
I am not suggesting poisoning but there must be a more humane way of controlling the swan numbers, if research (not yet forthcoming) proves they need to be.
Why do some people get their kicks from killing? If you care, do something to stop this primitive cull and show some Kiwis do have compassion.
Phil McKernon, Katikati
Phone hang-up
I want to say thank you to my friends who came to my aid regarding an Auckland telephone company trying to get me to swap to them from Telecom (Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, May 21).
Firstly let me say even though the company are saying I agreed by recording a conversation between me and them and telling me I'd have to pay if I changed my mind to reconnect ($115) when they played it back I couldn't hear or understand it.
Myself and Mrs Floydd went to the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend and police to make my situation public and I want say thank you to the reporter for doing such a good job, the Greerton constable for her precious time and Age Concern for pressing it home to us members. Age Concern do heaps for us and thank you.
Finally to these reps - whom I know have to make a living (listen to Jo Public) out here, don't target the elderly (over-80s) after 5pm. I understand but slow down, talk plainly. This is the most upsetting time I've ever experienced and the receiver will be slammed in your ears in future.
And to all my friends, all the Telecom staff I did appreciate your patience and help, not forgetting Age Concern who do so much for us and making it public.
Claire Acott, Tauranga
Unsafe, deadly
About 10 years ago New Zealand had the opportunity to have done something about this breed of dog while the population of this breed was relatively small.
However, like many important issues nothing was done about it and today we are suffering the effects of those who sat on backsides and did nothing.
I feel that all owners of pitbulls and cross-breeds should be made to have their dogs either put down or neutered immediately. Failure to do this should incur a large fine and if they still fail to have this done then perhaps they are the ones that should be put down as it is obvious that they have no respect for their fellow New Zealanders, in particular our children.
I am concerned these dogs are similar to someone walking around with a loaded rifle with the safety catch off. You never know when it could go off.
Gordon Bruce, Hairini
Bay men abroad
I read with interest (bayofplentytimes.co.nz) the recent article re Bay of Plenty rugby talent in Europe.
While visiting England in January I caught up with some ex-BOP players, playing for the Worcester Warriors Rugby Club - Aleki Lutui and his propping mate Tevita Tumoepeou, Greg Rawlinson, and Dale Rasmussen. Not all of them played in the game that I saw.
In the second half a familiar figure rumbled on to the field - Paul Tupai who played for the visiting team. Aleki is still taking it straight up and is a crowd favourite. It was great to enjoy the company of some Bay men abroad. Worcester were in contention for the Premier League and have since gained promotion.
While professional players might seem to last longer in England, the game I saw was of ITM Cup level and it was an entertaining spectacle.
Graeme Moore, Calama, Chile
Text Views
* I think that what that dog did was absolutely unacceptable, but I believe the dog should not be put down.
* OMG that poor woman who was attacked by pitbull. Dog just acting on instinct.
* Re dog attack i hope this dog is to be destroyed or has been destroyed already. The police should have destroyed the dog immediately. Disgusting. Mike.
* i thnk it was awful wot hapend to liz smith, being a animal lover i believe alot has to do with how a dog is raisd, being a pupy or nt.
* Re. 3 Mayors talk. God i wish i chose 2 b a consultant. Writin 90 page reports no one reads or act on 4 xorbitant fees has a certain apeal
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