Letters to Editor: sale of raw milk

Dopey policy over sale of raw milk

I wish to add my voice loudly to the petition against banning the sale of raw milk.

I grew up on raw milk, often still fresh and warm from the cow.

My family has a long history through three generations of long levity and all their food was homegrown, fresh and apart from home baking, home preserves and homemade butter and meat dishes, were unprocessed.

I strongly object to the Government preventing the people of this country from accessing what is a highly nutritious natural food in its raw state.

All processed and artificially grown foods are damaged in some way, or contaminated by additives, hormones, antibiotics, preservatives and artificial colourings that we wouldn't normally choose to ingest.

The cumulative effects of these products are showing up in the overall general health of the population, especially child cancer and behaviour problems.

The widely Government legislated treatments and so called "nutrient" supplementation of foods is also a denial of basic human rights as the public are being mass dosed with substances most will have adequate provision of in a normal healthy diet.

The natural good of the food is also compromised by the treatment processes. The Government has no right to deprive the public of healthy food choices, nor do they have the right to demand that additives, for example folic acid added to bread, be put in our food. (how many of the population are going to be pregnant compared to those being mass dosed?) Give the people of this country back their right to make responsible decisions for themselves.

Target the sources of the problems - not the public in general.

Diane Charteris, Napier

Name change?

Last Saturday's election results have confirmed how much the political landscape has changed over recent times, including how once-assured allegiances to one party or another, for whatever reasons, can no longer be taken for granted.

While the Labour Party looks to the future and deals with the leadership issue, I believe it would do no harm to also consider a name change.

History is one thing, but the need to continue to identify itself with a word associated with pain and suffering is debatable in the twenty-first century. A name change would be a radical move and will not completely solve the party's problems, but it could go some way towards rejuvenation and realignment.

Perhaps the party should adopt a Maori name, such as Katoa Party, meaning all, or altogether.

Garry Whincop, Napier

Marvellous care

I recently spent time in Hawke's Bay Hospital after having major surgery, and through your column I would like to praise the nursing staff of Ward A4 for the marvellous level of care they provided me. These nurses work under pressure and are deserving of all accolades for their dedication and personal care they give to their patients. A very big thank you.

Trevor Cardno, Ongaonga.