Letters to Editor: Sorry to say we told you so

Sorry to say we told you so ....

When the Hastings District Council and the Heretaunga St retailers agreed to a large format retail area in Nelson Park it was obvious that this would split the shopping sector in Hastings into two separate parts.

It was only a matter of time before the Australian-owned company who now own the new large format area off Karamu Rd, would want smaller shops, especially in an economic downturn.

This company has enough financial clout to continue legal proceedings, claiming restraint of trade, so that small shops will become part of the area.

There were many people at the time of the discussion of the sale of Nelson Park that foresaw this would happen; they are now in a very strong position to say we told you so!

If people cannot foresee a decline in the main retail area when some new area is suggested - what hope have we of estimating the ecological disasters which may happen in the future?Joyce Patonsecretary, Citizens WatchCorps a creditRecently, I was privileged to attend the Annual Prizegiving at my old No11 Squadron Air Training Corps, Hastings, where over 50 young men and women cadets, together with their parents and friends, were able to see what these people had achieved throughout the year.

These cadets were well groomed, smartly dressed in their uniforms, thoroughly drilled, and were a credit to their unit "Esprit de Corps".

The Air Training Corps is supported by voluntary officers and instructors, a Parents Support committee, and a Charitable Trust which has raised over $170,000 towards providing a new Drill Hall at Bridge Pa aerodrome.

Awards for excellence were presented for the efforts in all categories .

The cadets are trained in all sections of the Service, weapons, navigation, flight training, general excellence, etc, and gain promotion with responsibilities, for their dedication, which will help them tremendously if, or when, they choose to join our Armed Forces.

These people need support.Gordon Vogtherr, ex No11 Squadron Havelock North.