* Can't believe guilty decision re dog in well fenced property. This can no way be compared to a loose dog rushing out and attacking someone. Much sympathy to the Hughes family.
* Worst case of so called justice I have ever seen. Poor guy, poor dog. Justice for whom? We may as well open our doors and gates to one and all! God save us all, HBDC certainly wont!
* I had to wait over an hour before I text as this entire debacle makes my blood boil. It is outrageous that this family has had to endure this appalling travesty! The gate is set off the road! Why was his hand near the bottom of the gate! Why is the so called victim not being charged with harassment of this dog? I hope the new trial sheds light but will do nothing to bring Franklin back - my heartfelt thoughts go to the family!
* Des Hughes you have done everything right. If only your dog had a voice and we could have his side of the story you might have had a different outcome.
* To Des owner of Franklin the Lab: I'm so sorry Franklin was put down, he did nothing wrong! He was protecting his property, how many times do people have to be told, don't approach a dog that you are unfamiliar with! Des my heart goes out to you. It's the people that need to be better educated. The mind boggles.
EDITOR'S NOTE: There has been an out pouring of support for the Hughers family through texts and letters to the editor. However we have had to edit the comments because of personal attacks on the judge, who has to decide on the prosecution brought before him according to the law.
E Jones's letter
* Re E Jones letter: Well done. You've certainly nailed it! Support you whole heartedly. Signed "Another p...d off hard working law- abiding tax payer".
* I completely agree with E Jones letter re: John Gillies. I too work my butt off to make ends meet. Crims get everything handed on a platter and his victims still suffer!
* Brilliant letter from E Jones! These thugs don't deserve a cent from us people. It's a disgrace and deeply insulting to all of us who work hard to earn a living.
* E Jones letter about John Gillies: Well said! Please let us no if you get anything from him. Don't hold your breath waiting.
* E Jones, I absolutely loved your letter about Gillies. Why on earth was he awarded so much money? How many people has he bashed, in jail and out, were they awarded any compensation, was the police officer? What a total farce. JHW
Other thoughts
* What if teens refuse contraception? Then what? Threaten to cut off their benefits? Wat a waste of tax payers money.
* One has to wonder why such negativity against the show GC? Get a life haters finally seeing young NZ Maori doing good is a positive. Watch Coro if it's not yourr taste J.M (middle age pakeha women)
* I had been looking forward to watching Masterchef Masterclass TV1 on Saturdays but have been disappointed. Because its sponsored by a large supermarket chain, I would have thought it would be designed to give viewers good ideas and to encourage them to buy products used in the recipes. However, I'm left wondering just who their viewers are aimed at. The average family can barely afford to put meat and two veg on the table let alone the expensive ingredients served up each week. Perhaps it's time the chefs took a reality check.
* Good story Roger - I remember my only strapping in 1950 for not spelling British with a capital B! I was 8 or 9 years old . JL
* Microwaved food is nuked food. It destroys all the nutrients and can cause stomach upsets. The Napier port was once supplied by a rail system which has now been almost shut down. There was no need for as many trucks as there is today going to the port. Gisborne to Napier rail system asking for four million to help it get up and running which will help lighten traffic use and be more sustainable for the future. My question is which provides more money to the government, rail or road? From what I have read in the paper the government also supports amalgamation and fracking in Hawke's Bay. Makes me think.
* Re trucks rule. So you want to shift the problem away from you to someone else - great. Why not wipe them out al together and the trains and the planes and the ships. That will solve al the noise problems. The end. GIB
