Text To Editor: 19/03/12

*    Re fracking and judges: Politicians and judges need to do what the ancient Inca did, ie bloodletting to keep them honest. C. Smith, Taradale

*    Congrats to John Kirkpatrick on taking out open Golden Shears award. B Tait Wairoa

*    Have you seen Hastings town clock lately? It's 6 mins fast. Come on HDC, pretty average.

*    Why is WINZ forcing young people into debt by making them complete courses at EIT that will be of zero use to them.

*    Re: Clamping down on beneficiaries: Not all are able bodied and sit on their bums! Unfortunately there are those who are and spoil it for the likes of those who hate being on the benefit and bust their guts trying to find a job!

*    To the. H.B MPs: You surely let your constituents down by not putting Ngati Kahungunu as a meeting venue for your party's SOE meeting. Shame on you, given your newly aquired promotion. Don't be surprised if you lose a lot of votes. SJR

*    To the new gardener. Hastings Environment Centre is great, or try getgrowing@nzgardener.co.nz Happy gardening.

*    The average Hawke's Bay wage is 30 to 35k. If people earning over 100k cut their salaries by 30 to 35k they could employ somebody to do their menial tasks. This would relieve some of their stress, lower unemployment and stimulate the economy.

*    The chinese lanterns at Cornwall Park are just stunning please keep them up longer next year!