Text To Editor: 27/01/12

Smoking

*    To the person who texted about smokers: Yes it is our choice to smoke. And we don't inflict it on other people. If the public place is outside I don't see a problem with it. You got your way when smoking was banned inside public places. Don't try and take away our rights to smoke outside. Shame on you!

*    We don't need to make a law like Aussie banning smoking in cars with kids. It's just using your plain common sense.

*    There is a brand of smokes called Horizon. What is on the horizon for a smoker is sickness and death. Another brand of smokes is called Freedom. Yeah right! Rodeo I agree horse racing is barbaric, especially steeplechasing. Why whip a horse in the straight after slogging through mud for miles? Why don't SPCA do something?

Rodeos.

*    I'm a bull rider and big supporter of rodeo. There is no cruelty to any animal and those who say there is obviously haven't been to a rodeo.

*    Photo in paper of rodeo horse falling on its neck just confirms the cruelty of this so-called sport.

White fly

*    White fly: Boil rhubarb leaves and spray on garden and under leaves. Brian'

Fracking

*    I want drilling for oil and gas. I want a modern and wealthy Hawke's Bay. DMcC

*    You can keep your fracking in Texas, we don't want it here thanks!

*    CC (Texts Jan 20) asks if landowners will "get anything" if oil drillers want to drill on the landowner's land. Fair question. How about a contract whereby you share costs in return for a share of eventual profits. If any. DBS.

Other thoughts

*    To "Disgusted" 24/1/2012: I have tooted at cyclists and will keep doing so when cyclists ride three abreast because they are impeding my progress and causing an undue hazard to motorists.

*    What a lovely story on McLeod's Daughter. Great read thanks. Beth

*    Where can I buy that XO sauce? Can't find any anywhere!

*    Re silver birch trees: I understand Christchurch City Council banned these trees following the death of a woman who suffered an allergic reaction to them. Will NCC wait for somebody to die before acting?

*    Can anyone tell me what caused the last ice age, because there weren't 7 billion people causing air pollution 10,000 years ago!

*    To person regarding children: You don't get prosecuted for bringing up your children with manners and respect. Stop looking for an out. When was the last time you were prosecuted for being a parent? NP

*    Re gutless soldiers: I'll tell you who's gutless - the politicians that start these wars and have the blood of innocent human beings on their hands.

*    Good news no baIl for the rogues and vagabonds. Keep them behind bars.

*    Haven't seen any sign of renovations at Flaxmere Waterworld. What is real reason for closing?

*    Blues Brews & BBQ money is printed identical every year. Can't see how they could tell the difference. I used my printed money this year, which l purchased in 2009. Out of interest how many of you in our community are prepared to fight "eye for an eye" This PC s**T has done nothing for NZ. We once were a beautiful and safe country. Race is no factor, we are all responsible for our country! Lisa A

*    What a shame the Queen won't be getting a new $120m dollar yacht, they could at least give her a new rowboat.

*    Re hospital food: Take it from first-hand experience the prison menu looks good but sure is no different. And yes you now lose weight eating it too.

*    Re ambulance bill: No it is not new. Has been same fee for years. Join as a member then no fee for a callout. Excellent, prompt, professional service with a smile every time. Someone has to pay costs. User pays.

*    No way should our taxes be given to Tamaki and his cult. He is a "false idol" and is self-promoting. Has he been to Theology College or have a degree in theology? And "hello" - the bodyguards! AR