Texts To The Editor: 08/08/11

*   Trees for the CBD With regard to what trees to plant in Hastings CBD, cherry blossom would be a lovely choice.
*   Reading the front page of a recent paper about putting in cabbage trees. They are one of the ugliest, messiest trees. Who's going to pick up all the dead leaves that fall off the trees all the time. Plant a small evergreen tree. Just common sense.
*   Landmarks. Cabbage trees great. In keeping with Deco/Mission. Grasses and flax please. Ditch kitsch hanging baskets. AS
*   Cycling safely Hey Bernie, make sure you've had a wine when cycling in middle of that lane on the bridge so you'll have a clear view of the car that's likely to run you down. Brave person you.
*   Can't for the life of me work out why some people are praising these cycle lanes and saying they feel safer. I think they have a false sense of security. The roads haven't got any wider so the risk of being wiped out must be the same as it always has been. Other thoughts Maybe we should be charging Napier residents extra to use our hospital. That will bring Hastings debt down and promote amalgamation. SDP
*   Well Dr Barry, we have enough fluoride in toothpaste. We don't need to drink it. Napier water is without it and there is no rise in tooth decay. We should be able to drink chemical-free water. There is enough evidence to support the harm fluoride is doing to our health.