Succinct advertising pitch from West Auckland.
Gory lesson from school
Brian Farrant of Kaitaia writes: "Sixty-six years ago, at age 13, I was returning to class at Kaitaia Primary School after morning playtime on a particularly windy day. The heavy corridor door was slammed shut by an extra strong gust and the tip of my left middle finger was chopped off in the door jamb, strangely without immediate pain... Surgery involved general anaesthesia and several days in hospital. Over the years, the shortened digit has provided material for a variety of tall tales, party tricks, and awe-inspiring stories for our children."
'Secret' northern shortcut
"I will probably be excommunicated as a Northlander for giving away the secrets of the North but I feel for those stuck in traffic in Tuesday's page 3 photo," writes Malcolm. "Exit Dome Valley and take first right at the bottom of the passing lane (sealed road). Take second left (gravel) and follow to T intersection at far end. Turn left (sealed road) which brings you out at Wellsford town hall past the Highway 16 intersection. If there's no queue stay on State Highway 1."
