Letters to the editor: We've almost stamped out smoking, why not alcohol?

Empties are evidence of a wider problem, writes a reader. Photo / NZME

Several times I have written letters despairing at the amount of alcohol consumed in Rotorua, one has only to drive around the streets on rubbish collection day to see the vast numbers of empties in the blue bins (News, Oct 15).

In my view, it is a sad reflection of the moral standards in our country and it reflects badly on the work ethics and the harmony within the family groups - alcohol can lead to abuse both of women and children.

Yes, I like the odd tipple, but liquor stores would go bust on my consumption.

Maybe, while the virus is around, prohibition should be the rule.

We have, after all, almost stamped out smoking, why not alcohol?

Jim Adam
Rotorua

Too slow on Tarawera

We live in a fast-paced world with some people looking to slow down. However, if you travel up and down Tarawera Rd, you are now forced to travel at a snail's pace with the newly introduced speed limit of 50km.

I fully support health and safety, but I implore a review of the new speed limit for the upper part of Tarawera Rd based on practicality, degree of difficulty and increased repairs and maintenance cost on vehicles.

Engines are laboured as drivers try to keep slow, while at the same time, balancing the speed with maintaining momentum to get up the steeper part of the hill.

Brakes have to be constantly on when going downhill for quite a distance, to try and maintain the new speed limit.

If motorists are towing a boat, trailer or caravan then the journey is made even more difficult. The noise from engine brakes from trucks must be a nuisance to residents.

Surely there are more highly traversed roads in areas that warrant a slow speed limit, as opposed to this less travelled road?

Perhaps 60kms would be more practical, given the terrain of the road, the lesser volume of traffic, while being less strenuous on vehicles?

Time for a review or a petition?

Tracey McLeod
Lake Tarawera

Glasgow trip a waste

I am appalled that Climate Change Minister James Shaw is travelling to Glasgow to a Climate Change Conference.

Huge costs are associated with his travel and its impact on the environment, when I believe he could Zoom in and deliver his speech and new developments from New Zealand.

In my view, this is an absolute waste of taxpayers' hard-earned dollars.

Anthony Lipanovic
Lake Rotoehu

Reward the vaccinated

I'm actually glad that there are ever new incentives for people to get their shots.

Great, and I hope it is enough for us to hit the 90% target... hopefully more!

However, a nationwide raffle for all who have had the double jab would be a nice gesture from the Government.

Say, 1000 winners of $1000 each. That's loose change for the Government, costing the team of five million just 20 cents each.

Mark Windsor
Tauranga

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