Letters: Why can't we use fewer plastic bags?

A reader writes that he would like to see plastic bag usage reduced. Photo/File

The question of plastic bags is becoming an issue, particularly in supermarkets.

We had a trip to Tahiti and had several trips to the supermarket. The first thing we noticed was the lack of plastic bags. There is on sale a large heavy duty bag that people are able to use without any problem.

Once purchased the barcode is made inoperable at the checkout hence the bag can be used over and over again.

We do have supermarket bags here that do the same thing so I see no problem in reducing plastic bag usage here.

We won't get rid of all plastic from supermarkets but I believe we can make a considerable reduction.

Another issue relating to plastic was the amount washing ashore in the Pacific Islands. It is not hard to find out where the plastic came from.

There is not a large of number of fast food or supermarkets in the South Pacific.

DEREK PACKHAM
Lake Tarawera

Treaty meaning

With reference to Bruce Moon's letter (Rotorua Daily Post, August 29), Mr Moon, you completely miss the gist of my letter.

The Treaty of Waitangi may well have been drafted in immaculate style and prose by Hobson - the feature that is incorrect with said Treaty is the meaning behind the words!

While I will take issue on the way it was drafted, the main reason it needs to be drawn up again is that - as I stated - it would not last five minutes in a court of law, any solicitor/barrister worth his salt would have the British Government paying millions in compensation to the Maori nation.

Sadly, this will never happen, the authority has passed to the New Zealand Government and courts who don't appear able to even hand out a decent sentence for a speeding offence!

JIM ADAMS
Rotorua