Letters To Editor: Hastings in bloom

Hastings in bloom

Like your correspondent A. Cavaney, in their letter headlined "Bad crowd on parade" (Letters, September 22), we spent several hours on our stalls near the clock tower on Saturday [September 17] to see the Blossom Parade.

Unlike them, though, we did not experience a "hostile crowd" in which "threatening youth (were) blocking footpaths and intimidating people". We thought the music was of a high calibre and had no difficulties moving around or enjoying ourselves. We saw no gang patches but lots of colourful ethnic costumes, plus a few red-dressed supporters of international rugby teams. The parade itself was brilliant - a wonderful celebration of culture and families.

Hastings has changed hugely since we grew up there several decades ago, and we loved to see the multicultural diversity reflected in the parade.

To top it off, some of us went to the Takitimu Festival on Sunday and were impressed with the world-class quality of performances and entertainment.

Congratulations, Hastings, for a wonderful weekend of safe, free, family-friendly entertainment. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Liz Earth, Maxine Boag, Liz Remerswaal, Bernie Bowden, Hawke's Bay

Expressway danger

There is no logic from the Land Transport Safety Authority in increasing the confusion at the dangerous expressway Meanee Quay/airport section with the recent installation of picket fences and a profusion of signs. Especially that "thank you" on the dead-end watchmen road - what does that achieve? Is it more Rugby World Cup madness? (Abridged.)

D. Payne, Napier

Gifted with wit

On Thursday night, while reading the Entertainment Extra insert in HB Today, I found myself laughing aloud at Roger Moroney's review of a forthcoming TV programme.

His vision of riding facing backwards on a motorcycle going at 160km/h while sneezing was so hilarious that I am still chuckling. It prompted me to tell you how enjoyable his columns on page 6 are, too.

He has a gift for a witty style of humour that appeals greatly and I enjoy his input into your newspaper - a real asset.

Thank him for his contribution and I look forward to more of the same.

Margaret Hyde, Hawke's Bay