Letters to Editor: Thanks to Red Cross volunteers

Thanks to Red Cross volunteers
During World Red Cross Red Crescent Day (May 8), it's our pleasure at New Zealand Red Cross to celebrate the energy, commitment and caring of our 15,000 volunteers.
Here in Hawke's Bay alone, more than 500 volunteers assist with fundraising activities, deliver Meals on Wheels, drive for our community transport service, help serve Breakfasts in Schools, work in Red Cross shops and in emergency management teams, and help people when disaster strikes. Volunteers offer their most precious resource - their time - to make a difference in their community and help people in need.
Every year around New Zealand, thousands of volunteers enable Red Cross to deliver 750,000 hot meals, serve more than 213,000 breakfasts to hungry children and help people in need in New Zealand and overseas.
Red Cross volunteers, we couldn't do it without you. Thank you!
Debbie Cullen, Area manager East Coast
Risk exaggerated
The statement that vaccine benefits far outweigh their risks is an honest one, acknowledging both benefit and risk. The anti-vaccine lobby tends only to acknowledge (and in most cases exaggerate) the risks.
Most human activities carry some risk, despite the best efforts to minimise this.
Driving a motor vehicle is a common example.
However, the real (but very small) chance that their car journey could end in death or injury (and the often horrific stories of those who have been killed or injured) does not stop most people from driving.
My parents chose not to gamble with their children's health, and vaccinated us.
We made the same choice, and vaccinated our children in turn.
I am happy to say that none of us had any ongoing nasty effects resulting from this choice (and none of us are autistic).
The Wakefield paper purporting to show a link between the MMR vaccine and so-called "autistic enterocolitis" was based on 12 cases (not exactly a comprehensive sampling).
Add in the "cooking" of data and Wakefield's receipt of considerable sums of money from various people with an anti-vaccine leaning, and it becomes clear why the paper was retracted and Wakefield struck off the Medical Register. Of course, there are those who claim some sort of conspiracy is at work here (well, they would, wouldn't they?).
The anti-vaccine lobby are entitled to their opinions (as are those who deny the existence of the Holocaust, claim that the 1969 moon landings were faked in Hollywood and that Elvis Presley isn't dead).
I'm sure all of these people can produce "evidence" to support their points of view.
Fortunately, I have the freedom to reject their opinions (and do so).
Leonard Poon, Hastings

Where is plaque?
Tomoana Memorial Oak Trees.
Referring to the Text to Ed on April 29.
As one of the group researching these trees, the assistance of Hawke's Bay Today readers is much appreciated.
Having searched unsuccessfully for the memorial plaque that "J" says is alongside the trees, we would appreciate more information as to its location and size, etc. Is there any way "J" could contact us, through the paper, to give us further information?M L MurtaghHastingsUpoko blockRe: The article about the mystery plaque, "Upoko Poito" by Amy Shanks in Hawke's Bay Today on April 18.
I am acquainted with the name Upoko in the following sense, which your readers may be interested in.
Upoko is the name of a Maori Block, the 166-acre (67 hectares approx) narrow shingle strip that ran from Tareha's Bridge, Awatoto, south to the original mouth of the Waitangi Stream (now the present Ngaruroro River) granted to Te Waka Kawatini in November 1866.
M Bartlett, Napier.
Shooting pukeko
I sympathise with your correspondent Liz Earth (Readers' letters, May 7). Many people are extremely upset by the thought of wild game birds being shot, however if it is to provide food and maintain viable population levels perhaps it can be justified.
What I cannot condone is shooting pukeko at this time of year when they still have chicks.
I have two parents and two chicks each day on my property.
If the parents are killed, those little birds will have an awful death.
Provision of food and control of vermin and pests is one thing, but using live animals solely for target practice is quite another.
Edward Hamilton, Hastings
Destructive ducks
In response to Liz Earth's letter in defence of poor helpless ducks, maybe it could be suggested that she take the time to talk to some farmers about the destruction caused to land and crops by these animals.
Liz may also be interested to learn that duckshooters are helping farmers by eradicating this pest from their farms.
As far as lead shot in waterways etc, Liz, you may like to check the recycled materials used to make your garden hose. I hope you don't use that hose to fill your children's paddling pool.
K Mckenzie, Napier