Letters to the editor

Change of flag can help restore pride

Re the text commenting about the national flags being flown with pride by all the other countries in the RWC, while we fly All Blacks flags instead (Text to Ed, September 19): That is exactly why New Zealand needs a new flag - because our national flag doesn't give us the pride that it should.

I don't agree with having a black flag and fern as our national flag, but I do think we need a colourful all-purpose flag that shows our own country, rather than pride in Britain.

Then we would see our national flag being waved in abundance at these sporting events, while the black flags would become obsolete.

Patricia Roberts, Hastings

Trees for the CBD

Why your correspondent Ruiha Stirling (Letters, September 17) interpreted my remarks about the undesirability of having cabbage trees planted in the Central Business District as being frivolous, I cannot think. In fact, I have never been more serious in my life.

That trees suffered an adverse epidemic in the 80s and 90s does not have any bearing on the present day.

That they serve a useful purpose to stabilise hilly slopes where erosion is likely is nothing to do with the centre of the city, since erosion does not occur there.

As a ratepayer expecting the Hastings City Council to keep the annual demand as low as possible and yet maintain the high standard the Parks Department has always met, I merely stated the fact that this variety of tree was not a good choice. Perhaps the council could tell us whether any decision has been arrived at.

I'm sure that, in its native habitat, the trees are ecologically very sound and Mother Nature works her wonders as she does everywhere else.

Does Ruiha Stirling really believe that "imported pretty flowers" do not have any use except to "look pretty"? In my garden they are an added attraction for the bees to pollinate my apples, feijoas, lemons, tangelos, blackcurrants and broad beans.

I do not know anything of the trees cut down at Whakatu and to assume that I would automatically cut down a block of native trees is rather insulting.

To sum up, I still think Cordiline Australis is an inappropriate choice to plant in the CBD.\

George Williams, Hastings

Done a runner

To the low driver who did a U-turn outside Greenmeadows School crossing in Gloucester St about 8.50am on Thursday, September 15 in a grey/black Ford Explorer: Thanks for not stopping and taking responsibility for your actions. My son is now facing a very large bill to get his car fixed. Happy 21st to him. We didn't get your number plate; dirt and mud hides a lot, doesn't it?

Judy Connolly, Napier