Texts to the Editor: 14/02/12

*   $20 million over paid by WINZ! Us full time tax payers will be the ones to pay it. It's a big joke. It's overdue that matters of this kind were looked into.

*   Those that don't want to pick apples during the season - stop their Dole payout etc. As it stands the Pacific Islanders are doing this job and sending the cash back home while the Kiwis sit in their nest doing nothing and getting paid for it.

*   So our chamber leader wants inner city apartments occupied by whom? My guess is by the unfortunate who roam the streets at night. Several months ago another leader endorsed a proposal to build an upmarket hotel in the inner city. I suggest they may be out of touch if you support and promote the American big box model this is what you get - heartless towns. I saw it in the 80s in the US and sure as oats it will happen here. Sorry Hastings, but your leaders have sold you out. Solve the social problems, get the bureaucrats to help, not hinder, small businesses and life may return to the town.

*   Gangs are unwelcome! They bring shame and embarrassment on their mums, dads and families who brought them all up to be strong, proud and respectful. Wake up and get a life? Show your whanau and friends, most of all your kids, that your are better than that! Gangs are full of cowards!

*   I like mongrel slobs and slack power - made us laugh.

*   HDC can make roads a lot safer by getting rid of a lot of those green lines.

*   Seriously - the cost of wages, day in lieu, etc and a family man's day off with most of the country and you complain they are not working on the Manawatu Gorge on Waitangi Day. They'll be doing 10 - 12 days now. What do you do? WM

*   There is an easy way to keep your cat safe from the sadistic people who are harming them - keep them on your own property if you love them!

*   Sadists who are cruel to defenceless children and animals should be treated more severely. Our laws are far too soft. We need to get rid off all this mamby pamby PC rubbish and start treating these cowardly scum as the criminals they are. Animal lovers will be fuming at the latest spate of cruelty.

*   Does anybody know what the bad smell is up the main street of Hastings? Maybe the plants? Really bad.

*   Thanks to the honest person who found my handbag and handed it in at Countdown on Friday. So grateful.

*   JTM: Get your facts right. Over staying is breaking the law, should have thought about it before having a family. Send them back! DP

*   Nothing wrong with bottle feeding. Some mums can't do it (breast feed) and not by choice. I could only breast feed for two weeks then had to go to bottle. What was I meant to do, let her starve?

*   My wife's milk was no good. Two strong sons from bottled milk.

*   Congratulations to Bevan Docherty. Who cares how your baby is fed as long as fed and loved. Lovely photo. People who criticise need to mind their own business.

*   What do we as Kiwis think of NZ police and how they react and treat situations?

*   Thank you to the lovely lady Kristy on the phone at HDC who helped me with my rates, sorted me onto a weekly payment plan. Your excellent service is appreciated. Carl

*   I bought two vouchers for a Napier restaurant. On going to book for mum, dad and myself, I was told I could not use the two vouchers for the three of us. So I advise anyone buying them be careful. They do not say you cannot use them if you are on your own. You must be a couple to dine at their Art Deco place. So that's $60 wasted and a bad taste even before the three of us even try a Napier restaurant. Way to entice new customers Napier. Annoyed KJ

*   Re white fly: African marigolds, i use the dwarf ones as they take up less room. Good luck.

*   Thanks to all the lovely people who stopped to help after my nasty rear-ender on Kennedy Rd, Thursday night. Restores my faith in humanity.

*   Ambulance drivers Tony and Jerry you're just the best. Thanks, a pleasure to pay for your great care in the wee small hours. MH

*   Man in Daikin ute might be able to use his indicators at two Havelock roundabouts if he wasn't talking on his cellphone.

*   Watched X Factor. What a joke desperate Aussies claiming Te Awamutu born and bred Crowded House.

*   Wouldn't it be wonderful if our local supermarkets join those in Auckland and Wellington to reduce their milk prices.

*   I remember mix'n'made marmalade. My mum used to make it all the time, haven't seen it for years,

*   Agree re secondhand dealers - way over priced now.

*   A big thanks to everyone who bought black doris plums from my daughter's road side stall in Clive. Wonderful that most people are still honest. One lady who under paid even came over later with rest of money. Much appreciated.

*   Am I the only one that gets frustrated every time you go to use the pay machines at the airport? They are either out of order or don't accept your credit card! CPW