Texts To The Editor: 28/06/11

* Smear tests I am a nurse and smeartaker. Smears are funded for our Maori, Pacific Islanders and Asian women. The idea is to target these women who are less likely to access this service. Talk to your practice nurse about it.
* I'm Maori and I don't get free smear tests. DB
* JMK re smear tests: Hope your not expecting a reply about the charges - don't hold your breath. Dave
* I'm a NZ Maori and have always paid when I have my regular smear so not sure where pensioner's info comes from. DMD
* Art Deco Andrew Frame stated he did not like our city living in the past e.g. Art Deco, not he didn't like this city. Who wants a city renowned for living in the past.
* Well done Art Deco Trust. Promoting not only Napier but all HB. Too many knockers n this world. Don't join them Mr Frame. JJ
* Couldn't agree more with JR: NCC blowing $18m on museum, visited maybe once by those that have paid for it - ratepayers. Dollars would be much better used on decent swimming center for all families and ages. It is pitiful what there is here on offer, that's affordable for families. $18m could go a long way to rectifying that. Oh, and not everyone is into the Art Deco thing, either. GC
* Trucks A McQueen re truck routes. Nobody wants to pay transport operators any more money to truck their goods from point A to B going any other than the most direct route costs our industry literally thousands of dollars yearly. You and most, do not want to pay anymore for your groceries and all your other consumables to be trucked, so you tell us which route you'd like us to take and how much more you want to pay and we'll meet that request. WM
* To people who moan about trucks - wonder how you get food and petrol. Without them NZ stops, even your jobs.
Other thoughts
* If police unable to impound vehicle due to not being on the road, councils should have the right to recoup the money for damage caused to public property. If need be, sell the vehicle to recoup costs involved. GK
* I hope the law makes more of an example of the senseless idiots who ripped up Napier's Park Island soccer field last friday night.
* It is about time judges handed out maximum sentences for these vandals.
* If you don't want sick people in your shop please name it and we will gladly not shop there, we don't ask to get flu. Have a nice day. DPH
* Great letter Val King seems the NCC have forgotten that they are there to look after their own citizens, use the dollars they get in rates etc for the people of the city. Re person with the aged jack russell and the $90 reg fee. I agree. My dog is the size of a loaf of bread and rarely goes out in public, if she does I pooper scoop, leash etc. Council demand their $90 for what? Perhaps they could use my payment to do something about the stray cat who has cost neighbour and I, jointly $1000 so far in vets bills for our own cats?
* Was disgusted to see a very young girl in the dairy asking if she could use her payment card for Winz there. Obviously she had no great need for food otherwise she would have been at a supermarket. Annoys me when there are genuine people who are in need of it.
* There are three ways in and out of Nelson Park development. Why disrupt Karamu Road traffic flow? More wasted rates on roading craziness projects.
* Police need to put spikes on Longlands new roundabout on weekends and teach those idiots who do drifting on grass a lesson.
* To the two men who gave me the details of the vehicle that backed into my car while parked outside the post shop in Stortford Lodge on Monday the 20th at approximately 1.30pm. Thank you so much but if it is no hassle could either of you please go to the Hastings Police station as they need to take down a witness report it will be much appreciated thank you.
* If Government organisation EQC won't come to the party for Christchurch sack the PM. All he's done is sign off on 34 BMWs
* I can understand the government buying the land from homeowners in the red stickered zone in christchurch, but why is taxpayers money being used to buy fully insured houses. That cost is the responsibility of the insurance companies.
* Yes please! A train between HB and Wellington. Many folks tell me that they would use the service. Diana.
* Re amalgamation: I go to Napier about once every two months or so but only when I have to. If it was possible I wouldn't go there. I live in Hastings and love it. Used to live in Napier couldn't wait to leave. Leave things as they are, there is one super city we don't need another. JKR
* To the bully who thought he was a macho man when he decided to punch someone last Friday morning - what a good impression that is in front of the kids you had with you. NR
* Most trusted NZer congratulations Garth McVicar you are working your way to No1 slot. You are our advocate and hero.
* Went to buy some tomatoes to go with a salad only to find it would cost me over $4 for 3 medium sized tomatoes. Ridiculous - was tempted to buy coke and chips.
* Why waste money on new bike lanes when they all bike on the footpath. SH.