LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33563, 18 June 1974, Page 16

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

<l> Letters to t>e considered for this column must not ex ceed 150 words. They should be on only one side of the paper; preferably typewritten otherwise clearly writ ten tn ink: and ample margins and space between lines should be left for con venience in sub-editing. <2» A legible signature and full address—not a P.O. box number — are required whether these are to be printed or not (3) The correspondent must say whether the letter has been or is to be submitted elsewhere <4» The editor cannot return 01 keep any letter not accepted for printing; nor does he undertake to acknowledge or enter into correspondence concerning tetters although an acknowledgement will be made where this seems to be necessary or helpful (5) As a general rule, correspondence on news items in other publications or carried on radio and television, is not acceptable. Tiny Tim.—lntemperate. Cecil V. Cook.—Address? Preservation .—Source? Bruce Arundel.—More than 150 words. • Fish Eater.—You misquote the spokesman. E.—Sorry, no space for spreading butter. Worried Also.—Thanks, will follow up in due course. Uncle Donald.—Mr J. P. Shelley, general manager of the M.E.D., says action is being taken to fix the clock. The movement has become jammed because qf salt air and pigeons which have got in ' through the broken windows in the face.

Armed police

Sir, —“Just A Thought’s” letter had a good point, but I feel that if he is writing in support of the Commissioner of Police, from the “Inquiry” television programme, I feel he is missing the point. The Commissioner pointed out that it was because of increased attacks with bottles and chains, that armed police would be inevitable, and not through the lack of firearm laws, and the increase of firearm violence as implied. All the same, I feel more should

be done with firearm. licencing. Private security firms should not be allowed to carry sidearms, as they do at present, as this forces armed theft. Anyone suffering from, or with a record, of mental illness should not be granted a permit, nor should anyone with a criminal record of violence or armed theft. Unless certain steps, as mentioned, are taken, armed police in New Zealand are inevitable.—Yours etc., D. S. COULTER. June 17, 1974.

Plastic rubbish bags

Sir, —Bravo to “A.G.” in defence of plastic bags. These really do have advantages, especially if the council’s printed instructions are read and followed. They are clean, easily handled, and provided all refuse is firmly wrapped before packing into the bag, should present no problems. Similarly, if all food containers (tins etc) are rinsed before discarding, these two procedures will safeguard against dogs. Of course, if bags are overfull or insecurely tied they are easy targets for stray animals. Remember too, our forest trees have to be sacrificed in order to produce paper bags.—Yours etc., BLUE BAG. June 15, 1974.