Farmers’ protest

Press, 14 June 1978, Page 18

Farmers’ protest

Sir, — The sickening display of brutality against defenceless sheep indicates what the Invercargill farmers might secretly like to do to the Government or the unions, but there are less revolting and far more reasonable ways of securing reform surely. The farmers voted for a National Government and are the authors of their own misfortune, for no government can control the unions and that is the way it should be. What is needed is a new spirit in the country where we help each other, not because of absurdly futile legislation, coercion, blackmail or force, but because we want to. That attitude is entirely lacking under National. There will be no progress until it goes, and until then I hope the farmers, who are not alone in their anger and frustration, will show some sense and behave more like men. — Yours, etc., P. S. BRIGHT. June 11, 1978.

“Praise for bikies” Sir, — Lesley Learmonth (June 12) misses the whole point of my letter. I do see bikies or people who ride motor-cycles as human beings just as I see the other groups mentioned, and as human beings they are expected to behave at all times. To praise anv one group for doing just that, in my opinion is unwarranted. — Yours, etc., N. GRAY. June 12, 1978. Sir, — One of the ways I keep law and order in my home is by praising what is good in my children; otherwise what incentive is there for them to do well? If the attitude of the police has helped to keep the bikies in line next time, and I believe it will have, then I feel it is valid. If the police did more such praising, their public image would probably be improved too. — Yours, etc., GILL AVERY. June 8, 1978.