www.times.co.nz
20 — Times, Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Feedback
Your opinion matters to us. Email us at editor@times.co.nz; comment on our Facebook page, facebook.com/ timesonlinenz; or write to us at The Editor, Times Newspapers, PO Box 38232, Howick, Auckland 2145. Letters should not exceed 200 words and should carry the name, residential address and contact telephone number of the author.
This reader was raised in Howick and has no recollection of this shop. Do you? Photo Timothy Beams
DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THIS? As I was taking my daily lockdown walk, I went past Rosscourt and noticed one of the shops was getting a new facelift and they had removed their front sign. Underneath was an original sign for a business that was once there, for an electrical components shop. I grew up in Howick during the ‘70s and ‘80s and have no recollection of this shop. I thought it might be fun to ask readers on any information or stories regarding this now-long possibly forgotten shop.
Timothy Beams, Howick
‘DON’T TELL OLDIES WHAT TO DO’ In reply to Jo Millar (Times, March 2), I find your attitude extremely condescending. I and other seniors like myself have come through a World War. Times were tough. We looked after each other and we cared.
I resent being told what “my duty” is, resent being told ad infinitum to wash my hands, wear a mask etc. We oldies look after ourselves. The best way to look after younger generations is by teaching them to eat healthy food, give them plenty of sunshine and exercise and improve their immune system. As for setting an example, I have found that the younger generations do anything but follow our example – in anything. As for the vaccine, you can have my share Jo.
Maryke Ponse, Cockle Bay
’ISRAEL HAS OBLIGATIONS’ Re: Infrastructure neglected 9 (by Botany MP Christopher Luxon, Times, March 2). I compare New Zealand with Israel and Taiwan - as Christopher Luxon did. In Israel, 52 per cent Israelis have received the first dose, and 37 per cent the second dose. There is a
sharp drop of Covid-19 cases. Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, Israel must ensure “the adoption and application of the prophylactic and preventive measures necessary to combat the spread of contagious diseases and epidemics” in the occupied Palestinian territory. So far, the Palestinians have received 2000 vaccines out of 5000 promised by Israel: 10,000 doses of Sputnik V from Russia (a delay occurred as Israel controls the borders) and 20,000 from UAE via Egypt (opened border with Gaza Strip). Covid-19 cases are soaring due to the irregular supply for the 5 million Palestinians. The Israeli obligation is not fulfilled. Taiwan experienced a SARS outbreak 20 years ago. The mortality was very high; everything was disorganised. They learned from it so were prepared for this pandemic.
Brigitte Horne, Howick
COCKLES MUST BE PROTECTED Re: Brian Robertson’s letter (Times, March 9). David Parker is now the minister of fisheries (Ed: Oceans and Fisheries) and it is on his shoulders to take action and impose an S11 closure for Cockle Bay. Fisheries NZ late last year had a discussion paper looking at the problem and called for submissions but this was not well publicised and very hard to find and to put in
a submission. Our new Member of Parliament Chris Luxon has taken up the case and, no doubt, will put pressure on the Government to implement this closure. It is well overdue as shellfish numbers have been declining for many years. One overlooked effect of the large number of collectors each open season is the removal of shell (cockles) off our beach. It has been calculated that this could be up to 20 cubic metres of shell over a one-month period. This is disrupting the whole ecosystem and we now have large areas of soft mud and silt which, in the past, would be covered in dead shellfish. The shellfish are not there just for us to collect and eat. They are food for the fish and seabirds and they break down and build our beaches.
Barry Wood, Cockle Bay
LOCAL CYCLING
Here in the Howick/Pakuranga/ Botany district, we are privileged to have some excellent recreational areas. Not the least are the paths stretching to Panmure or Burswood and beyond. These paths are a delight and are jointly much-used by walkers, cyclists and others. To maximise our pleasure and safety, we should be aware of some of the things that may jeopardise this. As cyclists on the paths, the things we need to be aware of are walkers with ear buds, or those
Local paths are a delight and are jointly much-used by walkers, cyclists and others. Photo supplied
using mobiles phones, or even both of these together, racing cyclists taking a break from the road, path condition, blind corners, skateboards (powered or not), wheelchairs and of course children and dogs. In all of these conditions, we should slow down or even stop until it is safe to continue. We must anticipate a child or dog suddenly moving out in front of us. Expect a hidden rider or person reaching that blind corner at exactly the same time as we do. In our opinion, a very audible bell is an absolute must-have and to be used often. The number of times we are congratulated by others on the path for using it is proof enough that they are far rarer than they should be. Enjoy our great facilities whatever you do. Be safe and, if you ride a bike and don’t have that bell, we strongly recommend it.
Terry Donovan Howick Social Cycling Group Bucklands Beach
Now from
STOCKTAKE SALE
$
1999
Serenity S
Your happy place. Now half price.
Queen Size Mattress & Base
Now
$
2449
Design Mobel Renew Queen Size Mattress & Base
HALF PRICE
Now
$
3199
Swisstek Ultra Queen Size Mattress & Base
Plus 1,000 days interest free
Now
on in store purchases $999 & over ‘til 04/02/2020
Chiropractic HDX
*
$
PLUS 500 DAYS INTEREST FREE* on in-store purchases $999 & over ‘til 30.3.21
3999
Queen Size Mattress & Base Queen Size Mattress & Base
Mt Wellington 48 Mt Wellington Highway Proudly Local
Comfort Guarantee
Warranty
Botany Town Centre
bedsrus.co.nz
Shop Safe
*Offer valid to 30.3.21 or while stocks last. Discount offers apply to selected beds and bedding only, prices as marked. Offers exclude Everyday Dream prices, run outs, clearance stock (unless otherwise stated) and not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. We reserve the right to correct errors or misprints. 30 day Comfort Guarantee Ts and Cs apply. *500 Days Interest Free is available on in-store Q Card and Q Mastercard® Flexi Payment Plans & Purchases $999 & over until 30.3.21. Offer excludes Everyday Dream Prices, clearance, layby and not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Lending criteria, $50 Annual Account Fee, New Cardholder fee – $55 Establishment or Existing Cardholder fee – $35 Advance Fee applicable, terms and conditions apply. Minimum payments of 3% of the monthly closing balance or $10 (whichever is greater) are required throughout interest free period. Paying only the minimum monthly payments will not fully repay the loan before the end of the interest free period. Standard Interest Rate, currently 25.99% p.a., applies to any outstanding balance at end of Interest Free period. Rate and fees correct as at date of publication, subject to change. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. See in-store for full details.
KC14989-V3