Dear Brian, While I applaud your stance on the habit of smoking, as a non smoker (never have smoked) its saddens me to see young people still taking up the habit. But! And there always is a butt isn't there?
The price New Zealand has to pay for the consumption of Alcohol. As we are coming to the Season of Joy when more alcohol is consumed than at any other time of the year let's ponder on THAT cost.
Family violence (including sex abuse) the car crashes, and oh yes as we live by the sea, boating and swimming mishaps, alcoholism in teens, loss of production within the business sector, the tying up of surgeons, nurse and beds to care for the above, not to mention the enormous fiscal cost.
And so the list goes on. Its is estimated in the millions of dollars a year, the consumption of alcohol costs New Zealand, and no, don't use the argument that you slugged the smokers for using, it brings in tax dollars.
My argument is that you cant just pick on one harmful drug to lambaste in your excellent paper and not touch the one of the deadliest.
Wayne C Jessop, Mt Maunganui.
Dear Wayne. Yes I can. Regards, Brian.