Be wary of readings
I AM an 86-year-old pensioner and I feel that the gas companies should be made more accountable.
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My last two accounts have been estimated readings - both much higher than expected.
On ringing Energy Australia and giving my meter reading, I was told that an error had actually been made and that I would receive an adjusted amount - $93 less.
The only explanation given to me was that the meter was not accessible to read which is absolute rubbish and I feel that I and many other consumers are being ripped off.
No wonder pensioners and low income families are too nervous to turn on their heating and cooling.
I ask everyone to check their accounts thoroughly and be aware of these ‘estimated’ readings - not acceptable.
PAT CRAIG
Horsham
Decline in standards
THE White Ribbon campaign, so well promoted, results from a superficial view of our decadent society.
This is not to condone domestic violence but arises from an objective attention to the decline in the standards of conduct tolerated in a modern culture.
Violence has become ingrained into our society. Until we delve more deeply into the causes of this degeneration of civilisation, I am afraid all the marches and pious statements by men of good repute the rate of degeneration will outstrip any progress towards the objectives of White Ribbon.
A recent report publicised in the daily media on November 25 scratches the surface in only little more depth.
It is quite remarkable that the Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten advocates five days leave from work for domestic violence victims.
A subtle cause of male resentment that results in domestic violence is the inroads that have been made by militant feminism into men’s status as breadwinners.
When we of the BBFF generation (Born Before Forty Four) were the age of today’s perpetrators, domestic violence did not occur at anything like the present rate.
Maybe I was just fortunate enough to not see a woman with a black eye. We were taught respect by both our parents.
So what happened? Firstly, television came with scenes of violence projected into lounge rooms across the nation in the news casts as well as fiction.
The promos for these fictions (also known as soap operas) appearing in other programs ad nauseam depicted one character spraying another with vitriol time and again throughout the evening. Anger management took a dive.
Then came video games – violent again. In an early example players scored points for knocking down little old ladies crossing the street. Games like that get some coverage in the media from time to time.
Add to this indoctrination mind bending drugs such as alcohol and ice is it any wonder that our culture is waning?
RON FISCHER
Horsham
Extremely irritated
REGARDING the gymnastics report in Wednesday’s Mail-Times, which directed readers to an online site for a full report and photo gallery.
What’s the point of getting the newspaper if it merely redirects readers elsewhere for news and photos?
I have better things to do than spend all my time logged onto a screen.
KEITH LOCKWOOD
Natimuk
Fuel rip off
I RETURNED from Geelong on the weekend where fuel went from $1.16 on Saturday to $1.08 on Sunday. On the same day in Horsham the price was $1.34.
What the hell is going on here? Horsham Rural City Council was looking into the problem with fuel prices, but of course we have heard nothing since.
The ACCC are a waste of taxpayer’s money, we all know that.
When is something going to be done? Warracknabeal pay less than us, they’re more out of the way.
Someone please do something. Get the distributors to explain. What happened to fuel wars, or are we on our own with only one distributor?
GEOFF McINTYRE
Haven
Keep roadsides clear
AS someone who has used the Ararat-Moyston Road many times each week for the last 50 years I welcome the news that VicRoads is going to do some maintenance.
The trees to be removed should not have been allowed to grow in the first place.
I consider that roads should be clear from table drain to opposite table drain.
This road was constructed many years ago and these trees have been allowed to grow in or very close to the table drain since then.
Lack of maintenance in the past has caused some of them to become substantial trees.
I hope this is only the start of upgrading this road as there are a number of problems with it - one very narrow bridge, a substantial roadside drop which should be protected by a barrier and the road surface which is at the end of its life to name a few.
The recent fire at Moyston was made worse by the corridors of trees and undergrowth along the roads and in farm plantations. There is always another side to consider.
Trees may not be the answer to all problems and should be planted in appropriate areas and we and the animals, birds and reptiles may be a lot safer if the roads are clear to the table drains.
ANNE MARSHALL
Moyston