To Labor leader Rebecca White and Greens leader Cassy O’Conner: most Tasmanians have the ability to think, rationalise, budget and look after their money.

Firstly, where is the $50 million coming from, people’s super funds, Liberal’s surplus or the federal government? 

My wife and I enjoy an outing and a chance to socialise with others, have a coffee, a talk (sometimes about politics). Why would you deny people with commonsense an enjoyable outing, the ability to do as they want?

Why not look at increasing the driving age? Why not look at increasing the drinking age?

This sounds like you are trying to make Tasmania a laughing stock to the mainland, once again. Just think of the revenue you won’t receive to spend five times over .

I know there are people are out there who have wishful thinking and ideas, but maybe a campaign to let them know that you can’t have these things if they pay out all the time.

What’s next, cup days, any trotting events, online gambling?

Look out, Nan-mania.

Steve Rogers, South Launceston.

IN RESPONSE to Geraldine of Perth's letter of wombat slaughter (The Examiner, December 14), I shake my head in contradiction.  

Wombats are a problem around here for farmers, and certainly not in decline.  

As much as they are cute as babies, and need caring for sometimes, they can pose problems once released back into the wilds.  

I live next door to a wombat sanctuary and I can tell you, my fences are wrecked, my back near broken and been told to leave my home if I can't handle the wombats.  

They were here first.  Well not all of them. 

Unfortunately, when hand-reared they can become 'rogue' once released.  

They find it difficult dealing with fences evidently, to say the least.  There's a greater risk of them being run over.  

I think the best option is to release cared-for-wombats well away from roads and properties, in reserves such as The Blue Tier.  

Unfortunately again, carers don't take kindly to opposition, and I wonder there is a fine line between obsession and sense when it comes to looking after wildlife.

Laurelle Atkinson, St.Helens.

I REFER to the letter by Bob Bayles (The Examiner, December 14) regarding the Spirit of Tasmania, and I agree with what he says.

There are a couple of comments I would add.

Last week I looked to see if the dates were available –  we want to travel to the mainland for winter, in early June and return end of September - and at this time, seven months prior to sailing, many of the dates were booked out.

As it is prudent to book while dates are available we did so and had to pay the full-fare cost of more than $1700.

I believe they are bleeding us, having to pay the full fare seven months prior to sailing and 11 months before returning, giving them the use of our money, as they are unable to ferry us at shorter notice.

They should only charge a deposit, say 25 per cent when booking, and the balance several weeks prior to sailing.

As the boats are so full due to not knowing if they are a cruise boat, freight or passenger ferry, I believe they should also allow private enterprise to try a large, fast catamaran to travel between Burnie and Geelong, as being touted by Jacqui Lambie and some entrepreneurs.

Bob Clifford  of Incat says they are able to build them thus keeping jobs and money in our home state.

Alan Hardman, Legana.

OVER THE past few months I have had the task of packing up the home of my 99-year-old mother who had to move into a home.

Inadvertently I have given a Bible of hers to a charity shop. 

This did not come to light until she asked for it.

The Bible is a King James version. 

It was awarded to her about 85 years ago as a Sunday school prize. 

The name in the Bible would be F E Coote, from the Holton Holgate church in Lincolnshire.

I would love to find it.

Have you in the past couple of months bought a King James Bible? 

If you have would you please check.  

It would mean so much to us to have it returned.

Lesley McCutchan, Launceston.

FEDERAL Group's Greg Farrell made a predictable response to Labor's poker machine policy with his claim it will decimate his business and its subsidiaries.

Mr Farrell's comments make an ironic contrast to his submission made in 1993 arguing against poker machines outside casinos on social and moral grounds.

My first response to Mr Farrell's current comments: "Well he would say that, wouldn't he?" echoing call girl Mandy Rice-Davies at the 1963 trial of Stephen Ward in relation to Lord Astor's denial of knowing her.  Mandy could recognise when someone was protecting a vested interest.

So can most Tasmanians.

Bev Jennings, Ulverstone.

OVER the past year I have been a rather reluctant visitor to the Holman clinic, both chemotherapy and radiation.

During this time I have been treated with cheerfulness and care by staff usually run off their feet.

I would like to thank them all and wish them a very happy Christmas and 2018.

They do a wonderful job.

Thank you all once again and see you soon.

Glennis Sleurink, Launceston.