The public is being asked to use public transport but already you have to hold your breath some days when you need to walk along the footpath, whilst these buses spew out carcinogenic diesel fumes.

For years they have solved this problem in other parts of the world by fitting anti-idling and other devices, or by going electric.

Dimethyl ether is a direct substitute for diesel. It is benign, burns smoke free with no sulphur and reduced nitrous oxide. 

Clive Stott, Grindelwald.

THE statewide housing circumstances has raised some relevant concerns, however, it is definitely not being ignored. 

It is certainly not the case of political entities “sticking their heads into the sand”.

What’s worth acknowledging here is the good sign from conservative MLC Robert Armstrong, who is demonstrating a progressive approach. 

He is suggesting that Zeehan, and other West Coast towns, could be used to address a significant proportion of the situation. 

One could appreciate Mr Armstrong’s good intentions, however, due to the current lack of employment opportunities at Zeehan, there appears to be a potential problem. 

That is, the risk of creating a “mini-welfare state”. What’s worth noting here is Housing Minister Roger Jaensch’s, approach. 

Within weeks, he has provided a significant solution towards the problem. It comes in the form of building 1800 new dwellings – this is effectively halving the current housing application waiting list. 

Mr Jaensch doesn’t stop there, he is actively encouraging private property owners to be involved through financial assistance. 

Perhaps Mr Armstrong could develop some more insight from the minister’s approach.

Paris Shacklock, Devonport.

CAN YOU be totally uncooperative with members of the media seeking information and show that you have no compassion for suffering human beings, at the same time hoping for promotion to a more senior position? 

Completion of this University of Border Protection course will help your prospects greatly. Just ask former graduates Scott Morrison, Peter Dutton and Angus Campbell, who all graduated with Honours.

A Carter, Mowbray.

IN RESPONSE to Glennis Sleurink’s suggestion (Letters, The Examiner, April 19) that there be Aboriginal ‘history tellers’ at the King’s Bridge entrance to the Gorge, my business, Wallaby Walkabout Tours, provides exactly that sort of content.  

I provide details of Tasmanian Aboriginal history and connections to the Gorge, both pre and post-colonialism, and also including identification of bush foods/resources. 

It may also be of interest that during the peak tourism season on days I had no tours booked I spent time at the King’s Bridge entrance to the Gorge endeavoring to attract tourists.  

During that time I got to know not only the demographic of Gorge visitors very well, but also the Jehovah’s Witness people.

They are far from being in anybody’s ‘face’ and the ones I got to know are very nice people.  

They never tried to force their views on anyone, including myself and I was with them for many hours on some days.  

Their presence is also very minimal and I saw them endure abuse and scorn from some people without complaint.

The Cataract Gorge is a very special place and open to everyone.

Geoff McLean, Launceston.

MICHAEL Scott’s letter (The Examiner, April 18) brought back many bad memories.

In 2006 my husband took out a very small life insurance. Since then, every two weeks, a payment was taken from our account. 

Sadly as I had cancer in 1978 I had to get all medical records for that time - very hard to do – so I could not get insured.

When my husband passed away the funeral insurance was paid out in a couple of weeks, when all paper work was received.

As for the small life insurance, it became a nightmare for nearly six weeks.

I now warn my friends if you take life insurance out, every time you go to the doctor get a copy of that consultation concerning the medical report. 

The ads on the television make it look so easy.

I have learnt though my experience it is not as easy as they make out. I was only a very small claim, I hate to think what they would want when it was a huge amount.

L. Morton, Beaumaris.

MY WIFE and I watched the James Comey interview on television recently. 

He appeared calm, articulate and caring among other things. 

Rather after the Obama style of presenting himself. What a pity that the US doesn't have someone of his ilk as president.

Richard Hill, Newstead.

HERE they go again, the politicians cracking down on so-called dole bludgers.   

Most people I know who are receiving the dole are looking for a job because you barely survive with what you get on Newstart. It only takes one small thing to go backwards, so to say that people don't want to work is stupid.

It’s easy to pick on this section of the community rather than the top end of town, where they can afford to defend themselves. The banking commission is a testament to this.

If you are over the age of 40, it’s extremely hard just to get an interview let alone employment, and most of this age group are more than willing to work.

Anthony Galvin, Mayfield.