Firstly the Queen, at 92, but now Dr Mahathir at 92 being elected Prime Minister of Malaysia. In July he will be 93.

He will have plenty to keep him occupied as Malaysia has a mild political crisis due to corruption. As far as I am concerned old age is 15 years older than I am.

“WELL may we say God save the Queen”, because nothing will save the Speaker.

IN THIS ever changing planet the professional spoilers are once more planning what mischief they can muster in regards to the Mount Wellington cable car plan, a plan which would secure Tasmania's tourist industry for many years to come. As has been the case in Rio de Janeiro for many years and with absolutely no damage or harm to the environment.

Just for once, why can't the “greenie, latte sippers”, see the wonderful avenues of employment that would be generated by such a move.

However one would hope that it is not a tin pot affair and would include the necessary infrastructure like a huge hotel complex atop the mountain (out of sight) allowing tourists to stay in the case of inclement weather and allowing them to take in one of the words greatest views.

Tourism is fast becoming one of the few remaining employment avenues in the world, most especially for a state such as ours.

New Zealand having pulled their heads out of the sand some years ago and are now reaping the huge benifits of such action.

A cable car will have minimum or no effect on Hobart and or Tasmania's environment whatsoever, and I for one would like to know exactly what they have against it?

And dont say, but you don't live here, because I used to and and intend to move back. So come on speak up, what's the problem?

THE average blue collar worker in the last century had to work for approximately 44 years before he could retire and get a government pension.

With some luck, he might have his own house, have raised a family and if possible have a little money in the bank to enjoy the retirement.

Now the government thinks that this is too easy, so they have raised the age to 67 and surprise, surprise is trying to raise it to 70.

If you’re lucky, you could have your health so that you can work part-time so that you can have a couple little luxuries, but still you have to pay your taxes.

They wonder why working off the books for cash is a major part of the economy.

The government brings out more red tape, reporting statements to uncover this black economy, but this actually forces more bosses to work black.

I think the average worker wants a few years where he can sit back and enjoy himself because he can't do it before he retires.

I HAVE just seen the changes at Civic Square.

The deeply meaningful fountain that showered Tasmania with flow from the many countries that we migrated from has gone.

Replaced with a children’s paddling pool that they obviously enjoy.

However, who on earth dreamed up the ridiculous boards of human skeletons. Avant-Garde in some strange art circle maybe. Totally out of place next to the great Tasmanian animal bronzes. Please get rid of the boards immediately.

DICK James (The Examiner, May 15) trots out the old line that amalgamation will never succeed while the decision is to be made by those most impacted to decry the latest failure of any reduction in council numbers. What Mr James fails to mention, or deliberately overlooks, is that in the latest failed proposal, a merger between West Tamar and George Town councils, the full West Tamar Council voted unanimously nine to zero to take this proposed merger to the next phase, that of community consultation.

This community consultation would have been vitally important as, as a council, we are the custodians of the municipality and any major proposal that directly impacts the community must give the community a chance to voice their opinion. The West Tamar Council was willing to give our community a chance to provide input into this proposed merger but the seven councillors of George Town who voted against moving to community consultation effectively ended this merger proposal.

THIS week we’re saying a huge thank you to the people who take action and make our country a happier place. Volunteering happens in all kinds of ways. Like the simple act of sharing a social media post about supporting newly-arrived migrants which, when thousands of others share, can have a huge impact. Other kinds of volunteering require a bigger commitment, like driving elderly isolated people to regular medical appointments and social outings, and can have a profound effect on the lives of individuals.

At Australian Red Cross, volunteers are a lot like our engine room; they support communities when natural disasters hit, make daily phone calls to isolated people, greet customers to our op shops, donate blood, and fundraise for us.

This week we’re celebrating not just our volunteers in Tasmania, but everyone who takes action to make our society stronger, more connected and supportive. Thank you for your generosity and making Tasmania and Australia a better place. More about volunteering at redcross.org.au/volunteer