Without a prearranged ticket there will be no entry. Never in the past has there been too many patrons enjoying the music, but now for some strange reason, the TSO feel the need to “limit” the public’s participation, by only issuing a certain number of tickets.

Judging by the number of people at today’s Music in the Park program and friends, who are just realising that they won’t gain entry to Symphony under the Stars, I fear an awful backlash.

The sight of people without tickets being evicted from their day in the park, or others laden with food, drink, chairs, and kids being denied entry, will leave a sour taste in many mouths.

TSO - it’s not too late to revert to the tried and true practices of the past, whereby everybody who wants to can enjoy a stunning program.

Simon Handby, Launceston.

EVERY residential aged-care facility that I ever worked in was staffed by a caring, well-trained, underpaid and overworked skeleton crew.   Much more staff are needed to properly monitor residents who are a danger to themselves and others.   Minister Wyatt may make regulations regarding restraints, but unless staffing is increased and workers paid more, then, for the safety of all residents and staff, both chemical and physical restraints will continue to be needed for too many people suffering dementia. The central problem of the aged-care industry is money; not enough comes from governments, not enough of that goes to workers and too much of it goes to the profiteers. Fix that please, Mr Wyatt.

Bob Elliston, registered nurse, Bruny Island.

PERFECT Launceston weather greeted Mona Foma attendees on Saturday, January 19, with Neneh Cherry and Mulatu Astatke and Black Jesus Experience (at times, with a hint of an Osibisa beat), just some of the day’s highlights. With crowd numbers at a comfortable level, an endangered species was detected, a disturbingly high number of mullet haircuts.

Kenneth Gregson, Swansea.

WHAT do Donald Trump and Peter Gutwein have in common? A financial impasse. Donald Trump with his wall and Peter Gutwein with the public sector unions. I hope for the sake of America and Tasmania, that some form of compromise can be found on both issues, ever heard of arbitration and mediation. With the cost of renting, petrol and many other things being the highest in the nation in Hobart, a decent pay rise for public service employees are urgently needed.

Malcolm Scott. Newstead.

COME on Mr Prime Minister, no board shorts or thongs for Australian Day ceremonies? That’s like banning barbecues and beer for the same day, very un-Australian. You say you ’re a standards Prime Minister, what a laugh that is, you must be the only one if you are what you say you are.

David Parker, West Launceston.