It is a crop with a number of positive attributes. Its seed is a food source with a range of industrial uses such as soap making. Its fibre is a soil conditioner, and insulation material in home building.

The crop can be a highly profitable one if fully exploited. It provides a viable alternative to poppies which face a rocky road at this time.

Dick James, Launceston.

YOUR editorial "Migrants Deserve Kindness" (The Examiner, November 3) rang very true to me, especially your observation that "Tasmania has always been somewhat shackled by its small population growth".

I am not a migrant, but was nevertheless told to go back to where I come from by locals. My move has been from the East Coast of Tasmania to the North Coast.

Elsa de Ruyter, East Devonport.

MUCH has been said since September 30 about the proposed prison in Westbury, particularly the Liberal claims that it will provide great benefits, bringing in jobs and economic growth (which were originally stated to benefit Westbury specifically, however now that those claims have been proven to be false, the benefit claims have shifted and are supposedly for the greater Northern region instead).

Many, such as myself, question this claim of benefits to the region, and instead ask what we will lose as a result of a prison built in our historic town.

In 2017/18, the total tourism and hospitality sales in the Meander Valley Council area was $236.9 million.

If even 10 per cent of this industry declines due to the proposed prison being built, over the course of 10 years that would essentially be the same amount lost to local businesses as this prison will cost the taxpayers over the same time.

Given many businesses in this area indicate that up to 80 per cent of their patrons are tourists, for a region that has several businesses either partially or wholly reliant on the tourism industry, we could see a net loss in the region proportionately larger than any so-called "benefit".

The Tower of London, Port Arthur, Pentridge, Alcatraz, and many other prisons teach us one truth, a truth that Minister Archer and the Liberal government seem to fail to understand: there is no tourism value in a prison until after it has been decommissioned.

Martin Hamilton, Westbury.

I REACT strongly to comments made by Conjoint Associate Professor Colin Mendelsohn, Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association (The Examiner, November 4).

Professor Mendelsohn said vaping is a significantly cheaper alternative to smoking, yet it is banned. And so it should be. Can Professor Mendelsohn explain to e-cigarette users exactly what they're sucking on?

Professor Mendelsohn also said vaping is a far safer alternative for smokers who are unable to quit with conventional treatments.

And going cold turkey is safer still.

A R Trounson, Needles.