Albeit, the statistics quoted were much larger than expected (The Examiner, December 3).

I find it ridiculous when people will state on Facebook, and in general, discuss how we should stop buying Chinese products.

Can you just imagine?

I hate to state the obvious, but it works both ways.

Should China decide they will not import any more products from us, too many of our industries will be crippled for words.

Many seem to put their head in the sand about how we created this situation of dependency.

So no use blaming the Chinese.

We should start taking responsibility for decades of enjoying cheaper products.

And also understand that the consequence of completely stopping will also result in them cutting our enormous export market.

Food for thought.

Anthony Camino's letters (The Examiner, November 25 and December 2) states he accepts that smoking will cause poor health or premature death.

However, he claims that the government is allowing it to bolster consolidated revenue.

That is ridiculous.

The revenue raised from smoking does not cover the costs to the health system.

The payment of the tax is entirely voluntary as it can be stopped by quitting the habit.

I know several people who have smoked since they were teenagers and have been able to quit.

Is Mr Camino suggesting that the price of cigarettes be cut drastically to encourage more people to smoke, or leave the price as is to be a windfall for tobacco manufacturers?

If anything the tax should be raised as each time that happens smoking rates drop.

KUDOS to Veronique Clemesha for her efforts in commenting on, with sensitivity, the subject of the somewhat complex issues surrounding the effects domestic violence can have on male victims (The Examiner, December 1).

One of the greatest obstacles facing male victims is perception.

When attempting to access support services, that perception is often the first stumbling block many victims face.

An impediment that sets the scene for an environment with the potential to create many unintended consequences.

Those consequences could have been avoided if that perception did not exist.

It could be argued, rightly or wrongly, society has made some great strides in dealing with domestic violence.

Yet I will vehemently argue those advances matter little until the relevant authorities adopt holistic and balanced strategies that openly recognise that abuse can impact any individual irrespective of their gender.

THE Tamar Rowing Club established, in 1876, is one of the oldest in Australia and has members ranging from those still at school, to masters rowers in their 70s.

Since the raking program was halted the levels of mud have risen to the highest that anyone has seen.

This not only impedes our rowers who are unable to boat for over an hour either side of low tide, but also the many other users including yachts, pleasure boats, dragon boats, tourist boats, canoes and kayaks.

For over 200 years people have chosen to live in and visit the beautiful place that is Launceston, especially around the rivers.

We are told to "learn to love the mud banks".

Surely a compromise can be reached to allow the many users, both sporting and recreational, to safely enjoy the river and at the same time protect the health and ecology of the river itself.

What is needed is one overall body to work out a solution, rather than many different entities producing reports.