This will weaken their competitiveness.

Secondly, most people use services provided by the government on Saturdays. The closure of many counter services will be inconvenient.

Thirdly, most civil servants have a Saturday off every two weeks. I think that's enough time for them to spend with their families.

Fourthly, civil servants usually have at least 14 to 30 days' annual leave every year according to their rank. That's plenty of time for a long vacation with their family.

Lastly, since the government reduced the number of civil servants, most have complained their workload has become heavier. If the five-day work week is implemented next month, civil servants will have to work even harder.

I think the policy is not good. I wish the government could understand what the people want and listen.

Lau Ka-yuet

Cherish loved ones

I'm afraid to see a close friend or a relative leave me. Although my life won't be affected, it still makes me worry when I know someone important is leaving.

I was shocked when one of my classmates said she was going to study in Australia. It was so sudden.

But I thought since I knew in advance I would be prepared for it, but I was wrong.

We decided to throw a farewell party for her.

While I can't say she was my closest friend, I nearly cried during the party.

When she looked at me, I had a special feeling I couldn't describe.

Her eyes were full of thanks and trust. I had not seen that before and it was very touching. I suddenly felt I had so many things to tell her.

Now I feel regret. Not because she has left, but because of all the things we could have shared.

I hope she can find her dream.

But I will never forget this feeling. I think I have learned something very valuable.

You should share with people who are close to you while you can. Such people are precious and the moments you have with them are more precious.

Tam Hei-man

Respect Wetland Park

The opening of Hong Kong Wetland Park was very exciting.

The purpose of the park is to protect the environment.

It is also a way of educating the public.

But I was very disappointed by the public response.

Many visitors behaved in an irresponsible way. A lot of rubbish was dumped and cigarette ends were left all over the ground. Birds were frightened away because parents let their children play too much.

I think local people need to learn a lesson.

Hong Kong Wetland Park is not a theme park like Disneyland. It does not have rides and amusements. It's a place for learning.

Local people always tease mainland Chinese tourists for not obeying the rules in Hong Kong tourist spots, but when the Wetland Park opened the locals behaved exactly the same way.

People complained they couldn't find enough rubbish bins, but they should think more about the rubbish they create.

The government has been trying to encourage people to take their litter away with them.

I think the government should fine people for smoking and leaving rubbish in the park.

They should promote the Wetland Park to the public. Some people do not understand the exhibitions, so the government should arrange documents to help them.

The government should also arrange more transport links to promote the park.

We must all learn that this is a special place and we should be responsible for our actions when we visit.

I hope the park will get better and better.

Jessica Ng Ka-hei

Our Lady of the Rosary College

No domestic violence

In 2005, child abuse and spouse-battering cases reached a record high.

According to the Social Welfare Department, last year there were 763 child abuse cases and 3,598 spouse-battering cases. The official figures might show only the tip of the iceberg, with many cases remaining unreported.

I am astonished at such an alarming figure. I think we must do something.

First, the government should set up more district centres to help troubled families.

Second, families must act responsibly and think before they quarrel. Listening is vital.

No matter how busy, a couple should allocate time, perhaps 30 minutes each day for a meeting during which they can share their feelings.

Lack of communication often causes domestic violence. I'm sure the problem can be alleviated if everyone in the family learns to listen and share more.

Shannon Lam

Methodist College