More research needs to be done into finding ways to minimise the insect problem in our rural areas. In order to do this, the government must be willing to pay for the research.

Hong Kong people must also take some responsibility for their actions. They have to clear drains and surface channels to prevent a build-up of water and get rid of stagnant water in vases and plant saucers.

Philip Man, Kwai Chung

Are elevated high-rises in Nga Tsin Wai a good idea?

Turning Nga Tsin Wai village in Kowloon City into a conservation park would be a good idea. It would satisfy those who have been calling for the preservation of Hong Kong's heritage.

This complex would also illustrate the contrast between the high-density lifestyle in Hong Kong today and the more spacious residences of the past. This would enable people to see history at first hand, because concepts like collective memory are too abstract for many of us.

Pang Chi-ming, Sheung Shui

What do you think of pay-TV services?

I fully concur and sympathise with Paul Deakin (Talkback, September 17) and his totally correct whinge about Now Broadband TV's misuse of its customers.

I too have had to renew a contract, for more money of course, and with a great deal of grief - three hours in one of their shops and two hours on the phone. I was finally offered ESPN and Star Sports at HK$88, to which I finally agreed, then I was told that they could not actually do it. I had to take the entire mega sports package or nothing.

As I only really want to watch Formula One, some tennis and nine ball, I have now had to resort to the local pub to watch F1. This is not always convenient, as live races may be on very early.

This is more of the same from PCCW - great mission statements, no follow-up.

Wendy I. Richardson, Sai Kung

Should makeup be subject to tighter regulation?

I think there should be tougher rules for makeup manufacturers. There are few regulations at the moment.

Labels on food make the contents clear and have a sell-by date. There must be similar labelling with makeup.

At the very least, manufacturers should have to display a 'best before' date on makeup. Manufacturers who fail to do this are putting their own reputations at risk, and also the health of their customers.

Martina Ngai, Tseung Kwan O

On other matters...

The supermarket formerly known as ParknShop in Hong Lok Yuen recently underwent several months of renovation and emerged as the 'International'.

There was much publicity informing us of how this new store would stock food items from all over the world. What was not revealed was that many of the items would constantly be 'unavailable', 'sold out' or 'out of stock'.

It has always been a joke that when various food items suddenly became unavailable in ParknShop stores, 'the boat hadn't yet come in'. But recently I have noticed that this fact is becoming more commonplace.

Yesterday I counted in excess of 280 items that were marked 'out of stock' or 'sold out' at the Hong Lok Yuen ParknShop (sorry, International).

Perhaps in hindsight, it would have been more prudent for the powers that be at ParknShop, Taste or International, (whichever name they choose), to have spent some of their money not just on renovations and fancy names but on updating their ordering technology and staff training.

Maybe then food could be ordered well in advance, before it runs out of stock altogether and we have to wait for yet another 'boat to come in'.

Unfortunately, in Hong Kong, ParknShop has little competition, with the exception of one other main supermarket chain. But this should be not be a let-out for ParknShop to deliver such inferior service to its customers.

Lynne Norton, Hong Lok Yuen

In Hong Kong, we have our own special way of objecting to parking tickets.

Of course, all drivers must know that ignorance of the law is no excuse. A driving licence is a privilege and carries responsibilities.

Even Southside expat mums are expected to know the parking laws and follow them. But take heart and think like a local - follow the lead of minibus drivers.

Drive your vehicles en masse to the police station, surround it and threaten a riot unless your tickets are torn up.

Annelise Connell, Stanley

Our childhood in Hong Kong is chiefly conditioned by parental domination. In this patriarchal system, there is no place for children's rights.

In this society it is difficult for children to be assertive.

What freedoms children enjoy are at the discretion of adults, who fear their children are too immature to handle any kind of independence.

While I understand that parents act in this way out of concern for their children, it can affect their self-esteem as they are growing up. Children in Hong Kong are overprotected and become almost passive as they grow up.

We often graduate without getting a proper education and, as adults, we are reluctant to utter our opinions.

You do not suddenly grow up at the age of 18. Children need to be allowed to mature gradually. They should not be overprotected. They must be given the chance to make their own choices and, most importantly, their own mistakes.

Adults have to learn to respect some of the choices young people make. Our society must ensure that children have rights, so that as they grow into adults they can voice their opinions.

Wincy Ng Wing-sze, Lam Tin