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SCMP Reporter

Should the shoeshiners be allowed to stay on Theatre Lane?
The shoeshiners in Hong Kong should be allowed to operate on this street. 
They do not create any congestion or cause an obstruction for passers-by or people crossing the road. I am not aware that any pedestrians have complained about their presence. 
Some officials have said tourists might object to their presence, but I do not think so. Besides, the government's priority should not just be tourists; it should also be looking after its residents, including the shoeshiners. 
Many Hong Kong people like the shoeshiners and like to have a chat with them. 
If they are not issued with licences, they will not be able to work and this would be unfair. They are part of the history of Hong Kong. 
They go back to the early days and were there as Hong Kong developed into a financial hub. I hope the government will show its support for them. 
Vincent Fong Yiu-sang, Hung Hom
I believe the administration should show its support at least for a few of the elderly shoeshiners and let them continue to ply their trade in Theatre Lane. 
They do not pose an obstruction for pedestrians in that lane. People can walk on Theatre Lane unimpeded. 
However, the majority of younger-generation Beijing shoeshiners should be locked up permanently in their workplaces behind those massive iron gates that have been erected around the Central Government Offices.
We used to be able to walk through the compound offices and park cars from Lower Albert Road to Battery Path but this is no longer the case. And this is in spite of the fact that this is considered to be a public place.
P. A. Crush, Sha Tin
Weeks after a problem arose regarding licences for shoeshiners, they are facing another difficulty as they may not be allowed to continue to operate their businesses on Theatre Lane ('Brush-off for shoeshiners in Theatre Lane revamp', August 13). 
A developer claims that they are blocking emergency vehicle access  and wants them relocated.  
It will be a nightmare for these elderly shoeshiners who only earn a few thousand dollars a month and who face a number of problems. 
They will have to pay money for a licence. And, if they have to be relocated, it could adversely affect their incomes because their customers are used to them operating in Theatre Lane. 
The developer should be more considerate as they only occupy a small part of the street and there is access for emergency vehicles.
In addition, officials have pointed out that they will not affect emergency access. These shoeshiners should be praised because they are trying to earn a living. 
Therefore, they deserve to be allowed to use a small part of Theatre Lane, where they can ply their trade. 
R. Hau, Kowloon Bay 
What do you think of hygiene at public pools?
Hygiene standards at public pools are abysmal. I find the water in the pools to be salty.
However the fault does not lie with the disinfecting, filtration and sterilisation systems in our pools, which are advanced.
The main culprits  are the swimmers and their lack of awareness regarding hygiene.
Some irresponsible swimmers cannot be bothered to leave the pool to visit the toilet. Such actions can contaminate the water, which poses a health threat to other swimmers.
People have to show consideration for their fellow swimmers. All users have a responsibility to keep the pool clean.
Mike Lam, Kwun Tong
What can be done to prevent illegal dumping?
Unauthorised dumping has become a serious problem in rural areas in Hong Kong. The government must wake up to the worsening situation.
It should introduce legislation to curb illegal dumping and impose tougher penalties to act as a deterrent, including higher fines and, where necessary, a custodial sentence.
Relevant government departments should monitor areas where there is agricultural land more frequently.
Lee Shuk-king, Kwun Tong
How should trees be protected and managed?
The cases of two residential estates where trees were heavily pruned  show that the government's tree protection measures are inadequate. We need a proper tree protection law.
Trees that are old must be given special care and if there is a problem there should be prompt treatment, so that there is no risk of a tree falling and injuring someone.
The public needs to be educated so that people have the right attitude and recognise the importance of protecting trees. I would like to see a special group being set up to look into these issues.
Winnie Ng wing-yan, Kwun Tong
On other matters ...
I refer to the report ('15 ill after eating JW Marriott buffet', August 11). The article states the guests ate at a 'dinner buffet', but actually they ate at a seafood dinner buffet, which included all-you-can-eat raw oysters, mussels, scallops and other seafood (a lot of shellfish).
As filter feeders, shellfish amass toxins that can accumulate to the point of causing poisoning, even death.
As a patron of five-star restaurants in Hong Kong, I have seen many individuals visit buffets and fill their plates with large quantities of oysters and pieces of raw sashimi. Personal responsibility and self-control has taken a backseat to overindulgence.
As a regular guest at many hotel restaurants, from the Shangri-La to the Four Seasons to the Marriott, I can personally vouch for the quality and high standards of the JW Marriott Hotel.  
Namor Smada, Quarry Bay



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