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SCMP Reporter

Keep the World Expo pavilions
 The curtain came down on the World Expo in Shanghai on Sunday. Shanghai says only the China pavilion and a few others will be kept, while the rest will be demolished. This is too wasteful.
All the pavilions should be retained. This is because different pavilions have different ways of introducing the countries they represent. Visitors get to know and understand more about the customs of each country. 
If the pavilions are demolished, people will lose one of the ways to understand the countries. If they are retained, more people will go to Shanghai to visit the places. This will promote the prosperity of Shanghai and the city will become more well known.
Natalie Tsang,  Leung Shek Chee College 
Protect dog owners and their pets
The sale of sick dogs from the mainland at pet shops in the city is outrageous.  
The animals, after travelling long distances under filthy conditions during delivery, are inevitably infected with diseases. Yet, there are unlicensed pet shops that do not give them any medical care and want to sell them as soon as possible. 
This can cause a lot of pain to the people who buy the pets, only to realise they are suffering from illness. As the saying goes: 'A dog is a man's best friend.' When a dog owner finds his puppy afflicted with an acute illness that cannot be treated, he has to face the death of his beloved pet. 
Furthermore, the pet shop owner may refuse to pay compensation and claim that the responsibility of taking care of the pet belongs to the pet owner. 
The core problem lies with the operation of pet shops. Something should be done before it is too late. 
The government should intensify its efforts to keep a close watch on pet shops. Officials should ensure the pets are inoculated and well treated. Also, private breeders should be supervised as they may convert their homes into breeding grounds. Tough laws should be introduced to deter potential offenders. 
Life is precious. Being a dog lover, I hope other people can show more compassion and do their utmost to protect pets.
Nicole Ng Ka-yi, St Antonius Girls' College 
Respect China and its policy
The news report 'US, neighbours push China on sea rights'  says that international pressure is mounting on China over its actions in the South China Sea.
It is reported that other countries are concerned about Beijing's assertiveness in the South China Sea, where it claims much of the waters of the mineral-rich sea and also the Paracel  and Spratly  islands. 
 I support China on security affairs. Problems in Asia should be solved by Asia itself because those are Asia's own business. Different countries have different ways of handling problems. Western nations should not interfere in Asian policy.
 Besides, China is growing stronger in economic and military aspects. It has become the biggest competitor of Western countries. They worry about the influence of China and communism, and do not want to lose their control over overseas markets. They want to stop China by intervening in its policy.
 I hope all the countries will use peaceful means to resolve international affairs. They should respect other nations' rights and try their best to maintain peace. 
Nat Leung
Retain experienced teachers in schools
The government should adopt a voluntary class reduction scheme rather than force teachers to leave their schools. 
Among teachers who are eligible for the early retirement package, there are many who have valuable teaching experience. If they retire early, it will be a great loss to education. 
Moreover, I support the Professional Teachers' Union's  suggestion of a small-class teaching policy. Both students and teachers can benefit from small-class teaching - students can receive greater care and teachers can retain their positions in schools. Although teaching costs will rise, schools will educate students better.
I know it is a difficult decision for the government, but it is obvious that small-class teaching policy will be a good choice.
Ho Wai-sze, Ju Ching Chu Secondary School (Kwai Chung)



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