As this was our first time at such an event, my wife and I were appalled at the levels of intoxication among mid-aged individuals, and the general lack of respect paid to these well-renowned artists, and other music lovers who had gone along to see this international act and, not to mention, had paid a lot of money.

Whilst my wife and I are far from prudent, and did enjoy a few bottles of Bimbadgen's wine, to see the progressive demise of a large amount of concert-goers due to the consumption of alcohol to a point whereby they missed the main artists was completely beyond belief.

You have to ask the question did they go to the concert to get smashed on alcohol and catch up with friends, or go to the concert with friends to see two international artists? I fear the first.

In any event, these uncivilised individuals and their antics only somewhat dulled an amazing event which included three very different bands, and of course the two grand old ladies of popular culture.

Deborah Harry and Cyndi Lauper are still amazing especially at 71 and 63 years of age, respectively. Rock on ladies.

- Adam Walton, Toronto

I READ with interest the front page story (“Anonymous tip-offs”, Lakes Mail, March 30). The last paragraph makes the phrase “anonymous tip-offs” obsolete and a catch 22. 

What if you reported, on several occasions, what you knew to be granny flats illegally built and occupied? All the council would have to do is Google the address, and see on Google maps that there are illegal buildings.

The council employee would not even have to leave their seats. So why would they have to have the complainant’s name for legal reasons? I just feel that is only to discourage reporting of buildings and noise issues. As not many people would be happy with a brick through their window.

What makes me angry is when a ratepayer wants to built even a small shed, the council makes them go through all the hoops. Yet these illegally built buildings are just ignored.

So why apply to council for a building permit? Just build what you want and feel safe from any council prosecutions.

- Anonymous, via email

HOW gratifying it was to see, in Britain's Theresa May, a world leader with courage to defy the bribery, the bullying and the blackmail which goes with the territory, leaving the European Union and abiding by the people's wishes. We should be so lucky. To her and her supporters, the best of British.

- Ron Elphick, Buff Point

AROUND 10 last night (March 28) we had a brown out in Bonnells Bay for more than an hour. It was reassuring to hear our local fire unit escorted by a police truck slowly on patrol in our street. Great service.

- Robert Jay, Bonnells Bay

RUBBER-tyred trams running on batteries? Might as well use rubber-tyred buses running on diesel, it takes much less time to fill a tank than charge a huge row of batteries. Because buses are shorter and more maneuverable, they can actually pull into the kerb, where the frail and elderly can disembark in safety. How long would l last, if l dropped my passengers off in the middle of the road and expected (or hoped), that they would not be run over, as they scurry for safety? Trams may be more glamorous, but hey, this is Newcastle not Hollywood Boulevard. We need fair dinkum practical public transport.

- Carl Stevenson, Dora Creek