Letters from the past

Gulf News looks back over the years at concerns and issues raised by readers in their letters to the newspaper. It's a retrospective that offers an insight into the community, the development of the country and the paper's journey. This week's letters are from 1980.

Informative feature
I am a Gulf News subscriber. I enjoy reading the newspaper, especially the interesting feature articles that are published. A few months ago the newspaper had a very useful feature called "My Homeland".

This feature helped me learn about the traditions and cultures of different countries. It was a useful feature for school children, too.
From Mr K.R. Vinon
Deira, Dubai

Good news
The story of the desert cooler that appeared in Gulf News is heartening news indeed. According to the news report, it is a "revolutionary machine to beat the rising cost of energy", which is being developed by a local manufacturing company. Whoever conceived this project should be highly commended.

The new low-cost desert cooler will not only be a boon to the local population but also has great export potential. This new machine will be in demand in energy standard poorer countries.

If the financial resources of the Arab world are diverted to manufacturing projects of this nature and also the development of new technologies based on indigenous know-how, the fruits of such efforts would relieve most economic burdens of the developing countries, too.
From Mr Francis Mapitagama
Dubai

New techniques
The news item that appeared in Gulf News on May 18 revealed the UAE University's plans to send a group of students to other countries to complete their higher studies in physics. This is a very wise decision, which deserves the praise and approval of the people.

I think this scheme should be extended to other fields of study as well. Another area that deserves such attention is agriculture.

The government, according to recent newspaper advertisements, has planned several fruit farms. There are many countries in the world where experiments have been carried out successfully and where they have mastered the art of cultivating the desert.

Australia and India are two such countries. Australians have recently developed many varieties of fruit trees suitable for cultivation in desert climates. Students from the UAE should be given a chance to visit these countries and draw from their experiences.
From Mr Mohammad Hanifta
Rashidiya, Dubai

Beautiful city
With the use of modern techniques, manpower and skill, Dubai has changed from a desert into a beautiful city. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this wonderful city when I first arrived in Dubai three years ago.

All along, back in my hometown, I imagined Dubai to be nothing but a vast stretch of desert. Thank my stars I had the chance to visit Dubai and put an end to my ignorance.
From Ms Penny Almeida
Dubai

No good news?
Newspapers and other communication channels like television are essential for the progress of a society. They keep people informed and play a vital role in educating the public.

But the reports that newspaper readers are forced to read these days only eulogises murder, terrorism, violence, hatred and atrocities. Isn't there anything good happening in our world worthy of publicity?
From Ms Norma Rodrigu
Al Ain

Animal control
I am an animal lover. I do not see any reason why the nauseating mess caused by the nocturnal gatherings of cats and dogs should be tolerated.

The pet cats and dogs in Al Karama are locked out by their owners during the night and the garbage bags placed in front of flats provide them with a gala buffet dinner!

The apartment dwellers have to either dump their garbage bags in the morning before the collectors arrive or keep their pets indoors. And if pet owners are not co-operative, I think the authorities should then step in.authorities should then step in.
From Ms Devika Amamath
Karama, Dubai