Getting out of my car on a main street in Dunedin recently, I stepped out on to a yellow, slimy, hunk of spit.
But it had not been done just once - there was more a few inches further along the footpath.
Shortly afterwards, we parked our car opposite the entrance to the library and, on alighting, a lady went past, cleared her throat, gave a hearty "cough" and left her large donation on the footpath.
Yuck! Men can also often be seen blowing their noses on to the footpath.
Is there any way of getting these "spitters" to use their handkerchiefs? We are trying to keep Dunedin free of swine flu, but what chance is there when people think they can get rid of their bugs just anywhere?
Do people know that New Zealand has never condoned this filthy habit of expectorating - even on the football field? Once upon a time, these people could have been given a hefty fine.
It would be good to see if this law is still in place.
Joan Berry
Macandrew Bay
This week's winner is Joan Berry, of Macandrew Bay. She receives a copy of Judith Cullen's Dinner in a Basket, Longacre Press, $39.99.
