On the Dot...

On January 8, by 7.30 a.m., the national flag (picture) was hoisted upside down at the Malta Stock Exchange buildings. According to the rules issued in the Malta Government Gazette of July 25, 1990, Section 6(c) states that "The national flag shall never be displayed with the George Cross down save as a signal in dire distress".

Job Lot

Many firms seek to advertise positions aimed at a particular section of the populace; eg students, stay-at-homes, pensioners, etc, more often than not giving a box number instead of an address. The conditions offered are often lucrative, and it is obvious that many would be tempted to write in to augment their income. However, most applicants are left with a bitter taste when they do not receive even one acknowledgement to their many submissions.

Kept Posted

Certain establishments and private parties use public property, including electricity pylons and traffic signs, to advertise services or events. This no doubt attracts revenue for them, but it also despoils the environment. Perhaps local councils could erect hoardings where these advertisements may be attached - making a nice change from the pro-and anti-EU lobbies' billboards.

Wind Wards

Every so often, a blitz upon illegal buildings takes place, with the demolition of boathouses featuring prominently in the news. Yet not all such buildings have met the same fate. Some owners seem to think that, by order of prescription, their ramshackle huts have the right to last for a lifetime, being improved upon by heirs eager for the proverbial place in the sun. This is unfair.

Lights Out

In a landmark case some time ago, Enemalta was ordered to pay A. Montebello Tyres Limited the princely sum of Lm24,000 in damages for a short circuit which had led to a fire at the company's garage. Alas, no redress is available to all those who have had appliances damaged by sudden bursts in the electricity supply.

Roller Skates

Wardens who stand at the side of the road, berating women drivers who have belted children in the front seat rather than let them run amok in the back, think they are doing humanity a favour. Meanwhile, overspeeding drivers dart past them, too fast for their numbers to be noted, just as motorists who drive with one hand and hold a cellular phone with the other, glance briefly at the scene before quickly putting the telephone down.

Hazards Ahead

The barriers and hazard lights indicating that access to particular roads is barred because of roadworks, subsidence, or other reasons, are often incorrectly placed. These are often positioned in such a way that one is almost upon the danger before one notices the warning for it. Surely the approach to such dangers, especially at night, must be delineated with adequate forethought.

Bitter Pills

People who have type 1 diabetes but are over the age when it is usual for adult-onset diabetes to occur, have to purchase their own sticks. This means extra expenses of anything up to Lm12 a month. People who are hard up may try to economise by decreasing the number of blood tests they make, endangering their chances of keeping blood sugar levels stable. Surely prevention, especially in the case of an endemic condition such as diabetes, is always better than cure?

Glass Houses

Too many motorcyclists are going around with tinted visors in their crash helmets. If similarly treated windscreens and windows are not allowed in vehicles, why is it that these visors seem to have become locally accepted? There may be cases where the tint impairs visibility, especially in dull weather, thus increasing the possibility of accidents.

Collectors' Items

On January 13, as for that matter on every other Monday, by 8 a.m. the Ta' Qali market was awash with garbage (below). Admittedly, most of the rubbish was collected by 2.15 p.m., but there still remained countless odds and ends still dotting the place. Perhaps strategically placed bins or skips would lessen the problem.