Surely, if the burying of pigs as an experiment to create more space at Rookwood has been under discussion for three years as stated, experiments could have taken place in a remote location rather than risk upsetting some individuals or groups with a present or future connection with burials at Rookwood. Just as JFK had to wear the Bay of Pigs episode there will probably be similar names for future associations with burials at Rookwood if and when more than 100 pigs are buried there.
William Williams Manly
![Illustration: Cathy Wilcox](http://web.archive.org./web/20170528073404im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/q/0/9/6/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gvmuah.png/1493596325482.jpg)
Plenty to rail about
To those Surry Hills cafe owners in the path of the light rail hoping their troubles would be over early next year I would say 'Don't hold your breath' ("Cafe owners count the costs of light rail construction", April 16). Work in George Street where it all began 16 months ago is far from finished. Hoardings remain up, barricades are still in place and not a single rail has been laid. That estimated cost of $2.1 billion doesn't include the collateral damage inflicted on the hundreds of businesses unfortunate enough to be in the light rail's destructive path.
Garth Clarke North Sydney
Many noble causes
Reading of David Reitze ("Nobel favourite hopes to chase waves in Australia", April 16) merely impressed upon me the intellectual enormity of Albert Einstein as scientists are still, 102 years after the general theory of relativity was published, grappling with its implications such as whether the fabric of space time itself is affected by collisions of black holes and hence our need to be conversant in STEM areas. Then the reality dawned on me there are so many other areas needing attention such as homelessness ('National obscenity' still a blight as homeless crisis rises, April 16), injured workers ("Thousands injured workers may lose benefits", April 16), refugees ("No one safe on Manus, say fearful refugees", April 16), let alone the challenges of overcoming a variety of medical conditions or the rise of loneliness in the face of 1000 Facebook friends ("1000 Facebook friends and still lonely", April 16).
Gordana Martinovich Dulwich Hill
Homelessness central
Growing homelessness is not only a problem in Sydney but regional cities and towns as well and the numbers are often higher, hidden by 'rough sleepers' ("'National obscenity' still a blight as homeless crisis worsens", April 16). It is a national crisis and it is simply not good enough for the Assistant Minister for Social Services to state that "...it is a complex issue that affects many Australians". The federal government needs to understand these complexities of origins and begin to assist all those in need. The provision of increased funding for accommodation, health and other services to ultimately save lives is essential. We can all assist but a real solution can only come from a centralised approach by the government.
Janice Creenaune Austinmer
Easter misses refugees
The traditional Easter message of peace and hope will sadly not resonate with the hapless refugees ("No one safe at Manus, say fearful refugees", April 16).The least Christian thing the Turnbull government must do is to offer proper protection while the US authority vets the resettlement of these unwanted unfortunate refugees.
Steve Ngeow Chatswood
Lots of drugs scarce
Tris Raouf is right to be annoyed that her hormone replacement medication has suddenly become unavailable ("'Virtually dead without it': patch shortage leaves women in pain", April 16). However to imply that doctors and pharmacists simply don't care, or to make the bizarre assertion that if it was Viagra, "the problem would be solved overnight" is way off the mark. I can assure Ms Raouf that the shortage of HRT medication is just one in a long list of drugs that are in limited supply, or in no supply at all. Medical practitioners are told about shortages on an almost weekly basis from the health department, and they include drugs to manage blood pressure, analgesics, and certain antibiotics. It's nobody's "fault". Australia has a limited pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, and many products are imported from Europe or elsewhere. It's a long way, and supply problems can result from issues as diverse as a shortage of raw ingredients to strike action on the wharves somewhere in the world.
Ross MacPherson Seaforth