Let us line up all of Bermuda's cars, trucks and motor bikes bumper to bumper.

22,000 cars/taxis at an average length of 12 feet equals 264,000 feet.

23,000 motor/auxiliary bikes at an average length of 6 feet equals 138,000 feet.

4,000 trucks and other vehicles at an average length of 18 feet equals 72,000 feet.

Total 474,000 ft.

At 5,500 feet to the mile, 474,000 feet is approximately 86 miles.

Bermuda's vehicles could almost completely fill both lanes of traffic bumper to bumper, on Middle Road, South and North Shore Roads, from Dockyard to St.

George's.

HOW BIZARRE City of Hamilton An attack on democracy December 30, 1998 Dear Sir, The call by senior Immigration advisor Ms Laverne Furbert to have Royal Gazette political reporter, Mr. Raymond Hainey's work permit revoked is nothing less than a serious attack on democracy in Bermuda.

A free and independent media is one of the key pillars of any democratic society. Indeed, an historical perspective of any nation that slid into totalitarianism will show that the first step was invariably the muzzling of their newspapers.

Alarm bells should be ringing in intellectual circles, as this could quite literally be the first step onto the slippery slope. If Government does not issue some sort of statement condemning this outburst, then a dangerous precedent will have been set and Bermuda will be in danger of becoming a place where everybody will have to be careful what they say and indeed, who they say it to.

Ms Furbert should be made to realise that in a democracy, one might not agree with the things other people say, but one should recognise their right to say them. By threatening this one man she is undermining the whole principle.

As such, Ms Furbert is entitled to her opinions about Mr. Hainey, but when she threatened his livelihood she crossed the line and abused her position. Her only way out now is a full apology to the people of Bermuda, and/or her resignation.

PAUL AZZARIO Southampton Thanks for granting wish January 8, 1999 Dear Sir, May I, through the medium of your column, express the gratitude of Child's Wish and the families we seek to represent to those in the community who made generous donations to our endeavours this holiday season? As a direct result of the exposure in The Royal Gazette on December 12 in a touching article by Patricia Calnan, our newly formed charity received thousands of dollars in donations, several offers of help and one request for assistance. Our Board will be busy in the New Year considering how we can further ensure that a child's inalienable right to experience joy, is guaranteed. We encourage families who are experiencing the stress of physical or medical challenges to apply to us for wishes or for funding in the short term for enrichment programmes. Child's Wish may be contacted in writing at Suite 971, Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11.

Child's Wish had the pleasure of facilitating a special wish for the Birrell family from Toronto over Christmas (Letters to the Editor, January 6) and will work with another wish from Baltimore during International Race Week. Once again thanks to all those individuals and organisations who have made contributions to those two incoming wishes. Our wish granted to the Webber family of Bermuda to visit Disney World at Christmas was also a resounding hit, creating lasting happy memories for the whole Webber family.

Child's Wish looks forward to growing in 1999. Sadly we will always have cases to consider, wishes to grant where time is of the essence and brothers and sisters to include in special experiences. We would like to ensure that these opportunities exist whenever they are needed in order that children under stress can balance their lives with hope.

JACQUELINE HORSFIELD Board Member Child's Wish Gifts helped STAR January 8, 1999 Dear Sir, Thank you for the space in your newspaper to convey our sincere thanks to the people of Bermuda who continue to follow the example of our Creator who lovingly shows us how to live. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.'' John 3:16.

Once again, the true spirit of giving rang strong throughout Bermuda during the Christmas season. During the month of December the living room at Light House (home to seven persons with HIV) became a warehouse of activity as food items, gifts and financial contributions poured into the STAR ministry. Many families were happy and healthier because of the love shown by the community.

STAR (Supportive Therapy for persons living with AIDs and their Relatives) was able to provide food hampers and many gifts to our clients and to the homes of many of our orphaned children.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the many churches, businesses, schools, clubs, medical professionals, volunteers and other individuals for the love, prayers and support that is given to our mission in Bermuda throughout the year. We pray that the principle of giving as found in Luke 6:38 will ring the rich blessing that you all deserve: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure shaken together and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.'' Thank You, God's Blessings and Happy New Year, Bermuda! Carolyn L. Armstrong Director/Coordinator STAR In praise of LBE December 14, 1998 Dear Sir, This letter is to honour one who I love and respect.

She has: The strength of Samson The dignity of Queen Esther The humility of Ruth The wisdom of Solomon The compassion of King David The leadership of Joshua The adventuresomeness of St. Paul The vision of Ezekiel The determination of Martin Luther King She's synonymous with: The contents of a bank vault The merchandise of a jewellery store The adornment of your person She's altogether beautiful and strong.

She's the golden lady. Her name is The Honourable, Most Gracious, Mrs. Lois Browne-Evans. MP, JP.

Giveth and giveth of herself to her people, Over and over she loveth and loveth again, Lives to see justice done to all, Daring always to go forward, Ever working for the rights of others, Never looking for self-glory, May God bless the golden lady! Read Proverbs Chapter 31.

DONALD L. JONES Southampton