Gear shift lever and "what's that noise?" Question

[beefjerky]

Hi guys and gals, I have 2 questions!

Firstly, the gear shift lever has seemingly gained a LOT of play movement... from right to left. The linkage is also a bit loose, it can be twisted a fair bit, as if rolling a smoke.
No problem changing gear or anything like that but I am concerned if I leave this be it may come loose altogether. I had a look and there doesn't seem to be any nuts or bolts apart from the ones where it attaches to the bike, is there a specific way to tighten up or is it ok?

Secondly, when I wheel the bike forward there is a "slicing" sound coming from the back wheel area, it seems to be every 1/4 or 1/3 revolution of the wheel. Not much info to go on, but looking at the manual I am thinking it could be something caught in the drum... has anyone experienced this before or have some ideas I can check out?

Thanks!