Shaggy Dog Comments...

On the train front (see main news) it's worth noting that the Price WaterhouseCoopers options paper into the feasibility of re-introducing passenger train services on the Murwillumbah to Casino branch line was released a couple of weeks ago, to minimal fanfare. The report was seeking feedback on the effectiveness and social costs of the cancelled service, possible future management structures, future line maintenance ideas, potential users, cost structures and funding for various potential rail services.

It also seeks comment on the social and environmental benefits of restoring a rail service and of retaining the rail corridor in public ownership for re-establishment of a service in the future.

The problem was that submissions closed on "Friday 24th August" (sic) according to the discussion paper. Now we're a little worried about the attention to detail contained in the report, given they have such trouble with something as simple as getting the date right.

If you're still keen to have a stab at it, the report is on The Echo website at www.echonews.com, but first up check with Jancey Browne at PWC jancey.bro wne@au.pwc.com or phone 8266 2765 to see if they'll still take submissions.

Next Tuesday, August 31, is the NSW Fire Brigade's annual 'Escape Day', to remind everyone of the importance of having an escape plan at home in case of emergency. Inspector Chris Fabri from the Goonellabah station said households and businesses should spend 20 minutes planning and practicing an escape plan - as well as nominating a safe meeting place. Home escape plans are available from the Goonellabah station, and there are more details online at www.fire.nsw.gov.au

They certainly breed 'em tough in the commercial cookery class at Wollongbar TAFE, where rules are rules. Shaggy was accompanying Neil Perry, one of Australia's greatest chefs, into one of the kitchens for a photo shoot when we were challenged by one of the staff. Perry, who's almost as famous for his trademark ponytail as he is for his food, obviously wasn't recognised, with the staffer barking out over a box of produce that he needed to put on headwear if he's going to enter the kitchen. Just this once, the rules were relaxed.

Cardinal George Pell often cops a fair bit up flack from his critics, who often accuse him of being a little bit too pompous. In the last month, both the head of the Catholic and Anglican churches have visited Lismore. The young pup dispatched to cover the visits was unsure of how to address their Excellencies, so asked. The response from Anglican boss Dr Peter Carnley was "Archbishop is fine". And Cardinal Pell? "Just call me George".

On the H2O front, Rous Water has been running a series of ads explaining how much water goes into everyday products. For example, it takes 18 litres of water to make 50 litres of petrol; a beer is 95% water (there goes out plan to drink beer to save water); it takes 1000 litres of water to produce a coloured T-shirt; and 275 litres to produce a loaf of bread. Now we're wondering how much water it takes to produce a litre of water. Rous head honcho Paul Muldoon says just under one - about 2.2 per cent is lost turning it into drinking water.

And while we're on the subject, Rocky Creek dam is currently at 77 per cent capacity. The region is currently using between 30 and 55 ML a day - the higher figure more than double the amount consumed under drought restrictions. If our current profligacy keeps up, we could be facing more restrictions within four months. So use it wisely.

NSW lost one of its last WWI veteran when the last post sounded for Marcel Caux on the weekend. Mr Caux, 105, fought in battles on the Western Front, having singed up at age 16, and was wounded three times, but kept his war service quiet until he was 98. He will be honoured with a State funeral this Friday at 10am. His passing leaves just four surviving diggers - Gilbert Bennion, 105, of NSW, Victorians John Ross, 105, and William Allan, 104, and Peter Casserly, 106, of Western Australia.

This Sunday there's an open day at the Lismore PCYC in Orion Street, from 10am to 3pm, with lots of activities for kids. All are welcome. More details on 6621 6276.

Little bleeders skip school

Taking up the challenge at the Lismore Blood Service were Trinity Catholic College year 11 students (l-r) Jayden Mann, Matthew Szczotko, Luke Houghton and Sarah Little.

Around 30 students from local schools, including Trinity Catholic College, Lismore and Ballina High donated blood this week as part of a special 'Students Only Donation Day' that encourages teenagers to become regular donors. The school with the most donations each year is awarded the perpetual 'Vampire Shield' trophy.

"Only 3 per cent of the eligible population gives blood so we're relying on a very small percentage to give blood for the whole community. These are the donors of the future - if we can educate them now hopefully giving blood will become a lifelong commitment," Red Cross Blood Service Lismore nurse unit manager, Francine Hoye, said.

Giving blood is very simple and only takes about 30 minutes. If you can help phone 131 495 or 6620 2321.