Letters To The Editor

What's the policy?

Contained in a December edition of The Echo, in Letters to the Editor, was a letter expressing rather derogatory opinions directed at a local musician, George Scott, perceived by others as 'gifted'. This letter was published unsigned. Is this procedure to be taken therefore as representative of Echo editorial policy?

Roslyn Fairbairn

Our policy is we will consider publishing letters without the name if a phone number and address is supplied. In general we do not publish letters without contact details, however, yours is a rare exception. - Ed

Next stop Iran

The count down to the US invasion of Iran appears to have begun over six months ago, with the Bush Administration conducting secret missions inside Iran. Mostly focused on gathering intelligence and information on Iranian nuclear, chemical and missile sites, the plan is reportedly to isolate a number of targets for precision strikes and commando raids. Getting accurate evidence appears to be a priority this time!

According to a much quoted article by Seymour Hersh, in the magazine New Yorker, the actions in Iran are only part of an extensive escalation of Pentagon operations throughout the Muslim world. Hersh conducted a series of interviews with what he describes as "former high-level intelligence officials". One of them said "This is a war against terrorism, and Iraq is just one campaign. The Bush Administration is looking at this as a huge war zone... Next, we're going to have the Iranian campaign. We've declared war and the bad guys, wherever they are, are the enemy."

Though the article was criticised by the White House and Pentagon, there was no denial of its core assertion about US covert operations inside Iran.

Meanwhile, as France, Germany, Britain and other EU countries attempt to negotiate Iran into giving up its nuclear ambitions in exchange for trade benefits, the Bush Administration has refused to participate. The Pentagon argument is that with Iran there is no diplomacy without a serious threat of military action. Judging by the Iraq invasion, this means military action precedes all diplomacy.

Jillian Watt
Mullumbimby

A wonderful gift

If I told you that I have had the privilege to be part of an audience fortunate enough to witness and listen to delightfully fresh and zestful young performers singing tunefully, and to laugh at witty dialogue about human frailties expressed in clear diction, words I could actually hear, then you would know that I have been to see the YOWL production of Gilbert & Sullivan's Iolanthe!

All this from just a seven-day workshop!

Thank you Valerie Tamblyn-Mills, your students and the back-up team for sharing your wonderful gifts of music and giving your audiences the opportunity to visit memories of times past and to cherish and store some very special new ones for the future.

Congratulations. I am looking forward to your next production - the sooner the better!!

Val Axtens
North Lismore

Speed demons

At 4.15pm a blue commodore sedan drove at high speeds along North Creek Road, Ballina to Corks Lane, spun around on the gravel and took off at high speeds back along North Creek Road and turned into Piper Drive, Ballina.

It is not uncommon for hoons to test cars out on North Creek Road.

At 4.30pm the same blue commodore drove again at high speeds along North Creek Road to Corks Lane and back again to Piper Drive.

Only one thing to say: North Creek Road is clearly posted as 50kph, not the high speeds you were observed doing. Secondly, if you want to race cars, try Lismore Speedway and not around here.

Allan O'Neill
Ballina

Seeing the light

We, Sarge and Helen Casagrande, would like to thank the crowds of people we had come to visit our Christmas light display at Richmond Hill.

We were overwhelmed with the numbers and we raised over $600 for the Life Saver Helicopter appeal.

We had both adults and children either driving or walking around to see the lights. We really appreciated the gratitude people showed to us for providing them with a true Christmas spirit.

We have been doing our light display for about six years and we still get a lot of pleasure setting our house up for everyone to enjoy.

We have had feedback that some people have difficulty in finding our house and I am sure other houses may be also hard to find. We would like to see our newspapers have maps of Lismore and the surrounding areas for people to use so they can find the beautiful Christmas light displays that are around. We think Ballina has done it really well. We could coordinate the addresses for the newspapers to print.

Thank you again everyone and we look forward to a great Christmas 2005.

Helen Casagrande
Richmond Hill

Trial and tribulation

I am of the Goddess. My family has carried this in its name for certainly 400 years that I can verify: it is possible that we may be distantly linked to the Christ line but many generations pass through 2 millennia so who knows?

For whatever reasons the powers that be have chosen to ignore the innumerable signs and messages that tell us Mother Earth is having an extensive makeover in or at the end of the next seven years. This is going to happen, the state of man notwithstanding.

I would suggest that it would be wise to be taking preventative civil defence measures in preparation for the turmoil or tribulation that is facing us for certain, rather that allowing vital resources to be spirited away and left in the hands of a grey haired adolescent who obviously worships money above all other things.

The tribulation will be far better faced and dealt with by a planet at peace than one that is at war.

Name and address supplied

A small hitch

I am having quite a bit of difficulty writing this letter. I wish there was no reason to do so, but I feel that I should.

On Thursday, January 18, I had filled up with petrol at south Tweed Heads when I was approached by a man who said that he knew I was going to Lismore and asked me to give he and his bird a lift, otherwise they would have to walk. The bird was a small parrot, a cockatiel I believe, which was in a cage. He even knew that I used to drive a yellow falcon; I believed that he was a local, so I gave him a lift.

Now for the reason I have to write. Soon after I dropped him off at the entrance to Oakes Oval, I noticed my mobile phone was missing from its usual place between the front seats. When he first got in he said his name was Russell, he is an Aussie, not young, not old, but I am hopeless at describing people. I searched my car the next morning but no phone, so I must believe that he took it. I do wish that I am wrong, but??

Doug Myler
Lismore Heights

A stitch in time

As a continuing student of the Northern Rivers Conservatorium I'm expressing deep concern about lack of support from the Government concerning funding for the preservation of the Con's present historical building. Since this building has been known since the early 1900s as Lismore High School it then must be valuable in the community as one of the old standing heritage-listed buildings.

There appears to be plenty of money put into existing nearby streets, roads, flood levees and swimming pool etc. What then would Lismore become if lesser importance is placed on community arts?

Three years ago signs of deterioration such as cracks and fissures in parts of the building became evident. Now the cost of repair for part-demolition and restoration of the building is doubled that of three years ago when a stitch in time could have saved nine.

Arts is a precious and necessary part of Lismore's culture. It would be a terrible loss, especially to the 500 students and the very supportive teachers, if for financial reasons the Con was forced to close its doors forever.

For the first part of this year we urgently need to find temporary premises while part-demolition/restoration is being carried out.

We are making a plea to anyone in the community for appropriate temporary premises even if we are to be split up into various buildings. We would also be grateful for any support for the renting of temporary premises and relocation.

Bobbie Rossini-Sainbury
Lismore

Top class cricket

This letter is to express sincere appreciation to all involved in the staging of the Australian Country Cricket Championship matches in Lismore.

Lismore City Council was outstanding in its support of the event.

Special mention should be made of the support received from mayor Merv King, deputy mayor John Chant, general manager Paul O'Sullivan, parks and gardens manager Martin Soutar, events manager and organiser extraordinaire John Bancroft, and curator Les Cherry and his staff.

The Lismore grounds and the Lismore wickets were top class.

Outstanding too was the tremendous work of the large band of volunteers led by Far North Coast president Roger Boyd, Geoffrey Gaggin, Ralph Gregory, Jeffrey Walsh, John Buttrum, Laurie Cooper, Ken Bridge and Norman Ryder.

Thanks to the brilliant catering team over a hectic fortnight - Janelle Gaggin, Jan Boyd, Marianne Gregory, Wendy Rose, Eileen Griffith, Clare Trimble and Rosalie Savins.

We salute the major sponsors Cricket Australia, Lismore City Council, Lismore and District Workers Club, Mary Gilhooleys Bar and Restaurant and Platypus Sporting Goods. And we thank the many minor sponsors.

Special appreciation to LCC work experience student Kim Rowling, whose work was invaluable, to LCC's Leanne Clark and to the Lismore Echo for fine coverage of the event.

John McMahon
Chairman
ACCC Organising Committee

Absolutely fabulous

Last week in Lismore, a miracle happened! Over 30 young people aged between 14 and 24, from all walks of life, spent 12 hours a day for a week, to put together the Young Opera Workshop Lismore (YOWL) production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Iolanthe.

I'd like to thank these amazing young people for showing Lismore what can be achieved with a bit of motivation and guidance. I'd also like to thank the amazing visionary, Valerie Tamblyn-Mills, whose brainchild YOWL is, and whose energy, dedication and belief in our youth are truly inspiring. The end result for the performers is not only the excitement and sense of achievement that comes from an intense rehearsal period and the thrill of performing. Our kids have learnt cooperation, humility, humour, tolerance and that they are valued individuals, and can achieve the (seemingly) impossible when these qualities are nurtured and encouraged.

Thanks so much to everyone who helped YOWL's production: Deirdre Paillas, the incredible accompanist; Cameron Wenn and Dean Lotherington, the co-directors whose Broadway flair was evident; Sheila Keane, stage manager; Chrissi and Carina Claff, for the beautiful costumes; the Lismore Uniting Church, for their support in allowing YOWL to use the venue for rehearsal and performance; and the countless others involved.

Can't wait to see what YOWL comes up with in 2006... it'll be fabulous I'm sure!

Lisa Bartholomew
Lismore Heights

Adopt a pet

If you are considering adopting a pet, our group Northern Rivers Animal Services are overflowing with many unwanted and abandoned litters of puppies and kittens.

On one day we received calls that saw us take in eight 6wk old puppies and 14 kittens that range from 2wks old to 6wks old as well as their mums. This is on top of the many we already care for.

One of the mother cats is just a kitten herself, which reinforces the need for cat owners to get their cat/kitten desexed at 4-5 months. If you leave it any longer you could have an unwanted litter on your hands.

This young mother, as well as being abandoned and having kittens so young, had also received several large burns that were inflicted to her young body. She has already had to deal with so much in her short life yet she is a loving mum and a very affectionate girl.

We continue to be amazed at how this is possible when she has only seen the bad that life has had to offer her.

We need help now to place some or all of these companion animals into loving homes.

If you are looking to adopt please contact us as we know by the time this letter hits the paper we will of had many more calls for help, and with limited carers and funding we are stretched well beyond our limit.

Please phone 6681 1860 if you can adopt one or more of these pets.

All pets shall be wormed, vaccinated, microchipped and desexed for an adoption fee of $125 or under.

Robyn Mostyn
Secretary
Northern Rivers Animals Services

Campbell family

Does anyone know of this Campbell family? From Coraki originally, at the outbreak of WWII they lived in South Lismore. The children were George Albert Campbell, born about 1920, Kyran Alfred, Kathleen, possibly Ronnie and one more.

Their father, Arthur Campbell, died in the 1930s and their mother, Ellen (Nellie), remarried to Vincent Arthur Rogers in about 1941.

Nellie Rogers had a brother, Bill Rankin, who lived at Sawtell.

Bill Webster
Sydney (9328 7700)

Thanks a bunch

On behalf of the president and members of the Blue & White Auxiliary I would like to thank you for your continual support in advertising our fundraising events. Last year was financially successful; our funds spent buying much-needed medical equipment.

A new year has begun with our fundraising in full swing. The Auxiliary is awaiting the wish list from the Palliative Care Service.

Thank you again.

Ms BA Thompson
Secretary
Blue & White Auxiliary

A proud vision

The overwhelming response of the Australian public and business community to the Boxing Day tsunami disaster has enabled World Vision and many other aid agencies to immediately respond to the urgent life saving needs of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children across Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

Australians have shown a tremendous sense of togetherness in helping those devastated countries and I am immensely proud of our nation. The response in recent weeks is unprecedented in our history, and the amount that we are giving per capita is putting us at the top of the league and defining our character as generous and compassionate.

The response of Australian NGOs, the Government, the public and corporate Australia says much about our national identity and what we want that identity to be. We will not dismiss the suffering that millions have endured or forget the thousands killed as we continue with our everyday lives. The astonishing unity that this has produced among Australians is deeply significant in our history.

The generosity of Australians in response to aid agency appeals also places enormous responsibility on us to use the resources now at our disposal as efficiently and effectively as possible. We have made a commitment to the Australian public to honour the trust they have placed in us to deliver the most appropriate aid to the affected regions. We have also committed to being open, transparent and accountable to our donors and our stakeholders in all aspects of our work responding to this tragedy, and to the thousands of men, women and children we are helping.

Australians have a right to be very proud of their generous response to this recent disaster in our region and on behalf of the board and staff of World Vision Australia, I thank all Australians who have helped us to respond to this tragedy.

Peter King
Chairman
World Vision