On November 2, 75 years ago, Australian soldiers retook the village of Kokoda in Papua New Guinea.
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Between July and November 1942, Australian forces fought the numerically stronger Japanese in abysmal conditions along the Kokoda Track, sustaining more than 600 dead and more than 1600 wounded or struck down by illness or disease.
The Australians forced the Japanese into retreat, culminating in battles at the Beachheads which came at an enormous cost — more than 1200 Australian lives lost and more than 2000 wounded.
Today, I ask all Australians to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of these great Australians and of all those who served on the Kokoda Track and at the Beachheads during the Second World War.
We also remember the estimated 50,000 Papuan civilians who provided supplies to Australian soldiers and evacuated our sick and wounded.
Lest we forget.
Debate challenge to Paul Pierotti
In the Area News of October 22, I saw a heading which gave me hope for Griffith.
It was ‘Younger looking Griffith Chamber.’
I was born in Griffith and went to school here. I was so proud of the 93 years of magnificent growth.
When I returned to see Valencia orange skeletons and fallow ground where there were once productive farms.
I sent a letter on 21st August 2014 seeking leadership and listing discussion items. Not one of those items was even considered.
Since then in a book called ‘Griffith, the enemies within’ I have included all of the lost opportunities during your watch.
At the Coro Club on 12th October I attended what I classified as an undemocratic ‘Meet the Candidates’ where no debate was allowed.
Since that day I have issued six debate challenges and not one has been accepted.
On that evening you approached me and with obvious glee took me over to the Daily Telegraph with a two page spread of John Howard urging voters to keep away from Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party.
I want to debate your motive for showing me that. It is my belief that the scare campaign achieved what was intended and returned the National Party.
Brian Mills, Griffith.
Questions over Dutch euthanasia opinion
I felt sad and hurt after reading father Brendan Lee's article on Euthanasia. This was published in The Area News on Friday, October 27.
I have lived in The Netherlands for 35 years and I still have very close contacts with relatives and friends over there.
Where did Father Lee get his information from for his statement, and I quote here:
When euthanasia was legalized in Holland scores of elderly people were too afraid to go to hospital or even retirement places.. They believed they'd be "mercy" killed.
Father Lee must not have been informed about the medical and legal requirements in The Netherlands that are involved in a request for euthanasia. It is not that simple.
It would be just and fair to not omit important parts of the equation.
And does he mean Holland,that is only part of the country,or The Netherlands?
It would be advisable to be more careful when making statements as quoted above.
Elly Bollen, Griffith.