60-year reunion
Our teachers and class propose a 60-year reunion in Griffith over the weekend of 7-12, September, 2017.
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Would you be so kind as to print this letter with an invitation to all who would wish to participate to communicate with either me at rbutler@colebutler.com.au or (02) 6752 1677 or Mrs Jeanette Johnstone at bj.johnstone@bigpond.com or (02) 6962 7456.
By far the majority of our classmates (and those teachers who are still with us) are in communication with each other but there are some with whom we have lost touch.
Any assistance that The Area News readers can provide in locating and communicating with pastw class members would be appreciated.
Roger Butler, Moree.
Grave concerns for Australia
I have great concerns about the country in which I was born. 2.5 per cent of GDP growth is needed to sustain the economy. Australia is languishing at 0.2 per cent.
This equates to ever increasing debt but voters are accepting that the budget will be balanced by 2021.
Wages growth is at historic lows but we bring in more migrants. They are congregate in the cities and TV tells us that they cannot find work.
The cities are getting more electorates to allow borrowed funds to be used for infrastructure in cities. Meanwhile there are fewer country electorates.
Decentralisation is just a myth as hospital services gravitate to the larger centres.
All of this is described in a book which is being written called The Failure of the Australian Establishment.
I am desperate to talk to logical thinking people about my contention that four political decisions turned this area from 93 years of strong growth to seemingly endless decline. I joined University of the Third Age.
My first round table meeting gave me great hope. It started with a poem about the failings of government.
Then various speakers tried to outdo each other with jokes about politicians.
A government stalwart was upset and said that being Prime Minister was a difficult job. He called for a vote but only scored six out of 20.
Despite this setback the meeting was excited about a presentation by the local federal member.
They wanted to ensure that she could present questions which she could answer in a very positive way. I got my chance and presented a political perspective.
My plan was to be able to make a later full presentation. This had to be approved by management.
Later I called the top person but was told that I could not make a presentation. The reason was because the subject matter was political.
I had two consolations. One was that I could get my subscription money back to help pay for two of my newest books. One book has the title of Australia – Sleepwalking to Oblivion.
The other consolation was that my experience could be the basis of a chapter with a name including Kindergarten of the Third Age in The Failure of the Australian Establishment.
Brian Mills, Griffith.
Keeping White Spot out of NSW
The NSW Department of Primary Industries is working to minimise the spread of White Spot, which was detected in prawns in South East Queensland in December.
White Spot is a highly contagious viral disease of crustaceans.
1. NSW seafood remains safe to consume. 2. Do not use prawns intended for human consumption as bait in any NSW waters. 3. Obey the current ban on importation from the affected area in Queensland of prawns, nippers, yabbies and other crustaceans.
Dr Christine Middlemiss, NSW Chief Veterinary Officer.