AS a father myself, reading the story about Tony Lethbridge being proactive and leading in the search for his son and the eventual outcome (‘Saving Sam’, Newcastle Herald, 17/1) brought tears to my eyes. Not just father of the year for a year but father of the year for as long as he lives.
Jeff Smith, Abermain
IT’S inevitable that the date on which we celebrate Australia Day will be changed. As more than 50 per cent of our population neither care when we celebrate it, or know why, it should happen sooner than later.
Mac Maguire, Charlestown
OBVIOUSLY Gregory Howley (‘January 26 isn’t a good choice, for any Australian’, Herald, 18/1) has not heard of First Fleeters and Phillip's instructions to treat the Aboriginal people with "amity and kindness". The arrival of the British led to us having English as our language and Christian-based culture. These are, in addition to the rule of law and democracy that are integral to the civilisation and society we are today. Thankfully many Aboriginal people recognise, these benefits notwithstanding, some of the terrible things that also resulted from the merging of two extremely different people and cultures.
Clive Jensen, Merewether
TO Gregory Howley, howl as much as you like. Your dates are totally irrelevant. If the 26th of January is meaningless, then your comments are null and void. Australia Day is what it is. The do-gooders and the Greens can celebrate Australia day on January 32.
Brad Hill, Singleton
THREE cheers and a round of applause for Skyline Aviation (‘Helicopter company returns dad’s cash’, Herald, 19/1). Returning the $1000 demonstrated remarkable generosity and compassion. In an age where money is worshipped like a god Skyline's kindness is a breath of fresh air and will be remembered for a very long time.
John Lawton, Belmont
MARY had a little lamb the butcher chopped off its head, he put it on a spit roast for Bazza, Shazza and Ted. The lamb was basting slowly, a sweet smell was in the air. The neighbours joined the party, the whole street was there. Abdulla, Hopsing and Mario, and a Frenchman named Pierre, all under the Aussie sun – advance Australia fair. So get in for your chop, it’s the Aussie thing to do. Maybe even try some ’roo. Gather all your mates for an Aussie baa-baa-q.
Steve Barnett, Fingal Bay
I THINK NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance needs to sit down with the unions and compromise. They want a 6% pay rise, you offer 2%. Give them 4% and they will take it. It’s called coming to the party. The rail network is there to serve the people of Sydney, not to make a huge profit. People’s needs should always come before profit. I know it’s hard for Liberals, but that is just the way it should be.
Darryl Tuckwell, Eleebana
THE POLLS
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