THURSDAY, 1 JA N UARY 2026
Comment Jennifer Boyd (Jennifer Cook) https://www.facebook.com/share/17eAEKn99W/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Here is another almost forgotten background to the acknowledged superior trained Australian soldiers during WW1 that enlisted en masse, the vast majority of them already knew how to handle a firearm regardless of their stated profession on their enlistment papers. They either grew up on the land or if living in suburbia, hunting trips to the country was common. What is also not referenced enough in the historical record is that almost all public (government) schools had a cadet unit generally run by the male teachers, that drilled the young men in military aspects including firearms training. Yes obviously after enlisting they were sent to training camp but the vast majority of young men that enlisted were not total greenhorns, hence after a relatively short period of time they were on ships and heading to Europe. We commemorate the sacrifice and grit of our WW1 Australian soldiers each April but neglect to acknowledge that it was their training that started very early in school and on their home farms that led to their irrefutable reputation of being the best. The government needs to re-introduce cadet units in public schools. There are private school cadet units still operating and it would be interesting to see the stats on how many of those students go on to obtain leadership roles. Participation in a cadet unit builds self esteem and respect for authority and others, as well as life skills. There would be far less youth crime, aimlessness and depression in our young people. Comment Mick Sum https://www.facebook.com/share/17uUBgMoeK/?mibextid=wwXIfr Recreational hunting is a cornerstone of Australian culture. The pioneers hunted for the table in hard times. It is one of the reasons why the diggers were such an effective fighting force in the world wars. Right up until the 1980's, many families had guns. I'm horrified by the tragedy at Bondi. I understand that the government wants to be seen to be doing something. Removing recreational hunting as a reason to own firearms is not the answer. Vilifying law- abiding gun owners is not the answer. Further eroding the cultural fabric of Australian society and casting off our proud history of self reliance and love of the bush is not the answer. The answer is effective border
control with timely use of security intelligence free from political interference. They Australian and NSW governments know this. They had warnings. They blew it. N athaniel Simpson https://www.facebook.com/share/1CzGN1eyHf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
I have a 1948 model 12 Lithgow 22lr. It is a lovely little rifle with history. I often wonder how many mouths it had fed during its service? How many father taught their children to shoot with it? It is from an era when government cared about industry and manufacturing. When the government didn’t want to lose the Lithgow small arms factory it kept people employed. Building sporting rifles like mine from left over timber and steel used in 303 production. It is a beautiful piece of Australiana and should not be carelessly destroyed. It’s part of our identity.
Maggie Marriott's nom de guerre
Maggie Marriott
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