LETTERSto the edito r

Don’t underestimate old war machines

FOLLOWING the news about the AUKUS deal, it has been described by some as the most costly and risky action ever taken by an Australian Government at a cost of $368 billion.

This equates to an estimated 40 of the existing Collins class diesel/electric submarines.

The efficiency of old war machines must never be underestimated.

I was indirectly involved in the Falklands war of 1982 between Great Britain and Argentina. Argentina bought old ships and aeroplanes of World War II status from NATO countries.

They also bought French Super Entendard Jets with Exocet missiles (The fire and forget missile) which never misses.

For a country that always lived in the world of high inflation, buying the best and most expensive equipment had a profound effect on their economy for many decades after.

By contrast, Great Britain only had one submarine of great age until it was found it was treated as lethal as any other submarine.

Standing on the deck of HMS Cardiff looking at the war damage on its return from the Falklands, the conversation was” this is one of the most heavily armed ships sailing”.

However, if a World War II aircraft flying low between the mountains comes in below the radar, it can drop a bomb on the ship at close range. The crew had to then resort to hand guns.

Collins class submarines have a small crew of 42 and have a 70-day submerged capacity.

Unless the submarines’ tours of duty was sailing around the world as opposed to coastal work protecting Australian waters, the Collins class might have been adequate.

A not so well-known part of World War II is that Hitler’s top advisor on submarine warfare told him not to build surface raiders such as the Bismarck but to go for submarines: “I can win the war for you.”

He didn’t take this advice. Britain had about a week’s food left at the time.

It’s not just the buying costs of submarines but the running costs. Then the big problem of storage of uranium plutonium left for our kids.

Christopher Jarvis PEERAMON

Tribute to advocate of beef industry

ON Friday 17 March, we farewelled one of the greatest advocates of the beef industry in North Queensland.

Joe Rolfe worked with the Department of Agriculture in Mareeba and two of his favourite passions were his family and cattle.

A man who went above and beyond his government role to improve the viability and sustainability of cattle properties across the Tablelands and Northern Gulf.

Joe would often engage the CSIRO or JCU to put some scientific clout behind the trials he would run on our properties, as his demeaner and enthusiasm bought out the best in everyone he worked with.

He would arrive in the morning armed with the paper, fresh bread and fruit and the standard half a dozen cream buns for smoko with a beaming smile on his face hellbent on cutting your overheads and increasing profit.

During the 2014-15 drought when graziers across the Gulf and Peninsula were suffering massive stock losses and the daily drudge of feeding or shooting cattle was taking a huge toll on the financial, physical and mental health of so many, Joe would call to see what feed options were available, but even more importantly would ask “how are YOU travelling mate”.

He fought his illness to the end and his loss will be felt by his family and the northern beef industry as men the calibre of Joe Rolfe don’t come along every day.

Rest in peace mate.

Alan Pedersen KARMA WATERS STATION

Deeply moved by Georgia’s cancer story

AS one who has survived prostate cancer, oesophageal cancer and lymphoma, I was deeply moved to read about Georgia Santucci’s journey with Hodgkinson lymphoma in last week’s edition (22/03/23).

Sadly, people who live in regional areas are sometimes mis-diagnosed but if a serious condition is detected, the patient usually has few options but to travel to a capital city to access the facilities and expertise required for treatment.

Enduring that first cycle of chemotherapy in an unfamiliar environment can be challenging for anyone regardless of age but for a teenager, the experience must be very traumatic indeed.

Undoubtedly, the skill of the treating oncologists and the support of family and friends play a significant role here but without the correct mind set and determination, many cancer patients are simply overwhelmed by the situation.

This young woman has both these assets in spades and I’m sure that is why she is able to tell her survival story to-day.

Georgia, I wish you a long, happy and healthy life – Jane Fonda has survived breast cancer and lymphoma and she is in her 80’s – I hope you reach that milestone too.

A.J. Harris MAREEBA