Readers Write

READERS WRITE

Byter Wayne B sent me an email in response to some of the pics of Sydney in bygone days, notably in respect of people at work, such as that of the widening of Broadway in the 1930’s: Wayne’s comment: Wonderful photos of the past. If only the young could appreciate the events of history and the hardships our forefathers experienced. Thanks Wayne.

Byter Tobye P, always a regular commenter, let me have responses to a number of posts: -----oOo----- In respect of the collection of two-sentence horror stories, the following being an example: “I’ve always wondered, what’s the scythe for anyway?” I asked, as Death escorted me to the underworld. “Protection,” he answered nervously. Tobye’s comment: Yikes-chilling! Enjoy the weekend! -----oOo----- In respect of the poem “Been There Before” by Banjo Paterson (also author of “The Man from Snowy River”) and the Robert W Service poem  “The Shooting of Dan McGrew”: Loved “The Man From Snowy River”, thanks!  Also Dangerous Dan Mcgrew - I always wondered who he was!” -----oOo----- In respect of the Aesop’s Fable of the dog with the meat that sees its reflection: “One of the best fables ever. Sooooo true.” -----oOo----- Thanks Tobye.

From Byter Sandra J (welcome back) in respect of the bygone 1952 Sydney pic of the tramshed at Bennelong Point before the Opera House was built there: Sandra’s comments: That old tram building in Bennelong Point,  what a shame they pulled old buildings like them  down. Australia is such a new country compared to the rest of the world, but we seem intent in pulling old buildings down, and putting glass/concrete monstrosities up.  (I know we got the Opera House in its place, but I like old.) We don’t seem have a lot of old buildings to show for our early years. I remember The AMP building in Circular Quay, it was so tall, from memory you had to pay 20 pence to go up to the top, I was too scared (and probably too broke) to have a go, those dizzying heights were not my cup of tea. My grandparents lived in the Green Point Apartments (Housing Commission) at Milsons Point, beautiful views over the Harbour, Luna Park and the Bridge.  They were on the 5th floor, I always walked up the stairs, another building too scary to get in a lift.  I had to eventually get in a lift when I started work, and of course the buildings have gotten taller and taller. Barry and I jumped out of an aeroplane at 15,000 feet over the Incredible Mountains in NZ, so I’ve grown with the buildings.  Love Sandy Thanks Sandy

Byter David B (who lives in the UK) sent me his comments in response to the pic of the Russian soldier in the trenches in WW2 with a kitten he had found, and the additional commentary about animals in war.  This was the pic used: David’s comments: Your Bytes about animals in wartime reminded me of the PDSA (a UK animal welfare charity) Dickin Medal, - the so called animals’ VC - which  is awarded for outstanding acts of bravery or devotion to duty displayed by animals serving with the Armed Forces or Civil Defence units in any theatre of war throughout the world. The Medal has been awarded 71 times since 1943 plus 1 Honorary PDSA Dickin Medal which was awarded in 2014. The recipients comprise 34 dogs, 32 pigeons, 4 horses and 1 cat  https://tinyurl.com/y5rtnteq Thanks David

Byter Bruce R commented in respect of the following Quote for the Day by Anne Frank: “In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can’t build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery, and death. I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness, I hear the ever approaching thunder, which will destroy us too, I can feel the sufferings of millions and yet, if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty too will end, and that peace and tranquility will return again.” Bruce’s comments: Otto, what bloody perception you have! As fate has it S [Bruce’s wife] and I are in Amsterdam and today (Tuesday) is the day we visit Anne Frank’s home. Will see if I can get a photo to you later. Regards, Bruce Bruce’s pics of Anne Frank’s house: Bruce also sent me a further pic with the comment: Not quite Anne Frank's but thought you might find amusing. The pic appears below. Thanks Bruce.

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