On A.C.C 20.08.16 it was commenced that Mooneys, the people who report the financial position of the financial institutions including banks; gave the stark news that the four banks have never reached the point that their financial status has gone from positive to negative.

It is known that banks bad debts on mortgages is at an all time high and wages have decreased in value alarmingly because wage earners are now on mainly part-time work rather than full-time.

The national debt is rising out of control, the interest bill is well over a billion per month and as we know the mining boom in ending, exports of iron ore and coal are down, both in price and quantity.

Worth prices are down on commodities which mean returns on production are not even meeting cost of production. that of course is the end game of production.

The ever increasing social services bill is out of hand, hospitals and schools are in a desperate position through lack of available funding. And as the motor industry is now closing, it is reported that a very large proportion of workers will be out of work for life, adding an intolerable burden on the dole pay outs.

All in all a bleak future. What can the politicians do apart from the usual useless talk?

Without the necessary income to cover ever-increasing debts they can do absolutely nothing of course.

Time gentlemen, please!!

Laurie Wilkes

Leeton

Dear Editor,

The skyline of Olympic city Rio de Janeiro is dominated by a 38-metre statue of Christ the Redeemer.

But in the people’s heads, haven’t sporting idols like Usain Bolt replaced Christ the Redeemer as top focus?

Usain Bolt himself doesn’t seem to be the problem. He makes the sign of the Cross before races.

He’s been quoted saying:

“I want to thank God for everything he has done for me. Without him none of this would be possible…. I was always brought up to believe in God and to behave in certain ways. That’s what my parents taught me and I always trust my parents. They have great values….”

In recent times, haven’t sporting values become mostly less-than-great -- cheating, publicity-seeking, gambling and sponsorship-money dominating all else.

And not just in Rio.

Every Sunday, see the hundreds of thousands of Australian children congregating at sporting venues -- getting frustrated, feeling the pressure to win, win, win.

What if parents took these young people to church or Sunday school for some serious teaching as to what life is really about – better equipped to become fulfilled human beings.

Don’t they need at least one day a week free from the wall-to-wall secularism imposed by our secular education system and media?

Arnold Jago

Nichols Point

I am watching the performances this morning at the eisteddfod and Narrandera Public School was playing before my daughter.

The adjudicator was so impressed with their performance that he asked for them to do a second performance.

Then the adjudicator and Maria joined them on the stage.

Thought that this was a lovely moment of the eisteddfod that you might like to know about.

I have talked to the Narrandera teacher and she said it was ok to share the photo

Nicole Sachs