My particular concern is the disregard of parking times in Wade Avenue. 

This area is close to the medical centre, dentists, pathology services, optometrists, community centre etc and all are frequented regularly by our elderly and sick residents. 

I often drive my elderly mother to her doctor’s appointments and am appalled to see the same cars parked in the same spots all day, every day while the frail and ill folk are forced to walk long distances to attend their appointments, sometimes in the rain or on 40 degree days. 

This area needs to be constantly patrolled and fines issued. 

Rules are rules. 

The community would welcome this action as they do with the enforcement of all other laws in our town. 

If council continue to ignore parking restrictions in Pine Avenue, I fear there will be even more empty shops as people will choose to shop in other towns. 

J McGrath

Leeton 

THREE weeks ago, an islander night was held in the Uniting Church Hall as a fund-raiser for a scripture teacher for Leeton High School.  It was a wonderful night. 

The scripture teacher reminded us that the Victorian government has abolished scripture teaching in schools and there are continuing efforts from some quarters for the same to happen in NSW.

I am astonished that teachers of English and history are not up in arms about this issue. 

After all, scripture teachers do part of their job for them.

Let me explain.

As a moderately voracious reader, I can testify that even today it is difficult to find a book written in English that does not contain Biblical allusions. 

English literature in general is suffused with references to and quotes from the Bible. 

Of all English literature, the Bible remains the best seller of all time, even today. 

Without at least some knowledge of the Bible the student will not be able to understand English literature fully. 

Should scripture teaching in schools be abolished in NSW, English teachers will have to include elementary scripture in their curricula.

Similarly, it is not possible to understand motivation in British, European or, indeed, Australian history without some background knowledge of the Bible and Christianity, irrespective of what the student’s religious convictions may be. 

If scripture teaching in schools is abolished, teachers of History will have to take on this role, like their English teacher colleagues.

Those who oppose scripture teaching in schools may be motivated by adverse experiences they have had in religious contexts, but they, by and large, have the knowledge of the Bible that they would deny their and our children. 

The next generation will not be able to readily access their cultural heritage if they are denied scripture teaching in schools.

It is time that this issue was assessed objectively, without the heat and prejudice that has been evident on both sides.

John Wadsworth

Leeton 

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