I write to you personally to make you aware of the recent proclamation merging the shires of Cootamundra and Gundagai.

It can only be described as a ridiculous action. It followed two Council Boundary Review sessions in Gundagai presided over by Delegate John Turner, who went on to recommend the merger, asserting that only a small percentage of the shire was against the merger, and that the majority of the population did not have a strong attitude one way to another.

The delegate has seriously misrepresented the Gundagai community and his assertion is without foundation, plain ridiculous.

The delegate presided over two review sessions (February 4 and April 6) each attended by about 400 people. 68 people made verbal submissions at the first and 46 at the second.

I addressed both review sessions (having carefully studied the merger proposals) and then sent written submissions.

I heard almost all of the submissions, noting names and points considered. Ninety-five present of the submission were voiced against amalgamation. (It should be pointed out that the reviews were conducted in day time, many of those speaking sacrificing work and business time.)

When I started school seventy-nine years ago we were given pencil and paper and shown how to write, add and subtract.

Early on we would learn that 92 is a large number and that 8 is a small number. Facts and honesty.

To gauge the shire’s views, an independent organisation was engaged to seek resident’s opinion on merging or not merging.

Over 92% opposed amalgamation and less than 8% favoured amalgamation.

For the Delegate to recommend merger, when he knew that there was overwhelming opposition to it is beyond belief.

Furthermore, it is an undeserved rebuke and insult to the Gundagai community.

Having studied the merger proposals, I see a lot of merit, but I cannot condone the ridiculous decision and the following results.

Why Gundagai? Walcha and Lockhart smaller shires population wise, were spared this humiliation. Why?

The decision should be reversed and the original shires restored.

Rev William E Wright

Gundagai

There’s a new email scam asking people to verify their status as an active user and threatening to restrict access to their email within 24 hours if the action is not completed. 

The scam then prompts users to enter their personal details so that their identity may be stolen and bank accounts accessed.

Unfortunately, email scams of this nature are on the rise.

Never click on a link or open an attachment in an email you do not trust. 

The demand for a response within a short time limit can also indicate a con. 

Always check the address you are being linked to, and be particularly suspicious of any email demanding a response within a tight timeframe.

Scammers rely on you not checking out their legitimacy.  Take your time to investigate the correct website or phone number before proceeding.

Rod Stowe

NSW Fair Trading commissioner  

So Tom Liberatore broke a rib playing footy and walked off the ground. Ronaldo got a knock on his knee and was stretchered off.

I reckon chess players are braver sportsman than soccer players although I did see a chess sportsman cry when he lost his queen.

Bryan Pomeroy

Wagga