Walked around to the sports stadium and guess what -  the vending machines are out of order - so back to watch cricket.  No idea who the bowlers or the batsmen were because there's no ground announcer so at (8) for, the scoreboard said the the game ended, all over.

Well done to the premiers, but not to the promoters. Decided to have a look at the presentations, but guess what, no PA system, so couldn't hear a word. A PA wasn't included in our $8 million dollars. I’ve now been to my second cricket grand final.First and last all rolled into one.   

Still thirsty, I went to the pub.

THIS year Australia will observe the centenary of landing at Gallipoli. As well, this Anzac Day will also be the 50th Anzac Day march for the Condobolin RSL Pipe Band. In 1965 after a “raggle taggle” pipe band played for the Condobolin Anzac Day march, the RSL and band members discussed the possibility of the RSL to provide funds to form a pipe band to ensure marching music for all their Anzac Day marches.

Several months of negotiation took place until finally the RSL providing band equipment and kilts by the end of 1965. So, on Anzac Day 1966, 17 band players led the march. For several years, the RSL “controlled” the band until we proved that we were able to go it alone, but with the proviso that the RSL could be approached in times of difficulty. Next Anzac Day march will be our 50th anniversary, not sure if we will get a telegram from the palace, but we do want previous players to join us for this special occasion. They may play with us or simply march along with us in the parade.

We appeal to all previous players to contact us via the Condobolin RSL. Also, we ask that they spread the message to those with whom we have lost contact.

We feel proud that from our early beginnings we have been able to continue as a pipe band, assisting not only the RSL each Anzac Day but being involved in many local events, as well as helping out with organisations in the surrounding districts. Contact Rob Neal on 6896 2917 or Alan Affleck on 0455 021 716 for details.

IT ALWAYS amazes me that so many people who earn big wages do not take action to stop the high rates of tax on their “top end” earned dollars. Much has been said about the pathetic state of our nation’s finances after the ALP spent all they could beg and borrow .

One way in which the Coalition government will be helped in the next couple of years is that many high end wage earners will be pushed further into paying more tax. That means more for the government to spend. Instead of just voting as they always do for the one party , how many high end wage earners have a look at the policies of all the smaller parties to see what they say about tax?

There are now 15 countries which have a family taxation policy. That is where the income coming into the home is split up evenly between husband and wife and the result is a much smaller tax take by the government. It may well be the situation where  Coalition government is looking to pull a rabbit out of their hat in order to get re-elected in 18 months. I am sure this type of thinking would attract many voters to them.