TURNING AWAY TALENT

The ANU just doesn't get it about the school of music (''Elite teachers told to reapply'', October 5, p1). Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Sutherland, Armstrong and so on still wouldn't be able to get jobs there. They didn't want to research music; they wanted to make it. And gloriously.

Bruno Yvanovich, Waramanga

LEAGUE'S IMAGE PROBLEM

If the NRL is wondering why it is losing credibility and acceptability, it need look no further than the Bulldogs' chief executive and coach (''Bulldogs gamble on biting allegation'', October 4, p20). They think a 12-week suspension is harsh for a footballer who bites his opponent. Thank heavens he was only a Bulldog by name!

Ken Stokes, Wanniassa

BRING MEDICARE BACK

The relocation of the Medicare centre from Civic to Braddon shows a complete lack of concern for the average resident, especially the aged and the disabled. This retrograde step could be remedied immediately if local politicians took action. Which of them will have the courage to act first?

Harold Grant, Campbell

OPEN YOUR EARS

I rode my bike to Belconnen recently using the recreation paths. I propose that all path users be banned from wearing headphones or earphones. Bike riders can ring their bells, toot their horns and call out to warn others, but those wearing headsets are in a world of their own.

P. J. Carthy, McKellar

EDUCATE PATH USERS

In days of yore, education was a key element of cycling activism. This involved visits by Pedal Power, police and the media to schools. Such action might solve the conundrums posed by Michael Jordan in ''Shared paths'' (Letters, October 3).

Gary J. Wilson, MacGregor

KING OF FEMINISM

Evidently, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott is a feminist because he has lots of women around him (''Women in Abbott's life campaign to talk up Tony'', October 6, p4). On that logic, King Henry VIII was the father of feminism.

John Passant, Kambah

FAREWELL, GRAHAM DOWNIE

I'm very sad to hear of Graham Downie's retirement. Over the years, I've always enjoyed his columns even though I didn't always agree with them. He has helped me on two occasions, the first dating back to the early 1980s. In both cases, the outcomes were successful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ''He saw things his own way'' (October 6, Forum, p5). I wish Downie a happy retirement. A job well done.

Barbara Mecham, Melba