Congratulations to Aranda Primary for teaching good techniques when holding a pencil or pen (''Teachers, pupils face testing time with national exams'', May 13, p3). It is especially pleasing to see the left-handed pupil in the photo not using the awful claw-like grip of some southpaw writers.

Michael Dwyer, Melba

PUMPED-UP ILLNESS

Diana Plater (''In memory of another time'', Times2, May 13, p9) says ''pneumatic influenza'' killed many soldiers returning from World War I. Victims were known to feel flat and tyre easily. Sadly, there were no antibiotics then to pump into them.

John Partridge, Charnwood

HUMILIATION OF JOHNS

Listening to ABC radio there is no doubt that Four Corners reporter Sarah Ferguson and her feminist colleagues are jubilant in their public humiliation of Matthew Johns. Does Ferguson have any guilt or regrets over what she has done to Johns and his family?

Roman Buszynski, Kaleen

OVER THE BORDER

Les Nebauer of Queanbeyan (Letters, May 13) would have the ACT governed according to the values of the national polity. But until the ACT's right to self-government is rescinded, he should peddle his regressive views in his own jurisdiction.

David Rowe, Isaacs

TAXED TO DEATH

Is Crispin Hull delusional? (''Death and taxes: why no reunite them for some fiscal blessings?'', Forum, May 9, p15.) He cannot be serious! Only a tyrannical socialist would conspire to return the most hated tax ever devised.

Tom Foley, Franklin

FABULOUS ARTWORK

The artwork planned for the Garran shops (''A tall story: novel twist for local shops'', May 13, p12) is fabulous. Sure beats Al Grassby .

Graham Roberts, Garran

TOO MUCH GOVERNMENT

Kevin Rudd's big, bold nation-building initiatives should lead the Government to push further to the ultimate demise of the states and territories. The removal of their inefficiencies and triplication of projects and services could save billions of dollars. It is ludicrous for a nation of 23 million people to have three levels of government, particularly in times of severe ongoing financial constraints.

Mike Phoenix, Greenway