Best of times

What an unhappy upbringing Bruce Hyland must have experienced and, judging by his colourful description of non-Australians, the company he kept would not seem to have been the best.

I was also in my 20s in the 50s and I didn't think so much then that Australia was the best country in the world but, having travelled over the years and seeing the state the rest of the world is now in, I know it was and still is the best country in the world.

I enjoyed my schooner (Resches) in a men only bar because the young women then were not interested in grog so much in those times.

Not like now when 10pm is the time to hit the streets for today's youth.

There were no all-night pubs then, no fights, stabbings, young girls drunk and vomiting in the street.

I remember our entertainment was weekly dances held by the CYO, the C of E fellowships and the Masons White Ladies, though I was more into the jitterbugging at Maroubra Surf Club or the Albert Palais.

I remember going for coffee in Kings Cross after a show and not having to worry about getting king hit by some drug crazed hoon.

The only drugs in those times were sold in chemists.

We enjoyed our meat and three veg then, especially lamb as it was just a teensy bit less expensive than today's prices.

I remember that the baker and milkman used to deliver to our door daily.

I remember the small grocery stores, Saturday afternoons at the "pitchers" - six pence downstairs nine pence up - milk bars, music that had melodies and lyrics that could be understood - unlike the screaming that passes for singing today.

I remember Bing, Perry, and Glen Miller.

Don't start me on the deafening "music" in the malls of today and the Christmas that will be played ad nauseam shortly.

Bring back the old Sally's band that played carols on the corner at Christmas time.

Computers now are a wonderful convenience but unfortunately at the touch of a keystroke our young can be introduced to the vilest pornography.

I remember going to the Easter Show and football finals without having to pay an arm and a leg.

I remember roads that were a pleasure to drive unlike today where you sometimes feel lucky to get home alive.

I remember only hearing the "F" word occasionally and only in bars or poolrooms, now thanks to some TV shows and movies it has become just another adjective.

I've even heard mothers use it to children.

But best of all, in the 50s, I met the most beautiful girl in the world, married her, had four of the most wonderful children and, what do you know, after 54 years she is more beautiful than ever.

Email, 3 Oct 2012

Peter Whiteman, Daleys Point