I have advised him the Nationals should be embarrassed to believe the electors of Murray would agree with the statement that “only the Nationals will stand up to protect your water and not let it be stolen by town clowns”.

 As a long-time landholder and irrigator now retired, I am totally disappointed in the representation and performance of the Nationals and will do everything I can to see their incumbent in Murray, Austin Evans, not re-elected.

 The poor management by NSW  State Water and the government at Menindee and on the upper Darling River was well evident before the fish kill. The summary of the incompetence has been well described by Australian senior water researcher Maryanne Slattery.

It appears to me that the Nationals’ intention is to destroy the irrigation industry in the Murray districts and the towns that rely on their production.

At 9.58am on 19 February 1942, Japanese aircraft began the first of two bombing attacks on the city of Darwin, signalling the moment the Second World War was brought to our shores.

Lieutenant Owen Griffiths recounted the attacks: “The air over the harbour was comfortable full of Japanese dive bombers and fighter planes. There seemed just sufficient room between each to allow the next one to manoeuvre. There were so many planes diving and twisting about that at first I thought the enemy planes were having dog-fights with our planes...”

The attack lasted for 40 minutes, with the Japanese sinking eight of the 47 ships in the harbour.

Eighty minutes later, the second attack started, this time concentrating on the Royal Australian Air Force station, which was further inland.

RELATED CONTENT

Government’s refugee stance is a shambles

How can community believe anything will change on truck pain

City’s footpaths are in a dismal state

SEND US A LETTER

Attacks would continue on towns across Australia’s north, including Katherine, Broome, Townsville, Wyndham and Cairns, with the final attack on Darwin on 12 November, 1943.

Tragically, Australia and its allies lost around 900 people, 77 aircraft and several ships, with many military and civilian facilities destroyed.

In November last year, Darwin hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

It marked the first time a Japanese prime minister had visited Darwin since the bombing raids during the Second World War.

While Australia, and in particularly the Northern Territory, will never forget the events of 19 February 1942, they will remember this historic visit by Mr Abe as a sign of great respect to those who served and died during the Second World War.

On Bombing of Darwin Day we remember and honour all those who served and died protecting our shores more than 75 years ago.

Lest we forget.

You can submit a letter to the editor via the comments section of our website at www.bordermail.com.au, or by emailing letters@bordermail.com.au. Your letter must contain your full name, as well as an address and phone number (not for publication).