Does Our Reporter Need a Scrubbing Brush?

It is unusual to find a unversity student who still believes in magic. Obviously though, the writer of "Big Brother and the Holding Company" in your March 7 issue, Gyles Beckford, does just that. How else can he explain how alcoholics, who to reach their state of alcohol dependence have lost their sense of responsibility, suddenly become houseproud, and transform a derelict dwelling with carpets, paint and flowers?

No, Mr Beckford, you should get your facts straight. It was not the alcoholics 'achieving by themselves' that produced this miracle. It was the hard work and caring concern of a small group of people, including some resident bikies, who did the job.

By the same token it is not enough just to hand over empty houses and leave alcoholics to fend for themselves. Voluntary social work is needed too. If Mr Beckford would care to wield a scrubbing brush instead of a misdirected pen, I am sure the City Council's Community Services Officer would be glad to find a job for him.