So the media report former prime minister John Howard as ''beaming'' and ''glowing'' to be back in Canberra to receive his gong from the Governor-General.

Pity he never felt that way about the place for 11 years.

Linus Cole, Palmerston

LIFE LESSONS FOR STUDENTS

I find it hard to sympathise with university students ''living in filth in on-campus colleges'' (''Sick student pushes for a clean sweep of college chores'', August 14, p2).

The saddest aspect of the report is that these are people who will one day have a degree.

Let's hope that their studies are in politics, economics, or something else that doesn't require the application of any commonsense.

Brian Smith, Conder

SHARE THE GOLDEN GLORY

There were four women involved in Australia's women's gold medal winning relay team.

Yet the press decided that only one of them was worthy of all the accolades.

Guess who?

R.B. Smith, Fadden

GIVE THEM A FAIR GO

For Jane Saunders (Letters, August 15) to make the suggestion that the Olympic Games opening pageantry is indicative of corrupt practices in competition by the host nation is petty, childish and unworthy of our ''fair go'' nation.

Fred Fawke, Dunlop

RAIDING THE MONEY BOX

So, Don Furner reckons ''there's no other cheaper activity you can do in Canberra [than see the Raiders play]'' (''Raiders fans count the costs'', August 14, p24).

Mmm; let me see what about going for a walk; cycling around one of our lakes; having a picnic; catching up with friends; having a family concert; playing some board games; throwing a frisbee; writing up a family history or family tree; or having a working bee in the garden with a thank you barbecue at the end of the day?

Need I go on?

Gordon Fyfe, Kambah

WELL DESERVED RECOGNITION

It was refreshing to hear Dave Sabben, who was a young platoon commander at the Battle of Long Tan, mention the contribution artillery, armour and air support made to the difference between the success and failure of the battle.

Many Australians could be forgiven for thinking that the battle was won wholly and solely by the courageous men under the command of Major Harry Smith without the faintest knowledge of the contribution the support elements made to the final outcome.

D.J.Fraser, Mudgeeraba, Qld