I have always admired and respected Mr Forrest as a historian as well as being part of Gunnedah’s history.  

In 2001 on the 100th anniversary of the birth or our national flag, Mr Forrest stated that he buys two Australian flags a year and raises them on special occasions and fair days.

In some ways his declaration of being a republican has restricted me from writing about more radical rude republicans. 

I do not feel the need to respond to all the 11 points made in Mr Forrest’s letter – freedom of speech still allows us to freely express our views. 

And yes I do have back up for all statements I make in Letters to the Editor.

“Our first settlers were cast off, Britain didn’t want them,” made me feel sad as my ancestor Samuel was sent to this country without choice. He was at this time a 17-year-old boy. 

I am so grateful that he survived the hardships of being transported in what must have seemed like an endless journey with little hope of seeing family or his homeland (England) again. 

Samuel and others were granted land and they become farmers, settlers, pioneers. 

Modern Australia was built on the sweat and toil of Britain’s cast offs.

We all enjoy the fruits of their labour. 

 Judith Law  

Gunnedah