From Melbourne 17.2.86

From Melbourne

17.2.86

Dear Alan

                Your query re accountant qualifications can be answered that most South African graduates are accepted in Australia as being of comparable standard. With accountancy there may be a need to pick up one or two subjects that are mainly local knowledge such as Income Tax or Company Law. Private employees, of course would tend to treat each case on its merits. The Australian Society of Accountants seemed favorably disposed to South African graduates and further information can be obtained by writing to them at: Queen St, Melbourne, 3000.

                As far as prices of new cars is concerned, a guide would be, a new commodore at approx. $12,000.

                The smaller cars (Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Colt etc) approx. $9000 – $10,000. Prices of all things continue to go up, with inflation in Australia now running at 8%. Interest rates are at historically very high figures and are likely to remain high for some time, especially with the sagging Aust. Dollar and inflation. However the economic scene is not so bad as there has been steady growth in the past three years  and unemployment seems to have stabilised at about 7.7% – 8%. Conditions in the country are not so good and some places are in real crises.  Main causes are high costs and low commodity prices overseas.

                Some pundits think Australia has lived beyond its means   in recent years and the day of reckoning is just around the corner – maybe.

                Still, whatever the economic forecasts, life for us goes on much the same. We are continuing in business, awaiting a decision by the local council concerning the shopping development and property acquisition.  That may be some time off so we are in a period of uncertainty. Nothing, of course, to the uncertainty in SA. I have just been watching some news film of the police bashing into some blacks in the township near    . Not a pretty sight.

                Last week we saw an interesting interview with Van Zyl Slaffort following his migration. Quite articulate and seemed far-sighted.

                The ‘rebel’ Australian cricketers arrived home last week and received some publicity.   They spoke favorably of their treatment and seemed keen to go again.

                Your cousin Glenn surprised by resigning as a teacher at the beginning of the year. He is now engaged in selling kitchens (for people who wish to up-date their homes). He claimed to be somewhat frustrated by teaching and the lack of promotional opportunities.   He had actually done very well for his age but he could be right about promotion as the numbers in primary schools are dropping rapidly   owing to declining birth-rates.

                Your last letter mentioned the hot weather over there, well this summer has been quite cool in Victoria. Only three days in January over 30C and only four so far in Feb. there have been  a number of bushfires this week but no major ones and little damage. 

                Hope Lorna is still well and that all goes well. Kindest regards and love to the girls – Dad