Don’t underestimate James Cook’s feat

For many Australians, April 29 may be understandably yet another continuous day of isolation or domestic mundaneness. And yet, 250 years ago to the day, the confluence of fortunes of this Great South Land changed dramatically when James Cook made landfall at what he originally called Stingray Harbour, now Botany Bay.

This moment would set in motion a cultural chain of events that today are encapsulated in what Noel Pearson affirmed two years ago in his Declaration of Australia; the three strands of our grand social narrative: an indigenous foundation, British institutions and a modern-day multicultural character.

What is often under-appreciated is Cook’s conciliatory approach in command, which was often in stark contrast to the practices of the time. Whether it was actively attempting to keep scurvy at bay — rather than dutifully allowing for the given 50 per cent mortality rate when appointing crew — his use of the lash as a last disciplinary resort, his remorse at strained interactions with the peoples of Pacific islands and his genuine efforts to foster dialogue with Aborigines through the use of a Tahitian translator, there is so much to admire..

Indeed, regarding our original indigenous inhabitants, this was someone who genuinely took to heart King George III’s decree to use “all proper means to cultivate a Friendship and Alliance with them ... Shewing them every kind of Civility and Regard”.

Peter Waterhouse, Craigieburn, Vic

Call me racist, intolerant and so on, but I am disappointed to know there is not much fanfare surrounding the 250th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s landing at Botany Bay. To put it into perspective, society hasn’t stopped itself from calling Alexander “the Great” even though his greatness came from conquering the lands of others and claiming them as his own. Back in year 10 history, all I learned about Australia was its oppression toward Aboriginal people. My history teacher then told us all he was taught in school were the explorers. Yes, I acknowledge the mistreatment of the Aboriginal people, but teaching us either the dispossession or the explorer version of history is evidence of bias. This bias is the real gap that needs to close for meaningful change to occur.

Naosheyrvaan Nasir, Quakers Hill, NSW

Teach our children well

Out of a successful campaign in controlling the spread of COVID-19, the inability of the national cabinet to agree on the opening up of schools nationwide, as recommended by Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy, represents a major failure.

The findings of new research undertaken by University of Tasmania and other educational research bodies (“Home schooling sets children back”, 28/4) showing that school closures risk almost 50 per cent of students having their learning and wellbeing significantly compromised, with vulnerable groups potentially being lost to the education system altogether, are very disturbing.

Ron Hobba, Camberwell, Vic

Better than British

After hearing my London niece’s experience of the British National Health Service, I’d like to highlight how exceptional our state and federal health systems are. Aged 37 with no known underlying health issues, her doctor called an ambulance when she developed severe breathing difficulties in her second week of illness.

After hospital tests to check her heart and lungs (thankfully all clear), she was sent home. She had no test for COVID-19 as the staff said she obviously had it. Her asymptomatic husband was not tested. He was not told to quarantine. Nor were they asked for any contacts to be traced.

None of the above applies to our health system. The difference can be seen in a comparison of the British and our communal infection rates.

Sue Davis, Lindfield, NSW