16 OCTOBER 2004, Page 38

Gun control works

From Bruce Nichol Sir: I cannot let Mark Steyn's remark concerning the Australian government's gun control laws (Private enterprise', 2 October) go unquestioned. What is wrong with having 'gun control laws'? As I sit here looking through the window, I can see no predators or dangers that would require me to go armed in the street. I'm 59 years of age; I've never had to put an animal down. I'm the son of a Queensland policeman, and in all the years I was around when my father was working, I never knew him to go armed. Concealable weapons have always required licensing in this country, thank God.

If one wants to 'go shooting', what's wrong with belonging to a club or society that promotes that sort of thing? Club membership is now a requisite for gun ownership in this country. Farmers and others who do need a weapon of some sort can be and are licensed for gun ownership. Thanks to our predecessors. gun ownership, along with driving licences and suchlike, is now a privilege, not a right — and we are largely free from the menace that comes with unrestricted gun ownership as appears to be the case from my viewing of American television news.

Bruce Nichol

Alhury, New South Wales, Australia