New Bank Is Food For Thought

THE Music Council of Australia has just launched a national instrument bank to buy the best quality instruments for Australia's musicians. It is an excellent idea - but is it enough? Musicians certainly need good violins. But when prices rise (and do they go any other way?), violins aren't what first comes to mind. Perhaps the vision needs broadening. We propose a national grocery bank. Not just for music workers, but for all workers and their families. We see a national treasure-house of highly priced consumables, available for permanent loan. Milk, cheese, vegetables, meat - if it's through the roof, it's here. None of your gravy beef, either. Only eye fillet will do at the national grocery bank. Otherwise the talented individuals who qualify for a loan will be unable to perform to the peak of their ability at dinner time. As John F. Kennedy would have said if he had known of our idea, ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can chew for your country.