He is more nationally known for the significant hand he played in the evolution of the Northern Territory, where he spent three decades and raised a family with his wife Joyce.
Mr Letts was initially a young veterinarian who made a significant mark by playing a lead role in eradicating the serious pleuro-pneumonia cattle disease from Australia. This opened the door in establishing a value for huge Top End buffalo herds.
He also spent considerable time getting to know and understand Aboriginal communities and people.
He ultimately became the territory’s first Majority Leader, preparing the region for self-government while running day-to-day affairs.
He led development projects to ‘awaken’ the Top End and his conservation activities led to the birth of Kakadu National Park and management plans for crocodiles.
His book details some of his dramatic encounters with buffalo and crocodiles but also takes readers into an intriguing world of Territory politics and its struggle towards self-government.
Donald-born and with an extensive extended family history in the Wimmera dating back to the 1850s, Mr Letts has used his book to initially provide ‘sketches’ of Australian country life from the 1930s to post Second World War years.
He has then zeroed in on his time in the Northern Territory from the 1950s to 1980s.
Stories end with reflections of when the couple spent a day as companions and guides to Prince Charles and Princess Diana during a brief Royal visit to Central Australia.
Mr Letts perhaps sums up his thoughts in the book’s epilogue:
“There was a lot of fun, there were a few crises and some rewarding times. Job satisfaction paved the way to achieving positive results.
“Many other stories remain untold. Visits to five African countries spanned 30 years. Joyce came with me to Britain, Europe, the USA, South Africa and other places on working and holiday trips.
“Back in Victoria, after three interesting decades in the Northern Territory, there was little spare time. History was made during the nine years I chaired Wimmera Mallee Water authority. A wasteful channel distribution network was replaced by a water-saving pipeline system.
“Many new friends were made while chief commissioner for the new Loddon Shire. Membership of North Central Catchment Management Authority added to my conservation interest, while cattle and sheep farming helped fill a busy schedule.
“Throughout it all, life’s rules and lessons were being learnt. Foremost among them was the recognition that family values and kinship are the keystones of our society. Three of our children were born in the Top End. All our boys and girls grew up and went to school there. To them it is home country. Class and racial discrimination were unknown to us. The Territory world was different; long may it remain so!”
The entire June 16, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
