The latest Sydney Morning Herald Column 8 edition features reader memories of Leaving Certificate exams pausing for the Melbourne Cup, a complaint of shrinking licorice coils, and tips for dealing with automated phone systems.
Kathy Earls of Hunters Hill recalled that in the 1950s the Leaving Certificate English paper started after lunch. At about 3pm, students were told to put their pens down, listen to the Melbourne Cup on the wireless, and then pick up their pens and continue.
Janice Creenaune of Austinmer alleged that metre-long licorice coils, once two to a packet, are now reduced to one for a similar price, which she called shrinkflation.
Dave Horsfall of North Gosford advised that his technique for dealing with automated phone receptionists is to not say a word until a human appears.
Richard Stewart of Pearl Beach, impressed by a recent Herald feature, said he was inspired to put his two-bedroom cottage forward for a new category of ‘Sydney’s 10 most amazingly ordinary houses’, should such a category arise.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Column 8 is a long-running Sydney Morning Herald institution, reflecting the everyday concerns and humour of its readership.
- The blend of nostalgia, consumer gripes, and behavioural tips offers a snapshot of current cultural currents in the city.
- The column's survival in the digital age shows the enduring appeal of the public letters page as a communal space.
Background
Column 8 is the daily reader letters column in the Sydney Morning Herald, known for its sharp, often witty correspondence on a wide range of topics from grammar and etymology to local affairs and everyday frustrations.
Key Perspectives
Dave Horsfall (North Gosford): Advises staying completely silent on automated phone lines to force a human operator, viewing computers as vassals.
Kathy Earls (Hunters Hill): Fondly recalls the tradition of halting the HSC exam for the Melbourne Cup and questions if the practice continues.
Janice Creenaune (Austinmer): Alleges that shrinkflation has affected licorice coils, reducing them from two per packet to one.
Richard Stewart (Pearl Beach): Proposed a new Herald real estate column for ordinary houses to complement its features on beautiful apartments.
What to Watch
- Whether the Herald indulges Stewart’s suggestion of an “amazingly ordinary houses” feature.
- If the intersection of HSC exam schedules and the Melbourne Cup prompts further discussion.
- Whether the shrinkflation complaint is echoed by other consumers or media.
Checked
10 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 8 supported.
Show each claim
- Partly supportedThe summary and opening describe this as the latest Column 8 edition.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Column 8 Opinion”
- SupportedReaders recall Leaving Certificate exams being interrupted for the Melbourne Cup.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “The English paper commenced after lunch. At about 3pm the students were told to put their pens down, the wireless was turned on, and they listened to the Cup.”
- SupportedReaders complain of licorice shrinkflation.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Metre-long, snake-like coils of licorice were once two to a packet. Now reduced to one for a similar price.”
- Partly supportedThe summary says the column offers tactics for dealing with automated phone lines.Brisbane Times - Latest News: ““My technique for dealing with these robotic receptionists (C8) is to not say a word until a human eventually appears on the line,” advises Dave Horsfall of North Gosford.”
- SupportedKathy Earls recalled that in the 1950s the Leaving Certificate English paper began after lunch.Brisbane Times - Latest News: ““In the 1950s and for many years following, the Leaving Certificate (HSC equivalent) started on the first Tuesday in November – Melbourne Cup Day,” says Kathy Earls of Hunters Hill. “The English paper commenced after lunch.””
- SupportedAt about 3pm, students were told to put down their pens, listen to the Melbourne Cup on the wireless, then resume the exam.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “At about 3pm the students were told to put their pens down, the wireless was turned on, and they listened to the Cup. When the race ended, they were directed to pick up pens and continue the exam.”
- SupportedJanice Creenaune alleged that metre-long licorice coils that once came two to a packet are now sold one to a packet for a similar price.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Metre-long, snake-like coils of licorice were once two to a packet. Now reduced to one for a similar price.”
- SupportedJanice described the licorice change as shrinkflation.Brisbane Times - Latest News: ““It is not only biscuits suffering shrinkflation (C8),” alleges Janice Creenaune of Austinmer.”
- SupportedDave Horsfall of North Gosford advises staying silent until a human appears on the line.Brisbane Times - Latest News: ““My technique for dealing with these robotic receptionists (C8) is to not say a word until a human eventually appears on the line,” advises Dave Horsfall of North Gosford.”
- SupportedRichard Stewart said he was impressed by a Herald feature and inspired to put his two-bedroom cottage forward for a proposed category of ‘Sydney’s 10 most amazingly ordinary houses’.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Richard Stewart of Pearl Beach was “much impressed by the amazing properties reported in the Herald ’s Sydney’s 10 most beautiful apartments feature last Monday, and I am now inspired to put my two-bedroom cottage forward for the new category of Sydney’s 10 most amazingly ordinary houses, should such a category arise.”