Unfortunately, that is pretty standard for small business in Australia these days. Things are so tough and overheads so high that for many, it is just not worth the effort. Especially when you see that based on hours worked.....your apprentice is earning more than you. Our government (despite its vehement denials) does not give a hoot for the small business owner and expects him to compete on cost, service and range of product as well as undertake tax collection, administer OH&S;, as well as working the long hours necessary. He/she is expected to compete with multi-nationals who have enormous "economies of scale" as well as enjoying huge discounts, marketing subsidies and other benefits.

The government or "system" for want of a better expression seems to be steadily funneling the population into EMPLOYMENT. That makes everything so simple for them......everyone pays tax on the "pay as you go" system......breaks down our thriving "cash economy" system used by many small business to avoid a bit of tax and limits the number of businesses to just the really large ones which are much easier to "police".

"Big Brother" may not be watching us YET......but he is certainly manipulating us.

The family butcher what a nice title and thats what he was 40 something years ago and before he was almost regarded as part of the family. You could rely on him for good meat, service and friendship, he knew the kids names and it was a pleasure to shop there. For you have had one this long has been a huge bonus for you. The is no comparison between the personal family butcher and the trays of take it of leave meat displayed at the supermarkets. Yours is truly a great loss but think of him I bet he shudders at what he sees in the backroom of the supermarket butchery. Many of our polticians are too young to know what the family butcher was and meant to us, so we are left with more nostalgic memories. Oh well. nice but sad of you to bring it up so we can reflect.

Sadly this is the way it is all going now soon the Woolies of the world will take over --and then we will have to pay what they ask or starve--they reduce their prices to do the "Little" business --out of business--and then they really call the shots. It is they "the big businesses of this world" that run the Governments. They are the "Marfia" of the world.

It is sad to hear of a butcher closing because of an increase in rent.

Big corporate companies like Woollies and Coles pay less rent per square metre than the little man.

Unfortunately it is allowed to happen, the Government does not give a damn, soon we will be paying what big corporate dictates.

There was an item on This Day To-night on Monday night where a farmer has taken the initiative of selling lamb direct to the public. Their website is, moppitymeats.com.au. We should put our support behind an Aussie who is doing it tough on the land and is trying to keep the wolves away from his door.

I realise it is not going to help the plight of the little butchers, but any way an Aussie can help each other has to be a plus