A FEW years back, a contributor to Hear All Sides said that Mike Amos was writing a lot of gobbledegook. As a long-time admirer of Mike's work, I sent in a letter to refute this monstrous slur, and was glad to see it published.

I would like to add my congratulations to Mike on his 50 years of service, and the well deserved honours and plaudits that have come his way (Echo, Aug 28). It doesn't matter to me that, at times, a quick look at my dictionary is required. His style of writing and turn of phrase have kept me amused for years. It was an added bonus when on a couple of occasions a comment of my own appeared in his Gadfly column.

It surely says it all when editor Peter Barron remarks that Mike is the best journalist that he has had the pleasure to work with.

So, thank you, Mike Amos, and may you continue to produce your gobbledegook for a long time to come.

Bill Callen, Richmond