I have just spotted John Foley's comments (Letters, August 21) giving the impression the whole of Australia supported the Sydney Opera House idea.

He mentioned he was just a boy so I can only assume he was so young he didn't understand the truth.

The truth is it nearly didn't get built and had someone bulldozed the lot into the harbour, Sydneysiders would have applauded, having grown sick of the controversy and financial demands - not to mention the Lotto draw to raise funds.

This exasperation culminated in the architect becoming so infuriated he quit the project and Australia.

To my knowledge he has never returned, despite being invited to every festival or anniversary since.

We have proudly advertised Oz to the world on the roof of the Opera House but the architect and those of us who are honest Aussies know it was a travesty concealed.

-Michael Cash, New South Wales, Australia