Back to 1950 index or Main Index

Makan - No. 47
1st  October, 1950

Official Organ of 2/30th. Bn. A.I.F. Assn,
13 Albany Street, ST. LEONARD'S

Patron: Brig. F.G. Galleghan, D.S.O., O.B.E., E.D.
President: J.H. Cooper, Esq.
Hon. Secretary: S.F. Arneil, Esq.
Hon. Treasurer: R.E. Ellis, Esq.

Dear Dig,

Lots of you have probably already been medically examined under the “ex P.O.W. 100% medical survey.” It is a grand scheme and will do lots to help prevent disabilities, both mental and physical, which could arise as a result of our war experiences. One of the results of the survey to date has been the discovery that many of us are still infected with hookworm. Dr. Fisher, who is in charge of the P.O.W. wards at Yaralla, has persuaded the Repat. Dept. that those infected should be admitted on a Thursday and discharged the following Tuesday.

Early in September I was admitted to Yaralla for hookworm treatment and enjoyed a pleasant little rest for a few days. Alan Smith was admitted and, to our great joy, he bungled the first part of his treatment, which entails swallowing two “bombs”. The word “Bombs” correctly describes the two pills which are given to the patient at 5 a.m. Each “bomb” consists of a jelly bean substance which encloses a quantity of the foulest and most nauseating liquid which has yet been made. The large of the two pills is about half the size of the first joint of the thumb and takes a lot of gasping and spluttering to choke down. Imagine Alan, snoring like a contented Berkshire, being awakened by the cool touch of a feminine hand and the soft sweet whisper “Open your mouth, please, Mr. Smith” were almost too much for Alan. It was an ecstatic moment and, with his eyes still closed, he raised himself on one elbow, his handsome face creased in a seraphic smile. Like the wafting of a puff of swansdown in the breeze, the gentle fingers brushed his lips and deposited two round objects therein. “Jelly beans” thought Alan and, with a sign of contentment, crushed the great teeth right through the larger of the two objects. His scream of anguish as the nauseating liquid flooded his mouth and nostrils was like the cry of a lost soul. Unable to breathe properly, he remained paralysed on one elbow, choking and coughing until he collapsed on his pillow with all his beautiful dreams shattered beyond repair. It was a sad sight and the whole ward was reduced to tears, tears of joyous laughter as we enjoyed the scene to the full. An old 1914-18 veteran, who hadn’t walked for 7 years, arose from his cot and, with much encouragement from all ranks, danced the Irish Jig in appreciation of Alan’s efforts to make us all happy.

There are many amusing little incidents happening every day at Yaralla. One lad in one of the wards was a very bad “bone” case. He was unable to walk without difficulty and was daily taken in a wheel chair to be massaged. One cold day, he sat in his chair, after his massage, for such a long time that he gave up all hope of ever seeing the chair orderly again and, rising, he pushed it back to the ward himself. The Masseur claims that this case has been his most spectacular success.    

During our little sojourn, we had many laughs with Reg Nossiter, Bill Slattery, Jim O’Connell and Ernie Ross. Ernie really hasn’t anything to laugh about but, on one occasion, he almost fell from his bed after listening to Alan Smith tell a few lies.

The food at Yaralla whilst we were there was excellent and the attention could scarcely be bettered. One of the great mysteries of Yaralla, to my mind, is how all these lovely Sisters came to be stationed at the one hospital, Yaralla. They are really a most charming team and their devotion to their vacation is combined with such a gracious manner that all patients are immediately at their ease with them.

From the town of Huskisson, on the shore of Jervis Bay, we have news of Ernie Parkes. He has bought a guest house, “Avoca,” Owen Street, Huskisson. For those who may be interested, Ernie is running the place as a holiday residential, letting single, double and family rooms, with the use of the kitchen, dining room and lounge. Guests should take their own cutlery and linen and Ernie and his wife will guarantee them a good holiday.

Ack Ack Martin is holding down a good job at the local aerodrome near Ernie’s place. He often drops in for a game of cards and a yarn.

K.G. Jones of Willoughby is doing very well. He is working at maintenance and fitting jobs for “AMPOL PETROLEUM” and enjoys his work. With his wife and heavy-weight baby son both in good health, Ken has the right slant on life – he just hasn’t time to be miserable.

We are very happy to report that Luke Carey has been lucky enough to obtain a house and most of his troubles are considered to be over. Luke is one lad and who has really had a tough spin with his housing worries. His new address is Villawood.

3/- Day Claim. The Claim now rests in the laps of the gods, or, to be more precise, in the hands of the Commonwealth Cabinet. The final sitting of the Tribunal was held on 24th August and, as the Budget will probably be brought down within a few weeks, it seems reasonable to assume that our claim will be recognised or rejected before the final Budget is passed by the Cabinet. The cost of the claim to our Association has been more that 50 and, if any of the lads feel that they would like to contribute three or four shillings towards this important expense, we will be pleased to acknowledge it through the Makan. We have recently received the sum of 10/- from A. McWilliams and are grateful to him for his gesture.   

Jerry Cox is still around Wagga making highways for the Main Roads Board.

Andy Andrews is roaming the  Wagga countryside taking orders for “Fly Tox” and telling everyone that the flies will be bad next summer.

Alf Hyem and Alan Penfold toured the Riverina recently in Alf’s new car. They stayed with Heckendorf for a week and, in between swapping yarns and swilling an odd beer, they rushed over to Leeton to try and get some rice to relieve the monotony of eating mutton and lamb. Alf proved his theory that fish life is extinct in the Murrumbidgee by putting a line in that stream all day and not getting a bit. 

Alex Campbell has not altered one little bit. He wrote a full page letter to us, in which he enquired of every person he could think of, notified his change of address and neglected to mention anything about himself or his family. Alex has been shifted around the countryside quite a lot since we returned home, but he is now teaching in Sydney for a time. His new address is Croydon.

Harold French is well as is his wife and family. Frenchy is in the carrying business with he headquarter in Walcha.

An astounding piece of news is that the great Heckendorf was married at Melbourne in September by Padre McNeil, late of palm frond chapel, Changi. To those who have always known Heck as a confirmed bachelor, it will come as a pleasant surprise that he now has taken the step which will solve all his troubles. Heck and his new wife will live on the property at Lockhart and they hope to solve the labour problem on the farm within a few years. Heck,  as you all know, is one of those unfortunate class of people, the graziers, who are having such a tough trot with the low price of wool and sheep. The Association extends the warmest congratulations to this couple in their happy venture.

A little late, but still we say “Thank you” to Geoff Alcock and Heckendorf for their donations of 10/- and 21/- to our recent Ball.

ANNUAL REUNION. It’s on again, but this time it will be bigger and brighter than ever. We have purchased our own brewery and Reg Ellis has started to cut the sandwiches already. It will be on Friday 17th November, at Sargents, Market Street, at 7.30 p.m. Start to make your arrangements and, if you know of anyone of our lads who has not yet been to one of our reunions, then ask him to come along. It will be a grand night with good fellowship flowing and a glass of the good stuff for those who partake. More details next month.

Please address all cheques, money orders or postal notes to Reg Ellis, 13 Albany Street, St. Leonard's.  

Cheerio, 

STAN ARNEIL.

 Back to 1950 index or Main Index