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Makan – No. 84
Official Organ of the 2/30th Bn. A.I.F. Assn
NOTE – ALTERATION – DATE OF REUNION – FROM 20TH TO 27TH NOVEMBER, 1953 Dear Dig, George Johnson, the big Sergeant, has left the Tweed River and is dragging a living from a 184 acre dairying block of virgin tropical forest and scrubland 16 miles from Innisfail, Queensland. George has had a lot of trouble, both domestic and financial, since we heard of him some years ago and in addition he has spent a total of almost 12 months in hospital since our return from overseas. However, he feels that his future is fairly rosy and he hopes to settle down on his block for a few years. George is not far from Dave Tate, who is at Garradunga, Q'ld. George's new address is Mena Creek via Innisfail, Queensland. When these letters come in from the far corners of the State and from other States, they bring to the city people a breath of the old pioneering spirit and of the worthwhile things of life as the writers battle for a living under conditions which are totally foreign to us in the closely packed city. It is refreshing to hear that these chaps who are prepared to forego the comforts of the big towns are reaping their reward. Tom Bowden recently spent a short holiday in Brisbane, much shorter then he had intended as his wife went down with a bad attack of asthma and they beat it for home where the climate is more suitable for the complaint. Harry Riches arranged the accommodation for Tom and his wife and they were very happy with the comfortable little pub. During his stay there, Tom renewed acquaintance with Ken Parry, who is working in the People's Bank there, and with Len Hendy, who is working with William Adam’s Brisbane Branch. He also hid an enjoyable evening with Speed Gordon and his charming wife, Joan. Tom writes that Vic has a lovely home with a beautiful garden, some 9 miles from Brisbane. Vic and Jean have apparently recovered from all the trouble they were in a couple of years ago. Do you remember that? They were in such strife that it become farcical in the telling of it as each misfortune was worse then the last. Anyway, it would take a mountain of trouble to beat Vic Gordon and apparently he and his wife have little to worry about now. Hank Massey and his wife, Thel , were in Sydney recently and called in to see Tom on their way home to St. George. Jock Logan was in Brisbane whilst Tom was there also and they had lunch together. Jock was up there for the exhibition. We have a request from Bob Williams of Milton, Brisbane, that we put him in touch with George Croft. Well, now we have done so, George. Ray Ferry of Cut Hill Road, Cobbitty, is our newest Life Member. We have no news of him at all, but hope to see him at the next Reunion. You will all rejoice to hear that Ned Keleher has been presented with a brand new daughter by his wife. Mother and daughter came through the ordeal much better than did Ned, but he is back to normal now and very thankful for his wonderful blessing. Jack Mathews, ex Don Coy., is working for the Forestry Commission at Kyogle, where he has been in a plantation for 5 years, but transferred to truck driving for the Commission a few months ago. Jack has been very lucky in some respects since we returned home, although in others he has been unfortunate. As far as the letter is concerned, his health is for from good, but in other ways he is on top. For example, he is married and has four children, three girls and a boy, the eldest 5 years and the youngest one. Jack writes that Ernie McNiven is still playing football and recently led his Byron Bay team to victory against Kyogle. Concessional Buying. We had intended to give you a separate supplement on this subject this month but holidays will take up too much of our time from the month and we will leave it to a later date. However, we have two items which might interest you as a Xmas present for Dad and one for Mum. For Dad, we can obtain for you an electric shaver. There are two varieties, the first retails at £14 and Sammy Hall will get it for you for £10.10., the second retails at £9.19.6 and our price is £7.19.0. For Mum, we have two types of heat controlled irons. The first retails at £5.15.0., our price is £4.3.9., the second retails at £4.17.6, our price is £3.15.0. Ring Sammy for details at XY4046. Bill Ennis, one of our willing horses, has shifted to a brand new home at Bexley. Bill has not missed a Thirtieth function since we came home and is always an easy mark for a sticky job. You will notice on the bottom of this Makan a form which you can complete if you so require to obtain your medals. We put this form there to comply with a resolution at the last Annual General Meeting that we should take the matter up with our members. We are not suggesting that you should apply for your medals, but if you have not done so yet and wish to do so, then this form should take away most of your effort of writing. Subscriptions Don't be careless about this now, 5/- per year is no strain to anyone and as most of you have been members for years it seems stupid to stop paying your fees just because the effort of buying a postal note is too much for you. If you are lagging in this regard, then make the effort today and help us to keep the books straight. Annual Reunion It is advised that, owing to circumstances over which we have no control, the date of the Reunion has been altered from the 20th to the 27th November. REMEMBER. THE DATE OF THE REUNION IS THE 27TH NOVEMBER. We have never suffered a reverse yet for our Annual Reunion, but we are still not satisfied with the numbers. One hundred and sixty or so could easily be stretched to a further 20 or 30. Make your arrangements now and let nothing stop you from coming to this Reunion, our eighth. There will be plenty of drinks, both soft and hard, and biscuits and cheese. If you are short of a seat in a car from the city, ring Jimmy Cooper at BL2177 and he may be able to help you. Remember the place and the date - Arncliffe Drill Hall (a few yards from Arncliffe Railway Station) on Friday, 27th November, at 8.00 p.m. Another point is that, even if you do not travel there by car, you can usually find one of the lads to take you home. Please forward all cheques, postal notes and money orders to Reg Ellis, Boronia Park. Cheerio, STAN ARNEIL. (NOTE - ALTERED DATE OF REUNION - FROM 20TH to 27TH NOVEMBER, 1953) Tear off here To the Officer in Charge, Please forward any medals which may be due to me as a result of my service in World War II. My name is (block
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