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Back to 1959 index or Main Index Makan – No. 133 14TH JANUARY, 1959 - SYDNEY CENOTAPH About twenty-five members of the Unit assisted the Old Man to place a wreath on the Cenotaph at Martin Place on 14th January at 1.30 p.m. Mr. Joseph of Concord, ex Light Horse, blew the Last Post and all traffic stopped in Martin Place for a couple of minutes whilst the ceremony took place. The Commemoration each year is a simple public demonstration of our respect for those excellent friends of ours who gave their lives for this Country. The memory of their deeds and of the characters of these men who ennobled themselves by their supreme sacrifice is something which is shared by those of us who remain. Men like - Dicey Blackwood, George Christoff, Mick Clements, and Frankie Smyth made their mark upon most of us during our training and in the Malayan Campaign. Others, like Bull Frog Johnston, Mossy Doolan, big McAlister and his inseparable mates Butcher Smith and Jack Walsh took a longer time to die and during the period of waiting, helped many of us when we needed it east. To me personally, I am grateful that I had the privilege of not only knowing these men, but of calling them my friends. We can add to our war-time deceased, our friends who have since died, and the names include many such as - John Gaden, Rex Rowe, Dadda Duprez and Reg Ellis, who were revered by all who knew them. These are the men for whom twenty-five members of the Unit assembled to do honour to their memory. The twenty-five or so have attended each year since 1956. Only matters of vital importance have ever stopped these "regulars" attending. It is, in my opinion, a disgrace to our Unit that of the many - perhaps 75-100 - who live in the Metropolitan Area of Sydney, only "25" can see fit to attend the Ceremony. Members around the centre of the City, appear to have not the slightest interest in the Commemoration, and will accept any excuse for non-attendance. If this is the attitude of the Association members, and there is no indication that it is not, then I think the ceremony should be abandoned and allow the faithful few to place wreaths on the Cenotaph in a private ceremony. Enough said on the subject, it will be discussed at the Annual General Meeting. 14th JANUARY, 1959 - BATHURST MEMORIAL TO 2/30TH The importance of the day to the R.S.L. and the townspeople at Bathurst needs no explanation here. The R.S.L. very solemnly commemorated the day in the presence of local Civic dignitaries. Our Unit was represented by Phil Bailey and Johnny Haskins and respective wives, who travelled from Lithgow and Oberon at the request of the Association. The description of the Ceremony by Mrs. Haskins was so well done that we publish her letter here without abridgments: "My husband John, is very busy stripping oats, so thought I would write and tell you of the service at the 2/30th Memorial on the 14th January. It was only a small service but the Bathurst R.S.L. informed John that next year they hoped to be better organised and have a band etc. However, small attendance as it was, it was still a very impressive service. The President of the Turon Shire Council - Mr. Locke - spoke and then the President of the Bathurst R.S.L., and much to John's horror he had to make a speech. In my opinion, John spoke very well, only short but very nice. I realise of course, that there is a certain amount of prejudice on my part with this statement but I am sure you will understand. There were two wreaths laid, one from the Turon Shire and the other from the Bathurst R.S.L. John and I both thought, that next year, it would be nice to have a wreath from the 2/30th. There was one other member of the 2/30th at the Service - Phil Bailey - he was there with his wife and 2 little sons. I am enclosing a form of the Service, which the Bathurst R.S.L. had printed - from it, you will be able to see just how much thought the Bathurst R.S.L. put into the day. In future years I have every intention of attending the service an the 14th January and John will make every effort to attend too. Of course, it is often very hard for a country man to get away for the day, particularly in summertime - there always seems to be a hundred and one things to do on a property. This year it was sheer good fortune that our oats were not ready for stripping on the 14th and John was able to take the day off. Of course after the Service, the inevitable invitation came "to have one at the Club". As it was a very hot day, John found this most acceptable. I must say the Secretary of the Bathurst R.S.L. is indeed a Diplomat.- he kept our two daughters and myself well supplied with soft drinks while we waited in the car. This waiting in the car seems to be the "lot" of we wives! I'm sorry I have not written before this with the news of the Service on the 14th, but country wives seem to have equally as little time to spare as the men. With kind regards from John and myself." 2/30th BATTALION PICNIC – MARCH The Committee have put a lot of planning into arrangements for a picnic for Unit Members and their friends to be held at Lane Cove National Park on the first Sunday in March. All members are requested to attend with their families and friends and we are hoping for an enjoyable day. To ensure that we can provide lollies for the children the Committee request you advise immediately of the numbers of children you intend to bring. Will you please ring this information today to any of the following members : Bessie Ellis - UX3198, Bill Ennis - BW8916, Harry Collins - MA5924; Jack Boss - WX2680; Arch Thorburn - BM4574 The location of the Picnic will be in ground 1A at Lane Cove National Park. No. 1A Ground is not more than 100 yards from the first gateway into the Park, on the Chatswood side. For those coming by car, there should be no problem in finding the Park. For those who have not transport, we supply the following timetable of trains and buses arriving at Chatswood Station, which is the Station at which you must alight. Train leaves Central 9.55 a.m., connecting with a Bus leaving Chatswood at 10.21 a.m. Trains leaving Central at 10.40 a.m. and 11.25 a.m, also connect with buses leaving Chatswood at 11.10 a.m. and 11.51 a.m. The number of the bus is "54." Bring your own lunch - we will provide hot tea. There is a shallow pool for the children to swim and the adults may swim in the river. If it is hot, please bring tarpaulins or car covers if you have them. The Sports Programme will commence at 2.00 p.m, with races for all children, tug-of-war contests and special novelty races for husbands and wives. Don't miss this opportunity for lots of fun, but remember - ring now and advise the numbers of children of your own or your friends whom you intend to bring. Ray Donald of Rockdale writes that he has arrived at one of the lowest ebbs of ill health, to-wit, he can no longer enjoy a glass of beer. With this thought foremost in his mind he cannot risk attendance at a Reunion where abstinence is difficult to maintain. However, in all other respects his health is fair and he follows the fortunes of the Unit, par mailman with interest. Members of "A" Coy. will be delighted to hear that Frank Hayes, or "Bully", as we knew him, has been found again and is permanently on our mailing list. Frank was a Maitland lad; and became a Life Member in 1946. However, he has been roaming around in other States and temporarily has been lost to us. Frank was a cheerful, happy go-lucky lad during the war years, and it is good to hear of him again. At present he is at 6 Sutherland Street, Chadstone, Victoria. Frankie Webb of Yenda sends his regards to all his friends. Frankie, you might recall, was one of our worst ulcer cases on the Railway. He suffers little or no ill-effects now from his wartime illnesses. Tommy Grant advises that his new address is Mount Burrell, Tweed River. Sid Stephens of East Maitland sends his regards to all his friends in the Unit. Don Schumacher of Wallsend never fails to write with news of members of the Unit. Don was a close friend of the late Neville Gear. Curley Heckendorf would like to thank all those who sent, through the Makan, their best wishes to him on the occasion of his wedding last September. Curley married Miss Rose Buchanan at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Wagga. We all hope for a long and happy life for Curley and his bride. Andy Hyslop writes to us every year or so, his letters always bringing real pleasure. Andy is a successful Headmaster in the Metropolitan Area of Sydney and in our opinion, children receiving the benefit of Andy's experience would be vary lucky indeed. Frank Ryan of Coogee, is still with us. We hope to see him at the picnic. CHEERIO, STAN ARNEIL Back to 1959 index or Main Index |