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Makan No. 213
Jan/Feb, 1974
OFFICIAL JOURNAL 2/30 Bn. A. I. F. ASSOCIATION
Subscription Rate: $1.50 per Year
Registered for Posting as Periodical: Category A
CHANGI GAOL MEMORIAL CHAPEL
The two bronze plaques, one in memory of B.J. and the other in memory of the 394 members of the Battalion who did not return, have now been made by the Acme Engravers, who have done an excellent job. They were received in time to be able to be exhibited at our Gemas Day Commemoration on 13th January last and they received the unanimous approval of those present.
In order to meet the requirements of the Gaol Authorities, both as to available space and conformity with existing plaques, we were restricted to overall dimensions of 7" x 6" for each one; but the fears of some of us that such a small size might tend to render them insignificant were obviously without foundation, as the finished product (cast in bronze with raised lettering and motifs, and the Battalion Colour Patch in full colour enamel) has turned out excellently.
Through the good offices of Steve Allardice and the very kind co-operation and assistance of Mr. Frank Andrews (of the Arnott's Biscuits Organisation) we are able to include as a centrefold with this issue a lithographic reproduction of the two plaques. The excellent reproduction shows the plaques approximately full-size, and we are extremely grateful to Mr. Andrews for his help in making it possible.
Following correspondence with the Australian High Commissioner in Singapore, the plaques have been sent by diplomatic mail bag to his office. They will then be officially presented to the Superintendent of the Gaol, on our behalf, by Lieut. Colonel J.S. Haynes, Assistant Defence Adviser to the High Commissioner. Colonel Haynes has advised that he will personally ensure their satisfactory erection, and will advise us in due course that this has been done. We are also grateful to the High Commissioner and his Staff for their consideration and help in this matter; and we express our special appreciation to Stuart Allardice (Steve's son) who had offered to arrange the packing and the despatch of the plaques through Qantas at an exceptional saving to us. However, Foreign Affairs Dept., when following up previous contact, requested we use the Official Mail Bag.
The suggestion has been made that we should endeavour to organise a pilgrimage to the old haunts, including the Memorial Chapel. With a Group booking of 15 or more, it appears possible to arrange a week-end trip at a cost of approximately $300; while those wishing to stay longer would naturally require to pay additionally for accommodation and touring. It is an idea which is worthy of consideration and further mention. Meanwhile, we would appreciate any suggestions or views you might have on the subject.
Two plaques provided by the Association for erection in the Changi Gaol Memorial Chapel. Forwarded to Singapore for presentation to the Superintendent of the Gaol by the Assistant Defence Adviser to the Australian High Commissioner, February 1974.
GEMAS DAY COMMEMORATION
After a week of rain and very indifferent conditions, a fine day greeted us on Sunday, 13th January last for one of our best Family Gatherings to date; which was held at our Memorial at H.Q. 17 R.N.S.W.R. at Pymble. Numbers of Battalion members were slightly down on those of last year, but those of Next-of-Kin, wives, children and friends were increased, and more than made up the usual 100 odd who gather on this Day.
A notable absentee was Mrs. Gai (Marguerite) Jenkins of the Purple and Gold Club, who has been indisposed of late - even to the point of being hospitalised, though she is now back at home and recovering nicely. In her absence, Mrs. Margaret Mitchell laid the official wreath from the Purple and Gold Club. Other notable absentees through indisposition were Johnnie and Joy Parsons, who are recovering from a severe bruising and shaking up following a recent accident on the Parramatta Road, when they lost the argument with another car.
Our Battalion Piper, Jim Webster, complete with his Gordon Highlanders Changi Pipes, again made the trip from Newcastle and joined with the 17 R.N.S.W.R. Pipers and Drums to render a most fitting Lament during the wreath laying, while Jim's solo "Amazing Grace" at the conclusion of the Ceremony provided a fitting climax to a simple, dignified and most impressive occasion when we remembered as a Family all those who did not return, as well as those who have since answered the Last Call.
Two further items which undoubtedly added to the Ceremony were a moving rendering of "Last Post" and "Reveille" by Bugler Bennett, of R.S.L. fame, and the number of children who were escorted by Noel Johnston and Phil Schofield to pay their tribute and place their sprig of rosemary.
Apart from Jim Webster, who is now an integral part of our Commemoration, a contingent from Newcastle comprised Roy King and Tom and Helen Kennedy and some of their family. From Cessnock came Jack and Vera Fell, and from the Illawarra journeyed Wally Scott and No. 1 daughter. Andy Hyslop and his son-in-law were down from Umina Beach. Kevin and Dorothy Ward, on holidays on the Illawarra, got driven out early by the rain, so they only had to come from Greenacre. Kevin compensated by bringing along his married son complete with his wife and their No.1 Grandson - anyone who failed to make the appropriate clucking sounds, together with a few words of praise, undoubtedly failed to make the grade with Kevin.
In the absence of Sid Musgrove, Jacko Jackson forgot about golf for the time being and did an excellent job, with his "volunteer" helpers, as o/i/c tea and coffee making; while the request for groups to bring along a "little something" for afternoon tea produced the usual over-abundance of delightful food. Our thanks are also extended to them, and to that unseen band of stalwarts who did the washing up.
On display during the afternoon were the two bronze plaques (as advised in the previous article) together with a further portrait of B.J., which we commissioned at the same time as the one which is to be hung in his memory. During the afternoon, President Arch Thorburn had the most pleasing duty of presenting the portrait to Lady Galleghan as a token of our esteem and in appreciation of her continuing and sincere interest in our affairs. Lady Galleghan's overwhelming appreciation of this gesture was evidenced in her response to the presentation.
Without their co-operation and assistance, our Commemoration and Family Gathering could not be held, and our sincere thanks and appreciation are extended to Colonel Southwell and the personnel of 17 R.N.S.W.R. who contributed so much to the success of a most impressive and enjoyable Day of Commemoration
PURPLE AND GOLD CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY
Our Social Reporter reports:
The Christmas Afternoon Tea Party of the Purple and Gold Club, held at the Indian Tea Centre on 6th December last, was a happy gathering, marred only by the absence through illness of our dear Mrs. Gai Jenkins.
The numbers were down a little on last year. Some familiar faces were missing, particularly Bessie Ellis and Cecilie Boss, both of whom were unable to attend.
A large Christmas cake, donated by Colonel Ramsay and most artistically iced and decorated in purple and gold by his wife, was cut by Mrs. Margaret Mitchell - a former Secretary of the Purple and Gold.
A telegram of good wishes, sent by the Committee of the 2/30th Association, was read and much appreciated. A message of regards from Ron and Dorothy Stoner, now living in Perth, was also conveyed.
Mrs. Doris Hendy, looking exceptionally happy and youthful, carried out the Secretarial duties very efficiently. The ladies, seeming to appear younger every year, looked gay and attractive and the presence of one of the younger generation, Diana Thorburn (now a Solicitor working with her father, Arch) brought added pleasure.
Apart from those mentioned previously, those present included Chubbie Ramsay, Ollie Parish, Sonia Lamble, Wilga Mitchell, Jean Wallis, Betty Pryde, Olga Sullivan, Hazel Parkes, Pat Nossiter, Ruth Purvis, Mary Hale, Enid Morrison and Jenny Pope.
Even though Gai Jenkins had been ill for some time, she had, as on previous occasions, made a lovely coat hanger for each lady present. These were brought along by her dear friend, Mrs. Mary Hale. All present autographed a "Get Well" card which was sent to our Hostess, with their best wishes for her very speedy recovery.
BY THE SWEAT OF THEIR BROW - From "THE TATLER"
Part of an address given by Dr. Bergan Evans of the Northwest University in America, to a crowd of graduating students, in the presence of their parents.
"These, your parents and grandparents, are the people who, within just five decades - 1919-1970 - have, by their work, increased your life expectancy by approximately 50 per cent. These are the people who, while cutting the working day by a third, have more than doubled per capita output.
"These are the people who have given you a healthier world than they found. And because of this you no longer have to fear epidemics of 'flu, typhus, diphtheria, smallpox, scarlet fever, measles or mumps that they knew in their youth; and the dreaded polio is no longer a medical factor, while T. B. is almost unheard of.
"Let me remind you that these remarkable people lived through history's greatest depression. Many of these people know what it is to be poor, what it is to be hungry and cold; and because of that, they determined that it would not happen to you; that you would have a better life; you would have food to eat, milk to drink, vitamins to nourish you, a warm home, better schools, and greater opportunities to succeed than they did.
"Because they gave you the best, you are the tallest, healthiest, brightest and probably the best looking generation to inhabit the land. And because they were materialistic, you work fewer hours, learn more, have more leisure time, travel to more distant places, and have more of a chance to follow your life's ambition.
"These are also the people who fought men's grisliest war. They are the people who defeated the tyranny of Hitler and who, when it was all over, had the compassion to help their former enemies rebuild their homelands.
"They built thousands of High Schools, trained and hired tens of thousands of better teachers and at the same time made higher education a very real possibility for millions of youngsters - where once it was only the dream of a wealthy few.
"While they have done all these things, they have had some failures. They have not yet found an alternative for war, nor for racial hatred. Perhaps you will perfect the social mechanisms by which all men may follow their ambitions without the threat of force. And if your generation can make as much progress in as many areas as these two generations have, you should be able to solve a good many of the world's remaining ills. It is my hope, and I know the hope of these two generations, that you find the answers to many of these problems that plague mankind.
"So, in closing, try to do as well as your parents and grandparents have done. It wont be easy. And you wont do it by negative thoughts; nor by tearing down; nor by belittling. You may do it by hard work, humility, hope and faith in mankind."
(By kind permission of the Editor, Sydney Legacy Bulletin, the foregoing is reproduced as an article of special interest - Ed.)
INCOME TAX AND PENSIONS
An article in Dec,73/Jan,74 issue of "Reveille" by 'Private' Pensions is of interest to us all, and is reprinted for your information.
"So much has been written about Income Tax and what is taxable income that I recommend to you an explanatory booklet on Income Tax and Pensions, 1973-74, now available from the Taxation Office, Box 4197, G.P.O., Sydney, 2001. or Regional Offices at Bankstown, Lismore, Newcastle, Orange, Parramatta, Tamworth, Wagga and Wollongong.
"The main features you will learn are that War Pensions (as distinct from Service Pensions) remain non-taxable income. Age, invalid and Service Pensions paid to males 65 and over or to a woman aged 60 or over are now forms of income which are taxable income. You will see that a Tax rebate of up to $156 can be claimed as a deduction from Tax payable, where the Taxable Income is under $3,848. Where Taxable Income is less than $1,921 no Income Tax will be payable.
"The booklet quotes three examples as to how the Rebate is to be allowed, and I repeat these examples:
Taxable Income (Incl.
Pensions subject to Tax)
$1,800.00
Gross Tax
137.50
Less Rebate
137.50
Net Tax Payable
Nil
Taxable Income (Incl.
Pensions subject to Tax)
$ 2,000.00
Gross Tax
168.00
Less Rebate
156.00
Net Tax Payable
12.30
Taxable Income (Incl.
Pensions subject to Tax)
$ 3,400.00
Gross Tax
452.30
Less Rebate
112.00
Net Tax Payable
340.30
"The basic Rebate to be
allowed is as follows:
Taxable Income
Nil to $1,921
Rebate
Nil to 156
(i.e.: the Rebate will
cancel out the amount of ordinary tax payable)
$1,922 to $3,224:
$156
$3,225 to $3,847:
$156
less ¼ of the amount by which Taxable Income is more than
$3224
P.O.W. TRUST FUND
In its December, 1973 issue, "Barbed Wire and Bamboo” carried an article of interest to all widows of former members of the Battalion, and it is reproduced for their information:
"Following the distribution of Japanese Assets to Ex-Prisoners of War of the Japanese, a small balance remained, too small to distribute amongst Ex-P.O.W. of the Japanese.
"This balance has now been transferred to the Trustees of the P.O.W. Trust Fund in Melbourne, who intend to distribute this money to Widows of Ex-P.O.W. of the Japanese.
"Should any widow whose late husband was a P.O.W. of the Japanese wish to make a claim on this Fund, she should in the first instance send a letter to: The Secretary, P.O.W. Trust Fund, Box 63A, G.P.O., MELBOURNE. Vic. 3001, and request an application form be sent to her address. She should give the Service particulars of her late husband (Army No., Rank, full name, Unit and where he was captured)"
SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 1974
Response to the Circulars sent out with last issue of MAKAN produced a prompt response from a little over half of the members who received them. Will the balance, to whom a further reminder is sent with this issue, PLEASE RESPOND PROMPTLY?
LAST POST
EDWARD EVERETT HAWLEY (HQ Coy). We were advised by Anzac House that he died at Collarenebri on 26th December last.
Ted left the Battalion just before Capitulation, and he has not maintained any contact with us since his return. We are accordingly unable to furnish any information concerning him, and as we do not have a Representative in the area, we requested Anzac House to ask Collarenebri R.S.L. to represent us and furnish a wreath on our behalf at the funeral.
We also do not have any knowledge of his surviving relatives, but to them we extend our deepest sympathy.
We were saddened to learn of the death, early in December last of Jim Stone, aged 26, son of Betty and Eric Stone (HQ Coy).
Well known in Rugby Union circles, Jim was a winger with the Eastern Suburbs Club; and his death resulted from an accidental fall from a cliff at Dover Heights.
To Betty and Eric and their family we extend our deepest sympathy.
We were also saddened by the news of the death of Mrs. Linda Ryan, widow of our former mate Len Ryan (BHQ), who died on 21st November last.
Although she had been gravely ill during 1972, Mrs. Ryan had made an excellent recovery and had hoped to attend the Purple and Gold Club Christmas afternoon tea party last December. Her death was sudden and quite unexpected.
To her surviving daughter Mrs. Margaret Phillips and her family we extend our deepest sympathy.
We were also saddened to learn of the death on 8th January last and at the age of 85 years, of the father of Martin and Frank Wallwork
Mr. and Mrs. Wallwork Snr had celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary in September last and were looking forward to reaching their Diamond Jubilee in 1975.
To Martin and Betty, Frank, their mother and their families we extend our deepest sympathy.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
SICK PARADE
Kevin Ward reports the State as at 31st January:
In R.G.H., Concord:
Jack Boss (HQ Coy), Joe Noble (B Coy), Phil Paget (B Coy), Harry Head (B
Coy) - transferred from Lady Davidson)
In Lewisham Hospital:
Joe Geoghegan (HQ Coy)
In Other Institutions:
Harry Law (A Coy)
Discharged from R.G.H.,
Concord since last MAKAN:
George Smith (A Coy), George Kinsela (HQ Coy)
Kevin also advises that R.G.H., Concord have now extended the visiting hours. In lieu of the former specified time for afternoon and evening on certain days, visiting hours are now daily from 2.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. It will of course be appreciated that visitors can be interrupted during these hours, by the nursing staff requiring to perform certain tasks, and for meals etc.
BATTALION BOWLS AFTERNOON
Jack Maclay and Kevin Ward give early notice of another Bowls afternoon to be held at RYDALMERE CENTRAL BOWLING CLUB on SUNDAY, 5th MAY next, commencing at 1.30 p.m. For those desiring it, luncheon may be obtained at the Club from 12 noon. Will all those wishing to attend please give Kevin a ring at 642 3932 in the near future, and let him have particulars.
NEWS, VIEWS AND WHOS WHOS
Although many heeded the plea and added some news when sending in their Subs, we missed out on news from quite a lot of Subs senders-in. Amongst those who rounded off their remittance to leave a surplus as a donation to our Funds, but without any news items, were:- Sandy Christensen and Noel Johnston (HQ Coy), Phil Higgins (A Coy), Frank McDonald (B Coy), John Martin (C Coy) and Jack Carey (D Coy). We do appreciate their generosity, but we sure would have liked a little news.
However, George Kingston (A Coy) sent in enough Subs to keep him in an advance position for the next five years and included a very substantial donation. Although he admitted to being flat out on the Stud Stock property, he did advise that he was keeping well; and he sent Seasonal Greetings to all.
Jock McDougall (C Coy) had to put pen to paper to advise a new address, so he carried on quite a bit further with some news and enclosed enough Subs to keep him from worrying for the next five years, together with a very substantial donation.
Jock reckoned that the garden at Wahroonga was taking up too much time, so he and Jacquie moved to Mosman, where Jock says he can cut the lawns with a pair of scissors in 15 minutes. Jock continued:
"We have Jennifer still in London, doing her Master of Philosophy at London University. She is working in the Morbid Anatomy Dept., doing the Electron Microscope work on the brain and lung tissues of young babies who are born, but die within a month or two of birth - in other words, the "Cot Syndrome".
"Jeffrey is managing a cattle plus cotton plus Soya bean and sorghum and wheat property at Narrabri, and has two sons, Andrew and Phillip. So I am in the Grandpa Stakes, but by no means as well up the ladder as some I have read about in MAKAN.
"Ian is an architectural draughtsman and is doing very well. He will be getting married on 2nd February, and we will then look forward to a granddaughter in due course.
"Jacquie and I are both keeping well, although slowing up a bit. I had a terminal thrombosis in my left eye early in the year, and am half-blind in that eye; but Repat did the right thing and put me up to a 40% Pension, so I think I have been well treated."
One of our regulars, Alan Charlton (HQ Coy) certainly gets around a bit. Last August he went back to Breeza to attend the centenary celebrations of the local School, which Alan had attended 1925-27. On the way home he called in on Cecil Palmer (HQ Coy) at Scone and found him well, though Jean's eyes were giving some concern.
Alan and Yvonne have just moved into their new home at Figtree Heights, which has a pleasant outlook on green hills, and contrasts nicely with his office at work, which is only a roads width from a beach.
Alan mentioned that he saw Stan (we called him Ray in C Coy) Sharples and Betty in Wollongong just before last Gemas Commemoration Day and suggested that he both attend that event and join up the Association; but we haven't heard anything from Stan (Ray) as yet.
Incidentally, Alan and Yvonne, complete with cameras and flash units were all poised to come up to Gemas Day when they received an unexpected visit from close relatives from Sydney; so they were unable to attend.
In reverse, Pearl prevailed upon Zipper Charlton (B Coy) to do something about writing in, but couldn't get him moving. So Pearl sent his Subs in and advised that their youngest daughter Val, who lives in Darwin, recently produced another grandson for them, giving them a total of 6 grandsons and 5 granddaughters - still a long way behind the Kennedy's.
Mention of their name and the Grandpa Stakes recalls a note from Helen Kennedy when sending in Tom's (C Coy) Subs plus a donation to our funds. Helen mentioned that she was trying to arrange a family pilgrimage to Pymble for the Gemas Day Commemoration when, if she was successful, the tally would be 32 (including grandchildren, who now add up to 20, putting them well in the lead in the Stakes.)
Helen didn't achieve 100% success with her efforts, but a very large contingent of the Kennedy family made the trip from Newcastle, and included as passengers in the convoy of cars, Roy King (B Coy) and our Piper, Jim Webster. Seven of their grandchildren were amongst the children who placed rosemary on the Memorial. One of them, Julie aged 4, got all excited when she saw the Pipers with their pipes, jumping up and down, clapping her hands and saying "Oh! Look at all the Vampires."
Garry Evans (A Coy) sent in enough Subs to keep him from worrying for a few years, and heeded the plea for some news.
It takes a bit of believing, but Garry has suffered a lot from gout (which is often hereditary - Ed.) and when the doctor finally convinced him that he could choose between gout and grog or none of either, he did a noble though harrowing thing and gave up the grog. The doctor was right, and he hasn't had an attack during the past year.
Although he says his golf has not improved, he is at least able to play and enjoy it these days. Garry is a member of both Strathfield and Cumberland Clubs, having served on the Committee of the latter Club for 11 years, during which time he has been Vice-President, Captain and Vice-Captain.
The item of a couple of years ago will be recalled, when our Cricketers were being done over by the Poms, in England, and Garry complained about a Pom making him more miserable by marrying their only daughter, Lesley Ann, who looked as though she would then live in England. The son-in-law, John Kendall, found favour with Marie and Garry by bringing their daughter back to Australia a little under two years ago, since when he has worked for the Summit Group, who have the catering rights to Australia Square and the Opera House as well as other restaurants. After several promotions to that of Pitt Street Flanagan's as Manager, John has been made Manager of a 500 seat restaurant which the Group have just opened in Brisbane. All of which is very satisfactory, even though Lesley Ann will now live in Brisbane.
Two more to join the "Naughty but Nice" group have been Betty Dawson (widow of Len - HQ Coy) and Margaret Phillips (surviving daughter of Len and Linda Ryan - BHQ), both of whom had some nice things to say about MAKAN when sending in a donation to help the publication along. We do appreciate their kindly remarks, and their generosity.
Betty has not been exactly 100% of late, necessitating frequent trips to the Grace Building, but she manages to keep her chin up. She sent Seasonal Greetings to all of Len's mates.
Margaret is kept quite busy caring for a family of seven children, ranging from Simon (18) who has just passed his Higher School Certificate, down to Caroline (8).
Our thanks and appreciation are also extended to Dr. John Sands and Mrs. Geoffrey Lamble, who recently provided a further two years supply of MAKAN Covers under their endowment in memory of their late father, Grahame Sands and brother, Dick (C Coy) who was K.I.A. at Gemas on 15th January, 1942.
This most generous and practical expression of their continuing interest in our affairs is most heart-warming.
Best wishes are in order for one of the stalwarts of the Purple and Gold Club, the former Mrs. Doris Hendy (step-mother of Len - D Coy) who re-married and became Mrs. Andrew Dougall late in December last - particulars of her new address etc are given in the current amendments to the list.
Our Social Reporter advises that the happy couple are currently enjoying a cruise on "Oriana" and will be returning to Chatswood about the end of February.
When sending in his Subs from Cessnock, in sufficient quantity to keep us off his back for a couple of years, Jack Fell (B Coy) mentioned that he and Paddles Clune (A Coy, and from Taree) had enjoyed the Reunion Dinner very much. Jack mentioned that he and Paddles were both interested in the proposed B.J. Memorial Bowls day, and expected to make the trip down for that event.
Although he could never be expected to put pen to paper, John Haskins (HQ Coy) really did have an excuse when Pam sent in a couple of years Subs on his behalf.
At that time John was suffering a very badly cut arm with damaged tendons etc, which occurred when he was emerging from the bathroom, struck a damp patch on the tiled floor, and took a header through a plate-glass door. Knowing Haskins, it is easy to imagine what an impossible patient he was, and how the foliage was burnt off within a half-mile radius of the house and both sides of the road into the hospital with his lurid description of bathrooms, glass doors, and everything and everyone bar John Haskins.
Fortunately, his doctor cobber did an excellent job of patching up, and John is whole again, but firmly determined to avoid any future headers through glass doors.
Pam advised that their eldest daughter, Penny, was in her final year at Sydney Uni, and daughter Julie was training for computer programming at A.C.I. in Sydney. This rather amuses John, as he reckons Julie uses all her fingers and toes to add up the smallest sum.
It took a while to get Ted Lutz (B Coy) on the move, but he heeded the plea, sharpened up the thumb nail and wrote in from Yanderra.
He had some nice things to say about MAKAN and expressed them in a practical way by including a nice donation with his remittance for a couple of years Subs.
Ted has now retired and says he doesn't get around much, except for a little shooting. He is also an active member of the local Bushfire Brigade, being Assistant Equipment Officer, Assistant Secretary, and Treasurer. Ted sent Seasonal Greetings to all.
When sending in Harry's (HQ Coy) Subs from Harlaxton, Q., Mrs. Hartnett advised that he has not been the best of late. With his lack of eyesight and a spastic hip, Harry is dependent on friends to help him; and he is most appreciative of the assistance he receives from his friends at the T.P.I. Centre. Harry sent his Seasonal Greetings to all.
Verna Ross also had to do the letter writing for Max (D Coy), whose hands are rather crippled up.
When sending in his Subs, Verna advised that their family, Kay, Greg and Colin have all grown up, and they were all living at home at that time. However, Greg was to marry in January, and Colin turns 21 in February.
They are somewhat of a golfing family, with Verna and the two boys indulging in the sport quite a bit. Verna concluded with some nice things to say about MAKAN, and. Seasonal Greetings to all from Max and herself.
Carl Odgers (HQ Coy) was back home in Kyogle, after a trip to Greenslopes, and was happily well enough to put pen to paper and send in enough Subs to keep us off his back. for a few years.
Carl's heart has been playing up for some considerable time and he is now more or less a bed case. He spends a lot of time in the local hospital, and the visit to Greenslopes was his first to that hospital. He was full of praise for the food, treatment and service provided by Repat, including ambulance transport both ways. He also sincerely appreciates the continuous visits and assistance he receives from Clarrie Lattimer (HQ Coy), who is President of the local R.S.L.
We are sure that Harry Griffis (D Coy) reads his MAKAN carefully. He not only sent in his Subs promptly from Taree, but supplied the address of Brig Hinton (HQ Coy).
Harry also recalled an amusing incident concerning a former member of Don Company (who left us at Bathurst) and who was on Guard Duty at Tamworth Showground one night.. B. J. was returning from Town, stopped at the gate and asked: "What are you supposed to be doing here?" The much tattooed sentry promptly plied: "Two on and four off."' B.J.'s comment is not recorded.
Manly "Daily" of 20th December last carried the following item of news concerning a Don Company identity, under the heading "A Mountain Builder" :
"Norman Lee, a Prisoner of War of the Japanese in World War 11, is building a mountain single-handed at the New Luna Park.
"The 'mountain', a complex 40' high construction, is made from timber, chicken wire and cement (Ferro concrete to the expert), then plastered and painted.
"It forms the roof of one ride and the base of another - the famous "Big Dipper".
Fred Butt (C Coy) couldn't make the Annual Reunion Dinner, due to a long-standing commitment with his mother, so he sent his best wishes and enclosed a sizeable donation to help defray the cost of excess grog and fodder consumed by Big Mick Lovell (BHQ) As Fred put it "that long villainous looking B... with an affinity for Scotch". Mick didn't attend, so Fred's donation was all profit. Thanks, Fred.
Ege Wightman (HQ Coy) was flat to the boards, so Dorothy had to do the writing. It appears that Ege is President of the Bega Golf Club and was busy on the official opening of extensions to the Club House. He was also fully occupied as a Committeeman on the Jockey Club, preparing for their Race Meeting in a few days time. In any case, Dorothy reckons that Ege simply ducks out from under when there is any letter writing to be done. (Thank God Dorothy doesn't - Ed.)
Ian Pryce (D Coy) very kindly added some extra Subs to his own, to be used as we saw fit for any of our less fortunate mates; but he didn't add one scrap of news.
Allan Hudson (D Coy) did likewise as regards Subs for others, but did take time off to advise that things were booming in the Heart of N.S.W. (Tottenham) with stock, wool and wheat prices all excellent; while there was also a possibility of copper mining beginning again. The Hudson family of three sons and three daughters are moving out into the world - next year there will only be their 15 year-old daughter left at School.
Neil Huntley (B Coy) also joined the Subs-for-Others donors and though he was then setting off from Port Macquarie for his usual Christmas visit to Wagga with Molly, he managed to let us know that they had a most interesting trip to New Guinea last Winter, and visited the Mt. Hagen Show. He undertook to let us have some details when he got some spare time in the New Year.
In complete reversal of the usual state of affairs, our F.N.C. Correspondent wrote in seeking some information, so possibly to soften the blow, added a bit of news.
Alfie Carroll (D Coy) recently shook the dust of Greta off his feet and returned to Kyogle for a wedding (not his own) so took the opportunity of having Artie and Nancy Power (D Coy) tote him around to see some of the lads. Alfie appeared to be fighting fit when last seen.
Our Correspondent was in Murwillumbah just before Christmas and saw Tom and Norma Grant (C Coy), both of whom looked well. On the other hand, that war horse, Martin Wallwork (HQ Coy), declares he is as fit as ever, but Repat had him down in Sydney recently, and he is now awaiting the result.
Cheryl (17), only daughter of Joe and Sybil Johnston, did very well in her recent H.S.C. Exam, and was advised that she is in the quota for a Teacher's Scholarship. With Greg already working in Sydney, it looks as though Ken may be the only one of their family living at home in the near future, which is just as well that he is, as there is plenty of work attaching to the recent venture into cane farming.
Ernie Stratford (D Coy) had used up his previous lot of Subs in Advance, so he sent in a fresh batch from Main Arm. Though he was in a bit of a hurry, he did add some news.
Ernie and Kath are both well, and had the pleasure of having elder son, Noel, home for holidays over Christmas. Noel is a teller in the Wales at Taroom, Q., and is keen on all the ball sports. Younger son, Graham, is now in Sixth Form; so this is a big year for him.
Ernie also reported that he recently saw Harry Rhodes (B Coy), looking very fit; and that Ossie Jackson (D Coy) has given up the Store, but he still has the Post Office at Binna Burra.
Don (Lieut) Garner (B Coy) sent in his Subs from Nambucca Heads and rounded off the remittance with a donation.
Both he and Judy are kept pretty busy looking after The Nambucca Motor Inn, but Don managed a note to advise that they were well and that their eldest daughter was marrying one Ian Crichton of Concord on 19th January. It is quite a romance - they started school together on the same day in 1956 and are finishing their education together with an Arts course at the Uni.
Blair Taylor (C Coy) sent in his Subs plus from Deakin A.C.T. and advised that he got a pleasant surprise recently on one President's Day at his Woden Valley R.S.L. Bowling and Recreational Club. A visiting team from Bateman's Bay was skippered by Les Southwell (A Coy) and Blair admitted that they beat his team. He advised that Les looked well and appeared to be enjoying his retirement in Bateman's Bay, where he has persuaded Althea to take up bowls.
We know that Oldest Member Richard (Bob) Skinner (HQ Coy and 77 on 15th October last) is still alive, because he sent in his Subs and included Seasonal Greetings to all; but apart from the fact that his writing is still clear and firm, we don't have much knowledge of how he is keeping.
Last report, some time ago, indicated that he didn't get around much, being confined to transport by Taxis supplied by Repat; but he was being well cared for by friends and a nurse who visited his home in the T.P.I. Units at Belmore. We trust that he is continuing in good fashion.
Many of you added Seasonal Greetings to the Editor and the Office Boy (Les Hall) when sending in Subs Etc. As personal replies would present a Herculean task, will you all please accept this as our joint and several thanks and appreciation for your kindly thought? - The Editor and The Office Boy.
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