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Back to 1949 index or Main Index Makan – No. 36 Official Organ of 2/30th. Bn. A.I.F. Assn, Patron: Maj. Gen. F.G. Galleghan, D.S.O., O.B.E., E.D. Dear Dig, Do you remember little Derek Smith from A Coy? We used to call him "Smiler" because of his wide flashing grin, he was a very keen soccer player. His smile has been ever wider since his wife presented him with a lovely little daughter. The Association sends its heartiest to Derek and his wife. Ernie Spencer is another of our lads who is doing well. He is working at the cement works at Kandos as a fireman and has pulled out enough dough to buy a car and a home. If a capacity for hard work means more pay and promotion at Kandos, we can understand why Ernie's doing so well because he is a terrific worker. That's not all his good fortune, he hit the jackpot with the grandest little daughter one could ever see and is he proud. All our congratulations, Ernie, to you and your wife. Gordon McKnight has left Tamworth and is now in partnership with his brother-in-law at Kenthurst, on an orchard and poultry farm., Gordon is married and has one kiddie. Doug Hicks of Tamworth has a wide reputation for the excellence of his home brew, which is very strong and very tasty. Harry Collins, who was recently in the district, brought Doug's wife and baby down to Sydney in his car. After one look at Harry the baby cried all the way. Bede Ryan was sighted some time back in Town. Still the same Bede. Kevin Dowling is working in Sydney and we hope to see him at the Reunion this month. Arthur Meadows is selling cash orders so look out for him. Padre Bernard Quirk is now living in Sydney, at Waverley Presbytery. Never very robust, his health is now very poor. Bob Newman, the big time banana grower, was hot beaten by the recent railway restrictions, he brought 100 cases of bananas down to Harry Collins by road. Colin Tuckfield has written to us again to notify us of his latest change of address. This lad changes his address as often as the average chap changes his shirt, but this time he has settled down for good in his own brand new home. His address is "Tid 'apa", Rose Lane, Kedron, Brisbane. Colin is married, of, course, and is doing reasonably well. It is unfortunate that he and those other Queensland boys cannot attend our Reunions. It is reasonable to assume that we will, never see most of these lads again but, so long as they remain on our mailing list, we will always hear of them. Saw Bob Surtees recently. He looks as well as one could expect and appears to be reasonably, prosperous. He is happily married and will shortly be shifting into his own home at Punchbowl. All members of the Association will join with the President in offering our deepest sympathy to Keith Chapman and his wife on the death of their seven months old kiddie recently. The Narrandera Reunion was such a success that we must tell you a little more about it. There were 275 former P.O.W. present and, for the dance at nights twelve eighteens were provided. We are not too sure whether they drank it or swam in it but it all went. On the Sunday morning, Col Ramsey led a march through the main street and a wreath was laid on the Cenotaph by him. The Grand Parade on to the local showground was also led by him and, at the ground, Col. Anderson reviewed the troops. It was a very impressive ceremony and the ground was packed with visitors. There were a lot of our chaps there - Wild Bill Brown, Yenda; Frankie Webb, Yenda; Harry Robertson and Ben Templeman, Hillston ; Clive Blencowe, Tumbarumba; Max Pyle, Berrigan; Clarrie Woods and Jack North, West Wyalong; Griffo Griffiths, Hay; Vic Hamlin, Boree Creek, and many others too numerous to mention. You can see that there was a really good turn-up of our lads. The Association sends its heartiest congratulations to the organising committee for its fine efforts. Don Garner is now the District Inspector, at Leeton, for the National Mutual Life Assurance. His wife has a millinery business, being an expert in hat making before she married that skinny lump of dynamite. They have one son 11 years of age. Tommy Stevens throw away his crutches at the Reunion on the Saturday night and knew nothing of it until Tuesday morning. George Parfrey and his brother, Les, who last year obtained a grant of land at Finley, are doing well. Les is all silly over a certain blonde lady at the moment and we hope to have news of wedding bells shortly. Dal Oldknow and Jim O'Connor have just had a spell in hospital and Les Perry has been in again. All those lads who have spent some time in Ward 17 at Yaralla will be pleased to know that that charming Sister Mary Rohan is a contestant for the Miss Australia Quest. Sister Rohan is a great favourite with all our lads and, if we were the judges, she would win hands down. Now gentlemen, THE REUNION! It's on again, bigger and better than ever, at Sargent's, Market Street, Friday night, 18th November, at 7.30. The cost will be 10/- a scone and this is a very reasonable sum for the show. There will be a loss of £35 on the night, which will be offset by the profit made on the Annual Ball. The reason for the big loss is that, at the moment, Sargent's have us on toast and they have increased the rent from £10 in the first year to £20 this year. Added to this cost, the catering charge is about 4/6 per head plus a further iniquitous charge of 6d. called a "cover charge." As there are so few places in the city suitable for a reunion such as ours, we have no alternative than to pay the high cost. The above charges, of course, are made before purchasing a glass of the nut brown. This commodity, five eighteens and a nine, will set us back a lot of cash but our policy is that we must never run out of beer at any of our reunions. You may bring along any P.O.W. friend (at 10/- a pop of course) and we urge you to make sure of the date and the time and be early. Bring along the galosh or the odd Wellington Boot, it won't be raining but it will be very wet. Our delegates to the Council of the Eighth Division report several rather interesting items as follows: 3/- per day subsistence claim: This claim, which we consider just, has not been forgotten and the Council keeps a constant stream of letters going to IMPORTANT PERSONS on both sides of the House. We all remember how the Opposition made political capital of this matter when the question was first raised in the House. This is now a grand opportunity to test the sincerity of those concerned. You never know, with an election coming off shortly, we might be promised the world. 8th Div. Annual Ball: Over £200 profit was made on the Ball and the Committee certainly deserves a pat on the back for this fine effort. The money has been placed in a special fund and will be used as a welfare fund. Reparation: If a peace treaty is, in our lifetime, signed with Japan, we stand a chance of some cash gratuity as reparations. The Council is most active on this matter. Food Parcel Appeal: Volunteers are still needed to pack parcels for ex-P.O.W. The place of packing is Ward 10, Prince of Wiles Hospital, Randwick. Ring Ron Chips at JA8666 for the next date. Ex-P.O.W. Medical Survey: Most of you have probably heard already that Dr. Fisher is behind this scheme. It is a plan to have all ex-P.O.W. medically examined at regular intervals and should have a great bearing on our health, particularly as we grow older. Flood Relief: If any of our lads, living in this district, suffered financial loss in the recent floods, will they write to Major Johnston, 26 Aubin Street, Neutral Bay, or Ron Chipps. If any of you fellow are thinking of buying bedroom suites you would be well advised to make your purchases at the Service Cabinet Works, 89 Parramatta Road, Annandale. This firm is recommended by the R.S.L. and as I was interested in buying a bedroom suite I went out to the place to have a look a the set-up. It is easy to see why the R.S.L. is so keen about it. The owner is a Mr. Fraser, a digger from the 1st World War, and he will only sell to ex-diggers. The factory is a wholesale business and all purchases from it are at wholesale prices so you can see what you can save by taking your custom there. A further advantage in this place is that the furniture may be made to your own design. Please forward all cheques and postal notes to R.E. Ellis, No. 21 Military Road, Neutral Bay. See you at the Reunion. STAN ARNEIL. Back to 1949 index or Main Index |