Circular No. 122
April/May, 1957

Official Organ of 2/30th Bn. A.I.F. Assn

COMMITTEE

Dear Dig,

Rex Rowe is still dealing out summary justice to the wicked citizens of Muswellbrook although it is said that Returned Soldiers always receive twenty chances up there. They are, of course, always severely admonished. Rex is a Legacy worker, member of the local R.S.L. and a "worker" in the town. He enjoys a glass of good ale, good health and retains a zest for living.

Wal Eather's younger brother was married at Taree in January. Peter Mason, Pat Flanagan and Fred Abbotts attended the marriage. In January also Wal was chairman at the wedding of Ray Michel's daughter. It was a grand wedding with the Unit well represented. Like the rest of us Wal is not as young as he used to be. His second daughter, who is completing her training as a nurse this year, has announced her engagement and Wal has also joined the ranks of grandparents with one granddaughter on the board.

Les Parfrey of Finlay, writes that he often meets Max Pyle who lives in the same district. Both Les and his brother George are well.

Harry Teesdale of Corndale via Lismore has written a letter which is good enough to give you as it comes :-

"Hope you and all the family are well. Thanks for the reminder of the subs; here is a quid. Well, our reunion is over again. I think they are bigger and better than ever. Some very amusing incidents.

We had just started our dinner when suddenly there was loud cheering and whistling. (No louder cheering was given to the Queen). Everyone looked towards the door and walking between the rows of tables was the red-headed 17 platoon personality man with a big smile on his face acknowledging the cheers. Yes, you have guessed right, it was no other than that grand chap J.P. Newman, late again, and again the same excuse - missed the bus.

Ben Pearce and Fred Winters were taking it in turns to get a jug filled with a certain amber coloured fluid. Ben must have been knocked up, so he asked Ossie Jackson to get it filled; as Ossie went on his way Ben said, "That’s the first time I've had a councillor working for me”.

Fred Arnett is a marvel. I only see him once a year and I only have to say "Hello Fred" and after a pause he says "How are you Harry". Bob Newman said "How are you ........................”. Fred could not get on to the voice straight away and Bob said "Come on you.........................get that head of yours thinking. Come on now - same platoon." I left them then but I'll bet Fred guessed who it was. (Fred is blind).

"Scotty Wallace was there from Kempsey and from the North, Ron Chipps, Brisbane. The boys must be getting old. Quite a few of them are playing bowls now. Alf Jones is growing a moustache. I thought at first he had had trouble with his car and that he left a greasy finger mark on his top lip, but it is fair dinkum hair.

Padre Robinson showed some slides on an improvised screen of the war cemetery in the islands. It shows what a wonderful job is being done in the care of these graves.”

Annual General Meeting. A full report of the Annual Meeting will be made in the next issue.

Kranji War Memorial Cemetery. A short report will also be given in the next issue of the Makan on the opening of the Kranji Cemetery.

Anzac Day. It is hoped that the Unit will be well represented this year in the Anzac Day March. The Old Man will lead us and Reg. Ellis will carry the banner. Marchers should assemble in Macquarie Street where our rendezvous will be well up the Street towards Martin Place. The March will be conducted with the usual decorum, that is as a march of remembrance. Members are proud to march together on this proud day and as we have said before it is good for you to be there because the march is exclusive to you as a member of the Armed Services. There are thousands who will watch the march as they have done for years. Some of them watched it right throughout the war and enjoyed the spectacle.

Medals will be worn. The Committee requests that all ranks wear medals for preference or failing that your Returned from Active Service or your Association Badge. The Old Man has been requested by the Committee to wear the medals which you won for him.

After the march it is suggested that you assemble at the Glenmore Hotel in York Street North. It is a small hotel which is prepared for us and it is hoped that you will have a glass of ale there before proceeding home. This is the first year we have arranged for a hotel meet after the march and it has been made after many requests from members. REMEMBER it is the Glenmore Hotel in York Street North and is far enough from the centre of the city to miss the crowds and to ensure a comfortable drink.

Arthur Overett of Caringbah is well.

Jack Brooks of Goulburn, sends best wishes to all. Jack has been ill for some years but is enjoying a better spell at the moment. We hope he will continue to keep better health.

Ray Michell of Tamworth, writes that his brother and our mate, George, has gone to Perth to live. Since arriving in Perth, however, George has been ill and has spent a lot of time in the Repat. Hospital there. Ray is still in business and is doing well. Ray Donald is now living at Rockdale. Ray hopes to march with the Unit on Anzac Day.

Charlie Golledge of Lane Cove, sends greetings to all his friends. Charlie is an old Don Coy. lad. Ray Kuskey still plays a good game of golf but is not as elastic as he used to be.

Ashley Pascoe of Belfield, always keeps us posted with news of the country boys. Ashley sees all country newspapers as part of his job, so is in a position to render this service for us. Although Ashley rarely attends reunions, he always sends along an annual donation for the Welfare Fund. Kingie Martin has become our newest Life Member and has beaten Reg Ellis at last.

Reg puts his little "Please Pay up" sign on the bottom of the Makan if you are dragging the chain with your subs and most of the lads have a crack at him for it. Incidentally, as probably most of you know, Reg personally answers every letter which requires a receipt and that mounts up to a large number of letters per year.

Jack Korn, ex member of the senior Rifle Company, A. Coy., has bought, a house at South Lismore. We reported Jack's marriage a couple of years ago now and since then he and his wife have been anxiously awaiting a new home of their own. Jack is still one of the reasons why the N.S.W. Government Railways is running at a loss but he says the job is still far better than his previous Railway job. Mick Bailey of Sefton, sends greetings to all his friends. We haven't heard of Gerry Bailey for a couple of years.

Tommy Grant of Urbinsville has taken a job as a "tick dodger" for the Department of Agriculture, or in other words, he is a Stock Inspector. Tom is a long way from reunions and meetings and appreciates news of the lads in the Makan. He has a nice little family of three - all girls - the youngest 14 months and the eldest just five.

Wear your medals on Anzac Day

STAN ARNEIL

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