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Back to 1967 index or Main Index Makan No. 174 Dear Dig, Stan Arneil has been appointed to one of the top jobs in the World Credit Union organisation. It is the job towards which he has been working for many years and it is a fitting reward for all the work he has done for Credit Unions. As a result of this he is now in America, at a place called Maddison in the State of Wisconsin. Dorothy went with him this time, but came home again after four weeks, and who could blame her! They were snowbound in New Orleans even before they arrived in Maddison, and when they eventually arrived there it was 15 below zero. One would have to be really keen on his job to go to a place like that. She was overawed by Chicago, as it gives the impression of being the hub of America. Everything goes to, comes from, or passes through there. She spent a few days in Mexico on her way home and is most enthusiastic about that country. I think perhaps it was a little warmer there. When she left Maddison, Stan was being inundated with invitations to give lectures. Personally with the temp. at 15 below I would not go out at night to listen to S.F.A. Jack Carey and his wife Phyllis are inordinately proud of their first grand-daughter; they have booked already for the next Annual Dinner which, we hope, will be held at Tamworth in November. Joe Roxburgh is always first in each year with his annual sub, but the Treasurer thinks that after 25 years he should stop calling him "Dear Sir", and call him "Dear Jack". Why not follow Joe's example and send in your subs, which are due now. Derek Smith is still playing cricket at Bargo, but says he can't see the ball too well nowadays, seems like he will have to go back to Soccer - he should be still able to see that ball! He is looking forward to getting his second daughter out to work so that he can retire. He spoke to his brother by phone in England on Christmas Day. It was a big occasion for Derek and his wife Ethel. Jim Walsh is the latest addition to Life Membership but sent no news with his letter. He probably thought the parting with $10 was news enough. Harry Holden has been appointed a life member of the R.S.L. The information comes from the Old Man who also says that he is a tireless worker for Legacy. ANNUAL MEETING The Annual Meeting will be held at the Occidental Hotel, corner of York and Erskine Streets, on Saturday, 18th March. Come for dinner at 6.45, or if you can't make that, come to the meeting at 8 p.m. It will be a very interesting meeting, as we will have some definite information about the next general meeting which we hope to have at Tamworth. Wal Eather has already started organising things up there (after a little judicious prodding from the Old Man), and Squire O'Donnell is about to play merry hell in Brisbane, so come along and put your weight behind it. GEMAS DAY The ceremonial laying of the wreath at the Cenotaph on January 14th was one of the best attended ceremonies we have had. Including the ladies, about 50 people were there. Whilst by any means this is not a good attendance, it is much better than we have had in the past. Ron Maston had his wife and his mother with him. Bess Ellis, as always, was there, but this year she was chauffeured by a most attractive young lady, whom I failed to recognise as her grand daughter. Bernie (Stonger) McMahon made one of his infrequent appearances and even China Hall peeped shyly from behind a pillar of the G.P.O. Most of you will have heard by now of the passing of John Taylor and Jim Parsons. We had hoped to have a reprint of an article from the Medical Journal on Jon. Des Kearney has been working on it, but it could not be done in time. It will appear with your next Makan. Jim Parsons, as the R.A.P. corporal, was known to everyone in the Battalion. He was John Taylor's shadow and had the same tolerance and understanding as John himself. Many men had advice and/or medicine from Jim at the back door of the R.A.P. without going through the rigmarole of getting their name on an "A-4". We have just had news of the death of Graham Bridgewater. He was in Manila, in the Philippines, on business for his firm when he passed away. "Bridget", as he was known to everyone in the Battalion, was the sergeant of 16 Platoon, probably the youngest sergeant in the Bn. He was not entitled to vote at Bathurst, so it is very doubtful if we have had one younger than that. He was wounded in the leg at Gemas, and later on was one of the first to suffer from cholera. One of the most delightful personalities in the Battalion, the sympathy of every member goes out to his sorrowing wife and two daughters. The passing of Mrs. Pratley was noted with sorrow. The Cairn at Bathurst has always been cared for by Mr. & Mrs. Pratley. Whenever there was work or maintenance to be done on the Cairn, they were there unstinting with their time and money. It is somewhat doubtful if there ever would have been a cairn without the encouragement and help given us by Mr. & Mrs. Pratley. Fred Butt suffered a blow recently in the death of his father. The sympathy of the Bn. goes out to all bereaved families. CUFF LINKS We have received a quote from Angus & Coote for cuff links. They will cost $2.50 but we must have a firm order for 50 pairs before we can go ahead, so let Bruce Ford have the orders. ANZAC DAY The March will be considerably shortened this year, terminating in Hyde Park as it did once before. In all other respects it will be the same. Assembly is, as usual, outside the old Mint Building and, as always, a service at the end of the March. ANNUAL REPORT The Annual Report from the President and the Annual Balance Sheet are enclosed for your inspection, and comment at the Annual Meeting. See you there, Harry Collins. 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