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Makan No. 220 OFFICIAL JOURNAL 2/30 Bn. A. I. F. ASSOCIATION Subscription Rate: $1.50 per Year Registered for Posting as Periodical: Category A
SUBS FOR 1975 As 54.6% of our members had Subs in Advance credits and several others responded to the suggestion in the Set/Oct issue that Subs for 1975 would be welcomed, it appeared as though we might have less difficulty this year in getting our Subs in. Unfortunately, the balance of our members have not responded up to expectations, and at this date we have a total of only 78.7% paid up; which means that 73 members have failed to heed the repeated pleas of your Editor/Chief Correspondent to pay up promptly. While it may prove annoying to the prompt payers, it is apparently necessary to repeat once more that our ability to continue to produce MAKAN is dependent upon two major items:- (1) Utilization of our Gestetner and (2) Registration for posting under Category A. As an example of the savings under the latter registration:- The Sep/Oct issue of 32 pages plus the supplement of 32 pages and the Nov/Dec issue of 36 pages were each posted for a cost of $10.62 (2½¢ each). Without registration the, cost for each posting would have been $102.24 (24¢ each). The only alternative to this high cost would be to reduce the size of each issue considerably, in order to bring it within the non standard minimum rate of 11¢ each. It will surely be appreciated that it is essential that we retain our registration, and an essential requirement for us to do that is compliance with Postal Regulations which require us to have at least 90% of our active membership paid up promptly. And they mean promptly. For the past three years your Editor/ Chief Correspondent has been prepared to do the Nelson act and run the risk of a snap P.M.G. inspection, by turning his blind eye on the figures and pretending that sufficient numbers had paid up by the end of January. Maybe he has gotten a little older and has grown a bit more cranky than formerly, but he is no longer prepared to do it. At all events, the Editor considers that repeated articles on unpaid Subs (so far as most of his Readers are concerned) are most uninteresting reading and a waste of good space; while the Chief Correspondent has grown a bit tired of the necessity to harp continually on the subject. A further reminder is included with this issue to all those who have not yet paid, and they are advised that failure to respond by the end of February will betaken to indicate that they are not particularly interested in receipt of MAKAN. Those in arrears by that date will be removed from the circulation list and no further MAKANS will be sent until such time as they become financial again. Back copies will not be available at a later date as the circulation will be reduced and only sufficient copies will be printed to cover it. While such an action may appear to indicate that a hard line course has been adopted the time has arrived when we have to play by the rules; and there appears to be no alternative. Please act now and obviate the necessity for this embarrassing action. GEMAS DAY COMMEMORATION Bright sunshine greeted us on Sunday, 12th January last for our Ceremony at our Memorial at H.Q. 17 R.N.S.W.R. at Pymble. Numbers of Battalion members attending showed a further slight decline but those of Next-of-Kin, wives, children and friends were almost halved, by comparison with last year. Notable absentees were our Director of the Ceremony, Noel Johnston, who was having a spell in R.G.H., Concord, and our Piper, Jim Webster, who was confined to his bed and could not make the trip from Newcastle. We also missed our usual contingent from the Illawarra as well as that from the Central Coast, but were pleased to see Jack and Vera Fell from Cessnock and Stewart and Ruth Blow from Berry. We were again fortunate in having the services of Bugler Bennett, of R.S.L. fame, whose rendering of "Last Post" and "Reveille" was most moving; while the rendering by the 17 R.N.S.W.R. Pipers and Drums of a most appropriate lament during the wreath laying and "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 In his usual capacity of o/i/c tea and coffee making, with power to co-opt, Sid Musgrove co-opted and directed a most efficient team who dispensed their wares, subsequently cleared the afternoon tea tables and assisted with the washing up in fine style. We were also most appreciative of the hospitality and good fellowship extended to us throughout the afternoon by Major Ken Kirkby, 2 i/c of the Regiment, and his team. In the absence of the C.O., Lieut. Col. A.T. Pembroke MC, on leave, Major Kirkby acted as our host. Without their co-operation and assistance our Commemoration and Family Gathering could not be held, particularly at a time of the year when so many are away on holidays, and our sincere thanks and appreciation are extended to Colonel Pembroke 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 CHRISTMAS PARTY Our Social Reporter advises: The Christmas Afternoon Tea Party of the Purple and Gold Club held on Thursday, 5th December, last, at the Indian Tea Centre was a very successful and well attended gathering, despite the short notice which did not permit time for publication in MAKAN. Our special thanks go to Margaret Mitchell who organised the party so well in lieu of our dear Gai Jenkins who died earlier in the year. Gal's close friend, Mary Hale, gave much assistance to Margaret. Doris Dougall (known to us all over the years as Doris Hendy) gave a lengthy and compassionate talk reminiscing on the early days of the Purple and Gold Club, and of its tremendous efforts during the War years. She spoke of the wonderful dedication of the late Gai Jenkins in helping to keep the Club Members together and in arranging the reunions at the Christmas Parties in latter years. Doris also spoke of the unselfish deeds and work of Gai in other spheres- i.e. at the North Shore Hospital and for Poppy Days, etc. At Doris' suggestion -a minute's silence was observed for reflection and our respect for Gai. Due to the thought and efforts of Margaret Mitchell, the table at the party was attractively decorated with purple and gold serviettes, and envelopes of purple or gold containing a purple or gold handkerchief for each lady present. The centre piece of purple and gold flowers was donated by the 2/30th Bn. Association Committee, and the Association's purple and gold card sending good wishes to the party, was much appreciated. Our dear Patron, Col. George Ramsay, once again donated the Christmas Cake which was most appropriately decorated in purple and gold and was cut by his wife, Chubby Ramsay. As well as those ladies previously mentioned, the afternoon tea party was gladdened by the presence of Persia (Lady) Galleghan, Janet Johnston, Daphne Thorburn and daughter Diana, Wilga Mitchell, Lonie Musgrave, Betty Pryde, Mary Collett and her sister Mrs. Howe, Pat Nossiter, Ruth Purvis, Olga O'Sullivan, Ollie Parish, Sonia Lamble, Hilda Grossmith and Mrs. Leighton-Jones. Apologies were received from Bessie Ellis, who has not been too well of late, Claire Wallace, Hazel Parks and Claire Buckingham. Footnote: The 2/30 Bn. Comforts Fund was formed in the early days of the War and its members included wives, mothers, relatives and friends of the Battalion personnel. Gai (Marguerite) Jenkins became its President, and continued in that capacity until after the cessation of hostilities when it was decided to disband. However, Gai felt that the many friendships and associations formed during the War years ought not to be forgotten and, with the support of some of the stalwarts of the Comforts Fund (which had been formed from the original Ladies Auxiliary) she formed the Purple and Gold Club. No membership fees were charged and there were no office Bearers as such. The main idea was to give members an opportunity to continue their war-time associations and to give wives and relatives of members of the Battalion who had married since their return an opportunity to meet the original members and each other. The Club's activities have been confined largely to a Christmas Afternoon Tea Party, held in December each year, and at these parties all wives, widows, relatives and friends of members and former members of the Battalion have been welcomed, and will continue to be welcomed. The Executive of the Association is most anxious to have the activities of the Club continue and expand, or at least to have attendance at the parties expand. The Executive is also most appreciative of the excellent job done by Margaret Mitchell in organising the last Christmas Party at rather short notice. The columns of MAKAN may be utilised freely for any publicity desired and all our good ladies are reminded of their eligibility to attend any functions arranged by the Club. - Ed: A TASTE OF HONEY A snide note on Len Barnes' advice in last MAKAN that his Subs in Advance had made him "Paid for 1975" in our records, brought a prompt response from Honey. Her most informative account of their doings is of interest to us all, and certainly added a spot of sweetness to your Editor's busy, but somewhat mundane existence. We quote: Guilty as charged. I cannot even remember when I last wrote to you. All the now proven empty promises I made about corresponding have turned out to be just that. It is now 11.30 p.m. on the 23rd December and Len has given me the note out of the MAKAN he is reading. So without more ado I must drop you a few brief lines, with a promise of more as soon as we settle down. How far I have to go back I do not know, but the past two years have been fraught with so many ups and downs I hardly know where to begin. I certainly do not want to sound like a sob sister, as I am sure you have lots of sad stories on your mailing list, so I will pick out the highlights, with an occasional detour to try to vindicate myself. We have now made two trips to Tonga - a lovely place. Late in January 1973, we went on an exploratory visit, having been invited to do so by a Tongan who is the Manager of the Copra Marketing Board in Nuku'alofa. Copra, desiccated coconut and various by-products are the chief source of their economy, of course they do export large quantities of tropical fruits and vegetables to New Zealand also. A further source of income is the really fabulous handicrafts sold mainly to the tourists who come in on the tour ships. These are really something - the carving, weaving and jewellery-making, all from natural materials they find on their island, with no machinery to help out, are quite unbelievable. Anyway we fell in love with the place. They are a fun loving, happy people. Their main outlet for energy and enjoyment is put into their island dancing and singing groups. Each village has its own group and older women will spend days gathering sweet smelling flowers, berries and leaves to make necklaces, anklets and cissies to be worn over costumes made from leaves, flowers and plaited pandanus - all so bright and colourful it is hard to believe everything is natural and not from synthetic materials. Len arranged and staged an island dancing competition for the groups from all villages. The Princess accepted our invitation to watch the event and everyone on the island was there. We had a non-stop 4- hour show. It was a great success, and the Princess was our guest for supper at the hotel after it was all over. I had previously been invited to visit the Queen and we spent a most enjoyable afternoon chatting. She is a great garden lover so, as this is my main hobby, we found lots to talk about. She also had some very funny stories of some of her trips overseas. Len spent an afternoon with the King, so we were indeed fortunate to have this little bonus added to the enjoyment of our trip. Things caught up with us a bit when we got back home in March - in fact Len had another heart attack; then his liver was not performing properly and he started to fill up with fluid. So he was in hospital for some time while they got rid of all the fluid. However, he came through with flying colours, but with a serious warning that he had one more chance. Meanwhile, I had been called back to Sydney twice to take care of our eldest daughter and her children, for various reasons. So I was back and forth like a yo-yo, meaning each time to give you a ring, but finding myself too busy and too far away from a phone. Then we had the big wet season on our hands and were flooded in time and time again, with the road South cut for months on end. By this time it was Christmas again and Len had decided we would go for another trip to Tonga. So eventually in early February '74 we put our car on the Sydney trader in Cairns and flew down, picking up our car in Sydney. We went down to Melbourne to see Len's relatives, then flew out to Fiji and Longatapu on 8th March. This time we were the guests of our friends. They have a lovely stone home provided by the Copra Marketing Board. We visited several of the other islands this time, going to Haipai by boat. This is the island where Captain Cook first landed and called the group The Friendly Is. Also we passed the island where Captain Bligh was put ashore in a long boat - the whole area is so steeped in history it is fascinating. We were guests of the manager of the Copra Board on Haipai and they gave a party for us, with a band and singing group; and so many people, it was a wonderful experience. The food is unbelievable, and of course it is very easy to put on those extra pounds - not as far as Len is concerned. They all know he is on a special diet and provide him with the food he is able to eat. The hospitality is marvellous, and you learn very early not to admire anything, as immediately you do so, it is yours. They feel honoured that you should think something they have is great and it an offence not to take it. This probably makes them sound as though they are out of touch, but this is not so. The educational standard is quite high, and English is spoken and taught exclusively in a large number of their schools. The juvenile population is fairly explosive. I have never seen so many children - all in neat school uniforms. They are a deeply religious people and Sunday is a day of complete worship. No cars or taxies run, and the families all get together for Sunday oomoo, the meal of the week, where all the food is cooked underground. Anyone fortunate enough to have a little pig has this roasted on a spit. They stand for hours, slowly turning this over hot coals; and until you have eaten sucking pig this way you just have not had pork at its best. On this trip Len staged a coconut-husking competition, and this was held on the football oval as a curtain raiser to the opening of the football season. The Royal family were in attendance, and Len presented the King with a silver cup, to be held by the Tongans until the record time accorded to them for husking is beaten by some other Country. The record has been sent to the Guinness Book of Records. Our holiday came to an end and we were once again on our way home, arriving back here in mid June. On June 30th, we had to go back to South Keppell Is. - just off Yeppoon in Central Queensland - where Len had to perform the opening ceremony of the Captain Cook Memorial Camp there. It was an idea Len had for the school children of Australia - so they could have the opportunity of visiting the Barrier Reef. The idea won a competition and the Lions Club of Yeppoon went ahead, and have built the first stage of the camp. So it was a great thrill for Len to be asked to open the camp. We were fortunate to have three of our daughters able to attend the ceremony with us. Sorry about the writing Phil - just hope you can wade through it - but we have had some very sad news since I started this - it is now 1st January. We had a policeman visit us and the message he brought was that our daughter, Kerry had passed away. It was an experience I will never forget, and when we settled down, we drove into town to ring Janenne - another daughter, as the police had no details - to find out that it was Kerry's baby - a tiny little girl, Karen - her fourth child, only a month old. But the initial shock was really terrible. I am still in a daze and do not know the complete details as yet. We were unable to get down to Rockhampton for the funeral, as it was held the next day and no plane seats were available; and 700 miles South of us was too much to attempt, feeling the way we did. Sorry to hear of the bad news, Honey - our deepest sympathy to you both and to the family. Although it really isn't such a long time since last you wrote, please don't leave it quite so long before writing again. - Ed. SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY Graham McLeod was full of apologies for having taken so long to respond to the Editor's plea for some articles of interest for publication - since he is Bulletin Editor for his local Lions Club, he knows all about the problems all Editors face. So he fined himself and included a healthy donation with his letter, from which we quote: Last March, Lynne (my wife), and I did a quick trip back to Malaysia. For me, it was a nostalgia kick. I wanted to see what had remained unchanged and what was new. We landed in Kuala Lumpur after a boring and dreary flight and stayed at the K.L. Hilton, a truly magnificent hotel. From its 23rd floor, I took some snaps that turned out to be notable, looking out over the racecourse, with the early morning mists still hanging in the valleys. Later, I went to the hotel where Bertie Farr, Rod Anderson and I stayed so many years ago when we got a week's leave and drove to the Cameron Highlands. I still can't remember the name of this place (the Imperial? The Majestic?) but in those times it seemed pretty impressive. Now, it looked insignificant and rather seedy by comparison with the hotels already built and under construction. They seem to have an unbounded faith in the future of the tourist trade. K.L. is brisk, dirty, and vital. It's bouncing. The old Selangor Club (the Spotted Dog) still stands opposite the impressive aging buildings of the British rule, but nearly everywhere the ancient is gradually giving way to the new. 'The War Memorial is magnificent, simple but compelling and honest, and nearby, the Parliament stands on elevated ground. It is outstanding. Of course, we did the mosque, and stuffed ourselves with Malay food. Lynne was not too keen on this. One course, she informed me, looked, tasted and smelt like curried Pal dog food. I thought it was OK. We flew down to Singapore. Due to a Certain Person mucking about talking to some of her mates, we got rotten seats and I couldn't see a damned thing. The whole thing wasn't helped by a Chinese character sitting next to the window spreading out his newspaper and completely blocking the view. Suddenly Lynne, who could see out, said, "We're coming to a huge wide river." "River?" I thought. "I don't recall that." Then it dawned on me that what she was seeing was the Straits of Johore, and Singapore lay below us. That's how it must have looked to the Japanese pilots. I could see the point at Telok Paku, and further South, Changi. To me, Singapore was a disappointment in the sense there was so little I recognised. True, the administrative buildings on the waterfront were still there, and the law courts (which we were told were known as the House of Doom) and Raffles, and the Cathay theatre (very much smaller than how I recalled it.) We stayed at the Hyatt in Scott Road near Orchard Road. Like K.L., the hotels are quite outstanding. We were on the 19th floor, and I rose early one morning and stood at the window, thinking. It was quiet. Very little traffic was on the roads. I recalled what it was like in those last few days before the capitulation, the shelling, the bombing, the confusion, the sense of being trapped. I seemed to see the obscene shape of that captive balloon the Nips used for the artillery spotting. Thirty two years ago. Hell, where's the time gone? We did the usual things. A trip on a junk. A visit to see the unhappy transvestites in Bugis Street (Gawd! Some of them are beautiful. A man could make an awful goat of himself.) The Tiger Balm gardens (macabre and rather frightening, and much better than the one they have in Hong Kong, which is older.) We did a trip out to the War Memorial at the Kranji, and here I had the most appalling bad luck. As I went to get out of the bus, a storm broke and it was quite impossible to go anywhere. So if I'm to see it, then I'll have to make another trip. On looking at the map, it seems to me that the cemetery is situated very close to where the Battalion HQ was whilst we sat out that week waiting for the Nips to come over the strait. (It was there that Ian Pryce damned near got his behind blown off by a Nip shell. He was on top, I underneath, and various other bods below both of us in a slit trench when Ward Booth had called a platoon commanders' conference. He always seemed to pick a time when the Nips decided to have a bit of artillery practice. Maybe he didn't really like us. But I forgive you, Ward.) It was on this trip to the Kranji that a peculiar thing happened. I'd asked the guide where the Tyersall Palace was and she'd looked at me blankly. Maybe they've changed the name. Anyway, as the bus sped along one of the roads, I glanced out the window and sure enough, there it was. I checked by looking across to the other side and there were those barracks. Then it was gone. Last time I was there it was immediately after the capitulation and before we started that long trek out to Changi. Ken Parry had lent me his toothbrush (after he'd used it.) And John Taylor had been using the palace as a hospital. And a sniper damned near got me. For some reason, I developed a mental block about Changi. I just didn't want to go back there. Maybe it was different for me. I left Singapore in B Force for Borneo so maybe it didn't mean to me what it did to the chaps who afterwards were in the gaol. I can't explain it. I just didn't want to go. I did toy with the idea of hiring a car so I could drive around some of the places we'd seen in action, but one look at the traffic knocked that on the head. They all drive like it was a formula one race for the world championship, and prudently I decided that wasn't for Graham Stanley McLeod. My idea of fast is 40 mph. I'd finish up with tyre tracks all over my nice clean shirt. So I had a beer instead. The best word I can think of for Singapore is 'Efficient.' Boy, are they on the ball! But there's a sadness behind it, an impermanency, a desperation to survive. They smile, but I doubt if they're happy. I got the impression they realise they're sitting on a time bomb, and it is only by everyone working like mad that they can keep going. 3% is added to all service bills for meals etc., and this tax helps cover the costs of administration. Four things are taxed in Singapore. Petrol ($S3.00 a gallon), cigarettes and liquor. If anyone is thinking of going there, don't buy your liquor at the hotels. A bottle of Dewars at the Hyatt costs $S70.00. The fourth thing is sex, and don't laugh for it's true. A married couple may have two children without penalty, but the third involves a fine of $S150, the fourth $S300, and the fifth $S500. These must be paid, even if on the never-never, and when one considers that the average income starts at about $S200 a month, it's enough to turn a bloke off. The suicide rate is appalling, and almost daily there are reports of young people dying in this way. The 17-20 year old group seem to be the most affected. Perhaps it is the hopelessness of their lives in the high rise flats that the government has erected for the low income earners. It must be a bleak and chilly existence. It's still a cornucopia of merchandise for the tourists, although not quite as good now since the recent devaluation. The storekeepers will go to endless troubles to help you and the competition is fierce. From what we could see, the values are excellent, although talking to friends who've come back recently, inflation is starting to bite hard. After Singapore, we went to Penang (a fairy place, another world, where I'd willingly live and in time, die) then Hong Kong, Kowloon and Macau. This section was on the Malaysian Airline System (MAS, which we were told by a disturbingly beautiful hostess really stands for 'Malays Are Sexy' and who also told me, for no apparent reason that I was a dirty old man). They're very free with their grog and now I know why. The drop down through the clouds and over the ranges to the Kai Tak airstrip would frighten a VC winner, so their solution to the problem is to get everyone full so they won't care. Makes sense in an off-beat way. I liked Macau best. Dirty, decadent and sleazy, it lives on the proceeds of gambling. Yet it has a charm of its own and it's sobering to realise it was founded in 1557, that is, only 65 years after Columbus made a hell of a blue by opening the way to the Americas. It's on an isthmus, and across the water one can see the mainland of Red China with its pill boxes and presumably guns trained on the Portuguese. And me. Our guide was a Japanese who claimed to be the older brother of Tokyo Rose. He told us the story about how one night four Portuguese guards were on duty at the big arched border gate when to their horror, down the road at them came 8,000 fully armed Red Chinese. The Portuguese, not being complete dopes, threw down their rifles and put up their hands, but an interpreter came over and said, "You've got the wrong idea, men. We're surrendering to you!" I won't give any guarantee this is true. Thanks, Graham, for your interesting account of your trip and your observations; and your donation. - Ed. ROUND ABOUT WITH THE ROBERTS Len and Margaret Roberts appear to be another couple visiting out-of-the-way places, and Margaret was kind enough to let us share some of their pleasures with them. We quote from her newsy letter: Since last writing, about 1971 or 2 (I think!), both our son and daughter have married. Susanne became Mrs. Richard Izard in February, 1972 and Vawn married a South African girl in Port Elizabeth in October, 1972. Susanne lives in Gladesville and is a clinic sister at the Gladesville Hospital; while Richard is in spare parts. They are moving to Perth in March, where they have a block of ground; so will build and settle there. Vawn is on the staff of General Motors in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He has built his home and settled down with wife, Lynn who is a Medical Laboratory Technician. Unfortunately, we could not get to their wedding. However Vawn and Lynn arrived home here a year ago for a 6 weeks visit, and you can imagine the thrill it was to see Vawn after four years, and to meet his nice wife. After Susanne's big wedding, Len and I thought we'd earned a holiday, so we took off with car and caravan and spent a restful three weeks down in the Snowy Mountains region, where we saw a lot of beautiful scenery in and around the mountains. We spent a very cold winter at home, with a lot of pain from arthritis and rheumatism, and we vowed not to stay at home for 1974 winter! The remainder of the year was spent at home preparing the home for Vawn and Lynn's visit. Had a wonderful Christmas with our family "at home" for the first time in years. Vawn brought himself a 1963 Holden and took his bride up to Queensland to see the Barrier Reef. It was quite an experience for Lynn, when they were held up several times by flood water, however they made it to Proserpine and Shute Harbour and went on a cruise round the islands. After their return in January Len and myself drove Vawn and Lynn to Melbourne for two days where Vawn and Len were taken on a tour of General Motors Holden plants at Fisherman's Bend, Vic., and the plant out near Hallam the name escapes me now! On 31st May, 1974, Len and myself left Wyong in car and van and had a very wet journey to 60 miles above Brisbane - after which the sun came out and we didn't see rain again for 3 months. We arrived in North Rockhampton on 4th June and stayed there until 18th October. Even though the locals complained of the unusually cold winter, we thought it grand. Admittedly the nights were cold but by 8.30 a.m. each day we didn't need to wear a cardigan. We both needed treatment for arthritis, but it was nothing compared with the pain we'd put up with in Wyong. We wholeheartedly agree that Rockhampton is the place for us during the winter months! We motored to most of the tourist resorts on the coast, and went on a day cruise to Great Keppel Island, which we enjoyed. While in "Rocky" I met Dean Paddy Walsh, who was on his way to a Chess tournament in Brisbane. As I had not taken a list of names and addresses of ex-P.O.W.'s we did not call on any. After leaving Rockhampton and the many nice friends we'd met, we travelled up over Mount Morgan and on to Biloela, Theodore and lots of other nice small towns; all with very wide streets. The first night out we stayed in a clean caravan park at a nice town called Miles. The caravan park is run by the local Lions Club and is well cared for and very reasonable at 80c per night. The showers are metered, and 20c in the meter was ample for the night's power in the van. Next day found us on the road once more. We saw lots of pretty wild flowers in blues, reds, white and mauves. The road was good except for a detour between Yuleba and Wallumbilla, where a new bridge is under construction. This detour was our first mishap. The road was so rough it must have pinched the tube on the tyre on the car. By the time we reached Wallumbilla the tyre was flat and it was absolutely ruined! We changed tyres, then on 26 miles to Roma where we found a caravan park and stayed the weekend. A feature of Roma is all the huge bottle trees which line the streets. There is a beautiful new Catholic Church, a large Base Hospital, a large Convent, and Parks and a new Post Office. We were rather disappointed in the size of Roma. There are large meat works there too. The C. of E. St. Paul's is an impressive building with a bell tower. Natural gas is piped right through to Brisbane from Roma district. We left Roma on 21st October and travelled along a very good road. The country flattened out and there were miles upon miles of flat wheat fields nearly ready for harvest. Drove on through many small towns, which all have wide streets with nice lawn and shrubs up the centre of their main streets. This seems to be a real feature of the outback Queensland towns. Our next stop over was Charleville, where it was very warm. We were glad indeed to pull in to the caravan park and have showers in a very clean amenities block. We were surprised at the size of Charleville, especially its long Railway Station building. The town is supplied by reticulated water flowing from four artesian bores. It has all modern amenities of a large country town - hotels, motels and restaurants, swim pool and a Base Hospital, which is also a training Hospital. Charleville was the first town in Western Queensland, to undertake a town sewerage scheme. Next morning we left the van at Charleville and took off for Quilpy, on a definitely dry weather road. Len's niece, Colleen Short, was working at the Quilpy Hotel so she was the purpose of our visit. It took us three hours to drive over this lonely rough road. Colleen's boss, Max Hartas, met us and right away invited us to stay a week! It was great to see Colleen, as we'd not seen her for some time. The following day Max drove us down to Toompine which has a Hotel and no other building! We refreshed ourselves with cold beer for the men and softies for the girls, then were driven round the farm! All very interesting but very hot. We were shown a bore which keeps running into a large tank, from that it runs or trickles into troughs to water the sheep and cattle. Also we were driven down to a creek filled with yellow, muddy water - people actually catch yellow belly here! We were told that in a drought the land around us was just sand, with no foliage at all. We saw the West at its best, because recent rains had made the trees and grass green. On our way back from Toompine, we left the main road and drove along a very rough and dusty track, 17 miles into the "bush" until we came upon six men working an opal mine. These six men have made a small fortune in opals since banding together six months ago. We were told how the men work with machinery, dig holes 40 ft. deep then jack-hammer the earth to get the opals out. At one stage we ran our fingers through muddy water and $5,000 worth of opals of various colours. These miners gave us lunch, which was very tasty. It consisted of a tomato and bean kind of soup with two to three inch squares of pork in it. Here we were, way out in the never never, sharing a beautiful tasting meal with bread and butter and cold beer; and the heat was almost too much for us Southerners! We were each given a few opal chips, and went back to Quilpy - you should have seen us - hot, tired and covered in red dust, but all voted it a beautiful day out. Quilpy is only a small town, but big hearted and the folk there are all warm and friendly. We would like to return there some time in cooler weather. We only stayed two nights. On our return journey from Quilpy to Charleville, we "did in"' yet another tyre, so Len wasn't very happy about his new Michelin tyres. We spent another night in Charleville, and the next day we headed south to Cunnamulla; where we only stopped long enough for a nice counter lunch and cold beer, then were on our way to Bourke. The road from Charleville to Cunnamulla is very wide, but covered in red dust, and it was hard to judge just what part of the road to drive on for the best. It would be impossible to drive on this road in wet weather. We took it steady and made it to Cunnamulla without incident. The road from Cunnamulla is sealed all the way to Sydney. After leaving Bourke, we drove on to Gilgandra; and from there over to Gunnedah and Tamworth. The country was fresh and green everywhere, except from Gunnedah to Tamworth. We left the van with my sister in Tamworth and returned to Wyong for three weeks cleaning up the house and garden, and a couple of visits to Susanne and Richard in Gladesville. Then back to Tamworth for a week, by travelling up the coast to Taree to visit Len's relatives, across through Wingham and up over Walcha and New England down to Tamworth. We both came home looking extra well - I gained 16 lbs! Now we are racing around, arranging everything to go Overseas to visit Vawn and Lynn for about a year. We fly out on Sunday 26th January and arrive Port Elizabeth 11.30 a.m. 27th January. I have never been in a plane so won't believe it's all true until get there! Len is looking forward very much to visiting Vawn, but like all Mums, I suppose I don't like going so far away from Susanne and all my other relatives! It isn't quite that long since last you wrote, Margaret and your excellent effort has made amends for the previous lapse. Please take your pen and paper to Port Elizabeth and let us have a few episodes of life in South Africa. - Ed. BATTALION BOWLS VISIT Our organisers of bowling events, Jack Maclay and Kevin Ward have been endeavouring to arrange a weekend visit to Jack Fell's East Cessnock Club, which would entail bowls on one day, and a visit to the vineyards on another day. There has been some difficulty in arriving at a suitable date, and negotiations are proceeding. Meanwhile, anyone who might be interested in such a trip is asked to make contact with either Jack or Kevin, so that definite arrangements can be concluded. VALE DANNY FORAN Mention of Danny Foran having passed away brought back some memories. I am not quite clear where I first met Danny. It was, I think, some time during our P.O.W. days. He was a Queenslander, having come from Mackay. He always lamented the fact that he was not drafted to the 2/26 Bn. Being a Queenslander, he rated it an injustice to have to serve with a unit from another State. We talked some time, as we did in those days, and he spoke of his time cutting cane in North Queensland. He spoke on what he would do after the war. We all did that. He seemed to like the idea of growing cotton in the Dawson valley. My first clear recollection of him was at No. 2 Camp on the Burma railway. With the talk these days of the bridge on the river Kwai, I am reminded that this was our bridge on the river Kwai. In fact there were two of them - a low level traffic bridge and a high level railway bridge. One beside the other. My main memory of these times was working in the mud and rain on what was called the road. However, we had our turn on the bridge also. I can remember working with Danny, together with a lot of others, on the approach on the camp side of the river. We were driving piles on the dry land part, using a monkey on a stick, as we called it. It consisted of a long steel rod which was centred on the top of the pile. The rod passed through a hole in the centre of a square block of steel. A handle was on each side of the square, ropes were attached, and on the end of each rope would be ten or a dozen men. On the call of one, two, three, you gave a heave which sent the steel block to the top of the rod, and it came down with a thump on top of the pile. So it was we drove the last piles on that bridge. It was the unfortunate pommies who drove them in the river, before we got there - we having moved to this place from No. 1 Camp. I was always thankful we missed the work in the water on that bridge. It was here one day, when the little yellow basket decided we were not doing as well as we should, that Danny and I copped a hell of a bashing - not unusual of course in those times. Danny bore it as well as he could. But on reflection I wonder what these indignities did to men like Danny. I sense from writings in the "MAKAN" that the world may not have been so kind to him after the war as it might have been, and I would think some of the experiences such as just mentioned did not help him any. He apparently did not get much pension. He would be much too proud to mention these things to any authority. Yet I believe such experience as I have just written would make a very deep mark on the man. Accordingly he should have been compensated in some way for the mark he bore - not physical but mental. I am sorry I never met him again after we parted company on the "Esperance Bay". Being a Queenslander, together with others, he was off-loaded to disembark at Brisbane. Vale Danny Foran. The circumstances I knew you in, lead me to think you were a fine man, no matter what your fortune may have been after the peace. TOM GRANT MURWILLUMBAH, 1974. LAST POST We were saddened to learn of the death, in Brisbane and from a heart attack, on 9th December last, of Jeanne, wife of Vic Gordon (B Coy). It appears that Jeanne suffered a severe heart attack towards the end of November, and appeared to improve rapidly. Suddenly and without any warning whatever, she suffered a further fatal attack on 9th December. Jeanne was cremated at the Mt. Thomson Crematorium on 10th December. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Vic on the occasion of his tragic loss. We were also saddened to learn of the death, suddenly in Melbourne and from a heart attack on 20th January last, of Ivy Florence Malcolm, sister of Les Hall, (HQ Coy) at the age of 59. Mrs. Malcolm is survived by her husband, Robert, and seven children and to them, and to Les and Gladys we extend our deepest sympathy. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM SICK PARADE Kevin Ward reports the state as at 30th January: In R.G.H., Concord: Nil. In Other Institutions: Harry Law (A Coy). Discharged from R.G.H., Concord since last MAKAN: Des Duffy (B Coy), Jack Graham (C Coy), Noel Johnston (HQ Coy), Hank Massey (HQ Coy), Curly Simpson (A Coy), Jack Tomsett (D Coy). NEWS, VIEWS AND WHOS WHOS The plea for early remittance of Subs did meet with some response, and the folder "News items for inclusion" now has something in it. Molly couldn't get Ross Madden (A Coy) to write so she fined him and sent a donation in with his Subs, from Armidale. Apart from some nice remarks about MAKAN, Molly mentioned in her covering letter that she had heard from Vince and Gwen O' Reilly (A Coy) who were looking forward to a very happy Christmas as all their family, including Janelle from the U.K., would be home for the event. The O'Reilly's mentioned that they had attended the wedding of Jenny (daughter of Ernie and Phyl McNiven - A Coy) and the McNiven's were both very well. Molly also recorded the Madden entry in the Grandpa Stakes with grandson Patrick, born early in October; while youngest daughter, Judith, who turned 21 on 13th December last is being married on 1st February. Harry Riches (HQ Coy) has taken a while to put pen to paper, but he finally did, in his usual breezy and very newsy style. The first bit of news sounded ominous as it recorded the fact that Dot had been in hospital in Lismore, where she had had three operations; but she was home for Christmas, and was a lot better. Tripping back and forth to see Dot, from Brunswick Heads to Lismore, gave Harry a chance to see some of the boys, and he reported: Since his retirement from the P.O. and Store at Binna Burra, Ossie Jackson (D Coy) appears to be keeping very well, though he has put on a bit of weight. Russ Mackie (HQ Coy) from Clunes hasn't been exactly 100%, and has retired from work. The night Harry was there he saw Russ and Marcia's qualifying entry in the Grandpa Stakes, of which he declares Russ is extremely proud. Harry Teasdale (D Coy) from Lismore, though a T.P.I. and retired, looks very well; and Harry reckons he talks as well as ever. Ernie Stratford (D Coy) lives at Main Arm opposite one of Harry's sons, and they kill their own meat. A special pig was being done over for Christmas, and it was a pretty safe bet that Harry would get at least a few trotters for his corner. Ernie and Kathy are both well. Harry received a visit from Bull Cody (A Coy) on his way through on holidays from Shellharbour and reckoned that Bull looked as fit as his nickname, and hadn't changed a bit - even looking as young as when he came home. Jock Logan (D Coy) is often down from Palm Beach, Q., and is looking very well. Despite the inflation he seems to be doing O.K. in his furniture business. At the recent Legacy Picnic, held at Brunswick Heads, Harry saw Rogo Sweeney, Jimmy Small (both C Coy) and Joe Johnston (D Coy) together with several of the widows of our mates. All were looking very well - even Joe who is pretty flat out these days with his recent venture into cane, which Harry understands is doing very well. Early last year Dot got stuck into Harry and convinced him that he had better give work away (he is only about 72, so it seems to be a reasonable idea - Ed.). Harry had no sooner agreed than his next-door neighbour took ill, so Harry took on his lawn cutting, and has been doing it ever since. Then another neighbour across the street, an old retired sailor, got sick of being at home and went back to sea and, you have guessed it, Harry copped his lawn cutting as well; and how quickly they grow in Brunswick Heads! What with three lawns to care for and cut and the odd repair jobs for all the joints about the place, Harry reckons it simply does not pay to give up work, especially when, as he put it, the pay he receives is exactly the same as our Office Boy. Harry sent his best regards and Seasonal Greetings to all the boys and advised that, provided the lawns will let him get away, he hopes to visit Sydney for Anzac Day. (We hope that Harry doesn't take on any more lawns, and that the present ones give him a leave pass; and that Dot continues on the up and up - Ed.) Our golfing Ron (Jacko) Jackson (B Coy) sent in his Subs pronto from Chatswood and included a letter from which we quote: I suppose you know Ron Johnston (C Coy) has pulled up stakes and moved up to the Darling Downs in Queensland. (No change of address advised as yet. - Ed.) Gary Evans (A Coy) was over at Castle Cove last Saturday playing with one of my mates. Fortunately I did not play in the four, or he would have taken my money. He has invited myself and the chap he played with over to Strathfield on 11/1/75. One way and another we see quite a bit of one another. Won the mixed four ball knockout- a couple of weeks ago, with an old friend. Two, of our matches went to the 20th hole, but we won the final 5 and 4; much to the delight of my little partner. Incidentally, I introduced her to Gary and he knocked of an open mixed with her, taking a lottery ticket off me in the process. Big George Michell (B Coy), already in a Subs in Advance position, sent in another few years Subs from Perth, W.A., and included Seasonal Greetings to all. Although brief, he did manage to mention that he and Shirley expected their first qualifying entry in the Grandpa Stakes sometime in January, by courtesy of daughter Yvonne and her husband. Also that youngest son, Ray would be in Sydney early in January as a member of the W.A. Baseball team, playing in the Claxton shield. (Incidentally, they managed to come from well back and win it. - Ed). Jeff Gillespie (B Coy) couldn't be persuaded to write in from Cobargo, but his cousin, Trevor did so from Beecroft; and we scored doubly - financially, and some long awaited news of Jeff. We quote:- Enclosed is a cheque for $6.00, being membership and subscription for my cousin Jeff. Jeff asked me to send you a couple of dollars some time ago but I forgot till I came across a couple of old copies of MAKAN I had brought back with me from my last visit to Cobargo. He never does any writing so I'll pass on a little information on Jeff in case you want to let others know how he is getting on. His health is not too bad considering everything, though he has had pneumonia a couple of times recently, as it's cold at Cobargo and Jeff does not take a lot of care about being wet, etc. Mostly though he is in good spirits and occasionally visits me in Sydney. He is, of course, of retiring age, but prefers to keep on working rather than get the pension, and at the moment is helping out a chap down home who runs a pretty big trotting stud. This suits Jeff fine because he has always had a great love of horses. He can work when he feels like it, and needn't bother if he feels like taking it easy. He is as hard as nails and still retains a great sense of humour. I have at times tried to kid him into coming to stay with me so that I could take him out to see some of your Burma Boys but so far have not succeeded; but one day I'll get him along to one of your reunions. It's great the way MAKAN keeps so many of you in touch, I know Jeff looks forward to getting his copy. If any of you are passing through Cobargo and would care to call on Jeff, I'm sure he would be pleased. Just ask anyone in town where Jeff Gillespie is and there would be no trouble finding him in ten minutes. I'm sorry I was a bit long-winded about sending in the Subs, and I hope some of your members may find it interesting to know what has become of Jeff. Incidentally, his local nick-name is Wooza, which has stuck with him for as long as I can remember, even in pre-war days when he used to take us kids for rides in a horse and sulky rig. (Trevor also mentioned a Les Martin, who lives at St. Mary's is a great mate of Jeff's and is fighting fit. The text indicated that he might be one of our mob, but it would appear that Trevor meant a P.O.W., as a Les Martin does not appear in our records - Ed.) Claire Pluis (widow of Cec. - HQ Coy) wrote in from Parkes and expressed her appreciation of MAKAN. She also continued her membership of the "naughty but nice" club, by enclosing a donation towards the cost of production of MAKAN. Although we have stressed that we do not require nor expect the widows of our mates to contribute to our funds, it is very heart-warming to your Editor to have these practical expressions of appreciation of his efforts. We are thankful that Jean Stephens isn't so busy that she can't manage the time to write in, and add some news when sending in Sid's (HQ Coy) Subs from Maitland. We quote: Of course Sid is much too busy to write and send in his Subs, but he is never too busy to issue requests such as "please do this for me." Enclosed cheque for Subs, and remainder for donation. I must say that I enjoy reading the news as much as Sid, even though I don't know all concerned. Sid is enjoying very good health (is so well looked after!) so far, and is looking forward to retiring from the P.M.G. when he's 60 years of age - (only around the corner - he's 58 now). He has worked on the P.M.G. for over 27 years. He complains about his eyesight but still plays social tennis at least once a week, and manages to hit the ball where he wants it to go. His holidays are due in January, so we are going to spend a couple of weeks on Norfolk Island - getting away from it all - I'm also hoping that we'll make a quick trip to America in May to see the Grand Canyon, Disneyland, etc., as we both enjoy travelling (when the pocket allows same), We saw Keith Jones (HQ Coy) at Nelsons Bay recently - He looks well but has just had six weeks off work. Sid often sees, Arthur Purdon (BHQ), Fred Hume, and Punter Wallace (both C Coy) and says they are all like him - slowing down. Punter really is not in the best of health, and has retired from work. Fred Hume suffers indifferent health and at the moment is gate keeper at the Lion Safari Park (Raymond Terrace). Someone may call in there! Arthur Purdon always looks extremely well. (Thanks, Jean. Please tell Sid that as neither Fred Hume nor Punter Wallace are financial members, it is about time they joined up. Next time he sees them he should ask them to join the family - better still, grab $2. from each and send it in with their address, and I will take it from there. We would like to see a few more representatives from the Maitland area - Ed). His wife had to do the right thing by Horrie Cody (A Coy) and send in his Subs from Bomaderry, but she was too busy to add any news. (Incidentally, next time you write, please advise what the "Z"' stands for - Ed). Pearl Charlton, on the other hand, who couldn't prevail on Zipper (B Coy) to do the right thing, added a bit of news when sending in his Subs from Punchbowl. In June last, the Charlton's and the Pickard's (Darcy and Jess - B Coy) set off on a trip to Cairns, Q. On the way up they called in at Tamworth R.S.L. and managed to catch Phil Bailey (HQ Coy) and Ray Michell (B Coy), both of whom looked very fit. They called in at Miriwinni, Q. to see Len and Honey Barnes but they were down in Yeppoon. They had a week in Cairns and a further week in Port Douglas, all of which they enjoyed very much. The Pickard's decided to stay on a while longer, so the Charlton's left for home, via the Coast, and stopped at Nambucca Heads with Don (Lieut) and Judith Garner (B Coy) at their motel. Pearl reckons it was a good way of avoiding some of the Winter down here, but it was a bit too far for drivers of their vintage. Digger Preen (HQ Coy) sent in his Subs plus from Umina and mentioned having heard from Darkie Despoges (HQ Coy) from Cootamundra. After all these years, Darkie had obtained Digger's address per medium of the List of Members, so the List does prove useful sometimes. Andy Hyslop (BHQ) recently called on him in Umina, looking very fit; and when Digger was in the R.G.H. recently, he was delighted to receive visits from Alex Dandie (HQ Coy) and Doc Wilson (A Coy), on visiting rounds from Kevin Ward's team, neither of whom he had seen for just on 30 years. Digger sent Seasonal Greetings to all. Mick Bailey (HQ Coy) sent in his Subs pronto, from Sefton, and had a few nice words regarding MAKAN. Mick advised that he was slowing down a bit and had given up work in favour of a Service Pension; and he and Edna were managing O.K., and had no complaints. Ray Michell (B Coy) bestirred himself and sent in sufficient Subs from Tamworth to keep him from worrying for a few years. Last October Ray and Tupp set off on a three-week Safari. First port of call was Mungindi where they had a most pleasant stop-over with Ted and Cetress Rickards (B Coy). Then through South West Queensland and over to the Sunshine Coast. From there they crawled down the Coast and managed to be in Grafton for the P.O.W. dinner on 16th November last, where Ray caught up with quite a few old mates whom he hadn't seen for many years. Ray and Tupp are well and they sent Seasonal Greetings to all. Sandy Christensen (HQ Coy) was promptly off the mark with his Subs, from North Ryde. Sandy recently had eight weeks in Lady Davidson, where he was very pleased to have several visits by Arch Dickinson (C Coy), one of Kevin Ward's team. Sandy avers that his stay in Lady D. was made most enjoyable by the presence of John Dingwell (C Coy) who suffers from a bad heart - he had a couple of attacks while Sandy was there - but doesn't appear to worry, and is still a very funny man. Sandy reckons you would have to run over John with a bulldozer to stop him. Sandy, who has been living on his own at his home at Allambie Heights, finally listened to his sister's suggestions - pleas would be more appropriate - and he has sold the house at Allambie Heights and is residing with his sister and her husband, Reg Cochrane, at North Ryde. Sandy hastened to add "I have not got the money (from the sale) as yet, so tell the boys not to put the fangs in." He also added: "Tell Bob McLaren (D Coy) to send me a few of those Champion Winners of those dogs he is training. I could do with a bit of a boost." Sandy sent Seasonal Greetings and best wishes to all. We are reliably informed that Andy and Betty Noble (D Coy) have been spending quite a bit of time of late, burning up the tarmac between Bowral and Longueville. The reason: daughter Beth and husband Ian MacPherson produced the Noble qualifying entry in the Grandpa Stakes about six months ago, in the person of Hamish; whom Andy reckons is the greatest Scots/Australian ever. Then they burned up the tarmac for Melbourne, where a most important event occurred on 18th January last when son, Steve, was married in the Monash University Chapel. This should ultimately enhance their prospects in the Grandpa Stakes. Second daughter, Helen, is as yet unmarried, and it was noticed that she successfully passed her first year in Pharmacy at the University. Incidentally, a couple of rival teams from Legacy (the President's and Bert Oldfield's) played cricket at the Kings School on the 15th December last, when the players and spectators included Stuart Peach (BHQ), Steve Allardice (HQ Coy), Ron Chipps (C Coy); Andy Noble (D Coy), Les Portley and Claude Pickford, plus wives and friends Andy was silly enough to accept the responsibilities of opening batsman and opening bowler for his team, and from the look of his bent-up figure next day, he is not quite as young as he used to be. Tom Grant (C Coy) included a donation with his remittance from Murwillumbah and advised: Having decided to pen a few lines I suppose it is proper that I should report as well as I can on our local Tweed boys. Keith McFarlane (A Coy), whom I have not seen for some time, was O.K., at last sighting. Mike Garrard (D Coy) of Kingscliff was in Greenslopes Repat. Hospital, but should be home by now. Mike, whom I knew before the war, is no chicken and no doubt advancing years do not help very much. Allen Venn (HQ Coy) has been a T.P.I. for some years. He takes a very active part in their organisation in this area, and does a very good job from all accounts. He is pensions officer with Murwillumbah R.S.L. and I can say he does an excellent job. In fact his work in this respect is quite outstanding. With the co-operation of the local ex Services Club, he sets himself up on a couple of days of the week to interview people on repat matters, and handles 30 to 40 cases a month. You will agree this entails quite a deal of work. He says it gives him some thing to think about and keep him from rusting out. Tom also included an account of some experiences with the late Danny Foran (C Coy) - please see "Vale Danny Foran" (page 20 this issue.) Up to this point, your Editor was very pleased with Tom's effort, which he capped with a further letter a few days later. It appears that Stan Grainger (C Coy) decided to visit Murwillumbah, on holidays from Melbourne, and as soon as Tom learnt that Stan wasn't financial, he prised a couple of dollars from him and sent it in with Stan's Melbourne address. Stan has been working in Melbourne for some years and doing very well. He is married with two teenage children, has a bad dose of the golf bug; and Tom understands that he plays off a single figure handicap. (Thanks, Tom. Stan has been asked to furnish details to fill in the gaps over the past twenty-five years - Ed.) Norm King (D Coy) sent in his Subs from Golspie, regretted the lengthy Last Post in last issue and added: Just one comment about Bruiser (Alex) Finlayson (D Coy) - good enough for his eulogy, to those who knew the circumstances. Bruiser sent this message home on those Jap cards they gave us: SAM AND I BOTH WELL IN A VERY NICE CAMP - JUST LIKE ROOKWOOD. NOT HUNGRY. IF YOU MUST SEND A PARCEL, SEND A BULLOCK. FAR NORTH COAST Ex-P.O.W. ASSOCIATION REUNION DINNER - LISMORE Members are reminded of the Dinner, which will be held at Lismore on Saturday, 22nd February, 1975. Such information as we had was published in last edition of MAKAN, and as no further information has come to hand, we regret that we are unable to advise the cost of the function. Back to 1975 index or Main Index |