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Makan No. 55 Official Organ of the 2/30th Bn. A.I.F. Assn Patron: Brig. F.G. Galleghan, D.S.O.,
O.B.E., E.D. Dear Dig, Anzac Day March. This year I was unable to attend the Anzac Day March but heard the broadcast. Whilst waiting for the Eight Division to march past the Announcers, I was able to place the position of each of the four Announcers and by switching from one station to another heard all four descriptions of our Unit and those of the Division. The commentary from the ABC was excellent and that from one other station very good. Two of the commentaries, however, were badly given and were bristling with errors. One of the Announcers blandly gave out at least six incorrect facts about Various units of our Division. No doubt he made just as many mistakes with other Divisions and his total errors could have easily passed the hundred mark. The Association will move that all information in the hands of the Announcers at future marches should be passed or authorised by a responsible person from the units concerned. It is not such a grave business when an ex-Serviceman hears a bad commentary over the air, but it is wrong in every way for such commentaries are heard by next-of-kin who may be listening to the unit of a deceased serviceman to pass by. The conduct on the march this year was remarked upon by many as being more in the nature of a holiday than a march of remembrance but there were no such remarks about the 2/30th from the Announcers. The banner was carried this year by Dick Tompson of H.Q. Coy. A better choice could not have been made, but it was unfortunate that this time there was a little misunderstanding before the march, and the banner was pushed from one person to another for a time. The standard bearer is always chosen by the Executive and Committee of the Association. Careful thought is given to the choice of the bearer as it is considered that it is an honour to carry our colours on such a march. Len Dawson was our choice this year but we did not allow for an unexpected bout of the flu and Len was unable to march. Dick Tompson stepped into the breach but, in future to save such trouble again, we will nominate two persons, one standard bearer and one spare bearer. All members of the Association will be shocked to hear of the death of Wally Barnes, late Sergeant of D Coy. We received a letter n from Wally only a few weeks before his death and in it he remarked upon the energy of his two twins, about 3½ years of age, and compared their zest for living with his lack of energy. Wally’s record in the unit, both as a soldier and a P.O.W. was of the finest. The Brig., the Executive, and the Committee on behalf of the Association, extend to Mrs Barnes our deepest sympathy in her great loss. We are continually hearing of cases of members who have given great help to other members in various ways. Gogo Lloyd is one who is at the moment trying to tell every second person of the help which Ray Simmons gave him recently when he was furnishing his house. Ray is in the carpet business, his firm being Celesco Pty. Ltd., Lakemba. He is an expert at his calling and among his staff is one Bob Surtees, who is well known to you all. Gogo purchased carpet from Ray at seemingly ridiculous prices, when compared to current prices. The carpet was laid by Bob, and the whole was done with such a general air of efficient service that Gogo and his wife are staggered. Besides selling carpets, Ray has a first class cleaning department and he returned a five year old carpet in such a state that it is as good as new. For service, price and a fair deal, Gogo swears that Ray Simmons cannot be bettered. That's a tip from one who has had the experience, so if you want carpets, ring Ray Simmons at UL2922. The Ball will be held this year at the New Dungowan Restaurant on Friday, 17th August. It will be a bumper show as usual, but you are especially requested to book early. The price will be 15/- per head and that is as low as we can get it as the cost to us from the Dungowan will be 11/6 per person. The Ball is late this year and would not have been held had not Johnny Parsons volunteered to organise the function for us. He is doing practically everything, although Reg Ellis is doing what he can. With this Makan you will receive two tickets and, if you desire to come along, you are asked to mail your money as soon as possible to Johnny Parsons, Penshurst. We also ask you to send along the numbers which appear on the face of the tickets. Further details next month but if you want to be in it, get busy and book now. Alex Dandie has moved into a house of his own at last. Previously he had been living with ins-laws and, although very lucky to be able to do that he has found the quarters very cramped. The new residence is one of the ancient type which many of our chaps have bought and Alec is following the usual policy and will repair the house himself. It is a great save on money, but he has found that it is a long job. Word has been received from Scotty Wallace, ex-Carriers, Secretary of the Mid North Coast Ex-P.O.W. Association, that the 1951 Reunion will be held in Kempsey on Saturday, 16th June. Anyone intending to attend, kindly notify Scotty at Kempsey, by June 2nd. A good time is assured. Big Jim Rutherford has sent along a donation to the Unit funds. Jim has been a real and practical help to some of our Unit lads, and the Association is grateful to him for his attitude. If ever we strike hard times, we may be able to make it a little easier if we can unearth a dozen Jim Rutherfords. Vic Gordon and his wife, who were so well and carefree a couple of months ago, have had an amazing chapter of bad luck since they returned home. A few days after their arrival in Brisbane again, they were driving sedately along and woke up with a five ton truck draped all over their car. The car was badly smashed and the Gordon's somehow crawled out unhurt. Some days later, the great Victor collapsed in a tram and was brought home in a state of utter collapse. This time it was the effect of the bristle of a tooth brush becoming embedded in an abscessed wisdom tooth. That, however, was small stuff to the next accident. The repaired car was returned with a fault in the steering gear and Vic was involved in a further smash. This time he was really hurt and had 15 stitches across his forehead and abrasions to other parts of his body. The car was completely wrecked in this last accident. During the time Vic was in hospital, his wife, Jeanne, came home after one visit, tripped on the cement path and knocked herself out. Her knees were badly cut and were so jarred that she has had to have treatment for them. There is only one more mishap which I will mention; a few days after Vic came home, he cut himself on the wrist and the wound was so deep that 6 stitches were necessary to repair the damage. There is more than this, but it is almost a two instalment story. Suffice to say that they are both very happy that the accidents were not worse than they were and they are once more on the road to normal health and normal living. We should send our condolences but, if you think back, it is only what one would have expected. Vic Gordon never ever did do things by halves, did he? Bob Dickson of New Lambton is still having trouble with his old leg. Bob sends his regards to all his old cobbers. The one and only Paddles Clune, of Taree, has had a few setbacks since we returned home, but he has had a break recently when he was able to purchase the stocks and plant on the farm which he was share farming. He has now transferred from share farming to rent and hopes to do better. Paddles and his Wife have a little 4 years old son who almost worships his old Dad. He follows his father on an old pony and takes a tumble every few days. Any of our lads passing through Taree are always welcome at Jack’s place. He lives a mile off the Pacific Highway, including the Ferry Crossing, on the north side of Taree. Ron McBurney and his very charming wife have at last moved into their own house, which they have owned for over 3 years. Their new address is Marrickville. Wilf Evans of Alpine, writes that he is well and happy. Wilf has plenty to be happy about – he has five children, four boys and one girl. Wilf has bought a place of his own now and by this time is probably firmly installed. Ron Foster is one of our lads who does not believe in doing things by halves. He has been mixed up in a variety of business concerns since we returned home, most of them being very successful, and now he has departed for England and the Continent. Wherever he goes Ron will probably be able to pick up a penny or two as he has a keen business sense and never lets an opportunity slip by. We are still in touch with him and hope for a letter now and again so that we may follow his progress. Jacko Jackson of Chatswood has gone into the game of golf so heavily that he takes a club to bad with him. He has already smashed a chandelier and has ruined one of his wife’s carpets so that he is now allowed into the house on very rare occasions. Jacko sees quite a lot of Harry Head, who lives in that district. Harry manages one of the local theatres, we think. The Annual Meeting this year will be hold on Friday, 27th July, of which more later, Please address all cheques, moneys orders or postal notes to Reg Ellis, 13 Albany Street, St. Leonard's. Cheerio, STAN ARNEIL. Dear Dig, It's happened!!! One of the most important births in our history has taken place in the person of Clare Dorothy Arneil. Yea, Stanley "Horse", is now a Daddy, for the first time and it is definitely not true that the little dear was born with a bridle around its little neck. To you, Stan, and to you too, “Little Dofrey”, on behalf of all the boys of the 2/30th Bn. I offer congratulations and best wishes to you both and happy blessings on the little one. Both Mother and Daughter, (and father) are doing well. REG Back to 1951 index or Main Index |