Makan – No. 62
1st January, 1952

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

COMMITTEE

Dear Dig,

The Annual Reunion which was held in November was one of our most successful reunions to date. The decision to hold it at the Arncliffe Drill Hall was made after a great deal of argument by the Committee and even after the decision was made it was realised that the new location was in the nature of an experiment only. The splendid attendance of 157 was very surprising to all those present and, in fact, we have only once exceeded that number at a reunion. The admission price of 10/- was popular although one of our bright boys said that he didn't know how one could hold a party, even in a paddock, for such a modest sum of ten bob. The organisation of the whole show was done by Johnny Parsons and it is to him that we must express our sincere thanks for a job well done.

There were many new faces at the reunion, although some of the old stalwarts were missing. Col Tuckfield made the long journey from Brisbane, as did Col O'Donnell; Bob Newman and Harry Jarrett came from the North Coast, whilst Carl Odgers drove Jim Parsons and Johnny Haskins down from the mountains. There were others there from the bush but we missed their names. All the pioneers were there with the exception of big Max McClelland and groups of old friends were in evidence around the hall. Alex Dandie was the chief cashier and he did a good job for us. It is always our practice to have a non or a casual drinker on the door, they are more careful than the usual merry ones who tend to become careless as the night goes on. The barmen worked hard as usual - we can't remember all of them, but Bluey MacIver, Doc Wilson, Ron McBurney, Mac McWilliams and Arthur Overett were much in evidence running around with jugs of beer. The barmen at our shows rarely have time to have a drink themselves and without their efforts, a reunion would dissolve into chaos.

Our thanks must also go to the cooks and orderlies supplied by Johnny Parsons, These fellows worked from lunchtime until the finish just to help Johnny make the show a good one.

Speaking generally on the reunion, all present seemed to think that the free and easy atmosphere of the drill hall was far superior to the service or lack of it at Sargents. The speeches were confined to two short ones by Jimmy Cooper and the Old Man. The drink was ample, we think, it amounted to 72 gallons and as most of the lads had had a drink before they arrived, everybody seemed to be quite satisfied. The appearance of the lads as a body was not up to standard in the opinion of some of those present. There were many there who looked almost as gaunt and haggard as when they were released, whilst some of the others were unhealthily fat. There would probably be only a small number of those present who would now pass as A1 physically fit.

So much for the reunion, if you were not there perhaps you may be able to make it next year. With our slowly growing membership, we may be able to increase our attendances still further. We hope so anyway.

Doc Wilson and his pretty wife are rejoicing in the birth of their first child, a boy, whom they have called Robert. The Wilson are examples of our best supporters and never miss the Annual Ball, whilst Doc is invariably seen at all reunions and general meetings. Doc is particularly happy about the quaint custom new children have adopted of asking for a meal in the middle of the night. He really enjoys this bohemian custom, but considers that he would like to adopt a similarly bohemian attitude and have a sleep-in the middle of the day.

We have had bad news of Joe Pearce who is once more in Yaralla Hospital in the chest ward. Joe is not the best, although his spirits are just as high as they always were. We wish him a quick recovery.

Monty Montgomery has overcome, to a certain extant, his great handicap of blindness and is now working at the switchboard of A.W. Edwards & Co. MW6728.

Ray Kuskey, the old teeth grinder, was at the reunion. He does not keep the best of health.

Les Melrose and wife are also rejoicing in the birth of their first child. They have called him David Leslie and Les is just like most proud parents now, that is positively boring. At the drop of a hat he will pull a great batch of photographs from his pocket and describe each one ad nauseum. The Association sends its congratulations to the happy parents.

Ron Johnston of C. Coy is in a different category. He and his wife now have a nice little family of three children; the latest is Stephen Ronald, Ron is doing well, both in health and in other ways. We mentioned once before that he built himself a nice home and now, with the beginnings of his family under way, he considers himself to be very lucky.

Bob Skinner, we regret to say, is back in Ward 310 at Yaralla. Bob will probably never be 100% again but he is a trier and like most of these chesties takes life very philosophically. Good luck to you Bob.

Darkie Douglas has moved into a new home at Bexley, and that is the sum total of his letter. Still it sounds like the fulfilment of a dream doesn’t it.

We have had a very interesting letter from Ron Foster who is abroad at the moment. Here are some little extracts.....

“I’m having a marvellous time here, enjoying every moment of it. London, I don't like very much, but the English countryside is absolutely beautiful, particularly Scotland and parts of Ireland. I've had two trips over to the Continent, two weeks in Paris and a month in Germany. After Christmas I am going to spend three months in Italy and Austria. Paris is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. Stayed at the Hotel Du Lond Point Des Champs Elysees on the Rue de Ponthieu, overlooking the Seine. Paris flaunts its charms very openly, and within 24 hours you feel you know it well and understand it thoroughly. I’m looking forward to another trip there shortly....." and so on. Some people strike it lucky don't they. Ron will probably return to Australia in '53.

Harry Riches is not very keen on Brisbane as he is a long way from all his friends and he prefers Sydney anyway. However, some time ago his eldest son was married and he now has a dairy farm at Mullumbimby, about 12 miles from Brunswick Heads. Harry now spends most of his free week-ends down on the Farm helping with the chores.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

It is an old theme, but unfortunately a very important one. In a nutshell, we ask you to pay your subs promptly if they are due. There are at the moment 27 members who have not paid for 1951, simply because they didn't make the effort to buy that postal note. Now 1951 is finished and we can forget all about those subs, they are no longer due, but please try to pay your bobs promptly this year. It will help us if you give this Makan to your wife and ask her to pay the subs.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

We repeat our plea of last month for some sturdy fellow to step up and take over the job of Assistant Secretary, The duties are not onerous but the services of some person who is prepared to take on the job as a hobby could mean a great deal more service to our members. If you think that you would like the job, then volunteer today (Sounds like a recruiting campaign doesn't it?)

Well, that is about all for this month. We wonder just what 1952 holds in store for us as an Association of friends. We hope to be able to at least maintain the same service to our members and perhaps increase it.

Planes make all cheques, postal notes, and money orders payable to Reg Ellis, St. Leonard's.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

STAN ARNEIL

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